For Some reason I Was Expecting something a little different:
1 Like
Team Marx
Lenin: quietly drives
Karl: did you hear one of the teams went out already?
Lenin: I haven’t, no.
Karl: yeah, they appeared to be behind us though, otherwise I would have asked if we could have given them a lift somewhere.
Lenin: ah, that’s a shame, hopefully someone else can swing around for them then.
Karl: yeah yawns think we should take a quick stop somewhere soon?
Lenin: sleep is for the weak!
Karl: not even for hot food?
Lenin: okay, maybe that I’ll stop for.
Karl: let’s hopefully find someplace to go. Uh, we have a current map, right?
Lenin: actually, I don’t think we do, perhaps we should stop at a gas station for one, as who knows how old this one is God threw at us at the start of this.
MRL: +0 FTG: +7
4 Likes
Legend of Terms:
POI NOTE: I will NOT be pre-warning of upcoming POI points. I will ONLY auto-stop teams for two things: fuel and, when completely exhausted, rest. Anything else you want (including tourist POI, restaurants, premature fuel, rest at any point before complete exhaustion), YOU need to PM me in advance (before I run the time block that you’d complete it in). Also, please don’t map out everything from here to the end in one PM… try to keep it within a couple time blocks.
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.
Thursday, 6PM - 8PM
VicVictory:
BD: 55 mi OD: 415 mi AT: 23 F FS: 1/2 MRL: +2 FTG: +1 Last Town: Belleville, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Subdury, ON)
Notes: Waypoint completed: Fort Henry. Team has stopped for dinner at Smoke’s Poutinerie. Team is starting to feel slightly fatigued. WEATHER CONDITION: Snow flurries.
@Madrias
BD: 102 mi OD: 420 mi AT: 23 F FS: 2/3 MRL: +1 FTG: +8 Last Town: Belleville, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Waypoint completed: Fort Henry. Team is tired. Team rolls in to the Travelodge in Belleville at exactly 8pm. WEATHER CONDITION: Snow flurries.
@Mr.Computah
BD: 76 mi OD: 420 mi AT: 23 F FS: 3/4 MRL: +1 FTG: +7 Last Town: Belleville, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Waypoint completed: Fort Henry. Team is a little tired. Team rolls in to the Travelodge in Belleville at 7:45pm. WEATHER CONDITION: Snow flurries.
@Jaimz
BD: 95 mi OD: 421 mi AT: 23 F FS: 1/2 MRL: +1 FTG: +5 Last Town: Belleville, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Waypoint completed: Fort Henry. Team is a little tired. WEATHER CONDITION: Snow flurries.
@Awildgermanappears
BD: 7 mi OD: 368 mi AT: 23 F FS: Full MRL: +1 FTG: +10 Last Town: Kingston, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Waypoint completed: Fort Henry. Team has stopped to junkyard hunt and perform repairs on rear suspension. Repair in progress. ETR: 10:00pm. Team is feeling tired. WEATHER CONDITION: Snow flurries.
@BobLoblaw
BD: 67 mi OD: 423 mi AT: 23 F FS: 2/3 MRL: +2 FTG: +2 Last Town: Belleville, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Waypoint Completed: Fort Henry. Team is starting to feel a little fatigued. Team has stopped for dinner at Boston Pizza in Kingston. WEATHER CONDITION: Light snow.
@Zabhawkin
BD: 105 mi OD: 413 mi AT: 23 F FS: 2/3 MRL: +1 FTG: +5 Last Town: Kingston, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Waypoint completed: Fort Henry. Team is feeling tired. WEATHER CONDITION: Snow flurries.
@HighOctaneLove
BD: 46 mi OD: 386 mi AT: 23 F FS: Full MRL: +1 FTG: +3 Last Town: Kingston, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Waypoint completed: Fort Henry. Team is starting to feel slightly fatigued. Team has stopped for the night at Boathouse Country Inn.
@Fayeding_Spray
BD: 97 mi OD: 420 mi AT: 23 F FS: LOW MRL: +1 FTG: +10 Last Town: Belleville, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: This vehicle is poorly suited to the conditions. Team is very tired (comfort of car very low). Team has stopped at the Travelodge in Belleville, ON due to dangerous fatigue and worsening weather. WEATHER CONDITION: Snow flurries
@DoctorNarfy
BD: 105 mi OD: 465 mi AT: 23 F FS: 1/2 MRL: +1 FTG: +10 Last Town: Cobourg, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Waypoint completed: Fort Henry. Team is feeling very tired. Team has stopped at Comfort Inn in Cobourg due to dangerous fatigued and worsening weather. WEATHER CONDITION: Light snow.
@FindRED19
BD: 32 mi OD: 368 mi AT: 23 F FS: Full MRL: +2 FTG: -1 Last Town: Kingston, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Waypoint completed: Fort Henry. Team has stopped for dinner at Boston Pizza (will be on the road again at the start of next time block). Team is starting to feel slightly fatigued. WEATHER CONDITION: Snow flurries.
@Puffster
BD: 66 mi OD: 374 mi AT: 23 F FS: Full MRL: +1 FTG: +7 Last Town: Kingston, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Extreme turbo lag is both a boon and a hindrance under the current circumstances. Waypoint completed: Fort Henry. Team is feeling tired. WEATHER CONDITION: Snow flurries.
@stm316
BD: 55 mi OD: 383 mi AT: 23 F FS: Full MRL: +1 FTG: +3 Last Town: Kingston, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury ON)
Notes: Car is poorly suited to the conditions. Waypoint completed: Fort Henry. Team has stopped for an hour’s rest. Team is starting to feel slightly fatigued. WEATHER CONDITION: Snow flurries.
@Mythrin
BD: 98 mi OD: 433 mi AT: 23 F FS: 3/4 MRL: +1 FTG: +8 Last Town: Belleville, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Waypoint completed: Fort Henry. Team is feeling tired. WEATHER CONDITION: Snow flurries.
@abg7
BD: 15 mi OD: 368 mi AT: 23 F FS: Full MRL: +1 FTG: +0 Last Town: Kingston, ON Next Waypoint: Dyamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Waypoint completed: Fort Henry. Team is starting to feel slightly fatigued. Team has stopped for the night at Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront. WEATHER CONDITION: Snow flurries.
@Nicholander
BD: 103 mi OD: 461 mi AT: 23 F FS: 2/3 MRL: +1 FTG: +8 Last Town: Cobourg, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Waypoint completed: Fort Henry. Team is feeling tired. WEATHER CONDITION: Light snow.
@LordLetto
BD: 74 mi OD: 368 mi AT: 23 F FS: FULL MRL: +1 FTG: +5 Last Town: Kingston, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Waypoint Completed: Fort Henry. Team has stopped for the night at Holiday Inn & Suites Express. WEATHER CONDITION: Light snow.
@cpufreak101
BD: 28 mi OD: 389 mi AT: 23 F FS: Full MRL: +1 FTG: +1 Last Town: Kingston, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Waypoint completed: Fort Henry. Team has stopped to rest in Kingston. Team has optionally refueled in Kingston. Team is feeling slightly tired. WEATHER CONDITION: Snow flurries.
Vehicles that are traveling in packs:
(Most vehicles at the same mileage are resting for the night)
Note: vehicles within ~5 miles of each other are within CB range.
Team Moss Boss
BRAAAAAAP
“Whoo, boy!” Hank exclaimed, fanning the vapors of his belch away from his face.
Kyle grinned. “I give that one an 8.”
“Extra points because it’s just as good the second time around.” Hank stuck the keys in the door to unlock, taking a moment to savor the memory of the philly cheesesteak poutine he had just consumed. His cousin had opted for the Hangover Poutine, and odd but understandable choice.
Kyle’s phone rang. He looked at the called ID and shuddered. “Parsons, here.”
“Parsons, where are my emails? I was expecting them an hour ago!” his boss growled.
“Sir, I told you I’d send them when I was settled in for the night. I’m on the road and can’t…”
“I don’t want excuses, Parsons. I’ve lost a whole day’s work because of you!”
His gut began to burn, only partially due to greasy Canadian delicacies. “Sir, I”
“I want them in no more than fifteen minutes, you hear me?”
A flash of rage boiled over him. “I’m on my vacation, jackass. I’m not supposed to be working at all.”
“PAR…”
“FUCK YOU, I QUIT!”
Kyle closed the line and chucked his phone as hard as he could. In a stroke of luck, he managed to hit a bush, and kept it from shattering into a million bits. He screamed and cursed the heavens, then spent the next few minutes snarling and muttering before he calmed down and retrieved his phone.
Hank stood by and watched his cousin regain his composure.
“Good for you,” he cheered.
Kyle gave Hank an almost blank stare. “You mentioned something about a job?”
Hank nodded. “You can start the Monday after we get home, if you’d like.”
“Sounds like a good change of pace.”
6 Likes
ADDITIONAL NOTE - ROUTE
So I’ve been asked this a couple times: “What’s the route?”
It was actually posted in one of my RP flavor texts earlier, but I guess that wasn’t prominent enough. So here it is:
Quebec City
Montreal
Kingston
Sudbury
Itasca State Park
Minneapolis
Des Moines, IA
St Louis
MEMPHIS (Not Nashville)
Vicksburg, MS
New Orleans
(Everyone still running has at least made it to Kingston)
Edit: I should not type shit when I’m tired. Corrected which city in Tennessee we’re actually going to.
8 Likes
Team Mountain Pass
Day One, 6PM to 8PM, Boathouse Country Inn
I found a place worth staying for the night and fired up the GPS so that Andrew would be able to find his way without issue. The weather was beginning to look ominous. The fast fading twilight was being hastened by low dark clouds, pregnant with malicious intent, so I was relieved to find somewhere relatively close; you know, just in case of a snowstorm!
A: “I don’t like the look of this weather… I’m no good in snow”
P: “Me either, hopefully we can get to shelter before the worst of the snowstorm hits”
A: “Better yet, let’s hope that the storm holds off entirely!”
But it wasn’t to be. As soon as Andrew spoke a single clump of white magically appeared on the windscreen, closely followed by many more. Andrew switched on the fogs but didn’t relent on the pace, gambling on the road being clear of snow long enough for us to arrive at our lodgings for the evening. The next hour was a nail biting blur of snow, slippery patches and white knuckle moments; we almost cheered when we arrived at the Boathouse.
P: “We made it. But retiring early isn’t going to help our chances of winning…”
A: “Cheer up old bean! I’d rather stay warm, drink a couple of beers and have a good rest than be out in that weather, Brrrrr!!! Besides, you’re driving tomorrow so you can go as fast as you want! Hahahahahahaha…”
And with that final comment, Andrew went off to find a comfy spot in the bar, leaving me to bring in our overnight bags and check in for the evening.
P: “Booking for Mountain Pass.”
Concierge: “Excellent sir, room seven, do you have a credit card?”
P: “I do, fumbles in walet, here you go”
C: “Thankyou, swipes card, here’s your card sir and here’s your key … have a nice stay!”
P: “One question; is that snowstorm going to last?”
C: “Most assuredly sir, and everything’ll be blanketed in snow tomorrow so if you plan to leave, take it easy out there…”
P: " Oh I will, thanks for the information"
I stowed our bags in the room and joined Andrew at the bar. He was sitting on a couch, alternately sipping a light beer and eating a BLT.
A: “I took the liberty of ordering us some light beers and a sandwich, no sense getting inebriated when we need all the rest we can get”
P: “Good idea, takes a swig of beer, grimaces, next time please make mine an apple cider!”
A: “Haha, not a hops man I see, no worries then. So where are we headed tomorrow?”
P: “Sudbury. The roads are going to potentially be treacherous so we may already have lost!”
A: “Meh, getting paid to drive around a foreign country; I’ve already won!”
And with our plans settled for tomorrow, we settled in for the night, hitting the sack at 8PM with a 7AM wake-up call. That’s right, twelve hours from now we’ll be hitting the road, looking for adventure, in whatever comes our way…
TO BE CONTINUED
Distance covered: 46 miles
Overall distance: 365 miles
Fuel state: Tank is full, kinda
Overall fuel used: One tank plus a little bit
Morale: +1 (+4) Stopped safely for the night
Fatigue: +3 (+10) The beginnings of snow had us concerned but we’re letting the storm pass us by… 
3 Likes
Team V6 Vandals - 4-6p Day 1 - “Pit Stop”
The windshield wipers flicked back and forth, carving a clean path in the white dust that landed on the windshield, the soft whine of the wiper motor moving the three wiper blades against the fresh powder being one of the only sounds in the cab of the Truckling, the others being the growl of the V6 under the hood, the sound of road-noise under the tires, and the occasional squeak or rattle from loose interior trim.
A yawn broke the relatve peace from the back seat, followed by Cody asking, “So, how much longer?”
“Not far. We’re close to Belleville, and I’ve heard it mentioned that there’s a Travelodge there, got a couple teams already in it. Team Shitbox Brothers and Team Faux Class.” Luke said.
“Sounds like a good plan, then.” Jake said, giving a light smile.
“Any bets on frozen gas lines from low gas in these conditions?” Amy asked.
“I don’t like the odds. That said, we have half-a-tank remaining, we should be okay. It’s around 1/3 to 1/4 that I’d actually start getting worried. That said, if someone’s on fumes, I don’t envy their odds.” Luke said.
As they rolled into Belleville, Luke started keeping a look-out for the Travelodge, and found it both by the sign and the two unmistakable cars owned by the teams. The large-barge of Faux Class and the smaller Contendiente stood out, both squeezed into the parking lot right next to each other.
Luke brought their micro-truck into the parking lot, engine purring quietly as he moved to back into the spot next to the huge OSHL sedan.
“Backing it in?” Amy asked, seeming confused.
“Stops us getting trapped with no way out. If I nosed into the spot and the snow piled up behind the back of the Truckling, we’d have to push the whole truck out of the snow. Backed into the spot, I merely have to drag the truck out of the snow.” Luke said. “Oldest trick in the book for a front-wheel-drive.”
With the engine switched off, the four members of the V6 Vandals bailed out of the Truckling, looking over the other cars there and watching traffic.
“Reckon any of the other teams are still awake here?” Cody asked.
“It’s possible, but not probable. If they’re here, it’s for the same reason we are, to get some rest. Now, that’s not saying it’s impossible that someone’s still awake, but I wouldn’t expect you’ll have much luck finding a team to chat with.” Luke responded, before looking back at the unlikely trio of cars.
“And I’ll just post that to Instagram.” Luke said. “Might get a bit of a laugh. But, before we head inside, I’ll just do one last thing, save myself a lot of trouble in the morning.” Luke headed back over to the Truckling and lifted all three windshield wipers away from the windshield, so that they wouldn’t get frozen into the base of the window.
The four of them then walked into the Travelodge, rented two rooms, and prepared for a long night. Amy and Luke paired up, and left Jake and Cody with the key to the other room.
Luke’s End-of-Day Social Media Update:
“So, we’ve made it to the hotel okay. Looks like we’ve managed to keep pace well enough overall, made it through a few waypoints today. Looking forward to the next day, even if a couple teammates are a little reluctant. The backseat isn’t entirely the most comfortable thing in the Truckling, but it’s far from the worst car we’ve had so far. The old Sinistra Savage was powerful and thirsty, but it cruised well. Our worst car was the Minerva Midnight. No power, no speed, no redeeming qualities. The Ishu Truckling is quick, and still carries a good amount of junk. I’m estimating an 8 hour stop-over while the other three get some rest, then it’s back to the road for us.”
Morale: +2 (+1) - Made it!
Fatigue: +22 (+8) - Long drive in a not-very-big truck.
Waypoints: 3 (+1)
Fuel Status: 2/3 Remaining. 1 Refueling Stop.
Notes: Resting. Luke is, however, checking Social Media feeds for signs of the competition.
4 Likes
Team Thunder Taxi, Part 4
Kingston, Ontario
With the light fading fast, and snow beginning to fall, Jack chose to play it safe and stopped at a nearby Holiday Inn.
“The conditions for tonight will most likely be too dangerous for us. We’ll take a break right now and return to the road next morning.”
“Just as I expected!” Chris replied. “I’m sure other teams have done likewise. Look! There seem to be a few more cars in town - and they belong to the other entrants!”
Vince confirmed his suspicions. “Turns out they do. Now let’s unpack for the night.”
Bob concluded: “Sure thing. We want ourselves to be in A1 condition by the time we resume the race.”
And so Team Thunder Taxi unpacked their belongings for an overnight stay at the Holiday Inn.
3 Likes
Team Shitbox Brothers
(You know the drill with the accents).
15 minutes before 20:00PM. The two brothers arrive at the Travelodge.
Alejandro: “Great, we made it alive!”
Ana: “Now we deserve a good rest. Place the film to protect the engine and let’s go inside.”
The two brothers had dinner not too much time later, and Team Faux Class arrived at the place, followed by the V6 Vandals.
Ana: “We should go say hello.” Ana waved her hand at the teams that had just arrived “Aaaay!”
Alejandro: “Glad you guys made it as well! Here, come have a couple beers with us!”
Morale: (+1) We made iiiiiiit!
Fatigue: (+7) This is a bit tiring, eh.
@Madrias @Fayeding_Spray RP is on you now!
4 Likes
Team Mushroom Cloud.
Day 1 - 2:00-4:00PM
Toni was still behind the wheel, and didnt seem too impressed with the behaviour of the car. There was a whole lot of muttering going on, but all Bill could make out was something about surging, and assumed it was turbo related.
Wookiee seemed be having a grand old time in the back, stuffing around with the CB handset, looking for anyone who had their ears on. He managed to find cellar-dweller calling themselves Spandex Lord, when the CB went temporarily ape-shit. A few seconds later, they all heard: “Apologies for that. Had my radio cranked up well above the limits. Don’t suppose I can get a relay on a weather check?”
Bill reached back and snatched the handset from Wookiee, berating him with: “ Gimme that. You damn near blew our ears off with it! That could have been an EMP attack!”… unaware he had held the button for part of it.
4:00-6:00PM
Bill had the GPS set for Fort Henry, and, even though she was unfamiliar with the area, Toni still refused to trust it.
Toni: “Just read the map.”
Bill: “Do I have to? I don’t get to see a lot of snow back home.”
Wookiee: “It’s white. All of it. Doesn’t matter where you go.”
Bill: “Fine. It says. Go that way. And stay going that way… for another hour. Just like the Navman said to.”
Toni: “Was that hard? If you help me, we might make it out of this cold before we die.”
Wookiee: “What are we doing after this checkpoint?”
Toni: “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it”
A discussion followed to decide the course of action. Being the bankroller and half-owner of the car, Bill’s opinion was worth 3 votes. They weighed up the potential danger of driving the bomb in possibly worsening conditions, versus calling it a night. Ultimately, they decided that after a look at the fort, they’d see how much further they could get before any of them get seriously tired, but there was genuine concern about the roads getting more slippery.
6:00-8:00PM
Wookiee: “Happy now, Bill? Snow. 5 minutes ago, Snow. Guess what’ll happen in 5 minutes…more snow!”
Bill: “Okay. I get it. I’m not missing much, but you have to admit, the place still looks nice.”
Wookiee: “Does he have an ‘Off’ button?”
They spent an hour around Fort Henry, then hit the road once again. They were already far enough behind to make it worth the push. If the car decided to fail, then so be it, if not, they’d make up valuable time.
4 Likes
Team Redneck, Day 1 12-2
Otis is still driving, and the two are still bundled up despite the heater being on full blast. They are using the in car coffee pot to heat water to make hot coco to help keep themselves warm.
Jake as he starts up another batch of water, “Water will be ready in about 10 minutes”, then wipes down the windshileld for the 100’th time. “Hows the road”
Otis, “Slick here and there but overall not bad, the Canadians seem to keep the roads pretty clear”.
Day 1 2-4
Shortly after passing the Petolskey of Team Outriders the CB crackles to life.
Outriders, “Team Redneck, this is Team Outriders, you got your ears on?”
Jake responds, “Sure do, whats up?”
Outriders, “You guys look like your freezing”
Jake, “Just a bit, the heater is a good news bad news kind of thing. The good news is we think we found the cause of it blowing relays and fuses, bad news is its the mixing door servo and its stuck on cold.”
Outriders, “Blake has some experience with working on those, would you like a hand?”
Otis, “Thanks for the offer, but there isn’t really enough room for one set of hands in there let alone two, we will be pulling over soon for fuel and fix it one way or another then.”
Outriders, “Alright drive safe”
Jake, “You too”
Day 1 4-6
The two pull in for gas, Otis starts filling while Jake heads for the restroom, when he comes back team outriders are at the opposite pump fueling up and chatting with Otis about how best to fix it. Otis then excuses himself while Jake finishes fueling.
Confident that Otis and Jake have their problems well in hand the Outriders continue on.
After removing part of the dashboard, and glove box, blower intake cover, and various other odds and ends, a process made easier with the advice from Blake of the Outriders they are finally able to get to the mixing door servo, and its fried. After a few calls to part stores with no luck at a proper replacement they rig up a proper redneck fix using fishing line and bailing wire to manually adjust the mixing door.
Otis, “That will have to hold for now, crank it up and lets see if we got some heat”
Jake fires up the engine and sure enough it works at least well enough that they wont have to wear coats and gloves in the cab anymore.
Of course just before the work was finished the Vandals pull in to refuel which sets off a bunch of friendly banter about the T25 being broken, and comments about the tiny Turd Truck.
Jake takes his turn behind the wheel.
Day 1 6-8
As the Rednecks pass a burnt car being loaded onto a wrecker they recognize some of the people, and check to see if they are ok, after assuring that everyone is ok they continue on.
The sun sets and flakes of snow can be seen in the headlights gradually getting worse.
Otis, "We should pull over, eat, warm up, and get a good look at what the weather is going to do. Ill look for a place to eat.
4 Likes
Mopey: Stupid SPANNERS! Let’s go to a Fort and shoot….let’s have some fun……let’s TOTALLY piss off George by turning up when the place is CLOSED!
Spanners: Sorry mate……I thought we’d have been there quicker but the ice and snow have made driving tricky. Your gran even put her foot down when those loon-bags shouted at her!
Gran: Well at least we can say we’ve been here. Now I think we need something to eat and then push on to a motel.
Mopey: It’s just not fair! I was looking forward to shooting at stuff. Nothing EVER goes my way and it’s shit!
Gran: GEORGE HARCOURT-ENTWHISTLE, we’ll have LESS of that filthy language. Your parents and I never paid all that money on your education to have you talk like a ne’er-do-well from an inner city slumyard!
Mopey: Well I do swear gran….especially when things never go my way!
Spanners: Mrs E, I could strap him to the roof……that might cool his temperament!
Gran: We’ll have less talk like that David……sometimes I don’t know whether you’re being serious or just joking. You were joking……weren’t you?
Spanners: Erm….yes?
Gran: That’s a relief.
Mopey: You believe him? He’d strap me to the roof NAKED, if her could!!!
Gran: George, David was joking. He told me so.
Spanners: Erm……yeah kiddo, I was joking.
Mopey: And anyway gran……Spanners swears a LOT, more so when you’re not around.
Gran: Well George, David has been in the army. I’m pretty sure that they teach people how to swear in the army.
Mopey: But he had a very similar education to me!
Gran: Not quite George. David failed everything, which is why he had to join the army.
Spanners: Mrs E……I excelled at engineering and media studies. I joined the army to advance my engineering skills.
Gran: David, dear, I was trying to save you from embarrassment! You didn’t do engineering……you hot-wired cars and would have gone to prison if your fathers barrister hadn’t persuaded the judge, with a funny handshake, that you’d be better off in the army! And media studies isn’t a real thing……it’s just an excuse to watch films and write about them!
Spanners: Well, I got an A* at GCSE….so I call that exceling!
Mopey laughs hysterically……
Spanners: OY! Points to the roof.
Mopey: Weather app says it’s starting to snow.
Spanners: No shit Sherlock! Points out of the window.
Gran: DAVID!!!
Spanners: Sorry Mrs E. Can I make a suggestion Mrs E?
Gran: Of course David.
Spanners: If we do another of these trips then can we take someone else with us?
Gran: We could do. 4 people would help make conversation.
Spanners: No……I mean instead of…… Nods head at Mopey.
Mopey: I can see and hear you know!
Spanners: And speak….you failed to mention that! Or, more to the point, complain.
Mopey: Don’t!
Gran: George darling….you do. David, the snow is getting quite heavy. I think we should find somewhere to stop now, rather than later. We can get something to eat and rest for the night. We passed a motel a couple of minutes ago. Maybe we could stay there.
Team turns around and head for Belleville Travelodge.
Gran: Yes dear, I’d like 3 rooms.
Receptionist: Sorry Ma’m but we only have 2 double rooms left.
Gran: Very well, I’ll take them both. Is there anywhere to get a warm and hearty meal around here?
Recep: Please fill in the book and I’ll get your keys. There’s a good restaurant just across the road that I can recommend.
Gran: Marvelous. And can you tell me which room the owners of that car are. We’re friends.
Recep: Yes, they are in the room next to yours.
Gran: Thank you very much.
Recep: Enjoy your stay.
Gran: David, we have these 2 rooms.
Spanners: Food?
Gran: Restaurant opposite has been recommended. I have a small errand to run. What are you doing?
Spanners: Covering the engine and the windscreen. That’ll save us some time defrosting in the morning.
Gran knocks on the room next to hers. Ana answers.
Gran in fluent Spanish: Young lady. I take great offense at the youth of today driving up alongside me and shouting abuse in broken English. If you wish to shout abuse then use Spanish or, alternatively, you could learn the correct way to speak the Queen’s English. Now if you don’t mind I’m going to get something to eat. Good evening.
(@Mr.Computah - Up to you)
Gran: David, we’re switching rooms!
Spanners: Huh? OK, no problem. Food then.
Mopey: We sure the place is still open and isn’t closed or something?
THWACK
6 Likes
Team Marx
Lenin: Well, that was a decent stop back there.
Marx: We got gas and a map at least.
Lenin: yeah, but the staff recommended their own bag of chips onto us for food, we’ll need something more soon.
Marx: I know, we can swing down to Toronto on the next leg, we did at least get some rest in now.
Lenin: yeah, Toronto sounds good, there’s something to do there easily.
3 Likes
TEAM OUTRIDERS
18:00
Zach: Wait a minute, I know this song, you guys were singing it on the last trip!
Blake: It’s good to expand your horizons.
Luigi: That’s what you told me when you made me watch that movie.
Blake: And you were laughing your ass off if I recall.
Luigi: True.
Marc: And I only know three chords!!!
Zach: Any thoughts on dinner? I’m famished.
Blake: We’re coming up on Kingston. We’re gonna stop there.
(Later, the team is in the parking lot of Boston Pizza getting back in the car.)
Blake: That was pretty damn good.
Luigi: Yeah, good call Marc.
Zach: Out of curiosity, why’d you pick this place?
Marc: This pizza chain is owned by Jim Treliving.
Blake: Why does that name sound familiar?
Marc: Dragon’s Den.
Blake: Right, he’s the Mountie.
Luigi: He’s not the sole owner though.
Marc: No, but he is part owner of the company, plus he helped expand the chain.
(Back in the car)
Blake: Some flurries coming down, we should probably look for lodging soon.
Zach: I’m shocked, you old guys constantly brag about being Michigan drivers and being able to handle anything the weather throws at you!
Blake: I can handle anything the weather throws at me. I’m perfectly confident in my driving ability. It’s everyone else’s driving that I have no confidence in.
Zach: That makes sense.
Marc: Well, if they’re all locals, they should be accustomed to driving in winter conditions.
Blake: Yeah, but look at other drivers in Michigan, they make the same claim.
Marc: Point.
(The team sets off, planning on finding somewhere to stay for the night)
5 Likes
Legend of Terms:
POI NOTE: I will NOT be pre-warning of upcoming POI points. I will ONLY auto-stop teams for two things: fuel and, when completely exhausted, rest. Anything else you want (including tourist POI, restaurants, premature fuel, rest at any point before complete exhaustion), YOU need to PM me in advance (before I run the time block that you’d complete it in). Also, please don’t map out everything from here to the end in one PM… try to keep it within a couple time blocks.
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.
Thursday, 8PM - 10PM
VicVictory:
BD: 88 mi OD: 503 mi AT: 23 F FS: 1/4 MRL: +0 FTG: +4 Last Town: Oshawa, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Team is feeling a little tired. Team pulls in to the Quality Suites in Oshawa at 10pm.
WEATHER CONDITION: Light snow.
@Madrias
BD: 0 mi OD: 420 mi AT: 23 F FS: 2/3 MRL: +2 FTG: -4 Last Town: Belleville, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Team is asleep at the Travelodge in Belleville. WEATHER CONDITION: Light snow.
@Mr.Computah
BD: 0 mi OD: 420 mi AT: 23 F FS: 3/4 MRL: +2 FTG: -4 Last Town: Belleville, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Team is asleep at the Travelodge in Belleville. WEATHER CONDITION: Light snow.
@Jaimz
BD: 45 mi OD: 466 mi AT: 23 F FS: 1/3 MRL: +1 FTG: +0 Last Town: Cobourg, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Team is a little tired. Team pulls in to the Best Western in Cobourg right about 9pm. WEATHER CONDITION: Light snow.
@Awildgermanappears
BD: 7 mi OD: 368 mi AT: 23 F FS: Full MRL: -1 FTG: +10 Last Town: Kingston, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Team has repaired rear suspension and checked into the Residence Inn by Marriott in Kingston. Team is EXHAUSTED. WEATHER CONDITION: Snow flurries.
@BobLoblaw
BD: 80 mi OD: 503 mi AT: 23 F FS: 1/3 MRL: +1 FTG: +4 Last Town: Oshawa, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Team is tired. Team has stopped for the night at Quality Suites in Oshawa (just before 10pm). WEATHER CONDITION: Light snow.
@Zabhawkin
BD: 53 mi OD: 466 mi AT: 23 F FS: 1/2 MRL: +0 FTG: +4 Last Town: Cobourg, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Team is very tired. Team has stopped for the night due to fatigue and weather, at the Best Western in Cobourg. WEATHER CONDITION: Light snow.
@HighOctaneLove
BD: 0 mi OD: 386 mi AT: 23 F FS: Full MRL: +1 FTG: -4 Last Town: Kingston, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Team is asleep at the Boathouse Country Inn. WEATHER CONDITION: Snow flurries.
@Fayeding_Spray
BD: 0 mi OD: 420 mi AT: 23 F FS: LOW MRL: +1 FTG: -4 Last Town: Belleville, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: This vehicle is poorly suited to the conditions. Team is asleep at Travelodge in Belleville, ON. WEATHER CONDITION: Snow flurries
@DoctorNarfy
BD: 0 mi OD: 465 mi AT: 23 F FS: 1/2 MRL: +1 FTG: -4 Last Town: Cobourg, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Team is asleep at the Comfort Inn in Cobourg. WEATHER CONDITION: Light snow.
@FindRED19
BD: 89 mi OD: 457 mi AT: 23 F FS: 2/3 MRL: +0 FTG: +3 Last Town: Belleville, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Team is starting to feel slightly fatigued. WEATHER CONDITION: Light snow.
BD: 41 mi OD: 415 mi AT: 23 F FS: 3/4 MRL: -5 FTG: +5 Last Town: Kingston, ON
CRITICAL FAILURE: Head gasket failure, possible head failure due to subsequent overheating.
Final morale: -2 (BAH!)
Final fatigue: +29 (OK, time to find a hotel)
@stm316
BD: 82 mi OD: 465 mi AT: 23 F FS: 2/3 MRL: +0 FTG: +6 Last Town: Cobourg, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury ON)
Notes: Car is poorly suited to the conditions. Team is feeling tired. WEATHER CONDITION: Light snow.
@Mythrin
BD: 23 mi OD: 433 mi AT: 23 F FS: 2/3 MRL: +1 FTG: +5 Last Town: Cobourg, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Team is feeling very tired. Team has stopped for the night at the Comfort Inn in Cobourg (arriving about 840pm) WEATHER CONDITION: Light snow.
@abg7
BD: 0 mi OD: 368 mi AT: 23 F FS: Full MRL: +1 FTG: -4 Last Town: Kingston, ON Next Waypoint: Dyamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Team is asleep at the Holiday Inn Kingston Waterfront. WEATHER CONDITION: Light snow.
@Nicholander
BD: 42 mi OD: 503 mi AT: 23 F FS: 1/2 MRL: +1 FTG: +4 Last Town: Oshawa, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Team is feeling very tired. Team has stopped for the night due to weather and fatigued at the Quality Suites in Oshawa. WEATHER CONDITION: Light snow.
@LordLetto
BD: 0 mi OD: 368 mi AT: 23 F FS: FULL MRL: +1 FTG: -4 Last Town: Kingston, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Team is asleep at the Holiday Inn & Suites Express. WEATHER CONDITION: Light snow.
@cpufreak101
BD: 76 mi OD: 465 mi AT: 23 F FS: 2/3 MRL: +0 FTG: +6 Last Town: Cobourg, ON Next Waypoint: Dynamic Earth (Sudbury, ON)
Notes: Team is feeling tired. Team has stopped for the night at the Comfort Inn in Cobourg.
WEATHER CONDITION: Light snow.
Vehicles that are traveling in packs:
(Most vehicles at the same mileage are resting for the night)
Note: vehicles within ~5 miles of each other are within CB range.
Team Moss Boss
As Team Moss Boss approached the exit for their hotel, a massive white industrial building on the left hand side of the freeway caught their attention.
“Whoa!” they both gasped.
“Damn, I didn’t know that was going to be along our route,” Hank remarked.
GM Oshawa Assembly
“Can you imagine the history that’s rolled out of there?” Kyle added.
“Impalas used to come out of that plant back in the day. Of course, there was some shit that came out of it too.”
“Like what?”
“Oh, everything for about 20 years starting in the late 70’s,” Hank grinned as he steered the car off the highway towards their lodgings. “Front wheel drive A-bodies, most notably.”
Kyle winced.
As they pulled into the parking lot at the Quality Suites, they saw a pair of familiar cars: the little Takemi Endura, and the ex-police Petoskey.
“Wonder how long they’ve been there,” Kyle mused. “Hey, maybe they’re still awake. I’m going to check it out while you check us in, alright?”
Hank nodded.
@BobLoblaw, @Nicholander … ball’s in your court
6 Likes
Team V6 Vandals - 6-8p Day 1 - “You Have Arrived At Your Destination.”
While Amy settled down to sleep, and while Cody and Jake were sleeping, Luke slipped out of the room quietly, finding it difficult to rest in the warm hotel room without waking Amy.
He walked down to the lobby and settled into a chair, still wearing his combat boots and winter camouflage cargo pants, then reached into a pocket and removed a book to read. The receptionist looked over at him, and Luke gave a wave of acknowledgement. “I don’t sleep.” he said after a minute.
“So, what’s the story with the chains?” the Receptionist asked, looking over Luke’s unusual attire and appearance.
“Oh. Accident in the factory. They’re covering a dent.” Luke responded.
“Where you were built, or?”
“No. The factory where I make cars. Storm Automotive. I run the place, but I’m taking a little vacation, or at least most of one.” Luke answered.
“I have one of those. A 2013 Storm Breeze.”
“Which model? There were many, after all.”
“Sport 4. The AWD one.”
“Ah. Not a bad choice. Would be decent in this weather. Well, other than that it’s a convertible, but, at least it’s carrying the SymTrak unit. If you were curious, that’s what the ‘ST’ meant on yours. Either way, those were good cars. I’d say one of my finest normal designs, personally. A four cylinder that’s half the size of an old big-block V8, coupled to a car that started light and got lighter. The GTX line was a bit of a hoot, to be honest. Especially driving the GTX-4 around the Nurburgring. Was a lot of fun, but I miss it. I don’t get to travel much, and when I do, it’s almost always company business.” Luke said.
“So what do you drive?” the Receptionist asked Luke.
“Oh, a wide variety of cars. But my daily driver is this worn-out old 2004 Storm Surge XR-3. I wanted to bring it for this challenge, this, well, I hesitate to call it a ‘race’ because it’s at the speed limit, but the car is still a bit too nice compared to the other stuff. Plus, not really fair in a beater-bash to bring a hybrid. So, a couple of guys on my team got the little Ishu Truckling that’s out there, getting covered in snow. Had a different car lined up, but decided at the last moment that a rear-engined sedan was a really bad idea. Probably was the right choice.”
Morale: +4 (+2)
Fatigue: +18 (-4)
Waypoints: 3
Fuel Status: 2/3. 1 Refueling Stop.
Notes: Team is Resting.
(OOC: If anyone at the Travelodge is awake for any reason, Luke is in the lobby and willing to chat.)
6 Likes
Team Shitbox Brothers.
Alejandro’s night.
(Any line said by Alejandro, you know the drill).
Alejandro got out of his bed. He took a quick look around, Ana fast asleep in her bed. Alejandro took the keys to the room, dressed up quickly and took his bag with him, exiting the room and closing it.
He walked down to the lobby and then outside, finding that the snow flurry had already stopped, the snowfall consisting of a mere couple of snowflakes here and there now. He removed any snow from the bonnet and the grille and vents, and then made sure the film he placed to protect the engine was still in place, all of this while he listened to Sentient by Perturbator on his headphones. When he was done, he took a look at Team Faux Class’ car and Team V6 Vandals’ pickup, resisting the urge to draw dicks like he did last time around; he went back inside, finding Luke there.
Alejandro: “Aaay, see you’re sticking until late as well.”
Luke: “Correct. What is keeping you up.”
Alejandro: “I was worried about the car. I was expecting it to be covered in snow or something worse, I don’t know.”
Luke: “The snow flurries are over, at least for now, so you have no reason to be worried. Anyways, there’s a question we asked your team several hours ago and you haven’t answered yet.”
Alejandro: “Remind me.”
Luke: “You put a modern engine in you car, which is a bold move. Why did you do that?”
Alejandro: “Well…there’s not much to hide at this point so I might as well tell you. You might be thinking I put it in there for power, or fuel economy, or whatever, but I put it there in order to make the car more reliable. You see, my sister has been pretty excited for coming back for more after the old Conte Ataque left us in the dust during the last tour, so we were having none of it this time. Sure, the 170hp it makes with good fuel economy is a plus, but that’s not something we can’t live without. If we can’t complete this tour, we’ll be dissapointed, so there’s that as well.”
The two talked for a little bit more (will leave that to you @Madrias) and Alejandro then left, coming back to his room, literally falling asleep on his bed.
Morale: +2 (So far, so good).
Fatigue: -4 (Ana is dreaming of playing F-Automation and hearing YOU GOT BOOST POWER!)
Both brothers are currently sleeping.
4 Likes
“I see. Modern isn’t always more reliable, though. Our first run was done in a 1977 Sinistra Savage. Big two-door convertible, a proper land-yacht. Had a monsterous 662 cubic inch V8 with factory turbochargers, and a slushbox. Made it through the Roulette Runner without too much in the way of trouble, other than the incredible thirst for gas. Our second run was in the Kinda Grand Tour. 1998 Minerva Midnight, 3.6 liter V6, Multi-point fuel injection, twin throttle bodies. That car threw just about every problem it could at us in that run without breaking down completely. Hesitation during acceleration because of a dirty throttle body. Bad brakes causing instability at speed. Fuel consumption that was not counter-balanced by speed. Our only non-turbocharged car, and it let us down.” Luke said.
“So, your truck, you weren’t joking about the turbos?” Alejandro asked.
“Not one bit. When the Highway Hooligans mentioned their turbocharged Dynamite E5 survived and made good time, the Ishu Truckling got a pair of spare snails meant for a Storm Gunslinger. Bumped it up to around 325 horsepower, so it has potential. The way I see it, the extra potential speed outweighs the gas stop penalties. Downside, the Truckling now needs premium gasoline.” Luke replied.
“You have any other ideas for this run?” Alejandro asked after a few minutes.
“A couple. 2004 Storm Surge XR-3 Hybrid, my personal car. But it’s not in bad condition, and I felt it’d be a bit of a ringer to have any car that can drive 50 miles with the engine switched off. Plus, it’s all wheel drive, so it’s not like I’d be fighting it at all. The other was a 1976 Ishu Myriad Turbo GT. Four different colors, and a 1.8 liter inline 4 in the trunk of a family sedan. Was tempting, but… We felt, as a team, that it was too great a risk. Rear wheel drive, rear engined, that means the car’s ass heavy. And it was agreed on that, while the car would have been fun in perfect driving conditions, that it’d be too hard to drive in bad weather. On one hand, I’m fine with the decision. Made a lot of sense, we got a front-wheel-drive instead. On the other hand, I somewhat wish that I’d had the brass balls to tell 'em I wanted the Myriad instead. Would’ve been worth all the looks on everyone’s faces when we opened the hood to show them our spare and the suitcases. Make everyone look in the trunk to see our turbocharged and carburetted monster.”
“So, if you wanted the Myriad, why’d you get the truck-thing?”
“Truckling. And because I got out-voted three-to-one. Something about ‘safety’ that I don’t understand. How hard can it be to drive a rear-engined car anyway? I’ve pointed a mid-engined Gunslinger around plenty of tracks, and people drive rear-engined crap all over the place, so it can’t be that hard. But rather than let me have my fun, I get dumped on again. Same thing happened with that damned Minerva. Breakdown, and we stop at the beach. Breakdown again, we stop at an aquarium. Try to drive through the night, and we had a teammate who wouldn’t stop whining. Get up to keep driving and the same teammate complains that we shouldn’t have stopped.” Luke said. “We’re two members down on our original team, and picked up two from a crazier team, but that doesn’t stop the fact that no one seems to want me to have a fun car. So I have to look to the future and hope beyond all hope that I can find another rear-engined sedan, and also hope that someone will hold another of these runs.”
“Why is it so important?” Alejandro asked.
“Ever heard of a bucket list?” Luke responded.
“Yeah, a list of things to do before you kick the bucket.”
“Well, I’m servos and circuits. 18 years is ancient history with computing technology. Driving something rear-engined is on that bucket list for me. At least I get half of it, to drive through Canada instead of just flying over it. But I don’t think the others quite realize that I don’t have the same time left that they do. So, the Ishu Myriad would’ve been one of those cars I wanted to drive, just once to say I did, but because they voted against it on the grounds of safety, I didn’t even get a test-drive. It sucks, but there will be another chance. There has to be.” Luke said.
After the talk, Alejandro headed back to his room and fell asleep. Luke continued his rest in the lobby, watching over the Truckling as it sat in the parking lot, covered in snow.
No status update. Go see the main update post.
6 Likes
[Snores in thick russian accent]
5 Likes
TEAM OUTRIDERS
20:00
(The snow is starting to pick up slightly. The crew is jamming to Judas Priest)
Luigi: It’s starting to pick up a bit.
Blake: Heh, this ain’t shit.
Luigi: And just what would it take to faze you?
Blake: That’s easy. One of those storms in the North Atlantic. Especially when trying to land on a tiny surface in the middle of nowhere, blacked out because of combat exercise and naturally, it’s pitch black.
Zach: What are you talking about?
Marc: He’s talking about landing on a carrier.
Zach: When did you do that?
Blake: A few years before you were born.
Luigi: Blake here was a Navy flier.
Zach: And you never thought to tell me that?
Blake: It never came up. Besides, I left a few years before you were born anyway. I’ll tell you this much, no matter how big those carriers look, they’ll still bob up and down in a heavy sea. They’re a lot better than the smaller ones, but still scary.
Marc: I read something about that, how aviators felt more stress doing a carrier landing than even flying into combat.
Blake: Having been through both I can confirm that.
Luigi: How about that, we’ve got our own flying ace in the car!
Blake: No, I’m not an ace.
Zach: How do you determine who’s an ace?
Blake: Must have five aerial victories. I’ve been in combat five times.
Zach: That doesn’t make you an ace?
Blake: In my first engagement I shot down two enemies. In my third, I shot down another one. In my fourth, I got snuck up on and had to dodge a missile, but managed to bag number four. In my fifth engagement, I didn’t bring anyone down. Then the war ended before I could get number five.
Marc: Damn, tough break!
Blake: It is what it is.
(The team arrives in Oshawa. They pull into the parking lot og the Quality Suites)
Blake: I’ve got two rooms. Zach and I will take one, you two take the other.
Marc: Just don’t get any ideas!
Luigi: What are you talking about?
Marc: Just keep it in your pants!
Luigi: Please, I wouldn’t touch you to punch your lights out.
Zach: Hey, looks like one of the other teams pulling in!
Blake: So it does, I’m gonna crash early.
Zach: We should say hello.
Marc: I’m with Blake, I’m beat.
Luigi: I’ll go say “Hi”
(Conversation with Team Moss Boss shall commence, Zach and Luigi are still up)
7 Likes
Team Redneck day 1 8-10pm
Otis, “Found a place to stop and eat, its just down the road a little”
Jake, “Great, at least I will only be tired, instead of tired and hungry”
They pull into a small family owned restaurant, the snow is sticking but not bad yet.
Waitress, “What will you have”
Otis, “I’ll have a burger, fries and coffee”
Jake, “Pizza and coke please”
Waitress, “I’ll be right back with your drinks”
Otis, “Whats the weather forecast like?”
Jake, “Snow by the looks of it, for much of the night”
Waitress, “Here you go, so where exactly are you from?”
Otis, “New Mexico”
Waitress, “Your English is pretty good”
Jake laughs, “Its a state, in the United States between Arizona and Texas, south of Colorado” Jake pulls up a map on is phone to show her where it is. “See right here”
Waitress, “Oh I thought it was part of Mexico”
Otis, “Don’t worry, it happens more often than you could imagine, even in the US”
Waitress, “What brings you way up here?”
Jake, “A junker contest, over 2000 miles in piles of junk worth $500 or less. Ours is one of our old ranch trucks thats seen a few too many hard days.”
Waitress, “Oh… that still runs?”
Otis, “Held together with bailing wire, duct tape, and bubble gum, but yeah its been a pretty good truck over the years”
After eating and a bit more conversation with the waitress the two decide its time to call it a night, and head to a nearby hotel. Strap a section of tarp over the cab and windshield and leave the wipers sticking straight out.
5 Likes