Rocky Mountain Overland Rally Descends on Colorado
Eight years ago, a series of overlanding community-style events dubbed the Overland Rallies was created to provide vehicle-based adventurers and their families an opportunity to commune and enjoy a weekend amongst fellow enthusiasts. The Overland Rallies began in locations strategically selected for their natural beauty and proximity to the great outdoors and as the Overland Rallies have grown in size, Ray Hyland and his crew of experienced and committed enthusiasts have created a series of events that harken back to the earlier days of the “overland” phenomenon on a scale that’s welcoming to anyone with an adventurous spirit.
OutdoorX4 had a small booth where we handed out back issues of the magazine and visited with attendees.
A portion of the AT Overland Habitat village in the campground.
A small glimpse of the vendor alley.
This year, the Overland Rallies expanded to include a new event held in Gunnison, Colorado dubbed the Rocky Mountain Overland Rally. Set the first weekend in August in the town of Gunnison at the I-Bar Ranch, the Rocky Mountain Overland Rally featured a myriad of vendors in a welcoming format for new and seasoned vehicle-based adventurers, as well as classes and activities on a number of subjects most relevant for those planning a journey into the backcountry, as well as organized trail rides (in vehicles as well as by mountain bike), fly fishing opportunities, and much more!
Classes included first-aid basics, vehicle-recovery, and camp cooking amongst others as well as more “relaxed” gatherings that included whiskey/whisky selection and tasting, vehicle spotting that tested how well spouses/significant others communicate while in vehicle recovery mode, and two evenings featuring raffle events that was made quite enjoyable with humorous commentary and a bonfire that would make most pyromaniacs envious. It was a fun event designed to be less overwhelming than the Overland Expo events held annually in Arizona and the east coast but also complimentary to those events in a setting open for more relaxed camaraderie.
This LR4, owned by Thayer Susanna, was used to compete in the annual Rebelle Rally.
Whiskey and whisky afficianados came together for a tasting and good times at the Overland Kitchen booth.
Several food trucks were on-hand adjacent to the raffle area where evening bonfires were held.
For a first year event, the Rocky Mountain Overland Rally has proven itself to be one we’re not only to have been a part of but one we happily recommend for individuals or families looking for a fun experience at a destination with close proximity to all the things we enjoy as vehicle-based recreationalists. It’s a fun event that’s vehicle agnostic and most importantly, relaxed in its nature and inviting for anyone looking to enjoy the natural world around you.
Jeeps continue to be a platform of choice for vehicle-based adventurers. This one is owned by Jared & Jen of The Pioneering Spirit who have traveled all over the African continent.
A 79 Series Land Cruiser was one of many unique and fun vehicles seen throughout the weekend.
You can learn more about the three Overland Rally events, held annually in Washington state, British Columbia, and now in Colorado by visiting their respective websites listed below:
www.nwoverlandrally.com
www.bcoverlandrally.com
www.rockymountainoverlandrally.com
OutdoorX4 Magazine – Promoting responsible vehicle-based adventure travel and outdoors adventure
