Here’s a picture so everyone can gawk at your MIL’s sweet ride!
4 Likes
Legend of Terms:
POI NOTE: Blah blah blah you know the drill by now.
BD: Block Distance. This is the amount of mileage covered during the current 2 hour period.
OD: Overall Distance. This is the total distance that the team has covered since the event started.
AT: Ambient Temperature
FS: Fuel Status. Approximate fuel reading. May also include other fuel related concerns.
MRL: Morale modifier
FTG: Fatigue Level
Last Town: Last town of note that was passed (will not include tiny villages)
Next Waypoint: Should be self explanatory.
Notes: Any notes I have for your team during this time block. Including POI results, car issues, etc.
SATURDAY, 12AM - 6AM
VicVictory:
BD: 0 mi OD: 963 mi AT: 25 F FS: 1/3 MRL: +1 FTG: -13 Last Town: Sault Ste Marie, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team is asleep at Howard Johnson Inn in SOO. Team wakes up at 6 AM and will be ready to go at 7AM.
@Madrias
BD: 0 mi OD: 889 mi AT: 26 F FS: 2/3 MRL: +1 FTG: -13 Last Town: Iron Bridge, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team is asleep at the Village Inn in Iron Bridge. Team wakes up at 6AM and is ready to go at 7AM.
@Mr.Computah
BD: 0 mi OD: 830 mi AT: 26 F FS: Full MRL: +0 FTG: -22 Last Town: Massey, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team is asleep at the Mohawk Motel in Massey.
@Jaimz
BD: 0 mi OD: 963 mi AT: 25 F FS: 1/3 MRL: +1 FTG: -11 Last Town: Sault Saint Marie, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team wakes up at 5AM and is ready to go at 6AM. TEAM MORALE IS HIGH.
@Awildgermanappears
BD: 10 mi OD: 830 mi AT: 26 F FS: 3/4 MRL: +0 FTG: -22 Last Town: Massey, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team is asleep at the Mohawk Motel.
@BobLoblaw
BD: 0 mi OD: 889 mi AT: 26 F FS: 3/4 MRL: +0 FTG: -22 Last Town: Iron Bridge, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team is asleep at the Village Inn in Iron Bridge.
@Zabhawkin
BD: 1 mi OD: 966 mi AT: 25 F FS: 1/3 MRL: +0 FTG: -22 Last Town: Sault Ste Marie, MI Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Team is asleep at the Holiday Inn in Sault Ste Marie, MI.
@HighOctaneLove
BD: 0 mi OD: 767 mi AT: 26 F FS: FULL MRL: +1 FTG: -13 Last Town: Barrie, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team wakes up at 5AM and is ready to go at 6AM.
@Fayeding_Spray
BD: 0 mi OD: 767 mi AT: 26 F FS: FULL MRL: +1 FTG: -19 Last Town: Sudbury, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: This vehicle is poorly suited to the conditions. ONGOING ISSUE: Car is backfiring and bucking. Team wakes up at 6AM and will be ready at 7AM.
@DoctorNarfy
BD: 0 mi OD: 963 mi AT: 25 F FS: 2/3 MRL: +0 FTG: -27 Last Town: Sault Ste Marie, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team is asleep at Howard Johnson Inn in Sault Ste Marie.
@FindRED19
BD: 0 mi OD: 964 mi AT: 24 F FS: 1/3 MRL: +0 FTG: -18 Last Town: Sault Ste Marie, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team wakes up at 6AM and will be ready at 7AM.
@stm316
BD: 0 mi OD: 831 mi AT: 26 F FS: FULL MRL: +1 FTG: -7 Last Town: Massey, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Car is poorly suited to the conditions. Team wakes up at 5AM and will be ready at 6AM.
@Mythrin
BD: 0 mi OD: 889 mi AT: 25 F FS: FULL MRL: +1 FTG: -20 Last Town: Iron Bridge, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team is asleep at the Village Inn in Iron Bridge.
@abg7
BD: 0 mi OD: 767 mi AT: 26 F FS: 1/3 MRL: +1 FTG: -27 Last Town: Sudbury, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team wakes up at 6AM and will be ready at 7AM.
@LordLetto
BD: 0 mi OD: 730 mi AT: 26 F FS: 1/2 MRL: +1 FTG: -20 Last Town: French River, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Team wakes up at 6AM and proceeds to go fishing.
@cpufreak101
BD: 0 mi OD: 874 mi AT: 26 F FS: FULL MRL: +1 FTG: -24 Last Town: Blind River, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team wakes up at 6AM and will be ready at 7AM.
Vehicles that are traveling in packs:
Note: vehicles within ~5 miles of each other are within CB range.
Team Moss Boss
(still asleep through the end of this time period)
5 Likes
Team Mountain Pass
Day Three, Sudbury, The Moonlight Inn and Suites, Six o’clock in the morning
The alarm sounded, right on time, at 5AM so Andrew and I got up, got ready then hit the common room for a serve of eggs, bacon and buttered toast. While I paid for our room, Andrew checked over our Bogliq then loaded up our bags so that we could hit the road by 6AM…
P: “It’s still damn cold… At least the snow isn’t falling”
A: “Yeah. Hopefully this weather will stay nice so we can pick up the pace!”
P: “Don’t forget that the roads will still be slippery. Keep an eye out for black ice and avoid shady spots or puddles”
A: “Don’t fret, I’ll take it easy this time… I’d hate to have to listen to you moan all the way home if I crashed us out!!!”
P: “Haha, very funny. Just be careful and I won’t have to haunt your grandkids, OK!?!”
A: “Got it. Let’s ride!!!”
Andrew then fired the Bogliq into life and we left The Moonlight Inn and Suites on our way to Itasca State Park in Minnesota.
TO BE CONTINUED
Distance covered: 0 miles
Overall distance: 765 miles
Fuel state: Full tank
Overall fuel used: 3 Tanks
Morale: +1 (+12)
Fatigue: -20 (-2)
4 Likes
Team Mushroom Cloud
Bill was so proud of himself when he woke at 5:00 exactly. He’d gotten revenge. After the others had gone to sleep, he’d taken Wookiee’s phone and set an alarm to go off every hour. Why did it feel so early? And why didn’t he hear the alarm?
He checked his phone, 5:01. He checked his watch…2:00AM!!!
A few hours later, at the real 5:00, Team Mushroom Cloud began preparation for departure.
Bill: I guess it’s Wookiee’s turn behind the wheel.
Wookiee: I get the wheel, I get the radio, and as a bonus, I get this…(pulls out a slightly crumpled Captain’s Hat).
Toni: We’ve got another half an hour, I say we find breakfast. Mmmm… Canadian Bacon.
5:53 AM
The car started easily enough, but it didn’t want to stay started. This caused Wookiee no end of grief, and THAT made Bill happy.
2 Likes
Night before the morning after….several sherrys have been consumed……
Gran (slurry): Yes, before your grandfather I has a myriad of lovers who kept me satisfied. Then I met your grandfather and, by all that is holy, he was the most generous lover I ever met…….
Mopey: Graaaaan…….
Spanners: Mrs E….that’s far too much information!
Gran:……and I’m telling you know he was built like a………zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz…oh George, you’re so rampant……zzzzzzz………
Mopey: I’m going to need therapy after this!
Spanners: Finish your beer and we’ll turn in….hopefully the nightmares will be mercifully kind to us!
Next morning
Spanners: GOOD MORNING!
Gran: Urrrgh…….
Mopey: MORNING GRAN! DID YOU HAVE A GOOD SLEEP?
Gran: Urrrrrrgh………
Spanners: SO WE HAVE A NICE GREASY FRY UP AND THEN HIT THE ROAD?
Gran: I’ll just have some paracetamol and a bottle of water.
Spanners: George, go find me egg and bacon on toast, make sure the egg is runny and the bacon is greasy! Bucket of tea too please.
Gran: Excuse me…… dashes into toilet ……. OH GOD………OH JESUS…….
Mopey quickly goes looking for breakfast and Spanners does his morning routine of checking the car over
5 Likes
V6 Vandals - Day 2 10p-Midnight - “Sleepy-time”
All was quiet at the Village Inn at Iron Bridge, up until 6 AM. A quiet, though persistent alarm went off, followed by Amy Storm getting out of bed. A few minutes later, there was a loud thud and a groan, followed by another thud and a “Really, Mom? You had to tip me off the couch?”
“We don’t have time for your shenanigans. We’re the first up in the Inn here. Now get your asses dressed and get moving. Go get breakfast once you’re cleaned up and ready to go.”
Luke opened his door just as Amy walked up, letting an arctic chill blow through the hallway.
“What the fuck is wrong with you!? You had the window open!” Amy grumbled, hurrying down the hall to get to breakfast in a hurry. Luke followed after closing the door, then said, “They had the air conditioning locked down, so I did the only thing I could to keep cool. I was kinda busy last night.”
With it being just 6:12 AM, the four members of Team V6 Vandals were ready for breakfast. Well, three were having breakfast, one was busy checking for more information.
Morale: +10 (+1)
Fatigue: 0 (-13)
Waypoints: 4
Fuel Status: 2/3
Fuel Stops: 3
(Yeah, I know, it bleeds a little into the next time period, but it makes more sense for me to do this than to wait. After all, it’s known we’re not leaving until 7, so we’re having morning troubles.)
2 Likes
Legend of Terms:
POI NOTE: Blah blah blah you know the drill by now.
BD: Block Distance. This is the amount of mileage covered during the current 2 hour period.
OD: Overall Distance. This is the total distance that the team has covered since the event started.
AT: Ambient Temperature
FS: Fuel Status. Approximate fuel reading. May also include other fuel related concerns.
MRL: Morale modifier
FTG: Fatigue Level
Last Town: Last town of note that was passed (will not include tiny villages)
Next Waypoint: Should be self explanatory.
Notes: Any notes I have for your team during this time block. Including POI results, car issues, etc.
SATURDAY, 6AM - 8AM
VicVictory:
BD: 26 mi OD: 989* mi AT: 29 F FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: +0 Last Town: Raco, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team has refueled in Sault Ste Marie, ON. Team has crossed into the United States. Team is now in the mandatory detour section, attempting to find a short route through the forest. DETOUR ROUTE CONDITION: Snowbound, frozen dirt/sand road underneath.
@Madrias
BD: 59 mi OD: 948 mi AT: 27 F FS: 1/2 MRL: +0 FTG: +0 Last Town: Desbarats, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: None
@Mr.Computah
BD: 60 mi OD: 890 mi AT: 27 F FS: Full MRL: +0 FTG: +0 Last Town: Iron Bridge, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team wakes up at 6AM and is on the road at 7AM.
@Jaimz
BD: 26 mi OD: 989* mi AT: 29 F FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: +0 Last Town: Sault Saint Marie, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team has refueled in Sault Saint Marie, ON. Team has crossed into the United States.
Team is on the mandatory detour, taking a longer, easier route. TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. DETOUR PATH CONDITION: Compact snow and ice, paved county road with occasional potholes.
@Awildgermanappears
BD: 0 mi OD: 830 mi AT: 27 F FS: 3/4 MRL: +1 FTG: -5 Last Town: Massey, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team wakes up at 7 AM and will be on the road at 8 AM.
@BobLoblaw
BD: 0 mi OD: 889 mi AT: 27 F FS: 3/4 MRL: +2 FTG: -1 Last Town: Iron Bridge, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team wakes up at 7 AM and will be on the road at 8 AM.
@Zabhawkin
BD: 23 mi OD: 989* mi AT: 29 F FS: 1/3 MRL: +0 FTG: +0 Last Town: Sault Ste Marie, MI Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Team wakes up at 6 AM and is on the road at 7 AM. Team has refueled in Sault Ste Marie, MI. Team is in the mandatory detour section, attempting to find a short route. DETOUR ROUTE CONDITION: Snowbound, frozen dirt/sand road underneath.
@HighOctaneLove
BD: 112 mi OD: 879 mi AT: 27 F FS: 2/3 MRL: +0 FTG: +0 Last Town: Blind River, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH
@Fayeding_Spray
BD: 51 mi OD: 818 mi AT: 26 F FS: 3/4 MRL: +0 FTG: +0 Last Town: Massey, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: This vehicle is poorly suited to the conditions. ONGOING ISSUE: Car is backfiring and bucking.
@DoctorNarfy
BD: 0 mi OD: 963 mi AT: 26 F FS: 2/3 MRL: +2 FTG: -3 Last Town: Sault Ste Marie, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team wakes up at 7 AM and will be ready at 8 AM.
@FindRED19
BD: 25 mi OD: 989* mi AT: 29 F FS: FULL MRL: +1 FTG: +0 Last Town: Sault Ste Marie, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team has refueled in Sault Ste Marie, MI. Team is in the mandatory detour section, attempting to find a short route. DETOUR ROUTE CONDITION: Snowbound, frozen dirt/sand road underneath.
@stm316
BD: 104 mi OD: 935 mi AT: 27 F FS: 2/3 MRL: +0 FTG: +0 Last Town: Desbarats, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Car is poorly suited to the conditions. Car has developed an issue with ticking and unusual RPM drop during shifts.
@Mythrin
BD: 0 mi OD: 889 mi AT: 26 F FS: FULL MRL: +2 FTG: +0 Last Town: Iron Bridge, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team wakes up at 7 AM and will be on the road at 8 AM.
@abg7
BD: 44 mi OD: 811 mi AT: 27 F FS: FULL MRL: +1 FTG: +0 Last Town: Massey, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team has refueled in Sudbury, ON.
@LordLetto
BD: 0 mi OD: 730 mi AT: 27 F FS: 1/2 MRL: +4 FTG: +0 Last Town: French River, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Team spends 2 hours fishing (Catch total: 3 walleye, totaling 25 pounds, 1 smallmouth bass of 3 pounds.) TEAM MORALE IS HIGH.
@cpufreak101
BD: 63 mi OD: 937 mi AT: 27 F FS: 3/4 MRL: +0 FTG: +0 Last Town: Desbarats, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: None
Vehicles that are traveling in packs:
In the detour section, the DMA is following behind the El Govnor.
Note: vehicles within ~5 miles of each other are within CB range.
Team Moss Boss
Somewhere southwest of Raco, MI
“OK, if I read this right, there should be a fork in the road after this next bend,” Kyle said, squinting at the map as his finger traced the page.
“Sure this one will actually be a road?” Hank ribbed. “The last one was a little narrow.”
“Eh, you didn’t die,” Kyle grinned.
Hank steered the Townsend around the sharp left bend, the back end kicking out very slightly as the truck bounced over frozen ruts beneath the snow.
Hank blinked. “So, where’s this road, again?”
Kyle looked up at the stretch of unbroken trees before them. “Uhm…” Back to the map he went. he traced his finger back along their route to the start, closed his eyes for a moment, then traced forward again. “Oh, right. We’re over here.”
Hank let off the accelerator and shot a glare at his cousin. “About that not dying thing. If you kill us, you’re fired.”
“Relax. After the next bend, but the turn will be on the left, not the right.”
True to his word, there was a tiny side road off to the left after they rounded the next curve. Hank slowed to a stop before turning onto it, gingerly threading their truck between the trees.
“This can’t be a road,” he said. “It’s too narrow.”
“Trust me.”
Hank nodded. “Alright. What the hell, they’re only mirrors and fenders, right?”
*When teams get to 989 miles, their mileage will not increment, as that is the “start” of the detour. Once they are back onto the main course afterward, they will start at mile 1014. The pace through the detour is determined by your AF, TE, and whether it’s the short or long route.
6 Likes
V6 Vandals - Day 3, Midnight-6a - “Frigid Wake-Up”
With breakfast well-under-way from 6:15 AM onwards, the V6 Vandals were talking strategy at the breakfast table between bites of pancakes and sausage.
“So, we’ve got this detour route we have to do. What’s the plan?” Amy said. Luke shoved a few dishes out of the way, then deployed his projector array and splattered a map across the tablecloth.
“I’d guess most of 'em are going to take the fast route, cut through some of these trails and snow-covered routes.” Luke said, using his range-finder to point at the map.
“Luke, we can’t see in infrared light. Use something visible if you’re going to insist on fancy tricks.” Amy said, giving Luke a light glare, though had a grin on her face.
“Fine.” Luke said, before illuminating the trails on the map in blue. “So, as I said, I’d guess many are going to take these paths. I don’t trust our front wheel drive to make it through much of this. I’m not fond of having to get out and push, and we never bought any snow chains, so we don’t have those as options to get through it. So, my plan is this.” A scattering of yellow light illuminated several possible options.
“Back-roads?” Jake asked. “Isn’t that going to take forever compared to these paths?”
“Having seen what you two did with Barlow Road,” Luke said, looking to Jake and then over to Cody, “I’d rather keep the car in one piece. We’ll just have to drive faster. Use that radar detector Cody packed for us as something more than a windshield decoration.”
“Makes sense, actually.” Cody said.
“You can’t be fuckin’ serious. We’re in a race, and you think the fastest way is these twisty back-roads?” Jake said.
“Pressed pea-gravel is better than gravel alone, and gravel on its own is far better than dirt. And we’ve got a legendary lead-foot behind the wheel.”
“My feet don’t contain any lead. Just titanium.”
“It’s a figure of speech.”
By 7 AM, the Vandals were ready to roll, but not before some last-minute shenanigans were pulled.
“Hey, isn’t that the Outriders’ car?” Cody asked.
“It is, and no, you’re not doing anything stupid to it.” Amy said.
Jake looked to Luke, who simply shook his head, then said, “Fine. Fine. If it’s not illegal and won’t piss them off, then fine.”
Cody and Jake grinned, then opened the cooler they’d stored the Kosher hot dogs in, carefully lifting the windshield wipers on the old Petoskey Enforcer and using them to hold the packages in place.
“Luke, we need a parking ticket.” Cody said.
“I can’t print one of those, that would be illegal.” Luke responded.
“Fine, then print something we can leave under their windshield wiper.”
“If this backfires, it’s on your head.” Luke said, before printing a note and leaving it under the wiper, on top of the packages of hot dogs.
The contents of the note simply read, “My teammates believed they owed you one, and have repaid in full, with interest. And having seen the Commie Cosplayers, if you need my help to take them down a notch, you only have to ask. Your friend, Luke, of the V6 Vandals.”
With their not-so-nefarious deeds done, Cody and Jake piled into the back seat of the Truckling, and Luke got into the driver’s seat perhaps a little slower than usual.
“Something wrong?” Amy asked.
“Just a sensor being touchy again. It’s probably nothing, that RPM reading on hydraulic pump 3 has been fluctuating for the past two months. Dropped lower than I expected this time, but popped right back up.” Luke said, starting the Truckling and hustling out of the parking lot.
“So, what was with the hot dogs and the note?” Amy asked.
“Hot dogs are those two repaying them for the light theft. The note was me confirming that, and offering to take one of the teams down a notch after the finish line. Something those two told me happened to them. So, at some point, we’ll likely need to get some materials.”
“Like what?” Amy asked.
“Some steel plumbing pipes and some welding-grade gas lines. Oh, and a five pound bag of potatoes. If I’m going to make a potato gun, I’m not fucking around. Oxy-propane power and the means to contain it.” Luke replied.
At 8 AM, the Vandals were cruising along fine, their little 2.7 liter V6 all warmed up and the turbos singing a tune on the highway.
Morale: +10 (NC)
Fatigue: 0 (NC)
Waypoints: 4
Fuel Status: 1/2
Fuel Stops: 3
(@BobLoblaw, yep, the Vandals repaid the light theft from the Hooligans. I guess you could call it borrowing, then, if you wanted to. And Luke’s willing to perform his patriotic duty by launching projectiles (he hasn’t yet seen Hitler in the car, so once he hears of that, there may be a consideration to upgrade from potato cannon to soup-can cannon) at the ‘communist cosplayers’ much like you guys did to the Hooligans.)
3 Likes
Team Mountain Pass
Day Three, 6AM to 8AM
As I suspected, Andrew didn’t know the meaning of ‘take it easy’, which saw us hurtling along the icy roads at what, to me at least, felt like a breakneck pace. I was going to admonish him about his speed but, when he had reached an extra fifteen miles further than me at seven AM, I decided that we needed to catch up more than I needed to feel totally safe. Truth is, Andrew WAS being careful, but his skill was at a higher level than mine so he was able to pick up the pace and go the extra mile!
Nothing to really report on the sightseeing front. The road was mainly tree-lined or overlooked grasslands and the towns were blink and you’ll miss them types that provided no real break from the, admittedly breathtaking, monotony of the Canadian wilderness…
TO BE CONTINUED
Distance covered: 112 miles
Overall distance: 877 miles
Fuel state: 2/3rds of a tank
Overall fuel used: 3 and a 1/3rd tanks
Morale: +0 (+12) We’ve made two whole days without our car breaking or burning down!!!
Fatigue: +0 (-2) Early morning starts go by in a flash and they rarely leave a mark…
3 Likes
Team Thunder Taxi, Part 11
Massey, Ontario
As scheduled, Jack and his teammates woke up at 6am, then briefed his team and set off towards the next waypoint. The Thunder Taxi was refueled shortly afterwards before resuming its journey. Although it was a long way behind the leaders, it was still in the race, and nothing seemed untoward - for now at least. But all that could change in the blink of an eye, and Chris urged his teammates to “expect the unexpected”.
While driving towards the border, Jack muttered quietly to himself, “Hmm… The scenery hasn’t changed very much. There hasn’t been anything unusual on this leg so far, as far as I am aware. Until anyone tells me otherwise, I’ll keep driving to Itasca State Park as planned at our current pace.” He wondered whether or not the monotony of many uneventful hours at the wheel would end, until he remembered the detour coming up. Soon, it would be time to choose a route, and the consequences of each choice would have to be considered before proceeding further.
1 Like
Team Harcourt-Entwhistle update.
Gran is sitting in the car looking queasy…
Every time they think of last night’s conversation Mopey and Spanners feel queasy…
Apart from the engine and road noise silence eminates from every inch of the car…
2 Likes
TEAM OUTRIDERS
07:00
Our fearless adventurers have woken up and are focused on showering, eating breakfast, and getting ready to go.
Blake: What the fuck?
Zach: What is it?
Blake: I’ll be right back. We may have some shenanigans going down.
(Zach, Luigi, and Marc are now eating breakfast in the main room as Blake walks in.)
Blake: You’re not gonna believe this.
Luigi: What?
Blake: I saw something on the windshield of the car, so I went to take a look. (Holds up what he found)
Zach: Hot dogs?
Marc: Kosher ones at that. What’s that in your other hand?
Blake: A note. From those guys in the Truckling. Paying us back for the theft from the last trip.
Marc: How about that? I guess kindness in the end pays off.
Blake: There’s more. They mention those commie cosplayers, and offer their assistance if we should wish to take them down a notch.
Zach: Well, at least we have lunch now.
Blake: We’ll set them on the defroster to thaw.
Luigi: Those commie guys remind me of that team we saw in that race across Europe, remember?
Blake: Shit, I forgot about those guys.
Luigi: You think they could be the same guys?
Blake: No way, that race was over twenty years ago. If they were the same guys, then they wouldn’t have aged a day.
(Our intrepid heroes finish loading up the car in preparation for a new day, one of the packs of kosher hotdogs was placed on the defroster while the other sits in the cooler for later)
(@Madrias, My guys appreciate the gesture, and will be open to some cooperation.)
5 Likes
Legend of Terms:
POI NOTE: Blah blah blah you know the drill by now.
BD: Block Distance. This is the amount of mileage covered during the current 2 hour period.
OD: Overall Distance. This is the total distance that the team has covered since the event started.
AT: Ambient Temperature
FS: Fuel Status. Approximate fuel reading. May also include other fuel related concerns.
MRL: Morale modifier
FTG: Fatigue Level
Last Town: Last town of note that was passed (will not include tiny villages)
Next Waypoint: Should be self explanatory.
Notes: Any notes I have for your team during this time block. Including POI results, car issues, etc.
SATURDAY, 8AM - 10AM
VicVictory:
BD: 65 mi OD: 1054 mi AT: 31 F FS: 2/3 MRL: +1 FTG: +2 Last Town: Seney, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team has completed the mandatory detour.
@Madrias
BD: 41 mi OD: 989* mi AT: 30 F FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: +0 Last Town: Raco, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team has crossed into the United States. Team has refueled in Sault Saint Marie, MI. Team is currently on the mandatory detour, finding a longer, safer route. DETOUR ROUTE CONDITION: County road with occasional potholes, occasional compact snow and ice. Minor failure: Check Engine light turns on. Codes: P0130, P0420, P0508
@Mr.Computah
BD: 99 mi OD: 989* mi AT: 30 F FS: 2/3 MRL: +0 FTG: +0 Last Town: Raco, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team has crossed into the United States. Team has entered the mandatory detour, trying to find a longer, safer route. DETOUR ROUTE CONDITION: Country road with occasional potholes, occasional compact snow and ice.
@Jaimz
BD: 27 mi OD: 1016 mi AT: 31 F FS: 3/4 MRL: +0 FTG: +0 Last Town: Raco, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team has completed their detour route (just a couple minutes before end of time period)
@Awildgermanappears
BD: 123 mi OD: 953 mi AT: 29 F FS: 2/3 MRL: +0 FTG: +0 Last Town: Massey, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: None
@BobLoblaw
BD: 100 mi OD: 989* mi AT: 30 F FS: 1/2 MRL: +0 FTG: +0 Last Town: Raco, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team has crossed into the United States. Team is just starting the mandatory detour, using a longer, safer route. DETOUR ROUTE CONDITION: Occasional compact snow and ice, county road with some potholes.
@Zabhawkin
BD: 0 mi OD: 989* mi AT: 30 F FS: 3/4 MRL: +0 FTG: +2 Last Town: Raco, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team is in the mandatory detour section, attempting to find a short route. DETOUR ROUTE CONDITION: Snowbound, frozen dirt/sand road underneath. Incident: The El Govnor in front of them has gotten severely stuck. It has taken some time and cooperation, but the teams are under way again.
@HighOctaneLove
BD: 110 mi OD: 989 mi AT: 30 F FS: 1/3 MRL: +0 FTG: +2 Last Town: Raco, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. Team has crossed into the United States. Team is just starting the mandatory detour, attempting to find a shorter, quicker route. DETOUR ROUTE CONDITION: Snowbound, frozen sand and mud road underneath.
@Fayeding_Spray
BD: 114 mi OD: 932 mi AT: 30 F FS: 1/3 MRL: +0 FTG: +2 Last Town: Iron Bridge, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: This vehicle is poorly suited to the conditions. ONGOING ISSUE: Car is backfiring and bucking.
@DoctorNarfy
BD: 51 mi OD: 1014 mi AT: 30 F FS: 1/2 MRL: +0 FTG: +3 Last Town: Raco, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team has blasted through the mandatory detour in one time period, using a shortcut. Slight fatigue penalty due to the speed at which they did it. They are pulling back onto the highway at exactly 10 am.
@FindRED19
BD: 0 mi OD: 989* mi AT: 30 F FS: 3/4 MRL: +0 FTG: +2 Last Town: Raco, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team is in the mandatory detour section, attempting to find a short route. DETOUR ROUTE CONDITION: Snowbound, frozen dirt/sand road underneath. Incident: This team and vehicle got significantly stuck, and needed the assistance of the DMA following them to get free.
@stm316
BD: 54 mi OD: 989* mi AT: 27 F FS: 1/2 MRL: +0 FTG: +0 Last Town: Raco, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Car is poorly suited to the conditions. ONGOING ISSUE: Ticking and unusual RPM drop during shifts. Team has crossed into the United States. Team is in the mandatory detour, attempting to find a short, quick route.
@Mythrin
BD: 100 mi OD: 889 mi AT: 30 F FS: 2/3 MRL: +0 FTG: +0 Last Town: Raco, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team has crossed into the United States. Team is just starting the mandatory detour, trying to find a short, quick route.
@abg7
BD: 119 mi OD: 930 mi AT: 30 F FS: 1/2 MRL: +0 FTG: +0 Last Town: Iron Bridge, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: None.
@LordLetto
BD: 87 mi OD: 817 AT: 29 F FS: FULL MRL: +1 FTG: +0 Last Town: Massey, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. Waypoint completed: Dynamic Earth. Team has refueled in Sudbury, ON.
@cpufreak101
BD: 52 mi OD: 989* mi AT: 30 F FS: 1/2 MRL: +0 FTG: +0 Last Town: Raco, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team has crossed into the United States. Team is currently in the mandatory detour section, attempting to find a short, quick route.
Vehicles that are traveling in packs:
In the detour section, the DMA is following behind the El Govnor.
Note: vehicles within ~5 miles of each other are within CB range.
Team Moss Boss
Somewhere west of Hulbert Lake
The cousins’ teeth rattled as their truck rumbled down the forest road. It seemed as if it had significant washboarding underneath, and the snow provided little mitigation from the impact. Still, Hank pressed the Townsend harder
“I s-s-see, over th-there!”
“Y-yeah, that’s a roa-oad!” Kyle sighed in relief.
“Which w-way?”
“Right.”
A minute later, Hank swung their ride onto the (relatively) wide, paved county road, heading north.
“Not too shabby,” Hank commented.
Kyle nodded in agreement. “Only stuck once? Yeah, I’d say that was pretty good.”
Hank listened carefully to the T50 as it cruised along, attempting to pick out any new noises. Satisfied that there were none, he let himself relax and get back into the groove of driving.
*When teams get to 989 miles, their mileage will not increment, as that is the “start” of the detour. Once they are back onto the main course afterward, they will start at mile 1014. The pace through the detour is determined by your AF, TE, and whether it’s the short or long route.
5 Likes
Team V6 Vandals - Day 3, 6-8a - “Payback”
“So, gas station sounds like a good idea.” Amy said, pointing to the gas gauge.
“Yeah, it does. And I’ll need one of our quart bottles of oil. She burns a bit of oil, and this would be stop number four.” Luke said, pulling into the gas station. He switched off the engine, got out, swiped his card, and filled the tank with Premium gasoline. Before he got back in, he pulled the hood release, checked the dipstick, and added enough oil to get back to the full mark, plus just a little extra to be safe, knowing they had a leak and that the engine was burning some of it. With the gas stop completed, the Vandals were back on the road.
At a stop sign, however, the Truckling showed it was hurting. Having been struggling to find an idle since the gas station, it finally stalled before Luke could get them through the intersection. Luke restarted the engine and stepped on it, showering the car behind them in oily smoke.
“We’ve got a light. Amy, I need the cable from in the glovebox.” Luke said. Amy passed him the cable, and Luke connected one end to the 50 pin connector on his left arm, and the other to the OBD-II socket. “Okay, now tell me what’s wrong with you.” he said, still driving as he checked for codes.
“So, how bad is it?” Jake asked from the back seat.
“P0130, P0420, P0508. O2 Sensor Malfunction in Bank 1, Sensor 1, a Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold, and the Idle Air Control Circuit is Low.”
“So basically we’re screwed?” Cody asked.
“I don’t think so. Everything points to a lean condition. We’re stalling at idle. We know it’s burning oil, so the cat’s probably getting clogged. Worst case scenario, we bypass the catalyst and run dirty, but I’d like to avoid doing that.” Luke said.
“Any solutions?” Jake asked after a few minutes.
“Yeah. Check the cables first. If they’re good, check the IAC motor. If that’s good, replace the O2 sensor on bank 1, ahead of the catalyst. And that’s only if the problem gets worse. Right now, it’s some minor stalling when idling, which can be countered with a little extra throttle, and it’s blowing some extra smoke, which is expected in a beater.” Luke said.
“Lean conditions aren’t good with turbochargers, Luke.” Amy said.
“O2’s reporting lean. She’s dumping fuel, way rich. We’re getting worse efficiency and it’s ruining the catalysts, but we should be okay. I’ve driven cars with the check engine light on before, it’s okay if you know what’s wrong and what it’s going to do.” Luke replied.
“So, got a plan?” Jake asked.
“Of course I do. Make up time in advance. See if an Italian Tune-Up clears any problems or makes them worse.”
“I like that plan.” Cody said, grinning.
With that, they headed out onto an old county road, dodging potholes, snow-drifts, and ice patches. Amy looked in the mirror and rolled her eyes. “I’d say we were rollin’ coal, but this ain’t a diesel. The Rednecks would probably be proud of the pollution, though.”
“Rolling through the snow-drifts in a big blue cloud of smoke.” Luke said, seeming amused. “We’ll be fine, I’ve driven a hybrid since 2004. I’m just making up for all of that non-pollution by driving a shitbox.”
Morale: 10 (NC)
Fatigue: 0 (NC)
Waypoints: 4
Fuel Status: Full
Fuel Stops: 4
Oil Used: 1 quart
CEL Codes: P0130, P0420, P0508
Suspected Issue: O2 Sensor, Loose Cable, IAC Motor
(We’re not sure yet, no true diagnostic performed.)
5 Likes
Team Mountain Pass
Day Three, 8AM to 10AM
Another two hour session with little to report. Well that would be true if we were still in Canada. Y’see, we had to cross the border and, despite it being not very busy, we felt like the checks took AGES…
Border Official: “Passports and visas”
P: “Here you go”
BO: “Purpose of your visit?”
P: “Pleasure”
A: “Business”
BO: “Well, which one is it!?!?”
P: “Uhhh, we’re journalists writing for a car magazine and we’re entered into a ahem junkcar rally, so it’s technically both”
BO: “You have proof you’re in this ‘Rally’?”
P: “Yeah I do, here’s our registration card and timesheet”
A: “Impressive, eh; over 900 miles in two days!”
BO: “Not really, I’ve seen better”
We wait for a few minutes…
BO: “You’re both approved. Have a nice day”
P: “And you have a great day sir! C’mon Andrew, let’s go!”
We quickly get back to race pace then, ten minutes later…
A: “Did you see our faces on the ‘Do not enter’ board?”
P: “No. What do you mean?”
A: “When we crashed and burned last time we were here I used a couple of fake, clean passports with our names on them, but totally different faces. Remember how I made you wear a wig and those eye contacts when we flew out of Seattle? That was to match the pic in your passport!”
P: “How did you… Why did you… You, YOU ASS!!! We could have been locked up forever!!!”
A: “Well we didn’t and we won’t so just relax, nothing’s going to go wrong…”
P: “Humpf!!!”
It wasn’t very much longer when we reached the detour entrance. Andrew was all for the quickest route, safety be damned, and I was inclined to agree with him. The ground was solid so if we avoided deep snowdrifts and didn’t do anything too stupid then we had a chance at making up a lot of lost ground… We may even win this thing outright! So, in agreement for once, we headed into the snowy backroads looking to hopefully move up a number of places on the leaderboard.
TO BE CONTINUED
Distance covered: 110 miles
Overall distance: 987 miles
Fuel state: 1/3rd of a tank
Overall fuel used: 3 and 2/3rds tanks
Morale: +0 (+12) We’re running smooth and no-one can get in our way.
Fatigue: +2 (+0) Border crossing officials are scary!
3 Likes
Gran: George, David, I’d like to talk about last night…
Mopey and Spanners: NOOOOOOO!
Gran: It was the alcohol. David must have been pouring me larger measures than usual.
Spanners: Erm… Mrs E, I gave you the bottle and a glass. I wasn’t acting as a bartender!
Gran: I feel like a foolish old lady…
Silence…
Silence…
Gran: …well, you are allowed to disagree you know!
Spanners: I know we are allowed to but I can’t!
Gran: George, I am so sorry for my actions last night.
Mopey: Sorry enough to put me back in your will?
Gran: George, dear, that sounds like blackmail…but I never took you out of it.
Mopey: In that case, gran, I accept your apology with the condition that you NEVER drink or talk about it EVER again.
Gran: Yes dear, thank you. David?
Spanners: Fair enough Mrs E…god knows what my gran would say if she knew.
Gran: Well actually…
Spanners: NOOOOOOOOO! I don’t want to hear it…any of it!
Gran: Very well then.
3 Likes
TEAM OUTRIDERS
(The whine of a starter motor followed by the roar and rumble of a big block starting.)
Blake: You know, I don’t think I can ever get tired of that sound.
Zach: Yeah, not to mention violating noise pollution laws.
Luigi: It’s for the blind kids.
(Zach is behind the wheel, Marc is riding shotgun, and Blake and Luigi are in the back.)
Marc: I feel like a song.
Zach: Oh no!
(Despite his dread he joins in and all four men sing along.)
(Our heroes arrive at the border.)
Luigi: Oh shit! I forgot my passport!
Blake: Really? Great, this ass has decided to reenact every '90s sitcom.
Zach: What do you mean?
Marc: You know, everyone crosses into Canada, then the foreigner in the group reveals that he/she doesn’t have the proper documents and can’t legally leave the US.
Zach: Oh no! Why would you do this to us?
Luigi: I’m just kidding. Here it is.
Blake: Don’t do that you prick!
(After a short wait they are next in line at the checkpoint.)
Officer: Good morning. Passports?
Zach: Right here.
Officer: This car looks like it’s seen some rough times.
Zach: We’re in a cross country race of sorts. $500 cars.
Officer: That makes sense, I saw a few more cars beat up like yours earlier today. Though by comparison this one doesn’t look all that bad.
Zach: They built these to last. (Pats the dashboard and a radio knob pops out.) Shit!
Officer: All Americans I see.
Marc: (points a thumb backwards) Except this **** prick.
Officer: Marc?
Marc: How’s it going Jerry? Been a while.
Jerry: I’ll say, you still policing that hick town?
Marc: You’re looking at the Chief.
Jerry: No shit, congratulations! Anyway, these all check out. Welcome back to America. Take care.
Marc: Good to see you again.
(The Outriders are now once again in the United States.)
Blake: What was that all about?
Marc: We went to the Police Academy together.
Zach: That must make you feel better about yourself, he’s a border guard while you’re chief of police.
Marc: Watch your mouth! Jerry’s a good guy. I’m glad he’s at least working again.
Luigi: How so?
Marc: He used to be one of ours. We were in a pursuit, took us to the freeway. Suspect opened fire, blew his tire out. He was too late attempting to correct and his car flipped. Poor guy spent the next ten months learning how to walk again.
Zach: Oh my God.
Marc: Worst part was the city screwed him over big time. They could’ve covered his expenses, he would’ve recovered and they’d have at least gotten another ten years out of him. But no, they laid him off. Felt he was a “financial liability”
Blake: And that my friends, is why Marc hates the city council.
Zach: Not to change the subject, but where are we headed next?
Marc: We’re stopping in Raco quickly. My wife is going to meet us there.
Luigi: We don’t have time for that, even with how quick it would be with you.
Marc: Not that you stupid ***. She’s bringing my gun. Now that we’re back in the US I can carry it again.
Blake: Then after that, we’re taking the detour route. It’s longer but we’re not exactly a Jeep here.
Marc: Not to mention the risk of barricades.
Blake: Shut the hell up!
(The team meets up with Bonnie, Marc’s wife. After a quick exchange of hugs and kisses the team once again is on the road.)
Zach: You’re not going to shoot anybody with blanks again are you?
Marc: No, all I’ve got with me are live rounds. And before you ask, no, I’m not going to shoot the other teams either.
2 Likes
Pit Stop US
(James is driving, Charles is taking a nap)
James: Why are we doing this again!?
Nathan: It WAS suppose to be a detour thorough the scenic side…
Charles: snoring
James: Well next time you want to take a detour, YOU DRIVE!
Nathan: You WANT me to drive? [slightly sarcastic] Cuz I’m sure we would be just flying by…
James: Flying into a ditch— Whooaaa!
The car creeps to a halt. One wheel spins, burying them further.
James and Nathan look at each other, knowing it was pure karma that got them stuck.
James: You had to say something…
The hazards turn on as they get out to assess the problem.
Nathan: Well, we’re done!
James: Maybe… I’m sure there’s someone following behind us that can help us out.
Just then the DMA showed up.
[@Zabhawkin , your turn now]
2 Likes
Team Thunder Taxi, Part 12
Approaching the US/Canadian Border
As the Thunder Taxi headed west on the Trans-Canada Highway, it was business as usual for Jack, who had been anticipating the border crossing - and the first route fork - with as much enthusiasm as his teammates.
“Chris, Vince, I hope you’ll enjoy your first few hours on American soil. The scenery past Sault Sainte Marie will be even more breathtaking than it is up here in Canada, which should help take your mind off fatigue and boredom.”
There was no spoken response from either of them, just nods of affirmation and appreciation.
“So you are in agreement with me, then. I’ll do my best to get to the border, and then go as far south as possible. Taking the Thunder Taxi down south is sure to be a blast!” he chortled.
With that, he motored on westwards towards the next waypoint, and kept to his plan of a moderate pace until an opportunity to make up more ground presented itself.
2 Likes