Once More (Unto the Breach) [FINAL RESULTS]

[SkylineFTW97]

Team Rolling Star

Zach: Mmm, just what I needed. Feeling so much better.

Marshall: Hell yeah. Nothing like some fresh food to lighten the mood.
(Inspects the Ogre’s cooling system)
Looking good here. Mind checking underneath for leaks?

Zach: All clear. All other fluids and stuff looking good?

Marshall: Oil? Check. Brake fluid? Check. Power steering fluid? Check. Serpentine belt? Check. All clear to proceed.

The two double check the fitment on the roof mounted cargo before heading back out.

Zach: I think I’m getting the hang of this. But now we need some actual dirt to test it out on.

Marshall: I wonder if we’re passing through anywhere we can detour and have some fun. I’ll check the route.

[Ryan93]

Meanwhile at Team Gizzle

Zack, Jayson and local mechanic John arrive at the motel after about 10 minutes and some pleasant conversations. It did not take long for John to hold the first set of beers, looking at the other two with mild excitement.

John: That’s the place i talked about. As you already know, it’s being ran by my aunt Tonja. But enough talking, let’s have a drink!
Zack: [yawns] Sorry to diappoint you, but it’s really fucking late and i wanna hit the hay.

Jayson: I do like some nice asses, not gonna lie…

John and Zack just shrug and sing some party-drunken-style songs.

John: You guys seem like good boys. But there’S one thing… Ghostie? [pointing at Jayson]
Just try and calm your tits a bit and listen to youe superior there…
Jayson: [shrugs; with asmile] Everything’s cool, bro.
Zack: [to John] Sorry again for interfering into your relationship… Didn’t know it, bro.
John: No need to be stressed about it, Mr. Right.
It was fun with you guys. Have a safe ride.

John gets into his Vega Furis and heads off into the night.

Zack: Rapgod. You heard him. I just wanna have a shower and get some sleep. We’ll continue driving tomorrow…

Jayson: Yep. I will buy some engine drinks in the motel shop first.

to be continued

[Elizipeazie]

RK Series Racing; Chapter VI; could've been worse

early in this block

Tonsom: “So… car’s good?”
Connor: “Again. Damage to suspension components is possible, but very unlikely. Due to cargo shifting during the rotation, the car’s handling is altered, but not in a distressing and/ or dangerous way.”
Redwood: “In short. Car’s good.”
Connor: “Yes.”

Nothing else mentionable happens.

[GetWrekt01]

Team Rockport

Day 1-2 Transition, Break Time, Quick Inspection and Random Bickering

Leo: Check the map again and see if this is right, mate?
Zack: Yeah just take the next block… should be a few meters ahead… There, I can see it. River City Grill, boi. We’re in for a great dinner.
Leo: I needed this. I still can’t get my head over the fact how tame and yet aggressive this car is, but it’s a shame that we couldn’t have a pair of slightly better seats.
Zack: I mean hey, it holds your arse in place and doesn’t give you piles, you know?
Leo: True. Can’t really ask for massaging seats when the car’s already a bargain.

Leo parks the car, shifts the dogbox to neutral, turns the ignition key. 400 horsepower at disposal and yet it had to be slowed down for a measly water pump. “Shame”, thought Leo.

Leo: Alright man, let’s leave the car to cool off, while we cool our stomach.
Zack: Yeah, we might need to refuel before leaving, fuel’s not looking too good. And while we’re at the pump, we’ll do a quick general inspection too I guess?
Leo: Sounds fine! We should check for something we probably could’ve missed. Like that water pump, was working just fine even 3 weeks ago, mate.
Zack: Well, it’s a mechanical piece. It’s bound to go wrong at some point. All we can do is predict and stay prepared.
Leo: Agreed. Let’s leave the park now, I’m famished.

After they order some delicious dinner of their choice from the highly rated Rivercity Grill, coupled with the absolutely beautiful scenery around it, Leo and Zack decide to talk about the other contestants

Zack: Okay so while you were driving, I brought in some updates from wherever I could gather them. There’s Team Gizzle, still stuck at Spokane. Shame we couldn’t do anything to help them. We have Team Eyelashes, The team with that fake Renault Clio Sorry Vri Can’t remember the name and Team Bakewell Boxer biting the dust…
Leo: What do you mean by biting the dust? They’re out?
Zack: Yeah, all of them had catastrophic failures. In fact Team Eyelashes had a crash if local news is right. I hope they’re fine.
Leo: Yeah, I hope so… How are the rest doing?
Zack: Well, some have gone as far as 800 miles, mate. If they keep up like that, we have serious catching up to do. And we can’t ruin the car either while doing so.
Leo: I mean… it’s not like it’s an overly complex car to fix… Right?
Zack: …Long silence… It’s got a fucking Electronic Diff from 2005 you stupid twat! And I won’t even bother talking about the active components and multilink rear suspensions…
Leo: Point… Point. I mean the car would still live if the active components somehow fail, which they shouldn’t by the way… if we treat the car right.
Zack: Well, we took care of the car for 3 weeks and checked for defects in places we suspected, fixed some of them and already know what to do in case of certain issues. Let’s just not think of critical failures right now.
Leo: Right, and there’s our food!

Leo and Zack finish gobbling up their food, chat a bit more about random stuff, until Leo notices a bottle of champagne

Leo: They got alcohol, I could afford a glass I guess.
Zack: Leo, you’re driving for the night, don’t be stupid.
Leo: But dude come on one glass!
Zack: Leo… you’re not getting the drink…
Leo: Zack…
Zack: You are not getting the drink
Leo: Surrenders… Man I’m taking a drink after I’m done with driving… Now I really know how Kimi must’ve felt back in 2018…
Zack: Yeah, I’m pretty sure he was talking about water and not champagne. Schlurp on all the alcohol you want, after the race. Not now.
Leo: Fine!

The boys head out to the parking lot as they’ve just filled their stomachs with food and are ready to take on the roads again. But not before the car has had its meal too. Time to take the car out for a drink… I mean refuel. What will happen at the gas pump? Even I don’t fucking know because it’s 5 AM and I need to sleep. Will provide update around 7 hours later. Cheers

PS: If I manage not to post before Vic’s update, as I’ve been doing recently, make your own story of whatever happened at the fuel station. Doesn’t really matter because they still continue on with a working car and a full fuel tank.

[findRED19]

Pit Stop US

Nathan and James are in the front, James is in the driver’s seat. Charles is in the far back now.

Nathan: You think we could catch them?
James: We’re gonna try. No sleep til Wyoming!
Charles: Bah! Suit yourself… almost instantly dozes off once the limo starts moving
J: Heh, just like that he’s out.
N: We he better get some rest, because he’s our secret weapon.
J: That scares me a little. Charles driving like a maniac with other cars around…
N: Well, let’s hope he at least has enough sense to avoid the cops then.
J: Second that!

[VicVictory]

Previous time block

Saturday, 12AM - 2AM Eastern Time

Legend of Terms:

POI NOTE: I will NOT be pre-warning of upcoming POI points. I will ONLY auto-stop teams for two things: fuel and, when completely exhausted, rest. Anything else you want (including tourist POI, restaurants, premature fuel, rest at any point before complete exhaustion), YOU need to PM me in advance (before I run the time block that you’d complete it in). Also, please don’t map out everything from here to the end in one PM… try to keep it within a couple time blocks. Remember: Tourist POI and sit-down restaurants (not fast food) give bonuses to morale and fatigue, but take some time. Tourist POI also give points to the POI award at the end.

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.
FS: Fuel Status. Approximate fuel reading on the vehicle’s fuel gauge.
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.
Weather Condition: Current weather condition at the end of the time block.
Notes: Any notes I have for your team during this time block. Including POI results, car issues, etc.

VicVictory:
BD: 167 mi OD: 938 mi FS: 2/3 MRL: +1 FTG: +7
Last Town: Crow Agency, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 61 degrees, clear
Notes: Team has refueled in Billings, MT. Team is feeling tired.

@Elizipeazie:
BD: 103 mi OD: 782 mi FS: 3/4+ MRL: +2 FTG: +4
Last Town: Columbus, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 61 degrees, clear
Notes: Team has refueled in Bozeman, MT. Waypoint complete: Gallatin County Fairgrounds. Team has spent 10 minutes stopping to check on and interacting with Team Bakewell Boxer where they have broken down. Team has checked into the Super 8 Motel in Columbus, MT for the night (near end of time period)

@BannedByAndroid:
BD: 0 mi OD: 822 mi FS: Full MRL: +1 FTG: -5
Last Town: Billings, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 62 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team has checked into the Comfort Suites in Bozeman, and is asleep.
Ongoing issue: Vehicle is making a clunking noise from the front going over bumpy roads. SES light is on.

@kobacrashi:
BD: 12 mi OD: 822 mi FS: FULL MRL: +1 FTG: -5
Last Town: Billings, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 61 degrees, clear
Notes: Team has refueled and checked in for the night at the Best Western Plus in Billings, MT.
Ongoing issue: Car is making a grinding noise when turning right.

@Madrias:
BD: 154 mi OD: 952 mi FS: 1/3 MRL: +1 FTG: +12
Last Town: Sheridan, WY Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 61 degrees, clear
Notes: Team has refueled in Billings, MT. Team has stopped for the night at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Sheridan, WY near the end of the time period. Team is tired.
Ongoing issue: Rattling noise in engine.

@yangx2:
BD: 88 mi OD: 822 mi FS: FULL MRL: +1 FTG: +5
Last Town: Bozeman, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 61 degrees, clear
Notes: Team has refueled in Bozeman, MT. Team has stopped for the night at the Best Western Plus in Billings, MT

@mart1n2005:
BD: 22 mi OD: 681 mi FS: FULL MRL: +2 FTG: -2
Last Town: Bozeman, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 62 degrees, clear
Notes: Team has refueled in Bozeman, MT. Waypoint complete: Gallatin County Fairgrounds. Team has stopped at the Comfort Suites in Bozeman, MT
Ongoing issue: Jury-rigged RR suspension mount. Unknown how long it will hold.

@Mikonp7:
BD: 162 mi OD: 514 mi FS: 1/3 MRL: +1 FTG: +0
Last Town: Missoula, MT Next Waypoint: Gallatin County Fairgrounds
Weather Condition: 60 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team has stopped resting and is back on the road. Waypoint completed: Lookout pass. This vehicle has passed into the Mountain Time Zone (ET-2).

@Centurion_23:
BD: 109 mi OD: 822 mi FS: FULL MRL: +1 FTG: +7
Last Town: Billings, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 61 degrees, clear
Notes: Team has refueled in Billings, MT. Team has checked into the Best Western Plus in Billings, MT. Team is tired.

@Xepy:
BD: 71 mi OD: 793 mi FS: 1/2 MRL: +0 FTG: +6
Last Town: Big Timber, MT Next Waypoint: Gallatin County Fairground
Weather Condition: 61 degrees, clear
Notes: Team has crossed the Continental Divide at Homestake Pass. Team has crossed Bozeman Pass. Team gets back on the road shortly before the end of the time block. Team is tired and will auto-stop next time period unless otherwise specified.

@Private_Miros:
BD: 0 mi OD: 681 mi FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: -3
Last Town: Bozeman, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 62 degrees, clear
Notes: Team is asleep at the Comfort Suites in Bozeman.
Ongoing issues: SES light is on, transmission slipping slightly.

@Boiled_Steak:
BD: 55 mi OD: 822 mi FS: 1/2- MRL: -3 FTG: +10
Last Town: Billings, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 68 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Incident: Team runs too low on coolant 15 miles west of Billings, and has to be towed the rest of the way into town. Engine appears to be OK, but radiator needs to be replaced to continue. Parts stores are closed. Team has stopped for the night at the Best Western Plus in Billings
Ongoing issue: Slight hesitation at high speed. More pronounced now that the speed limit has increased. Team is feeling a bit tired. Radiator has failed, and team cannot move until it is fixed.

@GetWrekt01:
BD: 171 mi OD: 671 mi FS: 1/2 MRL: +0 FTG: +7
Last Town: Deer Lodge, MT Next Waypoint: Gallatin County Fairground
Weather Condition: 62 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team has crossed the Continental Divide at Homestake Pass. Team has crossed Bozeman Pass. Team is starting to feel a little tired.

@Ryan93:
BD: 0 mi OD: 283 mi FS: FULL MRL: +1 FTG: -8
Last Town: Spokane, WA Next Waypoint: Lookout Pass
Weather Condition: 60 degrees, clear
Notes: Team checks into and falls asleep at the Ramada Inn in Spokane.

@abg7:
BD: 0 mi OD: 681 mi FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: -5
Last Town: Bozeman, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 62 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team is asleep at the Comfort Suites in Bozeman.

@Radster:
BD: 0 mi OD: 681 mi FS: 2/3+ MRL: +0 FTG: -6
Last Town: Bozeman, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 62 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team is asleep at the Comfort Suites in Bozeman.

@SkylineFTW97:
BD: 156 mi OD: 782 mi FS: 2/3 MRL: +0 FTG: +6
Last Town: Big Timber, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 61 degrees, clear
Notes: Team has refueled in Livingston, MT. Team is tired and will auto-stop next time period unless otherwise specified.

@findRED19:
BD: 165 mi OD: 885 mi FS: 3/4 MRL: +0 FTG: +6
Last Town: Billings, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 68 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team has refueled in Billings, MT. Team is feeling a little tired.

@Jaimz:
BD: 0 mi OD: 598 mi FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: -3
Last Town: Butte, MT Next Waypoint: Gallatin County Fairground
Weather Condition: 62 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team is asleep at the Holiday Inn Express in Butte.
Ongoing issues: Car has a squeak and slight lateral shift of the rear going over bigger bumps. Small crack in windshield.

@Caligo:
BD: 0 mi OD: 681 mi FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: -12
Last Town: Bozeman, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 62 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team is asleep at the Comfort Suites in Bozeman.
Ongoing issue: There is a slight smell of fuel in the cab.

@Aaron.W:
BD: 109 mi OD: 822 mi FS: 2/3 MRL: +1 FTG: +7
Last Town: Billings, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 61 degrees, clear
Notes: Team is very tired and has stopped for the night at the Best Western Plus in Billings.
Ongoing issue: AC compressor failure (irrepairable, comfort penalty)

@Keikyun:
BD: 91 mi OD: 822 mi FS: FULL MRL: +1 FTG: -1
Last Town: Billings, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 61 degrees, clear
Notes: Team has refueled in Billings. Team has stopped for the night at the Best Western Plus in BIllings.

Vehicles that are traveling in packs:
681 mi - Multiple vehicles off the road for the night at a hotel

Note: vehicles within ~5 miles of each other are within CB range. Group chats via social media are available.

---

Team Greasy Lightning

Rick stifled a yawn. “You know, this state looks a lot smaller on a map.”

Fuzz nodded in hollow acknowledgement, his attention on the road ahead as they passed through the vast nothingness of the Crow Indian Reservation. His eyelids were beginning to get heavy, and the relatively weak yellow light cast by the hi-beams of the Senator played tricks on his eyes with nearly every variation of the road surface.

For a moment he chanced to look up, and saw his sister’s eyes in the back, returning a listless stare. She was awake, at least.

“How many more miles?” she groaned softly.

Rick looked at his phone, mounted to the windshield via suction cup. “Says we’ve got a half hour left. But it’s been saying that for five minutes. I’m not sure it’s actually got a signal.”

She inhaled deeply through her nose and stretched her arms out as far as she could in front of her, then sat up slightly. “I’m going to need a whole bucket of coffee in the morning.”

“Make that two,” Fuzz added, suddenly aware of the conversation.

“Maybe three,” Rick countered. “After all, it’s Jen’s turn to drive in the morning.”

Both siblings groaned at the prospect.

---

[Madrias]

Team Tiger Trouble

---

Kaylie yawned as they left the gas station in Billings, MT, before saying, “I want to get out of this state before we stop for the night. And if you don’t share that beef jerky, Jade, I will-”

Jaden very quickly passed the bag up to Kaylie, remembering the last time she’d made a threat, and the fact that she followed through with it, even if it had taken her a month to get around to it.

Kayden chuckled, then said, “Still not quite willing to risk your fur a second time, I see.”

Jaden grimaced, then replied, “It’s humiliating to be shaved like that.”

“Could be worse, Jade. Mal got me once, a while ago, for complaining that his white fur was less than stealthy. He dyed my fur gray before we had to track down someone in Alaska.” Kayden mentioned, as Kaylie grinned.

“Hey, at least he has some sense of humor buried under all of that cold shell.” Kaylie quipped, before going quiet. “Not that he doesn’t have his very good reasons for being cold and distant.”

---

At the Fairfield Inn and Suites, in Sheridan, WY, Kaylie parked the rattling Sinistra, and the three got out of the car. Kayden opened the trunk and grabbed his two suitcases, and Kaylie and Jaden grabbed their own single ones before closing the trunk and locking up the car.

Kayden went to check in, a process made much slower by the receptionist being surprised about three Tigrilans in the hotel, and grinning at Nova’s joke in Kayden’s last name. “Yes, I get it now. We need a room for the night.” Kayden said, putting the slightest hint more of a growl in his voice, and getting the results he wanted as a result. “How many rooms do you need?”

Kayden smiled, before replying, “We’re siblings, we can get by with one room provided there’s enough space.”

With one room rented, Kayden, Kaylie, and Jaden headed for it, planning on getting comfortable and ready for the next day.

Kayden got out of his heavy black robe, favoring a thin light-blue one, with his sword belted on over it, following tradition. Jaden traded out the shorts and grim reaper shirt for a simple gray robe, preferring it to the more human-style clothing he’d been wearing. Kaylie, however, swapped out her shirt and shorts for more of the same, this time going for a longer pair of shorts, and a shirt in a rather loud shade of purple.

Kayden smiled, then said, “That’s our Kaylie, always one for breaking traditions.” Kaylie, in response, used one of the human gestures she’d learned on the road, giving Kayden the middle finger, with the added bonus of extending the retractable claw for emphasis.

“I guess she’s learning.” Jaden said. The three of them set up their sleeping gear in different areas of the room, leaving the bed untouched.

[Elizipeazie]

RK Series Racing; Chapter VII; it DID get worse

They see a stranded car on the side of the road.

Redwood: [in shock] “Are those the team we met at the pizza place??”
Connor: “The car matches that of team Bakewell Boxer’s entry.”
Redwood: “I really want to know what happened to them. Let’s stop and ask them.”
Tonsom: “I see no real problem there… We did offer to help when need arises…”

The Dione comes to a stop behind the other car.
RK Connor gets out first, and immediately heads for the trunk to get the warning triangle.
While he is off setting it up, the other two exit the Dione and approach to now-stranded team members.

Redwood: “Hello there, Mandy and Connor.”
Johnson: “Alright, how’s it been going for you lot?”
Tonsom: “Could’ve been worse… i’d say you got the worse.”
Carter: [disappointed] “Yeah the bloody valve train shit itself. Then took the rest of the engine with it.”

Connor arrives back at the scene. He discreetely focuses on Carter first, performing the same scan he did on the trucker’s team teaching Tonsom how to drive. Then he repeats the process with Johnson as well.

Connor: “Good evening, Ms Carter. Mr Johnson.”

Carter and Johnson both were quite surprised to be addressed so formally they both paused quickly before continuing

Carter then briefly and discreetly looked up and down Connor peering slightly around his back passing it off as checking out the Dione ,noticing the big ANDROID lettering emblazoned on his uniform.

Johnson: “Hi Connor, you can just call me Connor if you want … it’s also my name as well” Johnson shakes Connor’s bad hand, noticing it being mostly limp during the entire handshake.

Carter holds her composure masking a slight smirk at BB Connor’s people skills

Carter: “Hello um … Connor you can just call me Mandy.”
Tonsom: “Yeah… He’s a little awkward around people…”

RK Connor briskly walks past them to inspect the now-broken-down car. He starts looking into the engine bay and quickly can make out the cause of failure. He returns to the others.

Connor: [calm/ un-emotional as always] “The engine has seized after a valve-stem failure on cylinder 3. Repair is impossible.”
Tonsom: [already annoyed by Connor] “They knew that already, smartass…”
Carter: “Well it’s what you sign up for I guess, I suppose we better call a tow truck and get this shed off the road.”

Connor’s led changes to a yellow-y shade for about 15 seconds before returning to blue.

Connor: “A tow truck is en-route from the city of Bozeman, Montana. It should arrive within the next 30 minutes. Bozeman is located 3 miles west of here.”

Carter and Johnson both turn their heads towards eachother and raise their brows.

Carter: “How…”

Johnson quickly cuts her off.

Johnson: “Um … thank you Connor, we … we wouldn’t have known who to contact so thanks for … um doing that.”

Tonsom: “We would’ve offered you two a lift into the next town, but our car is filled with camping gear and some spare parts… Sorry to break the promise we gave. At least we could get you a tow-truck for… whatever this is… or was…”
Redwood: [sad] “It’s sad to meet nice new people for them to immediately go away again…”
Johnson: “I’m sure we can keep in touch every now and then, we might even see you again if we do one of these things…”

Carter: “We’ll just bring something that works next time.”

Carter turns around to watch Connor walk to the car

Carter: “Hey um, don’t think me rude or anythin’ but, what’s up with your friend over there…” she nodded her head back toward Connor

Johnson lightly slaps Mandy on the chest indicating for her to stop.

Redwood: “I guess… he’s not exactly a human. At least i wouldn’t be surprised considering he’s bleeding BLUE juice-like stuff and how you and him… or it… talk to each other.”
Tonsom: “Well… yeah. He’s some form of Android robot thing from 20 years in the future. Hence the ANDROID lettering on his back. Dunno how that works, but that is what he told me… and given the little things i know about how he works, i do think he’s not lying… He’s not hiding it either for god knows whatever reason…”

Carter darts her head over her shoulder and sees RK Connor walking back

Carter: “Oh I … um see, I suppose that makes a bit of sense all considered”
Johnson: “Yeah I um can’t fault his efficiency in calling that towtruck.”

He spun his head to see RK Connor now approaching.

Johnson: “Ahem anyways thank you for all your help and everything, I’m sorry that your … blog won’t be finished in time…”

Connor had now come back to the group after storing the triangle in the trunk, Mandy gave him a small, awkward smile .

Carter: “Anyways you guys really ought to be going, you lot are still in this race after all.”
Tonsom: “Yeah we really gotta go… Thanks for trying to help”
Redwood: [joyful] “See ya sometime! Hope we cann meet in the future.”
Connor: [neutral] “Have a nice evening.”

The three enter the car, Connor driving, Redwood on the passenger seat and Tonsom inthe back. When they drive off, Johnson and Carter notice that Redwood is shifting the 5-speed manual of the Dione.

in the car

Redwood: “They were nice people… shame their trip ended already.”
Tonsom: “Yeah… they deffo were faster than us for that Coyote Jim thing.”
Redwood: “We at least have their contact…”
Tonsom: “Yeah…”

[Centurion_23]

Team Beer Blokes & BBQs

In dialogue:
S = Sam
T = Tom
M = Mike

M: Well we’re finally here.
T: yawning About time, i’m about to pass out.
S: awoken from her snooze Huh, what? What’s going on?
M: We’ve arrived at the motel, lets head inside and get some rest.

They checked into the motel and within 10 minutes of their arrival, they were all fast asleep in their rooms.

ooc: yes i know this is short but i’m running on 4 hours of sleep and don’t have the brain power to do any more

[GetWrekt01]

Team Rockport

Midnight Driving™

Leo: Yawn
Zack: Sleepy?
Leo: Yeah. I guess I could hold it for a few more hours, but then I’d need sleep. Get me some coffee from the other flask.
Zack: Pours some coffee for both This ought’a keep us up for a few more hours.
Leo: Just gotta make sure to not to crash hard when the effects start going away…
Zack: Yeah I’d assume we can go another 4 hours without any hassle.
Leo: I mean I’ve been through late night drives before, dude. But this is such a long haul…
Zack: I understand. All good. We’ll keep going ahead for the fairgrounds, I heard some teams are resting tonight. If we can drive till 4 AM at a steady pace, we can catch up soon.
Leo: We’ll take a stop from 4 to 6 then?
Zack: Sounds good. Drive the car safely though, Leo.
Leo: It’s getting cloudy but thankfully my visibility isn’t hindered. Car is driving smooth too.
Zack: I’ll plan our route then. I’ll let you know where we’d be stopping when it’s time, okay?
Leo: Sure, sounds right.

And so they plow on the roads in the dark night, to gain the lost distance back from their competitors.

[BannedByAndroid]

Team “Buy Skyrim”

Nothing has happened on the team since they are all asleep in the home they rented.

[GetWrekt01]

Team Rockport

Leo is numb

Zack: Uhh… Leo?
Leo: Ye…
Zack: Just checking if you’re okay, mate.
Leo: All good, mate… Can I get another cup of coffee?
Zack: We’ve drank 3 cups since 12 mate… it’s really not ideal.
Leo: But… Ah fine. Silence Are we driving until 4am?
Zack: Yeah, then around after 4, we’re looking for a hotel then maybe take a rest for 2 hours, have our breakfast and yeet off again.
Leo: Okay More silence I think we should stop for fuel…
Zack: Or you could conserve it you know? Engine’s strong enough to provide torque at very low revs, just keep the revs low and gears high.
Leo: Yeah uhhh that sounds about right, okay. Silence Why did I need to know how to conserve fuel again?
Zack: You sure about driving through the night, mate?
Leo: Silence
Zack: Waiting for a response
Leo: Could you take over after 2AM mate?
Zack: Right… Yes I can, Leo. Hang in there.
Leo: Thank you… you can take a short nap until it’s 2. I think that should be better.
Zack: Of course. I’ll set an alarm for 2AM. Drive safe, mate!
Leo: Sure thing, Zack

Leo and I can relate with some of our current states very much at this point

[VicVictory]

Previous time block

Saturday, 2AM - 4AM Eastern Time

Legend of Terms:

POI NOTE: I will NOT be pre-warning of upcoming POI points. I will ONLY auto-stop teams for two things: fuel and, when completely exhausted, rest. Anything else you want (including tourist POI, restaurants, premature fuel, rest at any point before complete exhaustion), YOU need to PM me in advance (before I run the time block that you’d complete it in). Also, please don’t map out everything from here to the end in one PM… try to keep it within a couple time blocks. Remember: Tourist POI and sit-down restaurants (not fast food) give bonuses to morale and fatigue, but take some time. Tourist POI also give points to the POI award at the end.

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.
FS: Fuel Status. Approximate fuel reading on the vehicle’s fuel gauge.
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.
Weather Condition: Current weather condition at the end of the time block.
Notes: Any notes I have for your team during this time block. Including POI results, car issues, etc.

VicVictory:
BD: 14 mi OD: 952 mi FS: 1/2 MRL: +1 FTG: -5
Last Town: Sheridan, WY Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 55 degrees, clear
Notes: Team has stopped for the night at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Sheridan, WY.

@Elizipeazie:
BD: 0 mi OD: 782 mi FS: 3/4+ MRL: +0 FTG: -6
Last Town: Columbus, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 56 degrees, clear
Notes: Team is asleep at the Super 8 Motel in Columbus, MT

@BannedByAndroid:
BD: 0 mi OD: 822 mi FS: Full MRL: +0 FTG: -8
Last Town: Billings, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 56 degrees, clear
Notes: Team is asleep at the (random airbnb they rented, sorry for marking that incorrect last time)
Ongoing issue: Vehicle is making a clunking noise from the front going over bumpy roads. SES light is on.

@kobacrashi:
BD: 0 mi OD: 822 mi FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: -7
Last Town: Billings, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 56 degrees, clear
Notes: Team is asleep at the Best Western Plus in Billings, MT.
Ongoing issue: Car is making a grinding noise when turning right.

@Madrias:
BD: 0 mi OD: 952 mi FS: 1/3 MRL: +0 FTG: -8
Last Town: Sheridan, WY Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 55 degrees, clear
Notes: Team is asleep at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Sheridan, WY.
Ongoing issue: Rattling noise in engine.

@yangx2:
BD: 0 mi OD: 822 mi FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: -7
Last Town: Bozeman, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 56 degrees, clear
Notes: Team is asleep at the Best Western Plus in Billings, MT

@mart1n2005:
BD: 0 mi OD: 681 mi FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: -8
Last Town: Bozeman, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 56 degrees, clear
Notes: Team is asleep at the Comfort Suites in Bozeman, MT
Ongoing issue: Jury-rigged RR suspension mount. Unknown how long it will hold.

@Mikonp7:
BD: 170 mi OD: 683 mi FS: 2/3 MRL: +1 FTG: +2
Last Town: Bozeman, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 56 degrees, clear
Notes: Team has refueled in Butte, MT. Team has crossed the Continental Divide at Homestake Pass. Team has crossed Bozeman Pass. Waypoint complete: Gallatin County Fairgrounds. ISSUE: oil pressure gauge is reading slightly low toward the end of the time period.

@Centurion_23:
BD: 0 mi OD: 822 mi FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: -8
Last Town: Billings, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 56 degrees, clear
Notes: Team is asleep at the Best Western Plus in Billings, MT.

@Xepy:
BD: 29 mi OD: 822 mi FS: 1/2 MRL: +1 FTG: -2
Last Town: Billings, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 56 degrees, clear
Notes: Team has stopped for the night at the Best Western Plus in Billings, MT

@Private_Miros:
BD: 0 mi OD: 681 mi FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: -6
Last Town: Bozeman, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 56 degrees, clear
Notes: Team is asleep at the Comfort Suites in Bozeman.
Ongoing issues: SES light is on, transmission slipping slightly.

@Boiled_Steak:
BD: 0 mi OD: 822 mi FS: 1/2- MRL: -3 FTG: -10
Last Town: Billings, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 56 degrees, clear
Notes: Team is asleep at the Best Western Plus in Billings
Ongoing issue: Slight hesitation at high speed. More pronounced now that the speed limit has increased. Radiator has failed, and team cannot move until it is fixed.

@GetWrekt01:
BD: 161 mi OD: 832 mi FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: +10
Last Town: Deer Lodge, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 62 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Waypoint complete: Gallatin County Fairgrounds. Team has refueled in Billings, MT. Team is tired and will auto-stop next time period unless otherwise specified.

@Ryan93:
BD: 0 mi OD: 283 mi FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: -12
Last Town: Spokane, WA Next Waypoint: Lookout Pass
Weather Condition: 58 degrees, clear
Notes: Team is asleep at the Ramada Inn in Spokane.

@abg7:
BD: 0 mi OD: 681 mi FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: -6
Last Town: Bozeman, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 56 degrees, clear
Notes: Team is asleep at the Comfort Suites in Bozeman. Team wakes up at end of time block and will be on the road in 1 hour.

@Radster:
BD: 0 mi OD: 681 mi FS: 2/3+ MRL: +0 FTG: -9
Last Town: Bozeman, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 62 degrees, partly cloudy
Notes: Team is asleep at the Comfort Suites in Bozeman.

@SkylineFTW97:
BD: 40 mi OD: 822 mi FS: 2/3- MRL: +1 FTG: -2
Last Town: Billings, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 61 degrees, clear
Notes: Team has stopped for the night at the Best Western Plus in Billings, MT.

@findRED19:
BD: 67 mi OD: 952 mi FS: FULL MRL: +1 FTG: +1
Last Town: Sheridan, WY Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 56 degrees, clear
Notes: Team has refueled in Sheridan, WY. Team has checked in to the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Sheridan, WY.

@Jaimz:
BD: 0 mi OD: 598 mi FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: -6
Last Town: Butte, MT Next Waypoint: Gallatin County Fairground
Weather Condition: 56 degrees, clear
Notes: Team is asleep at the Holiday Inn Express in Butte.
Ongoing issues: Car has a squeak and slight lateral shift of the rear going over bigger bumps. Small crack in windshield.

@Caligo:
BD: 0 mi OD: 681 mi FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: -15
Last Town: Bozeman, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 56 degrees, clear
Notes: Team is asleep at the Comfort Suites in Bozeman.
Ongoing issue: There is a slight smell of fuel in the cab.

@Aaron.W:
BD: 0 mi OD: 822 mi FS: 2/3 MRL: +0 FTG: -9
Last Town: Billings, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 56 degrees, clear
Notes: Team is asleep at the Best Western Plus in Billings.
Ongoing issue: AC compressor failure (irrepairable, comfort penalty)

@Keikyun:
BD: 0 mi OD: 822 mi FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: -6
Last Town: Billings, MT Next Waypoint: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Weather Condition: 56 degrees, clear
Notes: Team is asleep at the Best Western Plus in BIllings.

Vehicles that are traveling in packs:
None that are on the road currently

Note: vehicles within ~5 miles of each other are within CB range. Group chats via social media are available.

---

Team Greasy Lightning

They missed a target, but no one cared. The trio climbed out of the Keystone Senator at twelve minutes after midnight, local time. They had hoped to arrive at their overnight crash spot before midnight, but they had made it. Tired, but in one piece.

Rick retrieved the shared suitcase of himself and Jen, while Fuzz grabbed his soft-sided carry-on bag that held what minimal needs he had for this competition: a toiletries bag, two changes of clothes, and a bottle containing melatonin sleep supplements.

They shuffled wordlessly into the hotel lobby, heading straight for the check-in desk.

“Do you still have a double-queen room available?” Rick quietly asked.

“Yes, sir. Do you have a credit card we can put on file for incidentals?” he responded.

The elevator lobby let out a sharp ding, which startled Fuzz back to consciousness. The door slid open, and a very, VERY tall man-tiger emerged. His head swiveled around, searching for something, before traversing the lobby toward the 24 hour pantry.

Fuzz tapped Rick on the shoulder. “Hey, give me a key. I’m going to stay down here for a bit.”

Rick placed one of the two key cards that he had just received into Fuzz’s palm. “Don’t be up too late, or you get the back seat all day.”

“That’s not a threat,” Fuzz grinned.

The young cop, curiosity driving him, walked over to the pantry and peeked his head in. Sure enough, his eyes weren’t deceiving him. There was an honest-to-god walking tiger examining the selection of jerkies, chips, and other sundries. It wasn’t a mere costume, as he had originally thought. Or, at least, if it was, it was the most realistic costume he had ever seen. Fur and skin moved, creased, and wrinkled as his own whenever the beast moved.

He caught himself gasping in awe. The predator must have, as well, as he stopped instantly, and looked in Fuzz’s direction.

“Oh, uh… Hi! You guys are on this whole road-race thing with us, right? You’re driving that Sinistra?”

“Yes, we are,” Kayden rumbled. “Which team are you from, again?”

“Oh, yeah. Greasy Lightning.”

Kayden began to laugh. “You’re the team that had the so-called ‘chemical attack’ this morning.”

Fuzz pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. “Yeah… that was us. I ripped a huge fart and my sister made a big deal out of it.”

“Sisters do have a way of making issues bigger than they should be,” the tiger responded. “Tell me, what is your name?”

“Fuzz. I mean, Ted. My name is Ted, but everyone calls me Fuzz.”

(to be continued by @Madrias)

---

[Private_Miros]

Team Trinity

Comfort Suites - Bozeman 2am local time

Matt: zzzzz
John: zzzzz
Alice: zzzzz
Ivy Mike, sitting on the window sill of a window slightly open: Meow… Mreeoowww! Meow… Meow… Mreeeooowww!

---

Also sleeping at the Comfort Suites
@mart1n2005
@abg7
@Radster
@Caligo

[Keikyun]

TGGBA: SHITBOX CRUSADERS

The four are asleep: Yuri mumbles in unintelligible Japanese, presumably a dream.

YURI (asleep): “…殺してやる… 殺してやる… 殺してやる…” (EN TRANSLATION: “I’ll kill you… I’ll kill you… I’ll kill you…”)

(Also located in same area for the night:
• @Boiled_Steak
• @kobacrashi
• @yangx2
• @Centurion_23
• @Xepy
• @SkylineFTW97
• @Aaron.W
)

[Centurion_23]

Team Beer Blokes & BBQs

Mike: zzzzzzzzz
Sam: zzzzzzzzz
Tom: zzzzzzzzz

Everyone else stopped at the Best Western Plus:
@kobacrashi
@yangx2
@Xepy
@Boiled_Steak
@SkylineFTW97
@Aaron.W
@Keikyun

[BannedByAndroid]

Team “Buy Skyrim”

Everyone is sleeping.

Meanwhile in the HQ of Bethesda (NOT RELATED TO THE RACE AT ALL)

Person #1: Todd, I just told that 3 people who claimed they are big fans of The Elder Scrolls is having a big race. Should we help them?
Todd Howard: doing nothing, then walked away
Person #2: Erm…Tony, maybe it’s not a good idea lol.

[Madrias]

Team Tiger Trouble

---

Kayden got out of his sleeping roll, trying to be quiet as he left his sleeping siblings in the room. He knew he needed something to eat, he hadn’t been keeping track of his meals all day, and he was paying for it now.

He took one of the key cards with him, then headed for the elevator, following Nova’s guidance to the 24-hour pantry. The door closed, and he felt the jolt as it started the slow descent to the lobby, where the doors opened with a sharp dinging noise that seemed unreasonably loud to Kayden’s ears. He looked to his right wrist, followed the map across the lobby, and then trusting his instincts, following his nose to the food.

He was trying to decide between three different brands of beef jerky when he heard a gasp from behind him. His ears twitched just before he turned, setting the bag of dried meat back on the shelf as he looked at Fuzz from Team Greasy Lightning. His tail twitched lightly, causing his un-belted robe to slip open, revealing more of his white fur and black stripes, and also his sister’s amusing gift of leopard print boxers.

The man spoke, “Oh, uh… Hi! You guys are on this whole road-race thing with us, right? You’re driving that Sinistra?”

Kayden nodded, then replied with, “Yes, we are.” He thought for a moment, trying to place the man’s voice to any he might have heard over the radio earlier, but kept drawing a blank. Giving up on the guesswork, Kayden decided simply to ask, “Which team are you from, again?”

“Oh, yeah. Greasy Lightning.” He replied. Kayden thought for a moment, then remembered why that team name sounded so familiar. He started to laugh, a deep, raspy laugh as he tried to keep it down, knowing that a laugh and his tiger-like roar weren’t too far separate from each other, and he really didn’t want to wake the whole hotel with a noise that could be heard up to a mile away.

“You’re the team that had the so-called ‘chemical attack’ this morning.” Kayden finally replied, with a light grin. It was all he could do to keep it together when Fuzz pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed.

“Yeah… that was us. I ripped a huge fart and my sister made a big deal out of it.” Fuzz replied, and Kayden gave a knowing, sympathetic nod.

“Sisters do have a way of making issues bigger than they should be.” Kayden said. He thought for just a moment, realizing he didn’t know who exactly this person was. “Tell me, what is your name?”

“Fuzz. I mean, Ted. My name is Ted, but everyone calls me Fuzz.” the man replied. Kayden nodded, not really understanding the word, but understanding the concept of a nickname. He mouthed the unfamiliar word a few times, and said it under his breath twice, before giving another nod.

“It’s good to meet you, Fuzz. My name is Kayden.” He replied. “I hope you don’t mind if I grab a few snacks, I didn’t eat enough in the car, and if I don’t start in on something soon, it’s going to get painful.” When Fuzz nodded, Kayden grabbed the three bags of jerky he’d been puzzling over before he’d been politely interrupted, then sliced the tops of the bags open with a practiced flick of his claws. He grabbed several large pieces and shoved them into his mouth, sharp teeth making very quick work of the dried meat, before he let Fuzz pick through the shelves.

Once Fuzz had a bag of chips ripped open, he asked Kayden, “So, when you’re not racing, what do you usually do?”

Kayden smiled, before replying, “With the exception of the past few weeks, where I’ve been on your world seeking a replacement fuel source for my ship, I’m normally a pilot for our military, the Tigrilan Warriors, but I also have some specialized training. What do you normally do when you aren’t racing?”

Fuzz smiled, then answered with, “I’m a police officer. Haven’t seen any real action, but it makes me feel good at the end of the day.”

Kayden seemed puzzled over what Fuzz said, and asked Nova in Tigrilan, “I need a translation of what he said, as close as you can manage.”

Nova replied in Tigrilan, “The unusual word set translates with about 70% accuracy to ‘Warrior of Justice,’ and what little research I was able to do in the past 3 seconds indicates that it is a job worthy of respect.”

Kayden nodded, then held out his left hand, grasping Fuzz’s left arm just below the elbow. When Fuzz returned the gesture without even asking about it, Kayden gave a lightly startled smile, before saying, “I am proud of you.”

Nova piped up, this time in English, “It would be wise to exchange communications information, given the situation. His communicator can contact the relevant beings, if needed.”

When Fuzz reluctantly handed over his phone, Kayden quickly added two contacts and the respective numbers needed to contact either him or his other Battle Brother, Mal. Kayden handed it back, then said, “If you’re ever in trouble, for any reason, call either me or Mal. If it’s fighting trouble, call Mal right away, he’s better in a fight than I am. If either of us can get to you, we will.”

When Fuzz gave Kayden a look that said as clear as daylight that he was wondering what exactly he’d gotten himself into, Kayden smiled, before explaining, “We are as good as brothers now, and brothers stand up for brothers, they fight to protect each other.”

With the dropping of that bomb, Kayden finished his beef jerky, drank two bottles of water, and started to head back to the elevator.

[VicVictory]

Team Greasy Lightning

Fuzz’s brain was awash with new information after his interaction with the Tigrilan Warrior. He stood in the lobby for a good ten minutes, slowly chewing his way through the snack-size bag of chips. When he suddenly realized how long he had been lost in thought, he immediately boarded the elevator and made his way to his team’s room.

He wasn’t particularly quiet when he opened the door. Darkness filled the space in front of him. The lights from the hallway cut enough through the inkiness that he was able to make out the shapes of two bodies in the far bed. Jen could be heard snoring in her not-entirely-subtle way.

Well, shit, he thought. I wanted to be next to the air conditioner. Oh well.

Fuzz closed the door, gently placed his bag at the end of the bed, and stripped off his shorts and t-shirt before crawling into his bed.

It completely slipped his mind to take his melatonin supplements…

[yangx2]

Team Wang Lao Ji - Best Western

J: zzzz
A: zzzzzzz
H: loud snoring
Jackie slams one of the drawers to stop Harry’s snoring