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.

To get an idea of what previous MASHOUT's were like, take a look at some of the MASHOUT 97, MASHOUT 98, MASHOUT 99, MASHOUT 2000 and MASHOUT 2002 photos and descriptions.

MASHOUT 2005 is scheduled for Friday, 19 August through Sunday, 21 August 2005.

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 are prohibited. Electric generators are also prohibited because of the noise they produce. A tent is the recommended sleeping facility, although popup trailers 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 $25 per night. Electric hookups (only 30 sites available) are $5 per night extra. Cabins are also available for $50 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 a large bath house with hot showers. Paddleboats and rowboats are also available for nominal rental fees. We have recently learned that the State of MD is charging a day use fee at Rocky Gap State Park this summer. The fee is $2 per vehicle per day on weekdays and $5 per vehicle per day on weekends. This is certainly not an unreasonable charge for use of the extensive facilities provided by the park.

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

There are motels and at least one Bed & Breakfast in Cumberland not far from the MASHOUT site. A recent article in the Washington Post recommended the Holiday Inn - Cumberland (301-724-8800), just off of I-68 Exit 43-C. Rates start at $89. For about the same amount of money, however, there is the very nice Inn at Walnut Bottom (800-286-9718), a B&B consisting of two adjoining 19^th C houses, in downtown Cumberland. Rooms start at $87, including full breakfast. For the truly high-tone, the Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort (800-724-0828) inside the state park is open for business. Rooms start at $160 double.

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.

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.

Note: A keg of drinking water has been provided by MASHOUT staff for several years. This water is only for filling individual cups and glasses - not large jugs and containers. Please respect the needs of the group and take only what you need for the moment.

6. Can I Bring Children and Pets?

Children are welcome, but please plan on watching them (Again, see rules 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 a 3-gallon keg. If you bottle, please bring at least a case of bottles to share around. If you are not a brewer, please contribute a case of quality commercial beer. 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.

Special Note on Ice Delivery: We're happy to report that ice will be delivered directly to the MASHOUT site as it was last year. We are anticipating two deliveries on Friday and on Saturday. Cost will be $1 for a 6 lb bag of cubes or a 10 lb block. Plenty of ice will be available, so please purchase freely and support a great local enterprise.

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:

• Local Beer Scene
  
  Cumberland is not known as a major beer town (The regional Queen City Brewing Co went out of business in 1974), but there are new signs of life. Uncle Tucker's Wood Fired Pizza & Brew Haus recently opened just a few miles west of the MASHOUT site. A reasonable selection of ales (and occasional lagers) are featured, and the food is tasty and reasonably priced. To reach the Brew Haus, go west on I-68 to Exit 46 (Rt 220N). Turn right at the stop sign and then right again onto Christie Rd. After passing under I-68, turn left onto Ali Ghan Rd. The Brew Haus is 1/4 mile on the left just before the stream crossing.

• 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). On MASHOUT Saturday, Gordon Goeke will lead a 25 mile round trip ride on the C&O Canal to Cumberland and back. The plan is to depart the MASHOUT site via carpool at 10:30 AM, park at Spring Gap (Milepost 175) on the canal, bike the 12.5 miles to Cumberland by 12:30 for lunch, and return to the cars by 4:00 PM. Some additional rides of varying lengths and skill levels may be scheduled at other times during MASHOUT. Check at the Check-In station for information as rides materialize.
  
  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.
  
  Hikers will 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).

• 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 every day during MASHOUT, traveling through beautiful country to Frostburg, where there is a 1/2 hour layover for lunch and sightseeing. We recommend two excellent beer-friendly establishments in Frostburg - the Tombstone Cafe and Gandalf's Restaurant. Return trip is along the same tracks, arriving back at Cumberland at 2:30 PM. Fare is $22.00 for adults, $11.00 for children 2-12 years, and free for children under 2 years. Reservations should be made at least two days in advance, either on the website or by calling 1-800-872-4650.

• 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 with live entertainment on the Town Centre Stage from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Further info on the Farmer's Market (along with a schedule of performances) can be found on the Downtown Cumberland 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.
  
  Once again, a great live band will be featured on Friday evening, Aug 19. Western Maryland's most popular blues combo, the Channel Cats will be performing from 8:00 PM until midnight. This 5-member group has played throughout the area both in solo shows and blues festivals and has jammed with some of the big names in the business. A number of people requested the blues on the MASHOUT survey, so we hope everyone brings their dancing shoes for this great evening of live music. To read more about the band, visit the Channel Cats website.
  
  The BURP Club will once again sponsor a competition open to all event participants. The competition will take place Saturday morning at 10:30 AM (Deadline for entries, 10:00 AM). This year's competition will be the second (and probably final) MASHOUT clone competition. By tradition, the previous year's winner(s) have had the honor of calling the clone for the next year. The winners of last year's Brooklyn Brown Ale clone competition, Brian Dueweke and Bob "Mac" McEwen, have selected Aecht Schenkerla Rauchbier as this year's clone. The rule for keg entries is being waived this year because of this late announcement. Kegs are welcome, but only two 12 oz bottles are required to enter the competition. The judges will consist of commercial brewers attending the event as well as selected BJCP-certified judges. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 beers. Schenkerla is the classic Bamberg beechwood-smoked lager, although homebrewers have also brewed excellent examples as ales. Michael Jackson, on his Beerhunter website, describes Schenkerla as follows: "It is made to the malty density of a Marzen (March) beer, but emerges with the unexceptional alcohol content of 4.8 per cent. It has an intensely smoky aroma, palate and finish, with a malty middle, only a light hop character, and the smoothness imparted by a lager yeast". The BJCP website provides a lot of good background on classic rauchbiers as well as brewing guidelines. To approximate this beer, you will want to either smoke your own malt or use Weyermann's Rauchmalt as the primary malt in your grainbill.