Off-roading enthusiasts will tomorrow embark on another thrilling driving experience with the annual staging of the ‘Return to Serge’ excursion through the rugged eastern hills of the island.

Participants are scheduled to depart from the Bob Marley statue, across from the National Stadium in Kingston at 9:00 am, heading to Papine and into the St Andrew hills in the off-road event, now in its fourth year.

The 4-Real Offroading, a small group of motoring enthusiasts, started the off road excursions several years ago to enable their small cluster of friends and family to explore areas of rural Jamaica.

“Three of us started doing off-roading as a pastime years ago and it just kept growing and growing,” organiser Wayne Reynolds told Auto. He said that along with friends, Craig Bernard and Chris DaCosta, weekends were often set aside to explore sections of the island off the beaten track.

Such was its success, the weekend jaunt has since evolved into a full-scale excursion with many enthusiastic and adrenaline-pumped individuals joining up to test the capabilities of their 4×4 vehicles, wherever and whenever the opportunity arises.

“Four years ago we started to promote ‘Return to Serge’ as a public event,” said Reynolds.

“It’s a family fun day that really shows people what’s on offer in our country,” he added.

Tomorrow, backed by ATL Automotive, Return to Serge is expected to be the biggest and best in its history.

Reynolds told Auto that response has been “tremendous”, with at least 100 bikers and 80 off-road vehicles slated to take the trek through the island’s eastern hills ending up at the Hillside Falls behind Serge Island in St Thomas. “Expect a lot of dirt bike riders,” he commented.

With such a line up of vehicles, and an alluring destination, the day promises a thrilling journey steeped with camaraderie as the route traverses sections in the mountainous terrain such as Guava Ridge, Mavis Bank, Bethel, Hagley Gap and Trinityville.

The organisers remind that particpants should bring their own food and drink and come prepared “with a vehicle that can handle the rugged road, a hat, sun block and swim gear to take a dip in the river.”

Adventure lovers are invited to be part of the action in their own 4×4 vehicles, trail bike or quad by joining the convoy and taking part in the cross-country drive.

“ATL Automotive will be on hand with leading Volkswagen and Land Rover models, including the highly anticipated Volkswagen Amarok, the 2010 International Pickup of the year award winner, available to test drive,” said ATL Automotive PR manager Mitchell Watson.

“On show will be off-roading staples in the Land Rover series – the Defender, a vehicle lauded for its rugged excellence as well as the luxurious and versatile Range Rover Sport, known not only for its style and comfort, but also its adaptability in an off-road setting,” Watson added.