Interested in attending my first MAR. Can anyone give me the low down on what to expect, take with me, etc.

thanks
Dave from Virginia Beach

That is a very simple answer.

The answer is "it depends".

There are about 1 million variations on this theme - I will lay some of this out - I will probably miss more that I write.

Most people camp. (Some stay in Motels near by like the Fork Union Motor Lodge.) Camping ranges from simple pup tents to canvas castles to those very trendy roof-top tents on cars and trailers. The more civilized crowd brings camper trailers (pop ups usually - but some hard sided).

Food preparation is usually done on camp stoves. No matter where MAR is held - there is usually some stipulation on open fires so the safest plan is to bring a camp stove. Some folks eat just enough to get by - others try to out-gormet the Iron Chef. Others (probably the samrtest) roam around visiting all of their friends from over the years and graze at the various sites - every loves to show off thier cooking and share. There is a club provided dinner on Satruday night (for a fee) that is usually pretty good. Sometimes there is coffee in the morning. I usually camp with a group that feeds ourselves so I am sketchy on the details here.

As far as activities - the range of things grows. MAR is usually a gathering of 150+ Land Rovers of all shapes, ages, and sizes. Some come for hard core off roading and spend all day trying to "test" their latest off road modificaitons. Others bring really nice looking trucks and park them in the field and just hang out for the whole weekend. There are always kids around - and usually some club activity for them to do. It is a very family freindly event.

Only a very few folks bring generators for electricity and showers are not likely for this year. (There is the James River and I am sure you could bring a bar of soap <wink>.)

I have never been to a MAR where I did every trial, saw every person - every truck, and participated in every event. There is usually just too much going on to do it all.

For a MAR first timer... I would recommend a basic camp set up, bring your provisions and get your friendly on. I get the most out of meeting new people and gawking at thier trucks.

This a a huge social and wheeling event. The primary property is located about 4 miles from the intersection of RT20 and RT 678 right on the James River. There is a large open flat pasture to camp on or you can choose to locate at the higher elevation where the farm house is located. No power is on site. There is a potable water well at the farm house. There is civilization close a hand for any items you find yourself in need of including food, gas, restaurants, hotel, etc. The venue draws both families and single persons. Typically, folks of like mind tend to camp together (noisy vs quiet).
The event last four days. You'll need whatever neccessities required to last. No showers are being provided (at this point) but portajohns are placed throughout. Some people will use the river to bathe in or bring along a small portable shower system. You're camping out so keep that in mind. There is usually a number of vendors selling both new and used parts. Dinner is provided on Saturday evening for those that order in advance. You can spend your time getting to know other LR owners, flick a fishing line into the James, do some offroad driving to the level of experience you're comfortable with and just shake off the stress and commotion of everyday life.
This is the largest gathering of LR's in the USA. You won't be disappointed. We have members who have been actively involved for more than 35 years. I've been involved since the early 90's. My teen daughter has been to every event since age 5 and now brings one of her friends along. I wouldn't miss one unless illness or death forced me to. MAR means different things to different people but I know that you'll add to the event and take away enthusiasm and great memories.
Be sure to sign up before the 19th to get the discounted registration fee. I live over in Portsmouth if you're interested in more info. Just PM me.

Take an umbrella.

ezzzzzzz wrote:

This is the largest gathering of LR's in the USA.

No it's not.

Thanks so much for the feed back. I am looking forward to seeing all of the assorted LR's and learning all I can absorb.

All your tips are appreciated and help me prepare.

d

you will see a wide array of LRs, like this one that was on site on Sunday. German Camel Trophy truck, very original. Mike even took it for a brief "shakedown."

(won't attach here, I can put it up from the house.)

Here you go Chuckles.

Rookie.

who won the poll on when Chapman would hump this thread? I had 9:30, things must be hopping at the stiff farm.

ukoffroad wrote:

who won the poll on when Chapman would hump this thread? I had 9:30, things must be hopping at the stiff farm.

I made more money on Sunday that you'll make all year. Playing golf tomorrow. Be thinking about you too, Chuckles.

It's really sad that you've chosen to make a continual nuisance of yourself kind of like 'radio static', Dan. After all this time you're as relevant as a rotary phone. How much money you may earn is of no consequence to any of us. Again, it's irrelevant. What happens now? You have painted yourself into a corner with your neverending bashing of anything that isn't about you. The only choices you have left are to continue the pointless tirades or fade away.

Wow, lots to look forward too!

Oh please, Mark. I posted a picture of the exact same truck Chuckles was unable to post. But because I did so I'm "thread humping". I guess Chuckles feels his thunder was lost since pictures of that truck have been circulating around the Internet like a talking dog video after it came into port last week.

Then Chuckles goes on to talk about my profession. I merely made the comment that I do not have to work today, or the rest of the week, or the rest of the year for that matter, to put food on the table. That aggravates Chuckles because he's stuck in the same old day-to-day job barely meeting the poverty level. Chuckles thinks that by me posting to a website is a sign that business is slow when in reality a quick glance at our website would reflect otherwise.

I'll continue the pointless tirades for now.

VBDAVE,

The Land Rover group is a cross section of society. You will find most people gracious and helpful. The MAR is a lot like the rest of life, if you expect to have a great time you will. If Land Rovers are really a thing of interest to you, you will have a GREAT time. Come by to say hi!
Elton
Bronze green 109 SW IIA TDI

I will thanks. All signed up and making all of the preparations for a great first MAR. I will look for you, but don't feel shy about grabbing the clueless first timer in the Masai Red Stage 1 to introduce yourself.

I don't know anyone. However, I feel sure that by the end of MAR, I will have a great list of folks to keep in touch with.

Dave

Elton wrote:

VBDAVE, The Land Rover group is a cross section of society. You will find most people gracious and helpful. The MAR is a lot like the rest of life, if you expect to have a great time you will. If Land Rovers are really a thing of interest to you, you will have a GREAT time. Come by to say hi! Elton Bronze green 109 SW IIA TDI

Well put Elton. I look forward to it every year rain or shine. It's as much about catching up with old friends that I only see once a year as it is about wheeling. I've even been there when I didn't have a rig to wheel.

I'll be driving and ugly old tan 109 with a cummins swap and no roof. Stop by and say hi if you get a chance.

Dan