Hello to all our SoCal Rover Club members!

As we approach the end of this incredible year, I wanted to touch base with all of our club members to share how awesome this year has been. Not only have we seen an unprecedented surge in membership, but we've also had more thrilling trails than ever before, and it's all thanks to the dedication of our exceptional team of trail leaders.

Our events have been so popular that we've had to introduce waitlists and even open up second groups for those with a keen interest. Diversity has been our focus this year, with monthly club meetups hosted at various locations across Southern California to ensure everyone can participate. We introduced women's events where the guys rode shotgun. We also held valuable training sessions and workshops covering essential topics like tire repairs, air suspension, and recovery gear. And let's not forget the unforgettable Rover Rendezvous!

As we wind down the year, we still have a jam-packed calendar with more exciting events, so be sure to keep an eye on it.

Our calendar, though not yet public for sign-ups, is brimming with thrilling events and expeditions. We're expanding our trail leader program to offer even more exciting experiences. Not to mention, we've joined ANARC (The Association of North American Rover Clubs) and are gearing up to host our very own ANARC event in Spring—a Rover Rendezvous on steroids! But that's not all; I'm personally working on launching a HAM radio program for all our members. The next year promises to be an adventure like no other, and I feel truly blessed to be a part of it.

Before I wrap up, a couple of important notes.

Our annual dues have been a steal at $60, but with rising costs, we are adjusting them to $85. Still, that's less than a tank of gas for your trusty Land Rover. Also, our club is in the capable hands of an incredible Board this year, but we need your participation at the Meeting of the Members in January. It's where we hold Board elections for the upcoming year, so if you're eager to get involved, whether as a volunteer or as a board member, don't hesitate to throw your hat in the ring when the call for board member elections goes out.

Exciting times lie ahead, and we can't wait to embark on this journey with all of you. Stay tuned for more details and get ready for an unforgettable year of adventure with the SoCal Rover Club.

Ed Testa
President

This months adventure to Johnson Valley was both longer and more exciting that anticipated than the "Scenic" label in the description. We had 17 rigs head out around 9AM after the leaders finally made it to the trail head.

The club members had an easy run through the King of Hammers site to the Chocolate Thunder where we grouped up for a photo. Then we headed south to Jackhammer. It was an optional “play area” Noah managed to get high centered and needed a winch to get his Discovery free. A couple other members ran less difficult routes without trouble while others were spectating.

The next segment Noah led us wide around Chocolate Thunder and north for some hill tracks. Here the club encountered a brief stretch of deep sand. Two of the early rigs bogged down, while the rest managed to skate around the edge through the rocks. One managed to get out with the help of sand tracks and the other rig was too deeply embedded and a tug from a dynamic rope set her free. Now we were all ready to move on again.

2.5 hours into our trip, Noah led us across to the Mines. The trail had suffered through the 2023 rainy season. We had some Intermediate obstacles to traverse and ran bypasses around two difficult obstacles to prevent body damage. We finally made it to the Mines for lunch around 1:30PM. We checked out the mines and ate whatever vittles each of us had brought.

Our intrepid Rovers then continued over the ridge and headed down to the desert floor navigating through more challenging features on the trail we were following. One involved a steep drop of about 12 feet where the rigs did some fancy two-wheeled balancing acts followed by tight turns through a rocky escarpment. Noah was there through it all guiding everyone safely past each challenge.

It was near 4PM when we finished skirting the Military bomb site and the group filed into the Giant Rock site at Landers.

It was a very enjoyable trip. Scenic, challenging and fun. Cudos to Noah on leading the club on another great adventure!

Well we had another amazing Rover Rendezvous up in Big Bear this year. I was glad to see all the new members and hang out with some awesome Land Rover friends. If you missed it we had Great catered BBQ, trails for all levels and a raffle that was just full packed with cool goodies. We had a Guest speaker Cody from Expedition America come talk about his passion for Land Rovers and his travels. Did i mention trails? Memories were made on and off the trails and stories of your adventures keep pouring in from the weekend. Another epic Rover Rendezvous in the books for Southern California Rver Club. 

Thanks to all who attended! There were a dozen of us who met at Eddie world under breezy conditions. After a few words between friends we were off to the Phillips loop trailhead. The day was nice and clear and very few people on the trail. About halfway up the loop we took a small detour to the famous Kramer Arch.  Everyone threaded the needle like champs. We had a small amount of carnage, upper quarter panel on Davids LR3 and Chuck busted out one of his windows! Don't sweat it guys! It will buff right out! We then headed to a flat space on the trail to regain composure and lick some wounds, but then we were off again with smiles all around. Further down the trail we came upon some fun little rocky waterfalls to crawl up. David and Seth spotted everyone through with no issues! Nice job guys! Having gotten over the obstacles we decided it was lunch time (my favorite time of the day). After lunch we proceeded to Wall Street Overlook to find a place to camp, but no such luck. We went back to Phillips Loop and found a nice protected area to pitch camp. We sat around the fire with minimal wind and reminisced about the day's events. Everyone enjoyed a nice meal together and a libation or 2? The night was crisp but not too cold, didn't hear a peep from anyone until 8 AM. We got packed up and took quick visit to the ghost town the next day. I highly recommend this trail to all members. It has a little something for everyone. See everyone at the next one! 

Jerry Sanfilippo, SCRC Trailmaster   

                                                                                              

The January Annual member meetup was a total blast. Over 70 members showed up, and there were rows of Land Rovers in the parking lot. We elected the  board members for 2022. Adam stepped down from President position. We are grateful for all the work he put into the club this year.  Ed Testa was voted in as President and Nick Torina was elected in as Vice President. The rest of the incumbent board members retained their positions. The voting was performed on-line using our legacy website.

New Board of Directors of 2022
  President: Ed Testa
  Vice President: Nick Torina
  Treasurer: Ray Borzone
  Secretary: Diana Landais
  Trail Master: Jerry Sanfilippo
  Social: Eddie Mah
  Sponsor Ambassador: Stephen Beres

We had a taco truck to feed those who turned out, and as always Val was brewing up his amazing coffee on the tailgate. MMmmmmmm. All the while, the kids ran around and played in the park.  Stephen Beres  brought a 'Camel Trophy kids car'  for them to off-road in and about the only pile of dirt in the parking lot. Great times with the club. 

See ya'all next month. Stay tuned.