I wanted to make a separate thread for this to gauge interest. This spring, I'd like to host a 'fun run' rally. The fun run would start near Calgary, possibly a bit north of the city, then run south and east. It would then head to the foothills and back to Calgary. It would definitely take in some gravel roads. It may be a 50/50 split between pavement and gravel but I won't know exactly until I firm up the route. There won't be any goat tracks or horrible roads that will punish your car, but this won't be a drive for show cars. It will follow some of the routes of rallies that have gone through the province in the past.

As for the details, here is what I've come up with. Let me know what you think and if you have any suggestions. If you're in, please reply so I have a ballpark number of those interested. It will be open to non-Volvos too, but no trucks. I'm also a big supporter of the Alzheimer's Society of Alberta, so I'll be using this to raise funds for them.

- 2-days of driving with an overnight stop somewhere in Alberta. The stop will have reasonable accommodation options.
- Up to 50/50 gravel/pavement split
- Max of 6-8 hours of driving
- Roads will be scenic and very fun
- All participants will receive a route book to follow
- Non-competitive but will feature some fun games to keep things interesting
- Small fee to cover event insurance (TBA)
- Participants would be required to raise $X of money for Alzheimer's (all $$ stays in Alberta)
- Participants can donate the money themselves or raise from friends/family
- Tax receipts will be issued for all funds raised
- Late spring, perhaps May long?

Thoughts? Ideas? Interest?

Some photos from Alberta to convince you:

I'm in for sure. My wife and I would love the trip. We could also do a "boys" trip as I think there are enough "good boy" tokens in the jar. Either way, I'm cool. Raising money for a good cause is also fun.

Sounds awesome - looking forward to more details.

I've got to plan around family and wife's work schedule so I can't commit until a close to the event - but if the timing works I'm in.

Rabin

If I get finished with my car before then, I'm in.

Looks like fun, not sure what car I would bring but most likely a 240 for all the gravel. Lisa's Mom had Alzheimer's so we're definitely in on that and appreciate your ongoing efforts.

Just had a thought for this event I wanted to throw out there:

If there was a possibility to work the drive around an Autocross or better yet - a rallycross event in the area that would be a nice added bonus. (Or if there was a spot to hold our own - assuming there was enough interest from the other drivers.)

I'd be happy to help organize that part, or liaise with any of the clubs down there to see about attending one of their events.

No biggie if there's no interest - just a thought.

Rabin

I can post up dates for the Southern Alberta Autocross when they come out. I like the idea. Rates are/were $40 per event for members and $50 for non-members. So no problem there.

Excellent - thanks Craig! I'd love to see how my 504 does compared to Matt's 122, or if I bring my 505 Turbo to compare with your 242...

I haven't run an autox or a rallyx in a couple years, but hoping to get some winter rallyx events in this winter.

Rabin

I'd be interested , a load of work to do on the 1800E before a road trip though.

Thanks for your ongoing support of Alzheimers.

Ok everyone, I've planned the route. The drive will start from Okotoks or High River. The first day will be approximately 6 hours and end in Waterton. There are hotels, motels, and campsites in Waterton, but they book up fast. The second day will leave from Waterton and will consist of an 8 hour drive that ends in Dead Man's Flats.

The drive will start around 9 or 10 am on a Saturday morning. Obviously Waterton accommodations book up quickly, so I'd like to pick some dates. Because of winter road closures, it will need to happen no earlier than June. August long weekend is no good for me. If you guys are interested and serious about coming, please throw up a few dates that work for you, or let me know if you are flexible.

The race schedule hasn't been released yet - but there will be events in May/June. I don't think Waterton books up fast in May! Anyway, we're in.

No EARLIER than June? That works for me, getting my car ready for May might be a bit unrealistic.

That's correct. One certain road doesn't open until about the 10th or so of June. So it will have to be later than that.

Would June 18-19 work for everyone?

Sure - depending on the race schedule. So you're talking about the going to the Sun road?

I don't think there is going to be any time in this event for an autocross or rallycross unfortunately. It's going to be a very scenic and challenging run in its own right. Lots of hills, twisty bits and some fun sweeping corners.

It will all be within Alberta, so it won't be on the Going to the Sun road. The purpose of this non-competitive rally is three-fold:

1. Drivers have a blast exploring Alberta on roads they likely haven't been on before, with very small entry fees.

2. Raise money for a great cause.

3. Give me some experience planning an event like this for a group. I've got a very lofty plan to go much bigger and better in 2017 and this is a trial run.