One Last Hurrah [FINAL RESULTS]

Community Challenges & Competitions
314

V6 Vandals - D4 2-6a - “SYSTEM_FAULT”

“So, we’re quite a way back. Any chance we can make up that gap?” Amy asked.

“Always a chance.” Luke replied. “Might be able to catch up.”

“Any change on the codes?” Jake asked.

“Nope. P0420 Catalyst Efficiency Low. Still the only one showing up.”

“So, what’s that mean for our run?” Cody asked.

“Not much. Means we’re likely to clog up a catalytic converter. It clogs, we lose performance. Then we get to cut it open, rip the core out, then weld it back together. Dirty trick, and completely illegal, but it’ll keep us going.” Luke said.

They made it through the waypoint without much fuss, and the rest of their time period was spent blaring the radio at full volume for no better reason than to be obnoxious.

MRL: +13 (+1)
FTG: 0 (NC)
WAY: 5 (+1)
GAS: 1/3
FST: 5
OIL: 1 quart

4 Likes
315

Team Shitbox Brothers.

(You know the drill with the accents.)

Ana shifted into fourth gear, the engine breathing as it was coupled back into the new ratio through the clutch.

Ana: “It’s been a while without checking our status. Time for some data, where are we and how many kilometers to go?”

Alejandro: “Right, let’s see. Team Redneck overtook us overnight, they’re stopped now however. Hartcourt is still ahead. Finish line is Bourbon Street in New Orleans, so that means…roughly 2000 kilometers, we’re halfway through.”

Ana: “Halfway through, no fatal breakdows and we’re running third. I have a good feeling about this. We’re gonna make it this time!”

Alejandro: “Let’s not get cocky now, we still have a long, long way to go and we never know. Our pace is good, yeah, but…”

Ana: “No buts, we’re making it to Bourbon Street this time. We don’t know if we will have another chance, so we better make it.”

Ana sipped from her can of Bepis as Gramps GT kept going southbound, this time, to the sound of Red Maesima MRZ-3 by Tokyo Rider.

5 Likes
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Team Thunder Taxi, Part 16

Duluth, MN

On Sunday morning, Jack woke up, briefed his team as usual, packed their belongings and set off in the direction of Itasca State Park, when he remembered something from last night…

“So, another one bites the dust, then. That leaves us with one less entrant to worry about…”

“…You’re right!” Chris told him. “They won’t make it to Itasca State Park for sure, but we just might!”

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. There was a lot of ground still to be covered, but they had made considerable progress by now, and they could at least take pride in making it this far.

3 Likes
317

Legend of Terms:

POI NOTE: Blah blah blah you know the drill by now.

BD: Block Distance. This is the amount of mileage covered during the current 2 hour period.
OD: Overall Distance. This is the total distance that the team has covered since the event started.
AT: Ambient Temperature
FS: Fuel Status. Approximate fuel reading. May also include other fuel related concerns.
MRL: Morale modifier
FTG: Fatigue Level
Last Town: Last town of note that was passed (will not include tiny villages)
Next Waypoint: Should be self explanatory.
Notes: Any notes I have for your team during this time block. Including POI results, car issues, etc.

SUNDAY, 8AM - 10AM

VicVictory:
BD: 107 mi OD: 1755 mi AT: 41 F FS: 3/4 MRL: +1 FTG: +0 Last Town: Little Falls, MN Next Waypoint: Eagle Point Park, Dubuque, IA
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. Waypoint completed: HIstoric Fort Snelling. Team stops at Fort Snelling to tour and watch the cannon and musket demos (will bleed into next time period)

@Madrias
BD: 117 mi OD: 1732 mi AT: 41 F FS: 3/4 MRL: +0 FTG: +2 Last Town: Rogers, MN Next Waypoint: Historic Fort Snelling, MN
Notes: Ongoing issue: Check Engine Code: P0420. Team has refueled in Little Falls, MN.
TEAM MORALE IS HIGH.

@Mr.Computah
BD: 112 mi OD: 1820 mi AT: 41 F FS: 3/4 MRL: +1 FTG: +2 Last Town: Pine Island, MN Next Waypoint: Eagle Point Park, Dubuque, IA
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. Team has refueled in Monticello, MN. Waypoint completed: Historic Fort Snelling.

@Jaimz
BD: 116 mi OD: 1876 mi AT: 42 F FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: +2 Last Town: Rochester, MN Next Waypoint: Eagle Point Park, Dubuque, IA
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. Team has refueled in Rochester, MN

@BobLoblaw
BD: 133 mi OD: 1781 mi AT: 41 F FS: 2/3 MRL: +1 FTG: +2 Last Town: Minneapolis, MN Next Waypoint: Eagle Point Park, Dubuque, IA
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. Waypoint completed: Historic Fort Snelling.

@Zabhawkin
BD: 0 mi OD: 1804 mi AT: 42 F FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: -11 Last Town: Minneapolis, MN Next Waypoint: Eagle Point Park, Dubuque, IA
Notes: Team is asleep at the Days Inn Faribault in Faribault MN.

@HighOctaneLove
BD: 78 mi OD: 1679 mi AT: 41 F FS: 1/2 MRL: -2 FTG: +3 Last Town: St Cloud, MN Next Waypoint: Historical Fort Snelling, MN
Notes: INCIDENT: Just before St. Cloud, there is a loud POP and the smell of burnt electronics, and the stereo goes dead. As the team hits down, the car dies on the side of the road. Diagnosis: Bad voltage regulator in the alternator. No spare onboard, but the local auto parts store has one. Repair will bleed into next time period.

@DoctorNarfy
BD: 115 mi OD: 1731 mi AT: 41 F FS: 3/4 MRL: +0 FTG: +2 Last Town: Monticello, MN Next Waypoint: Historic Fort Snelling, MN
Notes: Team has refueled in Little Falls, MN

@findRED19
BD: 113 mi OD: 1628 mi AT: 41 F FS: REFUEL IN PROGRESS MRL: +0 FTG: +0 Last Town: Little Falls, MN Next Waypoint: Historic Fort Snelling, MN
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. Team is refueling in Little Falls, MN.

@Mythrin
BD: 114 mi OD: 1638 mi AT: 41 F FS: LOW MRL: +1 FTG: +0 Last Town: Randall, MN Next Waypoint: Historic Fort Snelling, MN
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. Waypoint completed: Itasca State Park.

@abg7
BD: 118 mi OD: 1609 mi AT: 41 F FS: 2/3 MRL: +1 FTG: +2 Last Town: Laporte, MN Next Waypoint: Historic Fort Snelling, MN
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. Waypoint completed: Itasca State Park

@LordLetto
BD: 113 mi OD: 1496 AT: 41 F FS: 1/3 MRL: +0 FTG: +2 Last Town: Whipholt, MN Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH.

@cpufreak101
BD: 102 mi OD: 1719 mi AT: 41 F FS: 3/4 MRL: +1 FTG: +2 Last Town: Motley, MN Next Waypoint: Historic Fort Snelling, MN
Notes: Team has refueled in Little Falls, MN

Vehicles that are traveling in packs:

Note: vehicles within ~5 miles of each other are within CB range.

Team Moss Boss

At the gas station, Kyle and Hank have a passing conversation of pleasantries with the Outriders, before pressing on.

6 Likes
318

Team Mountain Pass

Team Bio
Day 4, 6 - 8AM

Day Four, 8AM to 10AM

I was sincerely hoping that I’d have nothing to report this session. Nothing but trees, Yanks and good times! Well that idea was torpedoed when the Bogliq decided to do something weird…

Really bad country music plays POP!!! static…

A: “Oh shit, the radio just died! Quick! Pullover before we die a fiery death!!!”

P: “Roger, roger!”

As we pulled over the car died and wouldn’t re-start…

A: opens bonnet “Yup, refried electrics for the win… Bogliq needs to up their solder budget, stat!”

P: “Any idea what’s happened?”

A: pokes around the alternator “Judging from the wisp of smoke coming from this widget, I’d say this thing is toast!”

P: “I’ll look up a parts store nearby, hopefully there’ll be one close by”

A: “No need. There’s an O’Reilly Auto Parts over there, on the other side of the highway”

P: “I’ll call a tow truck and meet you there”

So Andrew played a real life version of frogger, dodging cars and risking his life (NOT!!!), while I waited for a tow truck, which duly arrived and towed us into the O’Reilly carpark.

Meanwhile inside the O’Reillys…

A: “Hello, I need one of these”

Spare Parts guy: “Hello sir, how may I help you?”

A: “Uh, yeah… I need one of these” places burnt widget on counter

SPG: “What’s it from?”

A: “A 1986 Bogliq K23i”

SPG: “Wow, that’s a pretty cool car there mister, do you take her out drifting much!?!”

A: “Uhh…Not really, it’s the early '86 model with the old cast-iron four”

SPG: “Well, that sucks… Hey, you’re not from around here. You an Australian by any chance?”

A: “If I answer you, will it make you do your job any faster?”

SPG: “Probably… So, Aussie or not?”

A: “I’m an Australian, yes… So do you have the part?”

SPG: “Computer says no… But I may have a solution”

A: “Great! What is it?”

SPG: “A Znopresk spec regulator will do the same job and won’t burn out in 30 years…”

A: “Excellent. I’ll take it!”

SPG: “Lemme check. Computer says no…”

A: getting annoyed “Then get me what you’ve got so I can buy one and be on my way!”

SPG: “OK, OK, just relax and I’ll check the shelf…”

A: hums a old C & W song from the radio

SPG: “Well whaddya know! I got both the Bogliq AND the Znopresk regulators after all! Which one do you want?”

A: “How much?”

SPG: “For you… $120 total”

A: “What!!! I want something much cheaper than that!”

SPG: pulls an identical regulator from under the counter “What about this Ardent unit for $5.50?”

A: “Gimme that!” snatches part from SPG “I need a crimping tool and some wiring doodads as well”

SPG: “Here’s a starter kit with all you need for $14.45…”

A: “That’ll do…” pays bill “Have a nice day!”

SPG: “You too sir!!!”

Turned out that Andrew took longer to get the parts than I did to get the car towed! I decided to grab Andrew and I cheeseburgers and 'shakes at Wendy’s while Andrew repaired the car with the Ardent regulator, but that repair, and that story, would have to wait to be told until next session!

EDIT: Where we stopped

TO BE CONTINUED

Distance covered: 78 miles
Overall distance: 1677 miles
Fuel state: 1/2 a tank
Overall fuel used: 6 and 1/2 tanks
Morale: -2 (+11) Please God, don’t let me burn to death in a Bogliq!!! :scream:
Fatigue: +3 (+1) The unexpected chance to stretch our legs almost made up for the inconvenience

4 Likes
319

V6 Vandals - D4 6-8a - “Cruising”

With less than a third of a tank remaining, Luke drove until the fuel light came on, then pulled into the gas station. Amy jumped out and selected the Premium Unleaded, then filled the tank while Cody and Jake were busy digging around in the back for a couple bags of chips.

When the tank was full, Jake and Cody got back into the Truckling while Amy headed inside the gas station to get some bottled water and a bag of beef jerky. With water and snacks acquired, Amy then got back into the Truckling, and Luke took off out of there in a hurry.

Back on the highway, the Vandals were aiming to make up some lost time, and maybe even play a little catch-up on the other teams. Luke rested his left arm on the windowsill again while Amy fiddled with the radio, trying to find a reasonable station to listen to.

“Not a bad little truck after all.” Cody said. “I mean, if you ignore that it’s worthless as a truck.”

“I can see why they didn’t sell well, though. Everything’s wrong about them. Front-wheel-drive, torsion beam rear suspension, cramped back seat space, low towing capacity. Terrible as a truck, and not much better as a family car. Maybe passable for someone who would’ve wanted a tiny little micro-car, but then the wheelbase is too big. But, that said, it’s not the least comfortable thing I’ve been in.” Jake replied.

“Hey, my old Storm Breeze wasn’t that bad!” Amy yelled, looking more than just a bit offended. “It was made in 1984, and it was cheap. You can’t expect it to be comfortable anyway, it was meant to be an affordable car.”

“And it had a back seat that was about as comfortable as a park bench.” Jake shot back, grinning. “At least this Truckling has some seat padding left in it.”

MRL: +13 (NC)
FTG: +2 (+2)
WAY: 5
GAS: 3/4
FST: 6 (+1)
OIL: 1 quart

4 Likes
320

TEAM OUTRIDERS

Our team is presently stopped at the gas station.

Blake is presently engaged in a conversation with the Team Moss Boss, Luigi is filling the car, while Zach is somewhat distracted.

Zach: Whoa! Look at that cashier.

Marc: She is pretty, you should say something to her.

Zach: I don’t know.

Marc: Trust me, here’s what you say…

Luigi: Oh hell no! Remember what happened the last time Marc gave you advice on what to say to a girl?

Zach: Oh yeah…

Luigi: This is what you tell her… (whispers his suggestion.)

(Zach walks into the station, speaks to the cashier, and promptly gets slapped.)

Marc: How’d it go?

Zach: How the hell do you think?

Marc: What did you tell him to say?

Zach: His suggestion was as follows and I quote: “Hey baby, once you go white, you know you’ve done right!” (This lovely woman was black.)

Marc: Ha!

Luigi: And thus is a valuable lesson learned.

Zach: What lesson?

Marc: Trust is the biggest liability of all.

Blake: Good lord, we still fueling? That other team finished ages ago.

Luigi: A: This car has a bigger tank, B: This car goes through that tank faster than theirs does. It’s unfortunate but that’s how it is. (click) Ah, here we go.

Blake: Okay, let’s make some tracks!

Marc: Hang on, we should get something to snack on at the station.

Blake: Didn’t Zach do that?

Luigi: Not quite.

Blake: What were you doing in there?

Zach: Don’t ask.

Marc: I’ll be back in five.

(Five minutes later our team is in the car and on the road.)

(The team is currently listening to Motorpsycho Nightmare by Bob Dylan which I could not find a proper version on Youtube.)

Luigi: Think we can overtake that other team?

Blake: I’m certain of it.

Zach: You seem awfully sure of that.

Blake: They’re gonna stop at Fort Snelling for a tour.

Marc: We have any plans for stopping?

Blake: I thought about it, but I think our best bet is to power through.

Marc: Oh by the way, I explained to that cashier what happened and apologized for it.

Zach: Well, that’s a bit late for that, besides, he was the one who gave me that advice.

Marc: Yeah, but he’s Italian, they don’t know how to apologize.

Luigi: Bite me. Besides, it’s good for the kid to learn some humility.

Zach: Every waking moment of my life?

Blake: What can I say? Life’s a bitch.

Zach: Yeah, whatever. Maybe I can start something with Alice back home.

Blake: Who’s Alice?

Zach: Alice Shepard, the receptionist at Petoskey HQ.

Marc: You mean the bosses’ daughter?

Zach: She’s not the bosses’ daughter.

Marc: Yes she is.

Zach: Why doesn’t her last name match?

Luigi: Because she has her father’s last name, Daniel Shepard. At least until their divorce last year.

Blake: Wait a minute, you mean to tell me you’ve been flirting with the daughter of Eleanor Ventnor, owner/CEO of Petoskey Motors ZLC and you didn’t even know it?

Marc: That is rich.

Zach: Oh my God!

Luigi: Just think, if your efforts lead to an acquittal, she’ll be most grateful.

Blake: So that’s your plan, marry into wealth. You’ve got it all figured out.

Zach: I… I… I didn’t know!

Marc: So what?

Zach: So, this changes everything!

Marc: How?

Zach: It… I… um…

Blake: I think he means to say, if you like this girl, her family connection doesn’t mean anything.

Zach: I suppose.

(Our team presses on, with Zach trying to wrap his head around a large revelation)

4 Likes
321

Team Thunder Taxi, Part 17

Approaching next waypoint in Historic Fort Snelling

Jack had decided to increase his pace, seeing as he was a long way behind the leaders. There was still no sign of mechanical trouble as yet - a miracle considering the sheer mileage the Thunder Taxi had. Having just passed the previous waypoint at Itasca State Park, he was determined to reach the next one as soon as he could. And so he put the hammer down, using more and more of the Thunder Taxi’s performance. All the while, he and his teammates continued to stare contentedly at the scenery in silence, as their morale steadily improved. Now, more than ever, they were confident that they could make it to the next state and beyond.

2 Likes
322

Team Shitbox Brothers

(You know the drill with the accents).

Alejandro: “We’re now running second.”

Ana: “Distance between us and Hartcourt?”

Alejandro: “90 kilometres. 93 kilometres before.”

Ana: “There we go, some progress is being made. We’ll have to think our every move now if we want to take the lead.”

Alejandro: “We can press on until 22:00 tonight then get up at 5 AM tomorrow. Does it sound like a plan?”

Ana: “Sure, remind me to go and buy some Conke tonight.”

Alejandro: “Ye, ye, don’t worry about it.”

Alejandro grabbed the radio and the microphone.

Alejandro: “Hey Hartcourt. We’re slowly shortening the distance between you and us. Wanna bet 50 euros…wait, no, 50 dollars each and the first team to arrive at Bourbon Street gets the $100? Do you guys accept?” (Their response will be up to you, @Jaimz)

Alejandro placed the microphone back in place as Gramps GT roared southbound, and this time, to Add fuel to the fire by TV Players.

4 Likes
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Mopey: You ever get the feeling that someone’s trying to contact you?

Spanners: My landlord…my ex…my bank manager…my boss…yeah. Why?

Mopey: Dunno but I just got a feeling…

Mopey grabs the CB mike…

Mopey: Breaker breaker, 19 a copy…19 a copy, can anyone here me?

Voice from CB: Hello?

Mopey: Hi, were you trying to call us?

Voice: Nope.

Mopey: Anyone else out there trying to contact us?

Multiple voices: Nope…no…nah…no…nope…where y’all from?

Mopey: England.

Voice: Y’all know the queen?

Mopey laughing: No.

Voice: Ah well…that’s the end of this convo.

Gran: What a strange person.

@Mr.Computah - close in another 51 miles and try again… :rofl:

6 Likes
324

Legend of Terms:

POI NOTE: Blah blah blah you know the drill by now.

BD: Block Distance. This is the amount of mileage covered during the current 2 hour period.
OD: Overall Distance. This is the total distance that the team has covered since the event started.
AT: Ambient Temperature
FS: Fuel Status. Approximate fuel reading. May also include other fuel related concerns.
MRL: Morale modifier
FTG: Fatigue Level
Last Town: Last town of note that was passed (will not include tiny villages)
Next Waypoint: Should be self explanatory.
Notes: Any notes I have for your team during this time block. Including POI results, car issues, etc.

SUNDAY, 10AM - NOON

VicVictory:
BD: 68 mi OD: 1823 mi AT: 47 F FS: 1/2 MRL: +2 FTG: +1 Last Town: Little Falls, MN Next Waypoint: Eagle Point Park, Dubuque, IA
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. None.

@Madrias
BD: 147 mi OD: 1879 mi AT: 47 F FS: 1/3 MRL: +1 FTG: +4 Last Town: Prosper, MN Next Waypoint: Eagle Point Park, Dubuque, IA
Notes: Ongoing issue: Check Engine Code: P0420.
TEAM MORALE IS HIGH.

@Mr.Computah

6b2f9a47800f40eb15c5b4257fa44e7b9052681e
6b2f9a47800f40eb15c5b4257fa44e7b9052681e960×640 156 KB

BD: 129 mi OD: 1949 mi AT: 48 F FS: 1/3 MRL: -5 FTG: +4 Last Town: Giard, IA
CRITICAL FAILURE: Crankshaft snaps in two. Engine no workie so good like that. Final morale: +8 (pretty fun). Final fatigue: +6 (the day is young)

@Jaimz
BD: 140 mi OD: 2016 mi AT: 48 F FS: 1/2 MRL: +0 FTG: +4 Last Town: Dubuque, IA Next Waypoint: Gateway Arch, St. Louis, MO
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. Waypoint completed: Eagle Point Park

@BobLoblaw
BD: 141 mi OD: 1922 mi AT: 48 F FS: 1/4 MRL: +0 FTG: +4 Last Town: Postville, IA Next Waypoint: Eagle Point Park, Dubuque, IA
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH.

@Zabhawkin
BD: 0 mi OD: 1804 mi AT: 48 F FS: FULL MRL: +2 FTG: -2 Last Town: Faribault, MN Next Waypoint: Eagle Point Park, Dubuque, IA
Notes: Team wakes up at 11 am and will be on the road at noon.

@HighOctaneLove
BD: 32 mi OD: 1711 mi AT: 47 F FS: 1/2 MRL: +0 FTG: +3 Last Town: St Cloud, MN Next Waypoint: Historical Fort Snelling, MN
Notes: Alternator repair completed at 1130am.

@DoctorNarfy
BD: 133 mi OD: 1864 mi AT: 48 F FS: 1/3 MRL: +1 FTG: +4 Last Town: Monticello, MN Next Waypoint: Eagle Point Park, Dubuque, IA
Notes: Waypoint completed: Historic Fort Snelling.

@findRED19
BD: 107 mi OD: 1755 mi AT: 48 F FS: 2/3 MRL: +1 FTG: +2 Last Town: Minneapolis, MN Next Waypoint: Eagle Point Park, Dubuque, IA
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. Waypoint completed: Historic Fort Snelling. Team has just started an extended POI stop at the Old Ford Plant.

@Mythrin
BD: 103 mi OD: 1741 mi AT: 48 F FS: 3/4 MRL: +0 FTG: +2 Last Town: Maple Grove, MN Next Waypoint: Historic Fort Snelling, MN
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. Team has refueled in Little Falls, MN

@abg7
BD: 123 mi OD: 1732 mi AT: 48 F FS: 1/3 MRL: +0 FTG: +4 Last Town: Monticello, MN Next Waypoint: Historic Fort Snelling, MN
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH.

@LordLetto
BD: 98 mi OD: 1594 AT: 47 F FS: FULL MRL: +1 FTG: +4 Last Town: Motley, MN Next Waypoint: Historic Fort Snelling, MN
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. Waypoint completed: Itasca State Park.

@cpufreak101
BD: 130 mi OD: 1849 mi AT: 48 F FS: 1/4 MRL: +1 FTG: +5 Last Town: Faribault, MN Next Waypoint: Eagle Point Park, Dubuque, IA
Notes: Waypoint completed: Historic Fort Snelling

Vehicles that are traveling in packs:

Note: vehicles within ~5 miles of each other are within CB range.

Team Moss Boss

The team takes a quick tour of the facilities at Historic Fort Snelling, as well as watching a couple demos:

Fort Snelling - Cannon fire

Fort Snelling - Musket Infantry

7 Likes
325

TEAM OUTRIDERS

(The car is stopped at a rest area)

Zach: Give me two.

Blake: I’ll stand.

Marc: I’ll raise fifteen.

Blake: Fold.

Zach: I’ll call. Two pair, Aces high.

Marc: Straight.

Zach: Fuck!

Luigi: I’m back.

Blake: Welcome back.

Luigi: How’s the game going?

Zach: Not good, this cocksuckers got every card in the deck!

Marc: Blame your old man, he dealt last round.

Zach: You wanna join in?

Luigi: No thanks, I’m still driving. Besides, I wouldn’t want to be raped by you guys.

Blake: Why not? What are you saving up to be? Marc?

Zach: Can we have a card game without a hate crime?

Marc: I’ll hate crime your ass right here! (shuffles cards) The game is Seven Card stud, nothing wild.

Blake: Why don’t you like wild cards?

Marc: Because I’m not a pansy. Plus there is no way in hell a five of a kind is a thing!

5 Likes
326

Aww c’mon :frowning: tough luck, but I think the brothers were going in the correct direction this time. Great challenge @VicVictory and I hope this challenge comes back for UE4 someday, because I’m coming back for some more :smirk:

8 Likes
327

Team Thunder Taxi, Part 18

Still approaching Historic Fort Snelling

Jack was now driving faster than ever before, knowing that he had outlasted several other entrants by now. Suddenly, he began hearing persistent rumors that another team had dropped out of the race a few hundred miles down the road from the Thunder Taxi.

“So, if it’s true, does that mean we’ve gained a place, assuming we end up covering more distance than they did?” Chris whispered to Jack.

Jack nodded in acknowledgement. With morale at an all-time high, he was happy to have made it this far. And now, with the Thunder Taxi creeping up on some of the other entries, it was clear that the team’s fortunes were finally improving after hundreds of miles in the doldrums.

1 Like
328

Team Mountain Pass

Team Bio
Day 4, 8 - 10AM

Day Four, 10AM to Noon

After enjoying our cheeseburgers and shakes from Wendy’s, Andrew got stuck into the repair while I alternated between relaxing and pacing about. What, in my opinion, should have taken, at most, half an hour, proceeded to eat up a total of an hour and a half! Turns out that some of the wiring harness was damaged by the faulty doodad, which necessitated the wires be stripped, re-clamped, re-sealed then load tested. Since Andrew knew what he was doing I left him to it. I have no idea how post 70’s wiring works and I’m most likely to slow down the repair rather than help in any meaningful way.

Once we were finally underway we could count the cost. We lost a whole session’s worth of driving, Andrew had to talk to the locals for something other than food or beer and the Bogliq is nearly worth twice it’s value thanks to $20 worth of parts! But, most importantly, we were underway again and this time the drama wasn’t resulting in us being unable to continue the race. So now we’ll just knuckle down, keep our focus and continue to put kilometres under our belts… New Orleans is waiting for us!

TO BE CONTINUED

Distance covered: 32 miles
Overall distance: 1709 miles
Fuel state: 1/2 a tank
Overall fuel used: 6 and 1/2 tanks
Morale: +0 (+11) Car’s repaired and working fine
Fatigue: +3 (+4) The repairs were frustrating but we persevered!

4 Likes
329

V6 Vandals - D4 8-10a - “Refuel and Resupply”

“Getting close to lunchtime.” Jake said from the back seat.

“Name a place, then. I’m not a mind-reader.” Luke replied.

“How about a Burger King? Like that one up there?” Cody said.

Amy grabbed the handle above the door, barely managing to get out a, “Stupid move, you idiot.” to Cody before Luke wrenched the wheel around. The tires squealed loudly on the Truckling as they departed the otherwise-peaceful city street and shot into the nearly-empty drive-thru line. Luke stomped the clutch in and piled on the brakes just in time to avoid slamming into the back of a crossover, then proceeded to crawl through the line with the rest of the people.

After giving their order, and picking it up from the window, Luke passed the bag to Amy and left the parking lot with the same level of violence as he’d arrived, leaving nearly-matching stripes in both the entrance and the exit. The tires squealed and their twin-turbocharged V6 howled as Luke merged abruptly back into traffic.

“I’d like to live long enough to enjoy this Whopper, Luke.” Cody said, seeing several cars having to dart out of the way of the speeding Ishu Truckling.

“He’s making up your lost time.” Amy said. “Just enjoy your food and keep in mind to give more of a warning than ‘it’s this one over there’ for where you want to eat.”

“At least with how he drives, we’ll be about a hundred miles down the road before my fries get cold.” Jake said, fishing into the bag to get them. “Ugh. Scratch that, they were cold when I got them.”

“I told you, don’t bother with the fries, they’re always cold.” Amy replied.

The rest of the two-hour stage was spent weaving through traffic, with the only music being the sound of a snarling V6 and the blare of horns from other drivers who were less amused by the sub-compact truck cutting a path between slower moving cars. Thankfully no one got motion sick from the wild weaving, and Luke felt that he’d made up the lost time just fine.

MRL: +14 (+1) - Fast food solves a lot of problems.
FTG: +6 (+4) - Luke’s driving like a maniac on a race track.
WAY: 5 - Nope, still hasn’t changed.
GAS: 1/3 - I’m sure the hard driving isn’t helping matters.
FST: 6 - We’ll need another one of these soon…
OIL: 1 quart - And two stops before another of these.

4 Likes
330

Team Pit Stop

Nathan is driving for the day, and the team has a lot planned since the trip has gone so well.

Upon reaching Fort Snelling, James calls up to confirm a tour… Of the AEA plant and headquarters just across the road from them. Tour is a go, and they head over.

The team takes the tour, with complimentary lunch at a near by restaurant… and prepares for the “fun part” of the tour… The small test track used to shake-down new cars. They take the old ElGovnor wagon on it.

5 Likes
331

Legend of Terms:

POI NOTE: Blah blah blah you know the drill by now.

BD: Block Distance. This is the amount of mileage covered during the current 2 hour period.
OD: Overall Distance. This is the total distance that the team has covered since the event started.
AT: Ambient Temperature
FS: Fuel Status. Approximate fuel reading. May also include other fuel related concerns.
MRL: Morale modifier
FTG: Fatigue Level
Last Town: Last town of note that was passed (will not include tiny villages)
Next Waypoint: Should be self explanatory.
Notes: Any notes I have for your team during this time block. Including POI results, car issues, etc.

SUNDAY, NOON - 2PM

VicVictory:

T50-1
T50-11029×573 110 KB

BD: 74 mi OD: 1897 mi AT: 52 F FS: 1/4 MRL: -5 FTG: +3 Last Town: Burr Oak, IA
CRITICAL FAILURE: On Highway 52 just outside of Burr Oak, the Townsend loses a rear wheel at speed. The team skids off the road, and rolls twice into a cornfield. Kyle will need stitches on his brow and they’ll both be feeling this for a while, but are otherwise OK.
Final morale: +13 (That was fun), final fatigue: +4 (the day is young)

@Madrias
BD: 132 mi OD: 1879 mi AT: 53 F FS: FULL MRL: +1 FTG: +6 Last Town: Dubuque, IA Next Waypoint: Gateway Arch, St Louis, MO
Notes: Ongoing issue: Check Engine Code: P0420. TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. Waypoint completed: Eagle Point Park. Team has refueled in Dubuque, IA. Team is starting to feel slightly fatigued.

@Jaimz
BD: 125 mi OD: 2141 mi AT: 54 F FS: 3/4 MRL: +0 FTG: +6 Last Town: Galesburg, IL Next Waypoint: Gateway Arch, St. Louis, MO
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. Team has refueled in Davenport, IA

@BobLoblaw
BD: 119 mi OD: 2039 mi AT: 54 F FS: FULL MRL: +1 FTG: +6 Last Town: Dubuque, IA Next Waypoint: Gateway Arch, St Louis, MO
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. Waypoint completed: Eagle Point Park. Team miscalculated remaining fuel and had to use reserve supply to get to Davenport for fuel. This caused the fuel stop to be longer than expected. Team is starting to feel slightly fatigued.

@Zabhawkin
BD: 141 mi OD: 1945 mi AT: 53 F FS: 2/3 MRL: +0 FTG: +0 Last Town: Giard, IA Next Waypoint: Eagle Point Park, Dubuque, IA
Notes: None.

@HighOctaneLove
BD: 129 mi OD: 1840 mi AT: 52 F FS: 2/3 MRL: +1 FTG: +4 Last Town: Rochester, MN Next Waypoint: Eagle Point Park, Dubuque, IA
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. Waypoint completed: Fort Snelling. Team has refueled in Minneapolis.

@DoctorNarfy
BD: 132 mi OD: 1996 mi AT: 53 F FS: 3/4 MRL: +0 FTG: +6 Last Town: Sageville, IA Next Waypoint: Eagle Point Park, Dubuque, IA
Notes: Team has refueled in Postville, IA. Team is feeling slightly fatigued.

@findRED19
BD: 0 mi OD: 1755 mi AT: 48 F FS: 2/3 MRL: +2 FTG: -2 Last Town: Minneapolis, MN Next Waypoint: Eagle Point Park, Dubuque, IA
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. Team is on an extended POI stop at the Old Ford Plant.

@Mythrin
BD: 136 mi OD: 1867 mi AT: 53 F FS: 1/4 MRL: +1 FTG: +4 Last Town: Rochester, MN Next Waypoint: Eagle Point Park, Dubuque, IA
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. Waypoint completed: Fort Snelling.

@abg7
BD: 129 mi OD: 1861 mi AT: 53 F FS: 2/3 MRL: +1 FTG: +6 Last Town: Rochester, MN Next Waypoint: Eagle Point Park, Dubuque, IA
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. Team has refueled in Minneapolis. Waypoint completed: Fort Snelling

@LordLetto
BD: 118 mi OD: 1712 AT: 52 F FS: 1/2 MRL: +0 FTG: +6 Last Town: Elk Grove, MN Next Waypoint: Historic Fort Snelling, MN
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH.

@cpufreak101
BD: 134 mi OD: 1983 mi AT: 53 F FS: 3/4 MRL: +0 FTG: +8 Last Town: Millville, IA Next Waypoint: Eagle Point Park, Dubuque, IA
Notes: Team is feeling a little tired. Team has refueled in Decorah, IA.

Vehicles that are traveling in packs:

Note: vehicles within ~5 miles of each other are within CB range.

Team Moss Boss

“Yeah. Yeah, ma,” Kyle spoke into his phone, trying to break up the stream of concerned words mixed with expletives coming through the phone. “I told you, ma. We’re fine. Just a little… ma…”

Hank snickered as he listened from a chair.

“Ma, I said we’re… MA, JUST SHUT UP AND LISTEN.”

Hank couldn’t help himself and burst out laughing. His chest hurt from the seat belt, but it was worth it.

“No, ma. I was driving. The truck lost a wheel. No, ma, it wasn’t anyone’s fault. No. No, it’s not Hank’s fault. We didn’t know there was anything wrong with…”

Exasperated, Kyle rolled is eyes and mocked smashing the phone into the ground.

“Sounds like we’re going to have a fun homecoming,” Hank joked.

“You’re going through the door first. I’m not dealing with this.”

And thus, the saga of Moss Boss came to an end.

7 Likes
332

Team Thunder Taxi, Part 19

Rochester, Minnesota

After a routine refueling stop, the Thunder Taxi continued its journey south past Minneapolis, and made more progress than ever before. No sooner had one rumor emerged, though, than another began to circulate. This time, it was about the car they were chasing - the Moss Boss.

“What on earth just happened to them? Did they crash?” Jack murmured.

“We won’t know untill we pass them…” Chris replied.

Bob added: “…but due to the circumstances surrounding their demise, they would have gone out with a bang, not a whimper.”

Vince concluded: “I hope they’re in one piece, but it leaves us with one fewer opponent to chase.”

Jack belatedly realized that nothing could justify a return to a less aggressive strategy now. They were now driving in warmer conditions than they had previously encountered, and their rapid pace was finally paying dividends. As such, the team was in high spirits, confident that they would be able to reach the next waypoint or two without incident. And so they carried on according as usual, hoping to make further improvements on their situation along the way.

2 Likes
333

V6 Vandals - D4 10a-Noon - “A Very Quick Fast Food Stop”

“So, why aren’t you going faster, Luke?” Jake asked.

“I’m already breaking the speed limit. Do you really want me to put the hammer down and risk everything for a little bit more top speed?” Luke replied.

“Maybe not everything, but it’d be nice to catch the leaders at some point.” Cody asked.

“Fine. Next gas stop, I’ll take the hot seat.” Amy said. “After all, Luke tends not to go any faster than he’s comfortable with. It’s why he’s never been a great race driver, he doesn’t push the limits.”

“I used to, then I blew a hydraulic line in a rally car. I don’t push the limits anymore, not after that experience.” Luke replied.

The Truckling shrieked into the gas station, and Luke got out along with Amy. Amy filled the tank with Premium while Luke settled into the passenger seat. Once they were all filled up, Amy got into the driver’s seat and sent the little Ishu Truckling scampering out into the street.

“So, how fast are we gonna go?” Jake asked.

“Not sure yet. But we’re going faster.” Amy replied.

MRL: +15 (+1) - We’ve put a proper racing driver in the hot seat.
FTG: +12 (+6) - We’ve been on the road for a while, though.
WAY: 6 (+1) - Hey, we actually passed one!
GAS: 4/4 - Just got gas.
FST: 7 (+1) - Something tells me we’re going to have another one of these soon…
OIL: 1 quart - And next stop gets one of these.

5 Likes