Land Rover and beach cruisers of ALL MAKES AND MODELS are invited to the event, which will be held at Grayton Beach State Park on Saturday, April 11th, 2015.
PRESENTED BY:
WE’D ALSO LIKE TO THANK OUR 2015 SPONSORS:
Last year, over 40 vintage Land Rover and beach cruiser enthusiasts attended the inaugural 30A Sand Rover Rally, which was featured in the Summer 2014 issue of ROVERS magazine. This year, we expect an even bigger turnout, and this year, the Editor of ROVERS magazine will be here!
Photos by Shelly Swanger Photography and Isacks Imagery.
CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL SHIRT!
9:00 AM – NOON
Use the morning to explore over 25,000 acres of protected land, including Point Washington State Forest, hit the beach, or casually cruise along Florida’s famous Scenic Highway 30A. All drivers are, of course, asked to be responsible and courteous to other drivers and to local property, and any off-roading activities should adhere to Tread Lightly principles. For those interested, a group trail ride will depart from The Bowery on Thirty-A in Redfish Village at 9:00 AM (Coordinates: 30.340999, -86.200473).
IMPORTANT TRAIL RIDE NOTES:
Some of the trails that we will explore are very narrow (as in, “knock your mirrors,” “scratch your paint,” and “tear up your surf board” narrow). If your don’t like the sound of limbs scratching along the sides of your vehicle, we strongly recommend that you stick to the main dirt roads. If you drive down the narrow sand trails, you might not be able to back out, especially if you’re part of a long caravan. Please also note that anything on TOP of your truck (flood lamps, luggage, surf boards, etc.) could easily be damaged on the narrow trails, so please go slow and be careful. Please don’t feel pressured to venture onto these narrow trails. There are plenty of great wide roads to explore!
Finally, if you have a 2-way radio or CB, bring it. We will use them to communicate.
CURRENT TRAIL CONDITIONS: Very dusty. Very little mud. The biggest danger of getting stuck is currently in the sand. To navigate sand, drive SLOW and in low gear. If you start to spin, DO NOT ACCELERATE. You will only dig yourself in deeper. Take your foot off the gas and let someone help pull you out of the hole. Another danger is gravel cracking your windshield, so don’t follow the vehicle in front of you too closely!
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Bring your vintage Land Rover or funky old beach cruiser and hang out at the 2nd Annual 30A Sand Rover Rally at Grayton Beach State Park (Coordinates: 30.326473, -86.156367). Please note that each vehicle will be responsible for paying a $5 fee to enter the park.
CLICK TO ZOOM
Based on the feedback we’re receiving, we are expecting a big turnout this year, and parking may be an issue. If “getting a good spot” is important to you (or if you have a stunning “show car”), you might consider skipping the trail ride and going to the State Park early to secure a good spot (the park opens at 8:00 AM). We really have NO IDEA how many vehicles are planning to attend this year’s rally, and the parking lot that we’ve reserved at Grayton Beach State Park is limited in size. Volunteers will be there to help tightly park all vehicles as they arrive. If the first parking lot fills up (first come, first served), then there’s another public parking lot that’s a 5-minute walk away (also first come, first served). While we hope this isn’t the case, if you are unable to find parking at the rally, please bear with us. Just come prepared to HAVE FUN and a casual beach attitude!
IMPORTANT: When in Grayton Beach State Park, please do NOT park on the dirt, grass or sand! Vehicles are only allowed to park on paved surfaces.
The park has public restrooms, however, please note that you’ll need to bring your own food and beverages, as there are no food options available inside the park, aside from a couple of vending machines. Please note that alcoholic beverages are not allowed on any State Park property.
Wear your bathing suit, because YOLO Board and Emerald Coast Hydrobikes will be there to provide free water demos!
WHAT IF IT RAINS?
We’ll get wet.
5:30 PM – UNTIL?
After-party at the world-famous Red Bar (Coordinates: 30.329359, -86.165323). Unlike Grayton Beach State Park, alcoholic beverages are allowed at The Red Bar. =)
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Campgrounds fill up fast, so if you plan to camp, please make your reservations as soon as possible. Local camping options include:
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Point Washington State Park: $10/night (RSVP: 850-547-7083)
Scenic Highway 30A is home to a very wide range of accommodations, from multi-million dollar beach front estates to cabins, studio apartments and boutique hotels:
SPECIAL 30A SAND ROVER RALLY RATES FROM MARRIOTT!
When calling, mention promo code “X09”
Courtyard Sandestin at Grand Boulevard: 866.316.8120
Residence Inn Sandestin at Grand Boulevard: 866.316.7637
South Walton is home to 25,000 acres of protected land, with Point Washington State Forest accounting for over 15,000 acres. This map shows some of the best access points for trail rides:
