So I just got an email to "invite" me to a Destination Defender event coming up in May. Now this actually looks like something the missus MIGHT go for as it relates to automotive-hobby-based activities. Looks like a fancy venue (aka not camping in the middle of the woods where you have to poop in a hole) with other outdoorsy activities and food and grape-based booze.

But I'm not under any delusion that its anything other than a targeted sales pitch. One that you have to pay to attend even.

Has anyone attended any of these events? What was your experience? Was it worth it or did you feel like you were on a timeshare sales pitch cruise event?

 

I have attended a couple of such events, and I also got the email for the upcoming one in May in NY. In my opinion, they are hit or miss events. If you have never attended one, go for it. If it is not to your liking, you can always leave and treat it as a nice drive...

 

I went to the first one in NY a couple of years ago and it was really fun... for a day event. A group caravaned from the corporate headquarters in NJ. It didn't look like much to do for an entire weekend. The one in Texas may have been better.

 

Do they have any off-roading activities? It says something like that in the invitation, but no specifics.
I would be driving down from Montreal, so wondering if it is worth it.

 

I've been going to Land Rover rallies for 35 years, and have had a full range of experiences. I'd agree that one's partner and kids probably would have a better time at the Destination Defender event than others, as there are food options, lectures (i.e. how to glamp), kid ride opportunities and the like. These are photos from the November, 2022 event in Saugerties, NY. It was rather 'moist' that day, so I'm glad I did a day trip.

 

The one I went to in NY had a very short off-road / water course. Maybe 5 minutes. Waiting in the line took longer. Not sure about this years though

 

I went to the one in Sommerville Texas with my D5 back in 2023. Not much off-roading to be honest. Mostly just a muddy access road. As you drove around there were stops along the way for things like mountain biking, fly fishing, kayaking, glamping, and skeet shooting. You could sign up to drive a Trek 110 around a course they setup, but the wait was about 1.5 hours. I stayed for a couple of briefings (BT/ Rebel Rally run that had our clubs events coordinator presenting) but left right before the awards dinner. It was nice to catch up with Ralf Sarek, Justin and Eric from LKY8, and the Gilberts from HCB there.

 

I went to the one in Texas and had a great time. There were very supervised off-road driving in Defenders provided by Land Rover. I might have preferred my own, but it was still fun, and the instructor I had was great. The food was good, the drone show was incredible, and there were lots of activities for the entire family. Many people will drive across the country for these events. I'm not sure I would, but I would go again if it comes back to Texas.