Land Rover Monmouth WHEELS Event Draws Record Numbers

Land Rover Monmouth WHEELS Event

Off-Roading Opening Day at the Monmouth County Hunt

Draws Record Numbers Despite Snow & Frigid Temps

Hunt members, Merri & Steve Musso of Cedarview Farms, preparing to take flight.

MCH's specially-bred PennMaryDel pack on the move.

Master of the Fox Hounds, Meg Valnoski, sorting out her charges before the 'Blessing of the Hounds.'

Hounds working a scent in the field.

In the words of MCH's late Leonard Duffy, "Move on. The hounds are running!"

LRM clients Allan &Sue Sherman enjoying the hunt in the field with Diane & Leo Slaninko.

Land Rover Monmouth’s client gift

presented as thanks for coming out for this off-road event, Opening Day with the Monmouth County Hunt.

A small token of appreciation

for our patrons support of our Land Rover Centre.

All the proceeds generated from the sale & distribution of these beautiful laser-engraved, stone plaques,

emblazoned with the MCH logo which was designed and executed by local wildlife artist Bonnie Smith, a unique memento of another special day out and about, off-the-beaten trail, with Land Rover Monmouth

as Honored Guests of the historically significant Monmouth County Hunt,

go directly to supporting the club's hounds and their daily upkeep.

In the woods, among friends, behind the wheel of a Land Rover---what a nice way to spend a day!

By JOSEPH V. KUCA

OCEAN, NJ, November 2, 2011 - Fifty-two Land Rover owners and enthusiasts attended Land Rover Monmouth's Annual Fall Wheels Event this past weekend, held for the second year in conjunction with the 117-year-old Monmouth County Hunt at their facilities in Allentown, NJ. "We're extremely pleased with the turnout," commented Bruce Lavorgna, Centre Parts Manager for Land Rover Monmouth and the day's Off-Road Safety Marshall.

With unusually frigid temps for autumn, with the mercury only hovering in the high 30's to low 40's for most of the day, and a record breaking snowfall blanketing the region, the day's chilly edge was countered by the warm camaraderie of Land Rover Monmouth's clients and staff who eagerly mixed with members of the Monmouth County Hunt.

This off-road Fall Wheels Event hosted by Land Rover Monmouth drew record numbers. "This year is only the second year we did this event and we were nearly fully-booked with clients wishing to attend almost three weeks out," said Rich Williams, Centre Manager who commented on the event's subscription success earlier in the week.

Despite a rare, record breaking October snowstorm which hit the northeast over the weekend, fifty-two hardy Land Rover owners turned out to enjoy this Land Rover Monmouth off-road event, Off-Roading Opening Day at the Monmouth County Hunt.  Nearly every Land Rover and Range Rover model was represented in the field including the all-new 2012 Range Rover Evoque, which was recently named 2012 ‘SUV of the Year’ by the editors of Motor Trend magazine.

Traditionally LRM's regularly scheduled 'Off-Road WHEELS Events' are quite well-attended, but this unique venue, Opening Day at the Monmouth County Hunt, really seems to have brought out the crowds. Attendees enjoyed the privilege of watching the traditional 'Blessing of the Hounds' and were invited to join the members of the hunt in the ceremonial 'Stirrup Cup' toast to the hunt on the lawn of the MCH's 200-year-old clubhouse.

After the ceremonies those gathered got to enjoy watching the mounted riders and hounds set-out for the chase. As privileged guests of honor, Land Rover Monmouth's clients were invited to follow-on the progress of the hunt and enjoy rare views of equine and canine working in unison in the field. And so, led by a new 2011 Land Rover LR4, the gathering of Land Rover enthusiasts took to their vehicles. The vehicle make-up of the convoy ran the gamut, from the all-new 2012 Range Rover Evoque to numerous Discovery Series II vehicles as well as a few Range Rovers, some Range Rover Sports, along with some Land Rover LR2's, LR3's and LR4's. The field of steel steeds well-represented the Land Rover brand.

"Everyone seems to be having a really good time," said Kathy Poppe, a Field Master for the Monmouth County Hunt.  And, Land Rover Monmouth clients raved about this event as much for its fun off-roading activities as for the uniqueness of the venue and execution overall. Just a few reactions from those in attendance:

“One of the best off road events I ever attended."

 “Everything was most intriguing, the people, the off-roading, the hunt and getting to experience the full use of my Land Rover LR2 at a really fun off-road event.  It was just a blast, a blast!”

-Bridgette Norris

“The mix of people, the scenery, and the event itself were all very interesting and really very nice.  Only more MUD could make it even that much more enjoyable!"

-Kelly Ryan

It was a very nice experience.  Extremely interesting getting to ride off road through the mud puddles and getting to enjoy the gorgeous sights and sounds along with the perfect autumn weather!”

-Al & Sue Sherman

“A very pleasant experience.  And the off-road portions, well they were really most enjoyable.”

"The event was a great success," concluded Cliff Neubart, General Sales Manager for Land Rover Monmouth. "This is what the Land Rover lifestyle is really all about. And make no mistake about it, it IS a lifestyle. We're happy to provide an opportunity like this for our clients, for Land Rover owners, to get together and revel in the joy of Land Rover ownership."

To view all of the 400+ photos of this exciting and fun day, click-on the link below to go to our PHOTO GALLERY.

http://www.landrovermonmouth.com/dealer/index.cfm/page/wheels_event_fall_2011

Don't forget to check back regularly to learn of our upcoming client events!

PHOTO CREDITS: Images courtesy of Michelle Lee; Merri & Steve Musso; Al & Sue Sherman; Joseph V. Kuca; Cliff Neubart; Larry D. Campbell.