my local club is planning this same trip. most want to go in june, i say september. its about a grand in fuel alone for me to get there and back and maybe a few tanks in MJ for the whole trip. camping plus grilling out is what id be doing to try to save some cash.
id also say stay away from other planned events. way too many people to actually get in some decent trail time. i want to say I'm in but in all honesty, ill know probably a month in advance if i can make it.