ECXCECXC 2011 was held at Rausch Creek Off-Road Park in Tremont, PA from July 14-17, 2011. The weather was the absolute best it had been in years, with blue skies and low temperatures during the day and a cool, crisp feeling during the nights. The attendees lodged a the Twin Grove KOA campground in tents, cabins, or cottages. And, a few attendees found solace in some of the nearby hotels. The event included 3 days of wheeling, 3-4 nights camping and a huge BBQ and Raffle on the final night of the event. The event was finally concluded with a twilight after party hosted by NeXterra in the tent section of the Twin Grove KOA.

This year’s ECXC drew over 60 Xterras to the trails of Rausch Creek over the course of 3 day event. Driver’s from the east coast, mid west, and even Canada came to hit the trails push their Xterras to their limits. The attendees broke into small groups based on their skill level and the ability of their truck and took over the off-road from 9am till just after 5pm each day.

There was a fair share of breakage and damage at this year’s ECXC, including slashed tires, bent rims, burnt out alternators, body damage, bent tie rods, broken torsion bar adjustors, bent knuckles, shattered u-joints, torn brake lines, sheered steering racks, and many other problems. But, the damage could not deter the friendship and camaraderie that excels at this event and keeps everyone coming back year after year.

The BBQ & Raffle night, sponsored by GPAX, proved a success with delicious food and amazing prices, including a Smittybilt winch and a GoPro HD camera package. Many NeXterra attendees walked away with some great prizes and full bellies.

And, finally, the NeXterra after party concluded ECXC 2011 with a full bar, including some well mixed punch. The conversations of the weekend’s events and stories went well into the night as the moon rose and the stars shined over head.

It was an amazing year for the event drawing many repeat attendees in addition to many new drivers and passengers. I personally think it was one of the best ECXCs in years and I won’t forget it anytime soon. – Stephen Q. Breslin