Spring Rally Summary from the President's Perspective
Before I begin, please understand that most of what will be said below was intended to be said personally to
all of you at the BBQ. I sincerely apologize for not spending time with you at the BBQ.
I am very disappointed because it is the best part of the rally: it's where we get to enjoy each others company,
build camaraderie, hold our raffle and discuss the fabulous trails we rode that weekend. Osceola has everything a
four wheeler could want, however eight of us found out that this is sometimes not the case.
The reason I missed the BBQ is simple. We had 6 highly equipped vehicles completely stuck.
In this group we had 3 winches and used each and every one. We went on a run with about 12 trucks.
Ten hours later, 6 stuck trucks, 1 grenaded diff, 1 broken steering bracket, 1 failed alternator and a lot of
hard work got all of us out. I personally want to thank the following for their help: Jake, Matt and Brittany,
James (British 4X4), Joe (Joe's Custom Roof Racks), Bronco Jimmy, Brian and his Dad, and Marc for doing everything
they could to get us out. I want to thank Marshall White, Michael Lokey(Lokey Cross Lander of Tampa),
Rick (Rick Sanders Land Rovers, Sarasota), Sean Sanders, Steve Taylor(Certified Land Rover Tech) and Jonathan Galpin for coming to the rescue.
We would still be there if you guys did not come get us. We all appreciate it. A special thanks go to James,
Joe and Marc for taking my family safely back to camp as soon as they were able. What a long, long day that was for everyone.
Most of us got home around 1:30 am. We were wet, tired, hungry, cold and ready for a good nights sleep.
I think most of us could say we have never been that stuck.
Thank you to Gordo, Sean, Tej and Jonathan for doing a great job in my absence. You really kept everything going
and handled the situations that I should have. You all stepped up and I appreciate it.
Marc Kaz should also get a gigantic thank you. He was the Rally Master. He organized the event.
Because he was stuck out in the bush with us all night, he did not get the recognition he deserved.
Marc, you're the man and know that your hard work is greatly appreciated.
Diana Turner should also get a very big round of applause. She has designed the T-Shirts and Stickers for
the past Two Rally's. Everything looked great and we owe that to her. Thank you!!
I want to thank everyone that was able to attend. We had over 55 trucks and 80 people attend the traditional BBQ.
That's the largest turnout we've had in a long time. Thank you all for coming out.
All in all, it was a very successful Rally and I think everyone had a great time. Thanks to you, the Rally was
financially successful. You, the members, contributed over $3000 to club. Since the Clubs only real objective
is to sponsor 2 Rally's a year, we are in great financial shape. Can anyone say "Superwinch"? We will raffle off
a Superwinch EP9.0 at the Fall Rally (among other things of course).
We had 6 Charter Members attend that I haven't seen at an event in some time. I feel it's important to have these
folks at the Rally's and I sincerely appreciate them being able to make it.
We had 11 sponsors donate product for the raffle and we paid another sponsor for one of their items. The raffle
was probably one of the "richest" in club history. Our incredible sponsors really come through for us?
Please visit our sponsors section for more info. As always, buy from one of them if at all possible.
In regards to the Forest Ranger's visit, for those who did not partake in any "wrong-doings", please accept my
sincerest apologies for being made to feel as though you did something wrong. I did not get to hear their
comments at the BBQ, but I did sit down with one of the Rangers Sunday morning and had what I consider an
un-easy discussion with an ending that was somewhat positive. I will be calling the head person Monday
to personally apologize and arrange a sit-down meeting with him. It will be the first step in repairing this
relationship. Gordo and I realize that some changes need to be made to ensure that this doesn't happen again.
As those changes come about you will be the first to know.
As the president, I am excited that we had such a good turnout. It is so nice to see so many trucks come to the Rally.
Seeing all of you have such a great time makes all the hard work so entirely worth it. Where else can you find
genuine kindness and camaraderie? This club and this lifestyle have become a very large part of my family's life.
I commit to all of you that I will do everything I can to ensure you feel welcome and safe at the events and
good about the club and the forest. Positive changes have occurred since the Fall Rally and many more changes
need to be made to insure my commitment to you. I enjoy being your President and being a part of this club.
Stay Tuned and keep an eye on the website and bulletin board.
Happy Wheelin!!
Mike Mike Costello President, Florida Land Rover Club
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