Vermont Overland Rally
During the first weekend of October most explorers would have found themselves still surrounded by summer like conditions. However, a group of overlanders turned their rigs toward Reading Vermont and a small taste of autumn. This marked the first year the Vermont Overland Rally was held in Reading and on the farm of the event founder Peter Vollers. For those that have never been to the VOR it’s worth noting this isn’t like other overland events that I’ve attended or heard recounted by friends. While each event has its own charms the VOR truly saturates attendees in the true meaning of overlanding in Vermont.
One unique feature of the VOR was that many the attendees left the rally grounds each day to explore the local trails. Peter provided an assortment of maps and routes that highlight the area’s trails across central Vermont. Whether an overlander came to experience portions of the Vermont Trophy Route or preferred to cruise the back roads and visit the picturesque towns dotted along the way, the VOR provided something for everyone.
The rally grounds were all within easy walking distance and the camping offered something for everyone, from a traditional event style camping, to a great view of the rally from the hilltop, and even secluded sites in the woods. Even the vendor area was tucked along the stream that snaked through the grounds. Every evening the rally came alive as attendees returned to their camps to start on dinner, or to grab a hot meal from the food tent or the on-site pizza truck. After dinner campfires would pop up amongst camps and the crowds would gather to recount the day’s adventures and discuss the plans for the morning to follow.
The vehicles of the attendees were as varied as the camping. It was easy to find a recent model with all of the latest add-ons parked next to a vintage Unimog. Some attendees came equipped to traverse the toughest trails Vermont has to offer while others arrived in stock trucks that were more than prepared to travel the vast network of back roads surrounding the rally. Camper vans, Jeeps, Toyotas, and Land Rovers of every variety were just the bulk of the crowd and some truly unique adventure ready vehicles were scattered amongst the fleet.
Vermont Overland Rally
The Vermont Overland Rally was truly a memorable event. Despite a new venue, which turned out to be fantastic, Peter Vollers and the rest of the VO Staff made sure that all the attendees had a premiere taste of what Vermont has to offer. The attention to detail and genuine concern for the attendees was easy to see as Peter and the rest of the staff made their rounds through camp, worked the registration table nearly all hours of the day, and joined different groups as they explored the trails.
If you missed out on this year’s VOR or you just can’t wait for VOR 2017 it’s not too early to start preparing. Registration for the 2017 rally will open on New Year’s Day and is sure to fill up fast. If you’re looking for a truly unique overlanding event the VOR is not to be missed.
* OutdoorX4 Magazine – Promoting responsible 4×4 adventure travel and outdoor recreation
