LRM Wheels Event Draws Nearly 50 Enthusiasts

LRM Spring 2010 "Wheels Event" Brings Big Smiles

PHOTO BY L.D. CAMPBELL

By JOSEPH V. KUCA

With temps in the 90's, low cloud cover, and high humidity, it was anyone's guess as to how the day's activities were going to play out, unsure of what Mother Nature had in store.  Luckily, Land Rover owners, like their vehicle of choice, are at all times elegant and refined, all this while still maintaining a good, grounded sense of capability, dependability and versatility in the face of rapidly changing circumstances.

So it was, as nearly fifty clients, and one would-be client, along with nearly the entire staff of Land Rover Monmouth's Ocean, NJ-based Land Rover Centre, sat down to a nicely catered luncheon prepared by the good folks at Country Picnic Fine Catering of Bedminster, NJ, the likes of which, whose width and breadth, would have stood-up well if compared with the finest of dining venues---chicken in mango sauce, London broil with horseradish sauce, a variety of freshly prepared salads, desserts and fruits all made for a most enjoyable meal.

Following the luncheon, held in a tented pavillion set-up especially for the day beside the Reining Ring on the US Equestrian Team (USET) grounds, some words of welcome and thanks were forthcoming to all those in attendance from Richard F. Williams, Centre Manager of Land Rover Monmouth and Larry D. Campbell, the Centre's Service Manager.  Then it was time for what everyone came for---off-roading!  But, not before a thorough briefing on the basics of safe and responsible off-roading by Fred Monsees, Land Rover North America Professional Off-Road Driving Instructor.

With storm clouds looming, the briefing concluded as staffers were detailed and shuttled-off to specific areas of the trail to assist as Driver's Spotters at challenging traverses and waypoints.  Then it happened, the heaven's opened up!  A deluge of torrential rain was upon us, but no worries.  Clients, staff, and spotters, all veteran Land Rover aficionados were confident in the ability of their vehicles to withstand whatever Ma Nature could produce.

So, it was with an incredible steady downpour that lasted without interruption for nearly an hour that the off-roading was conducted, making for a wonderful and challenging mix to the ride along the old coaching trails which criss-cross the deciduous forest extent on the USET grounds.  Rocks, stumps, mud, hilly ascents and steep descents, enormous puddles and watercrossings---all were taken with precision and grace by every driver.

By the end of the afternoon, the sun poked its head out of the clouds and embraced our designated trailside spotters in its warm rays.  A good time was had by all, in fact, due to the variety of weather and trail conditions which allowed participants the opportunity to really experience their Land Rovers in action.

Some bogging down along the way, a bit perhaps, but only a momentary inconvenience, these are Land Rovers we're talking about after all, the most capable 4x4's on earth.  So, a little thing like a deep mud puddle is merely a triffle, a minor delay, but presents no real obstacle for the best 4x4 by far!

Beaming with smiles of delight and a re-discovered enthusiasm for the glories of Mother Nature, especially when snuggly ensconced in the interior spaces and behind the wheel of a Land Rover, all the participants upon departure were given a responsible "Off-Roader's Tread Lightly! Goodie Bag" as a thank you from Team Land Rover Monmouth for their participation as well as their support and patronage throughout the year.

To learn more about the day and to see some of the awesome pictures which tell the watery, but fun tale, check in our online picture GALLERY.  Simply go to www.LandRoverMonmouth.com and click-on the INFO tab on the menu bar on our homepage, then click-on News & Events, then simply click Gallery.  Or, better still, why not bookmark us for your ease in regularly navigating back to see what's going on at the Centre.