SCARR 2008
By: Jim Edson
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Five years ago, the late Ross Mabey and fellow Texas Rovers club members started an annual event for Rover enthusiasts in the United States. Each year it has grown, each year hosted at Barnwell Mountain located in North Eastern, Texas. This year we had 160 participants 89 land Rovers. The trucks ranged from 1962 series to 2008 Range Rover Sport, while the majority were Discovery’s and the people ranged from such diverse locations as British Columbia and even Argentina! As well as one driver who flew in from Sheffield England. Unfortunately, Ross Mabey passed away, but much like his unmistakable legacy in the Texas Rover club history, his name lives on in this very campsite that I now sit and his memory lived on in this year’s event. . As one out of town visitor put in a post on his web site “I had a great time- much more fun that the vast majority of off-road events I’ve been to in the last 16 or so years I’ve been doing it.”
We started Thursday with Land Rovers enthusiast waiting out side the gate to register. After setting up camp they had a chance to do some trail runs and familiarize themselves with Barnwell Mountain. Those not so adventurous met for guided trail runs at the pavilion. One group of the adventures nature went over to test out twister. A nasty washed out ravine that challenges even the best-prepared vehicles.
I arrived in time to see Dan Chapman’s damage to his 97 Disco. After dinner everyone met at Camp Mabey for an informal Meet ‘n Greet. Those brave enough headed out under a clear sky and full moon for night runs. Then back to Camp Mabey for libations and campfire time. In the meantime the young children met at the Camp Mabey pavilion to have Mike Law paint tire tracks on their SCARR shirts. This turned out to be such a super hit that even some of the adults had their shirts painted with tread marks and one Series II ended up with tread marks up one wing. Friday morning everyone met for more fun in the sun and organized trail runs. One group decided to test their metal on “Twister” while others not so adventurous explored less difficult trails. The easy group headed out led By Darrell Oliver with me as “Tail Gunner” in the rear. As we pulled off the main road. Not even a hundred yards up the trail Anne Lockley was on the CB saying she was getting rear tire rub… Apparently on her way here from Canada, she had some tire work done. The person must of used her trailing arms as jack points, bending both of them. Most every one had done this run earlier and felt like old pros. So, when Darrell asked if any one wanted to try some mud? They all said yes. Cutting over to “We Show” normally an easy trail. After folding in our mirrors to make it between the trees, and negotiating sharp corners,and close trees, we were brought to a stop.
Darrell had gotten stuck in his mud hole. To make matters worse the opposite bank was higher than his bumper and wet clay. Out came the winches. I backed out to the main trail; several others managed to turn around after much back and forth m maneuverings. We took the main trail around in time to watch all the action with the winch. One LR3 received miner cosmetic damage to the passenger rear door. When we got back to the main pavilion, Anne’s Rangie was ready to go again with help from several handy folks. While the big kids played on the trails, the younger folks (and some parents) met Mike Law at the pavilion for a kids’ Scavenger hunt. Mike also helped those who had not received their tire track, paint them on their shirts. Based on SCARR 07 surprise hit, a Timed Run through the obstacle course was located and a “Trust Your Spotter and driver blindfolded” run on the same course tested everyone’s’ skills. The best time was the team of Tom Griggs and “Moses”. After all this excitement everyone congregated at the Pavilion for a Tailgate Party & Cookout Dinner of grilled hot dogs and hamburgers and a chance to mingle with friends old and new. Any gathering of Land Rovers turns into a show as folks inspect each other’s vehicles and modifications. Just as darkness fell, Mike Law gathered up all the kids for a Flashlight Trail Walk and furnished each with a flashlight donated by Coppell ACE Hardware. While Mike led the young folks along dark trails, a group of Rovers headed out for their own fun on the trails. Others gathered around the campfire to tell more tails of the days events and enjoy some liquid refreshments.


 Saturday morning everyone was a bit slower getting started. But once up and many hot cups of strong camp coffee, most folks were ready for their daily fix of off-roading.

Scotty Thrope in his 1962 Series Land Rover with Sam and the two brothers, Ed and Max Mavle in their 69 IIA 88 Series from San Antonio pull in the queue for the intermediate group. The trail leader gets out and looks at Scotty’s 62 wagon and says “I think you are in the wrong line.” Scotty coolly replies, “no I am signed up for the intermediate group,” and he replies, “do you think your truck can make it?” Scotty gives him a confused look and said, “I think so.” He makes it over most obstacles easily until they get to the first long steep hill. Making his first run at the hill, he gets half-way up and lacks articulation enough for rear tire to drop down and make contact in a deep rut bringing him to a stop. After three tries, Ed gives him a different line that misses the deep rut. Then the Series II goes flying up across and over the rut heading straight for a large tree. With the wheels cut hard to the left they grab and miss the tree by one (1) inch and Scotty and the 1962 Land Rover wagon demonstrated to every one what off-roading skill is all about by clearing the top to a cheering crowd of well wishers

Almost everyone took advantage of “sack” lunches provided by North Texas Rover. Then back to resume Trail Runs. Some chose to explore the park at their own pace. Before a great BBQ dinner of brisket and sausage, potato salad homemade cobbler with ice cream, the obligatory Group Photo was taken. After dinner the raffle was held, and many folks headed home with great prizes, including Air tank,from Expedition Exchange, springs, roof rack, light bar, high lift tool set, and more.   After some night runs folks gathered at the Camp Mabey pavilion for an exciting slide show by German de Codova, who is traveling in a fitted out Defender 110, from Argentina to Alaska. Sunday…. Still excited about the event, but tired we all said our good byes and headed our own ways…until SCARR 09.

Driving on the trails

• Check the route on foot first to locate potential hazards . Remember trails change with the seasons, and use. The trail that was easy last month could be more aggressive this trip due to rain and excess use.
• If you are going to be driving over big rocks or deep ruts, remove the spoiler from vehicles like a Discovery. Also, it’s a good idea to remove running boards and steps that can be damaged!
• Remember the exhaust system and the catalytic converters can get extremely hot! This can cause fires in dry grass and brush. Stay alert to fire dangers!
• Remember the old adage; drive as slow as possible and as fast as necessary. This is not the Dakar or Baja Rallies.
• Secure all tools and cargo. You do not want unexpected projectiles flying around inside the cab or gear lost on the trails.

Safety on the trail

• Travel in a group of two or more vehicles. When caravaning off road, always keep visual contact with the vehicle behind you. If they disappear from sight, stop! This allows the caravan to stop as a whole and render aide if needed. If following someone, make sure you keep that vehicle in sight as well.
• If you are apprehensive or nervous about an obstacle, get in contact with the group leader or a more experienced member of the group. They will be glad to help guide you through!

Common Courtesy

• Be considerate of others on the road or trail.
• Respect the environment and the rights of others.
• Drive only where permitted.
• Leave gates as you find them.
• Yield the right-of-way to bikes, horses and hikers.
• Keep the noise and dust down. Others will appreciate it.
• Pack out what you pack in.
• Buckle up for safety.
• Drinking and driving don’t mix. Wait until the evening spent in comrade, swapping stories.
• Stay on designated roads and trails or other areas open for use.
• If motorcycles or ATVs are on the trail, give them the the right of way.

Remember: if you abuse it, you’ll probably lose it! Careless operation of your off-highway vehicle can cause damage and may result in closing of areas to four-wheel enthusiasts . By using common sense and common courtesy, what is available today will be here to enjoy tomorrow!

The following tips are from Tread Lightly!’s website. Tread Lightly! is an organization who promotes responsible off-highway vehicle use. General tips

• Stay on routes designated for four wheeling.
• Cross streams only at designated fording points, or where the road crosses the stream.
• Cross large rocks and other obstacles slowly, at an angle, one wheel at a time.
• Avoid muddy trails. Leave them for another day when they’re dry. If you do come across mud on the trail, go easy on the gas to avoid wheel spin, which can cause rutting. Don’t leave the trail to avoid muddy spots, this can widen the trail and damage trailside plant-life.
• Straddle ruts, gullies and washouts even if they are wider than your vehicle.
• Don’t turn around on narrow roads, steep terrain, or unstable ground. Backup until you find a safe place to turn around.
• Travel straight up or down hills. Don’t traverse the face of a hill; you may slip sideways or roll your vehicle.
• Stop frequently and reconnoiter ahead on foot.
• Ride in the middle of trails to minimize widening them. Avoid side-slipping and wheel spin, which can lead to erosion.
• To help with traction, balance your load and lower tire pressure to where you see a bulge (typically not less the than 20 pounds).
• Know where the differential or lowest point on the vehicle is.
• Choose the appropriate winch for your vehicle size.
• Attach towing cable, tree strap or chain as low as possible to the object being winched. Let the winch do the work; never drive the winch.
• Protect the soundscape by avoiding unnecessary noise created by your vehicle.
• Leave gates as you find them. Respect private land.
• Yield the right-of-way to those passing you or traveling uphill. Yield to mountain bikers, hikers, and horses.
• Avoid “spooking” livestock and wildlife.
• Always avoid sensitive habitats: wetlands, meadows, and tundra.
• Following a ride, wash your vehicle to reduce the spread of invasive species.
• Motorized and mechanized vehicles are not allowed in areas designated “Wilderness.”
• Pack out what you pack in. Carry a trash bag in your vehicle and pick up litter left by others.

When camping

• Whenever possible, use existing campsites. Camp on durable surfaces and place tents on a non-vegetated area. Do not dig trenches around tents.
• Camp a least 200 feet from water, trails and other campsites.
• Minimize use of fire. For cooking, try using a camp stove.

Before you go

• Contact the land manager for area restrictions, closures, and permit requirements. If you cross private property, be sure to ask permission from the landowner(s).
• Get a map.
• Make a realistic plan and stick to it. Always tell someone where you are going and your expected return time.
• Check the weather forecast.
• Make sure your vehicle is mechanically up to task. Be prepared with tools, supplies and spares for trailside repairs.
• Travel with a group of two or more vehicles, as riding solo can leave you vulnerable if you have an accident or breakdown. Designate meeting areas in case of separation.