Hey bucko! Not to bust on ya or anything but...
We here in Cali had some BALLS to go by ourselves to a gathering. We didn't hide behind some chick or friends to make us look 'cool' when showing up!
I went to a car gathering once where everyone brought chicks, buddies, etc. Guess what happened?
All the "other" people hogged the conversations at the tables, and there was little talk about the boards, cars, etc. cuz the "other" people would have no idea what or who were talking about. Nothing feels weirder then befuddled bored chicks siting there while we talk about "OMG did you read Shadow's post last week??".
Make it an EF-only gathering. Show some testosterone and courage! We did it and we all had a blast. Maybe next time we'll bring others, etc if we want. Especially if we go out clubbin' or somethin'!!!