One Last Hurrah [FINAL RESULTS]

Community Challenges & Competitions
321

Team Thunder Taxi, Part 17

Approaching next waypoint in Historic Fort Snelling

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

2 Likes
322

Team Shitbox Brothers

(You know the drill with the accents).

Alejandro: “We’re now running second.”

Ana: “Distance between us and Hartcourt?”

Alejandro: “90 kilometres. 93 kilometres before.”

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

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

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

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

Alejandro grabbed the radio and the microphone.

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

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

4 Likes
323

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

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

Mopey: Dunno but I just got a feeling…

Mopey grabs the CB mike…

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

Voice from CB: Hello?

Mopey: Hi, were you trying to call us?

Voice: Nope.

Mopey: Anyone else out there trying to contact us?

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

Mopey: England.

Voice: Y’all know the queen?

Mopey laughing: No.

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

Gran: What a strange person.

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

6 Likes
324

Legend of Terms:

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

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

SUNDAY, 10AM - NOON

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

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

@Mr.Computah

6b2f9a47800f40eb15c5b4257fa44e7b9052681e
6b2f9a47800f40eb15c5b4257fa44e7b9052681e960×640 156 KB

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vehicles that are traveling in packs:

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

Team Moss Boss

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

Fort Snelling - Cannon fire

Fort Snelling - Musket Infantry

7 Likes
325

TEAM OUTRIDERS

(The car is stopped at a rest area)

Zach: Give me two.

Blake: I’ll stand.

Marc: I’ll raise fifteen.

Blake: Fold.

Zach: I’ll call. Two pair, Aces high.

Marc: Straight.

Zach: Fuck!

Luigi: I’m back.

Blake: Welcome back.

Luigi: How’s the game going?

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

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

Zach: You wanna join in?

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

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

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

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

Blake: Why don’t you like wild cards?

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

5 Likes
326

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

8 Likes
327

Team Thunder Taxi, Part 18

Still approaching Historic Fort Snelling

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

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

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

1 Like
328

Team Mountain Pass

Team Bio
Day 4, 8 - 10AM

Day Four, 10AM to Noon

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

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

TO BE CONTINUED

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

4 Likes
329

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4 Likes
330

Team Pit Stop

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

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

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

5 Likes
331

Legend of Terms:

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

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

SUNDAY, NOON - 2PM

VicVictory:

T50-1
T50-11029×573 110 KB

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vehicles that are traveling in packs:

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

Team Moss Boss

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

Hank snickered as he listened from a chair.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7 Likes
332

Team Thunder Taxi, Part 19

Rochester, Minnesota

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 Likes
333

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5 Likes
334

Team Shitbox Brothers - Aftermath.

(You know the drill with the accents.)

Alejandro and Ana are sitting on the curb of the road, next to Gramps GT. The bonnet has been lifted and one of the two brothers has drawn a dick on the head cover with a black marker, over the ‘Contendiente PowerTech’ lettering. Ana’s phone is playing music, no flashy synthwave this time though. Only ‘A horse with no name’ by America.

Alejandro: “The crankshaft decided to commit suicide.”

Ana: “Well seems like we’re out of the race.”

Alejandro: “And there goes our last chance.”

Ana unmessed her hair once, letting a sigh.

Ana: “These events attract too much attention and get so many second hand cars sold I doubt we’ve seen the last of it. By the way, can I keep Gramps GT if I get you an engine to swap in?”

Alejandro: “Sure. Next time we’re bringing something else though. A Caliban-frickin’-Thunder.”

Ana: “Could be fun to drive a kit car on the road for thousands of km.”

6 Likes
335

Team Mountain Pass

Team Bio
Day 4, 10AM - Noon

Day Four, Noon to 2PM

The repairs to the alternator wiring have held up fine. No more drama or burnt plastics occurred as we kept the hammer down and our eyes on the prize. When we stopped at Minneapolis for fuel there was no signs of trouble with our repair whatsoever!

Other than fussing over the wiring, we’re going fine, nothing interesting to report. Just munching up miles and some beef jerky (bought at the fuel station on a dare) and looking to make up the time that we lost fixing the wiring issue.

TO BE CONTINUED

Distance covered: 129 miles
Overall distance: 1838 miles
Fuel state: 2/3rds of a tank
Overall fuel used: 7 and 1/3rd tanks
Morale: +1 (+12) Easy session with no dramas
Fatigue: +4 (+8) Gotta keep rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ :grin:

6 Likes
336

Mopey: Gran, you know that spanish cutey, I mean girl that shouted at you?

Gran: Yes dear?

Mopey: Well they’re out of the race.

Gran: That’s karma dear.

Mopey: And another team has flipped.

Spanners: They met the goon from the last race?

Mopey: No, proper flipped. Rear wheel fell off and they rolled twice!

Gran: David?

Spanners: NOOOOOOoooooooo…that had absolutely, 100%, definitely, completely, totally, utterly had NOTHING to do with me! Plus, there is the fact that they hadn’t pissed me off. So what does that mean for the race?

Mopey: We’re one of 11 cars remaining, have a comfortable lead and the nearest team is the faded red Enforcer who are about 100 miles behind.

6 Likes
337

TEAM OUTRIDERS

Blake: Fifty cents.

Marc: I’ll see that, and raise you a buck.

Zach: I’ll see that, and I’ll call.

Blake: Full house bitches!

Marc: Aw, I’ve just got a two pair. A pair of red aces, and a pair of black aces.

Blake: Shit!

Marc: I’ll just take this.

Zach: Not so fast. I have a four, a five, a six, a seven, and an eight. All clubs!

Marc: Dammit!

Zach: Hah! Come to daddy!

Luigi: Hey look at that.

Blake: That’s one of the teams.

Marc: They broken down?

Blake: Looks like more than that. Judging by their stance, I’d say they’re out.

Luigi: So we go up another spot.

Marc: That sucks.

Zach: One spot closer to winning.

Marc: Not the way I want to win though.

Blake: Lord knows we’ve lost that way before.

Luigi: But the car soldiers on.

Blake: Gives me an idea though, I could start a business buying up these old Enforcers and swapping the motors out. The 432 is a beast after all.

Luigi: So is the Triforce, as long as it’s not neglected.

Blake: How’s our fuel doing?

Luigi: Needle is below “E” I predict another thirty miles before we need to stop.

Marc: I don’t like trusting instinct like that.

Luigi: Don’t trust me eh?

Marc: I don’t trust running low at all. I try to never let my gas get below half a tank.

Zach: Why is that?

Marc: Guarantees I won’t risk running out. Plus it doesn’t feel like I’m spending as much when filling half a tank as opposed to an entire tank.

(Cough, Sputter)

Blake: What was that?

Luigi: Power loss.

(Sputter)

Marc: You stupid ****! I told you we should’ve gotten gas in that last town!

Luigi: Hang on, I’m pulling over.

(The Enforcer pulls over to the side of the road, Luigi gets out and uses the gas can in the trunk)

Luigi: How many miles to the next town?

Blake: About fifteen to twenty.

Marc: Assuming your fuel calculation fits into that.

Luigi: Shut up!

Radio: And now for the local traffic report. All appears smooth except for a rollover accident on Highway 52. Traffic is slowed due to gawkers. There were two occupants of the small pickup truck, only minor injuries reported.

Blake: Small pickup truck, you think it’s that Townsend?

Marc: It’s hard to say, not like these reports focus on describing vehicles.

Luigi: I always said we need more gearheads in the news.

Zach: Yeah, except that would scare off us normals.

5 Likes
338

Legend of Terms:

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

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

SUNDAY, 2PM - 4PM

@Madrias
BD: 153 mi OD: 2164 mi AT: 61 F FS: 1/2 MRL: +0 FTG: +8 Last Town: Peoria, IL Next Waypoint: Gateway Arch, St Louis, MO
Notes: Ongoing issue: Check Engine Code: P0420. TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. Team is tired.

@Jaimz
BD: 140 mi OD: 2281 mi AT: 61 F FS: 2/3 MRL: +0 FTG: +8 Last Town: Litchfield, IL Next Waypoint: Gateway Arch, St. Louis, MO
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. Team is slightly tired.

@BobLoblaw
BD: 139 mi OD: 2178 mi AT: 61 F FS: 1/2 MRL: +0 FTG: +8 Last Town: Peoria, IL Next Waypoint: Gateway Arch, St Louis, MO
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. Team is tired.

@Zabhawkin
BD: 140 mi OD: 2085 mi AT: 61 F FS: FULL MRL: +1 FTG: +2 Last Town: Davenport, IA Next Waypoint: Gateway Arch, St. Louis, MO
Notes: Waypoint completed: Eagle Point Park. Team refuels in Davenport IA.

@HighOctaneLove
BD: 143 mi OD: 1983 mi AT: 60 F FS: 1/3 MRL: +0 FTG: +6 Last Town: Millville, IL Next Waypoint: Eagle Point Park, Dubuque, IA
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH.

@DoctorNarfy
BD: 142 mi OD: 2138 mi AT: 61 F FS: 1/3 MRL: +1 FTG: +8 Last Town: Galesburg, IL Next Waypoint: Gateway Arch, St Louis, IL
Notes: Team is tired. Waypoint completed: Eagle Point Park.

@findRED19
BD: 0 mi OD: 1755 mi AT: 48 F FS: 2/3 MRL: +2 FTG: -2 Last Town: Minneapolis, MN Next Waypoint: Eagle Point Park, Dubuque, IA
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. Team is on an extended POI stop at the Old Ford Plant (ends at 4PM).

@Mythrin
BD: 136 mi OD: 2003 mi AT: 61 F FS: FULL MRL: +1 FTG: +6 Last Town: Dubuque, IA Next Waypoint: Gateway Arch, St. Louis, MO
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. Waypoint completed: Eagle Point Park. Team has refueled in Dubuque, IA. Team is starting to feel slightly fatigued.

@abg7
BD: 138 mi OD: 1999 mi AT: 61 F FS: REFUEL IN PROGRESS MRL: +1 FTG: +8 Last Town: Dubuque, IA Next Waypoint: Gateway Arch, St. Louis, MO
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. Team is refueling in Dubuque. Waypoint completed: Eagle Point Park

@LordLetto
BD: 122 mi OD: 1832 AT: 61 F FS: REFUEL IN PROGRESS MRL: +1 FTG: +8 Last Town: Rochester, MN Next Waypoint: Eagle Point Park, Dubuque, IA
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. Team is refueling in Rochester, MN. Waypoint completed: Fort Snelling. Team is tired.

@cpufreak101
BD: 143 mi OD: 2126 mi AT: 53 F FS: 1/4 MRL: +1 FTG: +10 Last Town: Galesburg, IL Next Waypoint: Gateway Arch, St. Louis, MO
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. Team is tired. Waypoint completed: Eagle Point Park.

Vehicles that are traveling in packs:

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

FYI, I’m on vacation for the next couple days. Next update when I get home.

Also, some of y’all may want to think about rest stops…

6 Likes
339

Team Mountain Pass

Team Bio
Day 4, Noon - 2PM

Day Four, 2PM to 4PM

Nothing new to report. We’re getting the job done and the car is well behaved. We are holding off thoughts of food or rest until next session as it’ll get in the way of our excellent progress so far…

Don’t forget to check out our progress on the interactive map at MountainPass.com.au!!!

TO BE CONTINUED

Distance covered: 143 miles
Overall distance: 1981 miles
Fuel state: 1/3rd of a tank
Overall fuel used: 7 and 2/3rd tanks
Morale: +0 (+12) Been on the road for a while but still in good spirits.
Fatigue: +6 (+14) Starting to feel the effects of the day’s activities but we’ve still got a lot of fight left in us!

4 Likes
340

Team Thunder Taxi, Part 20

Dubuque, Iowa

Having outlasted the Moss Boss and the Shitbox Brothers, Jack and his three loyal teammates were more confident than ever of a decent finish. Fatigue through prolonged driving was beginning to take its toll, but none of the crew had suffered any ill effects yet. Even so, Jack kept an eye out for points of interest to stop at just in case they had to take a well-earned rest.

As he refueled the Thunder Taxi Chris told Jack about the perils of an ill-timed stop. “We’ve been gaining momentum for the past two hours. It’d be a shame to sacrifice it by stopping too soon, or in the wrong place…” he murmured, knowing that where they stopped was just as important as when they did it.

Bob then continued: “…especially since there are other teams not very far from where we are right now. We don’t want them to know too much about our intentions, after all, which is why I’m thinking twice about addressing anyone within a five-mile radius.”

Vince added: “If we actually choose to stop, it will most likely be in Davenport. I’d recommend we visit the Putnam Museum and Science Center, the Bucktown Center for the Arts, or the Figge Art Museum. In either case, we shouldn’t stay there for more than an hour or two.”

Jack replied: “Agreed. I’ll think about that en route to Davenport, and if we stop, we’ll vote on where to do it.”

And so another round of friendly banter came to an end.

3 Likes