Stephen BeresSeventy-five years (and counting) – that’s how long the Land Rover name has been synonymous with rugged adventures. In celebrating the Diamond Anniversary of Land Rover on the West Coast, no setting felt more fitting than Big Bear Lake, CA, for the Southern California Rovers Club’s (SCRC) Rover Rendezvous ‘23. The legacy of the brand and the passion of its loyalists converged for an October weekend filled with celebration, camaraderie and – of course – Rovering.
On Friday, September 15, the Hanna Flat campsites buzzed with energy. Familiar faces exchanged stories while newcomers soaked in the atmosphere. Naturally, a Land Rover event wouldn’t be complete without a minor glitch – this time, unexpected campsite closures.
However, we rallied, helping out with a tent peg or two, ensuring that every one of the 104 participants and 80 vehicles had a spot. Trust the Rover community in Southern California to unite and make everyone feel welcome and (mostly) comfortable.
Ed Testa, Lake Elsinore, CA, said, “We try to make the Rendezvous better every year,” and this year’s off-road experiences did just that. Jerry Sanfilippo, Carlsbad, CA, used his ‘16 LR4 in his role as Trail Master of the terrain team. “My team makes the world go ‘round in this club,” he acclaimed. The team included Adam Spiker, Noah Nylander, Don Fasnler, Bill Ruston, Jim Biram, Seth Glennie-Smith, Steve Fischer, Mark LaVine, Keith McFatridge, Mike Jensen, Umberto Botante and Matt Meader. Collectively, they led the front and brought up the rear of the convoys running 8 established trails. Jerry described the team as, “some well-known and some not, but we had a full range of experiences that catered to the skill levels of our participants.” The trails ranged from adrenaline-chasing climbs to serene green lanes.
Amid the adventures, came whispers of a “rare” breakdown, which left our intrepid photographer, Abigail Hall, stranded. Fortunately, Ed Testa, our club president, came to the rescue and after a brief uphill hike, swiftly transferred her to the more-than-capable Don Fansler, San Diego, CA, with whose aid she captured many memorable photos of the event. Laura Spencer, San Diego, CA, connected us to the broader world with her trusty StarLink satellite system. As the club’s social media volunteer, she broadcasted live updates, enabling Rover aficionados worldwide to partake in our escapades, albeit virtually.
As dusk approached, excitement shifted to the raffle. Diana Landais and I presented a trove of prizes, boasting a value of over $6,000. Our generous sponsors, including Rovers North, Superwinch, Rhino USA and many others, contributed items ranging from Hi-Lift jacks and custom drive shafts, to camping gear and even a unique cheetah tire cover. Your humble correspondent, co-host of your second favorite Land Rover podcast, “The Underpowered Hour,” served as Master of Ceremonies. Despite that, people still showed up and had a terrific time!
Come Sunday morning, I reflected on the weekend, profoundly grateful for the many contributors who made this event exceptional. A heartfelt thank you to Ray Borzone, Nick Torina and the entire SCRC board for their invaluable behind-the-scenes efforts. As Southern California Land Rover enthusiasts, we’re fortunate to have such a dedicated team, always ready to go above and beyond for its members.
In retrospect, our Rover Rendezvous ‘23 was about more than just the Land Rovers. At its heart, it’s about community, shared journeys and the indomitable spirit of the marque. Until our next adventure, we’ll see you on the trail.
[To learn more about the Southern California Rover Club, visit www.socalroverclub.wildapricot.org -ed.]