I thought I saw a Hi-Lift !

When the Delaware Valley-based Royal Offroad Vehicle Expeditionary and Recreational Society (R.O.V.E.R.S.) announced the beach drive/camp out at Assateague Island National Seashore, we decided to drop in. OVLR members in attendance included Jeff Berg in 'FINSUP', a '67 IIa swb and Quintin Aspen in his J-reg 2-door Classic Range Rover. It also happened that these were the only pre-LRNA vehicles present. Bill Caloccia and Spencer Norcross attended but couldn't bring their Rovers so they rode with Jeff.

Assateague Island National Seashore is a barrier island off the outer coast of Maryland and Virginia, and has about 18 miles of beach. OVLR members joined up at the Ranger Station, to purchase the annual beach permits - a bit pricey at $60US per vehicle for the weekend. Quintin Aspin was accompanied by Flo, his smarter-half, and their friend Cherie (who is both cute and weatherproof).

L to R: Bill, Quintin, Flo, Cherie, Jeff, Spencer

We spent the morning driving along the beach, and when we reached the far end the Rovers corraled up for lunch and a kite flying contest for the children. From there we headed back up the beach when Tom Bache stopped us, and announced that it would be a tire-changing race. The vehicle had to be jacked up with the official Rover jack - no high lifts would be allowed,. The tire must be removed, run about the vehicle replaced and the equipment re-stowed. Pretty standard stuff for Series owners and ROAV Aluminium Man Triathlon™ vets.

We were in a pinch though. Jeff's vehicle only had a Jack-All and it's use was forbidden. Quintin's Rangie was fully-loaded so we'd never get to the needed equipment, never mind re-stow it. Bill suggested using a lever, but substantial objects to user as levers were in short supply on the beach - weathered driftwood isn't known for its strength. Spenny suggested adding people as a counter weight at the offside front corner. Spenny inquired of the officials if the Jack All could be used but not as a jack. The puzzled officials pondered this proposal momentarily and then said 'OK'. Team OVLR was close, but not quite there-the soft sand afforded nothing to lever against.
Then Quintin was inspired with the he-man idea of lifting the vehicle. We had no choice, all the other alternatives were exhausted. R.O.V.E.R.S. members looked on in amazement as Team OVLR mobilized to change the rear tire. Passenger Ben Lapa was assigned to be videographer, Bill to photograph it, Quintin to orchestrate the event and keep the crowds back.
Spenny, Bill, Jake and Ben Lapa (son of Hank) went to the shovels with a vengeance quickly digging 8 inch deep trenches for the offside wheels to fall into so FINSUP wouldn't slide across the beach. Hank Hi-Lift Lapa and Strong-man Spenny pitched in with brute force and hoisted the nearside rear quarter as Jeff and young Jake Hollick did the wrenching. Off came the tire (with Jake taking responsibility for the lug nuts that Jeff tossed at him, Jeff ran it around the vehicle...and quickly remounted it.

Maybe we took a little less time than the teams who used the official Rover jack, but we sure got a much larger crowd, and had a lot of fun doing it-in Series style. First prize-a tow strap was awarded the Team OVLR members, but we took pity on the team who worked so hard with the official Rover jack, as we felt we'd had an unfair advantage - in not using the offial Rover jack - and gave them the prize.

Thanks to Phil Monk and Tom Bache for putting the event together, and for allowing the OVLR members some time on the beach. We had a wonderful time, so be warned: You will see us again!

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