A Swiss Army Knife at the Mid Atlantic RallyBy Tami Sutherland [Tami Sutherland, an internet software developer, just moved from Clearwater, FL to Grottoes, VA, no doubt inspired by her affection for her LR3 and the famous Mid-Atlantic Rally. Here’s her account of the October 2007 event –ed.] Now let’s see, what do I have here? My rain jacket, umbrella, a new pair of Wellies, a month-and-a-half worth of clothes; hmmm, maybe I should bring an extra umbrella, just in case. This was my first trip to the Mid-Atlantic Rally, also known by its acronym, the MAR. I’ve heard plenty about this event in years past, everything from major carnage adventures on the Pearls Pond trails, to odd tales of blow up animals and urinal cakes in the Philly Rovers circus tent (probably best not to ask more about that). The recollections vary from person to person, but one detail remains constant in everyone’s MAR memories: it’s wet, cold, soaking, drenching, rainy, muddy mayhem, and it’s a blast. Prepared for the traditional MAR forecast, I could hardly wait to head up to Virginia and see how they work it on the east side, rain or shine. Hitting Interstate 75 to begin the 1,100-mile hike northward, I’m full of excitement and anticipation. I wonder how my LR3 will do. Actually, I’m wondering more about how I will do. I’ve got a lot more confidence in my Land Rover’s abilities than in my own to be honest. I have found the LR3 to be incredible in its off-road abilities – me, not so much. I’m what you call a ‘newbie.’ Four hours into the journey, I come to the small town of Alligator Creek. Shoot, I’m still in Florida? At a stop light, a couple of somewhat toothless creatures in a pick-up shout over to me, “is that there a snorkel?” I give a little nod and smile, discreetly check my door locks, and continue on my way. Feeling a bit anxious about what lessons I will be learning at MAR (hopefully none involve blow-up animals). I learn something new every time I go off-road. I learn more about my Rover’s strengths and limitations. I learn how to maneuver tougher obstacles and different terrains, and am gradually becoming a better, more confident off-roader. I’ve been lucky though, to have had experienced mentors and spotters to put my full trust in, and I think that is key. I have found the seasoned Land Rover crowd to be so knowledgeable, encouraging, and genuinely helpful to newbies – listen and learn, and try to absorb their wisdom. After a short-ish jaunt through the southeast corner of Georgia, I pass the ‘Welcome to South Carolina’ sign. A little fatigued, but making progress – three states to go! I’m feeling a bit antsy, so crank up the some Old Crow Medicine Show tunes. Another LR3 whizzes by me. I catch up to them, thinking we could entertain each other for a spell, but they won’t even look in my direction. Figures, they’re 46 probably in a hurry to the Macy’s White Sale, I think cynically. There aren’t too many LR3s on the trails yet. We are pioneers of sorts I suppose. This lends to some skepticism and curiosity to new Land Rovers. I’ve sort of gotten used to the stares, snickers, and ‘It’s too clean!’ jabs when I roll up. It used to freak me out, but many have changed their tune some after going on the trails with me. Sure, the LR3 may not be for everybody, and like all vehicles, it has its short comings, but for me it is absolutely perfect – it’s the Swiss Army Knife of Land Rovers. As I near Charlotte, North Carolina, my MAR anticipation is wearing thin, diverted by a sore rump, and major boredom. I can do it, just 4 ½ hours to go. Good Lord. Welcome to Virginia! I could kiss that sign. Suddenly I get a burst of energy, jam to the Old Crow Medicine Show for the umpteenth time with new vigor. I call my darling friend Dan Chapman and let him know I’m almost there. I will be hanging with him and friends from Philadelphia Rovers. They are such a wonderful fun-loving bunch and I can’t wait to see them all again. Also looking forward to meeting some of the other legendary characters I’ve heard about. Let the good times begin! On the drive to Pearls Pond, I follow Dan Chapman in his 1997 trail-blazing Discovery Series I, and Walter Dent with his dear tent-mate Bobbi in his souped up 2000 Discovery Series II. We are arriving to the campsite on Wednesday, so there is just a handful of Rover heads around for the first night. We stake out a prime spot, setting up camp near the legendary Philly Rover’s tent. Tonight we just kick back and relax, have some drinks from the full bar, and help stuff event envelopes. Steve Andrews, who drives a Series Land Rover with a Corvette engine, entertains us under the stars with his strumming and singing talents into the wee hours. Walter cooks us some late-night Dutch oven pork chops. We have much fun. In the morning my head is feeling thick, and I could use a strong cuppa and a shower. Okay, scratch that, there are no showers. The sun is shining and it’s starting to heat up. Lots of people are starting to roll in now – in all, 305 Land Rovers attending and 600-700 people this year. Around the Philly Rovers area Suzanna and Ivan Via arrive in their Discovery I (hers) and Range Rover Classic (his), Jeff Bangs with his lovely wife Jennifer and baby daughter Abbi, Will ‘The Rover Whisperer’ Tillery, Jason Johnson (thank you for the use of your camp shower!), Allysa Brown in her 2005 Range Rover, and quite a few others are setting up camp. I am introduced to Garrett Porterfield and JB McClure. Oh, are they total comedians! Be prepared to have some sore ribs and cheeks when you are around these two.
Photo: Sean Roche Photo: Sean Roche Photo: Sean Roche Photo: Sean Roche Photo: Sean Roche Photo: Daniel Chapman Photo: Sean Roche Photo: Sean Roche Photo: Daniel Chapman Photo: Sean Roche Photo: Sean Roche Photo: Sean Roche
- Page 1 and 2: Simply Irresistible TAH-TAH FORD
- Page 3 and 4: HEATERS A B C D E F (A) Genuine Smi
- Page 5 and 6: Dear Rovers North, Thanks to Les [P
- Page 7 and 8: ELECTRICAL / HELLA (A) Hella Rallye
- Page 9 and 10: visible in the ceiling and daylight
- Page 11 and 12: EXTERIOR / TIRE COVERS, MUD FLAPS,
- Page 14 and 15: OFF-ROAD / TRACTION MATS, FUEL CANS
- Page 16 and 17: OFF-ROAD / PROTECTION RECOVERY A (A
- Page 18 and 19: OFF-ROAD / PROTECTION A RNA7402 B R
- Page 20 and 21: So You Want To Buy a Defender So yo
- Page 22 and 23: SUSPENSION / PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION
- Page 24 and 25: SUSPENSION / PARABOLIC SPRING SETS
- Page 26 and 27: SUSPENSION / COMPETITION ACCESSORIE
- Page 28 and 29: SUSPENSION / COIL VONVERSION KITS C
- Page 30 and 31: Simply Irresistible Story by Mike K
- Page 32 and 33: than myself! The purposeful burble,
- Page 34 and 35: MECHANICAL / FOOTWELLS, WHELL CYLIN
- Page 36 and 37: MECHANICAL / CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER
- Page 38 and 39: MECHANICAL / CV JOINTS, OIL FILTERS
- Page 40 and 41: MECHANICAL / EXHAUST SYSTEMS NRP PE
- Page 42 and 43: Land Rover Corporate Info 10-07 LAN
- Page 44 and 45: TAH-TAH FORD By Calef Letorney Just
- Page 48 and 49: Zak Ruck’s white P38 is sitting o
- Page 50 and 51: Employee Profile: A Look at Dirk Pa
- Page 52 and 53: BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL By Jeffre
- Page 54 and 55: BODY PANELS / DEFENDER 90, 110 NAS
- Page 56 and 57: BODY PANELS / DISCOVERY I 1994 - 19
- Page 58 and 59: Door, Wheel Carrier, Mud Flaps, Win
- Page 60 and 61: WIPER BLADES, ARMS & CAPS, MOTORS -
- Page 62 and 63: SIGHTINGS The Sightings Editor has
- Page 64: GENUINE PARTS - ACCESSORIES - EXPER
Change language