With the 2005 Land Rover National Rally behind us, we would like to thank you for making this our most successfull rally ever. Over 280 attendees from across the country and around the world spent four days in Leadville, Colorado.
I just got back from the 16th Annual Land Rover National Rally hosted by the Solihull Society. I am exhausted, dirty, a little poorer and probably still a bit hung over. Despite joining me for the Rally and enjoying herself, my wife has no sympathy for all my post Rally complaints. This is my 4th Rally in succession and the best so far.
Day Three of the National Rally had attendees exploring the rich mining history of the Leadville, Colorado. One thousand feet mine shafts, ore houses, and heavy equipment relics from the 1800s were among the highlights of the tour. Other groups tackled the challenging trails of Holy Cross, Old Chinaman and others before returning to town to attend the annual banquet and raffle.
Before attending a successfull vendor night where attendees could check out the latest Rover accessories, it was another day of hitting the trails around Leadville. Holy Cross drew a large group ready to tackle this historic and challenging trail. With a broken rear axle and a loose air intake hose being the only mishaps, everyone successfully accomplished the trail including the famous French Creek crossing.
A record number of attendees arrived Thursday morning to participate in the first day of trail riding. Trails included Mosquito Pass, Holy Cross, Hagerman Pass, Old Chinaman, Red Cone and others. A cocktail party at the National Mining Museum fininshed off the night as Rover enthusiasts gathered to talk about the day’s trails and to catch up with old friends.
Land Rovers from across the country and the globe are arriving in Leadville, Colorado today. The storm clouds have cleared and the sun is shining on the historic mining town. Registration begins tonight and the first full day of trail rides begins first thing in the morning.
Check back throughout the week for more coverage of the 2005 Land Rover National Rally.
The month of July has seen high tempratures and low precipitation across Colorado. Denver recently has been experiencing record setting highs above 100 degrees (F). The forests and grasslands are very dry right now and highly prone to wildfire. We have already experienced several fires across the state and metro area with some still active. These are small fires and no where near the size of the Hayman fire from a few years ago.
If you are planning on attending the National Rally be aware that fire restrictions are in place. For most areas the following rules are in place:
The following acts are prohibited on the public land, roads, and trails described herein, until further notice:
1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire except a fire within a permanent constructed fire grate in a developed campground.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
Related Links
Colorado Fire Restrictions & Bans 2005
USDA Forest Service Pike, San Isabel National Forests Fire Bans