Roulette Runner [FINAL RESULTS]

Team Twin-Snail

Day 2, Leg 4


Before the Stage

“Luke, I’m glad you got a convertible.” Amy said.

“Oh?” Luke questioned, now curious.

“This heat’s going to be awful for other teams without air-conditioning, but we can just drive along and let the air condition us instead. Plus, it allows for a beautiful view of the scenery whenever there’s something worth looking at.”

“Well, it just felt right. I know, it sounds stupid for me to say that, but it just seemed like the right car for the job. Big V8, nothing electronic to blow up in our faces, mechanical fuel injection, twin turbochargers, an old-school hydraulically-actuated automatic, and an auto-locker rear differential, all packed into a car I got for slightly less than $500. Sure, I’ve had reason to believe a couple times that I picked the wrong choice, but every time, it’s proven itself despite the flaws. It’s a little scuffed, a little battle-scarred, but it runs.” Luke replied.

Linda was looking over the maps they’d been given, then said, “Looks like it’s all uphill. I think all the road-duty’s had us a bit far ahead of schedule, so I suggest we take it a bit easy on this leg, try to avoid worsening the car’s condition.”

Scott wandered out of the nearby porta-potty, looking more than a little ill. “Smells pretty bad in there. Worse than when I cut that one loose in the car. I didn’t do it.”

“Right, Scott. Of course you didn’t do it.” Amy said.

“Let’s just get in the car and go. After all, we’re first now.” Luke said.


Day 2, Leg 5

Luke took it easy on the drive up the ridge, allowing the old beast of a car to settle into a natural rhythm with the twisting, winding road, the engine rumbling along through twin mufflers instead of quads, though the radio still could overpower it.

“Wow. That’s… That’s just stunning.” Linda said, looking out at the scenery.

“It is. Even if we don’t make it all the way, this was worth it all, just to see stuff like this.” Amy said.

“Hell, the wheels could fall off right now, we’ve at least got a great view. But I have the feeling we’re going to make it on this one.” Scott said. “Luke wants to win this so badly that he’s pushing his own limits on repair work just to keep the car going.”

“The only thing in it for me is glory and bragging rights. I get to say I drove an old rear-wheel-drive convertible through terrain most people wouldn’t consider without bringing an off-roader to drive.” Luke said, feeling the old suspension soaking up yet another bump, the car rocking gently as it did. “So for me, this is just personal. My skill as a driver is on the line here, and so I feel I have to do well. It’s why I picked the three of you, because your talents have been essential to our success as a team. I mostly drive the car. Linda’s been picking good routes and been excellent at judging our time so far. Amy, she’s not had to prove her repair-work yet, but it was her grand idea to put ceramic blocks on the catalytics, so we had heat to cook with without using fire. And you, your skill with wiring is part of the reason why we’re still able to turn up some music on the old radio.”

“Well, Luke, what do you want to play?” Scott asked, holding his phone, the audio cable running the length of the interior with plenty of room to spare.

“I’m saving my pick for when it gets to more flat ground, or some rough terrain, I think. But I promise, it’s a classic.” Luke said.

“Fair enough. I think I’ve got something in here worth listening to in the meantime.” Scott said, though the radio stayed silent for the rest of the trip as Scott couldn’t seem to decide on any music to listen to.

The view just kept getting better as they kept climbing, and the engine seemed quite content with the gentle pace, the gearbox gremlin rarely having to choose between second and third, thereby not jolting the car too often as team Twin-Snail made it to Watson Ridge.


Day 2, Leg 5 Aftermath

With the Snail-Boat parked as neatly as possible for once, Luke got out and checked the fluids and topped up anything that was low, while Amy and Linda dismounted the hot ceramic blocks to make something quick to eat, setting one in the little grill and the other under a pan. Scott helped Luke replace yet another of the home-brew voltage regulators, as the one currently under the hood seemed to be reading a little hot this trip.

“Yeah, that looks like another’s gone. Well, it was either these, which we could fit a case of them in the trunk with ease, or trying to find and mount an alternator with a built-in voltage regulator. And then we’d be fighting this problem buried inside a junkyard alternator instead of burning up against the firewall.” Luke said. Scott handed him the replacement, and within a few minutes, they had the regulator back in place.

“Let’s change the air filters while we’re at it.” Scott said, getting out the spares from the trunk. “Then she’ll breathe a little better.”

“Not a bad idea. Hasn’t been too bad on dust, but that 100% off-road section, that could have covered our filters in all sorts of shit.” Luke said.


Car Condition:

Identical to the last leg. Fluids topped up, replacement voltage regulator installed, air filters replaced.

Team Condition:

MRL +15 overall. Confident, but not over-confident. Feeling lucky. Glad to have gotten this far in a completely un-suitable car for off-roading.

4 Likes

Previous Post----Next Post
Day 2 Leg 4

With Bill at the wheel again, Castle Greenskull are well out of the town of Goose Lake
Bill: I overheard someone say there’s more shit gone missing. Last night, at camp. Please tell me it wasn’t you.
Wookiee: Ok. It wasn’t me.
Bill: Now for the truth.
Wookiee: I don’t have it.
Bill: That wasn’t a Yes or No. Still don’t know where my phone is.
Wookiee: Still not telling. Dude, eat a Snickers.
Toni: Seeing as how we’re only 10 minutes from the next stop, I’d like you two to play nice. Can you do that?
Wookiee/Bill: Okay.

They arrive at the dam, and Toni jumps out to take photos.
Bill finds a plaque and reads the inscription:
Largest dam in this part of Gasmea. Supplies water and power to… shit, that’s a lot of folks!
I woz 'ere, 93… really?
Wookiee: Stop reading, and look at the view.
After enough happy snaps have been posed for, they check the details for the next part of the run, check for anything else failing, and jump in.

1988 G728 Owner’s manual, p 86

I just found out the standard diff in this is 3.15, we’re running a 3.79:1 including transfer.

3 Likes

On an “unrelated note”, I think I found Team Riot Uncontrol. In real life.

http://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/driver-with-open-beer-log-suspension-stopped-in-west-quebec

5 Likes

I remember seeing a picture of that.

Day 2 Leg 6 Data

Watson Ridge to Pearson via FR 4022, overland, and Pearson Dunes Road

Though vegetation isn’t a factor, and rocks barely are, the overland trek to Pearson is across open dunes with broken sections of compact crust. Also, it’s very hot. Pearson isn’t a terribly scenic town, but does offer several much-needed amenities.

Length 31; Avg Grade 1; Max Grade 5 (Downhill from Watson Ridge)

@Madrias
LAE Low (slow); MRL -2; Notes: Got bogged down in loose sand in a few places, and lost a lot of time. TEAM MORALE IS VERY HIGH.

@Fayeding_Spray
LAE High (fast); MRL +2; Notes: None. TEAM MORALE IS VERY HIGH.

@conan
LAE DNF; MRL -5 (+12 Overall); Notes: CRITICAL FAILURE: The torque converter has given up the ghost. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH (despite the failure)

@DeusExMackia
LAE Medium (slow); MRL -2; Notes: It is stupidly hot out here… on the bright side, Pearson has an auto parts store, and you were able to find a muffler and slip-on clamps.

@Mikonp7
LAE Exact; MRL -2; Notes: We’ve gone from hot tin can to smelly sweatbox in one leg.

@JohnWaldock
LAE High (fast); MRL 0; Notes: Nothing wrong with the course, but it’s kind of warm and dog-breath-ish in here now. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

@DoctorNarfy
LAE Very low (slow); MRL -3; Notes: Waiting in the middle of nowhere for the radiator to cool enough to top off the coolant rather sucked. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

@BobLoblaw
LAE Medium (slow); MRL +1; Notes: Not fun trying to get out of loose sand in the car’s current condition. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

@stm316
LAE DNF; MRL -5; Notes: CRITICAL FAILURE: Throwout bearing finally gave up the ghost. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH, despite the failure

@Dorifto_Dorito
LAE - High (slow); MRL +2; Notes: None. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

@Darkshine5
LAE - High (fast); MRL 0; Notes; Changed out the RR axle in the parking lot of the parts store. And damn it’s hot. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

@Rk38
LAE High (fast); MRL +2; Notes: With nothing really to hit, took a gamble and went at a fast pace.

@EnryGT5
LAE High (slow); MRL 0; Notes: HOT HOT HOT. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

@titleguy1 / @ramthecowy
LAE High (slow); MRL +2; Notes: None. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

5 Likes

Team Twin-Snail

Day 2, Leg 5


Before the Stage

Luke looked at the terrain stretching out in front of them, while Linda plotted a fast course through the sand dunes to their destination.

“Something on your mind, Luke?” Amy asked, noticing Luke’s attention was focused across the micro-desert in front of them.

“I hate sand. Gets in everything, clogs filters, you find it months later spilling out of your shoes and all over your car.” Luke said, getting into the car. “My advice, eat anything you’ve got left open in the car now, because otherwise you’re going to have it with a side of sand.”

Scott wandered out of the porta-potty, giving an evil grin as he got into the car. “Hope no one else has to go in there. The smell’s not the only thing wrong.”

“What’d you do?” Linda asked.

“Accidentally knocked the toilet paper into the poop tank.”

“Oh, like you used to do at home, drove mom crazy all those years ago wondering which of the six of us was the shit-monster who would do a poo, wipe, throw the entire roll of toilet paper in there, and then not bother to flush.”

“Something like that, yeah.”

“Let’s get out of here before any of the other teams find that one out.” Luke said, as everyone piled into the car.


Day 2, Leg 6

Luke barely waited for the flag to drop before giving the old Sinistra Savage everything it had, the gremlin in the gearbox barely managing to keep up with the alarming amount of fury as Luke channeled every bit of his hatred of the sand in front of them through the gas pedal. The engine roared, throwing the huge car into the sand pit with full aggression, bouncing off of the rev limiter as the four speed automatic struggled to keep up.

It didn’t take long for the Snail-Boat to run off the end of the speedometer, reading 120 plus a little extra, despite them not going anywhere near that fast. The heat started to build in the intercooler and radiator, and the prolonged high RPM was causing the voltage regulator to get hot as well. Luke backed off as the car ground to a halt in the sand, then said, “Well, I’m not getting out of the car to get us un-stuck. If I do, I’ll spend the rest of my days finding sand grinding around in my chassis after sinking up to my knees in this shit.”

Scott got out, opening up the trunk and grabbing the boards to help with traction, wedging them under the rear wheels so that they could roll out of the trench they’d made. Luke pulled the car forward, then waited for Scott to pack up the boards and get back in.

They repeated that process four times, each time caused by Luke’s desire to get out of the heat and the sand, his impatience with the gas pedal causing massive delays. However, once they got out of the dunes and onto Pearson Dunes Road, Luke tried to make up time. He floored it, and for just a moment before they piled on the brakes heading into Pearson, they’d topped the car out on the road.

“Can’t make up for getting stuck four times, but at least we know the old car can run.” Luke said.


Day 2, Leg 6 Aftermath

The first place in Pearson that was visited was the car wash, not to actually wash the car, but to vacuum out all the sand they could find. Then it was a trip to the gas station to refuel, both the car and the food supply, as everything that hadn’t been eaten now had sand all over the place.

The only thing anyone could get out of Luke for several minutes was just how much he hated sand. This cycle was broken by Scott asking about what Luke wanted to play regarding music.

“Wasn’t appropriate for that area. Next downhill, though, I’ll mention it. Though you’ll have to play it loud, so that everyone around can hear it.” Luke said.


Car Condition:

Functionally identical to the previous leg. Still weighs about 10 pounds more than it did before the stage due to the sand that hasn’t yet been found. Fluids all topped up.

Team Condition:

MRL +13 overall. Feeling very lucky. Enjoying gas station pizza and junk food. Luke’s running his cooling system at 100% to keep his circuits cool.

2 Likes

TEAM OUTRIDERS

Marc: (holds back of hand against window) Man, it’s boiling out there.

Blake: (Switches control to MAX A/C)

Marc: Why’d you do that? Normal setting was just fine.

Blake: Max means the system recirculates the air in the cabin rather than pulling in outside air. Unless you want to breathe in all that sand.

Marc: No I do not. Whoa, the ass end almost let go. I didn’t think I’d lose any traction with reduced power.

Blake: Well, don’t let up, the trick is to maintain speed on the sand.

Marc: I am maintaining it, this isn’t exactly a dirt rally car.

Blake: Best one I could find for the price.

Marc: Couldn’t you have found a Stag or Lakota with four wheel drive?

Blake: Only ones I found in that price range were on fire. Except the one that was on blocks with a tree growing out of it!

Marc: Whoa, what was that? Oh shit! Come on! Dammit! We’re stuck.

Blake: Son of a bitch!

Marc: I’m gonna try to rock it.

Blake: Don’t you dare! That’s one of the best ways you can fry out the trans, the diff, the wheel bearings. Let’s assess the situation.

(As Blake expected, the Enforcer’s rear wheels dug two ruts in the loose sand with which the car was now stuck. Blake goes to the trunk and retrieves a small folding shovel.)

Blake: Let’s get to work, we gotta dig the car out.

Marc: Okay, give me a shovel.

Blake: I’ve only got the one.

Marc: So what do I do?

Blake: Improvise, find something to dig with, just get on it. You got us stuck, I’m not getting us out by myself.

(After Blake and Marc finished digging the car out, they make a couple attempts which kicked around a lot of sand but yielded little results. After some more digging and frantic effort the two men managed to get the 4200-pound car out of the rut and were once again mobile)

Blake: God that A/C feels good!

Marc: I’m glad we’ve got water, that was exhausting.

Blake: Man, if we had our full engine running we wouldn’t have been in that mess!

Marc: You don’t know that. Besides, for half an engine it’s held up pretty well.

Blake: Yeah, at least we’re not in a rolling steel sweat lodge.

Marc: God, My wife wanted to go to one of those.

Blake: Yeah? How was it?

Marc: Hell if I know, I’m not going to spend $2,000 just to sweat my ass off in a yurt. There are much better ways of dealing with stress that draining your bank account.

Blake: Pot calling the kettle black?

Marc: Shut up!

(Apart from a few more close calls in the sand, Team Outriders makes it to Pearson. Marc went to check out anywhere they could get a bite to eat while Blake went to check out the local auto parts store. The two men reunite in the parking lot of the parts store.)

Marc: Any luck?

Blake: Bah, they could get the injectors… in two to five days! I did get a couple air filters. I’ll replace the one, and we’ll have the other as a spare, God knows what else we’ll have in store. What are we thinking on food?

Marc: There’s a small diner one block over, either that or pizza from the gas station.

Blake: I’m thinking the diner, some place nice to sit down and have a decent meal sounds very appealing.

Marc: Sounds good to me.

6 Likes

#Team ‘Southend Or Bust’
Original Post - Previous Post

“God fucking dammit” swore Martin as the fan on the aircon started whining again. It may have been blowing hot air around the cabin, but it was better than having no air moving at all. He whacked the dash a few times, and it started up again. “This is getting fucking ridiculous”
“Mate, they said this was going to be hard” said Seb. He thought for a moment. “Why don’t you choose the music? That’ll cheer you up” he said, looking up from his map.
“Thanks” said Martin, picking up the aux cable and plugging his phone in. A few moments later, the distinctive chords of ‘Love Me’ by The 1975 came over the speakers.
“Wait, I never knew you liked these guys” said James with a smirk on his face. “Hang on” he said in a dastardly fashion “this is because of that Psychology girl you were going after a few months ago, isn’t it?”
Martin blushed a little. “Yeah…” He said uneasily.
Seb chuckled. “You were smitten by her”
“Mmm” mumbled Martin. “Can we not talk about her?”
“How did that end?” James recalled in a mocking fashion.
Seb joined in. "Hmm, how did it end James?
James responded - “Didn’t you go round to her house and awkwardly have to leave when you tried talking dirty to her?”
Seb cracked up. This story was always funny to him.
“Shut up, twats” snapped Martin. “I’d really rather we didn’t talk about this again”. He changed the music. “And you can talk James, at least I can even get to that stage”
“Woh woh” said James. The mood had turned. “Just because I’m better at one night stands than you”

Seb stepped in. “Oi, that’s enough”. He could have quipped about his attractiveness meaning he’d had better luck than both of them, but he could tell that was the last thing needed right now.
Silence came over the car, aside from whatever song Martin was playing. “I’m sorry, Martin” said James. “It was shitty joke anyway”
“That’s ok” replied Martin.

.

At Pearson, the boys went to get some supplies. James stocked up on some snacks while Seb and Martin went to search the garages for spare exhausts. Amazingly, they managed to find a suitable muffler and quickly set about getting it on. The heat was an issue - they had to cover the exhaust piece whenever it was under the sun to ensure it didn’t become scalding hot, but, after a couple of expletives and a bit of elbow grease, the exhaust was fixed, partially.

That would certainly make the journey more bearable. Heck, the car might even make it. But as to whether the boys would was a different question.

4 Likes

Day 2 Leg 5

The lack of shade wasn’t annoying team Castle Greenskull. Climbing up the ridge, the 130Kw engine had no shortage of power, even with the AirCon on full. Yes, the throwout bearing was still noisy, admittedly more so than ever before, but the fact that they were still going buoyed their spirits significantly… even Bill and Wookiee were smiling. Toni had the wheel again.
Bill: Day 2, climbing this hill in a 500AMU van. We’ve got sun, blue skies, fantastic views…
Wookiee: … and a van that hasn’t fallen apart!
Toni: I’m glad you two are finally seeing eye to eye. Can one of you grab me some water?
Bill: Sure. (hands a bottle from the esky). Aunt Toni, can you do something for me?
Toni: Depends on what it is…
Bill: I’ve done some calculations here, and I’ve worked out that you’re running about 3200rpm. That’s around 70Kw. I’d like to hear the van at full throttle. Give it some stick.


Day 2 Leg 6
Bill takes another stint at the wheel for the trek to Pearson. It seems like it’ll be an easy run…
The temp gauge goes a little higher than is ideal, but there are no other concerns.12 miles into the desert conditions, and things change rapidly. Pulling away from a small dune they just crossed, Bill shifts form second to third. As he releases the clutch, a terrible noise comes from under the van.
Bill: What the hell? (pushes clutch pedal fully)
Toni: Oh, shit!
Wookiee (seated closest to the trans), almost jumps out of his seat.
Toni: Stop! Stop!
Bill: I am! I am!
Wookiee: Well, that was fun!
Bill: Was that noise what I think it was? (Kills engine)
They get out and look for any other competitors.
Toni: Ummmmm…yes.
Bill: Woohoo! ( A huge smile on his face)
Toni: What? Woohoo? You do know that was a disintegrating clutch? The bearing died.
Bill: I thought as much. I’m actually happy. When you consider what this van has been through in the last few days. The drive to Walker River campground. The mud. The mountain. Sure, it’s a little disappointing that we didn’t win, or even finish. But I’ve had a blast.
Toni: Well, I suppose we’ll just have to call for a lift. While we’re waiting…(She reaches under the passenger seat, and pulls out what appears to be Moonshine).
Bill: You thief! (puts his hand into the rear seat-back pocket, and pulls out a matching bottle).
Toni: A toast to the hosts, drivers, and support staff, without whom none of the would have been possible.

@Darkshine5 , I hope you don’t mind, but nobody else seemed interested in knocking off your stuff.
A big thank you to @VicVictory for hosting.
Team Castle Greenskull wishes all surviving competitors the best of luck on their journey. We’ll see you at the victory party.

5 Likes

Day 2 Leg 7 Data

Pearson to Jademount via Pearson Dam Road and railroad maintenance road

Again through shrewd negotiation and connections, the course passes over private property — this time in the form of the service road running over the Pearson Dam, and the railroad service road on the other side that runs parallel to the tracks. Participants have been drilled over and over that they need to maintain a minimum of a 7 foot buffer from the tracks at all times, due to the active railway. The service road is rough, with large potholes, and chunks of ballast all over. There are no services in Jademount; it is merely a storage yard for power and rail companies

Length 16; Avg Grade 0; Max Grade 0

@Madrias
LAE High (fast); MRL +1; Notes: Kind of disconcerting hearing chunks of ballast get tossed into the undercarriage and rear valance. TEAM MORALE IS VERY HIGH.

@Fayeding_Spray
LAE Medium (slow); MRL +0; Notes: Lifter tick is getting even worse. TEAM MORALE IS VERY HIGH.

@DeusExMackia
LAE High (fast); MRL +1; Notes: This leg was mostly in the shady side of the canyon. It’s still hot, but bearably so.

@Mikonp7
LAE Medium (fast); MRL +2; Notes: Shade is so very helpful.

@JohnWaldock
LAE Medium (slow); MRL 0; Notes: Car is down on power, and the Serivice Engine Soon light came on at the same time. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

@DoctorNarfy
LAE High (fast); MRL +0; Notes: None. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

@BobLoblaw
LAE High (fast); MRL +2; Notes: This leg was really fun! TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

@Dorifto_Dorito
LAE - High (fast); MRL +0; Notes: Very jarring ride this leg. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

@Darkshine5
LAE - Exact; MRL +2; Notes; None. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

@Rk38
LAE High (slow); MRL +1; Notes: Rough ride, but faster than expected.

@EnryGT5
LAE Medium (slow); MRL 0; Notes: Had to repair the jury-rigged shifter again. Starting to run out of zip ties. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

@titleguy1 / @ramthecowy
LAE High (slow); MRL +0; Notes: Van’s lurching again. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

5 Likes

Team Twin-Snail

Day 2, Leg 6


Before the Stage

“Wonder why they kept having to tell everyone to stay away from the tracks.” Scott said for the eleventy-fifth time.

“Because of idiots like you.” Luke said, having lost his patience after the third explanation. “Seven feet. That gives more than enough room for a locomotive and its consist to pass us without risk of us getting hit by either the train itself, debris from the train, or any odd-sized non-standard cargo. And we’re maintaining that, because a car, even one so heavy as this, will lose against even the smallest of trains.”

“We weigh a little more than 2 tons.” Scott said.

“And a small locomotive weighs about 120 tons more than us.” Amy said. “Simple physics, doesn’t matter that we’ll be bombarding across the rough road at around 100+ miles per hour, a locomotive moving at half a mile per hour will still win that fight.”

“Plus, the closer you get to the tracks, the rougher the ride will be anyway. It’s gonna be bad enough with loose ballast on the road, but right next to the tracks, there’s tons of the stuff. It’ll be like riding in an industrial paint shaker.” Linda added. “How is it everyone else gets it, but you don’t?”

“I may have flunked physics in school.” Scott said after a few minutes.

“Well, that explains why you’re in interior design.” Linda quipped.

“Enough fighting, let’s get on the move.” Luke said, as they headed toward the starting line.


Day 2, Leg 7

“Think it’s gonna be an appropriate stage for your choice of music, Luke?” Amy asked, as Luke waited for the flag to drop.

“All flat ground, for the most part, but we’ll be traveling at very high speeds… I think it’s time for Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries, then.” Luke replied, starting the song.

The flag dropped, and Luke floored it, spraying gravel behind the car as the engine roared, the gearbox gremlin making quick work of the gear changes, and the lights all turned on, casting a dire warning to anyone nearby that they were coming, get out of the way.

Luke blared the horn, the first time anyone had heard the Sinistra’s aftermarket air horn, the blast echoing across the dam, only barely louder than the cannon-fire coming from the exhaust. It still made Amy and Scott flinch, with only Linda having seen Luke installing it before they’d headed out for the first day.

“Why would you do that!?” Scott yelled from the back seat. “What was the point of putting a truck horn in here!?”

“Stock horn didn’t work. Figured it was better to have a horn than not to.” Luke said, the car still accelerating down the mostly-flat road, only being slowed down as Luke made the turn onto the railroad maintenance road.

The first pothole was a wakeup-call to everyone in the car that the road was worse than it looked. The clatter and bang of chunks of railway ballast pounding against the underside of the car, the rear valance, the gas tank, and what was left of the exhaust all ended up making everyone in the car a little nervous, especially as a larger piece got kicked into the bottom of the fuel tank. It sloshed the fuel and sent the car into a series of 90-mile-per-hour tank-slappers, though Luke managed to recover without losing much speed, nor much time.

They made it to Jademount without much more going on, other than more clattering and banging against the chassis from the debris scattered around the road.


Day 2, Leg 7 Aftermath

“That was some wicked driving, Luke!” Scott said. “How’d you get out of the tank-slappers?”

“Simple physics. It was caused by a weight shift, so I had to counter the shifting weight without over-corrections to avoid spinning out.” Luke said.

The rest of their resting time was spent topping up fluids, wiping dust off of the car, and cursing as they found out one of their two ceramic bricks had been smashed and left in pieces all over the maintenance road.

“Damn it. Now we only have one cooking brick to work with.” Linda said.


Car Condition:

Functionally identical to the previous leg. Very dirty. Air horn air tank is almost empty. Fluids topped up again.

Team Condition:

MRL +14 overall. Feeling lucky. Confident in their chances of success, though keeping in mind that there’s every chance that they might not make it that far.

4 Likes

#Team ‘Southend Or Bust’
Original Post - Previous Post

The story so far: Our three uni students are starting to feel the pressure of this challenge, and its straining both the car and their friendship. But, after some recent high tensions, things have cooled down a little - literally…

James was again behind the wheel, as (I quote) he “wanted to drive alongside a passing train wearing sunglasses and looking cool”. The other two couldn’t understand, but they still let him.

After a few miles, they pass over the the dam. James opened his mouth, and Seb quickly stopped whatever he was going to say. “Don’t you fucking dare” he snapped. “I know what your thinking”
James laughed. “What? Come on, it’s funny!” he said.
“Mate, it’s the worst joke in the world, and you always make it” said Martin.
A brief silence. Then, quietly, James said “Damn”.
The other two immediately let loose at him. At least spirits were running higher than before.

.

“Alright” James announced. “I demand some good driving music. I want to blast down this service road”.
“Right you are” said Martin, scrolling through the iPod. “Try this”.
“Yes!” James shouted. “It’s Seb’s favorite song!”
“What because it’s about Spain?” he asked. “I don’t even get punk rock”
Martin tutted. “You’re missing out mate”

James swerved around a few pot holes, laughing. “I don’t even know what it’s about, but it makes me want to drive faaaasst!” he cried, dropping a gear and flooring it.
“James, I know your enthusiastic but I only just fixed that exhaust!” Martin said, clearly worried.
The sudden burst of maniac driving from James was interupted the massive sound of a truck horn from behind them.
“Jesucristo!” Seb remarked. “What was that? Have we got a Semi competing against us?”
“It would seem so” said Martin, who was glad the horn had forced James to slow down, a little.

.

At Jademount, Martin slipped under the car to check his exhaust job while Seb and James watched the other cars roll in.
“I didn’t get to drive alongside a train” said James, sadly, still buzzing after that fast drive.
“Aww, it’s ok!” said Seb, teasingly. “We can do it another time”.
James gave him an equally sarcastic look. Martin reappeared. “Hows it looking?” asked James.
“What, me?” said Martin. “Great, as always”. Neither Seb or James was impressed by that comment. “Nah, it’s good though, it seems to be holding well. And hey, there isn’t much more to go now”
“Certainly not” said James, the bright sunlight reflecting off of his beloved sunglasses as he inspected the rival cars. “We’ve lost a lot of competitors, haven’t we?”
“Yeah, we have” said Seb, “I count 11 other cars here, and there were what, 20 to start with? We’ve been halved almost”.

Indeed, that filled them with confidence. The Berlose wasn’t perfect, but the problems it had only seemed to be relate to comfort issues. Mechanically, it was just about fine. For now.

6 Likes

Day 2 Leg 8 Data

Jademount to Jade Mountain Fire Lookout via FR 3910

nother long, modest grade. This road has many obstructions and a couple nasty tight, blind curves. There are also some very narrow sections with short brush forming the boundaries between sharp drop offs and cliff walls. No respite from the sun, either.

Length 23; Avg Grade 4; Max Grade 6

@Madrias
LAE High (fast); MRL +0; Notes: The “narrow sections” are a little narrower than the Sinistra. Both sides have been thoroughy ‘massaged’ by bushes. TEAM MORALE IS VERY HIGH.

@Fayeding_Spray
LAE DNF; MRL -5 ; Notes: CRITICAL FAILURE: Oil pump has given out. TEAM MORALE IS VERY HIGH (despite the failure)

@DeusExMackia
LAE High (fast); MRL +1; Notes: None

@Mikonp7
LAE Medium (fast); MRL +1; Notes: None.

@JohnWaldock
LAE High (Fast); MRL +1; Notes: Car still down on power, but otherwise OK. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

@DoctorNarfy
LAE Medium (fast); MRL +1; Notes: Still smokin’ along. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

@BobLoblaw
LAE High (slow); MRL +1; Notes: Like the Sinistra, a bit too wide for the narrow sections. There’s some new foliage “sprouting” from the side mirrors. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

@Dorifto_Dorito
LAE - High (fast); MRL +1; Notes: None. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

@Darkshine5
LAE - High (fast); MRL +1; Notes; None. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

@Rk38
LAE DNF; MRL -5 (still positive overall); Notes: A driving mistake led to cutting a blind corner a little too close. Caught the LF corner on a rock, tore off the bumper, strut mount, ball joint, and tire.

@EnryGT5
LAE Medium (slow); MRL +1; None. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

@titleguy1 / @ramthecowy
LAE Low (slow); MRL -2; Notes: Van died for a few minutes, and had been sputtering and lurching a lot. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

4 Likes

Team Twin-Snail

Day 2, Leg 7


Before the Stage

“So, we’ve got 13 stages on Day 2, right? And we’re about to start stage 8?” Amy asked.

“Yes.” Luke said, studying the map Linda had handed him.

“Isn’t 13 your lucky number?” Linda asked Luke.

“I don’t believe much in luck.” Luke replied. “But I don’t mind 13 as a number.”


Day 2, Leg 8

As Luke drove up to the starting line and the flag was waved, they made a mad dash for the road, the car roaring as they threw it around the winding corners and twisting, rough road. The sun tried to burn them all, though with the top down and air flowing around the car, it wasn’t able to make them miserable.

However, not all was entirely well on the trip. Being from 1977, the Sinistra Savage was not a small car, and the first encounter with a narrow bit of road ended up scuffing and scraping the paint. Several more bushes near the narrow spots in the road scratched the paint and smashed the passenger side mirror, as well as breaking one of the headlights on the car.

“Most of that can be repaired. We’ll just use the can of clear-coat spray paint in the trunk to go over the scratches, keep them from rusting.” Luke said, as everyone seemed upset by the scratches and scrapes.

“Luke, the mirror exploded into my seat.” Amy said.

“I said most of it can be repaired. Not all of it. And we don’t need three mirrors, anyway, just one.”

Another crash through a bush claimed a turn signal lens and banged a branch against the rear quarter panel.

However, they did make it to the Jade Mountain Fire Lookout mostly in one piece, other than some broken lights and a missing mirror.


Day 2, Leg 8 Aftermath

“So, battle plan, Luke?” Scott asked.

“Top up the fluids, clear-coat the scratches, replace the broken headlight with one of our spares, dismount the rest of that mirror assembly, and if we have any remaining time, replace the driver’s side turn signal side-marker lamp.”

“Got it. Let’s get this crap going.” Linda replied, as they opened the trunk and started with what needed to be done.


Car Condition:

Looks like hell, but functionally identical to previous leg. Now sporting a blue paint job with bare-metal abstract scratches, and a new coat of clear-coat to keep the rust away.

Team Condition:

MRL +14 overall (no change). Feeling good, and they’re confident that they might be able to make it. With 5 stages to go, keeping the car in one piece is more important to them than going the fastest and risking the car.

3 Likes

TEAM OUTRIDERS

Day 2 Leg 7

Marc: Okay, we’re headed to Jademount, we’re gonna take the Pearson Dam road. Bladder check.

Blake: I’m good.

Marc: Me too.

Blake: Aw, son of a bitch! I’ll be back.

Marc: Hmm, now that I think of it I should probably go too.

(A few minutes later)

Blake: Okay, let’s rock.

Marc: Remember, we have to stay at least seven feet away from the tracks, this is an active railway.

Blake: I know, I was at the briefing.

Marc: Okay, okay, it’s just that I don’t want to be flattened by a train.

Blake: Looks like this road hasn’t been very well maintained. It’s gonna get a little bumpy.

Marc: Ouch! You call that a “little” bumpy?

Blake: Okay, so I tried to soften the blow.

Marc: How’s the car handling?

Blake: Just fine, in fact, I’m having the time of my life!

(The team arrives at Jademount, with nothing really to peak their interest, they prepare themselves for the next leg.)

Day 2 Leg 8

Marc: Looks like some tight curves on this next one.

Blake: Bring em on!

(SCRAPE)

Marc: Shit, could you hug the right side any closer?

Blake: You’ve got more clearance on that side than I do here.

(BRUSH, SCRAPE)

Blake: Dammit!

Marc: Now I see the advantage of some of those smaller cars.

Blake: Yeah, but if we had to we could camp out in this car and our spines would still be straight the next morning.

(Arrival at Jade Mountain Fire Lookout)

Blake: Damn, look at all that!

Marc: I never knew side mirrors could hold that much foliage.

Blake: I’m almost tempted to leave it in, it could be camouflage.

Marc: Really? Any negative effects to doing that?

Blake: Nothing comes to mind, but I’m gonna rip em clear anyway, give me a hand.

4 Likes

#Team ‘Southend Or Bust’
Original Post - Previous Post

Given that this route had sharp corners with big drops off cliff edges, Martin was elected not to drive immediately, so Seb took the wheel. The narrow roads didn’t stop him from driving quickly though, plus it meant that at least some air was coming into the car to keep them cool.

“Mind the paintwork” asked Martin, worried.
“Martin it’s only bushes” said Seb, getting a little tired of Martin’s constant worrying about the car. “And anyway, this car has certainly been through much worse” he chuckled.
“Well still” said Martin in a stubborn tone. He looked down at the map - “Here come a few more sharp turns”.

“I can’t believe we’re really almost there” said James, getting a little emotional.
“Careful now, we’ve still got to finish first” replied Seb, his black hair being roughed up by the bumpy road conditions.
“True” said James. “But come on, we’ve made it this far, while many others haven’t”
“Speak of the devil” said Martin “I think that’s the Unfazed team isn’t it?”
“So it is” said Seb, a smile growing on his face. He always seemed to adopt this slightly evil tone whenever he saw a team in distress.

“My word, that’s nasty” said Martin, scoping out the damage to the car. “Look’s like the whole of the left front wheel has been ripped out of the car”.
“There’ll be no fixing that” said Seb. “Shame”.
“We can at least give them some help” said James. “Especially after what Twin-Snail were willing to do for us”.
“What is there to do?” questioned Seb.
“Well I’m going to do something” said Martin, determined. He rolled down the window and shouted “Sorry to see you’re in a bad situation, can we help?”
“Oh my god Martin” said Seb, clearly embarrassed.

The other team looked up, bemused. Martin read their faces. “Seb, drive”
“Huh?” said Seb, still dealing with Martin’s actions.
“Drive for fucks sake!” shouted Martin, and Seb floored it.
“Guys I think we just misread them” said James, trying to bring some balance.
“No no, it’s not that” said Martin. He sighed. “They’re Australian”.
“Sorry, what?” said James, very confused. “You wanted us to drive away because they’re Australian?”
“YES” - Martin cut in - “I…I just don’t like them, ok?”
James was taken quite aback, as was Seb. It seemed they’d all learnt something on this trip.

6 Likes

Needs more Duct tape. But pretty much

Team Riot Uncontrol

Day 2 Leg 2

Aaron " Wow. You really won the grand prize now…"
Paul “WHAT”
Aaron “You destroyed the Wood holding together the K-member”
Paul “At least we didn’t crash our van like the russian wagon did”
Aaron “Still. This needs to be redone…”

Day 2 Leg 3

Paul “What is this ?”
Aaron “What ?”
Paul “This road. It is… so normal”
Aaron “We could always just dive into the next field if you want”
Paul “CAN WE ?!”
Aaron “You serious ?”
Paul “NooOOOooooOooo ?”
Aaron “Yeah i can see that…”

Day 2 Leg 4

Paul " Nice weather with a nice road"
Aaron “Yeah my butt really enjoys this”
Paul “Lets put some music on”
Aaron “Sure can do”
Aaron take the megaphone and starts playing music ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNjG22Gbo6U)
Paul " Thats a good song, but nobody will get it."
Aaron “What ever”

Day 2 Leg 5

Aaron “Can you turn on the AC ?”
Paul " This and an AC ? What’s next Launch Control?"
Aaron “This sun…”
Paul “We will survive”

Day 2 Leg 6

Aaron " GOD IS THIS HOW HELL FEELS ?!"
Paul “I am cooking… Can you do something for me ?”
Aaron “What?”
Paul “Hold the wheel for a second”
Aaron starts to grab the wheel, “Now what ?”
Paul starts to strip his shirt
Aaron “Wowowowowo What is this”
Paul also gets rid of his pants, “MUCH BETTER”
Aaron “Really ?”
Paul "Not Like you havent seen me like this before "
Aaron “Just… just take the wheel again”

Day 2 Leg 7

Aaron “Finally some shade”
Paul " It will still take a while to get all this hot air out the van…"

Day 2 Leg 8

The van slowly drives past the crashside
“Danm” Paul says “That is scary”
Aaron “Well thjis could happen to us if the K-Member fails”
Paul “Thanks for that confidants boost…”

4 Likes

Day 2 Leg 9 Data

Jade Mountain Fire Lookout to Jade Lake, unnamed “road"

This is really more of a glorified ATV trail, winding VERY quickly down to the lake below. It’s a good thing that this area has not seen recent rain, because this would be extremely treacherous otherwise.

Length 2; Avg Grade 9; Max Grade 20

@Madrias
LAE Low (slow); MRL +0; Notes: Played it safe with the brakes this time around and went slow. TEAM MORALE IS VERY HIGH.

@DeusExMackia
LAE High (fast); MRL +1; Notes: Enough shade + decent pace = good.

@Mikonp7
LAE High (fast); MRL +1; Notes: Mirror image of the Erin’s run.

@JohnWaldock
LAE Very low (slow); MRL -2; Notes: Extremely down on power. Very slow pace, despite being downhill. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

@DoctorNarfy
LAE DNF; MRL -5; Notes: CRITICAL FAILURE: Aaand the head gasket has puked completely. Morale overall positive, despite failure.

@BobLoblaw
LAE High (slow); MRL +1; Notes: None. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

@Dorifto_Dorito
LAE - High (fast); MRL +1; Notes: None. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

@Darkshine5
LAE - High (slow); MRL +1; Notes; None. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

@EnryGT5
LAE High (fast); MRL +1; None. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

@titleguy1 / @ramthecowy
LAE High (fast); MRL +1; Notes: None. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

6 Likes

Team Twin-Snail

Day 2, Leg 8


Before the Stage

“Luke, you’re not gonna like this.” Linda yelled.

Luke set the bottle of coolant down and walked over to Linda, who had laid one of her maps over the windshield. “What is it?”

“Remember that hill that fucked the brakes early on? We’ve got another one just like it.”

“Thanks for the heads up. I’ll start planning… And that’s done. We’ll go down it in first gear.”

“Really, it’s that simple?” Scott asked.

“Pretty much. I mean, if it’d make you feel better, I can stuff a sock in the dirty side of the air filters, clog them up, starve the engine of air so we have even more drag.” Luke replied.

“Then do it, please, because that hill made me think we were all gonna die.”

“I wouldn’t die. I have backups.” Luke said.

“That’s not the point!” Amy yelled. “Luke, can you just take it easy down this hill?”

“Sure. Though we’re not using Scott’s socks because they’re full of sand.”


Day 2, Leg 9

Luke gripped the column shifter and pulled the car all the way down to low gear, then waited for the flag to drop. Once it did, Luke let go of the brakes and gave the car barely any gas, letting gravity do the hard work. The engine, despite the lack of fuel, started to rumble louder and louder. The power steering pump bearing started squealing as the revs climbed above 1100, and shortly after, there was a sharp chirping, a clunk, and a screech as the fan clutch engaged, providing the big engine’s radiator with enough cool air to keep from overheating. Luke turned on the lights, then the radio.

“Scott, pick a song.” he said.

“What? Why?”

“Alternator load. I don’t care what you play, but play it.”

“Ride of the Valkyries it is, then. Still the song cued up.”

Soon after, the loud music started, with Ride of the Valkyries playing as they just-about-coasted down the steep winding hill, engine screaming as gravity pulled over-two-tons of car down the road. Luke didn’t mind as other cars passed them, knowing that his strategy would mean they lived instead of pulling a death-or-glory dive down the hill.

As Team Southend-or-Bust flew past, Luke blared the air horn, just for good measure, only to round the next corner and have to avoid the broken down Shromet with probably the widest car on the planet.

“They couldn’t pick a better place to break down?” Amy grumbled as they rolled past, engine still screaming despite Luke being very careful with the gas pedal.

Once the road started leveling out a little more, Luke went up a gear, and the gremlin in the gearbox, having been denied the right to hammer for so long, smacked them into second with everything it had, unsettling anything in the car that wasn’t bolted down.

They rolled through the checkpoint at Jade Lake and parked the car.


Day 2, Leg 9 Aftermath

“Well, there goes all that time we gained by speeding.” Linda said.

“Yes, but we made it down safely, and more importantly, the car’s still working. That means next stage, depending on the terrain, we could take it easy or we could flog the car. I’d rather make it to the end of all this, even if we don’t win.” Luke said.

“So, fluids, check for damage, cook burgers. Good plan?” Amy asked.

“Sounds good to me. Luke, you feel like doing the car stuff while we eat?”

“Nothing better to do anyway, so I’ll go top everything up.”


Car Condition:

Socks removed from air filters. Brakes are fine, transmission’s okay, radio’s still on and playing some random bit of mid-90’s techno. Air horn air tank refilled for later.

Team Condition

MRL +14 (No Change). Everyone’s having fun.

4 Likes

Day 2 Leg 10 Data

Jade Lake to Historic Jade Trading Post via Jade Lake Road

A mostly dirt segment with some exposed rocks and occasional washboarding. Not difficult compared to the last few legs, and it ends up and an interesting historic wooden trading post and museum, part of overland expansion.

Length 17; Avg Grade 2; Max Grade 5 (downhill from Jade Lake)

@Madrias
LAE High (slow); MRL -1; Notes: Growing concern: Fuel level is low. Reserve can was poured in the tank at the end of this leg. TEAM MORALE IS VERY HIGH.

@DeusExMackia
LAE High (slow); MRL +1; Notes: Quick soak of heads/shirts in the lake before departing helps keep cool.

@Mikonp7
LAE High (slow); MRL +1; Notes: Mirror image of the Erin’s run. Including self-cooling in the lake.

@JohnWaldock
LAE Medium (slow); MRL -1; Notes: Gave the engine everything it could. Still very slow. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

@BobLoblaw
LAE High (fast); MRL +1; Notes: None. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

@Dorifto_Dorito
LAE - Exact; MRL +1; Notes: None. TEAM MORALE AT MAXIMUM.

@Darkshine5
LAE - High (slow); MRL -1; Notes; Lack of comfort is starting to take its toll after nearly 2 full days. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

@EnryGT5
LAE High (slow); MRL +1; None. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

@titleguy1 / @ramthecowy
LAE Low (slow); MRL -2; Notes: Van sputtered a lot, and died again rolling in to trading post parking lot. You now have a diagnosis: failing fuel pump. TEAM MORALE VERY HIGH.

4 Likes