Mercedes Lilienthal
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon in mud
Words by Mercedes Lilienthal
Hosted at the Sasquatch Mountain Resort near Hemlock Valley in British Columbia, The BC Overland Rally (BCOR) recently hosted its second annual event, attracting more than 700 off-road enthusiasts from all over Canada, including Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario, as well as parts of The United States.
"In only our second year, people are already talking about being part of a community and are planning for the 2019 event," says Ray Hyland, the owner and organizer of BCOR. Ray isn’t new to hosting rallies. The BCOR’s sister event, the NW Overland Rally (an annual event held in Plain, Washington), is in its eighth year of production. While the BCOR garnered approximately 45 vendors and 750 people, the NW Overland Rally attracted nearly 2,000 attendees.
From homemade trailers to modified Nissans, unique Mitsubishis and Land Rovers, the BCOR appeals to adventurers who bring their rigs from all walks of overlanding life. It’s not uncommon to see such rigs ranging from one-of-a kind run-abouts to the eclectic folks who own fully-loaded earth roamers that cost more than my house. What makes it more exciting is that each owner is more than happy to talk about their rig.
Ray and his family are passionate about the BCOR. They corral off-leash doggies, prepare the nightly bonfire, work with staff to coordinate efforts, and even manage to include at least one female-designated porta-potty in each area. Thanks Ray!
The event not only showcases tricked-out vehicles (from both attendees and vendors), it hosts several seminars, hands-on training, and trail rides each day. From winch training, action photography, and drone demos to trail welding, morning yoga, wine tasting and education classes, there’s hours of informative sessions and certainly something for everyone – kids included.
“Vendor row” included many innovative products. Off Grid Trek of Calgary, Alberta, displayed top-notch solar panels, which are not only extremely durable and easy to use, but they boasted top efficiency ratings. Off Grid Trek even loaned a few of its solar blankets to vendors who were having trouble keeping their fridges or other power-hungry appliances and components up to charge. In fact, the company’s 200W panel brought a vendor's dead deep-cycle battery up to 100 percent full power!
Other notable products included stainless steel double-walled growlers from Drink Tanks, and a neat multipurpose anodized aluminum LED flashlight system from VSSL Gear. Inside each flashlight were survival kits such as a first aid kit, a supplies kit, and/or most importantly, a flask with two shot glasses. In addition to the products, vendors had swag and other freebies for event visitors.“It’s like a giant family that’s welcomed me home that’s never met me before,” says Caitlin Bridger, a first-time visitor to the event. “I am just loving it here. Everybody’s so happy and welcoming.”
The BCOR attracts people from all walks of life where the young and old unite to talk shop, share stories, off-road together, and become friends. If you missed the BCOR this year, take time out of your schedule for the 2019 event. It’s typically hosted in July and while the schedule has yet to be determined, it’s an event where you can interact with off-road enthusiasts and gain a lot insight to enhance your off-road adventures.
For all the details visit www.bcoverlandrally.com
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Mercedes Lilienthal
Anett Jahnel spotting rigs
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Hummer on tech course
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Jeep Cherokee on tech course
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Mitsubishi Delica in mud
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Off Grid Trek 120W solar blanket
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Ray and Marianne Hyland during raffle
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Rigs on trail