TCT Camping at the event
These days, it seems there is quite an abundance of overland rallies and events. The industry is exploding with fancy, hi-tech equipment, gear for every gearhead, and overlanding vehicles that can help its occupiers survive an apocalypse. What doesn’t change however, is the feeling of community when you get to know the event goers and vendors you see regularly at these events, as well as meeting new ones. The familiarity of shared interests and hobbies always creates an atmosphere of learning, fun, and good times.
Just one of the examples of the great gear & vendors at the event
Although Overland Rally has been around for nine years, the first ever Rocky Mountain Overland Rally was held in Gunnison, Colorado in August 2019 and was quite a hit. So much so, they are doing it again from July 29 – August 2, 2020 at the same location, I-Bar Ranch, located just outside of town. (As of this writing, many events have been rescheduling due to the Coronavirus—please verify on their website www.rockymountainoverlandrally.com for any updates.) If you haven’t been to Gunnison, make sure to put that on your list of places to visit as well as the town of Crested Butte, just a few miles north of town. Lots of fun things to do and beautiful trails to ride.
Every enthusiast is sure to find something great at RMOR
I attended with my friend and Rebelle Rally teammate, Stacey, with the intention of taking all the Rebelle Rally classes and trainings offered in preparation for the competition in a few months. We had a great time practicing navigation, meeting other Rebelles, and learning about what we could expect at the Rebelle. The best part however, was the practice track, where we put my 2008 FJ Cruiser to the test as well as my nerves, and had an incredible impromptu spotting training with the team from Overlanding BC and 7P Overland. Never mind the fact that I also drove the FJ right into a huge mud bog and had to be winched out—that was my first time ever being winched out so it was quite a learning experience. Unfortunately, I was not the only vehicle that got stuck on the track during the event. The Overlanding BC team and other crew members were pretty busy recovering a lot of stuck trucks that day.
Practice time on the test trail; lots of stuck vehicles, including my FJ after a wrong turn
Spotting practice with Overland BC and 7P Overland and my Rebelle teammate, Stacey
The great thing about the first Rocky Mountain Overland Rally was the small size and close-knit feel even with over 750 attendees, 75 vendors, and 80+ classes and activities. It was a great combination of keeping you busy but allowing you to enjoy your evening with a large bonfire and raffle along with good friends, old and new. I’m expecting it to be much different this year as the word gets out about this fun event and awesome community.
[flickr set=72157713691094741]
