Car Girl: Thayer Low

Thayer Low is an offroad adventurer, rally competitor, and Land Rover enthusiast. When she isn't putting one of her Rovers to the test the mother of two works as a freelance writer and blogger. Her daily driver is a Range Rover Classic, named Ruby that doesn't just stalk local parking lots, all of Thayer's Rovers get well used. Check out my interview with her and photos from her many adventures below.

TGR: You’ve been off-roading all your whole life, what inspires you to keep exploring the back roads and fire trails?

Thayer: I seem to find myself searching for trails (or lack thereof) farther and farther from where I live. I'd say in reality the minority of what I do ends up being out of Colorado. I think I'm continually inspired by the ever-changing terrain, awesome people I meet on treks, and the challenge of some travels - digging out at the beach or fun challenges like the hot tubs in Moab.

TGR: From Subaru to Jeep, you have had your fair share of off-roading vehicles, what drew you to the Land Rover/Range Rover brand?

Thayer: I stumbled on Land Rover a bit- I was going for a vehicle that would fit my kiddos and their stuff (possibly more kids) but retain the capabilities I wanted off-road, and hopefully more hp than the 4runner I was driving at the time. I lived by a Rover dealership and decided to see what the fuss was about. I was pretty impressed with the LR4, but honestly it has grown on me more and more since it followed me home. And the community I found with the truck was what sealed the deal!

TGR: Tell us about Ruby, your Range Rover Classic.

Thayer: I first "met" Ruby at the BC Overland Rally in Canada in 2019 and was in awe. What a beautiful truck!! But I didn't think owning it would turn into a reality. However, I was able to get the paperwork ready and bring her back just 2 weeks before the border closed this spring! The truck has a 300 Tdi with a rebuilt R380 5-speed replaced the stock 3.9L V-8 and ZF 4-speed automatic.

TGR: Do you always name your vehicles? What inspires the names?

Thayer: I grew up in a family that named all our cars. They varied from Greek gods to something political or puny. My cars usually do as well, often with a funny middle name that my kids attach (but isn't used as much!)

TGR: So now that we know a little more about your rides, tell me more about you? (day job, hobbies outside of off-roading, family, it can be as deep or surface as you like)

Thayer: I'm a freelance writer, blogger, mom of two preschool daughters (4.5 and 5.5), avid traveler, environmentalist (a bit ironic for driving two gas guzzlers I know), vegetarian.... average Coloradian in many ways.

TGR: What is your go-to trail when you just need to escape for a bit and get out in nature?

Thayer: Colorado is great in the fact I can drive about 20 minutes from my house and be on a trail. I don't have a favorite per se but often head out around Netherland for the beautiful scenery.

TGR: How did you get involved with Rebelle Rally?

Thayer: I first read about the rally in Alloy and Grit after purchasing my Rover. It looked like an awesome challenge. I've now gotten addicted to the navigational aspect, as using only a map and compass for directions is becoming a lost art.

TGR: Are you sponsored by a manufacturer or do you drive your own Rover in the rally?

Thayer: I drive my own car in the event, though I am looking into possibilities in the future.

TGR: Do you do any other dessert or off-road races?

Thayer: I have my eye set on the Baja XL and Norra 500 in the near future and Gazelle once I find more sponsors!

TGR: As a Land Rover enthusiast, what do you think of the new Defender?

Thayer: I got the chance to drive it at Land Rover's 4xFar event back in January, and then once at my local dealership, and have to say I'm quite impressed. My take wouldn't be so much to compare it to the classic Defender but to look at it as an advancement in technology and innovation. I've already seen quite a few around the Denver area being taken off-road because they are such capable machines!

TGR: What is the next big adventure you have planned?

Thayer: Should be heading down to Baja Mexico for a longer trip this February. I'm already counting down the days!