The Rover-Landers of BC

Once again we are having our annual Rally in the Valley! This is our 20th year it's happening, and we are hoping to make it a big one with Land Rover's 75th birthday too!

The dates this year are June 9th, 10th and 11th.

Once again we will be setting up basecamp at 8957a Cranko Road, the home of Roy and Marg Lavigne in Chemainus BC. 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 none British vehicle.

Schedule

Friday, June 9th - Arrive anytime after 2:00 pm. Camping is provided in the field or in the trees and a porta-potty is provided as well. You are on your own for dinner and if permitted we will be having a campfire where we can all catch up.

Saturday, June 10th - We will have a drivers meeting at 9:15 am to 9:30 am when we leave the farm for our non scratch run.

This years drive will take us approximately 5 hours. We are hoping to reach a nice waterfall this year so the route should be relatively. All routes are still to be determined.

Saturday nights dinner will again be Pot-luck. Bring enough to share. Side dishes are suggested, main course and dessert will be provided. Should time allow, we can do a drive after supper if people are up for it to the summit of Mt. Prevost for a panoramic view of the Cowichan Valley.

Agenda-Sunday June 11th- Pancake breakfast at 8:30 am. Pancakes, sausage, farm fresh eggs, and drinks will be provided if you want to contribute sticky buns etc please do. Afterwards there will be a short scratch run to Mt Sicker, we should be out of the bush by no later than 4:00.

Some commonly 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.
Some other things to bring. Lawn chairs, portable tent, sun lotion or rain gear, extra clothes maybe a bathing suit the Chemanus 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.

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!

Hi Colin

I'm in for sure, I think I might even have a running rover this year (maybe 2 of them).

Just a reminder this is the 20th anniversary of our annual Van Isle Land Rover Rally which started out at Greg's place 20 years ago as a casual one day event. This is going to be a big one, make sure and tell all your land rover buddies. **Note** For some of us that's the only buddies we have, seems some folks just dont want to talk Landrover all the time,(sigh).

It would be nice to do the scenic drive up mount Provo to the viewing area on Saturday night if dinner is done on time. What time is dinner scheduled for? Maybe 5:30?

I am going to try and get the event T-shirts done through the Forest museum where I volunteer, their T-shirt supplier makes incredible tough top quality shirts they are almost in- destructible. They will of course be dark green with either yellow or white lettering, commemorating our 20th and Landrovers 75th.
I am going to need sizes as soon as possible. Reply on this thread please if you want a shirt and if you are planning to attend the event.
I am not sure about the prices yet but likely around $25 Canadian (I hope), cash only, sorry no debit machine on the farm.

See you all on June 9th.

Victor
1962 Dormobile
1969 Nada Dormobile

Hi Colin

Lisa and I will be there with the 90.... hopefully you've found some good ditches on the trail for me to back into!!!

Cheers for now, Rob

I’ll be there, not sure if the whole family’s coming yet.

Matt

Hi Colin,
I wouldn't want to miss the 20th, count me in.
Bill
PS Victor, dark colour is always best with an oily Land-Rover, put me down for an XL.

Hi Bill

Glad your coming, and yes I realize a dark color is always the best color for a landrover T-shirt what with the constant amount of tinkering necessary to keep these old wonderful machines running. Sorry about those white ones last year my supplier of T-shirts let me down, I will not be ordering from them again.

PS. Weren't you a XXL size last year? Have you been working out?

Victor

Hi Colin,
Evie and I will be there with Bells on Sat morn and for pot luck. Looking forward to getting out and about. On another subject do you know anyone who has the knowhow to tune and adjust Rainbird Sprinkler heads.
Dave

Hey Victor, l just checked my white shirt and it's definitely XL. My tenth anniversary shirt might have been double x but I've been sporting XL for quite some time 👀

Hey Colin, I plan in making it this year as well. Most likely have one or two of my kids along for the ride as well.

Count me in for Sunday at the very least. I missed the scratch run last year! I would like a shirt too please. size Large. I will be bringing my newest project, a 2004 Epsom Green Disco II with bumpers, sliders etc. I look forward to seeing you all there

Hello Colin and Victor,

So happy to make it to the 20th anniversary of this epic event!

Size large please Victor for the T-shirt.

Sounds like a great weekend! Wife and I will come down for sure. Mark me down for a large T-shirt!

Hi,

I will be at the "Island do" with my new wife Kim and our pup Blanche. A Boler in tow too. I'd like a couple of Tee's please, One XL (for the fat. old guy and one M for a beautiful woman.

Hi Guys

This morning I have been talking to the t-shirt company and they will need the exact number of T-shirts we want by TUESDAY MAY 23 so the t-shirts can be printed on time
So if you want one please speak up........... I'm not a clairvoyant or a mind reader. (That includes you as well Colin.)

See you guys June 9th. Only 22 more sleeps before the big event.

Victor

Hi Victor,

Put me down for 1 Small and 2 Medium T-shirts please.

Matt

Hi Colin / Victor,

I will be there, looking forward to it! Someone has to pull Bjorn's Toyota up those short-cuts .... my memory is little hazy, but I'm sure that's how it went down :wink:
Put me down for a Large T-Shirt Victor, I will stretch it over the muscles :lol:

Cheers,
Andy

Hi Andy

I kind of remember that as well, we would have been out of the bush on Mount Sicker way earlier (we almost missed supper) except for having to drag that Toyota up every blooming hill.

One large T-shirt for will be ordered for you and your muscles. Six packs and rovers...... they just go together, good thing land rovers come equipped with Dunlop tires from the factory, you must know that old saying about Dunlop tires?

See you guys in 19 days.... looking forward to it. I have a special treat in store, I have built a metal statue out of all my spare used Land rover parts from the Nada 4 year restoration.
Its a genuine bonafied work of art, I really should give up on this steam train driving gig and become a sculpture. Its absolutely unbelievable.
I'm going to need Colin to stop and my place and pick it up in his Rover 109 pick up truck on the way to the meet, its way to long for the Dormy, even if I leave the back station wagon door wide open.

Talk soon Victor

I’m planning on coming to this one - first time my Defender will have been to the Island. Friday booked off and no Tenders likely to be closing that week 😂

Just me and maybe the dog…

XL tee shirt please!

Off to reserve a ferry…(when BCFerries fixes their website…🤦🏻‍♂️)

We will be there. Not sure if we are camping but will definitely be on both trail runs.

Hi Colin and Victor
Colin,
If the stars and planets continue to align for me, I hope to come to the gathering Friday evening and hope to get back for the Sunday breakfast.

and Victor, I would like a medium tee shirt.

Thanks for now, Mike

Hi Colin,

I will be coming. I'll take an xl T-shirt.

See you there!

Martin

Hi Colin and Victor,

It has been a few years (pre-COVID) since I took part in the Cowichan gathering. I am definitely looking foward to this weekend.

Can you put me down for an XL please?

Thanks!

Victor, can I get a size Med shirt.

Thanks

Nick will be there, XL Tshirt please!

Hi all. I’m on the Fri 10:15 Tsawwassen to Nanaimo. Who else is booked on it?

Hi Guys

As of 5:57 today I can still order t shirts........so if anybody still wants one (or 2) let me know. I might get cut off from ordering more on Thursday or Friday but so far so good.

Hi Stuart I got your order from Colin.

This is going to be a good event maybe the biggest ever, see you all there. Only16 more sleeps to go.

Victor

bsa_m21 wrote: Wed May 24, 2023 4:37 pm Hi all. I’m on the Fri 10:15 Tsawwassen to Nanaimo. Who else is booked on it?

I’m on the one after at the moment…

Hi Victor - One L, one M and one S for Li family. See you all on Saturday run for sure.

Robin

Thanks Victor....
Stuart

Hi Guys

Okay as of 7:45 am Friday (today) I have everyone's t-shirt orders and am going to pay for them later this morning.

There may be a chance more can be added next week but I am not sure. I will ask.

Only 14 more sleeps to go till the big event, I cant wait its kind of like being a kid all over again and waiting for Christmas morning.

Victor

island dormy wrote: Fri May 26, 2023 7:50 am Hi Guys

Okay as of 7:45 am Friday (today) I have everyone's t-shirt orders and am going to pay for them later this morning.

There may be a chance more can be added next week but I am not sure. I will ask.

Only 14 more sleeps to go till the big event, I cant wait its kind of like being a kid all over again and waiting for Christmas morning.

Victor

Thanks for getting this organized Victor. Do you need us to pay now or is at the show ok?

Matt

Hi Matt

You're welcome. I have payed for 1/2 of them and will pay the balance when I pick them up in 10 days no problem just pay me at the show on Saturday morning before the drive. Ill have the T-shirt booth set up out of the back of the Dormy (The blue one) hopefully its older brother (the limestone one) will also be in attendance. Also the landrover man (made entirely out of left over parts from the restoration) should be in attendance.

I asked the T shirt company if I can add more shirts this weekend and they can still add to the T-shirt order until 6:00 am. Monday morning then its going in and no more can be added. (They come from the East somewhere.) So I'm still taking orders till then.



See you all there only 13 more sleeps to go.

Hi Guys

Campfire news.

Since the Island is fast drying out we will not be able to have a real camp fire at this years event. Its just to dangerous where its located amongst the trees.
So can someone from the main land please bring the clubs portable fake propane fire pit? Maybe a few extra tanks as well?

Thanks Victor

Hi Victor,

Thanks for getting the t-shirts organized.
I will bring the club Propane fire pit.

Cheers
Andy

island dormy wrote: Sat May 27, 2023 9:25 am Hi Matt

You're welcome. I have payed for 1/2 of them and will pay the balance when I pick them up in 10 days no problem just pay me at the show on Saturday morning before the drive. Ill have the T-shirt booth set up out of the back of the Dormy (The blue one) hopefully its older brother (the limestone one) will also be in attendance. Also the landrover man (made entirely out of left over parts from the restoration) should be in attendance.

I asked the T shirt company if I can add more shirts this weekend and they can still add to the T-shirt order until 6:00 am. Monday morning then its going in and no more can be added. (They come from the East somewhere.) So I'm still taking orders till then.



See you all there only 13 more sleeps to go.

Hi Victor, I have already asked for a size large shirt a week or so ago, but I just want to make sure you’ve counted me on the list. Cheers! I look forward to seeing everyone there

Hi Aidan

I think I have everybody's T-shirts ordered (I have a list going) including from some folks who have not replied on this forum but privately.

See you all there.

Victor

I will be there with the P38.

Consider me in, the girlfriend will likely come too. I will bring an extra propane fire ring if someone can provide the tank, I don't have a 20 pounder around anymore

Hi, Mel and I will be there.

Sorry for the late reply, but if T-shirts can still be ordered, I’d like an XL and a M please.

Looking forward to our first Rally in the Valley.

Regards,
Stephen

Hi Stephen
I have ordered a few extra shirts so your in luck, see you at the rally.
Where are you guys coming from?

Victor

Hi Victor, I just found out that Eric will be able to attend the rally with me, and wondering if still possible to get a medium tee shirt for him?
Thank you for all your efforts to put this together, and if I can help with anything, set up,clean up, or your Rovers, please let me know.

Thanks for now, Mike

Hi Mike

I still have a medium left so Eric can be the proud new owner of one of our Limited edition 20th Anniversary Van Isle Land rover t- shirts.

See you guys there. I think we have the set up all organized we will go up the day before in the evening to arrange things. But thanks for offering.

Only 8 more sleeps to go.

Victor

Hi Victor,

Mel and I are on Salt Spring Island, so a quick hop over for this one1

Thanks for the foresight with the t-shirts, we’ll try and be quicker on the draw next time.

Stephen

Hi Stephan

I do have you down for a medium and a extra large.

I did order a few extras............. as of this morning I have 2 larges and 1 extra large . First come first served.

See you all there, only 7 more sleeps till the big event.

Victor

Hi Colin, we are looking to join the gang and come explore your area for the first time, just working out the bugs for ferry crossings. Will advise. I did not see if Dogs are OK as part of the gang? We would be bringing Loki. Please advise. All the best and once we have ferry confirmation we will advise. Cheers John, Sandrine and Loki.

Hi JC

Welcome and yes friendly dogs are allowed at the event, as long as your dog gets along with other dogs and kids no problem.
We kind of like and appreciate all Dogs that are attending to be leashed on the farm at all times and when out of the vehicle on the drives when we are all stopped and trying to get through difficult spots.

See you guys and Loki next weekend, its nice that your dog has a different name............. most of the dogs at the rally seem to de called "Rover" for some strange reason.

Victor

OK great, we shall see you there. Cheers J

Hey Colin, well I thought there was ferry availability but it seems I was mistaken, there are no reservations and that makes it difficult to plan ahead. So unfortunately I guess we are not coming now, my apologies! Have a great 20th!

Scott and I will be there. Coming over from Vancouver on Friday. He will be a size M and I will be a small (if there are all men's sizes.
Cheers!
Rachael

I'm in on this one. What ferry is everyone taking? Happy to join the caravan. If it's not too late I'm a Large on the T-shirt side.

Hi Brian,

A few of us are booked on the 10:15 Tsawwassen to Duke Point Friday morning. Probably come back on Monday at noon to miss the Sunday rush.
If you are coming back on Sunday afternoon then its best to book that too. Monday departures you can probably just drive on.

Hi John,

You say ferries are all booked up. Are you trying to depart from Horseshoe Bay? Looks like lots of availability from Tsawwassen

Cheers
Andy

Hi Victor,

Ferries are all booked up, but I'm going to take the red eye anyway and let the dog navigate. Looks like I'll have some extra time to kill so if you need an extra pair of hands to help setup let me know. Otherwise any recommendations between Nanaimo for fishing, sightseeing, etc; would be appreciated. I'm expecting your shirt orders are as over booked as the ferries by now, but if you have a spare size L I'll take it!

Thanks and looking forward to it,
J

Just a note to anyone still looking for ferry reservations. Twassen to Duke Point is still available for 5am sailing Friday and 10am return Sunday.

Hi JBirk0014 I do have a large left now it has your name on it. As far as sight seeing goes take the back road ( the old # 1 highway which follows the coast) from Nanaimo to Chemanus then cut over to the Rally point. Check your maps it follows the seashore behind the Nanaimo airport and is very pretty to drive along, Chemanus is worth a stop for sure. There is a restaurant in Chemanus called Bonnie Martins ( on a side street) which has the best home cooked meals you will ever taste, the interiors not much but the food is lip smacking good. They are always busy and if you dont want to wait there are lots of nice outdoor places to grab a bite to eat.,

Hi RCorneil I think I am out of medium and smalls but check in at the end of the day if someone doesn't show up you might get one or 2 anyway.

T shirt sales are now closed.

See all you guys and girls next weekend. Only 5 sleeps to go.

Victor

Changed my reservation to the 10.15.

Have some friends in Chemainus to catch up with at some stage over the weekend too 👍

ill be on the TSW to SWB 11am going to meander up the coast, possible take the mill bay - brentwood bay ferry too, been along time maybe i might even be allowed to drive the klitsa again

Hi there, i'm new to the group. I will join the rally with a friend. Two T-shirt size M. Thank you!

Hi all.

Fraid I'm going to have to bow out of this weekends event. Some unexpected minor surgery on my hand and wrist today, and the doc says not to use it for a week. Simply, not marvellous..... :oops:

Colin/Victor - if possible I'd still like to get the t-shirt I ordered. If so, I can send you the $ and Maybe Andy can bring it back with him. Otherwise I'm sure someone will want it

Have fun everyone. Sorry I won't make it.

Hi Martin no worries, we will make sure Andy delivers your shirt for you.

Hi Martin
Sorry you cant make it, I am sure Andy will get your shirt back to the mainland for you.
That looks like your left paw that is damaged? If you drove one of your modern Automatic transmission Rovers to the event its likely you could cope just fine :D ............ this is our 20th anniversary after all and its going to be a good-un, you wont want to miss it.

Hi ABA8 defender.
I think I am sold out of mediums but check Saturday night after the delicious pot luck pulled pork dinner there may be a few folks who can not attend the event and you might still get a T-shirt.

Victor
Only 3 more sleeps to go till the big event.

Sorry Victor. Driving is out. I’m on pain killers and won’t be driving till at least the weekend. Don’t want to chance it. There are always more rallies. 🤔

Hi Martin

Yes your right there will be more rally's stay safe we will be thinking of you.

I just heard (not confirmed yet) that the back country roads around here might be shut down this weekend, we are working on alternate plans for Sundays rough drive.

Talk soon Victor

Only 2 more sleeps till the event.

A BIT MORE INFO ON THIS WEEKENDS EVENTS

Hi Guys and Girls and kids and dogs.

Due to the recently raised fire hazard rating on Vancouver Island this week we have had to change our weekend drive plans. (Dont worry you will stay get your rovers dusty).

Saturday mornings drivers meeting will be at 9:15 sharp and we will be leaving the farm at 9:30, so all you guys camped out under the trees Friday night will have to have your rovers parked out in the field by 9:00am. Full of Petrol or Diesel you will need a full tank for Saturdays run there are no gas stations where we are going.
Saturdays drive will definitely be a no scratch run suitable for any Land rover (even Freelander's). Bring a lunch, lawn chair, water and definitely a camera If we get to our second destination we go over some amazing bridges (if your afraid of heights just close your eyes). We should not need any recover gear unless some one (no names mentioned here) manages to back into a ditch.....again.
We should be back at the farm by 4-500 pm. in time for the delicious pot luck dinner, the main course this year is pulled pork supplied by the usual kitchen crew of Margaret Margaret Shelly and Lisa, the side dishes are up to the rest of us.

Sundays drive (after the complimentary) bacon and egg and pancake breakfast which will be served around 8:15-8:30 am. will depart the farm sometime after the 10:00am drivers meeting.
Normally Sundays drive is fairly rough and tough and not recommended for city rovers, this year due to the fire hazards we can not get into any real challenging areas but we are still going for a drive. First heading to the Balme Farm in sunny downtown Cobble hill via Cowichan bay. Colin using the farms heavy equipment (backhoe) has made the trails slightly accessible through the bush. You will get to test out your trusty rovers 4X4 ability here. Or just watch if you want to. We may check out the Kinsol trestle as well its in the area.
After that we are going for a train ride at the BC Forest museum, I volunteer there as an engineer and have managed (with a great deal of pleading and whining) to procure the famous $5 buck $5 buck $5 buck deal every one gets in for $5 bucks instead of the normal fee of $18.
Sorry its only the diesel train the steam train is still a week away from being ready.

Please pay me directly and I will pay the museum when I go in on Tuesday again.
After the museum those who want to or are staying over Sunday night shall head back to the farm for a lite dinner (supplied by yourselves).

Victor Only 1 more sleep to go.

No More sleeps the big day has arrived. See some of you today and everybody else Saturday.

I picked the T-shirts up yesterday...........man they are nice, best ones we have had yet, real collectors items, the t shirt company did a great job making them.
I might have a few extras availably after supper on Saturday once everyone has picked theirs up. (If your coming Sunday instead let me know) so I dont sell them by mistake.
Maybe after dinner I should auction the remaining shirts off? There could be a bidding war? Or fist fights? They are that good.

See you guys soon.

Victor

Morning Victor
As I had mentioned earlier I will see you on Sunday morning for breakfast. If you could save the L 'T' Shirt for me I would appreciate that.
Thanks,
Stuart

Hey all, my plan is to meet you guys on Saturday around noon.
Colin has told me where to meet up. See you there 😊

Hi Stuart I remember and I do have a list going, but if a bidding war starts well...................... (Just kidding your shirts safe.)

Hi Franko See you at the Saturday drives destination. If we are late its likely one of the newer rovers broke down (likely with electrical issues)...........the ole series ones are generally pretty reliable.

Victor

Crap weather. So decided to call it and wont be attending super bummed.

I'll still pay for and take the shirt if it works out.
Thanks Victor

Shout out to Colin and family for once again hosting the rally. Super fun weekend. Thanks guys.

I concur!!
Thanks to all those who volunteered and hosted the weekend.
The Sunday AM breakfast was pretty spectacular (local strawberries!!).....unfortunately I could not attend the rest of the weekend but it sounded like a lot of fun.
Also nice to meet some of the club members in person.....and finally putting a face to forum names.

Thanks to all who were involved in the hosting and organisation of such a great event, and to those who brought out their classics to show off!

Shame about the initially dodgy weather, but we overcame, it improved and had a great weekend.

Andy has my '75' aerial photos...if anyone has the skills to remove the tree shadows, let me know and I will send you a full-size file or two for editing...

This was a fun weekend indeed! I'd like to thank our organizers and hosts for the event planning, food prep and the campsite. It was great to see everyone from the Isle again!

Yes, awesome weekend, the weather cleared up nicely and the Van Islanders were great hosts once again 8)
Wonderful to meet lots of new faces and see a bit of the west coast of the Island that I hadn't seen before.

Thank you to Iain K for snapping some great photos and videos of the weekend including the LR 75th overhead shots.
I will post a couple here, the rest will be in the Gallery in the next couple of days...(Iain, I removed some of the shade on the first photo but they look good even with the shade. You can decide :blackeye: )

Cheers
Andy

Andy: Works just as well with the shade - good job we had some white roofs!

Looks like I will be back in business soon...these turned up this morning 🤣

Iain that took No Time!

Seekerbeta wrote: Tue Jun 13, 2023 8:20 pm Iain that took No Time!

Evidently dispatched from Rhino Rack’s Canadian distributor, which is in Pitt Meadows 😂

You sure 4 is enough? 😂

For those interested, a bunch of Event photos have now been posted in the Rally-in-the-Valley Gallery folder (link below);

https://rover-landers.smugmug.com/Rover ... Trips-2023

Thanks to Iain K and Nick M for sharing their photos.
Tip- Gallery Photos and Videos are best viewed on a screen larger than a phone...

Cheers
Andy

Seekerbeta wrote: Tue Jun 13, 2023 8:20 pm Iain that took No Time!

Surprisingly easy to fit - also ordered a new bag/cover as I found the hole that the water had been getting in to in the mounting attachment fabric, meaning that my awning was soaked all the time (also easy to fit), so now it's as good as new!