Jayson Ryan
Running the hydro line in the rain, which caused wet and challenging conditions.
Words by Wes Branson
The Roaming Rally returned for 2022 after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19.
Held in Eastern Ontario from May 26 - 29 and hosted by graveltravel.ca, the ADV/4x4 overlanding event consisted of running approximately 300 km ( 186 mi) per day while encountering intense water crossings, rocky conditions not to mention the aftermath of a storm of a century. Our 4x4 skills were put to the test and it was an enlightening experience I won’t soon forget.
Jayson Ryan
The rigs at Paul’s Creek Camping.
In its 10th year, the Roaming Rally took my wheeling friends and I (as well as numerous off-road enthusiasts) from Rideau River Provincial Park in Kemptville ON, into the wild counties of Lanark, Frontenac, Lennox, Addington and Hastings.
For this off-road weekend, I was running my 2014 Jeep JK with my son Carter while Clint was in his 2004 Discovery and Jayson was manning his 2007 Jeep JK. We planned to meet with some members of the Land Rover Adventure Association of Ontario at the designated campground and anticipation built as several of the off-road entries rolled into the grounds ready to run.
The event attracted all types of rigs including a number of Jeeps, Land Rovers, and Toyotas plus a surprising amount of full-size Lexus SUVs and even a head-turning Pinzgauer. All were rigged for overland travel and many were equipped with roof top tents, upgraded rubber, snorkels and winches.
Jayson Ryan
Getting some helpful advice.
Day 1
After setting up camp and going to the debriefing about the rules and regulations of the event the night before, we woke up to rain and relentless mosquitoes as we packed up before making our way along the first leg of the route.
What made the event so enjoyable was its relaxing, unintimidating atmosphere. We could travel at our own pace and choose select parts of the route we only wanted to tackle. We could also avoid tough areas altogether and beeline it to the next campsite for the night to watch the participants roll in.
Wes Branson
Maintenance calls - fixing a flat on the trail.
Clint, Jayson and I lined up with some of the Land Rover crew with Clint leading the way in his well-equipped Discovery. The road started out meandering through rural farmland and we got our first taste of the H20 with a long and moderately deep water crossing. We then drove north where we encountered more challenging conditions near the community of Carlton Place, but not before we tackled some serious water.
Although I was second-guessing my decision a little too late during this obstacle as I watched the bow wave slide alongside the Jeep, I (and the rest of our crew) made it through without any issues and continued on the trail. Even though the rain started to subside, the trail was still muddy and slick so we decided to air down to gain better traction.
Wes Branson
The thick, dense forest of Eastern Ontario.
Trouble ensued when a valve stem failed on Jayson’s JK and he needed to change a tire. We were soon moving again along a hydro line near a hamlet called California, ON, which only exists on a map - otherwise, there’s nothing there.
Fortunately, the weather started to cooperate. The sun finally broke through the clouds and we enjoyed running on twisting gravel roads. We then made a quick stop as one of the other participants began hearing a strange noise in his Discovery.
After a quick inspection, the noise was the cause of some very loose lug nuts that were promptly tightened. We then continued along another stretch of the hydro line and bounced along before turning onto an old abandoned railroad bed. We even managed to make up some time before arriving at Paul’s Creek Camping campground just outside of McDonalds Corners - located about 20 minutes northwest of Perth, ON, - where we stayed the next two nights.
Jayson Ryan
Negotiating a tight turn.
Day 2
The following day, the weather was on our side with bright sunshine as we set out for the next leg of the rally, which consisted of a very large loop that crossed into three counties before returning to the campground.
Just a week before the event, a fierce storm hit the region, which knocked down trees and power lines. We soon found ourselves in a 40-vehicle traffic jam waiting for those who brought along chainsaws to clear the downed trees. This was a common situation throughout the day as more parts of the rural road and trails needed to be maintained. Some sections were even impassable.
Jayson Ryan
Taking it slow and steady.
Another glitch on day two was when we realized the designated gas station in the village of Ompah still didn’t have power due to the effects of the storm. Fortunately, we were able to fuel up in the nearby community of Plevna and made our way back onto the trail.
Alternating between gravel roads and rugged trails made the day’s route interesting, and we were never bored with the surroundings. We came across another deep water crossing that had to be driven very precisely. This only added to the exciting challenges of the day.
Although our group made it through without any problems, it was getting late and it became evident that we couldn’t complete the day’s 300 km (186 mi) run before dark. So we decided to play it safe and drive back to the campground for the night.
Wes Branson
Enjoying a well-deserved break.
Day 3
On the final day, event organizers planned a smoother route near Hwy 401, which allowed participants to get home easier.
One of the enthusiasts in the Land Rover group wanted to revisit part of the trail from the previous day. Carter and I were game and after bidding farewell to the others, we started on a nice, scenic run north near Bon Echo Provincial Park.
As we proceeded, the devastation of the storm was evident and at one point the trail was completely blocked with fallen-down trees, forcing us to turn around and drive to the main road.
Although we didn’t complete the whole route, the weekend was still a success. We met up with old friends, met new ones and had a great time exploring the backwoods of Ontario. Roaming Rally 2023 is calling.
For more information about the event visit www.graveltravel.ca
Jayson Ryan