Going with a group pays big dividends

The Spokane Mountaineers, founded in 1915, discovered the merits of group trips and carpooling long before gas topped $4 a gallon.

“It all started because we’re basically cheap,” said Jeff Lambert, the group’s conservation committee chairman. “It’s a lot less expensive to drive to a climb in the Cascades if a group of climbers pile in one car and share the cost.

“That’s always been a no-brainer to us.”

Fred Oberdorfer, club president, said the group is “pretty vigilant” about setting up meeting places so members can share rides even up to Mount Spokane.

“We save cash, use less gas, and reduce the number of cars at trailheads, where parking can be scarce,” he said.

Groups also can save on fees. For example, an individual pass into a Canadian national park is about $10 (U.S.) while a carload can enter for a week for about $20.

The group fee also covers up to seven bicyclists, who would otherwise need to pay the individual fee.

The chance to socialize may be the biggest benefit of carpooling to outdoors destinations, Lambert said.

“The miles go by a lot faster when you’re driving with a group,” he said. “Over the years, I’ve had people in my car I’d never met before and we talk and talk and find we have a lot in common. You can learn so much about each other.”

Indeed, Mountaineers group trips have been the start of countless long-term friendships — and more than a few marriages, he said.