The 2025 Rolf Drommer Memorial Drive turned out to be spectacular show of BMW’s and one VW this year. It reminds me of an earlier event when Rolf invited his daughter to join us in her VW.
For those members who do not know who Rolf was; he was one of the 6 founding members of the BMW Car Club of BC. He was a strong influence in making this Club what it is today.
Unfortunately we lost Rolf a few years back due to a surgery complication. It was then we decided to rename an annual event in his honour. Thus the Harrison Fun Run became the Rolf Drommer Memorial Drive.
Although we no longer use Harrison as a destination, traditionally this event has followed the very first event held by the BMW Car Club of BC in 2 ways. It is used to introduce potential members to the Club and it always seems to rain.
This year we had a deviation from the tradition. It didn’t rain! We were also pleased to see half a dozen non-member BMW’s join us.
In the world of online media it has become difficult secure new members. The one advantage we have is that we actually put BMW events on. The overhead is covered by the volunteer time of directors and membership dues.
This year we reached out to some of the local online places BMW owners visit and invited people to join the Club for the event so that we could welcome them and introduce them to the Club. From what I heard, they had a great time and the feedback of being on such a wonderfully organized drive with 30 BMW’s was very positive.
For those of you who met us for the first time, thank you so much for joining us and I hope you consider a membership so that we may see you and your Bimmer at future events.
Each year we are trying to change the route to keep things interesting. I know many of our past routes are enjoyed and requested. Don’t worry; we will reuse them in the years to come. This year I mapped out a new route for us. I took us up into the Ryder Lake area.
I discovered Ryder Lake while working for a department in the Phone Company that focuses on 911 support amongst other things. I was dispatched to a Radio problem at the Fire Hall there. On the way there in the telephone van (The department’s budget wouldn’t spring for a M3.) I suddenly found myself wishing I was driving a BMW. I thought to myself I really need to find an excuse to share these roads and this year I did.
The other route feature we tried this year was to use the event as a way of getting some cool pictures of the BMW’s along the way. As a result we deviated off the main route in a few places. It made the drive a little longer but we all got to see some cool side roads; except the camera car that was leap frogging ahead of us on the main roads to set up the next photo shoot. As a result, those on the event will see their pride and joy pictured here.
The event concluded with Ice Cream at Kent’s Ice Cream Co. on Yale Rd in Chilliwack. We impressively filled their parking lot with BMW’s. We did call ahead and warn them we were coming and as usual they welcomed us. Our apologies go out to some of the locals who found themselves in the overflow parking and waiting in the line for ice cream. For those on the drive that had the ice cream, I’m sure you will agree it was well worth the drive. Remember to stop back in if you passing the Prest Rd exit on Hwy 1.
This year’s event rivals the very first event in terms of the number of participants. That inaugural event was advertised in the local print newspaper as social media was not a thing on the internet. We had clear of 30 cars the first year in the rain.
Thank you everyone for making this year’s event a great one. I know Rolf would be proud.
