1 of 3
Brent Boychuk
2 of 3
Brent Boychuk
3 of 3
Brent Boychuk
Words and Photos courtesy Brent Boychuk
After The Blacktop Ends (ATBE) and ATBE 4WD Association for Recreation & Expedition Society (A.W.A.R.E.) have been hard at work the past couple of years to get a 4x4 Jamboree off the ground. The first annual 4x4 was slated for August of 2017 but was regretfully cancelled due to the threat of forest fires in the area. However, the cancellation in 2017 did not deter ATBE.
This year’s 2018 event is called “The Coalmont Invasion” and is being hosted in; you guessed it, Coalmont BC. Coalmont is the home of not only the Whipsaw Trail, but many other trails as well. The event will consist of a tradeshow with vendors coming from as far as Alberta including - 4WD Magazine, Warn Industries, Wheel Spacers Canada, Bolder Trailers, and AllTerrainOverland to name a few; all supporters of the Coalmont Invasion.
There will be events all weekend such as the RTI Ramp, Seesaw, Spotter events, Water challenge, and more. Activities and educational sessions will be offered for everyone, from the new off-road enthusiast to the most advanced. There are even special games and events for children.
Individuals who have been in the off-road industry for many years will host the training seminars. After The Blacktop Ends will also be providing meals and camping facilities, and let's not forget the live entertainment on Friday night. The generous sponsors are providing prizes and giveaways all weekend.
Why Coalmont BC you ask? Coalmont has a rich history of both coal and gold mining and it is the home of historic trails that are part of the birth of British Columbia. 4Wheel Drive Association, After The Blacktop Ends, A.W.A.R.E, and the BC Toyota group have been hard at work over the years maintaining the trails in the Coalmont area. The Whipsaw trail is the main trail that these clubs support and advocate for proper trail
use. One of the key reasons behind the Coalmont Invasion Jamboree it is to aide off-road enthusiasts; to create awareness of how fragile our trail systems are, and how we can all participate in preserving our BC trails to ensure future enjoyment. After The Blacktop Ends invites you to join in the fun! Information is available on their website at www.aftertheblacktopends.com.