Unique rally to scale Valley

Photo: Facebook: Gambler 500 BC

A unique motorsports rally that will be coming to the Okanagan this spring expects to not only bring cheap cars and good times, but community service as well.

The Gambler 500 B.C., running on May 26 and 27, originated in Oregon and has gained popularity north of the border.

Co-organizer Rick Gogush said similar events have been held in the Okanagan in the past year, but said this two-day event this spring will be the "only one in B.C." 

Gogush said the rally, which starts and ends at the Penticton Speedway, will take inexpensive cars on a two-day GPS challenge on public roads and trails. There's also a group campout at the mid-way mark. 

Several awards will be handed out after the weekend, including one for the most "trail trash" collected.

"We believe we should leave our backcountry areas cleaner than we find them," Gogush said about the event.

Participants are also encouraged to dress up their vehicles to "add to the craziness."

A meet-and-greet amongst participants will take place on May 25 at the Barley Mill Pub in Penticton before the rally begins the following day. The event will take motorists approximately 400 kilometres altogether.

There's also no limit to the number of participants and no registration fees, as "it's all just for fun," Gogush noted.

"If we can get father-son teams together to spend a weekend instead of kids being on their cell phones, that's kind of what it's all about, just to have fun."

More information can be found on the Gambler 500 B.C. Facebook page, or by calling Gogush at 250-938-1401.