The Rover-Landers of BC

As most of you probably know, in addition to the ABFM, there is an annual attempt at conquering the Whipsaw each May long weekend. If you prefer to use your Rover as it was meant, 4-wheeling and camping in the bush, don't PARK it at the ABFM, DRIVE it, WINCH it, or DRAG it on the Whipsaw.

We can't be sure we'll actually get to Lodestone Lake, but we make a hell of an attempt each year. There's sure to be snow, but there will be no bugs! We'll have plenty of hardware to help including perforated plates/sand ladders, the dog bone, and winches but you'll need to bring a decent shovel, tow straps, shackles, and have solid recovery points on your vehicle. Tire chains are also highly recommended.

So far, we have three 110's and a very large Unimog (maybe two) on the roster. We plan to take the Champion trail so we'll be going in via the Coquihalla. Anyone is welcome (and encouraged) to join, Rover or other marque. Post up or contact me if interested so we can figure out meeting points, departure times, etc.

Whether it's Whipsaw or the ABFM, get out and do a Rover thing for the long weekend!

I'd join u Pete, but alas tis the weekend of the Redneck Rampage...have a great time!

Hey Pete,

It is my intention to attend the whipsaw run on may long weekend....after last years fun how couldn't I..... I am away in Quesnel (150 mile) but am hoping to be finished up the 17th and drive down to join the fun. i will keep you posted.

Cheers,
Ryan

I'll be there with the two mutts crowding the Disco. I've never been on the trail, I'll be coming from Vancouver. Is it the whole weekend? Camping? Looking forward to it!

I will be there in my "very large Unimog" I can't wait. I just hope this weather holds out till then.

Hey guys, glad to hear you'll be joining us. Have you given any thought to whether you prefer to leave on Friday or Saturday?

I'm game for either day. Just need to know where to meet and time.

I am definitely interested. I've not done the Whipsaw before.

Would be in a winchless 110 with A/T's and chains. Still invited?

I would prefer Saturday departure.

My vote is for Sat AM departure too.

Hey y'all,

Unfortunately I will not be finished up work in time to join the convoy for this whipsaw run.

Hopefully next time

Cheers,
Ryan

Pete and I talked last night and we are going for a 8:30 am departure from the Tim Hortons at Whatcom Rd. (Castle Fun Park) in Abbotsford.

Looks like the weather is going to be great for us, so no excuses.

Hope to see some of you there.

Alex has posted the plan, just wanted to add that we'll be on 146.460 on VHF and Ch. 4 for CB. We'll be stopping in Hope to fuel up before heading up the Coq. If you can't make the meeting time but still plan to come, contact me an I can get you more details of our route in.

And yes DBrands, a winchless 110 with A/T's and chains is certainly welcome.

Saturday AM correct?

Man I missed all the info in my post

8:30 am saturday May 19th
Tim Hortons Whatcom Rd Abbotsford (north of Hwy 1)
fuel stop in Hope (at around 10 ish)
VHF 146.460
CB 4

Well, it looks like I won't be able to attend. Alternator is on the fritz, and can't source a new voltage regulator.

Have fun!

Had a great trip, can't wait until the next one.

Awesome weekend! I had a great time...looking forward to the next one!

Nice going Gents, this has to be one of the earliest drive-into Lodestone Lake events since the 2006 trip?

More photos please

Here are the good ones I have of the group, and some of my truck. Pete and Chris have more and hopefully they will post them up for all to see.

Finally finished Photoshopping pictures of our trucks into pictures of the snow-covered Whipsaw. It was a lot of work, probably easier to have actually driven the trail...

3 Rovers: Disco Chris, Kris Mak, and myself
2 Mogs: Unimog Chris (fire Mog), Alec (camper Mog)

The snow was dense and compacted nicely

Disco Chris did a great job without chains, but they proved to be a huge asset

The weather was okay on Saturday and Sunday but we got a bit of rain on Monday

Last year we sunk deep into the snow in the field in the background. We were able to stay on top of the snow this time.

The snow and scenery were awesome

Very nice photos Pete, thanks for posting. I will copy and post them into the 2012 Gallery.
Was Lodestone Lake still frozen?

It wont be long until we run the next Whipsaw 2012 #2 :thumbup:

Thanks Andy, here are a few more.

Here is what the camp fire looked like in the morning. Despite the depth of the hole measuring out at 48", that's not the ground at the bottom, just the ashes. There were a couple more feet of snow below that.

The areas around the trees were a lot softer than the open spaces.

Tow straps and shovels were not an uncommon sight...

Kris playing in the snow

In places, the Mogs had to squeeze though the trees. The trail was narrower than normal because the high snow put us up in the branches.

Chris, Kris, and Chris

Big and Stinky, their names are interchangeable

With a bit of help from time-to-time, Chris and his Disco did really well, even without tire chains

Without a doubt, the snow was the best I've driven on

Huge tires, ultra low gears, and lockers on both ends made short work of the snow for Alec

The cab of this Mog fire truck was so big, there was an usher to show you to your seat...

Chris getting tipsy

Loadstone at last. The lake was still well frozen and covered in a lot of snow.

On the way out, low tire pressure, off camber trail, a sharp right turn, and soft snow managed to de-bead the Mog's tire. We re-seated it using camp stove fuel and a lighter.

A little winching and we were good to go

Flotation and traction were killer and we had a blast route finding and picking our lines through the trees. This one is going to be hard to top...