1. What and When is MASHOUT?

2. Who Can Attend MASHOUT?

3. What Facilities Are Provided at the MASHOUT Site?

4. I’m Not a Camper. Are There Alternatives?

5. What Equipment and Clothing Will I Need to Bring?

6. Can I Bring Children and Pets?

7. What About Food?

8. Will Beer Be Provided?

9. Speaking of Activities, What Does One Do at MASHOUT?

10. What Are the MASHOUT Site Rules?

11.What Does MASHOUT Cost, and How Do I Sign Up?

12. What's in Store for the Future?

1. What and When is MASHOUT?

MASHOUT is the Mid-Atlantic States Homebrewers CampOUT, a 3-day outdoor celebration of the homebrewing hobby held each summer. MASHOUT began in 1988 with the combined efforts of Washington, DC's BURP (Brewers United for Real Potables) and Frederick, MD's FOAM (Frederick Original Ale Makers) homebrew clubs. The first MASHOUT was held at the Hagan Farm (also known as the Mink Farm) in Thurmont, MD and attracted some 60 homebrewers. The event was so popular that it was repeated the next year at the same location. Subsequent MASHOUT's have been held at Virginia Beach (VA), Fredericksburg (VA), and Rocky Gap (MD), where MASHOUT has found a semi-permanent home on the mountaintop property of BURP members Chuck & Helen Popenoe.

MASHOUT 2011 is scheduled for Friday, 19 August through Sunday, 21 August 2011.

2. Who Can Attend MASHOUT?

MASHOUT is open to all homebrewers and their families and friends, regardless of club affiliation. The only requirement for attendance is an interest in homebrewing and a desire to have fun with a large group of similarly interested (and interesting) people

3. What Facilities Are Provided at the MASHOUT Site?

The operative word is "rustic". The site is a large open field on a mountaintop. Although there is electricity on the property, there are no electrical hookups for campers and no washing facilities. In fact, there is no water at all, so campers need to bring their own supply for personal consumption. Portable toilets are the only comfort facilities provided.

Because space is limited on the site, self-contained recreational vehicles (such as Winnebagos) are prohibited. A tent is the recommended sleeping facility, although popup trailers and smaller truck-mounted campers are acceptable.

This does not mean full facilities are not available. Rocky Gap State Park at the base of "Popenoe Mountain" is about 10 minutes from the MASHOUT site. A full-facilities campground is available at the park for those who prefer close-by showers, flush toilets, and full hookups to the more primitive facilities at the MASHOUT site. Nearly 300 campsites are available, but they fill up quickly on summer weekends, so those interested should call ahead (1-888-432-2267) for reservations. Reservations can also be made online at the website above (Scroll to bottom for link). Rates are $22 per night. Electric hookups (only 30 sites available) are $5 per night extra. Cabins are also available for $47 per night. Since the campground allows pets, it may serve as a viable alternative for those who feel they must bring their pet along on MASHOUT weekend. Pets are not allowed on the MASHOUT site itself.

The large manmade lake at the park (Lake Habeeb) is a wonderful place for swimming and boating. The facilities include two sandy beaches, and paddleboats and rowboats are available for nominal rental fees. A brand new bathhouse has just been completed and is fully operational. Note, however, that there are only two shower stalls available in the men's and women's bathhouses, so arriving early in the day to take a shower is advisable as the park gets crowded, particularly on summer weekends. The State of MD charges a day use fee at Rocky Gap State Park. The fee is $2 per vehicle per day on weekdays ($3 for non-MD vehicles). On weekends (Sat-Sun), the fee is increased to $4 per person ($5 for non-MD residents). While the weekend fee is considerably higher than in past years, it's still not unreasonable for use of the extensive facilities provided by the park.

4. I’m Not a Camper. Are There Alternatives?

There are motels and hotels in Cumberland not far from the MASHOUT site, including the very comfortable Holiday Inn - Cumberland (301-724-8800), just off of I-68 Exit 43-C. However, rates start at $122, a bit on the pricey side (although government employees with valid ID can receive a special rate of $77). For the truly high-tone, the Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort (800-724-0828) inside the state park is only a few minutes from the MASHOUT site. Rooms start at $186 double (fees and taxes included).

Another excellent accommodation choice recently opened in Flintstone, at the base of Popenoe Mountain several miles from MASHOUT. 7C's Cabins offers beautiful "hotel rooms nestled in a cabin" with all the comforts of home in a rural setting for $119 per night. One large cabin is also available with a queen bed, double bed, 2 twin beds, and a cot. Cost is $149 per night for 2 people plus $10 for each person over 2 - that's about $32 per night for 6 people.

For the value conscious, many other reasonable accomodation options are available in the town of LaVale, just 5 miles west of Cumberland on I-68.

If you do choose to stay in a location other than the MASHOUT site, please leave the driving at the end of the evening to a non-drinking family member. We want you to return alive the next day to celebrate with us again.

5. What Equipment and Clothing Will I Need to Bring?

Start with basic camping gear - tent, sleeping bag, and foam pad or camping mattress. If you lack any of these items, they can be rented at many camping supply outlets. In the Washington, DC area, Recreational Equipment Co-Op at various locations in MD and VA provides rentals for a nominal fee. Military special services facilities also rent camping gear to qualified individuals. The Maryland Camping Equipment website also lists a number of rental sources.

Light clothing is sufficient for daytime on the mountain, but keep in mind things will cool down at night. Bring warmer clothing than you think you'll need, remembering that mountaintop weather can be quite variable. Also, bring long pants and athletic shoes. The field, even when mowed, has blackberry vines on the ground, and these can be painful to trip on if you're wearing sandals. A rain jacket will also come in handy if one of those pesky summer thundershowers blows through.

* Special Note * The presence of deer ticks has been noted on the mountain. The deer tick is a carrier of the very nasty Lyme Disease. Please be sure to check for ticks on skin and clothes regularly, and avoid the higher grass areas on the periphery of the campground.

To cut down on the amount of trash generated and keep the site environmentally attractive, those attending are asked to bring their own beer glassware and coffee mugs.

It is recommended that all campers bring sufficient water to take care of personal consumption and light cleaning needs for the weekend. A 5 gallon plastic water container can be obtained at most outdoor supply stores.

6. Can I Bring Children and Pets?

Children are welcome, but please plan on watching them (See rules section below). There are lots of ways kids can get hurt in a campground - open fires, axes, knives, and the like are always around.

Pets are best left at home where they cannot encounter porcupines or skunks, bark incessantly, or have "accidents" on the neighbor's tent. There have been complaints about pets, even those on leash, at past MASHOUTS, so the property owner has requested that pets be prohibited. If you simply can't travel without your pet, please plan to stay at the State Park campground in Rocky Gap, which allows pets

7. What About Food?

In a long-standing MASHOUT tradition, the BURP Club will sponsor a Saturday night barbecue and Sunday morning breakfast for all participants. The Saturday night dinner will consist of grilled meats, corn-on-the-cob (if available), and baked potatoes. MASHOUT attendees are requested to help out with side dishes, soups, salads, and desserts. Feel free to contact the MASHOUT coordinator (at phone number or e-mail address above) for suggestions.

Sunday's breakfast will consist of pancakes, corncakes (made from leftover corn from Saturday night), syrup, and coffee. Again, any additional food contributions will be welcome. Cooking at MASHOUT has always been a communal event, so help with removing corn from the cobs and with cooking will be greatly appreciated. Also, any additional portable stoves, utensils, skillets, or tables will be much appreciated, and we need all of the help we can get for clean-up after the meals.

Campers are on their own for other MASHOUT meals, but again, communal cooking and eating are generally the norm, so feel free to bring prepared foods or ingredients to contribute to the community effort. The MASHOUT grill will be available for use on Friday evening.

8. Will Beer Be Provided?

Silly question! This is a major beer event! While a growing number of regional commmercial breweries attend MASHOUT and kindly contribute kegs, everyone is expected to contribute to the beer supply. If you keg your beer, please contribute at least one 3 or 5-gallon keg. If you bottle, please bring at least a case of bottles to share around. Quality commercial beer is also welcomed. The MASHOUT organizers will provide a keg of quality non-alcoholic soda (ginger ale or root beer) for those unable to drink beer or who simply want an occasional change of pace.

"Keg Row" at MASHOUT is always one of the most welcome sights after a long day of activities.

Important Note on Recycling: Due to recent consolidation of recycling facilities in Alleghany County, recycling of bottles and cans has been made extremely difficult for MASHOUT staff. As a consequence, everyone is asked to take home all empty bottles and cans brought to MASHOUT.

9. Speaking of Activities, What Does One Do at MASHOUT?

Lots of things! But remember - there's no water on the site, so the actual brewing of beer is not part of the event. There is a plethora of other activities available, however, in addition to swimming and boating already mentioned:

• Biking and Hiking:
  
  Popenoe Mountain has acres of woods and trails for hiking and mountain biking, but the region abounds with other good locations.
  
  Cyclists wishing to stay on the pavement will find a wealth of beautiful back roads around the MASHOUT site. Keep in mind, however, that this is mountain country, and some of the hills are quite steep.
  
  Twenty miles east of the MASHOUT site is Green Ridge State Forest, one of the premiere mid-Atlantic mountain biking areas, with numerous trails for cyclists at all skill levels.
  
  Those seeking a more sedate setting can peddle or hike the scenic (and flat) C&O Canal Towpath from its terminus in Cumberland to points east. The terminus of the canal is just below the Western Maryland Railroad passenger station in downtown Cumberland (at the corner of Baltimore and Canal Streets).
  
  There is a very nice section between Town Creek (milepost 162.3) and Old Town (milepost 166.7). The section between Town Creek and Paw Paw makes a very scenic round trip ride of about 20 miles. The Paw Paw Tunnel, one of the engineering marvels of its day (built between 1830 and 1850) is well worth a visit. Be sure to bring along a light, however, as there is none inside the 3,118' tunnel.
  
  The Great Allegheny Passage, a 150 mile abandoned rail grade that has been converted into one of the finest biking and hiking trails in the east, is now open from Cumberland (where it connects to the C&O Canal) to Homestead, PA near Pittsburgh. The 16 mile section between Cumberland and Frostburg makes for a very nice day ride, and the trail section from Frostburg west to Meyersdale (also 16 miles) passes through one of the longest rail-trail tunnels in the country, under Savage Mountain (total distance 3,294'). For those who would like to ride but not haul a bike to MASHOUT, the Cumberland Trail Connection at Canal Place in Cumberland, operated by MASHOUT regular Doug "Hutch" Hutchins, is offering full day bike rentals to attendees for $15 (regularly $25) and half day rentals for $10 (normally $15). Hutch also features a selection of homebrew supplies in the shop, and these too will be discounted for MASHOUT attendees, so be sure to check him out while in the area.
  
  Hikers will also find plenty of good trails in Rocky Gap State Park, Green Ridge State Forest, and along the canal towpath (or the abandoned railroad grade which parallels it).
  
  And once again, there will be a guided bicycle ride for all interested held during MASHOUT. BURP's Gordon Goeke will lead a trip on Saturday, cycling on the C&O Canal towpath. Cyclists will leave the campground at 10:30 AM on Saturday morning by car (carpooling encouraged), driving to the Spring Gap Picnic Area. From here, cyclists will pedal (mostly in shade) to Cumberland and back. There will be an optional lunch stop in Cumberland. Total round trip distance will be approximately 23 miles, and the ride should take approximately 3 1/2 hours without the lunch stop and 5 hours with the lunch stop. Info will be available at the check-in station.
  
  
• Railroad Excursion:
  
  Railroad buffs may wish to sign up for the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad steam excursion pulled by "Mountain Thunder", a 1916 Baldwin coal burner. The excursion leaves from the Western MD Railroad Passenger Station in Cumberland at 11:30 AM on MASHOUT Friday and Sunday and 2:00 PM on MASHOUT Saturday (2011 only). The train travels through beautiful country to Frostburg, where there is a 1/2 hour layover for lunch and sightseeing. Return trip is along the same tracks. The complete round trip takes 3 1/2 hours. Fare is $30.00 for adults ($28 for seniors 60+), and $16.00 for children 12 and under. Reservations should be made at least two days in advance, either on the website or by calling 1-800-872-4650. The railroad will also carry bicycles from Cumberland to Frostburg for a small fee. This makes for a wonderful all-downhill 16-mile ride back to Cumberland.
  
  
• Sightseeing:
  
  Cumberland, a transportation center for 150 years, is well worth a visit. Three historical transportation routes, the C&O Canal, the B&O Railroad, and the National Highway (Rt 40), converge on Cumberland. The Allegheny County Visitors Center (301-777-5905), in the old Western Maryland train station at the corner of Baltimore & Canal Streets, is a good place to start a tour of the city. The Washington Street Historic District (with architectural styles from the late 19th century), and the old Emmanuel Church (1849), built on the site of the original Ft Cumberland (at Washington and Greene Streets) are worth a look. History House (301-777-8678), the 1867 mansion built for the owner of the C&O Canal, is filled with paintings, furniture, costumes, and Civil War artifacts (admission $3). At Riverside Park, you can gaze into (but not enter) George Washington's original cabin from Ft Cumberland, complete with a mannequin of the Father of our Country, along with sword, bugle, and chamber pot.
  
  In downtown Cumberland at the Town Centre, there is a large Farmer's Market held every Thursday and Saturday from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM (including live music on Saturday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM). Further info on the Farmer's Market (along with a schedule of other Cumberland events to be held during MASHOUT weekend) can be found on the Mountain Side of Maryland website.
  
  The Paw Paw Tunnel can be visited as a day trip by car. The parking and picnic area for the tunnel is 28 miles south of Cumberland on MD Rt 51 South. The tunnel is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
  
  
• MASHOUT Site Activities:
  
  
  There is a large field at the MASHOUT site perfect for flying toys of all sorts, so bring those kites and frisbees along. Tents will be set up along the periphery of the field, so there will be plenty of "play room" in the center. There will also be a volleyball court, bocce ball court, and horseshoe lane set up.
   
  Great bands have been a tradition at MASHOUT for a number of years. For the second consecutive year, the band Black Falls from Baltimore, MD will be performing on the mountain. Specializing in "Door Blowin' Blues", this band is rising fast on the Baltimore blues rock scene, and they perform regularly at beer festivals and some of the finer pubs around the mid-Atlantic area. Once again, due to popular demand, the show will take place on Friday evening from 8:00 PM until midnight. Please put on your dancing shoes and enjoy the sounds of one of the area's best rockin' bands.
  
  
  * Special Note * - Because the show is on Friday, we are asking everyone to please arrive at the MASHOUT site prior to 8:00 PM. The large crowd at the barn makes it very difficult to clear the driveway for cars to get through, so your cooperation in arriving onsite as early as possible on Friday will be greatly appreciated.
   
  In addition to the Friday entertainment, remember that both Friday and Saturday nights, musicians of all types will be encouraged to join in informal jam sessions around the campfire. This tradition, started by multi-instrumentalist property owner Chuck "Pops" Popenoe, has been ongoing for many years. If you play and would like to sit in on the fun, be sure to bring your instrument to MASHOUT.
   
  This year's MASHOUT will also feature the 7th Annual Popenoe Mountain Pub Quiz. This venerable trivia game is a staple in pubs across the British Isles. Teams of 3-5 contestants will have a go at answering beer-related questions. The team with the most points for correct responses will win glory and some great prizes donated by generous MASHOUT sponsors. Registration forms and rules for quiz teams will be available at the MASHOUT check-in station.
  
  
• MASHOUT Beer Events:
  
  Beer is obviously a big part of the MASHOUT scene, and there are several events already on the agenda for 2011:
  
  * On Friday at 1:00 PM, Camp Saison will be hosting the third annual Sour Hour. If you like or are interested in sour, funky, or wild ale, you are encouraged to stop by and participate.  Please bring something strange (besides yourself that is): lambics, wild saison, funky stout, or any creation infused with Brettanomyces, Lactobacillus, Pediococcus, Stradivarius or Stegasaurus. Both homebrews and commercial brews are welcome.  If you aren't sure where Camp Saison is, go to the top of the hill and listen for the godfather of funk, James Brown.
  
  * On Friday at 5:00 PM, DuClaw Brewing Co will be hosting its annual "Firkin Friday", with a cask of gravity-feed ale that will be tapped and served to all comers. This year's nectar will be a double-spiced version of DuClaw's excellent "Sawtooth Witbier", a Belgian-style white beer flavored with a double dose of coriander seed and curacao orange peel.
  
  * On Saturday morning at 10:30 AM, the BURP Club will once again be sponsoring a homebrew competition open to all attendees, a MASHOUT tradition for a number of years now. For full information on the competition and the beer styles to be judged, see the MASHOUT Homebrew Competition page. As always, competition beers will be accepted in kegs, growlers, or bottles.
  
  * On Saturday afternoon at 3:00 PM, the CRABS Club will again be conducting its long-running "Beer and Food Pairing", open to all attendees. Several excellent beers will be served with appropriate food pairings. This year's theme will be "beer and Indian food", so if you enjoy the spicy fare of the Indian sub-continent, this event is for you! The three pairings will be followed by open sharing. Bring a chair and something to share to Camp CRABS on the hilltop.
  
  * Bucca Brewing Challenge - BURP member Ralph Bucca is the founder of MASHOUT, having started the event in 1988 as the nation's first multi-homebrew club campout. Ralph now spends much of his time traveling to 3rd world countries as an agro-processing specialist, agricultural trainer, and indigenous beer hunter. Ralph is challenging MASHOUT attendees to brew an indigenous beer onsite and consume it during the weekend. It can be done - many grain and fruit-based indigenous beverages are brewed and consumed within a day or two. In honor of the first MASHOUT in 1988, Ralph is arriving at MASHOUT this year in his red 1988 Buick Le Baron convertible and brewing his beer on Friday. It will be consumed at the Saturday BBQ supper. He is challenging other attendees to experiment with one-day brews. MASHOUT organizer Bill Ridgely has also studied indigenous brewing practices and has a great deal of info (and some recipes). If interested and willing to experiment, contact him at MASHOUT_organizer@burp.org.

10. What Are the MASHOUT Site Rules?

There are a few rules that everyone who attends MASHOUT should be aware of. These are designed to make the weekend safe and enjoyable for everyone:

• Firearms and fireworks are strictly prohibited from the MASHOUT site.
• Bringing of pets to MASHOUT is strictly prohibited. The property owner reserves the right to turn away any attendee who brings a pet to the event.
• Fires at campsites are strictly prohibited because of the extreme fire danger. There is a big well-supervised campfire in the pavilion area each night.
• Because of safety concerns, motorized all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and go-karts are strictly prohibited from the site.
• Entry into the site is controlled. IDs will be checked at the registration tent, and wrist bands will be used to distinguish those of drinking age from those who are not. These must be worn throughout the event and will be checked by MASHOUT staff. Children in particular must be supervised while at the MASHOUT site. Alcoholic beverages are strictly off limits for the underage. Parents will be held responsible for any kids found imbibing. Every vehicle will also be given a vehicle tag. Vehicle tags must be displayed at all times when entering and leaving the site.
• Portable electrical generators are prohibited except those approved on an individual basis by MASHOUT management. Approved generators may be operated only during the hours of 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM.
• All campers are responsible for policing their own campsites. There is a dumpster available for non-recyclable trash. However, because of major changes in the Alleghany County recycling scene, everyone is asked to take home all empty bottles and cans they bring to MASHOUT. Smokers are requested to police their own butts and not leave them anywhere on the MASHOUT site.
• Remember that the farmhouse serves as living space for the landowner and his family. All those entering and leaving the MASHOUT site are requested to "drive gently" (that is, make as little noise as possible) when driving by the farmhouse. Also, it is requested that all respect the personal meditation area set aside by Mrs Popenoe, which will be duly marked.
• Water balloons, while fun to launch, can be dangerous. They should be launched only into uninhabited areas. The pavilion area is strictly off limits. Balloon launchers are held accountable for their actions in the event of injury.
• Everyone should respect the port o' pots. Those who must pay the inevitable penalty for overconsumption should head for the woods - not the nearest port o' pot.

11. What Does MASHOUT Cost, and How Do I Sign Up?

MASHOUT is one of the last great bargains for a weekend’s entertainment. This year’s pricing, like last year's, will be multi-tiered:

Category	Price
1. Individual (13 years old * & above)	$25.00
2. Adult Couple	$45.00
3. Child (2-12 years old *)	$15.00
4. Child (under 2 years old *)	Free

* All minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Your registration fee will cover camping, comfort facilities, entertainment, Saturday night dinner, and Sunday morning breakfast. Registration can be done using PayPal or the traditional Mail-In Form.

Once payment has been received, confirmation of registration, along with directions to the site, will be sent by e-mail.

12. What's in Store for the Future?

We have been fortunate over the years that the building of the Rocky Gap Conference Center and Golf Resort has had minimal effect on our access to the beach and bathing facilities at the state park. Ominously, the government of MD has been seeking to install slot machines in the park, and this could bring larger, more diverse crowds to the area. The possible impact of this is impossible to predict at the moment, but fortunately, the slots initiative overall has been in some trouble, and no contractors have bid to install machines at the park. Access to shower facilities and fresh water at Rocky Gap is a key to the success of MASHOUT because of the lack of facilities at the MASHOUT site itself. We'll keep our fingers crossed that the situation remains stable. Future updates will be posted here.

01 Jul 2011, by Bill Ridgely