tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12082093806810463752024-03-13T07:34:43.733-04:00This Old ShovelAt the start of the 2007 IronButt RallyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208209380681046375.post-12583288155934542072014-12-23T16:09:00.000-05:002014-12-23T16:09:03.885-05:00ButtLite 7 and Other Fun Stuff<h3>
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Chapter One: Getting There</h3>
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I find it ironic, that while waiting for the chance to participate in a TeamStrange legendary ButtLite Rally, I was able to enter and ride both the IronButt Rally (2007) and the 2010 5-Day Spank Rally.<br />
Probably not the best sequence of events for Long Distance Rallying, which may explain a lot in regards to my performances.<br />
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I had been wanting to ride a ButtLite Rally ever since discovering and following TeamStrange activities since 2000. I'm pretty sure I found the TeamStrange website because of a mention by Ron Ayers in his now classic book, "Against the Wind." However, many years would pass without my participation. It was always that "no time" and/or "no money" thing. <br />
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Finally, 2014 and<b><i> ButtLite 7</i></b> IS IT ! !<br />
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All the stars have lined up and it's a GO....... well, except for the ignition failure and subsequent repairs under a highway bridge near Cobleskill, New York. No place to do much troubleshooting, so I disconnected the nice and expensive electronic module and re-installed the stock "point and condenser" ignition. The bike started and ran great, so I continued on....... all the way to Minneapolis to Rally Headquarters.<br />
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Go figure.<br />
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This roadside repairing nonsense is getting old.</h2>
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TeamStrange had chosen the Sheraton in Minnetonka, Minnesota for their Rally HQ, plus the Start and End for ButtLite 7. What a great place. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Classic TeamStrange excellent facility and top shelve operation. Thanks.<br />
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<h3>
Chapter Two: On With the Show</h3>
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I have decided to not bore you with my day to day; bonus to bonus; rally story. I think I'll just highlight a few of my mistakes, which hopefully others can learn from. </div>
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The morning of:</div>
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Rally morning prepping.</h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;">ButtLite 7 Start ....... oh look, it's raining, what a shock ! ! !</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">If You Don't Want to Screw Up Your Rally - Read the Damn Book ! ! ! !</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><b><u>Mistake Number One:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></span></div>
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<b>56) Milwaukee, WI 455 points Dawn to 11 pm HOLLER</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The basement of the Holler House tavern contains the oldest sanctioned bowling lanes in the US.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Built in 1908, its pins are still set by hand. It’s also known for its tradition that women visiting for</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">the first time leave their bras hanging from the bar’s ceiling. In 2013, a fire inspector decided the</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">accumulated bras were a fire hazard, and ordered them taken down, but backed off after a public</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">outcry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We’d really like to see a photo of you bowling on one of the two manually-operated lanes in the</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">basement, but the Holler House hours tend to be highly irregular and the pinsetters only come to</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">work when there’s enough business. <b>So, instead, get a photo of your motorcycle in front of the bar </b><b>showing the “Holler House” lettering across the front.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">2042 W Lincoln Ave. 43.00306, -087.93952</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Seems easy enough right?</span></span></h2>
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This was the Bonus photo I submitted ....</h2>
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This is the view I should have photo'd ...... D'oh!!</h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;">All I had to do was just walk around the corner and I would have seen the correct view....... what a dolt ! ! ! !</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Anyway....... POINTS DENIED !!!!</span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Mistake Number Two:</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>113) Rochelle, IL 455 points 24 hours ROCHELLE</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Rochelle, at the crossing of two main line railroads running west from Chicago, has been a popular</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">destination for trainspotters for years. So much so, the town built a park around the junction to</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">provide a safe and comfortable spot for train watching.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Get a photo of a train passing through the rail crossing at the west end of the park.</b> If you don’t want </span><span style="font-size: small;">to wait for a train (there are 90 to 120 trains per day passing through the park) you may obtain two </span><span style="font-size: small;">time-stamped receipts from Rochelle, IL, not less than one hour apart. You may not collect any other </span><span style="font-size: small;">bonuses while you are waiting for a train or for the hour to pass.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">N 9th Street between 1st Ave and Lincoln Ave. 41.92024, -089.07115</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Again, seems easy enough......</span></div>
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This was the Bonus photo I submitted .....</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VYpXQ_-_YWQ/VI89J1WraeI/AAAAAAAAAyE/q04_gFCYUco/s1600/ROCHELLE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VYpXQ_-_YWQ/VI89J1WraeI/AAAAAAAAAyE/q04_gFCYUco/s1600/ROCHELLE.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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This is what it should have looked like .....duh ! ! !</h2>
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It would seem I had a little trouble differentiating between what I thought was considered the "rail crossing" area and the actual "rail crossing." I'm not really sure why I assumed the "viewing park" would be considered the "rail crossing." ....... some days I amaze myself.<br />
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Anyway...... POINTS DENIED !!!!<br />
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Moving on now.<br />
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Chapter Three: Slowing My Roll</h3>
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The following photos depict scenes that I encountered during my rally that consumed valuable rally time. I have no one to blame but myself for wasted time. But I enjoy it and it's how I rally.</div>
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So, in no particular order: <b>Things NOT to do on your rally.</b></div>
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Stopping to admire nice "rides" with cool trailers, will slow your rally down.</h2>
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Do you think his other "car" is a '55 Chevy?</h2>
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NOT a UFO...... just another silo top. It was slooooow going, following this thing into Niobrara.</h2>
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Visiting non-bonus famous geo landmarks will slow your rally down.</h2>
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Stopping for construction and waiting for "pilot car" will slow your rally down.</h2>
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Turtles don't have a chance crossing roads. You have to help them out, but it will slow your rally down.</h2>
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Waiting for long trains to pass will slow your rally down. </h2>
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Legend has it that John Dillinger once stated that he never robbed a bank in Muncie, Indiana, because there were so many trains passing through, he was afraid he would get trapped.</h2>
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Taking selfies at bonus locations ..... slows your rally down.</h2>
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I did like this bonus. I took some time to check it out. That definitely slows your rally down.</h2>
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Good old bungee "anti-rattle." It worked .... for a while.</h2>
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Until ......</h2>
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Dealing with this sort of stuff can really slow your rally down.</h2>
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Pausing for personal reflection can slow your rally down.</h2>
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Just enjoying the view...... wasting time, most definitely slows your rally down.</h2>
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Giving in to the urge to take "souvenir" photos will slow your rally down.</h2>
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Stopping to get a break from the heat. It was brutally hot, so I chilled out in the shade for awhile.</h2>
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Couldn't really rest. I just stared at this for awhile. Either way this will slow your rally down.</h2>
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Yep, stopping to gawk at the "Weinermobile," most definitely is a rally time killer. But, you would not believe how cool this thing is on the inside. Kind of a cross between Dr. Seuss and the Jetsons.</h2>
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Check Point down time. I almost slept through the Rider's Meeting ! </h2>
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This was the parking lot at the Mid Rally Checkpoint at Lone Star BMW. The folks here were fabulous and we are very thankful for their support of the ButtLite Rally.</h3>
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Chapter Four: Epilogue</h3>
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Despite my rather casual rally competing style, I did manage to finish 46th place out of 49. Total score was 16,716 points, with 3759 miles. Just to give perspective, that was 3,354 points less than HALF the total points of first place finisher, Josh Mountain ! ! ! He had an awesome ride. Congratulations to you Josh and all the ButtLite 7 riders. </div>
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With all the bowling references and bowling theme bonuses, I think my point cover played along well. I actually have had this cover for many, many years. It pays homage to the fact that my beloved "Shovel" is in fact, an AMF Harley. </div>
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"Candlepins" - It's an East Coast thing.</h2>
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When all the dust settled, I ended up earning one of these, which rests proudly in my garage.</h3>
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Best darn sticker in the whole wide world.</h2>
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I did in fact have a great rally experience. I never got rained on, except at start. No enhanced performance awards were collected. No animal strikes. I ate and rested well. I was successful in collecting all the bonuses I wanted to. I did have my share of mechanical problems, but they were not total surprises nor were they rally ending. No close encounters of any kind. I came close to running out of fuel, but managed to always make it on fumes. <br />
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It was a GREAT, GREAT rally, and my deepest thanks and admiration to Rally Staff and all who volunteered and/or had anything to do with this rally. You all are to be congratulated for a job WELL DONE ! ! !<br />
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Thank You Very Much,<br />
<br />
Mark W. Collins<br />
Kingston, Massachusetts<br />
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<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Other Fun Stuff:</span></h2>
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I came across this plaque some months ago. If any RallyMaster out there, is looking for a very urban bonus location, this shouldn't be too hard to find.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">RallyMastering - My View From Scratch</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Plymouth, Massachusetts</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">July 14, 2012</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">M</span></b>alcomb Forbes once said in an interview, " If you scratch the surface of any governor, you are likely to find a president trying to get out." I'm afraid this scenario may also apply to the Long Distance Riding community as well. If you were to scratch through the ballistic nylon and Gortex of most any LDR rallyist, you would, most likely, uncover a new RallyMaster, eager to produce their first rally.<br />
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In September 2011, Lisa Erbes and TeamStrange announced their plans for the newly created Team Lyle Rally, to go national !!! Lisa invited experienced and would be RallyMasters, to host a TLR in their local area, as a fund raiser for the Eddie's Road Foundation. It was like my skin was being scratched with a back hoe. I was emailing Lisa with a resounding "YES", even before I knew what the heck I was doing. <br />
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With rally logistics and potential bonus locations, screaming through my head like a rocket sled on rails, I was praying that normal thinking would soon return. I did realize we were talking about TeamStrange. Who the hell did I think I was, hosting anything in the name of TeamStrange. <br />
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Besides, we all know how most rocket sleds end.......<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tHXk12T3MuY?rel=0" width="640"></iframe><br />
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And so it came to pass, I would host a Team Lyle 8 Hour Rally in New England.<br />
Now what do I do?<br />
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After twelve years of enjoying rallies around the country, on July 14th, I would finally be able to give something back to the LDR community.<br />
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The rally would start and end in Plymouth, Massachusetts. It was close to home and I secretly wanted the city of my birth to be documented in the annals of LD riding for something other than a "photo bonus" of that big rock on Water street. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bcd21pktMlk/UIGcbYjbzGI/AAAAAAAAAho/hJT2chtTa40/s1600/PlyRock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bcd21pktMlk/UIGcbYjbzGI/AAAAAAAAAho/hJT2chtTa40/s1600/PlyRock.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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Plymouth is so much more...<br />
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Like great beaches and a beautiful harbor:<br />
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Awesome homes and a friendly downtown:<br />
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And yes, there is the Mayflower:<br />
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But we do have our own paddle wheel too:<br />
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Even some silly guys in top hats:<br />
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And where do you think all that cranberry sauce comes from?<br />
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For the best "chowda", this is the place:<br />
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(... too bad I didn't put any of these places in the rally.) Oh well.<br />
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**** This concludes the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce portion of our program.******<br />
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I had chosen July 14th because it would interfere the least with other rallies. Besides, it was Bastille Day, which may or may not have been useful when the time came. I had always felt that the following weekend after the July 4th holiday, was ripe for a rally. A cheap excuse to burn some gas between the excitement that most enjoy over the 4th, and before the start of the August vacation season, (and big multi-day rallies and such). Next was to find a host (starting) location.<br />
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In keeping with the Team Lyle Rally concept of low cost, minimal set-up, one day events, I needed to choose a starting and ending location that would be easy access, moto-friendly, and most importantly, wouldn't cost me anything. Naturally I found what I was looking for quite by accident. While scouting a potential bonus at the Service Area on Rte 3 in Plymouth, ( there is a unique "whispering giant" totem pole outside the building: )<br />
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I soon realized that this Service Area would work well as a starting and ending location for my rally. Easy access. Food and fuel readily available. Plenty of tables, inside and out, for riders to use for route planning.</div>
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Cool.</div>
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<b><i><u>Next was the format.</u></i></b></div>
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I wanted to keep the rally as simple as possible. The more inviting to new rallyist, the better. No camera needed. No fuel log required. You did not need mapping software or even a GPS. Although, all that stuff is nice to have, I did not want newbies to be intimidated by their lacking such stuff.</div>
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I was confident that all the bonus locations would be easy to find with just written directions, (old school). I did however impliment one policy that I appreciated from my first Minnesota 1000 experience back in '03. Riders would not recieve any electronic info files prior to rally day. In fact, there were no electronic files available at all. I would distribute Rally Bonus Listings, in paper copies only. Plus riders would not recieve said Bonus Listings untill approximately 1 and 1/2 hours before Rally start. Just like the early days.</div>
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<b><i><u>Reality Bites.</u></i></b></div>
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After swapping many emails with Lisa, I had a basic Rally Plan in motion. Time, date and location were set. It was now well into the winter months here in New England. I was now focused on working on the Bonus Listings and preparing to build the rest of the rally.</div>
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I had already decided that I would not be dealing with a lot of "rally swag" and prizes. But I knew I needed T-shirts, trophy plaques and stickers as a minimum purse for a rider's entry fee. Time to investigate sponsor hunting. The trophies and stickers were not a big deal, but the T-shirt thing was something else. Although the whole TLR concept is low cost, I did want the T's to be of good quality. I would have to find a sponsor to help with the cost. It did not go well. My typical sponsor encounter would always end something like this:</div>
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Dealer: "T-shirts? What T-shirts?"</div>
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Poor me: "T-shirts for a fund raiser, Sir"</div>
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Dealer: "Nah, I already have T-shirts"</div>
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Poor me: "No sir, these T's would be for the riders. I just need help with the cost. I would like to list your shop as a sponsor and supporter of the rally"</div>
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Dealer: "What rally? ....... look kid, I told ya, I already got T-shirts"</div>
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Poor me: "Yes but, ........ never mind, thank you for your time."</div>
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It was going to be a long winter. It would appear that I could use some sponsor hunting education.</div>
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As it turned out, I was able to secure a good deal on T's from a good friend at church, who's brother just happens to run a graphics print shop in Connecticut.</div>
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WVA Graphics</div>
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Moodus, CT</div>
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They did an awesome job. Thanks.</div>
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<b><i><u>More reality:</u></i></b></div>
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I'm going to need help. A rally staff would be nice. But who? It's obvious I can't do this all alone. Then one day in early Spring, I get an email from Lisa. She tells me Bill Yarian from Indiana is looking to help with the Eddie's Road Foundation. Bill is a long time rider and rallyist, so when Lisa suggest that Bill could help out with the Team Lyle Rallies, BINGO, she sends him my way.</div>
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I now have some much needed help. It's a Christmas Miracle !!!</div>
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Your 2012 TLR New England Rally Staff. (Bill's on the right)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GNMvG7ViUac/UN3oBJ6NDTI/AAAAAAAAAkE/hTosxZ0imJE/s1600/Me&Bill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GNMvG7ViUac/UN3oBJ6NDTI/AAAAAAAAAkE/hTosxZ0imJE/s1600/Me&Bill.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Chuck Quintero</td></tr>
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So now fast forward to July 2012, and it's Showtime ! ! ! ! </div>
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I had utilized Jason Jonas' RideMaster for registration purposes. Which we all know, works very well. Thank you Sir ! ! !</div>
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I had 20 riders sign up. 16 arrived on Rally Day. It was modest, but I was very thankful to all those who signed up and chose to come and play.</div>
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Thank you all so very much.</div>
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<strong><em><u>Rally Morning</u></em></strong></div>
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It was a beautiful day, although it was going to get hot.</div>
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Riders started arriving around 6:00 am. I was very anxious and just prayed all went well. I've always had a great appreciation for what it takes to build and execute a good rally. I would consider myself lucky, if I just came close. The parking lot started to fill up. I was feeling a little better.</div>
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I had a good mix of new riders and great rally vets that rounded out the field. Many of the veteran riders were friends I knew from the annual <a href="http://www.minuteman1000.com/" target="_blank">MinuteMan 1000 Rally</a>. It was an honor to have them come and play today. </div>
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<b><i><u>Every Picture Tells A Story...donut?</u></i></b></div>
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Rally HQ and my first RM speech.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PPHc14Q0MqM/USt4FXjHTMI/AAAAAAAAAkU/X7LDA_Qo2L4/s1600/My+1st+speech.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PPHc14Q0MqM/USt4FXjHTMI/AAAAAAAAAkU/X7LDA_Qo2L4/s1600/My+1st+speech.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Chuck Quintero<br />
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Rally HG and a couple of early arrivals.</div>
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More early arrivals.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jz8qbljNr8I/USuNL-Wz-RI/AAAAAAAAAkw/pFztaNcKJ78/s1600/early+arrivals.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jz8qbljNr8I/USuNL-Wz-RI/AAAAAAAAAkw/pFztaNcKJ78/s1600/early+arrivals.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now we are getting a good gathering.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UbVcBlQFI5o/USulmtBtfAI/AAAAAAAAAmI/juiPOVY-eRU/s1600/Good+gathering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UbVcBlQFI5o/USulmtBtfAI/AAAAAAAAAmI/juiPOVY-eRU/s1600/Good+gathering.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Chuck Quintero</td></tr>
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Anthony Mills and Bruce Jansen are seen waiting for the RM to get his act together.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XYEG5lTL7Cc/USumEHUtrmI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/ztIOILYQEsI/s1600/Anthony&Bruce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XYEG5lTL7Cc/USumEHUtrmI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/ztIOILYQEsI/s1600/Anthony&Bruce.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Chuck Quintero</td></tr>
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Super Secret Surprise Guest........Paul Pelland. (far left, pointing)</div>
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Paul stopped by to lend his support and also made a donation to the cause. </div>
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Paul is embarked on his own long journey. <a href="http://www.longhaulpaul.com/" target="_blank"> Long Haul Paul.</a> Please lend him your support.</div>
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Many blessing upon you my friend. Be well.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BLuslR4g90A/USuQlsc4vqI/AAAAAAAAAlI/Lh4mJByU9ZI/s1600/LongHaulPaul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BLuslR4g90A/USuQlsc4vqI/AAAAAAAAAlI/Lh4mJByU9ZI/s1600/LongHaulPaul.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Chuck Quintero</td></tr>
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After Bonus Listings are handed out, the planning begins.</div>
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Kara and James doing route planning the old school way ...... I Love It ! ! !!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-279_EuWrogw/USuSwAwri0I/AAAAAAAAAlc/jK0HYHuMUHE/s1600/Kara&James.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-279_EuWrogw/USuSwAwri0I/AAAAAAAAAlc/jK0HYHuMUHE/s1600/Kara&James.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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My good friends, Doc and Ann Cook. Although they had to leave the rally early, I was very glad they came to play.</div>
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I like this photo. It shows Kate Johnston literally doing route planning, "on the road".</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qeVSClmvS1o/USuUwjIZNTI/AAAAAAAAAl0/aPeUQu7up5o/s1600/Kate+on+pave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qeVSClmvS1o/USuUwjIZNTI/AAAAAAAAAl0/aPeUQu7up5o/s1600/Kate+on+pave.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Chuck Quintero<br />
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Some pre-rally strategies.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9lVbAe5R42s/USusfqC_12I/AAAAAAAAAmk/9uYM34igrVE/s1600/Pre+rally+strat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9lVbAe5R42s/USusfqC_12I/AAAAAAAAAmk/9uYM34igrVE/s1600/Pre+rally+strat.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Chuck Quintero</td></tr>
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The latest in rally comfort wear. If you are going to rally, you might as well be comfy.</div>
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I really enjoyed Jack and Grace. It was fun having you two attend.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yWwwSan0S2I/USutgmPioBI/AAAAAAAAAms/4qtUDG6e0kA/s1600/Jack&Grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yWwwSan0S2I/USutgmPioBI/AAAAAAAAAms/4qtUDG6e0kA/s1600/Jack&Grace.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Chuck Quintero</td></tr>
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Well folks, it's showtime. </div>
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9:00 am and time to get this going.</div>
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Doc and Ann Cook take off.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Y7w8oxXu7A/USuugZSjMLI/AAAAAAAAAm0/6i-3koafRUQ/s1600/Doc&Ann+leave.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3Y7w8oxXu7A/USuugZSjMLI/AAAAAAAAAm0/6i-3koafRUQ/s1600/Doc&Ann+leave.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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As all the riders made their way out of the parking lot, I was feeling pretty good. With expert help from Bill, who did a fab job of recording everyone's odo readings and signing folks in. It was all jelling as planned.</div>
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Thank you so much Bill for all your help. You made it look so easy.</div>
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<b><i><u>Just a few bonuses along the way......</u></i></b></div>
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This was the Garbage Museum in Connecticut, it was closed. But I thought the blue dino was cool.</div>
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Glasphalt? If you do go to the Garbage Museum, you end up driving on this stuff.....not sure if it's such a good idea.</div>
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Glasphalt sculpture?</div>
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I thought the Barker Cartoon Museum in Conn., would be a fun bonus to walk around in.</div>
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A few riders did go there.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9_PZv3x2lc/USuyKb97oJI/AAAAAAAAAnU/k_YgxSLFh5o/s1600/Strange+Yard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9_PZv3x2lc/USuyKb97oJI/AAAAAAAAAnU/k_YgxSLFh5o/s1600/Strange+Yard.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The John Alden House, Duxbury, Mass.</div>
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John Alden was not a Pilgrim, but history records that he was the one who stepped off the Mayflower onto "Plymouth Rock."</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RS6RSRTkAoY/USuzSsaFXCI/AAAAAAAAAnc/uqGHRvx97NY/s1600/John+Alden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RS6RSRTkAoY/USuzSsaFXCI/AAAAAAAAAnc/uqGHRvx97NY/s1600/John+Alden.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Chuck Quintero</td></tr>
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Evidently, Hammond Castle in Gloucester, Mass. was such a cool bonus, that one rider stepped out of the rally to take the tour. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rX5ckop-Kww/USu0XkFqpHI/AAAAAAAAAnk/w2BTQ2ce4do/s1600/Hammond+Castle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rX5ckop-Kww/USu0XkFqpHI/AAAAAAAAAnk/w2BTQ2ce4do/s1600/Hammond+Castle.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Chuck Quintero</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sm_RPK7oJYk/USu0pcabMkI/AAAAAAAAAns/Ylhftrvgpjo/s1600/Hammond+Plaque.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sm_RPK7oJYk/USu0pcabMkI/AAAAAAAAAns/Ylhftrvgpjo/s1600/Hammond+Plaque.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lG2YM1bLwlM/USu1Guiw1NI/AAAAAAAAAn0/MClVEcFa-vI/s1600/castle+yard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lG2YM1bLwlM/USu1Guiw1NI/AAAAAAAAAn0/MClVEcFa-vI/s1600/castle+yard.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Chuck Quintero</td></tr>
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Jack and Grace Garvin seem to show up everywhere. Claiming the sub bonus.</div>
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USS Albacore Submarine Memorial., Portsmouth NH.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yiettIsEyjU/USu1_zAU0SI/AAAAAAAAAn8/zTcHEkugFLM/s1600/Jack&Grace+Sub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yiettIsEyjU/USu1_zAU0SI/AAAAAAAAAn8/zTcHEkugFLM/s1600/Jack&Grace+Sub.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Chuck Quintero</td></tr>
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This was what the riders were looking for.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HAofrjD-Tng/USu2wk5aSnI/AAAAAAAAAoM/6119RJfZ4RU/s1600/Albacore+Bench.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HAofrjD-Tng/USu2wk5aSnI/AAAAAAAAAoM/6119RJfZ4RU/s1600/Albacore+Bench.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Capt Percival's Grave, Somewhere on the Cape.</div>
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Talk about a long distance traveler......</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-taReB2qh7D8/USu3xs65FCI/AAAAAAAAAoU/y9uw4nVpV9U/s1600/Mad+Jack.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-taReB2qh7D8/USu3xs65FCI/AAAAAAAAAoU/y9uw4nVpV9U/s1600/Mad+Jack.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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This one was for Rick W.</div>
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Historical Marker for a huge tree that is no longer there......huh?</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ciQBq1m7Dyk/USu4ZVn7M9I/AAAAAAAAAoc/uVMaZrnhlyw/s1600/Great+elm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ciQBq1m7Dyk/USu4ZVn7M9I/AAAAAAAAAoc/uVMaZrnhlyw/s1600/Great+elm.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Well all righty then..... Time to head for the barn.</div>
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I am very pleased and relieved to say that all the riders where present and or safely accounted for.</div>
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That makes a RallyMaster very happy.</div>
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We did have a few DNFs, for personal reasons and a few DNS. But I thank them all so very much for supporting the rally and coming out to play. Please come back next year.</div>
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Some post rally tire kicking.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iLdG1jOxDzc/USu6YQO9-RI/AAAAAAAAAok/MgqSlnzLaSg/s1600/post+rally+gather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iLdG1jOxDzc/USu6YQO9-RI/AAAAAAAAAok/MgqSlnzLaSg/s1600/post+rally+gather.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Chuck Quintero</td></tr>
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While I was crunching away on score sheets, several riders enjoyed a post rally feed, supplied by my wife Carol and daughter Amber, who put together a great meal for all to enjoy. Thank you both so very much.</div>
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Sorry about the focus.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-956hy9PdL2M/USu7oNnaqZI/AAAAAAAAAo0/TI8k_72dmdk/s1600/Post+rally+dinner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-956hy9PdL2M/USu7oNnaqZI/AAAAAAAAAo0/TI8k_72dmdk/s1600/Post+rally+dinner.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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After Bill corrected me on a few scoring errors I made. It was award time. </div>
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I do apologize for taking so long, some riders had to leave before the awards were given out.</div>
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Including 2nd place finisher Ian Pavelko from Quebec and 3rd place finisher Richard Halverson from Mass.</div>
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Very embarrassing....</div>
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Who dresses this guy? Your 2012 TLR RM:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p4q0f2xV7TA/USu-8d9XoqI/AAAAAAAAApA/Yk8koZZu1kk/s1600/who+dresses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p4q0f2xV7TA/USu-8d9XoqI/AAAAAAAAApA/Yk8koZZu1kk/s1600/who+dresses.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Chuck Quintero</td></tr>
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But I did still have Craig Szeman from Boston, who was our First Place Finisher.</div>
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Craig's paperwork was clean and neat, with all receipts in good working order.</div>
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With 428 miles and 906 points, and the only rider to travel in all six New England states:</div>
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Congratulations Craig.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wPwSWA0R0Y4/USu_Sc-hveI/AAAAAAAAApI/KWX1S4Y-N-A/s1600/first+place.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wPwSWA0R0Y4/USu_Sc-hveI/AAAAAAAAApI/KWX1S4Y-N-A/s1600/first+place.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Chuck Quintero</td></tr>
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By the way, this was Craig's first rally. As Adam Wolkoff was fond of saying, " You <b><i>will </i></b>see this guy's name again."</div>
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I hope everyone had a great time. It was an absolute pleasure and mountains of fun to put this rally together. It felt soooo good to finally give back to the LDR rally community.</div>
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THANK YOU ALL VERY, VERY MUCH.</div>
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Very Special Thanks to Bill Yarian, who was invaluable, and saved my RM life. </div>
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Thank you my friend.</div>
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To Lisa Erbes and TeamStrange.... YOU FOLKS ARE THE BEST !!!!!!!!</div>
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Thank you so much for giving me the chance to host a TLR. I hope I didn't disappoint.</div>
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I strongly encourage anyone who might be thinking, it would be a good thing to host a local rally..... An 8 Hour TLR is just the event to get started on. Talk with Lisa, you won't be sorry.</div>
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Please attend and support a Team Lyle Rally near you:</div>
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<a href="http://www.teamstrange.com/" target="_blank">Team Lyle Minnesota</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.teamstrange.com/" target="_blank">Team Lyle Nevada</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.teamstrange.com/" target="_blank">Team Lyle Georgia</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.teamstrange.com/" target="_blank">Team Lyle Garden State</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.eddiesroad.org/" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lnWKu8RqT_M/USvJiKAK69I/AAAAAAAAAp4/XBD-5YwIYmQ/s1600/EddiesRoad+(1).png" title="" /></a></div>
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Major lesson learned: You can't have enough volunteers. </div>
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I have to speed up scoring. ( more volunteers thing ) </div>
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Perhaps a different host facility.....</div>
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Already hard at work on next year's rally.....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NrmT6zldj_I/USvEQcFraqI/AAAAAAAAApk/ycnlyb2awG8/s1600/RM@work.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NrmT6zldj_I/USvEQcFraqI/AAAAAAAAApk/ycnlyb2awG8/s1600/RM@work.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sincerely,</div>
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Mark W. Collins</div>
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Kingston, Massachusetts</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208209380681046375.post-18439617751515326812012-09-07T16:20:00.001-04:002012-09-07T16:20:14.270-04:002012 MinuteMan 1000<br />
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<i><b>The Dawn of Anti-Routing</b></i></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Number 8.</span></h3>
It was my worst MinuteMan to date.<br />
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It was not the rally itself. Rob Nye and Co. put on a <b>fabulous event</b> .....as always. It's just that this Luddite thing is killing me.<br />
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My previous seven rallies have always placed me with final standings, generally in the middle of the pack. Mostly due to my <b><i>bizarro world</i></b> approach to rally routing and hopeless choice of steed.<br />
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Seriously, would you take routing advise from this man?<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yDvZEEiHl_4/UDjwFo1xNZI/AAAAAAAAAeM/J7-v7V3JKmU/s1600/golf+cart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yDvZEEiHl_4/UDjwFo1xNZI/AAAAAAAAAeM/J7-v7V3JKmU/s640/golf+cart.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This year I was going to try a new approach: <b>Anti-Routing</b>. Instead of my usual route planning technique of circling bonus locations on a wall map, while desperately trying to decipher the meaning of life ( ie: going to locations that I thought were cool, regardless of point value) ..... I would just select a general direction, ( the one with the least amount of forecast rain ), and let the GPS pick the next likely bonus. Sort of like making changes on the fly. Except with this method I would be doing the whole rally on the fly.<br />
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Now that 99% of LDR rallies are <b>E</b>lectronic <b>B</b>onus (EB) based, with little or no bonus location directions contained in the Rally Book or Route Sheets, it is harder and harder to NOT have a GPS on board. So I have one, ( a Nuvi ). So now I must use it. So now, with all the bonus locations safely filed away in <i>EXTRAS </i>as poi's, I'm ready to go.<br />
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One of the features I do like about my GPS, is how it displays the list of poi's stored. The one at the top is the closest to my current position. Couple this with Rob's bonus coding that contains the point value of the bonus, my routing plan ( or lack thereof ) was to merely select the next closest bonus location that has a decent point value. Simple, eh?<br />
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Simply Stupid.<br />
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Can you guess the one HUGE flaw in all this? <br />
Let us back up a bit.<br />
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<b>RALLY EVE.</b><br />
It wasn't all bad. The weekend started off great ! ! !<br />
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The weather was fabulous; sunny and dry. I enjoyed a nice ride from home to the host hotel. Granted, it was not a leisurely ride along warm and fuzzy back roads. Actually it was all I-495 and the Mass Pike. But battling interstate truck and RV traffic can be very stimulating and exciting. Nothing can get you into rally mode quicker than the pinhead drivers we have around here. YYeeowww !!!!<br />
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Although I knew very well the way to rally HQ, I nonetheless had my GPS powered up. And it functioned just fine. I was enjoying the ride, I never gave the GPS any thought. This was my first BIG mistake.<br />
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The best part of arriving at rally HQ, is seeing familiar bikes in the parking lot. Your friends have already arrived !!! It is always good to be back each year. With enthusiastic hand shakes and hugs completed, there is only one thing left to do. GO TO LUNCH ! ! ! !<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1YFEBOKJudA/UDzzfSNOUXI/AAAAAAAAAeg/439qUw-wf4A/s1600/parking+lot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1YFEBOKJudA/UDzzfSNOUXI/AAAAAAAAAeg/439qUw-wf4A/s640/parking+lot.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Clarion Resort in Northampton, has a great poolside snack bar with a decent burger and cold beer. Doc, Cyril, Scott, Michael and myself enjoyed a great meal and even better stories. Folks from New York always have great stories. I loved the<i> "pick up the car at the train station"</i> story !!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="280" src="http://cls.cdn-hotels.com/hotels/1000000/60000/51000/50926/50926_45_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy Clarion Resorts</td></tr>
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After lunch, we all retreated to the<i> Tire Kicker's Lounge,</i> for more war stories and to enjoy the delicious attributes of a fine maduro wrapped dominican robusto.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://andykirby.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/MM1k2012/i-9396Gfp/0/M/HPIM0521-M.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Andy Kirby</td></tr>
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So let's recap what has happened so far:<br />
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<li>I had a good ride to start the day.</li>
<li>Met up with some of the best people on earth.</li>
<li>Enjoyed a fabulous poolside lunch.</li>
<li>Consumed a fine stogie in style.</li>
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<b>All this, and we haven't even checked in yet ! ! ! !</b><br />
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God, I love this rally.<br />
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<b>RALLY DAY.</b><br />
Below is a photo of the<b> <i>Hardest Working Rally</i> <i>Staff</i> </b>in LD.<br />
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These guys truly make it look easy ! ! !<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1X4vEnEM4TA/UDz-xMqAotI/AAAAAAAAAfI/NwJTaN1Pl4Y/s1600/Fab+Rally+Staff.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1X4vEnEM4TA/UDz-xMqAotI/AAAAAAAAAfI/NwJTaN1Pl4Y/s640/Fab+Rally+Staff.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It just doesn't happen without these fine folks. As always, THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH for doing this work year after year.<br />
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<a href="http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/" target="_blank">MAX BMW</a> has once again, graciously sponsored the MinuteMan1000 Rally and has provided incredible support from the beginning. THANK YOU, Ben and Max.<br />
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<b>THE START.</b><br />
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Here's Rob reminding us just how much fun we are about to have, ( well, some riders will ).<br />
( I should have stayed in bed ).<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FmviPvpbuqM/UD0T2w1OOUI/AAAAAAAAAfc/SPFkxDG6NnU/s1600/Rider's+meeting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FmviPvpbuqM/UD0T2w1OOUI/AAAAAAAAAfc/SPFkxDG6NnU/s640/Rider's+meeting.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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So now I've got this new routing approach sort of squared up in my head. I don't really have a plan, but I am anxious to get started.<br />
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The MinuteMan 1000 always draws a good crowd.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><img src="http://andykirby.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/MM1k2012/i-NxJ2FKR/0/M/HPIM0577-M.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Photo by Andy Kirby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I was soon to expose the big flaw in my plan.<br />
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Let us now skip the usual, "rode here, claimed this bonus", style of Ride Report, and go right to the, <i style="font-weight: bold;">Lessons Learned, </i>portion of our program.<br />
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<b>1. Never, ever, ever, assume the power cord to your GPS is working fine. </b> ( especially when you do not notice the nice error message on the screen that tells you your GPS has lost external power ). AArrgggg.<br />
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Evidently, the power cord I was using on Friday had already failed and the GPS was running nicely on its battery. Which it does quite well, but not for ever......<br />
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We'll get back to this later.<br />
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<b>2. Never, ever, ever, solely rely on your (single) GPS. </b>( it's that whole <i>"eggs in one basket"</i> thing ).<br />
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I mean, come on, this should be common sense. Then again, so should NOT trying to rally on a 40 year old machine. Some folks just don't get it.<br />
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<b>T - PLUS 44 MINUTES.</b><br />
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So there I am, leaving the start gate with no real plan except collect each of the MAX's BMW bonuses.<br />
This was a combo bonus. Visit each of MAX's dealerships and "win valuable prizes". Seemed easy enough.<br />
First go to MAX in New Hampshire, then go to MAX in Connecticut and finish with MAX in New York. In between each location I would just select the next closest bonus that was either worth the points or worth a visit.<br />
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Easy...........<br />
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It was a nice sunny day, so heading East on the Mass Pike was just glare city. I've got so much duct tape on my face shield, I'm looking through about 1/2" of open visor. I looked like Gort, the robot in the movie, <i>"The Day the Earth Stood Still", </i>(the original, not the Keanu Reeves one). It's all I can do to keep an eye on traffic, I wasn't paying attention to my GPS. Oooops.<br />
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So now it's about 44 minutes into the rally. I finally glance at my GPS. The screen is blank? WTF? I jiggle and wiggle wires to reset my power connection. Nothing. Just a nice "Low Battery" message. OK....... I guess I'll deal with this once I get to MAX's. Since I had nothing written down as far as bonus locations were concerned, I was not going to grab any bonuses on the way. <br />
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The MAX NH bonus: <i>"Obtain a business card from any employee"</i>. Well, I certainly choose the most enthusiastic rally supporting employee, ( name withheld to protect privacy ). Thank you for the fabulous "signature" you added to your card. ( I really, really wished I had taken a photo).<br />
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Words just won't do, but you get the idea. I should have got extra points .......<br />
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<img src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRPgGKNFmt34uCMoh2EKpbBeV57v14bRy-KwZqnyxDXO1dYdS4t" />
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It was time to see just what was up with my GPS power cord. Check the power socket. Check the cord. Fiddle with the plug end. I finally get to the little fuse behind the tip. It's white ceramic and I can't tell if it is blown or not. Screw it, just go get some new fuses and get going. Next stop, Radio Shack. Hey, fuses are cheap, insert a new one and let's get going........ not so fast there Pink Pad. New fuse - Still no power.<br />
Crap!!!!! Maybe it's the socket. Next stop, Auto Zone. Hey, sockets are cheap, wire in a new socket and let's get going ........ not so fast there Knumb Knutz. New socket - Still no power. AAArrrg ! ! ! ! !<br />
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It is now approaching mid-morning and I'm still sitting in the Auto Zone parking lot in Hampton Beach, NH.<br />
I'm so far behind schedule (not that I really had one), it's criminal. After much anguish and gnashing of teeth, I realize I just can't wrestle with this wiring stuff in the parking lot any longer. Cut your loses and get going. The Rally Book does not have directions, so trying to rally "old school" just isn't going to work. The entire rally is lock up in my dead GPS. I do not have a laptop with mapping software like all the big kids have. So that option just does not exist. Next stop: MAX's Conn.<br />
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Although I did not have directions to MAX's shop in Brookfield, I did have an address, 465 Federal Road. I figured that Federal Road would be a main road. So after only a short cruise around town, I found MAX's BMW.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3-WMtYjCYwQ/UEd2NMxkiAI/AAAAAAAAAfw/a24G3wyFAkA/s1600/MAX+CT.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3-WMtYjCYwQ/UEd2NMxkiAI/AAAAAAAAAfw/a24G3wyFAkA/s640/MAX+CT.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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"Take a photo of the sign with the address clearly visible." Got it. <br />
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The good folks at MAX's are very cool and they tried their best to help me with my GPS problem. I thank them very much. It was time to go.<br />
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As sort of a mid-rally checkpoint, there was a very high point, time restricted bonus in Easthampton that was not to be missed. Thankfully I did not need a GPS to find it. I knew the location well ........ ;o)<br />
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As testimony to how bad my rally was going ....... I had arrived at the checkpoint 2 HOURS early. Just as well, I needed the time to do a little electrical troubleshooting. When you consider that I have been known to loose voltage in only 6 inches of wire, this is going to be a challenge.<br />
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Many thanks to Bob St. George, who graciously allowed me some garage space to try and make repairs.<br />
We tried other power cords, voltage tested all connections, even tried the GPS in Bob's car ...... nothing.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://andykirby.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/MM1k2012/i-CfnRF6B/0/M/2012-06-mm1k-1130-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://andykirby.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/MM1k2012/i-CfnRF6B/0/M/2012-06-mm1k-1130-M.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Photo by Andy Kirby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yep, that's my GPS on the floor. Not a good sign.<br />
It wasn't all bad. The situation did lend itself a certain amount of levity.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://andykirby.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/MM1k2012/i-s2jdMfD/0/M/2012-06-mm1k-1150-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://andykirby.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/MM1k2012/i-s2jdMfD/0/M/2012-06-mm1k-1150-M.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Andy Kirby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b></b><br />
This is what happens when you leave to go to the bathroom. It's not easy being a Harley rider in this world.<br />
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Love you guys.<br />
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Oh, I almost forgot. I did claim the bonus. This was the famous "Ring My Bell" bonus. It was worth lots of points. The rally staff had a good time with the riders during this bonus. After all, that's what it's all about.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SSKJeaxjj4U/UEjupNAbTwI/AAAAAAAAAgE/H4w64A6Zxbo/s1600/Bell+Photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SSKJeaxjj4U/UEjupNAbTwI/AAAAAAAAAgE/H4w64A6Zxbo/s640/Bell+Photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Mission Accomplished.<br />
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My rally was now very simple; take the Rest Bonus, then get my ass to MAX's in Troy.<br />
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During my Rest Bonus, I was desperately searching for a bonus that I might bag on the way to Troy. There was one. The Meneely Foundry in Watervliet, NY, which is across the Hudson from Troy. Again, I had the address, so I just hunted around the old fashion way; I asked directions at a gas station. Of course the kid had no idea what I was talking about, but he was able to guide me to the correct street. It was now dark, but I somehow found this sign. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J_6pxT8MRAU/UEjxa-zS2DI/AAAAAAAAAgY/ZpILwA14A9o/s1600/Neely+foundry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J_6pxT8MRAU/UEjxa-zS2DI/AAAAAAAAAgY/ZpILwA14A9o/s640/Neely+foundry.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://cs-www.cs.yale.edu/homes/douglas-craig/bells/Basic/what-is-a-carillon.pdf" target="_blank">Carillon?</a><br />
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Next stop: MAX's Troy<br />
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The shop is easy to find. Just follow your nose on Route 7. Bingo ! ! !<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xGa04R96TiM/UEj30Ep7vVI/AAAAAAAAAgs/X2nStd72620/s1600/MAX+NY.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xGa04R96TiM/UEj30Ep7vVI/AAAAAAAAAgs/X2nStd72620/s640/MAX+NY.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oh look, longitude and latitude coordinates. Now if only I had some device that could do something with that info ......<br />
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Time to wrap this up and head back. <br />
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My Scoring Table <b><i>shock & ahhh</i></b> face. It did not go well. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J65MPiAOcws/UEoyOnfBZ_I/AAAAAAAAAhA/Z2mth-sdgGA/s1600/self.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J65MPiAOcws/UEoyOnfBZ_I/AAAAAAAAAhA/Z2mth-sdgGA/s400/self.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Post rally banquet was fab.<br />
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Would I try Anti-Routing again? Maybe not. I may try some variation on the theme next year, who knows.<br />
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Regardless, if you are new to this game and/or have had your fill of Certificate Rides, then join us next year at the MinuteMan. You will not be disappointed.<br />
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Mark W. Collins<br />
Kingston, Mass<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208209380681046375.post-60431034744736570982011-07-08T10:18:00.000-04:002011-07-08T10:18:37.036-04:002011 Team Lyle Rally<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>The Inaugural Running of the 8 Hour Team Lyle Rally</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>June 18, 2011</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Minneapolis, Minnesota</strong></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1x7X6-uFjXo/ThSAPCie8BI/AAAAAAAAAcM/Q_TXThu2Yyg/s1600/TLR.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289px" m$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1x7X6-uFjXo/ThSAPCie8BI/AAAAAAAAAcM/Q_TXThu2Yyg/s320/TLR.gif" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
8 Hours. This was different, but a whole lot of fun. I realized very quickly that not only did you have NO time to make mistakes, you didn't even have time to think about thinking about it. Just keep moving. Go somewhere.......claim something......... 'cuz the rally is half over ! ! ! !<br />
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I had been wanting to do a TeamStrange event for quite sometime. The July 30th date for the MN1K was not going to work for me this year. So the Team Lyle Rally in June was perfect. It was billed as a fund raiser for <em>Eddie</em><em>'s Road</em> and kind of boot camp/intro to the Minnesota 1000, TeamStrange's legendary 24 hour event. Entrants were even encouraged to ride their non-rally bikes, just to make it more fun. Non-rally bike? No problem filling that request.<br />
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Being an <em>out of towner, </em>this would also be my inaugural visit to the infamous, <strong>Bob's Java Hut</strong>. I have followed TeamStrange for years and read of Bob's importance to TS functions. I was looking forward to my first visit to, " <em>Mecca.</em>"<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-djnznHuSr5c/ThSGZ-DcgvI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/wbreeCBQd7w/s1600/Bob%2527s+JavaHut.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" m$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-djnznHuSr5c/ThSGZ-DcgvI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/wbreeCBQd7w/s400/Bob%2527s+JavaHut.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
My keepsake photo.<br />
I thought it would be a bigger place. No mind, I was still impressed. I understood the attraction.<br />
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<strong>Rally Time</strong><br />
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07:00 Saturday, riders begin to arrive.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AGA2edpoMdk/ThSy-0inK6I/AAAAAAAAAcc/HPVfZfrZTX8/s1600/moto+park+only.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" m$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AGA2edpoMdk/ThSy-0inK6I/AAAAAAAAAcc/HPVfZfrZTX8/s400/moto+park+only.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPbjqK6klBs/ThSzMSxzQpI/AAAAAAAAAcg/i1_12zpW6ss/s1600/more+gather.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" m$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPbjqK6klBs/ThSzMSxzQpI/AAAAAAAAAcg/i1_12zpW6ss/s400/more+gather.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S4CZgHWdnDE/ThS_KE1vVlI/AAAAAAAAAck/olsBdFbybgQ/s1600/AM+gather.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" m$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S4CZgHWdnDE/ThS_KE1vVlI/AAAAAAAAAck/olsBdFbybgQ/s400/AM+gather.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aMudkZeaSvA/ThTAyL1iT-I/AAAAAAAAAcs/bVZM4FR_GuQ/s1600/other+HD.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" m$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aMudkZeaSvA/ThTAyL1iT-I/AAAAAAAAAcs/bVZM4FR_GuQ/s400/other+HD.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
This was the other H-D in the rally. It was beautiful. I love old iron.<br />
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08:00 Saturday, Bart distributes the route sheets.<br />
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No photo bonuses.<br />
No GPX files.<br />
No complicated directions.<br />
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Rally started at 09:00<br />
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Just 30 locations with some simple questions to answer. A great way to spend a Saturday.<br />
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Only a few minutes into the route sheets, I realized, the maps I brought with me, turned out to be woefully inadequate. The road atlas I had was not the normal one state per page type. It was layed out with sections of each state in geographical series, west to east, not alphabetical. I thought this would help.... it didn't. <br />
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It was confusing to use, it had a pitiful cities and towns index and some bloody pages were MISSING ! ! ! !<br />
After I was unable to located the first three bonus locations, due to not being in the index, I decided to stop mucking about and get going ....... but where? It was now 09:20. Not a good start.<br />
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There were a lot of bonuses listed in Wisconsin. So I just hopped on I-94 and went East. My lame plan was to stop at the first exit or Welcome center in Wisconsin, whichever came first, and buy a good map. Then stop at a Dennys, spread out the map, chug a cup of regular and try to formulate a plan. <br />
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So I reach the first exit that has a gas station/QuickMart style store. As I'm scanning the map display case, I'm having a hard time finding a Wisconsin state map. The rack is full of complete US atlases, and plenty of Minnesota maps. Along with Ohio, Illinois and an awesome street atlas of St Louis ! ! ! WTF<br />
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I could not find a Wisconsin map. So naturally I bought the Minnesota map and had to recalculate my plan even before I calculated the first one ! ! !<br />
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So now if anyone wants to know why I chose all Minnesota bonus locations ....... well, now you know.<br />
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Some of my bonus stops.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G0YYcXuN4Dk/ThS_RQLeQyI/AAAAAAAAAco/SdZZogBbB1s/s1600/Bayport.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" m$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G0YYcXuN4Dk/ThS_RQLeQyI/AAAAAAAAAco/SdZZogBbB1s/s400/Bayport.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
Bayport, MN .......... 22 pts<br />
Hmmmmm, my motorcycle is 4 years older than this monument................ jeez, the funny stuff you think of during a rally.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AG0N4G6lLtI/ThTEChOHe7I/AAAAAAAAAcw/8VPlPb0VbWU/s1600/Marine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" m$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AG0N4G6lLtI/ThTEChOHe7I/AAAAAAAAAcw/8VPlPb0VbWU/s400/Marine.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
Marine on St. Croix, MN ........ 34 pts<br />
This was a nice looking little town. I know nothing about it, but it sure looked friendly. It looked like they were setting up for some kind of town picnic. I love that stuff. There usually is some really good ice cream to be had.<br />
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Next stop Sunrise, MN ........ 68 pts<br />
Birthplace of actor Richard Widmark .......who?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ODKnPjB9RZg/ThW1_8ffLOI/AAAAAAAAAc0/U1AINx8oASQ/s1600/Richard+Widmark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" m$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ODKnPjB9RZg/ThW1_8ffLOI/AAAAAAAAAc0/U1AINx8oASQ/s1600/Richard+Widmark.jpg" /></a><br />
I can't believe I did not take a photo of this bonus. There were others riders there and I must have got distracted. Actually, there was no house, just a large sign with lots of photos and stories about Mr. Widmark.<br />
But it was a cool bonus to claim.<br />
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From Sunrise it was a quick jaunt north to the lake side town of Isle.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sC8cIzc6V2o/ThW3XEn4j5I/AAAAAAAAAc4/LiD3LXQUlNQ/s1600/Isle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" m$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sC8cIzc6V2o/ThW3XEn4j5I/AAAAAAAAAc4/LiD3LXQUlNQ/s400/Isle.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
Isle, MN ........ 113 pts<br />
I didn't photo the geological marker, duh. But I did take a nice tourist photo of Lake Mille Lac.<br />
I had actually been by this way before. During the 2003 MN1K, one of the bonuses was to ride around Lake Mille Lac. Get a fuel receipt to start and end your ride. Easy points unless you were pushing the time window to return to the finish before a DNF...... like I almost did.<br />
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Time to turn south toward the finish, as the clock is ticking......<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ELm7KnSP6wY/ThW5u0abQwI/AAAAAAAAAc8/G166NMmoq58/s1600/Princeton.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" m$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ELm7KnSP6wY/ThW5u0abQwI/AAAAAAAAAc8/G166NMmoq58/s400/Princeton.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
Princeton, MN ........ 37 pts<br />
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What does a DE 1021 look like?<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i7raAvtK4dU/ThW9nsosXSI/AAAAAAAAAdA/Wolm4E3FPUY/s1600/courtney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218px" m$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i7raAvtK4dU/ThW9nsosXSI/AAAAAAAAAdA/Wolm4E3FPUY/s400/courtney.jpg" width="400px" /></a><br />
Gee, my bike was still "new" when last this ship floated.......<br />
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Last bonus:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PDY5KITdKZo/ThXPIwCH_YI/AAAAAAAAAdE/YXVZs-Vjn_k/s1600/Prairie%2527s+Drive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266px" m$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PDY5KITdKZo/ThXPIwCH_YI/AAAAAAAAAdE/YXVZs-Vjn_k/s400/Prairie%2527s+Drive.jpg" width="400px" /></a><br />
Orrock, MN ......... 189 pts<br />
It was raining and I was running a little late. I didn't take any photos. So I stole this from the Wildlife Refuge website. Sorry.<br />
<br />
Route sheet said it was a gravel road. Could be a little squirrely if it was raining. I decided to give it a try. <br />
I found the entrance road, no problem. The skies looked like something nasty was headed my way.<br />
Sure enough, about mile marker 3.5, I saw the lightning. About mile marker 3.6 ..... came the rain. <br />
<br />
Crap ! ! ! ! ! !<br />
<br />
This was going to be slippery. My old shovel with street tires was going to make this a "fun" ride. I was way beyond the point of dropping this bonus. I kept going. I stayed vertical, but a few spots tried their best to see just how stable I was. I reach the bonus location just as the deluge hit. I was wishing I had my umbrella.<br />
<br />
My route sheets were getting soaked trying to record info. Then I realized how stupid I was. Keep the route sheets dry in the tour pack and write the info on something else and fill in the route sheets later.....duh.<br />
Sometimes I amaze myself.......<br />
<br />
My GPS said my arrival at Bob's would be 4:38 pm. Excellent.<br />
Actual was pretty damn close. Not much of a bonus gathering for me, but I sure had fun. Which is what it's all about. <br />
<br />
<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What a great rally. Well worth the travel from Massachusetts to participate. I look forward to the next one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Results are posted at <a href="http://www.teamstrange.com/">http://www.teamstrange.com/</a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I finished 27th of 32 finishers. Which is par for me. Especially since I had no idea what I was doing for the first hour. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Very harty thanks to Lisa, Bart and John for an excellent weekend. It really was a HOOT ! ! ! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was awesome to meet you folks and the other Strangers I was lucky to chat with.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">God Bless you all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Return to Sender:</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, it was a two day ride to get here, I'm guessing, but I think that means a two day ride to get home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From Minneapolis I traveled south on US 61 along the River Road. It was a beautiful ride. At La Crosse, I followed US 14 to Madison.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In Readstown, Wisconsin, I stopped at a diner for lunch. I knew there was a gathering of H-D Shovels in town, but it was over. Just a few hanging around for lunch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-028eiOvegkA/ThXeySjmmEI/AAAAAAAAAdM/DFvGfGRLIMM/s1600/shovels.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" m$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-028eiOvegkA/ThXeySjmmEI/AAAAAAAAAdM/DFvGfGRLIMM/s400/shovels.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There're just aren't that many pre-Evo's around anymore. These guys where having fun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a nice day for a ride.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Further down the road, my engine started to loose power. Turns out, my VOES had failed. ( I had converted to an electronic ignition a few years ago.) I retarded the timing and continued on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I stopped at a rest area further down the road for some reason, but I thought this sign was interesting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NqWYUwRVyi0/ThXhJEN7jUI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/XOdCZDwA14k/s1600/rest+area.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" m$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NqWYUwRVyi0/ThXhJEN7jUI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/XOdCZDwA14k/s400/rest+area.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Through Madison and onto Indiana.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">CHICAGO ....... TRAFFIC ....... SUCKS. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And that's all I got to say about that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stopped for the night in Mishawaka, Indiana. The next day was uneventful, except;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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Duct tape.......Duct tape.........Duct tape.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not quite as elaborate or spectacular as a "Handyman Secret Weapon" segment. But I think Red Green would be proud.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Overall, one of the best Father's Day weekend I've enjoyed in a long time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Congrats to all who rode and supported the rally.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Long Live TeamStrange.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mark W. Collins</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kingston, Massachusetts</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">TS # 524</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208209380681046375.post-81500032696387558062011-07-02T14:01:00.000-04:002011-07-02T14:01:54.243-04:002011 MinuteMan 1000Just another MinuteMan Rally? .......... I think not.<br />
<br />
Was the location different? No<br />
Was the weather anything to brag about? No<br />
Was the earlier date really a big deal?....(well, maybe a little)<br />
<br />
Different RM?<br />
Jim Abbott wins a g a i n ? (eye roll, but in a good way)<br />
New electronic whizz bang route sheet?<br />
<br />
Nah.......Nah......Nah<br />
<br />
No.......... for me it was a celebration point. This year I finally came to realize a very simple truth: <br />
<br />
<em><strong>Although I take my rallying very seriously, I do not embrace competing with quite the same vigor.</strong></em><br />
<br />
Huh?<br />
But isn't rallying.....competing? Yes, but I define it differently. <br />
<br />
I prepare my motorcycle like other entrants; good tires, adjusted drive chain, what few farkles I have are working proper.<br />
I ensure proper ATGATT.<br />
I ready myself for full compliance with Rally Rules.<br />
yada, yada, yada.<br />
<br />
The difference comes when I recieve the rally pack. I instantly look for bonus locations that I <em><strong>WANT</strong></em> to go to, not the bonus locations I <em><strong>SHOULD</strong></em> go to. ( actually, it was Andy Kirby who first made this diagnosis )I'm just touring with a TIME LIMIT.<br />
<br />
I never consciencely look for a "winning route". The vintage motorcycle I choose to ride really doesn't allow for that level of routing. Nor do I try and evaluate what might be a "losing route". In fact I use no routing software nor do I have a laptop PC with me.<br />
<br />
This year's bonus listings was no exception. So many cool places to go and not enough time to do them all. I could have scored more points routing through Connecticut and Rhode Island, but I prefer to ride around Vermont and New Hampshire and Maine. Not a competing attitude. But that's the way it is.<br />
<br />
The downside is: I love to write about my rally experiences, but I have nothing to offer on a competitive nature. You will have to get the Big Dogs to share their stories.<br />
<br />
The upside is: You will never see my name on a riders list for a rally that requires a lottery style drawing. I simply have no business taking a spot away from someone who really wants to compete. ( note: In 2007 I drew a spot in the IBR. I rode it, I DNF'd, and that is that.)<br />
<br />
So, what is the point of all this drivel. Good question. I was just trying to get a Rally Report started, and all this self deprecating moto psycho-babble came out.<br />
<br />
Thanks for the maple syrup Rob.<br />
<br />
<strong>"We'll be right back after Station Identification."</strong><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzfDOrNvIG4vEaJJYDozrt9i4yL35jngSTQkm8xPK5Vm-Kc3l31ayxSYU_p1Pn5ubQ6MkMZWDhb-9krM9Cp5Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
....... and we're back.<br />
<br />
After an awesome banquet and opening remarks and greetings from Rob, the Rally Bonus packs are distributed. As per my M.O., I have no idea where I am going. Time to "Map Up".<br />
<br />
<br />
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I really, really, really wanted to go to Madawaska, but knew I couldn't make it and be on time at the Checkpoint at MAX's. Maybe next time.<br />
<br />
The route sheets where full of great bonus locations. This year's theme <strong>" <em>To Infinity and Beyond</em> "</strong> was all about Space, Time and Travel. I was actually selecting some bonuses just because they sounded cool and I had to see what it was all about. Come to think of it, that's how I usually select all my bonuses. Jeez, you just can't be competitive thinking that way....... told you I was hopeless.<br />
<br />
<strong>"It's da end of da woild I tell ya, it's da end of da woild"</strong><br />
<br />
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No one was about to let a little thing like <em>Armageddon</em> get in the way of the start to a great rally. Even the Rally Staff seems undeterred by the impending doom.....<br />
<br />
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Everyone is just waiting for 0600 ........ or the End.<br />
<br />
<strong>Release The Hounds ! ! !</strong><br />
<br />
Underway and heading North, (what a shock). The MAX BMW checkpoint in North Hampton NH, was the only mandatory stop. Did not want to miss that. Had to be there by 14:30 ...... I think. Maybe it was later. I don't remember now. I do remember that I was sure I did not have enough time to reach Madawaska. Which sucked.<br />
<br />
Some of my Bonus Photos with comments:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iNtdXUwWXMo/Tgyjrq5OjRI/AAAAAAAAAas/fn2mMh_T9rQ/s1600/ID+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iNtdXUwWXMo/Tgyjrq5OjRI/AAAAAAAAAas/fn2mMh_T9rQ/s400/ID+photo.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
Would you take routing advise from this guy ?<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hWuI9jAy57U/TgykiWR0nXI/AAAAAAAAAaw/167I7-VRVl4/s1600/Gray%2527s+Sugar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hWuI9jAy57U/TgykiWR0nXI/AAAAAAAAAaw/167I7-VRVl4/s400/Gray%2527s+Sugar.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
First Bonus stop. It never really feels like a rally 'till you bag the first bonus. Then the rest is gravy.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p9hWDqCstbw/TgypvchEOTI/AAAAAAAAAa0/opFdiQkROPg/s1600/Planet+gas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p9hWDqCstbw/TgypvchEOTI/AAAAAAAAAa0/opFdiQkROPg/s400/Planet+gas.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
Planet Gas.......only in VT<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u85Zl1iYlY4/TgyqZ82OQuI/AAAAAAAAAa4/-NMiKaBIC4A/s1600/Mt+Views.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u85Zl1iYlY4/TgyqZ82OQuI/AAAAAAAAAa4/-NMiKaBIC4A/s400/Mt+Views.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
Views from Hogback Mt. It was only 08:30, and I was too early for another 3800 pt bonus<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CqR-ZSVKey0/TgyrXsqivSI/AAAAAAAAAa8/pFyAVHacDoU/s1600/maple+sugar+purchase.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CqR-ZSVKey0/TgyrXsqivSI/AAAAAAAAAa8/pFyAVHacDoU/s400/maple+sugar+purchase.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
Before I left Vermont, I made sure to bag the Maple Syrup Bonus.<br />
Did you know that real Vermont Maple Syrup must be produced in accordance with the laws of Vermont. They take "sugaring" very serious up here.<br />
<br />
<br />
My next bonus was Keene NH. It was not a photo bonus, just answer the question about ...... I can't remember. I do remember the sun being out and it was a good day to ride.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j243_1aEEaU/Tgyu77i2pKI/AAAAAAAAAbA/JleRTVwPItE/s1600/Gov+Prop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j243_1aEEaU/Tgyu77i2pKI/AAAAAAAAAbA/JleRTVwPItE/s400/Gov+Prop.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
Hancock NH<br />
This MUST be some kind of super secret spooky place. When I first could not find this bonus, I stopped in at the local Post Office to inquire within. The friendly woman behind the counter suddenly became quiet and unsure of directions. She paused, looked at me straight faced and told me, she was unable to give out that information.<br />
<br />
I swear she had her hand on a secret button, and if I presisted with my inquiry, surely the "men in black" would soon arrive.<br />
<br />
I took a quick photo and moved on.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VGmJaU3jP5g/Tgyx6tyawAI/AAAAAAAAAbE/__8yhHzTHIc/s1600/Friendly+farm.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VGmJaU3jP5g/Tgyx6tyawAI/AAAAAAAAAbE/__8yhHzTHIc/s400/Friendly+farm.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
Friendly Farm Dublin NH. Not a lot of points, but a nice place to bring your children.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W7xFb7DLxKs/TgyzWEWi3wI/AAAAAAAAAbI/7nuA6pjOjfQ/s1600/New+Boston.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W7xFb7DLxKs/TgyzWEWi3wI/AAAAAAAAAbI/7nuA6pjOjfQ/s400/New+Boston.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
This is one of several "Roger Babson Anti Gravity Research" bonuses. Very interesting history on this subject. Reminds me of the movie, " First Men In the Moon". Professor Cavor developed anti-gravity paint, which he called "cavorite" and painted a capsule with it and awaaaaay he went.<br />
<br />
Next was the Shepard Family plot in Derry, NH. This bonus was about the grave of Alan B. Shepard Jr. <br />
If you are googling his name right now, you should be ashamed of yourself. If you do not know who he is or what he accomplished, then you are an idiot. You are a bad American. Period.<br />
<br />
<br />
On to the checkpoint.<br />
<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While on the way to the Max CP, I was wrestling with a bit of an electrical gremlin. The ignition would cut in and out as I rode along. If I turned off the headlight, the engine would quit, but not all the time. Must be a loose wire or a bad ground. I'd check it out at MAX"s. ( note: I found nothing wrong, bike ran fine the remainder of the rally).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I arrived early to the CP. Max had plenty of food and beverages for all. A lot of spectators came to witness the goings on. A very BIG thanks to all the staff and volunteers at Max's, for all their support.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the tech's in the shop, loaned me a bike lift so I could do some chain maintenance. Sure made life easier, thanks a million.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The entire MAX BMW staff is to be honored for their continued support of the MinuteMan 1000. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And now to enjoy the evening portion of our program....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ChdshpVkJQI/TgzJZXxedhI/AAAAAAAAAbk/z1BwT1L597A/s1600/Observatory.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ChdshpVkJQI/TgzJZXxedhI/AAAAAAAAAbk/z1BwT1L597A/s400/Observatory.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The UNH Observatory in Durham. Seemed like easy points. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next stop Maine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nJNMOHI0qac/TgzKIqb5lzI/AAAAAAAAAbo/4oE8v7I_WjY/s1600/Bradbury+Park.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" i$="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nJNMOHI0qac/TgzKIqb5lzI/AAAAAAAAAbo/4oE8v7I_WjY/s400/Bradbury+Park.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not RAY Bradbury, noted scifi writer, but ......well, no one seems to know where this Bradbury Mt got it's name. Bag the photo and go.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ogoV6ZRzrjE/TgzTTorkkVI/AAAAAAAAAbs/2_IgqNjPtd8/s1600/Starfield+Observ.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ogoV6ZRzrjE/TgzTTorkkVI/AAAAAAAAAbs/2_IgqNjPtd8/s400/Starfield+Observ.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Starfield Observatory - Lyman ME</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Easy bonus on the way to this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UHlCu7ost9I/TgzTzpAJYhI/AAAAAAAAAbw/U-_efFdIuQQ/s1600/Portland+Observ.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UHlCu7ost9I/TgzTzpAJYhI/AAAAAAAAAbw/U-_efFdIuQQ/s400/Portland+Observ.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't know why I didn't take a full frame photo of this place. It's like a full lighthouse in downtown Portland. I thought it had some style.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jYRfk-GF2PU/TgzUo1dROaI/AAAAAAAAAb0/TbRxrKvCiGw/s1600/Bob%2527s+Java.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jYRfk-GF2PU/TgzUo1dROaI/AAAAAAAAAb0/TbRxrKvCiGw/s400/Bob%2527s+Java.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bob's Java Hut ? How the hell did that photo get here.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was the starting point for the Team Lyle Rally in Minneapolis.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is another report for later.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ukRgclSFjVM/Tg80VviTz3I/AAAAAAAAAb4/3aXIU_Oulog/s1600/Boy+reading.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ukRgclSFjVM/Tg80VviTz3I/AAAAAAAAAb4/3aXIU_Oulog/s400/Boy+reading.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">" Boy Reading " statue in BoothBay Ha'ba</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was a nice ride, except for the rain and it was now dark. But the road surface was new and very little traffic. I was a little nervous about the deer sightings, but I think the rain keeps the little buggers in the woods.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was time to turn South and make my way back to Northampton (Rally Finish) and collect what bonuses I could along the way. Next stop was the Rest Bonus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Going South, I got on the Maine Turnpike. I would stop at the first Service Plaza to take my Rest Bonus. Food , fuel and a safe place to rest. It had been raining for a few hours and I was looking forward to drying out. The temps were a little cool and I was getting a chill, which really sucks because when I walked into the food building, naturally they had the A/C on. Two hours later, I was dry but never did warm up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once I was back in Massa choo choo, it was time for the dino bonus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zWUBFfSceas/Tg83wFra9iI/AAAAAAAAAb8/yQVrXhPYfpQ/s1600/Purple+Dino.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zWUBFfSceas/Tg83wFra9iI/AAAAAAAAAb8/yQVrXhPYfpQ/s400/Purple+Dino.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's hard to see, but there is a 10 foot purple T-rex holding a golf club.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love mini-golf.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now onto I-495 and points Southwest.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V4skVyJDA0c/Tg84dVkBO8I/AAAAAAAAAcA/iXivDXTswxk/s1600/Center+tree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" i$="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V4skVyJDA0c/Tg84dVkBO8I/AAAAAAAAAcA/iXivDXTswxk/s400/Center+tree.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Clearly I'm now in Rutland, Massachusetts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is now 3 am. Do you know have any idea as to what you are doing?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love this bonus because I was born in Mass (Plymouth), I have lived here most of my life. And never knew this existed. I would have routed to this bonus regardless of the point value. It was a "must visit".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This Geo Spot is on private property. I was as polite and quiet as I could be. I parked the bike down the street. Dispite it being 3am, a voice from the house yelled down to me, " are you OK? " I responded that I was just taking a photo of their famous tree. " Oh, alright." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm sure they thought I was wacked. Then again, what are <em>they</em> doing talking to strangers at 3 in the morning?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last Bonus:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1hCP2OfH5zU/Tg8_4jP6mpI/AAAAAAAAAcE/7AZNP-pq8qA/s1600/Goddard+rocket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" i$="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1hCP2OfH5zU/Tg8_4jP6mpI/AAAAAAAAAcE/7AZNP-pq8qA/s400/Goddard+rocket.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Goddard replica rocket. Auburn Mass.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was raining and the rocket is in a glass box. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This bonus foiled a lot of riders with the wrong rocket photo. A short distance away was a full size display of a Polaris missile. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gYnUI4BpGww/Tg9CFeO_ceI/AAAAAAAAAcI/hR6uvaHsmnI/s1600/PolarisMissile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" i$="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gYnUI4BpGww/Tg9CFeO_ceI/AAAAAAAAAcI/hR6uvaHsmnI/s400/PolarisMissile.jpg" width="300px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was very dark and I couldn't get a good photo of this missile, so I stole this from Roadside America.com</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Time to head home.</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That's it. A quick jaunt down the Mass Pike and to the Finish.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For me, it was another great rally that I look forward to year after year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I finished 18th out of 30. Which is right on par for me. I was satisfied with my ride. I really enjoyed a lot of the bonus locations, as we all know now, for me, that's what it's all about.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Congrats to all the finishers. I hope you all enjoyed the rally as much as I did.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For all you SS1k finishers, welcome to the IBA and hope to see you all next year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Special THANK YOU to MAX's BMW for their endless support.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Congrats to Rob and the entire MinuteMan staff for a fabulous rally and a super job well down.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">See you all next year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208209380681046375.post-7902707918844143832010-12-25T11:25:00.008-05:002011-07-08T10:43:13.703-04:002010 SPANK Rally<em>Note: This report contains short video segments that I shot while on this trip. They are NOT professional quality and may not even make sense, but I was having fun making them. I have no idea what speed/bandwidth your internet connection should be to see them,...... good luck.</em><br />
<br />
Enjoy.<br />
<br />
<div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx3CAuUpSW1tdV69VNgp3GnSYmXmKwHI8_e2Rq7EpsLCslQbnw7tFRO8OifnoqXA2zZUz8lBufA8DosZx8aow' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
Getting SPANK'd doesn't begin to tell my story. I screwed up so bad, I thought I was actually doing pretty good. It's a good thing rallies are soooo much fun, cuz I would have quit this nonsense long ago.<br />
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Very poor reading comprehension and spectacular stupidity, can really sink your airplane.....or crash your boat.....or bury your motorcycle...... but I digress. First things first.<br />
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Thank you George Z., along with Mr. Hickey and of course Cletha (Queen B), for a great event. Even with the mega blunders on my part, it did not lessen the fun. I am proud to have participated.<br />
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This year's SPANK rally was to start in Amargosa Valley, Nevada and end at the IBA National Meet in Denver, Colorado. It was a good plan. I was really looking forward to the whole thing.<br />
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Since my disappointing DNF at my first IBR attempt in 2007, I knew I needed to pay some more dues in the LD game. The 5-Day SPANK for 2010 was just the ticket.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxFasOoZVYplMAaMOSWcSY6YIz9cAZO20pUKzDW_5_eVf3F4dNSgVSrincU6AVQg-pPTqGB5uPTEFMXqwyyng' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwEpPUXbemmi1kWD1_jVYHs-RlTXvt9d5w3njV_NYHtwRsOclY-Pn2cXzA8OaCQxEMLvJfjkqnCeTo5wm16Qw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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<br />
<strong>Monday, August 2, 2010 08:00 Kingston Massachusetts</strong><br />
<br />
<strong></strong><br />
It was already 96 degrees with a matching dew point, which is pretty damn warm for New England. The forecast and my destination, would only call for more heat. It was going to be an uncomfortable ride.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TKOLIT_UbUI/AAAAAAAAAVU/u-KcD-Ms1U8/s1600/Enter+PA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TKOLIT_UbUI/AAAAAAAAAVU/u-KcD-Ms1U8/s400/Enter+PA.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
<br />
As tempting as it is to collect State Welcome signs, it is some kinda dangerous.<br />
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I didn't do it too often.<br />
<br />
I planned to give myself 4 days to reach Amargosa Valley. Just take it easy, enjoy the ride. As it turned out, it was a very wise move. The heat was very fatiguing. I was sweating so much, if I pee'd my pants, I doubt I would even notice. I adjusted quickly to a routine of 04:00 starts with an Admiral Arthur Afternoon Nap (AAAN) later in the day. (Which really works.) I found I was much more comfortable riding into the evening. A few hours after sunset, I'd call it a day.<br />
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<strong>Tuesday, August 3, 2010 04:00 Erie Pennsylvania</strong><br />
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<strong></strong><br />
With a short mileage day yesterday, I hoped to cover more ground today. Early morning start was a little cooler. But it wasn't long before I was back in the heat. Lots of traffic around Columbus, then Indy was worse. I was losing time/mileage badly and the heat was killing me. My bike is air cooled, which means you can only imagine the added discomfort I was facing with additional heat from the old V-Twin billowing over me, (Well, maybe you ST guys can relate).<br />
<br />
Finally through St. Louis and into Missouri. It was late afternoon and I was taking longer and longer fuel stops. Of course, I should point out at this time, that I did, in fact, have a <em>cooling vest</em> nicely tuck away in my tour pak. I have no good explanation for why I was not wearing it.<br />
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It was just after sunset when I saw a sign for a Red Roof Inn in St. Roberts, Missouri.<br />
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End of Day Two.<br />
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<strong>Wednesday, August 4, 2010 04:30 St. Roberts, Missouri</strong><br />
<br />
As I was checking out of the hotel, I noticed a small sign on the counter top. It warned guest that St. Roberts was a military town and the hotel catered to a lot of soldiers on Weekend Passes. Sometimes the noise level could be <em>slightly </em>elevated. The hotel policy was to accommodate the soldiers as much as possible.<br />
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Good for you Red Roof Inn.</div><br />
On down the road.....<br />
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<div>It was still HOT as I passed through Oklahoma, but the cross winds were really more fatiguing than the heat. Hey, it's Oklahoma, it's always windy. I stopped for gas somewhere around Clinton.</div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyPTGHNvgPGu34mVazDqczqIf4QtV49OuQJ8UFmMzoKgLNcuo9j-L7_5CCQ9dbey0YLD3IPAjbFQe4Lm_5_4A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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Later in the afternoon, I stopped in Texas for my AAAN.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxZnZjnmG6-y43l33ELUaHjAScOPnBtEs4xDD18EzC26QzjcyPnEpP1lDXJJjazIOdJ30nuKI9XScl_HqgmGg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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Continuing across the panhandle, I had ridden by this cross a couple of times in the past. This time I decided to stop. It's pretty big. Very similar to the cross in Effingham, Illinois. (drove by that one too). <br />
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<img border="0" height="300px" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TKI-WRAyF-I/AAAAAAAAAVM/Y1GqmHny6Qg/s400/GroomCross.JPG" width="400px" /> Groom, Texas<br />
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It was still very hot, but I was feeling good as I approached New Mexico. I decided to try and shoot some action video. The wind noise is annoying.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwJvNtXbMo0ryAm-5FAMKTrRy6R2teYzdjosY_23_fV7Z6-b0m3dGSh0ZbSn5USkTEQsk3jQ60F-2ZbDUYajg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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I stopped for gas in Clines Corners, New Mexico. I remember stopping here for a bonus location, back during the 2001 LOE rally. It hadn't changed much.<br />
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I phoned ahead to reserve a room in Albuquerque. It had been a long day.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzkkT-lxztruz-cF8FzGHEAKDUE_Gtp4J_YrZOFjBcYBGSAZApdXeXB6eCBkVrbZTCWzKUaHenXkw4R7Fr3CA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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<strong>Thursday, August 5, 2010 04:00 Albuquerque, New Mexico</strong><br />
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Up untill this point, I had been riding on Interstate I had ridden many times. Today, I was finally going to cover new real estate. For me, I was finally entering "The West".<br />
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The temps were nice and cool on this a.m.. I actually had to stop to add the liner for my Darien. What a pleasant change. I treated myself to a nice breakfast in Grants. Two eggs over hard, wheat toast and OJ. Anything more than that and 30 minutes down the road, I'd find myself asleep in a ditch. Keep it light.<br />
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Not my first visit to Arizona, but my first on the bike.<br />
Passports.....we don't need no stinkin' Passports.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxQL96r2lumE8m237jvko5VoW4tINcQJ1tNPYfx-elUfTtoGuSRdqjVKN41u2RvtRZo3lK2lrhkRWLS0XWnTg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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Temperatures were much more reasonable now. It was down right comfortable. I tried to cover some ground. It was going well.......untill Flagstaff.<br />
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Construction delays leading<em> into</em> Flagstaff. Construction delays<em> in</em> Flagstaff. Construction delays <em>leaving</em> Flagstaff. I was getting nowhere fast. Finally, I see the sign, "END ROAD WORK". Hallelujah ! ! ! <br />
It was at this point I realized how hot it was getting again. I mean really HOT. At least I was moving.<br />
<br />
My plan was to exit at Kingman and head for the Dam. I had read about the new bypass bridge to take the vehicle traffic off the dam. On this trip I knew this would be my only chance to ride across the Hoover Dam before it was closed. The check point backup wasn't nearly as bad as I had expected. I stopped for a quick photo.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TKN7YV0fnEI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/nigIod-sCaM/s1600/Hoover+Dam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TKN7YV0fnEI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/nigIod-sCaM/s400/Hoover+Dam.JPG" width="400px" /></a>Is it just me or is the water low?<br />
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After I creeped across the dam, trying my best not to hit any of the bazillion pedestrians darting all about, I finally made it to the Nevada side. I was very disappointed to discover that all the parking areas for photo ops were closed off....sadly, I was unable to obtain the photo I really wanted: <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TKSQW9ZlsuI/AAAAAAAAAVY/Rt6Saq4UYbQ/s1600/hooverDam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206px" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TKSQW9ZlsuI/AAAAAAAAAVY/Rt6Saq4UYbQ/s320/hooverDam.jpg" width="320px" /></a>[ Photo: Kyle Nishioka ]<br />
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Next stop: Las Vegas.<br />
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Date: August 5, 2010<br />
Time: 3:30 pm<br />
Temp: 110° F<br />
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I didn't stay long.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dydOIkjvdbEsvVj6j8abFD8bi4cqg9jndfG50fqMNXIgsKjsOPbeLGnWY8f-WWzeYnCFO5vzufL1FADdwJE_w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe> My first visit to "The Strip"<br />
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The danger at this stop is the fact that the parking area is not that big and HUGE tour buses roll in and out of it without much regard for inconsequential things like MOTORCYCLES ! ! ! !<br />
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I cruised North up the strip, then hooked a left onto West Sahara Boulevard and found I-15. Found the exit for US 95 and points West. I was now anxious to reach the host hotel and get settled into some A/C and perhaps a few adult beverages......<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TKSqnXc3M0I/AAAAAAAAAVc/eNXKOMXO9Rk/s1600/HostHotel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TKSqnXc3M0I/AAAAAAAAAVc/eNXKOMXO9Rk/s400/HostHotel.JPG" width="400px" /></a>Rally HQ, Amargosa Valley NV<br />
<br />
It was about 6:00 pm on Thursday, August 5, when I arrived. Pretty much on schedule. Still very HOT.<br />
<br />
If you are still reading this, thanks for hanging in.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw9N8Ou8H6gGnhGc-sFnsxjP1KYDnYm3Ft81J8eDYlH5nP_xKRf-oIswW1EGb_qTBbSXo9_s0mJqZSEGQkXKA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
The hotel and staff were very nice and loved hosting the rally. It truely is out in the middle of the desert, but that's what made it interesting. It was all new to me. I was glad to be there.<br />
<br />
<strong>SPANK Rally begins, ( we just didn't know it ).</strong><br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TKStfubKBDI/AAAAAAAAAVg/P8sc_ChM-V0/s1600/Umbrella.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TKStfubKBDI/AAAAAAAAAVg/P8sc_ChM-V0/s400/Umbrella.JPG" width="400px" /></a>Waiting for ODO check.<br />
<br />
George had all the riders line up in the hallway outside his room (Rally Central). Everyone in full ATGATT , I wish I had a picture. ( I'm sure someone does ). Three at a time, we would check in and leave for our odometer runs. Upon returning, our bikes were now considered impounded. I didn't think much about it at the time. We all found out later how significant a policy it was.<br />
<br />
During the banquet, George kept quiet about the Saturday start time. After distribution of Rally Packs and Rider Aprons, George again declined to confirm a starting time. After all bonus questions had been answered and folks were ready to break up and retire to their rooms to plan, George, at the last minute, declares we all have been on the "clock" since 6:00 pm ! ! ! ! <br />
<br />
Cool. <br />
<br />
No mass ascension in the morning. Just roll out when we were ready. I'm not sure why, but I really liked this policy. It was different. <br />
<br />
<strong>My Route Planning - Not so fast there, cupcake.</strong><br />
<br />
I was not to realize this for three more days, but the one Big, Who's Bobo?, Wicked Stupid, Rally Killing Mistake, I made was commited even before I read the first bonus. For the want of a simple calendar, I doomed myself. Someday, I'll get it together.......<br />
<br />
While I was so excited to start route planning to bonuses I'd <strong><em>like</em></strong> to go to, I failed to cement in my plans, the one place I <strong><em>NEEEDED</em></strong> to go to......<br />
<br />
The one mandatory Checkpoint was to be in Bluff, Utah, 11:00 am, August 10, 2010. Which of course is a TUESDAY ! ! ! ! ! <br />
For some demented reason, I lock it in my head, that August 10th was on Monday......<br />
So it ain't hard to realize now how screwed up my routing was, when I was going to be 24 hours too early and totally screwed my chances at bigger bonuses farther away.<br />
<br />
I needed a drink........<br />
<br />
<strong>My Plan:</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Leg One - </strong><br />
Go through Death Valley early, <br />
Collect Bonuses going North to Reno and Gerlach,<br />
Cross Nevada at night, try and bag bonuses in SLC area the next day,<br />
Venture South to Grand Canyon and make Checkpoint in Bluff,<br />
<br />
<strong>Leg Two - </strong><br />
Go through Colorado, via bonus in Durango and then points North,<br />
Collect dino bonuses in N. Utah and then Green River, WY,<br />
Collect more bonuses in Wy, then South to Colorado.<br />
<br />
Not a winning route, but a good route for me. Too freakin' bad it was so <strong><em>time flawed</em></strong> ! ! !<br />
<br />
Now let's see what I actually did:<br />
<br />
<strong>DAY ONE: Saturday</strong><br />
<br />
Leave Rally HQ at day break. Head for Death Valley. First task: find gas. <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwjIjldg_ElCFYzjioQnDkq5msm_JHnDz5qzdsX9kGQIivgutpZ58ZC_MorbelCHrBiwgWUfKda5SLsxjHTgQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TL8nukVXeSI/AAAAAAAAAV0/LVDl_ZspUvw/s1600/EnterCA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TL8nukVXeSI/AAAAAAAAAV0/LVDl_ZspUvw/s400/EnterCA.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
My first return to California, since I bought the bike in San Diego, December 1979.<br />
<br />
I had been advised to gas up in Shoshone before entering Death Valley. Seemed like good advise to me.<br />
The station was closed but pumps were on.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TL8qDo3q1TI/AAAAAAAAAV4/gHW_8ZaSPc8/s1600/ShoshoneGas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300px" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TL8qDo3q1TI/AAAAAAAAAV4/gHW_8ZaSPc8/s400/ShoshoneGas.JPG" width="400px" /></a>Photo receipt.<br />
<br />
The weather was perfect, and I had a nice shaded ride to Badwater. This was my first ride through Death Valley. It was way kool, as evident by my stary eyed reaction on the video.<br />
<br />
First Bonus: The Badwater Low Point to go with the Mt. Evans High Point combo.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwpuL6jx4HNkw9e5HTnFfln2n_TcGUM-6-GPFcSAt6JM61M4pMm6qRkJfpc79AKAkio4KOX-TP91zU1lMrqlQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<br />
After Badwater, my next bonus was to be The Eureka Sand Dunes. An easy photo but it was not to be.<br />
<br />
GZ had listed, on the route sheets, any info about unpaved roads we were to encounter. He rated them as 1, 2, or 3. A dirt road rated a 3 was the worst.<br />
<br />
The route sheet made no mention of the road to Eureka Sand Dunes as unpaved, but of course my map did. But I naturally paid no attention to the map and when I got to the turn off to go to the Dunes, it was gravel. I knew I was in trouble when the road sign had a "JEEP" logo on it, indicating 4-wheel drive is recommended.<br />
<br />
This road was not for me....... I H-A-T-E D-I-R-T.<br />
<br />
Back to Scotty's castle and out of Death Valley. I needed to be in Gerlach by 6:00 pm.<br />
<br />
A little hot, but a nice ride North on US 95 to Fallon and then over to Gerlach. <br />
The bonus was to obtain a photo with Reno John and a plate of the famous ravioli. Then a photo at the IBA Memorial. <br />
<br />
This would be my first visit to Bruno's. <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwo3YtCiWWLNYPX_Yidao5nUgE9vAcOMyNbh-b9jBnOjtL1GKl9uyQCTAxEObFfNEgR2btklGPVIbBPo6GycA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<br />
It was also my first meeting with Reno John. Nice guy, and a good sport for enduring being a bonus subject.<br />
<br />
My actual bonus photo. I may never dine with Kings, nor ever date a movie star, but I HAVE been to Bruno's and enjoyed the ravioli.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TL9IuC6FSKI/AAAAAAAAAWA/vR9n10QSoL4/s1600/RavioliBonus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TL9IuC6FSKI/AAAAAAAAAWA/vR9n10QSoL4/s400/RavioliBonus.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
<br />
The second part of the Reno John bonus:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TL9JkVsiqjI/AAAAAAAAAWE/2tU7C23LEH4/s1600/IBAmemorial.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TL9JkVsiqjI/AAAAAAAAAWE/2tU7C23LEH4/s400/IBAmemorial.JPG" width="400px" /></a>Too many stones.<br />
<br />
<br />
A parting shot for some easy points and I'm on my way.<br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TL9KcEmsVlI/AAAAAAAAAWI/259T2UZJbHM/s1600/Brunos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300px" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TL9KcEmsVlI/AAAAAAAAAWI/259T2UZJbHM/s400/Brunos.JPG" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
Before leaving the IBA Memorial, Dave S. (the other H-D driver in SPANK), Reno John and myself, spent a few minutes just enjoying the quiet and solitude of the place. It was my first visit. I didn't want to rush through it at a "rally pace". Thanks John, for suggesting we just take our time.<br />
<br />
But there is a rally to ride. I said goodbye to Gerlach.<br />
<br />
As I headed South, back toward Fernley, it was now late evening. The darker it got, the more I was thinking my headlight must be dimming with age. By the time I reached Fernley, I was in the dark. No headlight. No high or low. No spare bulb.....I knew this day was done. I trolled around using my fog lights and found a hotel.<br />
<br />
I had upgraded my stock sealed beam some years ago, and was now using an H4 <em>CANDLEPOWER </em>headlamp conversion. I was not sure if an H-D dealer would have a spare bulb. Perhaps I was limited to some proprietary bulb from <em>CANDLEPOWER</em>. What I did know, was an H4 from Walmart was not going to work.<br />
<br />
It was late Saturday night and the bike shops were closed. Tomorrow is Sunday, and they will still be closed. So now, my second rally adjustment, was to NOT cross Nevada at night. Get a room and wait for daybreak.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzBm7QH5BofSdk7sbPBaCOZJNtZCPkyZpnCxxIsPq2zJMoaBpywxej_8MkYWD0DbQIgXDzY3zN2AsAgi9r5JQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<br />
<strong>Day Two: Sunday</strong><br />
<br />
At first light, I made my way out to my bike. Another H-D was parked there also. I was surprised to find out it was Dave. I thought he would be long gone. We chatted for a bit, and we both enjoyed a cup of coffee while I adjusted my rear chain. Dave left to continue on his rally, while I finished packing up. I had a long day across Nevada, with little hope of finding a spare bulb. I stopped and looked in every major town, but nothing. I concluded, I would not have a headlight untill Monday. At least I was able to salvage a few points for the day with the Thunder Mountain bonus.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TMhBlJb11zI/AAAAAAAAAWk/-3lLuHdm01s/s1600/ThunderMtn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TMhBlJb11zI/AAAAAAAAAWk/-3lLuHdm01s/s400/ThunderMtn.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
<br />
There is way too much going on with this bonus. You will have to Google this to appreciate the whole concept.<br />
<br />
My plan was to get as close as possible to the checkpoint before dark. Remember, I mistakingly think I have to be there Monday at 11:00 am.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TMXGolxrUrI/AAAAAAAAAWM/5tbPKMqrFpM/s1600/EnterUtah.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" nx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TMXGolxrUrI/AAAAAAAAAWM/5tbPKMqrFpM/s400/EnterUtah.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
I actually shot video here, but will spare you all from the agony.<br />
<br />
Into Utah and now to cross the salt flats for the first time. Kool, but not as kool as Death Valley.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwgdXLllmZCFTjWnWxOhrx28NkCVVsLXA-VVX4iJwuggjYrZWPyWH0_PO-Fk9pybBblVyQBZQUwkKDYMmzyQg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<br />
It was late Sunday afternoon when I arrived in Salt Lake City. I still needed a headlight bulb, so that was my focus. I'm sure there are plenty of bike shops in SLC, but none that were open. I still wanted to get as close to the checkpoint as possible before dark. My target was Price. Of course, if I knew that I actually had another 24 hours before reaching the checkpoint, I would have gone to Sheridan, Wyoming, to bag the one bonus I really wanted to experience - The Trebuchet Watermelon Launch. Damn, I hated to miss that bonus because of "stupid", (and it was worth <strong>21,786 points</strong> ! ! ! )<br />
<br />
It was a beautiful ride from SLC to Price on US 6. I reached Price just at sunset and stopped for the night at the Super 8. This "no headlight" thing really sux for rallying. Even for a lightweight like me. I do get a good night sleep as I have to wait for daylight. <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Day Three: Monday</strong><br />
<br />
So, do I go shopping for a headlight bulb or go straight to the checkpoint? At this point I'm not even thinking of bonus hunting. Too bad, because I rode past some easy points and didn't even know it. Clearly my rally is in deep do-do. But one thing at a time. I chose to hit the checkpoint directly, then go shopping for my luminary device, then get back in the rally.<br />
<br />
Another beautiful day weatherwise. I was really impressed with the Moab region of Utah. Would like to go back someday to spend more time. I bought fuel, and continued on. <br />
<br />
<em>( It wasn't untill after the rally that I realized I'd ridden right past a nice bonus at the Arches NP )</em><br />
<br />
It was now mid-morning as I approached Bluff. It is a small town along the San Juan river. Very pretty country actually. As I cruised along slowly, I was looking for a gathering of moto's.....but nothing. Weird.<br />
I rode past the checkpoint, then U-turned and approached again. When I pulled into the parking lot, not only was there no one else around, but the host restaurant, <em>The San Juan Kitchen</em>, was CLOSED ! ! ! <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyOGqYsXg_bGjhSRFpTNcQ_RmV7CE-vbD3JI7d1GcslISfLoYm3mH_1I-WNis3DYnih3XduU3DH2Xp2_Z1SPg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<br />
Clearly there was a deep chasim in my reading comprehension. The checkpoint was scheduled for TUESDAY.............I am such an idiot ! ! ! ! !<br />
<br />
So after confirming the correct date, I made my daily call-in. I gave full disclosure of my blunder to GZ. I figured the Rally staff could share a good laugh at my stupidity. Now to get serious. <br />
<br />
I located the closest H-D dealer......Durango. So I make my way East. I stopped for lunch in Cortez. As I'm getting ready to leave, a young couple stops to chat. They, of course, are about to ask me the number one question I have answered many times on this journey. If you are riding a Harley, and it is August: " Hey mister, you goin' to Sturgis?"<br />
<br />
I always remain courteous, and answer with a quiet, "No." A dissappointing look always forms on their faces. I cannot confirm this, but I always get the impression that these folks want me to say "Yea, I was in Sturgis, but I had to jet early, 'cuz I got all crank'd up with my <em>Hells Angels</em> buddies and we busted up a place and killed two cops."<br />
<br />
It's like they want to be able to brag to their friends that they met some biker outlaw and survived. <br />
<br />
Perhaps not. But it makes me chuckle inside. Maybe next time I'll give the answer they want.......<br />
<br />
I find the H-D dealer easy enough, so I head for the parts counter.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TMb9Ej5W3BI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/CbJJhAHyVso/s1600/DurangoHD.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" nx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TMb9Ej5W3BI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/CbJJhAHyVso/s400/DurangoHD.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
<br />
The parts guy was very helpful. I handed him my old bulb and asked him if he had a replacement. Keep in mind, my bulb has the <em>CANDLEPOWER</em> name all over it, with their own number. I was sure H-D would not have the same bulb.....( how different could it be? ). The parts guy (wish I got his name), looks at it and without saying a word, turns around, grabs a bulb package off the rack and opens it up. He then starts to laugh. I'm thinking, "see, it ain't the same." He hands me the new bulb. It has <em>CANDLEPOWER</em> written all over it.<br />
<br />
Cool. At $12.95 each, I said, " I'll take two".<br />
<br />
New bulb. New day. New plan. Time to get back in this thing. <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzCLuPEzckLWp5_N83vzDCfQR9dvYto-0Cmaw1snZpaITCOw0TcjQKZkfoa3cZrxPzST2m3mrgLomUCBhgN9A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<br />
It is now about 3:00 pm. I have about 20 hours before the REAL checkpoint window appears, so I head toward the Grand Canyon to grab what bonuses I can.<br />
<br />
Next stop: Navajo National Monument.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxp67TGbruOsFfZAAAVIo2ETN4xxwQ76ld1gzFdM36vAzr2ZFqEafsFEnYqAy7IGSbwds1F3z6uS3ic0pQUKg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<br />
It was now late in the day and I wanted to try and bag the Powell bonus in Page, AZ before sunset.<br />
<br />
( Again, I realize now that I have ridden past a juicy bonus in Cortez ...... TWICE.... I really do have a routing problem. )<br />
<br />
As I approach Page, the sun is on its way out. My GPS takes me right to the bonus with just a sliver of twilight left. I just squeak out a bonus photo.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TMgonDju5nI/AAAAAAAAAWU/CaW-1KJtj9Y/s1600/Sunset+Page.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TMgonDju5nI/AAAAAAAAAWU/CaW-1KJtj9Y/s400/Sunset+Page.JPG" width="400px" /></a>Without flash.<br />
<br />
Page AZ actually had two bonuses at the same spot. The dino footprints and the Emma Dean.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TMgs2NzoZYI/AAAAAAAAAWY/uxwoaQXLJfk/s1600/Page+Dino.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TMgs2NzoZYI/AAAAAAAAAWY/uxwoaQXLJfk/s400/Page+Dino.JPG" width="400px" /></a>With flash.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TMguKp7YiMI/AAAAAAAAAWc/55Z1ewotVMY/s1600/EmmaDean.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TMguKp7YiMI/AAAAAAAAAWc/55Z1ewotVMY/s400/EmmaDean.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
<br />
There is nothing like bagging a couple of bonuses to help a rider ease back into rally mode. <br />
Next stop: The Grand Canyon.<br />
<br />
It was way after dark by the time I reach the gate to enter the canyon park. The booth was unattended, and the sign said to "travel on". So I did.<br />
<br />
There were two Grand Canyon bonuses I was attempting to claim. The first was the Watchtower and the other was The Powell Memorial.<br />
<br />
I found the entrance to the Watchtower parking area and stopped for the night in a quiet corner of the lot. Time to grab a room in the IronButt motel.<br />
<br />
One of the plus side effects of such HOT weather, is the fact that the concrete sidewalks absorb a lot of day time heat, and stay quite warm into the night. I cocooned myself with my bike cover and layed down for some shut eye. It had been a long day. But at least I had a few points to show for it.<br />
<br />
<strong>Day Four: Tuesday</strong><br />
<br />
Sleeping on concrete SUCKS. Even if it is warm. I did manage a few hours of sleep, but it wasn't pretty. I was actually awakened by the sound of tourist walking by me. SHIT, it's already daylight ! ! I need to grab this bonus photo and get going......<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwsNxBtuTvB2vjXSdmsEDKCLw9cZqaZ_NaqhaDCrS0pECyFs9xtZAyZQYz-tGMXb3LwIAhdwXDl_dKkcuR8jw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<br />
I had estimated that I would have just enough time to grab the second Grand Canyon bonus before I needed to beat feet back to Bluff and make the checkpoint, ( for real this time ).<br />
<br />
The 18,643 point bonus called for a photo of the large granite Powell Memorial at the end of Hermit's Road. Sounded easy enough, untill I got there. You see, what the route sheet didn't mention was that Hermit's Road is closed to traffic in the summer. The rider would have to park his bike and take a tour bus to the sight. Which now explains the high point value, but I just did not have the time to expend. I back tracked all the way to US 89 and then onto Rte 160, headed back to Bluff.<br />
<br />
Well, after a fabulous ride through Monument Valley, I arrived at the checkpoint at 11:18 am. I finally made it. Oh and yes, the parking lot was full of moto's. A wonderful sight.<br />
<br />
After checking in, I had lunch, and chilled with the other riders. Everyone was scattered about with laptops a blazing and GPS's humming. Me, I went back outside to check over my bike. I discovered that my right footboard had a broken mount and was dangling precariously from the frame. I removed it completely. Hey, gain a headlight.....lose a footboard.....that's about right.<br />
<br />
It is amazing how uncomfortable and how unnatural it is to ride with no place to put your foot. I'm glad I had hiway pegs mounted on the front crash bar.<br />
<br />
At 12 noon, George handed out the Bonus Pack for Leg 2. Since all the Leg 1 bonuses were still in play, this did not change my plans much. Hell, I was still playing catch up. In hindsight, I should have done the Castle Thread. Oh well.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz4IMlbzjPXp1nXvTXeYCwe_QVyNGDCkBywR2ioCwSkHpSoF7i_C7tB8WkECGw-LhkUzkXV0fvrfHNZrIeW' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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First stop: Durango for the SKA beer bonus. And yes, I did pass through Cortez for the <u>THIRD</u> time and still did not claim the Mesa Verde NP bonus. I'm sure glad I'm solo and not in a team, cuz I'd be dead in a ditch somewhere by now. <br />
<br />
After Durango, I head North to Grand Junction. Everyone knows the ride from Durango to Grand Junction is awsome. So I was really enjoying the rally now. I made a quick stop at Red Mountain just to look around. Since I had such a lousy night sleep and I really needed to stop and try to make a better plan, I stopped in Ouray for the night. I treated myself to a good meal and comfy bed. It would also be my 6 hour Rest Bonus. <br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzYolSDFY_8Zv468F0L7IxTkxAT7tCM2suxyWAXSZAS9mYWPPMidztuuOKDV2dBRbByY6Fgx6RfVrqsoXAxwQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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Inside the motel office was an ATM machine. I figured to use this receipt to document my Start and End of my Rest Bonus. It was now around 8:00 pm. I got a good receipt. I planned to come back about 3:00 am and get an early start for the day. Using this ATM was NOT a good idea.<br />
<br />
The major flaw in this little plan was the fact that the ATM was INSIDE the office lobby, which turns out NOT to be accessable 24 hours ! ! ! !<br />
<br />
When I returned at O'dark something, the office is dark, locked and a sign on the door, " Open 8:00 am "<br />
<br />
Holy crapaloid..... there was no buzzer to wake anyone, there was no night staff, no nothing. So I waited.<br />
<br />
Finally, about 8:20 am, a staffer opens the office and I quickly get my receipt. Could I have gone somewhere else for a receipt? Perhaps, but I'm pretty sure the rules state that the Start and End receipts must be from the same place. So the lesson here boys and girls is; make sure you have access to wherever and whenever you need to properly document your Rest Bonus.<br />
<br />
Time To Get Going.<br />
<br />
<strong>Day Five: Wednesday</strong><br />
<br />
My new plan was not really any better than my old plan. I still missed two good size bonuses in Wyoming that I just didn't recognize. Too bad, it would have allowed me to completed another Thread and mucho more points.<br />
<br />
From Ouray, I would go North to Vernal, then Flaming Gorge and onto Green River, Wyoming. Then head South to make sure I made the Mt. Evans bonus first thing Thursday morning in order to reach the finish in Denver by noon.<br />
<br />
My first bonus stop for the day was Driggs Mansion, off Hiway 141. This bonus required an easy photo of the ruins of the dwelling.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TMlyn4hT2QI/AAAAAAAAAWo/NG2LDajev-s/s1600/Driggs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TMlyn4hT2QI/AAAAAAAAAWo/NG2LDajev-s/s400/Driggs.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
<br />
What I really enjoyed about this bonus, was the beautiful ride in and out of this location. I couldn't resist shooting some video.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzmuCh-Pu9oV0in9J2NXdQ0atc4AkdcUJHhXeFxlmC0m1G3e3RyrCGYS_WlAyiIyhgyO0SX_HXCcSyhetOs' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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<br />
Next up on the duty roster was Vernal, Utah, and the "cowboy dino bonus". Well, at least that's what the route sheet said. "TAPOT T-Rex dino swathed in cowboy garb."<br />
<br />
I found the T-Rex, but all he was wearing was a string of old Christmas lights. I took the photo and moved on my way.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TMmIW5EkppI/AAAAAAAAAWw/PPtpHa1JGKY/s1600/VernalDino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TMmIW5EkppI/AAAAAAAAAWw/PPtpHa1JGKY/s400/VernalDino.jpg" width="300px" /></a><br />
<br />
From Vernal it was another nice ride to the Petrified Dunes of the Flaming Gorge area. I was glad it was daylight. What an awesome sight. It sure is different than the Massachusetts coast I grew up on. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TMmNhe5NTLI/AAAAAAAAAW0/CfkPisFF2O8/s1600/FossilSand.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TMmNhe5NTLI/AAAAAAAAAW0/CfkPisFF2O8/s400/FossilSand.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyfbcgXTIUh_VEKPAeWuerUtm-fFW69HkG0uMNP0kw8yiwLW3qsFrB2D5caYCFWQPDfsWFBuI561XMka1FnFw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
<br />
Finally, I was scooping bonuses in the manor I should have been doing all along. Sometimes it takes me a little longer to get geared up. Onward........<br />
<br />
Next up was a double bonus in Green River, Wyoming. The waypoint lead me right to the Island Park and the stone marker commemorating the starting location of the Powell Expeditions.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TMmoQcGMAHI/AAAAAAAAAW4/9iNYdBiuAZw/s1600/PowellMem.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" nx="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TMmoQcGMAHI/AAAAAAAAAW4/9iNYdBiuAZw/s400/PowellMem.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
<br />
There were other riders there, and one could sense we were in our final stages of the rally. Most all were making their way toward Denver with a few remaining bonuses to bag.<br />
<br />
Across the river was the Water Park Bonus. This was guaranteed to be WET. The rider had to obtain a photo of their rally apron tied to the center pole, and snap a picture with water falling. Just dive on in, there was no way to stay dry.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TMmrApedlPI/AAAAAAAAAW8/bdXkMO7OFCU/s1600/WaterPark+Back.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" nx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TMmrApedlPI/AAAAAAAAAW8/bdXkMO7OFCU/s400/WaterPark+Back.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
<br />
We certainly gave the locals plenty to talk about. One women commented that she and her husband go riding with their buddies all the time, but never do fun stuff like this. To which I have to respond, "You just aren't riding with the right people."<br />
<br />
Parting shot:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TMmscxySqRI/AAAAAAAAAXA/_SOBaPaOa3E/s1600/WaterPark.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TMmscxySqRI/AAAAAAAAAXA/_SOBaPaOa3E/s400/WaterPark.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
<br />
Just when things are going so good. I should have expected a gremlin, and I got one. After I had completed all my paperwork, and was feeling pretty good about the whole thing, I went to hit the start button and nothing. Just,<em> click - click. </em>Great. Now I've got some sort of starter problem. <br />
After concluding the battery was ok, I moved on to the starter solenoid. With a small screw driver, it is an easy "jump" to activate the starter. It works. I'm on my way. <br />
<br />
It was now late Wednesday afternoon. I decided to make my way toward Denver. I traveled East on I-80, and once again, in what has become a distrubing pattern, I completely ignore two close bonuses in Wyoming. I turned South on Hiway 789 and made my way into Colorado. I stopped for the night in Craig.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxst8pEUYcUZoKLg0zjRVBxQ2aNYWLw4f6uIW-ooBEOysGs0Csb6EEc94jDPThtsHw0QcFguQ_BgSZ5ax5qyQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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The plan was to claim the Mt. Evans bonus as early as possible Thursday morning and reach the finish on time at the National Meet. <br />
<br />
I was not prepared for how windy the top of Mt. Evans was that morning. Almost blew me off the mountain.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TN_vVqnVmII/AAAAAAAAAXE/G95llfNo0DQ/s1600/EvansBonus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300px" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TN_vVqnVmII/AAAAAAAAAXE/G95llfNo0DQ/s400/EvansBonus.JPG" width="400px" /></a><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwYvrd14atyMnvjUuG-px9Mt8ZowdKM0q4hEY48ACvv2ld6RhLWloR3Scd1q0d6lLto9CcbBoGTY2Hb5Mpi' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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<br />
I had originally not planned on claiming the <em>Kneebone with Extra Cheese</em> bonus. But now I thought I would have just enough time to reach the Pizza bonus and make it to the finish at the Marriott Hotel. The problem was, I had not entered the appropriate waypoint into my GPS. Without looking at the Bonus Sheets, I had remembered the bonus was at BeauJo's Pizza. So I used the GPS POI function to find the Pizza Shop. BIG mistake. As I'm riding along, I realize that I seem to be heading in the wrong direction.<br />
As I reached the location, I noticed the parking lot was void of any motorcycles.....you guessed it. I was at the WRONG BeauJo's Pizza Shop. How was I to know there was more than one. My GPS only had this location listed. LESSON: Always check the Route Sheets, READING COMP.......READING COMP.<br />
<br />
So....as they say in Hollywood, "That's a wrap". I arrive at the finish with little time to spare. It felt good to be done. Even with all my mistakes, I had a great time. I knew my score would place me near the bottom. But that's show biz folks. <br />
<br />
After scoring, I returned to the parking lot for some much needed refreshment and post rally tire kickin'.<br />
<br />
National Meet folks were starting to fill the parking lot. I was able to see old friends and meet new ones. Single malt and a fine Dominican cigar was the plan now.<br />
<br />
I finished second to last, but I recieved this awesome finisher's plaque, hand painted by George Z., and this beer glass. Pretty cool.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TRUQsvObnSI/AAAAAAAAAXo/uZlrtlkv6rs/s1600/Glass&Plaque.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480px" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TRUQsvObnSI/AAAAAAAAAXo/uZlrtlkv6rs/s640/Glass%2526Plaque.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div><br />
The IBA National Meet was fantastic, but that is a whole seperate report.....<br />
<br />
Time to head home.<br />
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Somewhere in Eastern Kansas, my engine decided it was tired. I stopped to investigate the hideous noise comming from my engine. But first I have to wait for the engine to cool down before I do anything.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Thanks for hanging in there and making it to the end of this report. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Please remember to support an LD rally near you.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Mark Collins</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Kingston Massachusetts</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208209380681046375.post-539303331135371732010-07-02T12:48:00.132-04:002010-09-10T11:26:52.134-04:002010 MinuteMan 1000Why do rally weekends seem to go by so fast?<br /><br />I know........I know........ "Time flies when you're having fun."<br /><br />Well, this year's rally from Rob Nye and company was a blast ! ! ! Excellent, Excellent job gentleman. I never tier of riding around New England. Beautiful seacoast shore roads, awesome twisties through green mountains, ......... total WACK JOB Massachusetts drivers ! ! ! ! ! !, it had it all. And the Moose, can't forget the moose. Man, some of them are big ! ! !. You most definately do not want to hit one of those f*ck*rs.<br /><br />Total critter sightings: Two moose, (one big one in the road !!). One big ass Fox. One Box turtle. The largest crow I've ever seen. This thing was like a big black chicken. I'm thinking, "what the hell are these thing eating?" Looks like the good folks of Maine might be suffering economically, but the wildlife appears to be flourishing, along with the bugs..... LOTS of BUGS.<br /><br />This year I had planned to do a lot of video recording. I quickly learned it is not as easy as one might think, and it is a real time killer, especially during a 24 hour rally. Trying to record rally events will take a lot more planning in the future. I submitt the following example of my attempt to record the Rally Start:<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzDlJhsABLJwNWGqRq2j-_PZAjTHagOBVE8jo3b2n9Wa7V0l7nAIazCkFSAjxsEW_Ek20iSxhKfVsjP-wnNbA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />As you see, without a good narrative, you really have no idea what is going on.<br /><br />As the rally progressed, it got worse:<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxoTGgazwuTEDiRkE4c_DksWQHk7jzvzcRnUjI92kOIzTVmXNRVeVWNY_1Ny-uOxjsei6sI5EehI99KXFVblA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />It always feels good to get the first bonus bagged....but video taping it, is another story;..."No time to lose Watson, the games afoot."<br /><br />Then with the second Bonus stop, I knew this wasn't working. It really does add to the chore list at each stop. I was afraid I would shoot video and not the actual bonus photo required. But mostly, it is a time killer.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxVbGJ1OwKnDYmSDjLlJEn9sBCclqNG2eVhIw2ZlJZS_OmBACxrgg2TRn7I9iSinlIL3kgI1HHM5d66DHrA4Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />I stowed away the video camera to continue on.<br /><br />A post script comment:<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dymAzKw4gZm9qlAFoqEcPDCO24LP-zDDCgkXfOK96QW0U4HSoS2pfhWroffihl4z-o1eS689bua9nPQdwoZyQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />My cheap attempt at videography was not working, however, that was not the only new electronic gizmo I was adding to my rallying farklization.<br /><br />I can't believe, in my proud Luddite existance, that I must now confess to obtaining........<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />A GPS ................. oh, the horror ! ! ! !<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwyidDo7WZnDzxhpHYVjVCkHWXAU3k5-g01XCsQp7DtJOZxzHjhttuxdl92QLx_EvJMbzMfpW9bqblO9L8QAQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><strong>Showtime.</strong><br /><br />My basic plan was to leave Rally HQ in Northampton Mass. Ride the Pike to Boston (well, close anyway) and get up into Maine. My thoughts were - good points and much less traffic... I'd hoped.<br /><br />Bag the bigger bonuses in the Moosehead Lake area, ka-ruze West into New Hampshire then into Vermont for the Maple Sugar Bonus (big points). I don't remember now if I scooped any bonuses in New Hampshire. What I do remember was trying to find REAL Vermont Maple Sugar... in Vermont ... late at night ... with the stores all closed. More on this later.<br /><br />Riding in Maine had it's challenges this weekend. The road surface alternated back and forth between huge frost heaves or brand new asphalt. Just when I got use to near perfect roads....<strong> bang !!!,</strong> here come the moguls ! ! ! ! My route sent me along some scenic roads and it was nice to get way away from freakin' traffic lights. Lots of timber country to travers through, which is Ok during the day, but as we all know, can be a nightmare after dark.<br /><br />At this point I should mention that the theme of this year's MinuteMan 1000 Rally was, "That's Entertainment". Most of the bonus locations had something to do with the entertainment industry. Most notably was the large string of theaters and concert halls across New England that at one time or another was host to the fabulous Grateful Dead band. Which always reminds me of a Deadhead joke: What did the Deadheads say when their pot ran out? "Man, this music sucks!!".<br /><br />.....anyway, my first stop was Ogunquit Maine.<br /><br />No photo, (refer to earlier video), just count the flag poles. This type of bonus always makes me a little cautious. Seems too easy. In this case the ten flag poles are clearly visible along the roof line. But is there one more by the front door, that everyone will miss? ....... never hurts to be a little suspicious of what appears to be an easy bonus.<br /><br />Another rider arrived just as I was leaving. I apologize for not introducing myself. My Rally Social Small Talk skills need work. I think she is a well known writer.<br /><br />Moving on.<br /><br />I have to admit, having all the bonus locations and directions at my fingertips, was a new and exciting addition to my rallying experience. I understand the GPS attraction now.<br /><br />I really appreciated Rob's coding of the waypoints. Having the point value included in the waypoint ID sure made route adjustments on the fly a lot easier. Nice touch, whoever initiated that idea. Thanks.<br /><br />Next was Monmouth Maine.<br /><br />[As a post rally function, I try to present some history of the bonus locations I visit. It makes writing this so much more interesting.]<br /><br /><strong>Cumston Hall </strong><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/THf57jgweZI/AAAAAAAAATM/mcfob1s-Ok4/s1600/Monmouth.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510147470651324818" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/THf57jgweZI/AAAAAAAAATM/mcfob1s-Ok4/s400/Monmouth.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Cumston Hall was built in 1899 with funds donated by Dr. Charles M. Cumston. Dr. Cumston wanted the Town of Monmouth to have something special, so he commissioned Harry Cochrane to design the building. Mr. Cochrane had never designed a building before but he was an accomplished painter, writer, composer and musician. He was able to transform Dr. Cumston's vision of a Town Hall into a grand building with Opera hall, library and town offices.<br /><br />Built in just one year at a cost of only $20,000. A building well ahead of its time, it contained indoor plumbing, electric lighting and plenty of stain glass windows.<br /><br />It is the pride of Monmouth.<br /><br />Now back to enjoying the ride in southern Maine. Weather is fair, (no rain) and the roads are good. Next stop: Skowhegan.<br /><br /><strong>Lakewood Theater</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/THgHBeEUoJI/AAAAAAAAATU/0Jwe3Zxn0nQ/s1600/Skowhegan.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510161865920258194" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/THgHBeEUoJI/AAAAAAAAATU/0Jwe3Zxn0nQ/s400/Skowhegan.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The oldest summer theater in America, (well, that's what their website claims). 110 seasons since the first on June 15, 1910. Designated the State Theater of Maine by the Maine legislature in 1967.<br /><br />The dressing room walls have been sealed to preserve the fading signatures. The most famous is that of John Travolta. While at the height of his "Vinnie Barbarino" days, he performed here in a production of "Bus Stop".<br /><br />I don't think the Grateful Dead ever played here, but Myrna Loy and Mama Cass Elliot have.<br /><br /><br /><p><strong>TO THE NORTH WOODS</strong><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><p>Finally, I'm on the road to Moosehead Lake. I don't get a chance to ride up here much, so when I do, I try and enjoy it as much as possible.<br /></p><br />This day seemed to have less and less traffic as I ventured North. But less and less people means more and more critters. I soon encountered my first moose.<br /><br />She was not that big, (for a moose anyway) but big enough. She stood in a fire road, just several yards back from the edge of the road. I caught her with my left eye just as I rounded a left turning corner. I swear she watched me eye to eye as I rounded the turn. She stood still, I kept moving, praise God. My next encounter would have a slightly more elevated pucker factor.<br /><br />Now entering Rockwood.<br /><br />The GPS waypoint got me close but had to do a few side streets to find the bonus. It was easy, once you knew where it was......duh ! ! ! !<br /><br /><strong>Rockwood Chapel</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/THgN_QADVzI/AAAAAAAAATc/oNPx-VtrIlw/s1600/Rockwood.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510169524365907762" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/THgN_QADVzI/AAAAAAAAATc/oNPx-VtrIlw/s400/Rockwood.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Built in 1948, it seats about 70 people. It holds services from July to September. It is one of only a few log construction type churches in Maine. It is located in a very nice spot. I would have like to stuck around for a while, but yo, I'm kinda in the middle of this rally thingy.<br /><br />Gotta go.<br /><br /><strong>Turning West and Bullwinkle II</strong><br /><br />On my way to Kingfield, well away from town, and enjoying long easy turns through the forest, I should have known it would be interrupted. It was classic. It happens all the time. Take your eyes off the road for an instant, and <strong>whamo</strong>. Just like magic, a LARGE stinking MOOSE is standing broadside to you and I'm close enough to see his head is turned toward me and he's looking right at me, but he ain't moving.<br /><br />Start grabbing some brake, (which on an old H-D, ain't much to grab), and try to slow this pig down. Just as I was starting to enter the "danger zone", Bullwinkle decided to "Exit - Stage Left".<br /><br />Thank God.<br /><br />There <em>was</em> a bit of "entertainment" as a result of this encounter. If you have never seen a BIG moose try and get hoof traction, while on hard pavement, it is almost comical. It's like a big cartoon character trying to run. The legs are churning a mile a minute, but the torso and head are not moving. I'm very glad to have NOT been part of his act.<br /><br />The rain and myself, arrived at the Stanley Museum bonus at the same time. It got real wet, real quick. Digital cameras in the rain ...... not good.<br /><br /><strong>Stanley Museum</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TIesIsTzwWI/AAAAAAAAATk/g44XiucdFGk/s1600/Kingfield.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514565534071636322" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TIesIsTzwWI/AAAAAAAAATk/g44XiucdFGk/s400/Kingfield.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Located in Kingfield, Maine. It is the birthplace of the Stanley twins, Francis Edgar & Freelan O. Famous for their car; the <em><strong>Stanley Steamer,</strong></em> which was manufactured in Watertown, Massachusetts.<br /><br />I made a promise to myself to revisit this museum when I have plenty of time to tour it thoroughly. It contains a valuable photo history of the Stanley twins and their car. Along with photos of the 1906 Land Speed Record (Steam Powered) of 127.64 mph set by Fred Marriott, driving the Stanley Steamer Rocket. This record stood for over 100 years ! ! Finally topped by the British "Team Steam" on August 25, 2009 at 139.843 mph.<br /><br /><strong>The Stanley Rocket</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TIfLedJP4nI/AAAAAAAAATs/XitsoekYhc4/s1600/Fred+Marriott"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514599992818393714" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 296px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TIfLedJP4nI/AAAAAAAAATs/XitsoekYhc4/s400/Fred+Marriott" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It also tells the story of F.E.'s tragic death...... in a car accident.<br /><br />As I left the museum, the skies opened. I needed gas, so I lucked out and got to hide out under the gas station canopy for most of the deluge. Next stop, Rangeley, Maine.<br /><br /><strong>Home, Home on the Rangeley</strong><br /><br />This would be my second visit to Rangeley as a bonus location. I keep waiting for Rob to add Rangeley to the Rally for what it is really famous for: The Wilhelm Reich Museum - <strong>Orgonon.</strong><br />(at least I don't recall the Reich Museum as a previous bonus.....could be wrong).<br /><br />In the 1930s, Reich discovered a physical, biological energy in all living matter that he called "orgone," and for the next two decades devoted his life to the investigation of its laws and properties.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.wilhelmreichmuseum.org/">http://www.wilhelmreichmuseum.org/</a><br /><br />Real science or crack pot? You decide.<br /><br />The actual bonus I needed in Rangeley:<br /><br /><strong>Lakeside Theater</strong><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TIfV0PtuaNI/AAAAAAAAAT0/H-FFs4diYH0/s1600/Rangeley.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514611362286692562" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TIfV0PtuaNI/AAAAAAAAAT0/H-FFs4diYH0/s400/Rangeley.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />To be honest, I know nothing of this theater. It's in Rangeley.... it was raining..... it was now late Saturday afternoon and I needed to get into Vermont and purchase REAL VERMONT MAPLE SYRUP, before the stores closed. A Rallymasters syrup addition is a dangerous thing.<br /><br />It has to be REAL.<br />It has to be a Product of Vermont<br />It has to be Grade "A" Amber, ( or was it "B"?)<br />..... and it ain't cheap ! ! ! !<br /><br /><strong>"Hello, Hello, I must be going"</strong><br /><br />So I make the command decision to skip the New Hampshire bonuses and get to shopping in Vermont. However, it's later than I think and the tourist type stores that sell the "real" stuff are closed. Store after store is closed. It's now after dark and time for Vermont to go to bed. Mornin' chores come early in the Green Mountain State. I continued on.<br /><br />As I approached St. Johnsbury, a good size town (small city), I thought surely there would be something open. I used my [cough, cough] <cough,>GPS to track down some stores. Nothing.<br /><br />Damn, that Maple Syrup bonus was big points. Sux to be me. I could not believe I was unable to find one place open to buy a stupid bottle of over cooked, WAY over priced, tree sap ! ! ! ! !<br /><br />Aaaaarrrrggggg. Oh well, move on Collins, time for your Rest Bonus.<br /><br />From St. Johnsbury I hopped on I-91 South to find a 24 hour truck stop and grab some shut eye. I needed gas so this would work out ok. Gas up, take my Rest bonus and recalculate what I could to save what was left of my rally. I was still fussing to myself for not being able to find Vermont syrup in VERMONT.......... : o(<br /><br /><strong>"It's Maple SUGAR, not syrup, you silly Flatlander"</strong><br /><br />Exit 17 WELLS RIVER. Food and Fuel. Perfect. I parked the bike and grabbed what gear and paperwork I thought I would need and headed inside. Both the pumps and the store/restuarant were empty. Nice and quiet. Plenty of empty booths. Much food and beverages available. This would be good. If only they sold real maple syrup.<br /><br />Being a person of Faith and recalling what my wife Carol would always suggest,"W<em>hy not ask the clerk"</em>, if he knows where a person could buy some syrup?........ seemed to easy.<br /><br />So I did.<br /><br />The clerk just looked at me funny, and while I was bracing for the "stupid tourist" response, just quietly said, "Behind you".<br /><br />Ta Da ! ! ! It was a Rally Miracle. Big points saved. Life is Good.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TIfn8eEHTsI/AAAAAAAAAT8/coLiAdqmKcY/s1600/maple.jpe"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514631294786948802" style="WIDTH: 379px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TIfn8eEHTsI/AAAAAAAAAT8/coLiAdqmKcY/s400/maple.jpe" border="0" /></a> [Photo courtesy of Google]<br /><br />Yes, indeed. There, behind me, stood a dedicated rack just full of all grades and sizes of Real Vermont Maple Syrup. I couldn't believe it. I had walked right past it coming in and never saw it. So there you go. I bought 2 half pints and stashed them away real safe like. I slept like a baby in a booth for about an hour and a half. As I sat up and started to move around, the same clerk noticed me and commented that he thought I had left. When I explained about the rally and the rest bonus, he said "Hell, there are sofas and lounge chairs upstairs in the Drivers Lounge, you could have slept up there." I will remember this place for next year's MinuteMan.<br /><br />So ..... enough about the dumb syrup. There are still bonuses to get. Next stop: Fairlee, Vt<br /><br /><strong>Fairlee Hotel & Drive-In </strong><br /><br /><strong><br /><br /></strong><strong></strong><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TIjwsin75qI/AAAAAAAAAUM/KBjP8n1gLGg/s1600/Fairlee+VT.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514922391714391714" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TIjwsin75qI/AAAAAAAAAUM/KBjP8n1gLGg/s400/Fairlee+VT.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Opened in 1950, it still has some original car speakers left. You remember, the big clunky metal ones you would hang inside your car window. The ones with the worst static you could imagine. They were horrible.<br /><br />The most interesting feature of this place is the fact that your room has a large window on the back wall along with a speaker system. You could watch drive-in movies from the comfort of your bed. How cool is that?<br /><br /><strong>Last stop</strong><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><br />Almost done. Just grab this last bonus photo and call it a day.<br /><br /><strong>Dummerston</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TIjz60LfbCI/AAAAAAAAAUU/XkAhQefHE9M/s1600/Dummerston.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514925935479974946" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TIjz60LfbCI/AAAAAAAAAUU/XkAhQefHE9M/s400/Dummerston.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Evening Star No. 154, Grange Hall. I'm sorry I missed the Chicken Pie Supper. I'll bet that was some kinda yummy ! ! ! ! !<br /><br />Maybe the next one.<br /><br />I did learn that the town of West Dummerston is home to the second longest covered bridge in Vermont at 267 feet. It is also the longest one still open to traffic.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TIj5vKr5O-I/AAAAAAAAAUc/1Z5ho8JYAy0/s1600/250px-Vermont_fall_covered_bridge_2009.jpe"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514932332432800738" style="WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 162px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TIj5vKr5O-I/AAAAAAAAAUc/1Z5ho8JYAy0/s400/250px-Vermont_fall_covered_bridge_2009.jpe" border="0" /></a> [Photo courtesy Wikipedia]<br /><br /><strong>The UnGrateful DeadHead or How I Learned to Love My GPS.</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />From here it was a short ride south on I-91 and back to Rally HQ and the finish. I attempt to organize all my paperwork and delete unwanted photos in preparations to get scored. I gather up all my stuff and as expected, almost forgot my maple syrup bottle ! ! ! !<br /><br />I am sad?, happy?, or just ambivalent about the fact that I failed to collect not one Grateful Dead bonus. I think the closest I got was enjoying some Ben & Jerry's "Cherry Garcia" during my Rest Bonus. Sorry Rob, but the ice cream is more enjoyable than the music.<br /><br /><strong>True Confession:</strong> I DID like having the GPS. There, I said, I admit it. It was very helpful, and fun to use. I still have to explore the mystic ways of mapping software, I'm not there yet, but I'm working on it. We shall see........<br /><br />I did manage to secure my usual position of "middle of the pack", which is good for me. Better than some, worse than others. If you factor in the "old bike and total lack of competitive routing skills", then I'm happy.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Big THANK YOU to Rally Staff Section:</span></strong><br />Rallies are a lot of work. All the riders know this and really appreciate all the time and energy expended on this weekend. It is a fabulous time. Thank you so much.<br /><br />Thanks for being so patient with us wacky riders. It can't be easy. We do provide lots of fonder for the humor mill. By the way. To any new riders that decide to attend the next MinuteMan 1000, be advised, if you screw up and there is only minor injuries involved, your story will be told at the Finisher's Banquet. You will be called on it, even if you are a Podium Finisher, eh John?<br /><br />I love it. Almost screws the pooch in the early rally and then recovers to take 3rd Place. Good rally John T. Good job.<br /><br />Congrats to Jim Abbott and Michael DelBrocco for outstanding rides to finish 1st and 2nd respectively. You guys are becoming MM1k legends. Good job.<br /><br /><br /><strong>To the Saddlesore Riders: <span style="font-size:130%;">Welcome to the IBA</span></strong><br />Your riding career will be different know. For some of you, don't forget, I warned you.<br />It only gets more involved from now on.<br /><br />Congrats to Cheryl and Woody Carpenter for a great ride. You WILL be back next year, and you WILL do well in the 24 hour rally. I know of several two up couples that are legendary riders in the IBA. You two are poised to join them. As Adam Wolkoff would say " You WILL see their names again".<br /><br />Please come and play next year.<br /><br /><strong>Congrats to all the Riders</strong>. This is the best sport going. See you all next year.<br /><br />Remember, riding is different here.<br /><br />Mark Collins<br />Kingston Mass<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong></strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208209380681046375.post-65787342590385700812009-06-09T14:39:00.050-04:002009-06-20T13:27:12.828-04:002009 MinuteMan 1000Did anyone go to Fundy National Park?<br /><br />I thought about it. Then I really thought about it. 580 miles one way. With two Border crossings…….mmmmm, doable, but maybe not for me. Could be a sucker bonus. Which means I probably qualify for the , “What a wuss” award,……blah, blah, blah.<br /><br />How about Parent, Quebec?..........never mind.<br /><br />Well folks, it’s MinuteMan time again here in New England. You know, that pesky riding on the East Coast thing…..hey, get over it.<br />Remember you IBR riders, you gotta come through here eventually…..Rob was only trying to help you climatize (sp).<br /><br />Rob Nye and crew once again have designed and executed a puzzling and challenging rally. Clearly “No Rhyme or Reason” prevailed. Even Rob’s clues didn’t make sense. Had Rob acquired new and more devious “Evil Rallymaster” sleep tapes over the winter? Proof: Bonus #48 – Available only at midnight. It was a photo bonus, but the rider wasn’t the shooter, he was the shootie. Be there when the camera CLICKED or forget it.<br /><br />A few clever reading comprehension traps. Not tricks, but if you think you read what you read then you didn’t read it right…….naked trees on Mt. Equinox ………indeed. The Doug Mo Museum with NO sign, but the BMW roundel should have helped those who missed it. (at least I made that one).<br />Quebec only Wildcard Bonuses……sorry Rob, next year no questions, I promise.<br /><br /><strong>Friday Check-In:</strong><br /><div><div><div><div><div><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/Sju_XpwfDpI/AAAAAAAAARw/1VqgcgUzZII/s1600-h/ID.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349079395499708050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/Sju_XpwfDpI/AAAAAAAAARw/1VqgcgUzZII/s320/ID.JPG" border="0" /></a>Pre Rally mugshot…..no laughing …….. well, maybe a little. </div><br /><div><br />Ya know, we never had to do this with Polaroids…..ah, the good old days.<br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div><div>The host hotel is well suited for rallies, lots of first floor rooms and plenty of wrap around parking. Easy to secure. But I will NEvER, EvER get use to the layout of this place. It’s set up like a giant rat maze. By the time I figure out how to easily get from my room to the bike, the weekend is over.<br /><br />But the Clarion Resort in Northampton was excellent. Nice staff, clean, comfy rooms and FAB buffet. After all, Rallies are just big RTE’s with some awesome riding in between meals……right?<br /><br /><br /><strong><em>Of Tire Kicking and Stogies:</em></strong><br /><br />I soon find friends that I’ve made over the years at the MinuteMan. Doc and Cyril are MM1k regulars, so are John Tubb and Kurt Dix. It is always good to swap war stories with these guys. The Arturo Fuentes are passed around and life is just “Good Times and Noodle Salad”<br /><br />Both Cyril and Doc have ridden deep into Labrador. Ask Cyril about his RC51 to Goose Bay…….John T. had just returned from the Maritimes and Kurt rides up from Palm Beach to play each year…. seasoned vets for sure. We all enjoy the fellowship of this Two Wheel Madness. God Bless us all. </div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/SjvAWu_GSLI/AAAAAAAAAR4/HTsuXBMpx5A/s1600-h/PostRally.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349080479234934962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/SjvAWu_GSLI/AAAAAAAAAR4/HTsuXBMpx5A/s320/PostRally.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><br />My choice of mount always unveils me at rallies. Clearly all the paint has not dried on my thought process. Why would anyone choose to ride a 37 year old motorcycle with no GPS, no laptop, fair lighting at best, no com, no radio, no nothing? (well, at least the map light works).<br /><br />Because I can. And because it’s just so damn much FUN</div><div><br />But to be honest, I just don’t think about it. Every Spring, I roll out the old Shovel, and get ready for another riding season. Besides, someone has to keep this old stuff going. </div><div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzRo-ov9GDl-jT-SvfgK0GwTwAUuN1ezKJO9agKG-8PnLYw3LNhuhV2_ZZAAnZ1J0lxHLQZv3xDXTTu4tGTnQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div></div><div>Meanwhile:<br /><br />As more and more riders show up to check in, the parking lot begins to fill and the excitement grows. The amount of ash on my Corona has now grown in direct proportion to the degree of bloviating I’m doing. Time to go eat.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/SjvBhdK_FYI/AAAAAAAAASI/RKtoNLDyCRs/s1600-h/H-DGuys.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349081762943145346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/SjvBhdK_FYI/AAAAAAAAASI/RKtoNLDyCRs/s320/H-DGuys.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><strong><em>Rider’s Meeting</em></strong><br /><br />Roast beef buffet……..mmmmmmm It’s a good start.<br /><br />With more than half the total riders that registered, doing the SS1K portion of the MinuteMan, Rob is sure to be deluged with maple sugar. No wonder it’s not a Wildcard this year. But at $11 a pint …….. this stuff ain’t cheap. But it do tastes good Sunday morning. Growing up we called it “sugar” not syrup. Maple Syrup is the crap you buy in the grocery store. I guess things are different now.<br /><br />Just sayin’.<br /><br />After chow, Rider Pacs are distributed. Rally flags and route sheets. A few surprises, but mostly just more detail about each bonus. Nothing to change my pre-rally plans.<br /><br />Bonus locations had been posted the previous Sunday, and I had settled on an Upstate NY route. Plenty of nice roads and good points to be had. I had earlier thought about the Fundy National Park bonus. I have always wanted to ride to that area but soon realized that bonus point options were limited if something happened to my plan. I decided to stick with the Adirondack route. It would provided me with better “bail out options” if my plan were to go awry. (which it usually does, but hey, that’s rallying). Besides, Rob kept telling me, “You’re not going to Bath”, to which I replied, “I’M GOING TO BATH”. Rob just shook he’s head and mumbled….I knew going to Bath, NY late in my program could cause me to DNF, but I went anyway. Rob is still shaking his head.<br /><br /><strong><em>Saturday morning 06:00<br /></em></strong><br />Tradition dictates that new guys learn this phrase: RallyMaster, are there any additions or deletions to the Route Sheets? The answer is very important. Many, many riders have lost valuable points because they missed a little nugget of info the morning of the rally. Case in point; Wilton NY bonus was 24 hour….not anymore. Totally screwed my late program, so now I really needed the 20,000 Bath points. I could have easily missed that info.<br /><br />The weather was perfect. Warm & dry. This was way too easy. With such a nice start…..something had to go wrong.<br /><br />I was the last to leave and pointed North on I-91. Next stop Vermont. Warm, sunny, no traffic….man, this was great. My dropping of the Wilton NY bonus (7000 pts) was now bugging me. I knew I should have ignored it…..I needed an “add on”. Think….think. There had to be another VT bonus I could pick up. Stop…..break out the route sheets. Wardsboro…..Wardsboro…..where the hell is Wardsboro? OOhh, there it is !! 5000 pts and easy pickin’s. Plus the road in and out was Very nice riding. Passed some other riders. I’m back on track with a little less deficit. (unlike…..never mind).<br />Next up was Doug Mo. I’m able to weedle my way over to Chester and make a very close bonus window, 90 minutes. The Doug Mo museum was only available from 08:00 – 09:30. I actually rode past the driveway as I noticed the street numbers and thought…”well, there’s no other place around this place, so I reckon’ this must be the place,” – Curly Howard. And it was. For anyone who admires a Home Moto Workshop, this was the place for you. Doug has quite the set up. Doug was very friendly and helpful. I thanked him for his support of the MM1k and wished I’d had more time to hang around, but…..<br /><br /><strong><em>Almost noon Sat.</em></strong><br /><br />A quick fuel stop and then on to Swanton. I wanted to bag the Round Church bonus in Richmond but the bridge on Bridge Street was closed….go figure. I thought about trying another route but said screw it. I needed to bag Swanton and get my arse into NY.<br /><br />No one ever mentions it, but the dirt road leading to the Carmen Brook Farm can be slippery as …… whatever. But every year I forget this and always give myself a pucker check on the first corner. This old shovel of mine can slide purdy good when you least expect it. Must be cuz it’s been so dry….yea, that’s it. Dry.<br /><br />One pint, one receipt and hello, hello, I must be going. 10,000 pts, now we’re getting somewhere. Back down the driveway, take a right and scoot over into New York. Time to chase down my big bonuses in the Adirondack Park.<br /><br />I always enjoy riding this area. Good roads, easy traffic, plenty of fuel. The resort areas around the lakes are fun to ride through. This is what makes rallies so much fun. I noticed, this year, more “Bikers Welcome” signs at pubs and restaurants. Americade must be having a positive effect. Cool.<br /><br />Ride around Lake Placid, through Saranac Lake and onto a 9000 point stop in Tupper Lake. Now, who would have thought that photography 2 full size white horses on a roof top would be so difficult. Well, with just the right cloud cover….<br />If the pix were black & white…..forget about it.<br /><br />Do you see horses on this roof?<br /></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349083575856011810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 485px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 321px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/SjvDK-zGGiI/AAAAAAAAASQ/re-hRScTLU4/s400/Tupper+Lake.JPG" border="0" /><br />It was here I crossed paths with Jim Abbott. I know it really doesn’t mean anything, but it does give a little mental relief when you touch the same bonus as one of the Big Dogs. I knew Jim had a First Place in the Rhody Rally, and was 11th in the MD 20/20. I was feeling better about my route. Of course, Jim went on to win the MinuteMan and I squeaked out a 12th….so much for that theory.<br /><br />Onto Black River.<br /><br />I have been to this bonus twice in two different rallies. I always felt it was a reading comp trap. The route sheet states; “You must photo your motorcycle in front of the Black River Post Office”. Easy enough, but there are no signs or verbage on the front of the building to prove what it is. A rider must wide angle the photo to include the P.O. sign out by the street. Just the front of the building in the photo will not show what it is. I think, I think too much.<br /><br />I lined up the sign, the bike, the building with flag…..I got the points, 10K thank you</div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/SjvD5_4KFZI/AAAAAAAAASY/D22xv2aCcVk/s1600-h/Black+River.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349084383599531410" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/SjvD5_4KFZI/AAAAAAAAASY/D22xv2aCcVk/s400/Black+River.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I was getting hungry, so I stopped at McD’s outside Watertown and grabbed a Big Mac. I stuffed it in my jacket and boogied south on I-81. I stopped at a rest area with nice tables to enjoy my supper. It was time to plan the evening portion of my program.<br /><br /><strong><em>Saturday, late afternoon:</em></strong><br /><br />While scarfing down my yummie burger, I was thinking if continuing on to Bath was still a good idea. In the fog of rallying, I kept thinking that the Bath bonus was only 10,000 pts. I was making the classic mistake of trying to second guess myself. <strong>Could</strong> - I make it to Bath and include the rest bonus and still make it back on time? <strong>Should</strong> - I re-route to start my return toward Northampton and see what other bonuses I could bag? <strong>Wouldn’t</strong> - it be better if we elected a President of the United States who actually LIKED the United States?……sorry, I’m drifting just a bit……<br /><br />All my questions where quickly answered when I actually looked at the Route Sheets. Bath, NY : 20,000 points. Discussion over. Pack up and get the flock out of Dodge. I-81 South, West on the Thruway, South on NY14.<br /><br />The “Finger Lakes” region of NY is great riding. It was evening and the weather was still perfect. Through Geneva and then Penn Yan. Along the coast of Senaca Lake, you ride past awesome brick houses and fancy resorts.<br />LARGE manicured lawns and big boats. No recession here. I don’t imagine the owners apologize for any of it. Nor should they. Life is Good.<br /><br />Finally onto Rte 54 and my approach to Bath. Speed limits were getting slower and the sun was dropping behind the hills to the west. I was looking for a Historical Marker just north of town. I kept looking for some kind of pull over area, or a sign to indicate a location. Suddenly, I don’t know how I saw it, but there was the Marker for Gallows Hill. It was an old weather beaten State sign with badly faded paint and no parking. It’s funny how you picture what a bonus location will look like and then you get shocked at reality. I don’t know why I kept trying to see a small parking area with a well defined Marker. As oppose to an old weathered, cast aluminum sign on a simple pole, just stuck on someone’s front lawn. Very none descript. Good bonus guys, faked me right out.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/SjvFhQcFQGI/AAAAAAAAASg/l_5Qwj08woM/s1600-h/Bath.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349086157571702882" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/SjvFhQcFQGI/AAAAAAAAASg/l_5Qwj08woM/s400/Bath.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><strong><em>Return:<br /></em></strong><br />I grabbed a photo of the Bath bonus (not required, it was an answer the question style bonus) just as the sun set. Which made it around 8:30pm. I was too far south to back track to the Thruway and jam back to Troy for my next bonus. So I continued thru Bath and jumped on I-86 East. I would follow this route to Binghamton, then head Northeast on I-88 to Albany. It was dark now and the number of dead deer staining the interstate was a little unsettling. This stretch of hi-way was visibly a busy place for Odocoileus virginianus. By the time I reached Albany, the carcass count had reached 11. With only one live sighting, I felt fortunate. But I still had plenty of deer country to traverse before Northampton.<br /><br />I took my Rest Bonus at a Gas & Sip in Bainbridge, NY. Food. Fuel. Clean booths. And a built in Dunkin Freakin Donuts. Now Life Was Good.<br /><br />I didn’t get much rest, as late night gas station/convenience stores are very entertaining in the people watching department. It was a full moon, so that explained a lot. I bought some orange juice and a pre-packaged chicken salad sandwich. The time on the receipt was 23:30. The next 2 hours would be…..interesting. I settled in to watch the freak show.<br /><br />The group of teenagers in the corner booth clearly haven’t got a clue about the real world. But they’re enjoying themselves and not really disturbing much. Pretty typical: the girls are cute and well dressed, the guys are goofy looking and act like jerks.<br /><br />The NASCAR wannabes at the D&D counter, can’t decide what tonnage of donuts they want to consume to expand there already strained T-shirts. We ARE in upstate New York, so why do these guys insist on talking like they live in North Carolina? Outside, Mom waits in the pick-up (with NY plates) that’s pulling the trailer with “Old #11”. It was a dirt / flat track type of race car. Spray can painted red and white. Across the back end, in big letters, it said, <strong>“BUILT DAD</strong> <strong>TUFF”.</strong> I liked that. Good luck in the next race guys.<br /><br />There was a middle aged man who was desperately trying to repair his watch band. It was annoying that he felt compelled to explain to everyone what he was trying to do. Even to the folks who could care less. Like me.<br /><br />The New York State Police stopped in for gas and coffee. These guys were dressed for something heavier than just chasing speeders down the freeway. Some form of fatigues with body armor built in, paratrooper style boots and large caliber side arms. Maybe that’s how they chase speeders in New York.<br />You have been warned.<br />It was noticeably quieter in the store the whole time the troopers were there. When they left, the babbling of pagans resumed.<br /><br />In the whole two hours there, not one drunk came bumbling in, trying to decipher if in fact it was U.S. currency in his pockets that he could use to buy some smokes. I was disappointed but relieved at the same time. My sandwich was long gone. I finished my OJ and packed up. I purchased a bottle of water. The receipt read 01:42. Walking out of the store I start laughing to myself. It’s one thirty in the morning. I’m in the last quarter of a 24 hour motorcycle rally. While everyone else is in shorts and T-shirts, I’m ensconced in dirty Ballistic nylon with gloves, heavy boots and full shielded helmet. The only true freak here was ME. Next stop: Troy.<br /></div><div><br /><strong><em>To The Max:</em></strong><br /><br />The Troy bonus was actually MAX BMW in Brunswick, NY. Right on Route 7. Easy to find. The Route sheets called for a photo of your moto in front of the shop, to INCLUDE the Pink Flamingos. I have been to the New Hampshire store, that is MAX’s other dealership, but this was my first visit to the Troy location….so naturally I assumed the flamingos in question would actually be big enough to be clearly photo’d at night. Well, not exactly. With just the camera flash available, I couldn’t get a clear shot of the bike, the building, and the little birdies. I settled for a closer photo that showed the birds, a little bike and a little building. I was impressed with the digital camera’s performance. I know just a Polaroid would not have made it. </div><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/SjvGBeXswZI/AAAAAAAAASo/1MYnXke0ZxU/s1600-h/MAX.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349086711067230610" style="WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/SjvGBeXswZI/AAAAAAAAASo/1MYnXke0ZxU/s400/MAX.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I would like to pause here to deeply express my thanks and appreciation for all the support that Max Stratton and Company provide the MinuteMan 1000 Rally.<br /><br />It just wouldn’t happen without you folks. <strong><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">Thank you very much</span></strong>.<br /><br /><strong><em>Finish:<br /></em></strong><br />Max’s was my last official bonus on my list. It was now 03:30. I had 2 ½ hours to cover the 100 miles back to Rally HQ. Nice. Barring any folding, spindling or mutilating of myself or my faithful stead, I should finish this run with relative ease. I quickly found my way south to Route 2 and back onto familiar roads. Just an easy ride east to I-91, then South to Northampton.<br />One of the best pieces of advise, I got years ago, from rally vets, was; Don’t Get Greedy. It can be the quickest way to blow up your rally. With plenty of time cushion for me to return, I succumbed to the “just one more bonus….maybe two. I’ve got time.”<br /><br />As I was happily cruzin’ east on Route 2, I had to ride right through Florida, MA and the Hoosac Tunnel Vent bonus and then past the road to the Heath MA bonus. Both for good points. Do I try and bag these or play it safe? No guts…no glory and all that jive. Time. Time is always the question. I have no watch or time piece visible on the bike. For the entire rally, I had relied on my cell phone for correct time. My cell phone was buried in my tank bag and I just didn’t feel like stopping, remove gloves, unzip bag, dig out phone….<br /><br />Not being sure of the time, I chose to ride past the road to the Tunnel Vent, but since I had been to the Heath Fair Grounds before, I turned north onto 8A in Charlemont. In less than a mile I encountered some road construction. Probably not a big deal, but this late in the program, I decided to just retreat and head for the barn. Greed is Not good.<br /><br /><br />My stop the clock time was 05:40. Perfect. I immediately thought, “see, if I had jerked around and tried to bag those other bonuses, I most certainly could have been late or worse…….<br /><br />Post mortem:<br /><br />I had a great rally, but I must remember to take more pix. (Makes for a more interesting Ride Report.)<br /><br />No mechanical problems with the bike, which is a victory unto itself.<br />No narly traffic stories to report.<br />No close encounters of the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd kind.<br /><br />I executed most of my plan as written. Weather was excellent for all of my route.<br />I completed 1020.88 miles with 102,000 points. Which earned me 12th place. I was happy.<br /><br />Thank you MinuteMan 1000 Staff and crew. It was another stellar rally.<br />It just keeps getting better and better.<br /><br />As a final note; I would like to encourage all of the SS1K riders to return next year and enjoy the 24 hour open rally. You will not regret it. Now that you know how the rally works, you are all ready to enjoy the fun.<br /><br />Congrats to Jim, Gary and Chris on their Win, Place and Show victories. Nice ridin’ guys.<br /><br />Congrats to all the 24 Hour riders and the SS1K finishers and Welcome to the IBA. See you all next year.<br /><br />Mark Collins<br />Kingston Mass<br />IBA 5859<br /></div></div></div></div></div><br /><p></p><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208209380681046375.post-76951651062060178762009-03-24T12:36:00.004-04:002009-03-24T12:43:05.885-04:00Jax trip<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/SckNaezZ09I/AAAAAAAAAQw/6y3oJ9BPKK0/s1600-h/Flat2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316795583684006866" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/SckNaezZ09I/AAAAAAAAAQw/6y3oJ9BPKK0/s320/Flat2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/SckNOHLSPEI/AAAAAAAAAQo/G7DKByc7bgQ/s1600-h/Flat1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316795371183291458" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/SckNOHLSPEI/AAAAAAAAAQo/G7DKByc7bgQ/s320/Flat1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208209380681046375.post-85823551364349396272008-03-20T15:46:00.038-04:002014-12-05T08:53:34.611-05:00Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TI55agLhVNI/AAAAAAAAAU8/XR61KwUEznw/s1600/PowderPt.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/TI55agLhVNI/AAAAAAAAAU8/XR61KwUEznw/s400/PowderPt.JPG" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516480089797252306" style="cursor: hand; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
Powder Point Bridge, Duxbury, Mass<br />
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August 6, 2010 Umbrella experiment.<br />
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On the way to Gurnet Lighthouse.<br />
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August 5, 2010<br />
On the way to SPANK 2010<br />
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Repacking after IBR 2007<br />
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Drummond, MT Flat tire<br />
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Broken rim, Missoula, MT 2007<br />
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Little Bighorn 2007<br />
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View of North Dakota<br />
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On the way to Denver<br />
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Base of Pike's Peak<br />
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August 21, 2007<br />
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Carhenge, Alliance NE<br />
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Devil's Tower<br />
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Touring around Denver<br />
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On the way up P.P.<br />
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Top of Pike's Peak<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208209380681046375.post-50192650356372831982008-02-06T10:14:00.000-05:002008-02-06T10:29:50.840-05:00Dick Allen Dash<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/R6nPpTnGqLI/AAAAAAAAAEg/ySeV1Gg1QpM/s1600-h/DickAllenDash.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163886756302858418" style="WIDTH: 296px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 311px" height="320" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/R6nPpTnGqLI/AAAAAAAAAEg/ySeV1Gg1QpM/s320/DickAllenDash.jpg" width="233" border="0" /></a><br />From SUPERCYCLE magazine, June 1977Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208209380681046375.post-67144394748239174382008-01-17T10:32:00.001-05:002008-03-27T14:33:39.409-04:002003 Minnesota 1000<strong>2003 Minnesota 1000<br /><br /></strong>“Life Minus Riding Equals Zero”<br /><br /><strong>The OBJECTIVE</strong>: Pilot the “old shovel” to Minnesota. Finish a successful rally. Return<br />safely to the “Peoples Republic of Massachusetts.” (good on all 3)<br /><br /><strong>The PLAN:</strong> To attempt a BB or BBG on the way to Monticello. Boston to Minneapolis ~<br />1400+ miles. Hey, this might work. (hard lesson learned here.)<br /><br /><strong>The STORY:</strong> When last we left our hero…. I had been fortunate to squeak out a 3rd Place in the Sport Touring Class at last years Buckeye 1000, so naturally I thought I would be ready for some attempt at the MN1K. I had followed this rally, on line, for years and couldn’t wait for my chance to go. Time and money always seem to get in the way of an enthusiastic rally season. But this year I cured that! I got laid off! I now had plenty of time to plan for rallies (like the MN1K), but the money…. Well…I might have to get a little creative…..ouch.<br /><br />With a few quid in me pocket, I set out for Minnesota. My ambitions of a BunBurner were quickly snuffed when I learned the much valued lesson of preplanning your Start Witnesses. I live across the street from the local Police Station. The morning of my departure (Wed. June 11th) I figure I walk in, explain what I’m doing, get signatures and Bang… I’m on my way…. Not so fast there, Buffalo Breath. “What is this? What are you doing?” I was as polite as I could be, but no explanation was going to suffice. The Officer behind the glass just wasn’t going to sign anything like that. The others just looked at me like I had ten heads…I politely thanked them for their time and I just packed up and hit the road. I was on my way to a great rally, any BB or BBG would have to wait. I just didn’t want to wrestle around at the last minute to find a start witness. Like I said, a little planning here could have made it happen. Hey, whada ya gonna do…..<br /><br />Now riding an old Harley (1972 Electra Glide) always adds to the adventure. I mean with the poor mileage, heavy oil consumption, and Brakes of Antiquity, there is always something to challenge you or to overcome. And oh yeah…sometimes stuff just falls off. (coil cover, saddlebag lid, you know… stuff) anyway, I LOVE it!! The best part is when I get to goof on the non-believers.…“you gonna ride that…where?” They just don’t get it.<br /><br />I’m now settled in on I-90 and cruising west; New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio (and rain), Indiana (more rain…) Illinois (no rain, but Chicago traffic sux!) and on into Wisconsin. Thursday morn and some sunshine. I arrive at St. Paul H-D for first Mandatory at 3:15pm. It had been 31.5 hours since I left Kingston, Mass. I was pleased with the ride. The folks at St. Paul H-D were super nice and I thanked them for their rally support. I proceeded with my first ride through the Twin Cities and found my hotel in Plymouth and called it a day.<br /><br />Friday morning finds blue skies and sunshine. Good day to bag the rest of the Mandatories. First stop was Warner’s Outdoor, then Midwest, on out to Delano (nice ride, no traffic). I decided to ride out to St. Cloud to find the Rally Finish location so I would know exactly where it was. On the way to St. Cloud, I had stop in Kingston, Minnesota. It’s a little smaller than my hometown of Kingston, Massachusetts but worth the visit. I snap a few souvenir photos and I’m on my way to find Donahue’s H-D outside St. Cloud. No problem. Later that evening, at the Liar’s Banquet, I overheard one rider comment that Donahue’s H-D would have to be easy to find because…well you know…Harley riders… you know… aren’t too bright….(maybe, but at least I know Annie Oakley didn’t make sunglasses). Oh the shame of it all….<br /><br />I arrive at MoonMotors for my last Mandatory and also in plenty of time before the ODO check. With a short ride to the Vintage Grill, it was time to check in. Hallmark Moment, signing in for my first Minnesota 1000. Hey, don’t laugh, it’s a big deal to me. Let’s see, T-shirt, cup, trinkets, and what are these? TS sunglasses? (cool… not “Oakley Thermonuclears” but just as good!)…<br /><br />The parking lot begins to fill with bikes and riders I have never met but recognize from past stories from the TS website. I chat with a few and I’m given lots of advice ( TS’ers are very friendly and love to talk). The overwhelming comment is about Eddie & Adam, ”they are sadistic.” (Tough crowd tonite)<br /><br />“Welcome to TeamStrange and the Minnesota 1000.” The Liar’s Banquet was an excellent feed. I was not disappointed. Eddie makes a few announcements followed by Adam’s rules and then they introduce the fine folks that really put this rally together. Greg, Ken & Kerry. A great job, WELL DONE!<br /><br />The big moment then arrived. I received my first Minn 1000 “USPS” sealed envelope. Contained within: one fuel log, a copy of the rules, and a route sheet that was intended to entice the true “gas burners” looking to achieve their mileage awards. It was now 9:00pm, the Rally had begun. So, with the high milers seeking higher mileage, the rest of us bowled!<br /><br />This seemed appropriate as TeamStrange started life as a bowling team. I only bowled one string and saved my score sheet as the route sheet teased that this could be point worthy by Rally’s end, (mmm not really), but it was fun just the same. A little pre-rally tension breaker. Good idea, guys.<br /><br />Saturday morning and the pre-rally staging has begun. I always enjoy just walking around eyeballing all the different hardware that’s rolling around on two wheels. If you have never witnessed the starting area of one of these rallies, you are missing the best moto trade show anywhere. From old to new, mild to wild, with all the bells and whistles. You can see it all. It really is amazing. It alone is worth the price of admission. Each rally start reminds me of one of those bar scenes from a Star Wars movie. Oddly uniformed pilots driving bizzarro machinery. (Vespa driven by clown, in costume, with sidecar!…try and top that!). Dapper award goes to Victor of course. I wonder if I could get a top hat to stay on my helmet…. Time to burn the gas.<br /><br />New route sheets are handed out. IT has begun. All of the bonus locations are in Minnesota…cool. I keep my route plan simple. Ride and collect bonuses going north for twelve hours and then head south and collect till the finish. Simple. Well, one would hope.<br /><br />Weather is perfect, little traffic, just the ticket for a successful rally. My bonus hunting was rolling along nicely. First, Maple Lake, then Richmond, on to Little Falls, I got fuel somewhere, then Motley (was this the fish place? No dried fish for me, but the B-B-Q jerky was mighty tasty.) Next I think was New York Mills and more fuel, check receipt? OK. Things were going well. So far it’s been fun just answering questions and taking photos. The roads have been fabulous. The “old scooter” is running just like it otta. The riding is just like you read about. I can now appreciate why Minnesota has such a large and dedicated LD community. Easy to understand why TS can fill a 100 rider rally in just a few days. Damn glad to be here!<br /><br />Time for my first dinger. After New York Mills, I decided to try a short cut across Wadena County back roads to reach Pequot Lakes by 6:00pm. I had plenty of time, good thing too. Naturally this is being mentioned because I got lost after a detour and without a “detailed map” it took a few gravel roads to make my way back to MN 371 and south to the “Oasis”. Would you believe it was 5:59pm when I pulled in the parking lot! I had gotten that lost. Ah yes, all part of the adventure. With the wide glide pointed north, and the fatbobs full of fuel, it was now time to plan the evening portion of our program. Next stop, Walker….<br /><br />Now the Fishing Hall of Fame may have been an easy bonus to bag, but it nearly became my “Waterloo” for this rally. I made my entry on the route sheet to claim this bonus, easy eh? It should be noted that I keep my route sheet in a map window on my windshield bag and the rest of my Rally Pack documents in a black nylon zip bag that I store in the bike’s TourPac. This will have enormous significance later in my story. Before I leave Walker, I rummage through the TourPac, for reasons I now don’t recall, then repack, remount and head northward, ever northward.<br /><br />While comfortably heading north on US 71 toward Bemidji, somewhere between Kabekona and Guthrie, I witnessed my first rally bear sighting (No, not Lyle). As I’m rolling along, I notice up ahead some sort of large furry black thing as it leaves the tree line and lumbers up on the road. I’m staring at this thing thinking, man that is one big ass dog! Well no kidding, that’s no dog stupid, it’s a bear! I’m glad it’s still daylight and I have plenty of space to let it pass. Question – If it’s dark, how do you not hit these things? Point to ponder.<br /><br />On into Bemidji and find the Paul Bunyan and Babe statue. As I am entering the parking lot, I notice another rider getting ready to leave. You don’t often see other riders during a rally, but when you do, it does add just a touch of reassurance that perhaps your route isn’t so futile, after all, here was a MN1K veteran (it’s the stickers, man) going the same place you are. I find the answer to the Pond question and snap a keepsake photo of Paul and the Babe (hey, why not, we don’t have this back home). Onward.<br /><br />The Erskine photo bonus is for some good points so I decide to go. This will turn out to be my northern turn around. In Erskine, at the “fish”, I encountered the same rider from Bemidji. We exchange greetings, he is Allen Wilson and I have to mention that he paid me the best compliment about my bike I ever got, especially from a non-Harley rider. He just shook his head and said “that’s one well built Shovel” and walked back to his bike. I smiled and thought to myself, Yes it is. Thanks, Allen.<br />I was now 12 hours into the rally. It was time to start my return route. Back east on US 2 through Bemidji onto Bena and the Supper Club Fish photo. It was dark now and the small flash on my Polaroid was making it tough to get recognizable photos, but I got it. Next stop, Deep River, and my only encounter with Law Enforcement. No, not for speeding, but for parking. I needed to get the bike as close as possible to this big silver fish, so I drove up on the grass right next to the fish. Just then the local sheriff pulls up in his cruiser and would like to know just what I was doing at 12:30am photographing my bike with his fish. Well after I explained all about it, he chuckles and then offers to aim his spotlight on the fish to help photograph it easier. I respectfully declined as I feared this might be construed as unfair advantage and therefore cheating. I was able to get the desired photo with just the flash on the Polaroid, but that sheriff stayed close until I was finished and moved on. I suppose someone driving an old Harley, photographing fish statues after midnight, does warrant a little raised eyebrow. Aren’t rallies fun?<br /><br />Onto Floodwood – Catfish Capital. Watertowers are hard to read with just a maglite. Turning south at Floodwood, I look at my map and my watch, and start thinking “Sleep bonus”. 2000pts is hard to pass up. Garrison MN looks good. Maybe after rest I could do the Millie Lacs loop bonus. Sounds good. I take my time, careful not to overdrive my headlight. I don’t reach Garrison till almost 04:00am. I stop at a Holiday Express. Get receipt to start rest bonus. Good time to eat, catch up on paper work, and oh yeah, rest. The rally so far has been going better than planned. For that reason alone, I should have expected what was next.<br /><br />No truer statement was ever made when Will Outlaw declared, “Motorcycle rallies are difficult when you are stupid!”. I went to retrieve my rally paper work from the bike, only to discover they were GONE!!!! I searched everywhere, but my rally pack was not to be found. What the hell happened to it? What do I do now? I had read plenty of stories where riders loose their rally documents, and thought, how does that happen? Let me tell you, it takes no effort at all. My mind was now racing backwards into the rally like a runaway slide show. Where had I left my Rally Pack? How long had I been riding without it? 18 hours of rally had expired, no time to retrace and correct, especially since I had no idea where I might have left it. This Is Not Good! Fuel log, some photos, receipts, were all gone. I still had my actual Route Sheet because I kept that separate, but most of my proof of bonuses were now missing. So now I had 3 hours to stew about what was my next move. I thought of retracing, if only to find the bag (it was a gift), and then probably DNF. I really didn’t come all this way to do that. Next option: continue my rally plan and finish on time, then throw myself on the mercy of the scorer’s table with what I had. So at the end of 3 hours I get a receipt to end my rest bonus and continue on my way.<br /><br />It was only 07:00am, I had plenty of time to do the Millie Lacs Lake Lap Loop Bonus (easy for you to say). It was a nice ride. Sun shining, no traffic, tranquil scenery. Too bad I was too bumin’ to enjoy it. Time now to head for the finish line. At 09:39am I arrive at Donahue’s H-D (It is easy to find, good thing too….you know how those Harley riders are….)<br /><br />I make it back on time but of course I have little to show for it. I relax for a moment and try to get my act together. I begin to fantasize about the possibilities that someone actually would have found my rally pack and return with it to the finish. But of course this idea goes squarely against LD rally practices…”If you come across another riders rally flag or rally pack, just leave it alone. The owner will be back.” Conventional wisdom maybe, but it was not going to work for me.<br /><br />I gather up what I have and go stand in line at the scorer’s table. Not quite the successful Minnesota 1000 I had hoped to complete, but hey, I had a great time. As I’m waiting in line, with only one more rider in front of me, and this has to be a miracle, one of the rally organizers walks right by me with MY rally pack. Black nylon bag and all! holy shit…HOLY SHIT….I can’t believe this. When I start to breathe again, I identify myself and he returns the bag to me. How lucky is that….I cannot believe my luck! How does this happen? When I asked who? what? where? He could only say that one of the riders turned it in at the finish. But no one knew who. Some kind soul saves my miserable rally butt and I have no one to thank…this can’t be. Finally one of the volunteers who was working the finish checkpoint, finds the person who found my rally pack. I couldn’t thank him enough. In fact I was so busy thanking him and his riding buddies, I failed to remember their names. Which now makes me mad. I apologize for not being able to give you due credit by name. I do remember them telling me they found my stuff at the Fishing Hall of Fame in Walker. It was late in the evening and they knew I would not be back. These guys are true rally heroes. I can only hope that someday I will have the opportunity to repay such kindness. Thanks again gentlemen. Ride safe.<br /><br />So with the recovered documents in hand, I once again head to the scorer’s table. Amazingly I didn’t lose any points. I had a good rally. Thanks to those riders who made the correct decision not to leave my bag on the ground (where I left it!) and returned with it.<br /><br />EPILOG: My first Minn 1000 certainly was memorable. Miracles do happen – Life is Good!!! Needless to say I was pleased with how it all turned out. This just adds to the rally experience. I’ve only been doing LD rallies since August 1999 but it just gets better and better with each new rally. I have never done the same rally twice. That will probably change. You guys are the best!<br /><br />Monday morning and time to head home. I decide to travel across Wisconsin to visit the 45.00 N, 90.00 W geological marker I had read about and then on to Milwaukee to visit a former college of mine. It’s always good to visit old friends while on the road. “Good for the soul” – Bob Seger.<br /><br />Tuesday morning and on to Chicago. It was actually easier to ride through it than go around it. Will miracles never end? Onward… I stopped in Erie PA for the night. It was pouring rain, no sense in killing myself. Next day and more clouds but it was dry. I chose to avoid the New York Thruway and traveled on NY route 17. Nice ride but the road needs work. Traffic was light and I was making good time. One last stop in Bethel, New York to visit the 1969 Woodstock site. ( no, I didn’t attend) Must have been quite a show. Back into New England and home.<br /><br />3745 miles and the old shovel ran beautifully. It was a Good, Good ride. Now I’m sitting here in my garage looking at my bike, thinking what can I do to better prepare for…maybe a “ButtLite attempt? Hey, who let that clown in here?……<br /><br />#524<br />Mark W. Collins<br />Kingston, MassachusettsUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208209380681046375.post-46399756646017147942008-01-16T12:41:00.001-05:002008-03-27T14:35:20.189-04:002001 Land of EnchantmentAn Old Shovel Out West<br /><br />After checking the IBA's website "Event Calendar" everyday for months to see what was "coming soon" for October in the Land of Enchantment, there it was; L.O.E. 1000, October 6-7. Rally will start and finish in Albuquerque. Perfect. Since time and money would only allow me one rally this season, I made plans for a big one!<br /><br />Riding from Massachusetts and participating in this rally would make for a nice cross-country trip, to an area of the U.S.A. I had yet to ride in. I was really looking forward to this. Was it smart to attempt such a ride alone and on old iron ...probably not, you see my current "scooter" is a 1972 Harley-Davidson FLH which I've been riding since December 1979. I know what you're thinking, not the better choice of rides for rallying or long distance. But I've been riding this "old Shovel" for so long I don't know the difference. I know every nut and bolt, every wire and connection. I know what it can do and more important, what it shouldn't do. I knew that during a rally, if a problem arose, I was confident I could repair it, (you should see my tool kit!). I remember what Ron Ayers wrote of Mike Kneebone's axiom: "Ride what you are comfortable with." Works for me....I sent in my registration fee. I was entrant #104.<br /><br />PLANNING THE RIDE<br />The L.O.E. 1000 had my full attention. I so wanted to ride the Mason-Dixon 20-20 and I would have begged, borrowed or stole my way into the inaugural Buckeye 1000! (please have it again in 2002!) but I stayed focused on Albuquerque. I had wanted to ride the southwest for many years and looked forward to planning such a trip. My parents are retired and currently living in Albuquerque. This made it easier to plan, I could have a great visit with them and ride the Rally too! (plus hey, it was free lodging!)<br /><br />I had been to New Mexico before. My wife, Carol and I had visited several times by air. We've enjoyed Balloon Fiesta. Traveled to Four Corners, Roswell, and Taos by RV. But this time would be different....it would take longer to get there, but infinitely more interesting. Plans continue....<br />I would leave Massachusetts on September 29th and stop in Columbus, Ohio to visit the AMA Museum - had to see the Indian Motocycle Exhibit, (incredible place by the way!!!) - a must visit for a vintage antique iron bonehead like myself. And then, a long ride to Albuquerque. Wait a minute...what is the mileage between Columbus and Albuquerque? - Rand McNally says 1462 miles! I smell a BunBurner 1500! Could I do that?...more on this later.<br /><br />As spring finally arrived in New England and the glaciers receded to expose what was left of the roads (can you spell P-O-T-H-O-L-E-S), the Albuquerque plans continue...continue to grow. While visiting Team Strange.com ...presto, I'm entering the Presidential Tour 2001. So now I'm rerouting myself all over the place to grab prez locations from Massachusetts to New Mexico and back! This will complicate things a little bit but add a lot more fun. Plans continue....<br />My fellow Harley buddies, while listening to my travel plans, notice that I will be riding close to York, Pennsylvania during H-D's Open House Weekend....WE are now leaving earlier and spending two nights in York. Let's see, Wilson PA and the Buchanan Birthplace, OK let's go. (The H-D factory tour was well worth the visit, I'm glad I added this to my itinerary.) It will also be nice to have riding partners for the trip, at least to York PA. After that, it would be just me and this old Shovel.<br /><br />So much for the ride plans to New Mexico and the Rally. What could I plan extra for the trip home? Well, there were plenty of Prez Tour locations to bag, but I like to plan intermediate destinations to break up the long gas burning trek of the super slab. Time to contact an old friend in Kentucky. This would make a great stopover point. I have never been to his place, it was about time. So the basic plan was now plotted. The rest I would make up as I went along.<br /><br />READY TO GO<br />It was now well into summer and the local riding was fabulous. I was enjoying trips to Northern New England, visits to the Cape, followed the IBR on its Website, went to Gorham Maine to witness checkpoint activity, but I was getting anxious for Fall and my trip to Albuquerque! And then....<br /><br />It was a bright sunny morning. I was at my desk at work. It was just another Tuesday.....the phone rang. It was my daughter. She told me to get to a radio or TV. Her voice was shaky and scared, it was September 11th, we all got shaky and scared. HELL had come to the U.S. I went home.<br /><br />Over the next few days the bike trip was still in my head but seemed obviously less important. I now had this constant ache in my gut, and anger growing at an unsettling rate. It worsened as we received the news that our neighbors up the street, whose son worked in the WTC, was now missing. The horror of the dust cloud was covering our Main Street...it was covering everyone's Main Street.<br /><br />With all that was going on in the world and our nation in particular, it was hard to keep my head in a rally mode. Should I even be continuing with this "vacation?" More important things mattered. I was probably still going, but I knew I had better get my head outta my ass or I'd be just a memorial on the side of some road. I felt guilty doing anything recreational, I had to snap out of this crap and just burn the gas! Say a prayer to honor the memories of the victims and screw the terrorist! Yeah, that'll work. We packed our bikes; tools, spare parts (lots of spare parts), food, water, maps...(GPS, we don't need no stinking GPS) no electric clothing either, we were going to be like Sherpas, climbing Mt. Everest without supplemental O's.<br /><br />BASE CAMP - Day 1<br />6:00am, Thursday, September 27th - Me and my two compadres, down the driveway, take a left. We had begun. Unfortunately, living in S.E. Massachusetts, to get anywhere south or southwest, you end up going through New York. This is a hair ball at best even without all the massive traffic rerouting due to the attack. It drove us north to the Tappen Zee, which was a little better. On into New Jersey and south on I-287.<br /><br />Weather was warm and sunny - my head was more to what I consider "street legal." I was enjoying the RIDE! It was a comfort to be on the road. I don't know quite how to rationalize this but it always seems I can relax more while riding my "scooter" down a clearly overcrowded, hideously dangerous U.S. highway than I ever could flying in any aircraft. It was also inspirational to see all the U.S. flags and "God Bless America" banners that were hanging from every overpass and office building. I was feeling much better about the whole thing, dedicating each mile to those who were missing. So onward, into Pennsylvania and Route 22 to Wilson, PA for a Prez Tour photo op. You must understand that my two partners are not participating in this Prez Tour, so I have to thank them now very much for their patience in putting up with me riding all around trying to find city limit signs or Post Offices. Thank you Peter and Rick, who of course are now convinced I'm totally wacked! On to Route 222 to York.<br /><br />Now Route 222 in PA looks innocent enough on a map but it SUCKED! Badly marked construction detours and just long, long delays. Finally, into Lancaster and I try to find our motel. Not as easy as it could have been. You know you're in trouble when you get lost at the same intersection twice. Clearly it was time to ask the next wino at the light. Now this plan might have worked except for the fact that I neglected to realize that 5 blocks in Wino Speak translates to 5 MILES!! and then take a left onto the Lincoln Highway. Finally, we find the motel and call it a day.<br /><br />CAMP I - Open House<br />Day Two and the weather is still perfect. Arrived at the H-D Assembly Plant. Got in line. Toured factory. First visit and very impressed. Lots of precision robotics combined with people hand gas welding trim rails and stuff. In fact, I saw a lot of hand craftmanship being done. To me this is a good thing. It must be a little surreal to work in that plant, what with people walking by like viewers at a zoo. It was a good day and all the Harley people were real nice. They put on a great party. We also went to the County Fair grounds for the Exhibit portion of the program and checked out all the snake oil vendors. Pretty much the same stuff as other H.O.G. events, but interesting just the same.<br /><br />ON TO COLUMBUS<br />Day Three and I awoke to just a sprinkle of H2O, but it stopped by the time I finished loading the bike. It was going to be just another sunny day! Darn.<br />With Peter and Rick heading back to Massachusetts, I felt I was loosing my Fighter escort. For the rest of this mission, I would be solo. We said good-bye and wished each other a safe journey. They headed east and I went west. Onto Route 30 and a ride on the old Lincoln Highway. West to Grove Gap and the Buchanan State Park for a Prez Birthplace photo. The Lincoln Highway was fun to ride, with great scenery and twisty roads. Next was the Pennsylvania Turnpike, then I-70 west through West Virginia, (blink) into Ohio. I was heading northwest on Route 250 to bag Polk, Ohio. I just could not believe how nice the weather was holding out. Sunny & warm, warm & suuny.... After Polk I headed south to Delaware, Ohio for the Hayes Birthplace photo. I'd read that it was now a BP gas station! Yep, true enough. Nice stone marker out front, easy photo. On to Columbus and a Red Roof Inn. I was now thinking of the BunBurner 1500.<br /><br />CAMP II - The Museum and a BB1500<br />Just as a mountain climber becomes more acclimated to his altitude, I was getting more and more acclimated to the mileage. Stopping for gas and/or food was now a pain in the butt. There is all that gear shifting and traffic in and out of gas stations. I just wanted to stay on the road, I need inflight refueling. I have respect for fuel cells. Just to stubborn to install one. I'd hoped I was ready to attempt a BB1500.<br /><br />Day Four and you guessed it, another sunny day! Pack up, check out and get to the AMA Museum as it opens. My plan was to tour the museum, then have some kind-hearted museum staff person sign my BB1500 witness form and hit the road to Albuquerque!<br /><br />It was just before 9:00am and the museum was not open yet, so I waited patiently outside. The AMA facility is a really nice place. I walked around and admired it. Back at the front door I was thinking of how to approach a staff person and ask for a witness signature. My luck with the weather was now clearly with me for my current task. A gentleman came out of the museum and walked over to where I was standing. We greeted each other and he introduced himself. I noticed he was wearing an AMA staff shirt. He was Tom Lindsay, AMA Public Information Director, official enough for me! We talked motorcycles (surprise) and touring. I told him I was on my way to New Mexico for the L.O.E. 1000. Of course, he thought that was an excellent idea and wished me safe travels. When I asked him if he would sign my witness form, he responded "absolutely." Tom is a real nice guy, as was everyone at the museum. Thank you Tom, it was an honor to meet you. Enjoy your "Victory."<br /><br />With a signed witness form, and a time and date stamped gas receipt from Pickerington, Ohio SHELL, it was time to burn some serious gas! 09:42, 09-30-01, I had 36 hours to get to Albuquerque. I was now suspicious of the constant great weather. I knew that as soon as I took it for granted, bang, it would change for the worst. It was Fall, anything could happen.....it never did. I was rolling down the road so easy, lots of sunshine, bike was humming its V-Twin song. I was even thinking I could do this 1500 for a Gold....my first rookie mistake.<br /><br />It was a beautiful day in the Heartland. Through Cincinnati into Kentucky, across Indiana, across Illinois, sun setting as I rolled past The Arch, entered Missouri and down I-44. I was burning gas like a maniac. I was now getting way too confident. Riding way off the course to bag Prez location photos. (I did not realize it then, but I was consuming precious time.) It may sound like I was not able to appreciate were I was or the great countryside I was riding through, but I was. It was all so incredible. I was making mental notes of places that I would like to return to with Carol when we had more time. The first was the riverfront in Louisville, with the big PaddleWheel boats and restaurants along the water....there would be many more.<br /><br />During the day, as I rode, I was constantly crunching the time and distance numbers. I figured as long as I made St. Louis by 10:00pm...I had. Then make it to Oklahoma City by 10:00am Monday, I could complete the BB1500. I stopped to rest after it was dark. I pulled into a rest area outside Rolla, Missouri. It was a little more than after dark...it was NOW midnight! I had to rest, I would have been dangerous. It was getting cold but at least dry! I found a nice picnic table, (my first I.B. motel), wrapped myself with my bike cover and grabbed some zzzzz. This was a good thing and a bad thing. When I woke it was 4:00am! I now had 6 hours to cover the 400 plus miles to Oklahoma City....I had slept away my cushion time!...my second rookie mistake. I knew I could not maintain an 80-85 mph speed, a 70-75 yes, but I knew at this slower speed it would not give me the refueling and rest time I needed to safely complete this 1500. I decided to just ride like I always ride...its all about the fun. I was still having a great time! Fill the fatbobs and keep trucking. I would just see where I was at the end of 36 hours.... Amarrillo, Texas! (32 hours actually)<br /><br />CAMP III - Not a BB1500<br />Another Red Roof Inn (I like them). I checked in, called Carol, she was glad to hear from me! Took a shower and treated myself to a sit down dinner, then went to bed. Tuesday morning I would finish the ride to Albuquerque.<br /><br />I was disappointed that I fell short of my BunBurner 1500 goal. But at this point, with great weather and no mechanical problems, I was having one outstanding trip. I had nothing to feel bad about. I was looking forward to a casual day tomorrow. Ride-Eat-Gas-Ride and not necessarily in that order (or something like that.) Just enjoy the ride through Big Sky Country.<br />Mountain climbers know that once you reach the top of a mountain, it's only half the battle. If you don't make it safely down the mountain, then reaching the top doesn't count. I knew, that for myself, just getting to Albuquerque safely was not even half the journey for me. I still had to complete the Rally and make it home in one piece! Arriving in Albuquerque would be a great accomplishment but I had so much farther to go.<br /><br />7:00am, Tuesday, October 2 - Leaving Amarillo, (do I really have to mention the weather?) I passed the Cadillac Ranch, I made a note to stop there on the way home. (I did and was amazed at just how badly the Old Caddies are vandalized and graffiti covered, which is not surprising to most of you but it was to me.) Stopped at the New Mexico border for photo op. Arrived at my folks place about 1:45 pm local time. What a great ride! This old shovel had gotten me here safely, I was very pleased. Now rest for a few days...get ready to rally.<br /><br />RALLY CHECK IN<br />7:00pm, Friday, October 5 - Repacked the bike with just what I needed for the rally and headed to the Winrock Inn for check in and tech inspection. Jeff Foster, the Rallymeister and his volunteers, had the Rally set and ready to go. (I was very impressed, these people put on a superb program!) The riders briefing was casual. I kept quiet and paid attention to whatever tid bits of advise was bantered about. Everyone I met was very nice and helpful, and only a few made fun of the fire extinguisher bolted to my passenger floorboard! (Don't ask.) I studied the Base Route info and went home to sleep.<br /><br />RALLY TIME - Summit Day!<br />The first thing that I really liked about this rally was that the odometer calibration was the first 20 (or so) miles of the rally. No separate ride Friday night. A nice policy, I thought.<br />6:30am, Saturday, October 6 - Bonus Listings were handed out. I basically adhered to the KISS principle and Kept It Simple, Stupid. Leave lots of flexibility in your route and you'll always enjoy it better.<br /><br />8:00am, Saturday, October 6 - I was now at the South Col, waiting to attack the summit. This is what I came here for. I couldn't wait to get started. The sky to the north was filled with hot air balloons taking off from Fiesta Park. If you've never witnessed a Balloon Fiesta - Mass Ascension, well....you should! It's pretty cool beans. Just another gorgeous New Mexico morning!<br /><br />8:12am was my official start time. Through the Big Eye and south on I-25 to the first odometer checkpoint. Before the second odo checkpoint, I was to make my first bonus error....Man, I had a long way to go. How was I to know it was illegal to bury someone by the side of the road. You had to be there...Onward.<br /><br />South to Socorro and some easy bonus points. I learned real quick to buy fuel whenever I saw it. I was now heading to the Trinity Site bonus. Which is as far from anywhere or anything as you can get. I bet you could drop an atomic bomb out here and no one would.......sorry.<br /><br />Unfortunately, due to the tragedy in New York City, the Trinity Site Open House was cancelled and I would have known that had I 'd bothered to read my e-mail just before I left Massachusetts. Oh well, I was passing through the neighborhood anyway....Onward.<br /><br />I was now concentrating on bonus collections. Valley of Fires, Carrizozo, where I meet Jerry, the only other New Englander in the rally. It wasn't until after the rally that I learned Jerry had suffered an accident that took him out of play. Very thankful he was going to be OK. I then turned north on Route 54 to Ancho (great old stuff store!), Corona, then Vaughn, across I-40 to Las Vegas (NM, that is). Bike is running so good I can't stand it. I'm running break down scenarios in my head, (what could I do way out here?!), thanks for the cellphone Peter! The weather was......forget about it!!<br /><br />Onward north. As I passed through Las Vegas, I did encounter a thunderstorm but the rain consisted of two raindrops hitting my windshield! I almost had to pull over, couldn't handle all the rain! Bagged bonus at Hot Springs, some Alpaca farm, and was thankful to discover my motorcycle WAS less than 10 feet wide -good for 5 points! (yes, I measured, just to be sure.) Oh, forgot to mention I did miss 100 easy points at Anton Chico, just rode past it like I knew what I was doing! By the way, the riding has been spectacular! Awesome roads, breathtaking scenery, and fuel has not been a problem so far. On to Angel Fire and some good bonus hunting. Well into northern New Mexico now and lots of mountains (much better than the desert.) Getting on later in the afternoon now and thinking of bambi encounters. The woods, darkness, it could happen at any moment. I'll tell you right now, I never saw so much as a pair of eyes in the darkness, nothing. Not for the entire rally, well, except for the carcass on I-40 east of Santa Rosa, but I had nothing to do with that!.......Onward.<br /><br />Visited the Vietnam Memorial outside Angel Fire. I'm always so moved at these monuments. I hope others are too. It is a beautiful setting. My Polaroid did not do it justice. "War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things....."<br /><br />Down a beautiful twisty mountain road and into Taos for gas and munchies. Sun is setting now and I had planned on making the Chama checkpoint by 6:00pm....no way dude! Would you believe it was 8:30pm when I got there! Getting colder now and next on the hit parade was Antonito, Colorado. This route would take me over not one but two 10,000 foot passes. It was way dark, no moon yet, lots of bambies lurking about, waiting. I have only my stock sealed beam headlight, which is easy to overrun. You know, I rode straight through, bagged the bonus at the border, no deer hunting, cold but DRY, I mean how long could this last? I was having the best rally ever! Onward baby!<br /><br />Heading south now on Route 285, several other riders would pass me, I guess I'm slow by most rally standards but I'm comfortable with it. On into Espanola for gas and snack. I saw some other riders there. The talk was always about new routes or strategies. It was now after 1:00am Sunday. I had been riding for 17 hours and felt great! The Harley was running solid, like it was new iron. I kept rolling. Into Santa Fe for a cemetery bonus. Jump onto I-25 to grab Route 285 south to beautiful downtown Clines Corners. Bag altitude bonus (7200 ft.), gas up and head eastward to Chip Drop at Denny's in Santa Rosa. (watch out for that bambi in the travel lane, east bound at mile marker 274.6!) More riders were passing me now. But all would wave as they rolled past. (LD riders are very friendly) I enjoy the constant reminder that this is not a race! That's good because my Harley enjoys a different kind of fast. Back on I-40 West, to Clines Corners for gas and the plotting of the final push to the finish.<br /><br />Traveling west toward Albuquerque and the Finish. I stopped in Moriarty for the last Chip Drop. Several other riders were doing the same. We all were feeling good about the ride and were confident we would all finish in plenty of time. (I left Moriarty without getting fuel, this would bug me later.) I think I have enough fuel to reach Albuquerque, maybe not. As I look closely at my total mileage for the Rally, I realize I will be about 60 miles short of my goal for another SS1000 certificate. This will never do! I jam to the first Albuquerque exit, loop around and head out east again to gain the needed mileage. I did a quick time/distance thing in my head and knew it would be close. Did I have enough gas, if not, would stopping for fuel cause me to be late? The more I looked at my watch and read mileage signs, the more I was convincing myself I wouldn't make it! I finally did the smart thing and quit looking at my watch and the odometer! Just ride. Back through Moriarty, Edgewood, Tijeras and into Albuquerque. The sun was rising, air was cool, traffic light. I had no excuses. Past Exit 167, 166, 165...would I ever get to Exit 162...the one I needed? Yes, there it is! I realize I'm not even on fuel reserve yet. The fuel crisis has past, but what time is it? DON'T LOOK. Roll off the exit ramp, into the Winrock Inn parking lot and the finish line. 07:38am! I had made it and the view from the "summit" was incredible! Rider #104 had arrived.<br /><br />What a great rally! Jeff Foster and his entire staff should be very pleased with hosting and executing a fabulous ride. Some of the best Two Lane I've ever rode on! Thank You All Very Much....I can't say it enough.<br /><br />Later I would learn that I placed 20th, which was in the middle of the pack. Not too bad for older & slower. I'll take it! With 1,014 miles, I had earned my second SaddleSore 1000 certificate. I was very pleased.<br /><br />GOING HOME - The Descent<br />This story is probably getting a little long for a Rider Report. So thanks for hanging in there. We're almost done.<br /><br />The ride home was actually a little more exciting than the journey out. I was still blessed with incredibly perfect weather. The motorcycle was running just like it ought to. Although I did install new ignition points (I bet most of you don't even know what they look like), and changed the oil. That's it.<br /><br />I-40 across New Mexico, into Texas, to a very strange encounter. I stopped for gas in Vega, Texas. Just as I was ready to leave, I noticed this women was sitting on the side porch of the gas station on her luggage. She was just sitting there like she was waiting for a bus or something. She was a well dressed older women. Alone. With expensive looking leather luggage. She suddenly stood up and approached me, asking if she could look inside my saddlebags! I had red backpacks strapped to my passenger footboards for extra storage. She wanted to look inside them! Maybe she was some kind of Border Agent and was shaking me down. No, she just gave a quick glance and scurried back to sit on her luggage. It was time to get out of Texas.<br /><br />Into Oklahoma. I made a decision to bypass a couple of Prez Tour photos in favor of covering more ground. A very wise decision! Since crossing into Oklahoma, I was fighting a strong cross wind from the south blowing north. Which was where the very, very dark clouds were swirling about. It was finally happening. The weather was turning against me. Can you believe it? I was now concerned with severe weather, thunder storms or even tornados. It was Oklahoma after all. I just kept going east through Oklahoma City. The storm was staying north of me. I was still dry but the cross wind was fatiguing. I made my stopover destination at Shawnee. When I settled into my motel room, the local TV news was filled with live reports of the TWO TORNADOS that touched down in same county I'd just passed through an hour earlier. If I had gone for the two Prez Tour location photos, I would have been right in the wrong place! That's as close as this Yankee boy wants to get to a tornado. No trips to OZ for me, no thank you! That was close. I still had an anxious evening as weather reporters on TV were telling everyone to go to their shelters now, go to your safe rooms now! What the hell was I suppose to do? Wait it out in the bathtub? What do I do about the bike? But my weather karma was still with me, the storms died down as they approached my area, and all was well.<br /><br />07:00am, Wednesday, October 10. Into Arkansas, still on I-40 or as my Dad calls it "The Rubber Tire Railroad" because the trucks are relentless. They can squash you like a bug at any moment. I always try my best to stay out of their way. Bagged photos at Van Buren, Johnson County, Monroe County. Gas and go. Gas and go. I wanted to stop in Memphis to visit the "Memphis Belle" but it was getting late in the day and I wanted to make Nashville for the night. I would visit the "Belle" another time. The truck traffic was really heavy now and the sky was threatening and dark. It looked as though I would finally get rained on! Inching my way along I-40 to I-65, I make my motel about 9:30pm. It had been a long day in slow traffic.<br /><br />Thursday morning I called my friend Bob, in Kentucky to tell him I'm on my way. The morning sky was grey with dark clouds but still dry. I motored north on I-65 into beautiful Kentucky. Roads and scenery are a blessing. I spent a restful day at Bob's place. It is always good to visit old friends. Then it was Friday morning and time to finish this ride.<br /><br />When I awoke you won't believe what was happening. IT WAS RAINING!! A steady shower. Heavy at times. Funny thing was I didn't even care. It was time to put all this GoreTex to use. Besides the temperature was still warm. I packed up, said good-bye and hit the road about 9:30am. The rain did screw up my plans for some Prez Tour photo hunting. My Polaroid doesn't do well in the rain. I just concentrated on riding safe and covering blacktop. The BlueGrass Parkway to I-64, to I-79, (man, West Virginia has some nice riding, too bad it was raining.) Onto I-68 into Maryland, where I encountered the only crabby person of the entire journey. She was a motel clerk in Hagerstown and I think she had "issues." Oh well, press onward. Not really too tired yet anyway. Into Pennsylvania on I-81, then I-78 where I tried a couple more motels, but it was now late evening and everything is booked. Press on. Through Harrisburg, on to Allentown and into New Jersey. It was at this point that I decided to just continue riding all night and just get home. The bike was running great (I did have to stop and tighten up my rear cylinder spark plug), but the rain had STOPPED, so I kept going.<br /><br />Into New York State and across the Tappen Zee. It was now 2:30am Saturday. No traffic, good road conditions and would you believe I made a wrong turn?! I was now headed for the Bronx instead of Connecticut! (That would have been the long way home.) Turn around, find the Merritt Parkway and get back on course. An uneventful ride through Connecticut into Rhode Island but I was seeing familiar real estate, it felt good. I was getting closer. I had been riding for 20 hours now and only had a couple more to go. Mental note: check on kidney belts for future rides.<br /><br />Final gas up in Rhode Island and enter Massachusetts. A person can always tell when they cross into "The Peoples Republic of Massachusetts" because the road surface SUCKS. (sorry Governor, but they do!) It didn't matter, I was home.<br /><br />As it turned out no one was home to share in my triumphant return. I just unpacked, took a shower and went to sleep. A quiet and modest end to such a great journey. Oh well, I guess that's the beauty of it! The sun was now shining! It just couldn't get any better. 5,767 miles and the old Shovelhead had performed magnificently! I was very pleased.<br /><br />I would like to thank my wife Carol, so very much, for tolerating all this LD nonsense I put her through. It's not easy being married to me. Thanks, Buddy.<br /><br />Post something,I'm thinking for next season, I just might try to juice up my LD dossier and test my wits on a Team Strange event. Yes, I think I'm ready to become a victim of the legendary antics of Adam and Eddie.....and all that chicken.....<br /><br />Mark W. Collins<br />Kingston, MassachusettsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208209380681046375.post-29432666099697745452008-01-15T19:05:00.001-05:002008-03-27T14:35:47.153-04:002007 MinuteMan 10002007 Minuteman 1000<br /><br />I write to remember.<br />I write to encourage others to remember and share their stories.<br /><br />That’s how we learn.<br /><br />Before I get carried away, I want to express my greatest thanks and appreciation to Rob Nye and all the Minuteman 1000 Rally staff for another great event. You have started and maintained such a great tradition for all to enjoy.<br /><br />Special thanks to MAX BMW for their unselfish and unyielding support for the Minuteman 1000 Rally. Thanks for the host hotel upgrade….very nice indeed.<br /><br />Congratulations to all the finishers. I only hope you had as much fun as I did.<br /><br />The usual Minuteman 1000 routes, by nature, will lead you around New England, which is my normal m.o., but this year I would ride mostly upstate New York. The route sheets revealed several interesting bonus locations along the Northern boundary of the Adirondack Park and then over by the St. Lawrence Seaway. It would be new turf for me. I was looking forward to it.<br /><br />Rallies to me are never really about trying to choose the “winning route”, but more like engaging in a very disciplined tour.<br />I mostly pick bonus location because of their interest to me, either because of geography or history. Not the best of tactics, but I have lots of fun.<br /><br />But today, with good weather predicted to the West. Desirable bonuses with the added goodness of decent point value, it has the makings of a good rally. Even my kind of rally…..we’ll see.<br /><br /><br />05:30 6/9<br />It’s foggy, with a slight drizzle, but at least it ain’t raining. Much better than last year, and that’s all I got to say about that.<br /><br />Because of the pre-rally listing of the bonus locations, I had my basic route planned. Nothing stated at the pre-start rider’s meeting was to change anything.<br /><br />We formed into three columns and waited for the start. We would leave 3 at a time, at 1 minute intervals. Of course, when it was my turn, I stalled the engine. What a dope……<br /><br />06:03 6/9<br />My plan was to head North from Mass on I-91 then to I-89 into Vermont. The Joseph Smith Monument sounded interesting cuz our boy Mitt is in the current Presidential Sweepstakes. So a Mormon bonus was a must see. A short hop landed me in Brooksville, home of the Floating Bridge (submerged is more like it.) You should GOOGLE this thing. Only in New England. Royalton and my first gas stop….check receipt…time, odo, location. Cool. On to Swanton.<br /><br />I had been to the Carmen Brook Farm before, so to me this was an easy 1500 points, (not that I was counting). Real maple syrup. How does anyone enjoy that imitation crap from the grocery store? “this stuff is gold, Jerry, GOLD”<br /><br />By now, any earlier overcast has given away to a fabulous blue sky and small puffy clouds. It just don’t get any better, (well, maybe $1.50 a gallon gas would be better) but not much else. Naturally I have to ruin the moment by realizing I have to pee so bad I can’t sit full weight on my seat, and it’s row after row of residential neighborhoods, no wooded areas and it’s now midday and people are home and up and about in their yards. The pain was getting brutal. I even thought of just stopping at some house and see if they would let me use the bathroom. Probably not. As fate would have it, suddenly I was at a McD’s. Well it shouldn’t be a total loss….”big mac, no cheese, small lemonade, please.”<br /><br />Yum-o<br />(sorry Ms. Ray)<br /><br />Across the islands of Lake Champlain and into New York. Life is Good……..<br /><br />Next stop is Chateaugay State Prison (excuse me, Correctional Facility) in Chateaugay New York. Who’d have thought.<br /><br />At this point I should probably mention that this year’s rally theme is Crime and Punishment. Which rightfully would lead a rider to assume he/she would be visiting a collection of prisons. Which nowadays can get a little dicey in this post 9/11 climate. With that being said, I now needed to photograph, with bike and flag, the entrance sign for Chateaugay Prison. You know, the one next to the other huge sign that proclaimed; “Go Away…Absolutely No Trespassing.” So I took my photo and boogied. But as I rode away, I did keep an eye on my rearviews…..<br /><br />I was increasingly getting behind schedule because you can never maintain the same pace on the road that you so easily mapped out the night before in the hotel room. But if you just keep moving, you’ll be alright. My problem is I tend to futz around at each stop and burn more time than I should. I need to work on that.<br /><br />The next stop on Rob’s “Magical Slammer Jammer Tour” was Ogdensburg. Yes, another prison to photo with bike and flag. It took me longer to find it than I would have liked, but that’s life without GPS. Into the visitor parking lot, position myself with the Visitor Processing Center sign, keep my 20 paces and click, I’m on my way. If someone was watching me from inside, they just didn’t care.<br /><br />Route 11 along the seaway was a great ride. Smooth road, little traffic. I was impressed at the beautiful homes and manicured lawns that lined the river banks. Some really fabulous real estate. Stay focused dummy, this ain’t no garden tour… Next was Morristown and a gas stop.<br /><br />All was good except when I asked for a receipt, the clerk tells me that lightning had struck the building the day before and the gas pump computer receipt generating thing-a-ma-bob would not print. Boy, I wish I had a dime for every time I heard that one…. So she gives me a register receipt, and I document all the info I can. Hope it’s good enough.<br /><br />16:00 6/9<br />It is now two hours later than it should be for where I am. Goose Bay and Auburn are the money cards. The city of Bath ….maybe, if time allows. Find route 12 and get going. Like the route sheet says, Goose Bay is not really a town, just a group of summer camp cottages on the river. I locate the abandon cottage with hand pump out front….snap photo….record info on route sheet and be gone. As testimony to how nice a riding day it was, you have to realize how far behind I was, but I did’t care. I was having such a great ride. And rally.<br /><br />Now at this point, if I had the gumption to ride to Philly, it would be worth a hefty point Combo Bonus. Sad to say, I had no interest in going to Philly. “I went to Philadelphia one time….and it was closed!!” – WC Fields. My thoughts exactly. My plan was to finish my Upstate route and grab the rest bonus. Slide back to Northampton and call it a day. ….so much for plans.<br /><br />Where I wanted to go was Black River and photo the P.O. Well, I found the P.O. but no where on the building does it say where or what it is. So somehow I had to line up the building, the bike with flag and the only sign out by the road. I finally got the photo I wanted, but as usual, too much time had passed. GET GOING !!!!!!<br /><br />Follow route 3 through Watertown and south on I-81 to Auburn. Easy looking on the map. Route 3 through town had NO pavement, NO shoulder, NO nothin’. I kept looking for David E B Smith’s “Bad Route Road” sign, cuz it sure fit. Finally, back on pavement and the interstate. South to Syracuse and west to Auburn.<br /><br />The Auburn State Prison bonus was not only worth a lot of points (500) but it also had that added historical trivia component I always enjoy. The first electric chair execution took place here on August 6, 1890. William Kemmler was sentenced to death for committing a brutal axe murder. Unfortunately it did not go too well. The story goes that the generator failed before Mr. Kemmler was dead. After restarting the generator, he was zapped a second time. And we have all been quite consumed with Alternating Current ever since. I’m ready for the rest bonus now. But first, a quick side trip to Russia.<br /><br />This bonus was suppose to be maybe 8 miles off the interstate for a simple photo of a “Town of Russia” sign. It’s now way after dark so clearly we have switched over to the evening portion of our program. Everything always takes longer in the dark…or something silly like that. I actually found the town of Russia after a much needed fuel stop in Poland. As an odd side bar here. The only station I could find for gas was closed, but much to my relief, the pumps were still on for Pay- At-The-Pump service. It was here that I received the best fuel receipt of my rally…all required info nicely printed and no additions or corrections needed. This from a station that was closed!! It was a Sunoco station. I made a note of it. I try to remember brands that have good or bad receipts for future reference. Back to work.<br /><br />As you may have already figured out, this bonus was a typical “not as easy as it first appears” type bonus. Once I was in the Town of Russia, there were no signs to satisfy the bonus requirement. After stopping and asking some local folks gathered outside a church, I was to learn they had never seen a “Town of Russia” sign anywhere. Thankfully one of the gentleman did give me directions to the “Town of Russia Highway Department” building, but that of course was in Poland, New York. Go figure.<br /><br />I never did find the Town of Russia Highway Department, but I did find a sign for some park that proclaimed “Town of Russia”. Yes, I was in Poland. But the Russians have always been in Poland…. Sorry, time to go.<br /><br />00:38 6/10<br />I found my way back to the Thruway and headed east. I would stop at the first Service Plaza to claim my Rest Bonus, (a mere 2000 points). Food, fuel and a safe place to nod off. I walk into the Roy Rogers, order a sandwich and saved the receipt. Time to relax and enjoy the 2 hour rest bonus. I was totally alone in the restaurant, so I parked it in a booth with a long bench seat. Perfect to grab some shut eye. I wasn’t really planning on any amount of solid sleep, I didn’t feel tired, and sleeping on a bench just wasn’t that comfy. Besides I thought for sure some clerk would approach me with the inevitable “ hey pal, you can’t sleep here.” I thought, I’ll just close my eyes and let natural causes wake me.<br /><br />Not so much. THREE hours later. No one bothered me, and clearly I was more tired than I thought. Classic rookie mistake, but that was little comfort since this was my eighth 24 hour rally, and my fourth MM1000. What was I thinking? After the mild panic subsided, I realized that the two remaining possible bonuses in my plan would have to be dumped. My focus would be to return to Rally HQ safely and not get time barred. Damn, it had been a great rally so far, I hate to have to rush it now. Never mind that, pack up and get going !!!<br /><br />I was in Herkimer NY with 170 odd miles and just shy of 2 ½ hours to close the gap between me and Rob’s stop watch. Rule #1: Keep moving.<br />Rule #2: Only rule #1 matters.<br /><br />At least it was all interstate back to rally end. It was o’dark thirty, so there was little to no traffic. I pushed the old shovel as safely as I could. I was fearful of doing +10 or even +5, because I would be an easy target. Single motorcycle, no place to hide, but any LEO fears vanished quickly when a New York State Police wagon flew by me in one big hurry. I don’t know what he was chasing, but it weren’t me. Past Albany and now make my way to the Mass Pike. It was now early morning and not really light yet, but I could see deer just along the tree line. One doe did leap and run across the highway, but it did so far enough ahead of me with a clear path that I was able to cruise by without incident. One of many praises. I had now stopped looking at my clock. Just ride. One last fuel stop. Check receipt. Get going.<br /><br />At least the Mass Pike is free from I-91 west, so I was treated to “no charge” when I got off to run the last few miles north to Northampton and the finish. The weather was clear and warm. So that was a good thing. Arriving 6 minutes late, not so good. But I was not complaining, it could have been worse. I was safely back at Rally Central and thankful for a great ride.<br /><br />06:09 6/10<br />There are several riders that I have met and remain friends with through participation in this rally. I enjoy that. They are loyal supporters of the MM1000, and even when they can’t compete, they come to volunteer and/or lend their support. When I returned Sunday morning, some of those riders were there, it was good to see them. Joe, Grayson, Alex et al. It is part of the reason I look forward to this rally, so much, each year.<br /><br />In the final analysis, I finished 22nd, which is way down the list, but I had a great ride and lots of fun. Good job to all.<br /><br />Some lessons learned….again:<br />· There must be something wrong with my speedometer, teenagers in Dodge Neons, roll by me like rockets on rails. Maybe they just drive really fast……<br />· Need to get a “Meanie”<br />· I really, really need to do something about my limited fuel capacity.<br />· Wearing goggles is not that comfortable anymore….it may be time for a new helmet.<br /><br />Some positives:<br />· New electronic ignition worked flawlessly.<br />· I fabricate a new plexiglass map window which worked very well, except for the sun glare.<br />· The childrens plastic pen & pencil zip pouch worked great for protecting photos and receipts. Thank you LDRiders list.<br /><br />All in all. Another banner weekend rally !!!!!!! See you all next year, and some of you in St. Louis.<br /><br />Mark W. Collins<br />Kingston, MassUnknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1208209380681046375.post-59195498880849474422007-10-01T12:56:00.001-04:002008-03-27T14:36:16.072-04:002007 IronButt Rally2007 IronButt Rally<br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;"><strong>The Further Adventures of This Old Shovel</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><em>For my Dad.<br />He taught me much, I miss him more.</em><br /></span><br /><em>Author’s note: If you are expecting to read about some heroic, monster ride, sprinkled with tales of overcoming extreme adversity by a rookie, who finishes in the top twenty….this ain’t it. This story is mostly about my thoughts, an old motorcycle and one hell of a good time.<br /></em><br />As I left Drummond, Montana and eased back onto I-90 West, I’m happy. I have a full tank of gas in the bike and cool water in my belly. I’m now eight days into the IronButt Rally and I’m feeling good. How cool is that?<br />As I settle back into one of my riding positions, (I change my posture many times), I begin to notice that a stiff crosswind is wobbling the bike all over the road. However, I make note that the tree tops and tall grasses are not moving. There is no crosswind. I’m the only thing doing the wobbling around here. Suddenly my speed reduces drastically. No, NO, NO… oh Shit! The rear tire is flat. Well isn’t this just great ! ! ! !<br /><br />Normally, as many of you know, a flat tire is no big deal. Find leak, plug hole, re-inflate tire, and be gone. Well now, as you can imagine, that’s not quite how this story is going to play out. It all seemed so doable, just over a week ago.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:0;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Psalm 118:24<br /></strong></span>August 17 Friday afternoon<br /><br />I was more than excited to have arrived at the DoubleTree Hotel in Chesterfield, Missouri. Headquarters for the 2007 IronButt Rally. It was a “motorcycle encampment.” The parking lot was already full of various types of 2 wheel machinery. All makes and models. Most have some sort of added electronics, be it for navigation, communication or music. Many with added fuel capacity, but all are designed and outfitted with a single purpose: To carry its’ rider to a Podium Finish 14 days from now.<br /><br />It was hot. I parked my Sopwith Camel amongst the “star fighters” and shut off the engine. The heat now rising from the V-twin was turning the 50w oil to water. I was fearful of the heat damaging my new electronic ignition. It was new this year and was told that too much heat was not good. This would in fact be the least of my worries. There was much ahead.<br /><br />It was hot. But I wanted to absorb this moment for as long as possible. I doubt I would ever be here again, I didn’t want the time to rush by….I whispered a soft prayer for myself and all the riders. I stood silent and just listened.<br />I then unpacked the bike slowly and checked into my room. The air conditioning felt good. I called home.<br /><br />On one of my many trips back and forth from the hotel to the bike, I noticed lots of folks taking pictures. There was even a video crew documenting everything. It didn’t take long to realize I was driving the oldest bike in the rally. Dean Tanji and crew allowed me my 15 seconds of fame. I answered a few questions on camera and they recorded some images for posterity. Thanks Dean. It seemed almost surreal. I’d hoped I wasn’t dreaming.<br /><br />August 18 Saturday morning<br /><br />We had been warned that rally check-in was a lengthy process. That was a true statement. There was technical inspection for the bike; photos, video interviews for the rider. The odometer check revealed that my speedometer is drastically inaccurate. (This is going to become a major disadvantage as the rally wears on.) Lots of waiting in line and then proceed to the next room. Lots of info verified and legal documents to sign. Finally I make the Inner Chamber. I have successfully passed through the gauntlet and I am now fully vested in this madness known as the IronButt Rally. Old hat stuff for veterans…but a major benchmark in the riding career of this newbie.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>The Ready Room</strong></span><br />August 19 Sunday afternoon<br /><br />Rider’s Meeting - 2:30pm. Words of Wisdom from Rallymaster Lisa and the staff: <strong>Ride safe –</strong> <strong>Don’t Get Stupid !!!!<br /></strong>There were lots of instructions and many questions and answers discussed. I listened and made a few notes. I was becoming increasingly aware of how extremely outgunned I was in this room. It was amazing. My only relief was knowing that I was only competing against myself. My challenge was to finish safely. This alone would ultimately prove to be enough for me.<br /><br />After the meeting, there was plenty of tire kicking out in the parking lot. I was honored to meet many riders who’s names I had seen in print many times. Some riders I had meet before at other rallies. Everyone was very helpful and supportive. It was just a fabulous atmosphere and I was very impressed with the IBA / LD community at large. I was having a great experience and the rally hadn’t even started yet.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>The Not So Ready Room<br /></strong></span>August 19 Sunday evening<br /><br />I had been following the IBR for the last 8 years. Reading all I could and imagining what it would be like. Well, now I was sitting at the Opening Banquet for the IronButt Rally and laughing to myself. A nervous laugh at that. It was like I was finally allowed behind the walls of the Forbidden City. I was here. I was on the list. I was thinking too much. My brain actually hurt. Images: past, present and future where exploding in my head like a runaway slideshow. Good Lord, I’ve got to calm down!! “Excuse me, can I get some decaf here?”<br /><br />Lisa started to read the names and issue the Rider Packs with our rider numbers. Number 1 went to George Barnes. A venerable veteran. I knew it would be awhile before I heard my name. Plenty of veterans and big dogs to claim their rightful place. With almost 100 numbers to issue, I had time to relax. Lots of cheers and remarks as rider after rider claimed their envelopes and flags. Lisa was well down the list when I suddenly heard my name. It surprised me. “Rider number 72 is…” Now, I don’t know if it was fate, coincidence or purposeful planning, but my number matched the year of my bike. I took it as a good sign. Thanks.<br /><br />With Rick Miller receiving the last number issued, # 97 (I think it was actually a symbol of endearment?) We were allowed to open the bonus sheets. Holy Crimson Tide Batman !!!! The bonus locations are printed on red paper. And there are 38 pages of them ! ! ! ! It was overwhelming…. How does one route all this?<br /><br />I guess that was the point. As Mike proclaimed, “Have you ever tried to FAX red paper?” This was designed to reduce the “outside help” scenario. I had always planned to do my own routing, but this was going to take some time.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Quo vadimus<br /></strong></span>Still Sunday evening<br /><br />Leg One of this IronButt was clearly defined as being east of the Mississippi River. Not what I had expected, well maybe, because I didn’t know what to expect. Even before the meeting was officially adjourned, riders were already grouping together, caucusing for the approval of their strategies. The atmosphere in the room was as charged as any political convention I’ve ever witnessed. Most veteran riders had already burned through the chaff and were into the beginnings of there proposed routes. Me, I just gathered up my stuff and retired to my room.<br /><br />What was my plan? I would never really resolve that, but I tried. I plotted all the bonus locations on a big wall map. There was no pattern, not even the hint of a pattern. Just points all over the Eastern U.S. including some big stuff way up in the Maritimes. I knew the big dogs would go there…I would go South.<br /><br />Since I had never been to Key West, I would build my route around that. I plotted as many bonus locations to and from Florida as I knew I could reasonably get. Since my mother lives in Florida, north of Tampa, I routed myself to share my rest bonus with her. I roughly totaled about 70,000 points. If I didn’t screw up TOO much, this would set me on track for a ‘Finish” position. Oh….if it were only that simple. Time for some sleep….not.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Summit Day</strong></span><br />August 20 Monday morning<br /><br />The “channel fever” was brutal. I think I got some rest, I don’t remember. My first steps out of bed were to look out the window. It’s raining. Good start. At least maybe it was cooler, that’s a big NO. Get packed and get going. Odo readings are at 8:30 sharp. It is best not to miss that.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwIwYe9utsI/AAAAAAAAABU/SFujwpk4nBg/s1600-h/WaitingPatiently.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116705323833276098" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwIwYe9utsI/AAAAAAAAABU/SFujwpk4nBg/s320/WaitingPatiently.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><em>Waiting patiently</em></strong><br /><br /><br />Riders were completing their final pre-flight checks. It was raining during the final rider’s meeting. I was so excited to get going, I don’t think I heard a word that was said. The rain only dampened the pavement, not anyone’s spirit. We all wanted to get this thing started.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>“T-minus…”</strong></span><br />August 20 10:00 am<br /><br />Like a well seasoned Air Boss, Dale would walk the length of this flight deck, inspecting and instructing pilots as he marched by. His orders were to clear the parking lot in less than 10 minutes. When he pointed to you, it was time to go. The ground was vibrating from all the internal combustion. It was like being in a WW II movie and the sky was about to be filled with bombers. We were all staged for some pre-dawn raid on some unsuspecting hamlet in the hinterlands. When Dale pointed at me, my fear was stalling the engine. I had done that before at other rallies. This time I was OK. Out of the parking lot and on my way. “ Quick Watson, there is no time to lose. The game’s afoot.” I was laughing like an idiot. This was going to be great.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Leg One</strong></span><br />Later that morning<br /><br />The first stop for most everyone was the Arch. Easy points, but a bit of a goat roping. Hot, humid, hideous long wait to pass through security. Place flag, snap photo, document info. This was to be our routine for the next 11 days. To be repeated many, many times…time to go.<br /><br />East into Illinois, south to Metropolis. I had read about the Superman statue in many rally reports. It was kind of nostalgic for me to finally see it as oppose to treating it like a working bonus sight. I did notice the sky had cleared to a beautiful summer day. This would amazingly stay with me for the next 11 days. I’m not kidding. The only rain I encountered on my entire IronButt ride was at the very start. But I would have gladly traded a few sunny days for a few less mechanical problems.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwIxte9uttI/AAAAAAAAABc/Zx-FB4-vFJk/s1600-h/Superman.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116706784122156754" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwIxte9uttI/AAAAAAAAABc/Zx-FB4-vFJk/s320/Superman.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><em>Uh, oh….where’s my flag?<br /></em></strong><br />Cross the river and bag the Paducah Mural. I continue south to Nashville. It is very hot. The bike is running well. So far, so good. At the Opryland Hotel, the doorman lets me park right under the canopy, so I can dash inside for my “Cascade” photo. They were very motorcycle friendly. That’s why I mention it.<br /><br />South to Birmingham and the beginnings of my many rookie mistakes. My first realization of trouble was that I had to stop for fuel every 130 miles or so. This practice really eats up the time with no mileage added. It made for long days with too few miles. Now, add the fact that my speedo is so inaccurate, I really think I’m making good time, when in fact I’m falling behind at an almost exponential rate. It’s not an excuse, I should have corrected for it. Man, was it hot.<br /><br />For reasons only other riders can begin to understand, I rode right past two decent bonuses in Birmingham in hopes of making the Barber Museum before dark. It was way later than I realized when I arrived in Leeds after dark. So now I had no points for anything. This ugly procedure would haunt me throughout the rally. I shamefully developed a pattern of arriving way too late ( or too early ) for daylight only bonuses. But could hit many 24 hour bonuses mid-day….my bombardier was not happy.<br /><br />I did take advantage of the Talladega Speedway 24 hour bonus. Soon after that, I decided to call it a day. I had some recalculating to do. It was only day one. I knew I was not doing well. The next day didn’t get any better. But oddly enough, I was still enjoying myself. It was stupid HOT, but the bike was running OK.<br /><br /><strong>Next day</strong><br /><br />I did get to document at least one non-rally related moment on my ride. Shortly after crossing into Georgia, my odometer rolled over 200,000 miles. I know this is quite common in the greater LD community, but it was a big deal to me. It wasn’t until June 1999 when I hit 100,000, so I’m getting better.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwIyce9utuI/AAAAAAAAABk/kGnTbxb5crE/s1600-h/200K.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116707591576008418" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwIyce9utuI/AAAAAAAAABk/kGnTbxb5crE/s320/200K.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><em>August 21, 2007 Alabama / Georgia state line.<br /></em></strong><br />Day break and I join the commuters into Atlanta. I still don’t understand why I rode past yet again another juicy bonus in Marietta in favor of making tracks to Florida. I can only blame the heat. The heat was brutal. I was drinking more water all the time, maybe too much. I should have paid more attention to my caloric intake as well. Lesson to note.<br /><br />I arrive in Gainesville only to join in some nice traffic jams. Mmmmm, lots of fun in the heat. I finally find the sink hole and guess what? It’s closed Monday and Tuesday. So I document all the closed gates and continue south. Way too much time has passed. I have lots of work to do on improving my bonus hunting and bagging skills. It’s that pesky reading comprehension thing. Kissimmee is next.<br /><br />Without a SunPass, the Florida Turnpike sucks. And that’s all I got to say about that !<br /><br />I bag the Orange World photo, no sweat ( well maybe a little ). But trying to get back on the Turnpike was not so easy. Somehow I ended up in Mickey’s driveway. How the hell did I do that? More stupid tolls and I finally get my wheels headed toward Miami and the Keys.<br /><br />I’m burning a lot of gas, but so far the credit cards have worked flawlessly and all the receipts are good. There is no rain in sight anywhere, but I am soaking wet inside this Darien. I am proud to say I kept all my gear on all the time. But at gas stops, I discovered that just pouring water over my head was not a good idea. Too much moisture <em>down there</em> was not a good thing. Lesson learned.<br /><br />I was falling further and further behind schedule. I can’t explain why, ( too slow? ), but it was way after midnight by the time I hit the causeway. Long day in the heat, I was getting tired. It drained me more than expected. I stopped at a parking area and got some zzzzz’s. It actually was too bad. My first ride on US 1 in the Keys, and I can’t see a bloody thing !!! Oh well.<br /><br />Feeling a little better, I make tracks for Key West. I found the marker with the assistance of the “Southern Most Hotel”. I figured the marker had to be close by. The time was 04:30 am Wednesday. I should have been here earlier in the day. I bag the photo bonus and go looking for gas.<br /><br />There were actually a lot more gas stations open 24 hours than I expected. But the $3.27 a gallon was not very nice. If you add the weirdo, skuzzy street people hanging around the gas station, throwing trash to passing cars and trucks and then trying to kick me and my bike as I pull away from the pumps….well, lets just say, I ain’t in no hurry to get back to Key West. Hopefully it will be daylight enough to grab the sizeable photo bonus at Grassy Key.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwJueO9utvI/AAAAAAAAABs/32mFjX2NU90/s1600-h/0430KeyWest.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116773592338446066" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwJueO9utvI/AAAAAAAAABs/32mFjX2NU90/s320/0430KeyWest.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><em>04:30 Wednesday</em></strong><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Bon dia</strong></span><br />August 22 Very early morning.<br /><br />It was still dark when I rolled across the crunchy sea shells that made up the driveway to the Dolphin Research Center. The sound reminded me of visiting my Grandparents when I was little. Gramp’s driveway had sea shells in it. I always connect that sound with those visits. It should be clearly evident by now, that riders on long distance rallies, have WAAAAAY too much time to think….<br /><br />There was another rider there, also waiting for the sun. We both just relaxed and waited quietly for enough sunlight to bag the dolphin photo. As it has for millennia, the sun slowly climbed above the horizon, bathing everything in a warm glow, especially the statue of the dolphins in question. Position flag, click photo…..there is daylight in the print. Good enough. Pack up our shit, hit the road.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwOAye9ut-I/AAAAAAAAADk/D9SqMk__E5o/s1600-h/KeysSunrise.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117075206416807906" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwOAye9ut-I/AAAAAAAAADk/D9SqMk__E5o/s320/KeysSunrise.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><em>Sunrise on the Keys</em></strong><br /><br />Who would have thought that opening day of school would cause such a traffic back up. Clearly not me. But that is what I came to. I crawled along US 1 through Islamorada Key. It seemed like I was never going to get off the Keys. Finally, I make my way to Homestead. Buy gas. Bag Coral Castle.<br /><br />Guess what? It was HOT again.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Lost in the Ozone</strong></span><br />Later that morning<br /><br />From Homestead I decided to traverse Florida by way of the Tamiami Trail (US 41). It looked easy enough to get to on the map. I can’t really explain what, or how it happened, but I ended up so seriously lost that it was almost noon before I got comfortably down that road, on my way to Naples. From the Coral Castle I tried to take a short cut across county roads over to the start of US 41. Without GPS or even any detailed maps of the area, I made one wrong turn after another. I mean, many wrong turns. I would travel for several miles and hit dead ends time after time. It was incredibly stupid. I finally back tracked all the way to US 1. I got straightened out eventually. What a nightmare. What a time waster. At least I didn’t run out of gas…<br /><br />The afternoon ride north to Tampa was uneventful but hot. Traffic around Tampa was nothing, so that was good. I had secured my call-in bonus earlier, so that was done. I was looking forward to my Rest Bonus. I called ahead to let my mother know I was coming.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Over the meadow and through the woods….</strong></span><br />August 22 5:30 pm<br /><br />From I-75, it was a short drive to Brookesville. I secured a good receipt from the gas station across the street to start my rest bonus. Mom was very excited to see me. I was glad to be there. Since my Dad passed away last year, she relishes family visits. It seemed a little odd to suddenly be in her driveway with the bike. The usual visit with my family and her great-grandchildren involves daylong travel with some airline/airport hassle involved. Right now, I just popped in while on a bike ride…..cool.<br /><br />I had a chance to launder the sweaty underclothes I was wearing. Mom had a nice roast beef dinner made, after which I grabbed some solid sleep in a comfy bed with air conditioning. Not a bad rest bonus at all. I was living large. I would remember this, days from now at o’dark thirty, on a cold picnic table in Montana, with signs that proclaimed, “Rattlesnakes observed – stay on walkways.”<br /><br />Just after midnight, and Mom is sad I have to leave. “I have to get going, thank you so much for everything, Love you”<br />I try and leave the park as quietly as possible. Grab my ending receipt. Make my way back to I-75. North into the panhandle, then daybreak and into Mobile.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Southern (dis)Comfort</strong></span><br />August 23 Morning<br /><br />A beautiful sunrise, but already pretty warm. It would only get worse. I followed the signs to the Veterans Park and make my way to the T-55 tank. Two other riders were already there. One was Kendall, whom I met during the pre-rally days. He was doing well, but said he should be doing better. He wished me well and was ready to leave just as I was getting my photo. Next was Biloxi. I knew I would see these guys again. The Biloxi – Katrina bonus was big points, it was not to be missed.<br /><br />I bagged the Katrina Memorial and saw Kendall again. Next was New Orleans. I don’t know why, but I was a little anxious about going into the French Quarter. But I found it no problem. Got the required photo. Onto the Superdome. I found a safe place to park and clicked off a photo. The quickest way out of New Orleans and points north was the causeway across Lake Pontchartrain.<br /><br />I was so hot and uncomfortable in my riding gear, it seemed like I couldn’t open enough vents. My outer gear was now in a constant state of funk. Damp, dirty and quite smelly I’m sure. I suddenly realized how hungry I was. I decided when I crossed into Mississippi, I would stop and get a good sit down meal.<br /><br />This was a good thing. I felt much better. While reviving myself with air conditioning and real food, I tried to re-evaluate just what the hell I was doing. I was way behind the point to mileage curve. I was coming up short. I needed to get going and get busy with a better plan. Time was passing by me, like most of the cars on the interstate. I needed Greenville and Memphis. I headed north. The day was wearing on. By the time I reached the exit for<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwJvou9utxI/AAAAAAAAAB8/ogBG5g0tG70/s1600-h/LakePontchar.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116774872238700306" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwJvou9utxI/AAAAAAAAAB8/ogBG5g0tG70/s320/LakePontchar.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><em>Lake Pontchartrain Causeway</em></strong><br /><br />Greenville, the sun was getting lower. Greenville was a daylight only bonus. I would have to find this place without hesitation and bag the photo with no time to spare. Destinations are always further away in reality than they appear on a map. It was dark by the time I reached the start of the route sheet directions. I was having trouble reading street signs and naturally I was lost. I did ask a local for directions, but this proved useless. I wandered around the neighborhood but never did find the bonus. It just wasn’t working for me. I got fuel and headed north.<br /><br />I needed daylight for the Memphis bonuses. I stopped at a rest area to grab some zzzzz’s. I was very comfy on a nice picnic table. I guess I was sleeping deeper than I should have. Next thing I know I’m being rousted from my crib by some over zealous security guard. He tells me I can’t sleep here cuz he’s afraid something will bite me. ?????<br /><br />I’m in full riding gear, helmet and gloves. What the hell is going to bite me? Maybe he just didn’t like the way I was dressed. I had never been bothered like that in a rest area before. I sat for awhile and then decided to move on.<br /><br />Next stop: Graceland. I once again discovered just how stupid the <em>fog of rallying</em> had made me. I find my way to Graceland while it is still dark and asked a security guard if I can park by the gate. “Sure” he says. "No problem”. Cool. So now, like an idiot, I wait for daylight…thinking. The last time I stood in front of these gates was in April 1972. Elvis was still alive, but not home at the time. I was in the Navy and stationed just up the road at the Millington Naval Air Station. Wow, seems like a lifetime ago. Suddenly it dawns on me to check the route sheet. Wait a minute, this bonus is 24 hour….more time wasted. READING COMPREHENSION, READING COMPREHENSION....<br /><br />It is still too dark for a daylight photo of the Pyramid. So I wait. What I gained at Graceland, I still loose waiting at the Pyramid. Someday I’ll get this straight. At first decent light, I click a couple of photos of the Pyramid. Complete the paperwork and leave. I think I’m done.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116775318915299106" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwJwCu9utyI/AAAAAAAAACE/a3qGNxCU6ZA/s320/GracelandGate.JPG" border="0" /><br /><strong><em>“Elvis has left the building”<br /></em></strong><br />As I motor north on my return to St. Louis, I realize I am about 4,000 points short of the minimum. I have screwed up so badly, I try not to think about it. I am actually looking forward to Leg Two….stay tuned.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>End of Leg One</strong></span><br />August 24 Friday<br /><br />The Good news: I left no points at the Scorer’s Table.<br />The Bad news: I left no points at the Scorer’s Table.<br /><br />What this translates to, is the fact that I fell 4,000 plus points short of my goal, not due to scoring errors, but just bad routing and not enough riding. It wasn’t the bike, it wasn’t the weather, it was all me. I knew I needed help. I was just too stupid to ask. It was a short night for most, it was too long for me.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Leg Two: A Shot at Redemption</strong></span><br />August 25 Saturday 04:00 am<br /><br />New day, new bonus sheets, new beginning. Another 38 pages, this time all West of the Mississippi, (well almost). Back to the wall map and plot, plot, plot. Where to go? What to do? Hmmmmm<br /><br />Again, I let geography dictate my choices. Since I had never ridden in the Northwest, that would be my destination. Anything in Alaska was out of the question. Although I would have loved to have gone to Hyder, just to say I did it. I proceeded to plot bonuses from St. Louis through Nebraska, South Dakota, Wyoming. Up into Montana across Idaho and into Washington. My target was Mt. St. Helen’s. This would be my turn around point. I would plan to be there by Tuesday morning and see what else I could bag and then return through Oregon, Idaho, south to Salt Lake City, east to Colorado and back to the finish. Looking at it now, it is easy to see I should have gone the Mt. Hamilton route. But you can drive yourself crazy with<em> coulda, shoulda,</em> <em>woulda</em>. So I don’t. I truly wanted to go to Washington as opposed to California. I still do. If given another chance, I would do the same plan. (boy, am I yankee stubborn or what).<br /><br />I finally leave the DoubleTree at about 10:30 am. I have a plan. I’m feeling good. I go for it. Columbia, Kansas City, but I don’t go to Garmin. First mistake. It was a 24 hour. I figure I’ll bag it on the way home, regardless of the time. On into Nebraska, and realize I won’t make Chimney Rock before dark. I’m enjoying the ride. I feel good. I’m not even thinking of the previous five days.<br /><br />Sunrise the next day and it is much cooler. I roll on up US 26 and reach Chimney Rock at daybreak. There is a bit of fog, but it burns off the closer I get to the bonus. Next stop was Scott’s Bluff. A short ride up the hill yielded some spectacular views. Photo the bench and get going. I was looking forward to Carhenge. I like silly roadside stuff. It is what makes a rally all worth while. <em>“See the world, that’s what it’s for” – Moody Blues.</em><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwJ-Du9ut9I/AAAAAAAAADc/Hl-VN5Tc2WE/s1600-h/Carhenge.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116790729257957330" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwJ-Du9ut9I/AAAAAAAAADc/Hl-VN5Tc2WE/s320/Carhenge.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><em>Carhenge</em></strong><br /><strong><em><br /><br /></em></strong><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Black Hills</strong></span><br />August 26 Sunday afternoon<br /><br /><br />I had been through this area before during Bike Week 1994 ( In my previous Harley life.) I wasn't concerned with stopping to smell the roses. It was getting hot again. I was hoping it would be cooler in the mountains. At the gate to Mount Rushmore, it was 96°. This bonus seemed like easy points, maybe I was missing something. After a nice ride through Keystone, I was on my way to the Devil's Tower. Another easy photo bonus. It seemed to be getting hotter outside as the day wore on. While writing this, I just realized I totally ignored the Wall Drug bonus...what an idiot.<br /><br />By the time I reached Gillette, I was exhausted. It didn't seem possible. Why was I so tired? (plenty of water....not enough food.) I didn't argue with myself. I stopped. I was not going to reach the Little Bighorn before nightfall anyway. I would stop here for the night and have breakfast with Custer in the morning.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwOEF-9ut_I/AAAAAAAAADs/SIMVWh1WuRg/s1600-h/Devil"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117078839959140338" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwOEF-9ut_I/AAAAAAAAADs/SIMVWh1WuRg/s320/Devil%27sTower.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><em>Close Encounters....indeed.<br /></em></strong><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>The Making of a DNF 1....2....3</strong></span><br />August 27 Monday morning<br /><br />When I passed through some road construction, just south of Sheridan, my bike took a very hard hit on a concrete bridge deck. It jolted the bike so violently, that my tank bag leaped up and hit me on the chest. I remained stable on the road, but thought for sure my rear tire would go flat. It didn't, I continued on. I was relieved. But this little episode would return. Big time.<br /><br />I arrived at the Little Bighorn Battlefield early. Too early. So, I went for breakfast up the road. When I returned at 08:00, I proceeded to <em>Last Stand Hill. </em>I bagged my required photo, but had to hang around and read the history markers. Very moving. So much sacrifice. It was again a beautiful day in the making, at least weatherwise.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwPBqe9uuBI/AAAAAAAAAD8/-H4pHTAcvYs/s1600-h/LittleBigHorn.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117146537233659922" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwPBqe9uuBI/AAAAAAAAAD8/-H4pHTAcvYs/s320/LittleBigHorn.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><em>Too early</em></strong><br /><br /><br />Next stop was Pompeys Pillar.<br /><br />Cool place. I find the “Signature Rock” and wish I could hang around and sight see. Not this time . I now have a long way to go.<br /><br />The plan was to make a serious attempt to get across Montana and bag the Kellogg, Idaho bonus during the night. I needed to get as deep into Washington as possible to allow my approach to Mt. St. Helens. Compared to the real estate I had normally been covering, this was going to be a challenge.<br /><br />Untill now, I had cruised along at an rpm / engine vibration, that was tolerable for me for long distance. My speedo would indicate between 75-80 mph. In reality, my true speed was more like 65 mph. No wonder I was falling behind. When I tried to kick it up a notch, the vibration was hand and butt numbing. This is the main handicap of driving an older machine. I pushed on, the best I could.<br /><br />Montana was (is) beautiful. The weather was prefect. I was really enjoying this ride. I was gaining ground. Billings, Bozeman and Butte all disappeared in my mirrors. I was actually getting excited about making my plan to reach Mt St. Helens on Tuesday morning. It was all coming together finally, I felt revived. I should have known it wouldn’t last.<br /><br />I needed fuel. My map shows the town of Drummond just ahead. I exit the highway. My next stop….<em>The Twilight Zone.</em><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Shovelhead Blues</strong></span><br />August 27 Late afternoon<br /><br />So there I am, on the shoulder of I-90, with a very flat tire. But it was so much more than that. I try a can of Fix-A-Flat, (laughing.) It filled the tire, just long enough for me to observe the leak. This was weird, it wasn’t leaking out through the tire tread or even the sidewall. Air was spewing out through the steel rim, but not from a spoke hole but from a 10 inch crack in the steel !! <strong>You can’t be serious ! ! ! ! !<br /></strong><br />My anger escalates, when I realize the damage to my rear wheel most likely occurred earlier, during that hard hit at the construction site in Sheridan. Stupid thoughts of lawyers and the Wyoming DOT fogged my head. Just calm down and dig out the AMA Motow card. Thank God (thank you God) I at least had a cell phone. I can happily end this paragraph with praising the fabulous people at Motow. Within 45 minutes, I’m safely in a tow truck, with my bike even more safely locked down behind me, on my way to Missoula and a hotel room. Not bad, considering…..<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwJ3x-9ut2I/AAAAAAAAACk/pvkeSmp-ios/s1600-h/That"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116783827245512546" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwJ3x-9ut2I/AAAAAAAAACk/pvkeSmp-ios/s320/That%27sBill.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><em>That’s Bill</em></strong><br /><br />It’s a 35 mile drive to Missoula and the H-D dealer. I’m sure they can replace the broken rim. But it will have to wait until they reopen tomorrow morning. My ride was going so well. Why this? Why now? There must be a reason for this delay. God will always test us. I try not to dwell on such things.<br /><br />The tow truck driver was a very pleasant fellow named Bill. As he drove along I-90, he tells me local history and we have a good time discussing the difference between Montana and Massachusetts. The political discussion was great. I’ll leave it at that. I was thanking Bill profusely, but he would only quip that he was use to rescuing about 5 of “you guys” each day during bike week. I took that as a jab at Harley riders. That’s OK, we mostly deserve it.<br /><br />Bill unloaded the bike at a very nice hotel right across the street from the Harley dealer. I checked in and started the dreaded process of re-evaluating my plans. Obviously, this changes everything. The dealer opens at 09:00, I want to be ready. I remove the broken wheel and clean it up a bit. Tomorrow will be a busy day.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Happy Freakin’ Birthday ! !<br /></strong></span>August 28 Tuesday morning<br /><br />It was 55 years ago today. So I guess by government standards, I’m a senior citizen. Hey, can I get a discount on gas on Wednesday? I actually had way different plans for today than what has transpired. Oh well…Life.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwJ4Tu9ut3I/AAAAAAAAACs/wBT-hDloY_o/s1600-h/HappyBdayToMe.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116784407066097522" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwJ4Tu9ut3I/AAAAAAAAACs/wBT-hDloY_o/s320/HappyBdayToMe.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><em>Happy Birthday to me…..</em></strong><br /><br />At 08:30 I place a call to Lisa. I explain my situation and she advised me to keep her informed. I will do that.<br />This is not what you want to being doing in the middle of a rally, or your Birthday. Just after 09:00 I’m at Montana Harley-Davidson with my broken wheel. Adam, at the Service Desk, takes good care of me and promises to start on repairs right away. I think Lisa called the owner or someone. They seemed to be expecting me, so that was good. Adam said he would call my cell phone when the wheel was done. I went back to the hotel and waited.<br /><br />It didn’t take long to realize just how bad daytime TV is. Just how much crap about Britney Spears and Paris Hilton are we suppose to take? I quickly retreat to the parking lot to see what bits I can do to the rest of the bike. As noon approaches, I begin to worry that this repair is indeed going to take all day. I break out the bonus sheets and maps and begin to formulate a Plan B.<br /><br />My Mt St. Helens plan begins to fade as each hour passes. It is early afternoon on Tuesday. I should have already been there. I will never make it there now and get back to Chesterfield on time. Plan B is now in affect. I promise myself not to bug the shop every half hour with “are you done yet?” I don’t want anyone to remember that an IronButt rider was a pain in the ass. So I wait…..<br /><br />As it approaches 3:00 pm, still no call from Adam, I decide to check on my wheel. When I enter the Service Dept. there is no one around, but there, leaning against the counter, is my wheel. New, complete and ready to go. I have no idea how much earlier I could have picked up my wheel. I paid my bill and thanked them very much. I beat feet back to the hotel and began reassembly.<br /><br />It was 4:30 pm by the time I finished everything. I had lost a full 24 hours. Not a Happy Birthday. The IBR rules state that I must return to the point where I was first towed to resume my rally. No problem. I returned to Drummond. As I entered the highway, I thought I saw Rod Serling laughing in the shadows.<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>The Longest Road Out is the Shortest Road Home </strong></span>– Irish Proverb<br />August 28 Tuesday evening<br /><br />Plan B now consist of traveling east across North Dakota (Salem Sue) into Minnesota (Bena and Two Harbors) then south into Iowa, grab Olathe, Kansas and across Missouri and finish. This would be the best I could salvage. I knew I would not have enough points to be declared a “Finisher”. Despite this fact, I was still in “rally mode”. I was determined to complete what little plan I had and return to Chesterfield on time. I was still enjoying this whole thing. As testimony to how great this rally truly is, I was still having fun knowing I was losing. How cool is that.<br /><br />Eastward I continue, into the night. Across Montana, pretty much uneventful. Oh, there was that rest area “ironbutt motel” with the rattlesnake warning. (I wish I had a pix of that.) The next day, I bagged Salem Sue, one big ass cow !!!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwJ44O9ut4I/AAAAAAAAAC0/5D6k6Z3a6XQ/s1600-h/SalemSue.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116785034131322754" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwJ44O9ut4I/AAAAAAAAAC0/5D6k6Z3a6XQ/s320/SalemSue.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><em>Salem Sue<br /></em></strong><br />Finally I make it into Minnesota. I actually knew where the Big Fish Supper Club was. I had been there before during the Minnesota 1000 back in 2003. Now there is a fun rally. If there are any new people reading this and you don’t know about TeamStrange…you should. <a href="http://www.teamstrange.com/">http://www.teamstrange.com/</a><br /><br />US 2 takes me to Duluth. It’s getting late and I clearly won’t make Two Harbors in the daylight. I’m a little cold and tired. Plus the bike is making a new and increasingly louder noise. Sounds like a lifter hangin’ up. Super 8 to the rescue. Next morning I check out the bike the best I can. Seems OK. Starts up fine, but the angry noise is still there. Split Rock Lighthouse SP here I come. It is a beautiful ride up the coast. I locate the lighthouse easy enough. Bag my photos and retreat to the south. The engine noise is getting worse. Something banging, something internal. I was starting to worry.<br /><br />August 30 Thursday<br /><br />The weather is way more than nice, it’s fabulous. I go around Minneapolis and south into Iowa. The bad noise is steady now, but doesn’t seem to slow me down any. I continue on. I bag both the “Patriot Rock” and the “Windmill” while in Iowa. My final bonus will be the Garmin sign photo bonus. It’s a good thing this was 24 hour. It was late evening when I arrived. There were other riders there. We were all getting ready to finish this adventure. All that remained was a final dash across Missouri to arrive before 08:00 Friday.<br /><br />It had been a long day and the nods were getting to me. I think I stopped at every rest area and leaped frog’d my way across Missouri. Ride….rest….Ride….rest. I saw many other riders as they passed me. My engine was definitely hurting now. The noise was louder and sounded awfully similar to a leaking head gasket. The engine was straining to maintain highway speeds. I just continued. As the faint sunlight of a new day, slowly turned the darkness into a soft blue, I was getting revived, but not so much for my engine. I’d hoped I wasn’t doing too much permanent damage as I still had a long ride home to Massachusetts when this was all completed. I just kept going.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Fim</strong></span><br />August 31 07:30 am<br /><br />I was very glad to finally see the signs for US 40 that would lead me back to the DoubleTree Hotel. As I entered the parking lot, there was a crowd gathered to greet the returning riders. They were cheering. I had made it back, but was feeling guilty about receiving such a welcome. I knew I had failed to finish the rally. I was impressed and grateful none the less. It was very cool. Thanks Brett, your welcome made it all worth while.<br /><br />Dale made a comment that my engine was hurting but at least my final drive was intact. And I thought dingers about Harleys were bad…..you Beemer folks have it rough. After some further instructions from Dale, I parked the Shovel, and was oddly sad to shut of the engine for the last time (for this rally anyway). I was glad to be “home”.<br /><br />I was more surprised and grateful that my friends Grayson and Joe and others had traveled out to St. Louis, just to witness the finish. I knew Grayson had brought some good cigars to celebrate later. I was looking forward to that.<br /><br />The old shovel was hurting, but it had returned me safely. It was an incredible journey. On any other machine, it just wouldn’t be the same. I knew I had some work to do, before I could ride her home to New England. It would wait until tomorrow. Right now I needed to get checked in and get scored. Then a nice shower and some rest. First I call home.<br /><br />I was really missing Carol and our girls. They are all so loving and Carol is very tolerant of my LD adventures. Our daughter Amber and her two girls were having fun tracking Grampy each day on a wall map. I thought of them all, many, many times for many, many miles. I love you.<br /><br />Again I left no points on the scorer’s table. I just didn’t have enough. Could the turnout have been better without the mechanical problems? Perhaps, but it doesn’t matter now. I did what I did. I’m happy with that. IT WAS A GREAT RIDE. I got to participate in the “Big Show.” That is what I get to take with me. Thank you all very, very much. Lisa, Mike and all the staff and volunteers. You folks are incredible. Thank you.<br /><br />Congratulations to Marty, Jim, and Brett.<br />Congrats to all the finishers. I am very impressed with all of you.<br /><br />Ride well – Be safe.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Post mortem</strong></span><br />September 1 Saturday morning<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwJ5cO9ut5I/AAAAAAAAAC8/3nn0MUPydy4/s1600-h/ParkingLotWrench.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116785652606613394" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwJ5cO9ut5I/AAAAAAAAAC8/3nn0MUPydy4/s320/ParkingLotWrench.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><em>It's always somethin'</em></strong><br /><br /><br />The rear cylinder head gasket was indeed burned through. I did carry spare gaskets with me so it was just a matter of some parking lot dirt wrenching and make it new.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwJ6Ae9ut6I/AAAAAAAAADE/kNwm27fBhjo/s1600-h/BurntHeadGasket.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116786275376871330" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwJ6Ae9ut6I/AAAAAAAAADE/kNwm27fBhjo/s320/BurntHeadGasket.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><em>Sorry about the focus</em></strong><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwJ6aO9ut7I/AAAAAAAAADM/lDxE1inHn08/s1600-h/BrokeRim1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116786717758502834" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwJ6aO9ut7I/AAAAAAAAADM/lDxE1inHn08/s320/BrokeRim1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><em>This is not good.</em></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Almost the last to leave. Later that day, my battery died so I was restricted to daytime riding. The ride home was actually tougher than some of the rally. Go figure.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwJ68e9ut8I/AAAAAAAAADU/pbmGTlu17G4/s1600-h/LastToLeave.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5116787306169022402" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NvFoGoTFNDE/RwJ68e9ut8I/AAAAAAAAADU/pbmGTlu17G4/s320/LastToLeave.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Thanks for the cigar Doc. See you at the MinuteMan. I hope to see many of you on the road.<br /><br />I also want to thank my friend and riding partner Rick who procured the tour pack I needed for the rally and who also recommended and obtained the electronic ignition that work so flawlessly the entire ride. Rick helped me prepare many items on the bike that made my ride much more enjoyable and safe. Thanks Rick.<br /><br /><strong>Major lesson learned:</strong> The slightest weakness, in body or machine, will only worsen during the IBR.<br /><br /><strong>Major observation:</strong> No one, I mean NO ONE, is driving their cars anymore. The automobile is now just another place where you can carry on your meaningless task to further complicate your worthless existence. (did I say that out loud?)<br /><br /><strong>Major confession:</strong> I love the routing, bonus hunting and camaraderie. But I don’t think I’ll ever get use to the endless hours on the Interstate. Maybe that is where some music might help…..?<br /><br />Something in Latin would be very profound right here, but I’ll just say Good-bye instead.<br /><br />Mark W. Collins<br />Massachusetts<br /><br />1972 ElectraGlide………..because I just don’t know any better.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com