Overland Expo '12

[Kayaker]

I'm planning to attend the Expo for the first time this year. I'd like to drive some interesting trails/roads on the way to and from the event, and would love to have others join in the fun. I'll either be leaving from Portland, OR or Reno, NV, and I have a very open schedule to work with. After the event I need to get to Buena Vista, CO by the 25th.
-Any suggestions on good "offroad" routes to/from the Expo from these areas?
-Are there any groups headed that way or that would want to tag along with me?
-Any suggestions for a first timer at the expo from the veterans?
Appreciate the help and look forward to meeting more of you there.

[daveb]

Not really a off road place but Great Basin NP has an underground cave tour that is intersting. The place is fairly vacant this time of year. Good stopping point along the way but it sounds like you're heading down 395. If you are, I have taken a few nice (easy) 4x4 routes around Mono Lake that are OK.