The Rover-Landers of BC

Clear your calendars! We are having the 21st annual Rally in the Valley! Due to fire restrictions over the past few years we have been consistently locked out of the bush forcing us to stick to less adventurous destinations.

To counter that we are now having the rally May 3rd, 4th and 5th

Once again we will be setting up basecamp at 8957a Cranko Road, the home of Roy and Marg Lavigne in Chemainus BC. Most are familiar with this camp but for any newcomers here are the directions. Turn West at the corner of the Trans Canada highway and Mount Sicker Road (Red Rooster gas bar and Russel’s Farm Market) go past the market staying on Mount Sicker Road it turns left. Follow Mount Sicker Road until you hit the T intersection of Mount Sicker Road and Cranko Road (Watch for the wind sock in the field) turn right on Cranko Road. The farm is on the right side a little ways down the road use the second driveway. Watch for the Land Rover direction signs, follow the signs. If you have not arrived in a British vehicle you will notice a parking sign marked OTHER that’s where you will park your non British vehicle.

Schedule

Friday May 3rd - Arrive anytime after 2:00 pm. Camping is provided in the field and forest on the property and a porta-potty is provided as well. You have to fend for yourself tonight and we will be having a campfire unless its banned. (Which is unlikely!!)

Saturday May 4th - Drivers meeting at 9:15 am with departure for 9:30-9:45 am.

This years drive will take us behind Honeymoon Bay to a nice riverside area and cabin. We will be having lunch there and any brave Roverlanders who want to challenge themselves and entertain others can drive to the cabin through a rough trail. It should take approximately 5 hours and we should be back to the tarmac about 3:00 to 3:30.

Saturday night dinner is once again Pot-Luck. Please bring enough to share. Side dishes are suggested as a main course and dessert are provided. We may be able to drive up Mt. Prevost for those interested to see a panoramic view of the valley.

Sunday May 5th - Pancake breakfast at 8:30 am. Pancakes, sausage, farm fresh eggs and drinks will be provided, if you'd like to contribute anything you are more than welcome to. Afterwards we are doing a scratch run up hill 60, nothing any Land Rover couldn't handle!! We plan to be out of the bush no later than 4:00 pm.

Some frequently asked questions.

Cost? Free all 3 fun filled days.
Is there a petrol station nearby? Yes petrol, diesel, propane, groceries and deli goods at the Red Rooster and Russel Farm markets. Top your tanks and your bellies for the Saturday drive.
Can I bring my non-British vehicle? Yes parking will be available for non-British Vehicles.
Can I bring my non-British vehicle on the drive? NO but there is always a spare seat available in somebody’s rover just ask. Sorry this is a Land Rover event.
This event is pet friendly. But must be leashed!
Some other things to bring. Lawn chairs, portable tent, sun lotion or rain gear, extra clothes maybe a bathing suit the Chemainus river is very close to the farm. A dip may be nice after a long dusty day on the trail. A radio of some sort ham, cb, or frs. Camera and a lunch for the Saturday drive.

As we are having this event in May, it could rain!! Bring appropriate gear to survive any weather!

Check back here on the island sections for updates. We would like to know how many are coming so please reply here if possible.

We are also planning on doing T-Shirts this year. If you'd like one put down your size when you RSVP.

Please RSVP on the Island Section of the Forum. We need to know if you're coming, unless you want to make your own breakfast.

If you have any questions feel free to post them or give us a call at 250-743-2273.

SEE YOU THERE!

Morning Colin
Count me in for 2 on Sunday AM
Stuart

Hi Colin

Ill be there for sure, all 3 days, with at least one running rover this year. I might even camp over this time. (Weather dependent of course).

Looks like I am again in charge of T-shirts, I dont remember us voting on this.......... ..but Ill be glad to do it again. Maybe Ill finally get it right.

So I've parlayed with the T-shirt lady today and she has informed me that the T-shirt order has to be placed by 11:58 pm. Monday April 22nd. 2024
The T-shirts will again have a new design and will be a different color (I am sure everybody has enough dark green Land rover shirts by now).
Sizes small, medium, large, extra large, and extra extra large.
The price..... same as last year $25 Canadian Ill have the shirts in the Dormobile. Please bring CASH, No debit, Canadian tire money, IOUs or used Land rover parts.
When you confirm on here that your coming to the event if you want a T-shirt let me know on the same post, Ill be keeping a detailed list. Dont wait to long, some folks sat on the fence for tooo long last year and missed out.

Edit. Sunday April14th........ *Sorry the T-shirts sales will NOT be happening this year after all. Maybe next year again.*

I just want to remind anyone reading this that any Land Rover is welcome to come to the 21st Annual Van Isle Land Rover Rally, you do not have to be a Rover lander member, that's the way we've always done it.

See you all there I cant wait only 30 more sleeps to go.

Talk soon Victor

Count me in - already booked the Friday (and Monday just in case its nice) off work.

Reserved on the 10.15am sailing going over.

1 no. XL Tee Shirt please Victor!

I'll be there!

Size L

We will be there. Not sure about camping yet but after doing the scouting run for the rides we will be on the trail runs for sure.

Stu & Sly

I was also on the pre-scouting run yesterday for the Van Isle Rallies Sunday Scratch Run (May5th) which will take place after the free complimentary (8:30 am.) breakfast at the Rally site.
We will hopefully be having the drivers meeting before 10:00 am and leaving the site around 10:15 am so be ready.

Its going to be a good one on Sunday, some new areas and trails and the "Steepest down hill I've ever done" There is a bypass if you chose to not do it, but I highly recommend giving it a try.

Thanks to our Navigators on the pre-run yesterday (Stu and Sly) we would likely still be lost out there except for them.

So who's coming this year? We really need to know, the food for Saturday night and Sunday morning needs to get ordered...........dont be shy speak up were all friends here.

On another note the T-shirts are NOT going to happen this year after all. Sorry we shall try again next year.

See you all soon. Only 18 more sleeps to go.

Victor

Hi Victor, Colin and the rest of the rally team.

Thanks for all your prep work for the event this year. I'll be there with my topless defender so let's hope for sunny skies!

Cheers, Rob

I will be there occupying the non landrover parking as usual

island dormy wrote: Sun Apr 14, 2024 9:12 am
Its going to be a good one on Sunday, some new areas and trails and the "Steepest down hill I've ever done" There is a bypass if you chose to not do it, but I highly recommend giving it a try.

Us mainlanders see your “Steepest downhill ever” and raise you a “Davidson Creek” that we visited at the weekend 😂🤦🏻‍♂️💩

Looking forward to the Rally 👍

Would like to try the "no-scratch" run on Saturday just to get a feel for this.
Cheers,
Zan

Count me in for 2.

Pls count us in, 2 ppl, joining the Saturday run, pot luck dinner & Sunday breakfast. No camping. Thanks.

Eric & Cora

Hi Islanders, (Is that still part of Canada over there?)

I will be attending again this year, looking forward to an exciting weekend of fun and like-minded Land Rover folk (and Bjorn of course, cough, cough...!)
Thanks for all the organization and prep work, lets Rally to keep those gates open!

Cheers
Andy

PS- Victor, a "L" T-shirt please 8)

I’ll be there with both boys. Just have to find time to check over the Rover and we’re good to go all weekend!

Matt

hey I'm thinking of also attending, I have a question for those who are taking the ferry, what time did you guys book the return ferry out of nanaimo for? I'm debating between the 5:45pm sailing or the 7:45pm sailing. it's my first time attending this event so I just want to be extra prepared :D

Hi Colin,
I will be there in my 110 for the whole event. Thanks for keeping this alive everyone!!
Bill

Hi Ajjay,

A few of us are booked on the 10.15 Tsawwassen to Duke Point on Friday morning. Not sure what time you are thinking of heading over but your welcome to join us.
As for returning, typically you will be tight to get on the 5.45pm Sunday if you want to do the Sunday off-road run. You would be more comfortable getting the 7.45pm.
Another alternative which a few of us are doing, (if you can get Monday morning off), is to head back on the Monday morning ferry. Typically the Monday ferry around 10-11am is not that full and you won't need to reserve it.

Cheers,
Andy

Thanks for the info Andy, I am booked on the 12:45pm ferry to nanaimo and i'm going to head back on the 8:15pm ferry out of nanaimo, just in case something last minute comes up for that monday morning i decided to keep it available. Looking forward to seeing you all there!

I’ll be attending

Turns out I will be able to come on this one… see you there.

I will be attending entire w/k...no t-shirt thanks😎

Roadqueen17 wrote: Wed Apr 24, 2024 10:52 am ...no t-shirt thanks😎

I didn’t know it was that kind of event, but sure, if that’s what you want.

If anyone’s on the fence, it’s calling for a sunny weekend in Chemainus!

The sooner we know you’re coming the easier it is for us to get enough breakfast for everyone!

Jump on the ferry for a good Land Rover filled weekend!

I echo.....echo..... echo, Colins thoughts, its the biggest Vancouver Landrover island Land rover event of the year, it wont be repeated again till next year. 3 fun filled days of adventure, good times and good food.

If you miss it you'll likely be crying in your Guinness for the next 365 days.

See you all there.

Victor

Going to have a plus one. My sister, who lives on the island, is going to join

Morning Colin and Victor, Sorry for my late reply, please count me in for two, Eric and I will be there. Thanks for now, and looking foreword to weekend. see you then. Mike

I will be coming over on Friday. Would like to stay overnight Sunday as us retired folk do not need to be back for Monday morning.

HI Gordwedman

There are a few other (retired folks) staying over Sunday night as well that will be fine.

* The weather girl now says it might rain on Saturday :cry: But she's been wrong before, at least once or twice, so keep your fingers crossed and hope for sunny weather.

So if anybody has any of those portable tents can you please bring them along? Just in case.
This event goes rain or shine...............except perhaps for the Dormobile it doesn't like going out in the rain.

Talk soon Victor
Only 2 more sleeps to go.

Sorry guys, something came up last minute, we have to skip this gathering. Will catch up next time. You guys have fun.
Eric & Cora

Hi Andy

Opps sorry........... I meant to say Mr. President.

Is there any chance the club could maybe come up with a couple of gifts for Roy and Margaret for letting us invade there beautiful acreage for the event every year?
I know Roy likes Ball caps, Margaret is a great cook, I think I saw cooking aprons in the club store?
I know this is very late notice but I just thought of this tonight.

See you guys in a few hours.
Only 1 (one) more sleep to go I cant wait.
Ill be monitoring the rover channel waiting for your arrival. I should be up there around 12:30 I am leaving the museum at noon.

Victor

Good morning Victor,

Yes all good thoughts and ideas for the host, unfortunately the club merch is online now so it would need to be ordered a week in advance!
I'm heading to the ferry in an hour so not much I can do from here this morning, we can chat more on arrival.

See you soon,
Andy

I will be coming to the rally, 4 people in one rover

Hi Zaloopa

Excellent, glad you can come, we had 19 rovers arrive Friday (which is a record) considering this was originally a 2 day event started 21 years ago, now turned into a 4 day event.
Wonderful campfire tonight, Saturdays drive and dinner will be great, see you tomorrow.

Victor

Thanks to all the organizers and the tremendous amount of work in hosting the Land Rover Rally on the weekend!
Especially to the Balme family for their generosity once again.
Look forward to next year and have decided to upgrade my restoration to include more amphibious features.

Another great (and eventful) weekend - thanks to the organisers and especially Colin’s parents and grandparents 👍

Thanks to those who helped with the towing and winching too 😂 (and not just of me….😉)

Home alive and well! Picked up a new glow plug in Duncan and have a new air filter (plus a spare) arriving in 3 days from the UK. Apparently it's a real odd ball one. Phoned around and no one ever heard of it. Going to swap out all the fluids out of an abundance of caution and other then that the only thing not working is the heater fan but that should be easy to sort.

Glad you made it home “alive and well” and especially that it was in your own truck. Thanks for another Rover Landers weekend with a special and unique twist - each one has something to remember it by, but this was a different experience, for sure.

Yes thank you so much again Colin and family for hosting this amazing weekend and letting us stay on your land. I had a great time being on the island for the first time in a long time. The weather and entertainment were perfect for this weekend. I have attached my pictures and videos here, i have specifically left out the uhhh water incident out of respect for the victims involved. Again thanks for the amazing weekend and I hope to see all of you on the next trip

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/ ... drive_link

I need everyone's photo's and video of my poor life choices so please PM me a link

Thank you all for coming and making it a great time once again! That was the most eventful non-scratch run I've ever had! Brian had been telling us all about what his defender was capable of for quite a while and he finally showed us..

The scratch run had less action, but we did have to break out the winches..

The weather cooperated for the entire weekend even though the event was a month earlier!

A big thank you to all the Volunteers who pitched in and made this happen! As well as my Grandparents for accommodating us for the weekend! I would not be able to do it otherwise.

Hi Colin & Gang,

An awesome weekend, fantastic job as always. Nice to have all the gates open for our adventures into the wilds of the Island!
Big thank you to all that assisted with the scouting, organizing, Saturday feast and as always to the Hosts for providing the venue.

I have posted a load of photos and videos into the Rover-Lander Gallery, (thanks to all those that shared) best viewed on a bigger screen than a phone!
https://rover-landers.smugmug.com/Rover ... Trips-2024

Cheers
Andy

ANDYD wrote: Mon May 13, 2024 10:56 pm Hi Colin & Gang,

An awesome weekend, fantastic job as always. Nice to have all the gates open for our adventures into the wilds of the Island!
Big thank you to all that assisted with the scouting, organizing, Saturday feast and as always to the Hosts for providing the venue.

I have posted a load of photos and videos into the Rover-Lander Gallery, (thanks to all those that shared) best viewed on a bigger screen than a phone!
https://rover-landers.smugmug.com/Rover ... Trips-2024

Cheers
Andy

Drone photos....I knew there was something I was meant to send!

Turned out the hose from the airbox to the snorkel had a tare in it. That's why water got into the air filter. Replaced the complete airbox to a standard one as you can't get those air filters as they are specific to the Royal Marine wolf and as expensive as all bloody hell. Like as in, if i could get one, they're $500 delivered. Both the Genuine and Donaldson ones were not in stock anywhere and the one place that tried to get them for me was hit with a 150 minimum order qty and just refunded my money.

cbalme wrote: Fri May 10, 2024 9:37 pm Thank you all for coming and making it a great time once again! That was the most eventful non-scratch run I've ever had! Brian had been telling us all about what his defender was capable of for quite a while and he finally showed us..

The scratch run had less action, but we did have to break out the winches..

The weather cooperated for the entire weekend even though the event was a month earlier!

A big thank you to all the Volunteers who pitched in and made this happen! As well as my Grandparents for accommodating us for the weekend! I would not be able to do it otherwise.

Lol, it's a little long in the tooth but held up for the most part. I did drive it home so that's a win!