Too much going on this past weekend but would definitely like to make it next year.

 

Anyone going to the East event on 15-17 May, 2026? Have dealer invite been sent?

https://www.destinationdefenderusa.com

 

I got the invite for the event in May in NY. Also get invitations for the facility in Vermont on a near monthly basis.

As for Destination Defender, It looks intriguing and I think my wife would really enjoy it as usually when we take offroad trips, its her riding shotgun in a loud diesel stinkbox but this might be a more ... civilized experience - and she'd be all about learning how to drive the Defender offroad.

I just worry about the coil-sprung truck getting beat up. No offroad height option really neuters its capability. Also this is right smack in the middle of playoff hockey season and she's got her doctoring responsibilities to think of during that time. Tough to make plans for mid-May when you don't know how far your team is going to go!

 

Make sure you have AT tires on your car - it gets MUDDY.

 

We went last year and really enjoyed it. The camping area was *super* muddy, so the advice about having A/T tires is well noted. Land Rover strongly discourages you from using your own vehicle on their off-road course. If you really want to, they'll let you (provided you have air suspension), but any damage and tire punctures are on you. The off-road course is very short anyway, not really a trail riding experience.