Mike I am pretty flexible on when, as far as days, I would start driving on a Monday or Tuesday and would want to be home on the following Monday at the latest. I would time my drive to go through Chicago in the middle of the night to avoid traffic. I have a 13 f150 crew cab, can sleep in back seat and a 25' inline. Can fit 4 in if ya (69) them. I would probably bring my 142" crossfire for a backup sled. However, looking at the conditions that sled would probably be useless out there. I am gonna do some more thinking about this, really having winter withdrawals as I love ice fishing too, and the ice is crap again this year on Saginaw bay where I fish. As far as riding skill goes, I can hold my Ok out there, but I am no sled neck or Chris Burandt. Never really tried the real tight and technical tree stuff. More into just riding some real good powder and some good open bowls with moderate climbs. Can side hill and carve pretty pretty good. The trees just scare me as it would suck to get out there and total a sled. The way they're built now, it doesn't take much.