One Last Hurrah [FINAL RESULTS]

Community Challenges & Competitions
244

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
245

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
246

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
247

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
248

Also, this is for @Jaimz…

26f4p3

249

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
250

Team Mountain Pass

Team Bio
Day 3, 6 - 8AM

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
251

@VicVictory

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
252

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
253

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
254

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
255

Time for me to do a little catch up.

Day 2, 4-6

The pair pull into the Beef n Bird parking lot and slowly climb out of the cab and start stretching.

Jake, “Next time we take this one out lets put some new seats in it, mine is getting pretty worn, and I always get out smelling like wet dog.”

Otis, “Whats wrong with smelling like wet dog? The old Jake still has more miles in that seat than you do.”

They enter the diner and get a table for 6.

As the Vandals pull up Jake comments, “You know when its by itself the turd doesn’t look half bad, but when they park it next to ours it just looks… well like our truck took a large dump.”

“It’s highly impolite to destroy someone else’s chairs. I weigh 600 pounds, downside of being a re-purposed military robot. I have armor plating that can stop most small arms fire, but that means I’m a bit on the heavy side.” Luke said, before sitting on his constructed chair.

Otis, “I was admiring the compartment actually, looks big enough for an AR with a collapsed stock”

Jake spends much of the meal questioning Luke, apparently he has a penchant for science and technology as well as racing and knows more than expected about Luke, disturbingly including the quirk (Luke having become self aware, and having a conscience) that led to the project being canceled.

Day 2 6-8

Jake is now driving from the Beef n Bird, Otis is keeping the 12v coffee pot going with a switching between hot water for hot chocolate, and coffee.

Day 2 8-10

Jake, “Almost to the border”

Otis waking up, “Huh what? Hey were almost to the border.”

Jake, “I just said that.”

Otis, “No you didn’t”

Jake, “Your just getting senile old man”

Otis, “My mind is like a steel trap”

Jake, “So where are your keys”

Otis starts fumbling for his keys which aren’t on his belt loop.

Jake, “Like I said, senile, stop panicking their in the ignition”

Otis, “That was a trick”

Jake, “Sure was, now get our passports out, the line doesn’t look that bad”

Otis, “Things aren’t as bad coming from Canada to the US as it is coming from Mexico to the US”

day 2 10-12

Some time latter, during which the long haul truck honked at them a couple of times to wake them up to move forwards.

Officer, “Nationality?”

Jake and Otis, “American”

Officer “Whats in the back”

Jake, “Parts, tools, food, camping gear”

Officer looks at their identification, “What brings you all the way from Mexico to Canada to buy parts”

Jake, “We are doing a long distance beater competition, the parts and tools are just in case, and its New Mexico, the state between Texas and Arizona”, he picks up the paper road atlas and points to the back, “See, we live right here”

Officer, “No need to be a smart ass”

Jake and Otis bite their toungs.

Officer, “Mind if I take a look?” as he walks back to look under the tarps.

After looking under the tarps, “Any weapons, explosives, manifestos?”

Otis getting annoyed, “No we left them at home”, and shows him the ATF form that allows him to transport and use explosives on his ranch.

The officer slowly verifies the information and lets them go.

A very short time later they pull into the nearest Hotel and go to sleep.

Day 3 6-8am

Jake and Otis slept through their alarm, but decided not to rush out but to get properly fed fueled and warmed up. Otis begins the driving. Upon coming up to the detour area they notice two sets of tracks heading off and decide to throw caution to the wind and follow.

The truck tears through the deep snow with the drifts hammering the front bumper sending sheets of snow up over the hood and cab and in all other directions. Jake and Otis are enjoying the drive, and are not really worried about making fast time. The road behind them looks like a snow plow lost control and hit just about everything but the trees.

8-10am

The fun comes to a rather sudden end when they round a corner sideways with all four tires flinging snow out behind to find team Pit Stop standing outside their car. The truck is not just covered in clumps of snow, but also mud. Leave it to a pair of Rednecks to find mud to play in when everyone else only sees thick white snow.

The T-25 comes to a stop sideways with big mounds of snow packed by each tire with the passenger side door right next to James.

Jake calmly hits the down button on the window and with a serious expression, “Pardon me sir, would you happen to have any Grey Poupon?”

They both then get out of the truck and after a quick inspection of the situation pull out shovels and a come-along, strap it to the tree and start the painfully slow process of getting them out of the ditch.

@findRED19 up to you

3 Likes
256

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, 10AM - 12PM

VicVictory:
BD: 127 mi OD: 1181 mi AT: 36 F FS: 1/3 MRL: +0 FTG: +3 Last Town: Three Lakes, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: None

@Madrias
BD: 98 mi OD: 1083 mi AT: 35 F FS: 2/3 MRL: +0 FTG: +2 Last Town: Seney, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team has finished the mandatory detour. Ongoing issue: Check Engine Codes: P0130, P0420, P0508

@Mr.Computah
BD: 87 mi OD: 1070 mi AT: 35 F FS: 1/4 MRL: +0 FTG: +2 Last Town: Seney, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team has completed the mandatory detour.

@Jaimz
BD: 124 mi OD: 1140 mi AT: 36 F FS: 1/3 MRL: +0 FTG: +2 Last Town: Negaunee, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: None

@Awildgermanappears
BD: 36 mi OD: 989* mi AT: 34 F FS: 2/3 MRL: +0 FTG: +0 Last Town: Raco, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team has entered the United States. Team has refueled in Sault Saint Marie, MI. Team is currently in the mandatory detour, attempting a shorter, quicker route. DETOUR ROUTE CONDITION: Torn up, slushy snow, shifting sand and mud underneath.

@BobLoblaw
BD: 79 mi OD: 1068 mi AT: 35 F FS: 1/4 MRL: +0 FTG: +2 Last Town: Seney, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team has completed the mandatory detour.

@Zabhawkin
BD: 110 mi OD: 1099 mi AT: 36 F FS: 1/2 MRL: +0 FTG: +3 Last Town: Seney, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team has completed the mandatory detour.

@HighOctaneLove
BD: 76 mi OD: 1065 mi AT: 30 F FS: 1/3 MRL: -1 FTG: +5 Last Town: Raco, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. Team received a big scrape down the left rear from skidding and hitting a tree when on the detour section. Road conditions also degraded, and it was a tough slog through.

@Fayeding_Spray

image
image1089×533 69.7 KB

BD: 31 mi OD: 973 mi AT: 34 F FS: FULL MRL: -5 FTG: +4 Last Town: Sault Saint Marie, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
CRITICAL FAILURE: Team stopped to refuel in Sault Saint Marie. Car would not crank afterward. Starter failed, and no replacement could be found.

@DoctorNarfy
BD: 128 mi OD: 1142 mi AT: 36 F FS: LOW MRL: +0 FTG: +5 Last Town: Negaunee, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: None

@FindRED19
BD: 109 mi OD: 1098 mi AT: 35 F FS: 1/2 MRL: +0 FTG: +4 Last Town: Seney, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team has completed the mandatory detour.

@stm316
BD: 68 mi OD: 1057 mi AT: 34 F FS: 1/4 MRL: +0 FTG: +2 Last Town: Seney, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: ONGOING ISSUE: Ticking and unusual RPM drop during shifts. Team has finished the mandatory detour. Ticking/RPM drop issue is becoming more pronounced.

@Mythrin
BD: 58 mi OD: 1047 mi AT: 34 F FS: 1/3 MRL: +0 FTG: +3 Last Town: McMillan, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team has finished the mandatory detour, which was turning into quite a slog at the end.

@abg7
BD: 59 mi OD: 989* mi AT: 34 F FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: +2 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 in the mandatory detour, trying a longer, safer route. DETOUR CONDITION: County road with occasional potholes, bare and wet.

@LordLetto
BD: 118 mi OD: 935 AT: 34 F FS: 3/4 MRL: +0 FTG: +2 Last Town: Iron Bridge, ON Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH.

@cpufreak101
BD: 99 mi OD: 1088 mi AT: 35 F FS: 1/3 MRL: +0 FTG: +2 Last Town: Seney, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team has finished the mandatory detour section

Vehicles that are traveling in packs:

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

Team Moss Boss

No RP this time around, but the team has decided to eat a bag of chips each instead of a road lunch, and plan an extended dinner stop at the Dubh Linn Brew Pub in Duluth

*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
257

Pit Stop US - Part 2

[I can finally catch up cuz it’s spring break]

On Friday the team went about without incident, though they did notice another team at a diner (@VicVictory), they did not speak to them…

The Pit Stop team is Sitting at the Diner

James: Hey, look over there. Aren’t they the Boss team?
Nathan: Yeah, oh but it doesn’t look like they’re having a polite discussion… (He notes Hank’s bitching)
James: Yeah. Probably best to leave them alone for now.
Charles: You know, you’ve [directing to James] had women troubles before, havn’t you…
James: Uh—
Charles: And I’ve never heard your stories, so let’s hear them then!

James starts to taking a defensive position, and it shows in his facial expressions

Nathan: Yeah, didn’t you have that one girl blow up on you? I wanna hear That story!
James: You’re not going to hear that story from me!
Charles: So she was something special!
Nathan: C’mon! Just say it! Tell us about this girl you met!
Charles: Was it in Europe?

James’ face answers yes while he remains silent.

Charles: Ha! I knew it! You met a girl in Europe when you worked over there!
Nathan: What was she like? Was she pretty?
James: Was she pretty? That’s the best question you got? …Of course she was pretty!
Charles: Oooh, I knew it! You shared a STRONG bond with her, didn’t ya!
James: I’m not commenting any further!
Nathan: Oh, come on! You havn’t actually told us anything about her.
James: Nope! That’s final! Not a single word more.

And with that, the team had dinner and James took driving duties

Saturday Morning

At 600 hours Charles springs up, and starts yelling at Nathan and James like they were privates at boot camp. This is not taken lightly, as James gets up and slaps Charles across the face, not hard enough to make a mark though…

James: Wake up Charles. It’s two-thousand eighteen. You’re not fighting any wars anymore.
Charles snaps out of his sleep-state and becomes aware that he woke up the team an hour earlier than planned.

Nathan: I hope this hotel has a continental breakfast like the last one.
James: And coffee.
Nathan: Oh, yeah that. That is that… er, coffee. Where is the coffee then?

The team heads out at 7a, instead of their planned 8a. No sense in wasting time when they’re already up.

Saturday Midday

James is still driving, while Charles decides to take a nap right after they left. This causes Nathan to get a “brilliant” idea.

Nathan (looking at a map): Hey, I think we could make a nice detour soon.
James: Detour? Why do we need to do that?
Nathan: It’d be quicker and quite scenic!
James: Well, ok, what’s the catch then?
Nathan: What catch? There’s no catch. We’d just take these side roads here (trying to show James as he kept driving) and we’d possibly cut a good 30 minutes off the time to the next landmark!

James (not getting a good look at the map): Well, ok then. Old man can’t disapprove of it since he’s sleeping again, Just actually do your job and navigate, Nathan.

Nathan: Already on it, just take a left up here… there! And we’ll be good in no time!

James (laughing): …And we’re saved by the team best-equipped to actually save us!

Nathan (surprised and slightly disappointed): By the Redneck Express.

Nathan: Wha-?
James just laughs
Nathan (to himself): Did they drive through the sewer to get that muddy?

The teams worked together to get the car out of the ditch, with Charles finally waking up when the car is half-way out. When the car finally gets unstuck, the Pit Stop trio thanks the Redneck Express for their help and drives forward, waving.

Nathan: Well, that went smoother than I thought it would.
James: That’s southern hospitality is what it is.
Nathan: How many tools did they have in their truck?
James: Probably more than we have, but I’m not sure what all Charles packed.
Charles: Well, not a spare engine, though we should do that for next time. …Veggie chip?
Nathan (disgusted): Uhhgg! NO! Don’t stuff your damn healthy chips in my face!
Charles: Well, ya don’t know what yer missing until you try it!
Nathan: Nope, I’m good.
James: Here, hand me one. Lemme try it.

James takes a bite… and grimaces as he finished the rest of the veggie chip

Charles: …Aaaannd?
James: You, you can keep your chips. I think I’m good.
Charles: More for me then.

Note: The camera team uses a Storm Serenity Mk2 to follow the Pit Stop Trio, so they’re pretty much never going to get stuck with the SymTrak and pretty much have the easy life with that luxurious minivan.
@Madrias I thought Luke might appreciate that.

3 Likes
258

V6 Vandals - D3 8-10a - “Detour”

Luke kept the hammer down through the old country back-roads, the Truckling fumigating the countryside with dark blue smoke as the check engine light stayed glowing.

“So, what’s the plan?” Amy asked Luke.

“Parts store.”

“Okay, going straight to firing the parts-cannon at it, I see.” Jake said, grinning.

“An O2 sensor is inexpensive, and one of the easiest parts to replace. It also solves the problem of checking connections because the very nature of replacing an O2 sensor requires disconnecting the cable. If it doesn’t go away, we have the fun of finding out which one of our six IAC motors has gone stupid in our throttle-per-cylinder V6.” Luke responded.

“I guess sometimes the parts-cannon makes sense, then.” Jake replied.

Just then, the Truckling hurtled onto a proper road, and Luke belted it hard, accelerating in a huge cloud of smoke. A horn blared behind them as the Truckling covered them in the oily fog of doom before disappearing into the distance.

MRL: +10 (NC)
FTG: +2 (+2)
WAY: 4
GAS: 2/3
FST: 4
OIL: 1 quart

@findRED19 Yeah, Luke would appreciate that, when or if he gets to see it during a pass.

3 Likes
259

TEAM OUTRIDERS

(The team is cruising along, radio is set to news)

Radio: 82 reported dead in the explosion. Over 160 wounded. Obristani separatists have claimed responsibility for the attack. And now in Domestic News, embattled Petoskey owner and CEO Eleanor Ventnor has a new curveball in her trial. Evidence of a Cayman Islands account has been revealed. Barry Claibourne, Ventnor’s attorney claims there is no evidence linking the account to his client. It’ll be a matter of time as to whether this exonerates or convicts Ms. Ventnor.

Zach: Fuck a duck!

Blake: Doesn’t get her off the hook.

Zach: No, but it’s a damn good start. Money was embezzled, now that money is out in the open. It’s only a matter of time before they follow the paper trail. That account has to belong to someone.

Marc: If she or whoever used an alias, that may be difficult. I mean, this has been going on for over twenty years, that means someone was very good at covering their ass.

Zach: Hopefully not for long.

Luigi: (checks map and signs) Looks like we’re nearing the end of the detour and getting back on the main path.

Zach: I don’t know, you think we should’ve tried for a shortcut?

Blake: Hell no, this isn’t a truck. Too much risk of getting stuck or worse.

Marc: With how good Missy has treated us, we owe it to her to be gentle.

Zach: Missy?

Marc: That’s the car’s name.

Zach: Why Missy?

Marc: Because shut the hell up.

Zach: We got a game plan?

Blake: Put the hammer down and give it Hell. Temperature’s above freezing now so conditions should improve.

5 Likes
260

Team Thunder Taxi, Part 12

On the detour in Michigan

Having crossed the border into the United States, the Thunder Taxi continued its journey south on the longer, safer detour instead of the rougher shortcut. Jack had made the decision to use the detour hours earlier, and none of his teammates saw fit to overrule him. But would this decision help or hinder the team? Time will tell.

In the meantime, Chris was hearing persistent rumors that one of the entrants had dropped out of the race. “I wonder why this is so. Maybe they had a part failure and couldn’t find a replacement in time?” he wondered.

Bob’s reply was: “Who knows? Replacement parts might be scarce over here.”

Vince was feeling convinced that this was the case. But regardless of whether this theory was true, the fact remained that the Thunder Taxi had managed to cover nearly a thousand miles by now, and that number was guaranteed to increase. The question was, by how much?

3 Likes
261

Team Mountain Pass

Team Bio
Day 3, 8 - 10AM

Day Three, 10AM to Noon

Well, that was a nightmare! Turns out the sand and mud wasn’t as frozen as we hoped and the rear wheel drive configuration in our Bogliq made the whole experience one of spinning tyres, trying to maintain momentum and terrifying moments when we thought we’d become bogged. In our attempt to traverse terrain unsuited to our car’s abilities we’d managed to tear up the road a substantial amount, rendering the route almost undriveable. Hopefully no-one follows our path or else they may find themselves biting off more than they can chew!

We thought we’d made it through unscathed but, near the end of the detour, Andrew hit a patch of frozen mud. The Bogliq’s rear wheels then spun instead of gripping which slid the passenger rear quarter into a tree trunk. They then managed to find grip which resulted in a 30cm long scrape being left on the panel. Thankfully the fuel flap wasn’t impaired and there was no damage to the fuel filler neck so we got off lightly, thankfully…

After that tiring, terrifying exercise in potential disaster we pointed our mud-caked Bogliq onwards; our hearts gladdened by our return to civillisation and sealed roads! The car seemed no worse for wear and we wanted to press our advantage so we raided our supplies for a lunch on the run. Things were starting to look up for team Mountain Pass… We might actually have a shot at winning!

TO BE CONTINUED

Distance covered: 76 miles
Overall distance: 1063 miles
Fuel state: 1/3rd of a tank
Overall fuel used: 3 and 2/3rds tanks
Morale: -1 (+11) We damaged the car :sob:
Fatigue: +5 (+5) RWD and mud are a terrible combination! :sweat:

6 Likes
262

Team Redneck Day 3 10-12, If you have to say Yee Haw your having too much fun

Otis and Jake, “YEEEEE HAAAAWWW!!!”

Even though they were following team Pitstop to make sure they made it out of the mess they were zig zagging all over the road from bar ditch to bar ditch depending on which one looked more interesting to them. Snow and mud are flying everywhere as the engine roared with the truck bounces violently through the not part of the road sections.

Jake and Otis singing badly over the CB, “Dashing through the snow in a big redneck sled… mud right!!.. over the road we go… Whooooo yeah!!!.. laughing all the way”

Once they return to the paved road they stop long enough to unlock the front hubs and return to 2 wheel drive.

5 Likes
263

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, 12PM - 2PM

VicVictory:
BD: 110 mi OD: 1291 mi AT: 39 F FS: 3/4 MRL: +0 FTG: +5 Last Town: Saxon, WI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team has refueled in Bruce Crossing, MI. Team is starting to feel slightly fatigued.

@Madrias
BD: 132 mi OD: 1215 mi AT: 38 F FS: 1/3 MRL: +0 FTG: +4 Last Town: Sidnaw, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Ongoing issue: Check Engine Codes: P0130, P0420, P0508

@Mr.Computah
BD: 111 mi OD: 1181 mi AT: 38 F FS: 3/4 MRL: +0 FTG: +4 Last Town: Three Lakes, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team has refueled in Munising, MI.

@Jaimz
BD: 110 mi OD: 1250 mi AT: 38 F FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: +4 Last Town: Merriweather, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team has refueled in Bruce Crossing, MI

@Awildgermanappears

bupJIK4
bupJIK42954×1094 543 KB

BD: 0* mi OD: 989* mi AT: 37 F FS: 2/3 MRL: -5 FTG: +4 Last Town: Raco, MI
CRITICAL FAILURE: Transmission gives up the ghost about halfway through the detour.
Final morale: +2 (okay) Final fatigue: +6 (just fine)

@BobLoblaw
BD: 106 mi OD: 1174 mi AT: 38 F FS: 3/4 MRL: +0 FTG: +4 Last Town: Three Lakes, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team has refueled in Munising, MI

@Zabhawkin
BD: 122 mi OD: 1221 mi AT: 38 F FS: REFUEL IN PROGRESS MRL: +0 FTG: +5 Last Town: Bruce Crossing, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team pulls in to Bruce Crossing to refuel at exactly 2pm. Team is starting to feel slightly fatigued.

@HighOctaneLove
BD: 120 mi OD: 1185 mi AT: 37 F FS: 3/4 MRL: +0 FTG: +6 Last Town: Three Lakes, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. Team has refueled in Munising, MI. Team is starting to feel slightly fatigued.

@DoctorNarfy
BD: 109 mi OD: 1251 mi AT: 39 F FS: 2/3 MRL: +0 FTG: +7 Last Town: Merriweather, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team has refueled in Ishpeming, MI. Team is a little tired.

@FindRED19
BD: 4 mi OD: 1142 mi AT: 38 F FS: FULL MRL: +2 FTG: +0 Last Town: Ishpeming, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team has refueled in Ishpeming, MI. The team has stopped for lunch and a POI break (Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum) in Ishpeming, MI.

@stm316
BD: 97 mi OD: 1154 mi AT: 37 F FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: +4 Last Town: Three Lakes, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: ONGOING ISSUE: Ticking and unusual RPM drop during shifts. Team has refuled in Munising, MI

@Mythrin
BD: 107 mi OD: 1154 mi AT: 37 F FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: +5 Last Town: Ishpeming, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team has refueled in Ishpeming, MI

@abg7
BD: 61 mi OD: 1050 mi AT: 37 F FS: 3/4 MRL: +0 FTG: +4 Last Town: Seney, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team has completed the mandatory detour

@LordLetto
BD: 54 mi OD: 989* AT: 37 F FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: +4 Last Town: Raco, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: TEAM MORALE IS HIGH. Team has entered the United States. Team has refueled in Sault Saint Marie, MI. Team is currently in the mandatory detour, attempting to find a short, quick route. DETOUR CONDITIONS: muddy, sandy, heavily rutted.

@cpufreak101
BD: 107 mi OD: 1195 mi AT: 35 F FS: FULL MRL: +0 FTG: +5 Last Town: Three Lakes, MI Next Waypoint: Itasca State Park, MN
Notes: Team has refueled in Ishpeming, MI

Vehicles that are traveling in packs:

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

Team Moss Boss

“And there we go. We’re in Wisconsin now,” Kyle noted.

“Looks just as boring as most of Upper Michigan.”

“Yeah. The forests were great. The endless mining and farming towns? Not so much.”

Hank yawned. “Well, Minnesota’s coming up soon enough. And so is dinner.”

“That can’t come fast enough,” Kyle added.

Hank agreed.

*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