Fatigue related problems start at 10 points of fatigue (your teams all started with an undisclosed but identical amount of fatigue due to having been up for a few hours before the start)
I will be warning teams in notes when they start to feel fatigued.
Fatigue-based problems start to accelerate at 15 points.
Please bear with me; tonight’s data will be done a little later. I had something unexpected come up tonight.
TBDC: Time Block Distance Covered. This is the amount of mileage covered during the current 2 hour period.
ODC: Overall Distance Covered. This is the total distance that the team has covered since Noon on Friday
MRL: Morale modifier
FTG: Fatigue Level
Notes: Any notes I have for your team during this time block. Including POI results, car issues, etc.
All vehicles are on US101 South.
Upcoming POI (optional, let me know if you want to stop at them for rest/sightseeing): None.
Next Waypoint: Fort Stevens State Park, OR
VicVictory:
TBDC: 98 mi OD: 341 mi MRL: +1 FTG: +4 Notes: Refueled in Hoquiam, WA (near end of time block) Team is starting to feel tired.
@yurimacs
TBDC: 89 mi OD: 330 mi MRL: +1 FTG: +5 Notes: Refueled in Hoquiam, WA (near the end of time block) Team is feeling tired.
@Fayeding_Spray
TBDC: 92 mi OD: 341 mi MRL: +1 FTG: +4 Notes: Refueled in Hoquiam, WA (near the end of time block) Team is starting to feel tired.
@Madrias
TBDC: 60 mi OD: 306 mi MRL: +2 FTG: +0 Notes: Team has taken a 1 hour break at Ruby Beach to repair their intake system and rest. Repair: successful.
@BobLoblaw
TBDC: 101 mi OD: 336 mi MRL: +2 FTG: +2 Notes: Team has taken a 15 minute rest break at Ruby Beach
@CriticalSet9849
TBDC: 99 mi OD: 323 mi MRL: +0 FTG: +5 Notes: Stopped to refuel in Hoquiam, WA. Damn this car is uncomfortable.
@BailsMackenzie
TBDC: 101 mi OD: 230 mi MRL: +1 FTG: +3 Notes: None.
@Mikonp7
TBDC: 92 mi OD: 333 mi MRL: +1 FTG: +4 Notes: Team is starting to feel tired.
@TheBobWiley
TBDC: 96 mi OD: 340 mi MRL: +1 FTG: +4 Notes: Refueled in Hoquiam, WA. Team is starting to feel tired.
@DeusExMackia
TBDC: 95 mi OD: 336 mi MRL: +1 FTG: +4 Notes: Refueled in Hoquam, WA. Team is starting to feel tired.
@HighOctaneLove
TBDC: 94 mi OD: 339 mi MRL: +1 FTG: +4 Notes: Fueled up in Hoquiam, WA. Team is starting to feel tired.
@strop
TBDC: 102 mi OD: 350 mi MRL: +1 FTG: +4 Notes: Stopped to refuel in Raymond, WA. Team is starting to feel tired.
@stm316
TBDC: 0 mi OD: 244 mi MRL: +2 FTG: +0 Notes: Team has elected to stop and car-camp for the night at Ruby Beach.
@JohnWaldock / @Sillyducky
TBDC: 93 mi OD: 336 mi MRL: +1 FTG: +5 Notes: Refueled in Hoquiam, WA. Team is feeling tired.
@abg7
TBDC: 92 mi OD: 240 mi MRL: +1 FTG: +4 Notes: Refueled in Hoquiam, WA. Team is starting to feel tired.
@rileybanks
TBDC: 100 mi OD: 345 mi MRL: +0 FTG: +6 Notes: Refueled in Hoquiam, WA. Team is feeling tired.
@koolkei / @FrankNSTein
TBDC: 102 mi OD: 313 mi MRL: +2 FTG: +3 Notes: Team stopped for fuel in Queets, WA.
@Rk38
TBDC: 99 mi OD: 340 mi MRL: +1 FTG: +4 Notes: Refueled in Hoquiam, WA. Team is starting to feel tired.
@Nomade0013 / @ramthecowy
TBDC: 77 mi OD: 320 mi MRL: +2 FTG: +1 Notes: Team has spent a half hour resting and refueling at Amanda Park, WA. Team
@SkylineFTW97
TBDC: 88 mi OD: 327 mi MRL: +1 FTG: +4 Notes: Refueled in Hoquiam, WA. Team is starting to feel tired.
341 mi - Ardent, Bushell
340 mi - Bil, Maesima
336 mi - Erin, LPV
(No RP from us this session, too tired…)
##Team Artiseros
It was probably in 7:30 PM that Ernie started to feel dozy that he felt the need to stop in the side of the road
Ernie (in his mind): Dammit i feel freaking tired, i probably should pull over to the side of the road.
And so Ernie did,after closing the convertible roof and pulled over to side and killed the engine
Ernie:Ahhhhh,Sweet Release
Ernie dozed off as he fall to sleep,with the others still sleeping
Stats:
Overall Fatigue: 10 points (its time to stop and prob sleep i guess)
Overall Morale : 6 points (nothing bad happening since it is silent)
Note: I will probably ask if the trio can sleep in the side of the road in the car if possible or allowed
In my last RP I stated that my team would stop at Ruby Beach but this was not reflected at all. So must I PM you to make my team stop at a point of interest?
Phil had calmed down considerably now that they were at least 50 miles clear of his ex’s town and he told the team of the adventure that was his girlfriend who tried to achieve eternal life by drinking his blood, which led to his miraculous escape from a hotel room in London and the subsequent foot chase with the police as he ran naked through the city.
The howls of laughter from the other 3 could have been heard for miles.
Once they’d all calmed down and the sun had set, the frenzied chuffing of the inline 3 and road noise was all that could be heard.
Jason broke the silence “We should come back this way, I want to see the sights around here when we’re not racing against time”
“What makes you say that?” asked Simon
“Look at the map, Long Beach and Centralia are within driving distance of each other”
Ken frowned “It’s the wrong Long Beach”
“What?”
“Yeah, there’s two Long Beaches, I once flew out here with a Lola Formula 5000 car back in 1975 and found out that I’d gone to the wrong place and missed being part of the first ever Long Beach GP”
“And that isn’t the Centralia with the mine fire” added Simon
Jason sighed “Well, we saw a nice fort anyway, guess we don’t have to come back here”
“Tell you what Jason” said Ken after a few moments of silence “We should come back here, we’ll bring a real car though, something from my collection”
“We brought a real car” muttered Phil
“No, I mean a real car, something with a big V8 and IRS”
“Well I’ll bring this car back anyway” he replied.
The conversation once again died and the team spent the remainder of the leg staring out of the windows at the passing lights.
#Team ‘Southend or Bust’
Original Post - Previous Post
The story so far: After managing to somehow travel into the future, our boys have snapped back to reality and are now where they actually are meant to be.
This is otherwise known as “I’m naive and thought were way further ahead in the journey than we actually were”
With the sun setting, the little Merna continued to saunter down the western edge of Washington state. James had wacked on the “Evening Driving” playlist and had set the mood perfectly.
.
With the Olympic mountains now behind them, the boys pulled into Hoquiam, a quite town with two bridges and a mini airport. Martin filled up the tank while Seb and James got dinner out of the boots.
“Check these out! Pre-made pasta pots!” said James as though he were advertising them.
Seb paused. “Wow James, those are great” he said sarcastically.
“Well excuse me, if you’re not in the mood for my great cooking, you can go buy your pack of e-numbers from the shop” he returned.
“Eh, true”
“Martin, do you want green pesto and cheese or spicy bolognese for dinner?” James called.
“Er” Martin said, placing the pump back in its place, “the pesto please”
“Good choice” James said to himself.
.
The boys sat in the car and ate, reflecting on the day. “I’d say we’ve done very well so far” said Seb, “even if we have no idea about pacing and what not”
“Does that really matter though?” said Martin “It’s the taking part, remember”
Seb chuckled. “And I’m driving tomorrow I guess?”
“Yoouuu bet you are!” said Martin.
“Good stuff. Nice pasta by the way James”
“Thanks” James said, stuffing in another mouthful. “And what about tonight? I’d like to find a hotel or even motel if we can”
“Mmmm” Martin thought, “I say we keep going for a bit and see if we can spot what any other teams doing. I know the Maesima and that Ardent aren’t too far ahead of us, or weren’t too far ahead of us”
“Good shout” said James. “So, hotel if we can find one, camping if we can’t”
“Yeah” Martin said uneasily. He hated camping.
I’ll RP to catch up in a bit. Things do happen. There will be an incident when the car stops to refuel, because getting Kai to stop driving when he’s in endurance driving mode will probably be like prying the wheel out of his cold dead hands, but no way Strop is sleeping in the same car that Kai has been driving for 6 hours straight.
My apologies, yes… please PM when you want to make a POI stop or if you want to specify an overnight place that is not the default. I probably read it but forgot to mark it down.
@yurimacs - sleeping on the side of the highway isn’t allowed (state patrol would make you move), but the default overnight point for the night (Fort Stevens State Park) has a campground, and you could sleep in-car there. You’re easily close enough to get there in the next time segment.
Arriving at Queets Trading Post, WA. Da Wei is still dozing.
Frank: Wake up, man. We’ll take a short break, then you’re driving for the rest of the day.
Da Wei : oh damn we’re at the fuel station already? i meant to wake up before we got into the town
Frank: We’re in Queets. You’ve slept for a bit over an hour. looks around This place couldn’t fit better into the scenery.
Da Wei: right. you get gas. and i’ll get some photos. hahaha. just kidding. i’ll fetch us some snack and drink. and i may take a bit since i’m also gonna take a few photos. so if you’re done refueling just take a rest in the car. i still need to check the electrical systems too anyway.
Frank: Alright. I also need to stretch my legs for a bit. Concerning the electrics, didn’t have problems so far but you can never be sure.
Da Wei went to some high places to takes some nightly pictures for a while and then went inside the trading post. meanwhile frank could be seen doing some warm up moves to stretch his body under the gas station lights. about 5 minutes later Da Wei comes back to the car to find that Frank is playing some games on his phone sitting down in front of the gas station store
Da Wei : Here you go. i had mine first to i can take a look at the car
After putting the food to the side of Frank, Da Wei walked back to the car and opened the hood to inspect the alternator and other electronics. He can bee seen walking a few times between the front of the car and getting something from the trunk, and Frank lazily eating his food due to being tired.
Da Wei : hey frank. you ready yet?
Frank: We can go if you’re ready. I’ll finish eating that sandwich in the car.
A few miles south
Frank: Have you thought of where we’re going to sleep yet? I’ve heard most of the teams will stay at Fort Stevens Camping Ground.
Da Wei : hmm. if we also go there, at what time do you think we would get there?
Frank: Types some stuff into his already opened laptop About 3 hours from now. So 10pm-ish, if we don’t need to stop somewhere for long.
Da Wei : yeah we’ll sleep there, and get up at say, 5am or 6am?
Frank: 5am sounds good to me. So we can have some breakfast, take down our tents and get on the move again. I finally want to pass some of the other teams.
Da Wei : okay then. you just relax for now.
Morale: +2 (+3 total)
Fatigue: +3 (+8 total)
Team DMV Speed Stars
After setting out following the driver’s meeting, the team figured they would try to cannonball as much as they could. However, after many miles of hard driving and clunky gearshifts, Felix grows ever lethargic and fed up of his friends mocking his shifting. He gets up to 5th gear as quickly as possible to put this out of mind and blasts rock music to distract Dennis. Ethan is alternating between monitoring their route and playing flash games to pass the time over his laptop.
Ethan: Just keep on this road and we’ll be good.
Felix: yawns K. turns music up
Ethan: Too bad we couldn’t bring a coffee maker.
Dennis is drifting in and out of sleep in the front passenger seat.
Dennis: wakes up When’s the next stop?
Ethan: The nearest stop is just a few miles ahead. We can crash there. Then someone else can take the wheel if need be.
Felix: Yeah, I’ll hit the next rest area we pass. I’ve had to pee for the past 30 miles anyway.
Ethan: So we rest up today and get back on the road after a quick inspection.
Dennis: I’ll take over the next shift if Felix isn’t up for it.
Felix: I should also call home and say how we’re doing. My sisters bursted out laughing when they saw it first pull up.
Dennis: Maybe if you didn’t keep grinding gears…
Felix: Hey, you messed up in front of them too.
Dennis: Yeah, but you’re the only one of us who drives stick on a daily basis. Way more embarrassing from you.
Felix: The clutch is kinda bad, remember?
Dennis: Oh yeah. Still thinking of how I’m gonna spend the $50.
Felix: Your SUV will go through it in one fill up.
Dennis: So will your “speed machine”.
Ethan: Dennis, your Highlander averages 19.83 MPG. Felix, your CC averages 23.7. Face it, the only one of our cars with good fuel economy is my Prius.
Dennis: Yeah, but the downside is you’re driving a Prius. Easily one of the least cool cars ever made. How do you expect to draw positive attention in that thing?
Ethan: I’d like to point out that I’m the only one of us who has a girlfriend. Who by the way, said my car is cute.
Felix: That’s cause it’s tiny.
Ethan: And cheap to run. And remind us Felix, how much did your new throttle body alone cost?
Felix: You’re a dick.
Ethan: Doesn’t change that I’m right.
Dennis: If your lover’s quarrel is about done, the exit’s coming up.
Felix: Well shit.
He merges onto the entrance for the stop.
Luke cruised along at slightly-above highway speed, the headlights of the Minerva glowing brightly in the approaching dusk, the engine purring along as they cannon-balled toward Ruby Beach, running fine as they weren’t asking it to accelerate too much. The radio was playing some classical music (Luke’s choice) as they headed down the highway.
Eventually, Luke signaled their retreat from the highway and over to Ruby Beach, where they parked up and set about doing what needed to be done. Which, for Linda, Amy, and Scott, was to go walk off seven-stinking-hours in the car before getting around to lounging on the beach. It was a bit on the cool side to swim, so they settled for basic relaxation.
Which left Luke with his form of relaxation, which was to be busy doing something, and in this case, that was repairing the air problem the car had. He unlocked the trunk, left it open, and grabbed the box of gaskets, the spray can of electronics cleaner, and a few clean shop rags as he moved toward the front of the car. He set his supplies on the roof, pulled the hood release for the car, then walked to the front of the old Minerva.
“Whoever designed this hood should be shot.” Luke grumbled, lifting it up three inches, sliding it toward him, then leveraging it upward in a style similar to an old SAAB. “Overly complicated, and it doesn’t make working on this backwards engine any easier.” Luke walked back to the trunk, grabbed his wrench kit and more shop rags, then got to work removing the throttle bodies from the left and right intake manifolds, followed by dismounting the MAF sensors for cleaning. It took Luke the better part of 30 minutes to clean everything, replace the gaskets, and swap the air filters, but eventually, he had it done. He closed the hood, put his supplies back in the car, then took a good look at the scenery.
“Views like this one are definitely worth the extra time. We can make up for this, I’m sure of that. And I think, definitely, that we’ll camp at Fort Stevens State Park once we get there.” Luke said.
“Camping sounds like fun.” Scott said. “And we’ve got tents.”
“And I brought my grill, and some charcoal.” Amy said.
“Yeah, but we don’t have any matches.” Linda replied.
“True, but this time, I brought a little something extra. I’ve got an oxy-propane torch, a soldering iron, a small-ish portable laser, and a couple of those cheap gas-station stick lighters.” Luke said.
“Wait a frickin’ minute, Luke. You brought a laser?” Amy asked.
“Well, I can use it to make parts fit that otherwise wouldn’t. Or weld things together, because I brought some filler rods.” Luke replied.
Amy rolled her eyes. “Of course, we all pack light and Luke brings a frickin’ laser along.”
“Well, it was either that, or one oxygen cylinder, one acetylene cylinder, and all the other assorted crap that goes along with setting up an oxy-acetylene welding/cutting torch.”
“Fair enough, if that’s your reasoning for doing that.”
They got back in the car, feeling… maybe not the most rested, but feeling better for not having been in the car for another hour.
“So, what’s the plan, Luke?” Linda asked.
“Shakedown. Make sure our repair’s solved this problem. And before we head out, we should probably close that trunk lid.” Luke said, before getting out and closing it. “After all, we’re in for misery if the tents blow away.”
With their total 60 minutes of rest depleted, they headed back to the highway for the last half hour of that stage.
Aftermath:
Car: Throttle bodies cleaned, MAF sensors cleaned, throttle body gaskets replaced, new air filters fitted.
Team: Feeling bold. Time for a shakedown run.
MRL: +7 overall (+2)
FTG: +5 overall (No Change)
Mileage: 60 trip, 306 overall
Team: Clutch Droppers
Still cruising down 101 South, still playing quality music. Approaching Ruby Beach, the next POI.
Bob: Hey guys, we are coming up on Ruby Beach, do we want to stop and take a short break?
Jason: Nah, let’s keep going, we should try and keep up a good lead near the beginning of the event so we can relax a bit more later.
Ryan: I can take over driving for today if you are too tired to go on.
Bob: I am fine for now, at least a few more hours anyway.
Jason: Slow down a bit, here comes Ruby Beach. I want to get a picture as we go by.
Jason: Awww, I was hoping we could see the beach from here… O well.
A little while later
Bob: The fuel gauge just went into the red, how far are we from a town where we could get some gas and a quick bite to eat?
Ryan: Looking at GPS Looks like there is a town called Hoquiam just a few more miles ahead, it should have gas and food. I would guess another 2 hours after that until we hit Fort Stevens State Park. I bet that is where most people are going to stop for the night.
Jason: Man, I am getting pretty tired, but it’s mostly because it’s boring just sitting. The scenery is beautiful around here though.
The edge of town comes into sight, a welcome break from the continuous forestry for these city boys, as nice as it was. As we rolled down the main road of the town we were on the lookout for a gas station and a place to grab some fast-food.
Bob: Hey there is a McDonalds across the street from a Mobil station… I don’t normally like McDondals, but this makes life easy and more importantly, fast. While I fill up you guys run over there and grab some food. I’ll take a double, or whatever it’s called there and some fries. I got some water I will drink so no soda for me.
As I pull up to a pump at the Mobil, Jason and Ryan jump out of the car and B-line for McDonalds, running across the street against the light. At least the traffic for was very little in this small town. A few minutes later they return.
Bob: Why is the bag of food so big? What did you guys order??
Ryan: Do you remember the 40 piece McNugget McDonalds use to have? Well, this one still has it! We got two!!! 80 nuggets son!!! $20!!! Also, your burger and a couple drinks for us.
Bob: May god have mercy on our arteries…
Everyone hops back in the car and we start divvying up the nuggets to eat while we get back on the road. After crossing the Chehalis River the city started to trail off once again, taking us back into the forest-scape of the Pacific Northwest and more serpentine roads. The small roads running for much of the length of this challenge stood in stark contrast to the wide open, flat, and straight roads we were accompanied to in central Ohio.
Bob: I have to admit, I love McDonalds nuggets.
Just two questions/clarifications, Morale and Fatigue are cumulative right? Also, Fatigue is team wide so changing drivers won’t do anything about reducing accident chances when the team is tired?
Morale: +7 (Still near the front of the pack and enjoying the lovely scenery)
Fatigue: +8 (Been driving all day and this driver’s seat, along with the blown shocks are not doing me any favors)
Friday, day one, 6pm - 8pm
The original plan was to stop at Ruby Beach but, since the end of day one was only a few hours later, I decided to forgo the stop and press onwards. Pierre had dozed off on the back seat having declared he was bored of the scenery and Andrew had taken over navigating duties. We had taken a poll and it had been decided that we would stay at a hotel at Fort Stevens; both Pierre and Andrew were over confined spaces by now!
The countryside is lovely here so it’s a shame I have to whizz past it but I would love to get a piston trophy with my name on it; I’d feel cooler than Lightning McQueen!!!
Distance covered (this session): 94 miles
Distance covered (total): 336 miles
Morale +1 (+7 total) The scenery gives my heart wings!
Fatigue +4 (+8 total) The hotel will provide a really comfy nest for the evening!!!
Brian’s notes for this leg:
We thought about stopping at Ruby Beach, but it was so close to the end of the first day that we abandoned that plan early on, instead continuing to drive on to Fort Stevens State Park. Time will tell if it proves to be the right decision… Although we are showing slight signs of fatigue, it’s not yet severe enough to cause much concern among us.
TBDC: Time Block Distance Covered. This is the amount of mileage covered during the current 2 hour period.
ODC: Overall Distance Covered. This is the total distance that the team has covered since Noon on Friday
MRL: Morale modifier
FTG: Fatigue Level
Notes: Any notes I have for your team during this time block. Including POI results, car issues, etc.
All vehicles are on US101 South.
Upcoming POI (optional, let me know if you want to stop at them for rest/sightseeing): Tillamook Cheese Factory, Oregon Coast Aquarium.
Next Waypoint(s): Fort Stevens State Park, OR, Seal Rock, OR
VicVictory:
TBDC: 42 mi OD: 383 mi MRL: +1 FTG: +2 Notes: Team has stopped at Astoria Crest Motel in Astoria, OR. Team is tired and grateful to be stopped.
@yurimacs
TBDC: 63 mi OD: 393 mi MRL: +1 FTG: +4 Notes: Waypoint completed: Fort Stevens State Park. Team is overnighting at the Park.
@Fayeding_Spray
TBDC: 52 mi OD: 393 mi MRL: +1 FTG: +3 Notes: Waypoint completed: Fort Stevens State Park. Team is overnighting at the Park.
@Madrias
TBDC: 60 mi OD: 306 mi MRL: +1 FTG: +4 Notes: Waypoint completed: Fort Stevens State Park. Team is overnighting at the Park. “Shakedown” completed with no incidents of intake issues. Brake issues still persist.
@BobLoblaw
TBDC: 47 mi OD: 393 mi MRL: +1 FTG: +2 Notes: Waypoint completed: Fort Stevens State Park. Team refueled in Astoria, OR and is overnighting at the Park.
@CriticalSet9849
TBDC: 70 mi OD: 393 mi MRL: +0 FTG: +7 Notes: Waypoint completed: Fort Stevens State Park. Team is overnighting at the Park.
@BailsMackenzie
TBDC: 89 mi OD: 408 mi MRL: +1 FTG: +6 Notes: Waypoint completed: Fort Stevens State Park. Team has continued on for a few more minutes, and elected to sleep at a motel in Seaside, OR.
@Mikonp7
TBDC: 60 mi OD: 393 mi MRL: +1 FTG: +3 Notes: Waypoint completed: Fort Stevens State Park. Team is overnighting at the Park.
@TheBobWiley
TBDC: 108 mi OD: 448 mi MRL: +1 FTG: +6 Notes: Waypoint completed: Fort Stevens State Park. Team is continuing on…
@DeusExMackia
TBDC: 57 mi OD: 393 mi MRL: +1 FTG: +5 Notes: Waypoint completed: Fort Stevens State Park. Team is overnighting at the Park.
@HighOctaneLove
TBDC: 54 mi OD: 393 mi MRL: +1 FTG: +5 Notes: Waypoint completed: Fort Stevens State Park. Team is overnighting at the Park.
@strop
TBDC: 0 mi OD: 350 mi MRL: -1 FTG: +2 Notes: Internal strife! Gasp, will the team survive? (stay tuned, for AS THE WHEEL TURNS!)
@stm316
TBDC: 0 mi OD: 244 mi MRL: +0 FTG: -1 Notes: Team is currently asleep. (Camping: Ruby Beach)
@JohnWaldock / @Sillyducky
TBDC: 57 mi OD: 393 mi MRL: +1 FTG: +5 Notes: Waypoint reached: Fort Stevens State Park. Team is overnighting at the Park.
@abg7
TBDC: 61 mi OD: 393 mi MRL: +1 FTG: +6 Notes: Waypoint reached: Fort Stevens State Park. Team is overnighting at the Park.
@rileybanks
TBDC: 48 mi OD: 393 mi MRL: +1 FTG: +5 Notes: Waypoint reached: Fort Stevens State Park. Team is overnighting at the Park.
@koolkei / @FrankNSTein
TBDC: 80 mi OD: 393 mi MRL: +1 FTG: +6 Notes: Waypoint reached: Fort Stevens State Park. Team is overnighting at the Park.
@Rk38
TBDC: 43 mi OD: 383 mi MRL: +0 FTG: +3 Notes: Stopped for the night at the Astoria Crest Motel in Astoria, OR.
@Nomade0013 / @ramthecowy
TBDC: 73 mi OD: 393 mi MRL: +1 FTG: +5 Notes: Waypoint completed: Fort Stevens State Park. Team is overnighting at the Park.
@SkylineFTW97
TBDC: 66 mi OD: 393 mi MRL: +1 FTG: +6 Notes: Waypoint completed: Fort Stevens State Park. Team is overnighting at the Park.
None - all teams are idle right now except one.
Rick was tuned to the road. His eyes were closed, yet he could see the road from what noises came to his ears, and what vibrations he felt at his feet. The rhythmic low thump of the suspension for much of the last minute, he imagined, were the expansion joints on the Columbia River bridge. They had crossed in to Oregon, and not a moment too soon. A bad rattle and almost horn-like sound snapped Rick to attention. He looked to his left at Fuzz, whose eyes were wide open. His hands clutched the wheel in a white death grip.
“Pull off in town, Fuzz,” Rick yawned.
“I’m fine,” Fuzz protested, but was unable to suppress his own yawn.
“Doesn’t matter. Jen’s asleep in the back, I keep nodding off. We need to sleep.” Rick pulled out his phone and tapped in a quick search. “Here. Astoria Crest Motel.”
Fuzz complied without a protest. Rick knew that Fuzz wasn’t arguing simply because he wanted to rest as well, but didn’t want to admit it.
The Chancellor cruised up the hill in town to the quaint motel overlooking the Columbia. Jen muttered and swiped pathetically at Rick when he went to wake her, but in the end she got up and silently shuffled into the motel with the boys.
#Team Artiseros
Ernie realized that stopping right now when the waypoint is just was would be stupid
Ernie:Dammit! Probably better to continue driving i can probably see the sign going to Fort Stevens State Park
(Ernie turns on the engine)
Ernie drove away as every single second counts for Ernie was dozy
_Soon Ernie Arrived at Fort Stevens State Park and parked his car in an empty parking lot.
Ernie:It seems that other people are sleeping in their cars too,although others in a tent.I havent seen an Ardent though.Who cares when i just want to sleep right now.
Ernie reclined his chair to sleep knowing that he feels safe with the other cars there.
Overall fatigue: 10 (Ernie Starting to feel sleepy)
Overall Morale: 11 (nothing happening)
##Team Twin-Snail
With the air intake system patched up, Luke knew it was time for a proper shakedown run. And it couldn’t really hurt to be a bit more aggressive for a bit of time, either. Luke looked at the car full of sleepy people, then decided out of nowhere to floor it.
Despite the Minerva being rather old and tired herself, the 3.6 liter V6 responded almost instantly to the sharp stab of the throttle, sending a bellowed roar down the single exhaust pipe and out through the split rear exhausts, snarling as it gathered speed. The transmission, despite being set up as a lazy luxury box, responded with slightly sharper, responsive shifts between gears, the speed climbing until Luke looked at the speedometer and realized, yeah, we’re kinda doing 110, so it was time to pull on the brakes and slow things up a bit.
Linda, Scott, and Amy were not quite as amused by Luke’s sudden aggressive burst of driving, and less amused by the squirmy brakes.
“Yeah, when we set off tomorrow, we’re looking for a shop that has fuckin’ brake pads if you’re going to keep doing that shit. A hundred-and-fucking-ten on the highway. In a car with squirmy brakes.” Amy snapped.
“I drove the Sinistra down the side of a cliff damn near with no brakes, and you’re worried about a highway blast in a car with just bad brakes?”
“This car doesn’t have gears you can drop it down into. Your choices are Drive and Low.” Amy retorted, glaring at Luke.
“Yes, but it has brakes, even if they’re not great. And besides, if I could find that damnable cable, I’d be able to tell the transmission what gear I wanted it in.” Luke said.
“Whatever. Let’s put in the cassette adapter and let Scott pick some fitting music to arrive by.” Linda said, tired of the light little fight in the car.
Luke prodded the adapter into the tape player, then handed the cable back to Scott.
“Rock or Metal?” Scott asked.
“I could go for some Godsmack right now. Voodoo if you’ve got it, or just pick something if you don’t.” Luke said.
Within seconds, the car was alive with music, though an annoying sound was bothering Luke.
Squeak clicky tick. Squeak clicky tick. Squeak clicky tick.
“Damn and blast it!” Luke yelled suddenly.
“What?” Amy and Linda yelled at the same time, having been startled by Luke’s outburst.
“There’s a squeaking bearing in the fucking tape player.”
Thankfully, before it could annoy Luke to his breaking point, they arrived at Fort Stevens State Park, where a hasty unpacking of the trunk happened, and tents were set up.
Amy set up the little grill, added some charcoal to it, and had Luke start a fire so they had something to cook by, and immediately, the little cooler that was full of once-was-ice-but-now-is-slush was opened and the burgers were removed from their icy bed, to be thrown on the hot grill and cooked to delicious perfection.
Scott wandered around, fulfilling his plan of giving ‘gifts’ to the teams he recognized that had trouble the last time. He wandered over to Team Mountain Pass and gifted them their spare fire extinguisher, with a note that read “From Twin-Snail, just in case it all goes up in smoke” taped to it, then found his way over to Team Southend or Bust, leaving them a small DC fan, much like you’d find in an old 70’s bus, with a note and a case of beer. “From Twin-Snail, in the event the lovely weather turns into hell.”
Linda saw Scott walking back with his stupid “I’ve done something and you don’t know about it” grin. “What’d you do? Please tell me you’re not stupid enough to be stealing shit from the other teams.”
“Wasn’t thieving, was giving gifts.” Scott said.
“Really? I thought you were joking when you said that in the driver’s meeting.” Luke grumbled out. “At least tell me that you gave them the small fire extinguisher and not the nice 20-pounder I had hidden between the back seat and the cargo net in the trunk.”
“Was the five-pounder you had tucked behind the box of spare gaskets.”
“At least it’s not a waste, then. Let’s just hope they see the humor in it and don’t go after us because you were being a jerk.” Luke said, before digging around in the bottom of the cooler full of slush.
“Packed this for you, Amy, so that instead of just making hamburgers, you could make cheeseburgers. Figured it’d be a bit of a morale booster.” Luke said, handing Amy the pack of sliced cheese, along with the burger buns.
“Thanks. So, where are you going to sleep?” Amy asked.
“You know me well enough to know I don’t sleep. But I’ll night-rest out here. Besides, my guess is at least one, or more, of the teams will want to talk with me.” Luke said, sitting near their charcoal grill and the small campfire they’d made, still wearing his combat boots and camo pants, showing his metallic blue paint off, as well as the silver accents. “But don’t worry, if anyone wants to talk, I’ll keep the conversations quiet so you three can sleep.”
Aftermath:
Car: Needs brake work, but the hesitation seems to have gone for now. Even better, the Maintenance Required - Engine light has gone out.
Team: Getting some much needed rest after driving quite a long time.
MRL +8 overall (+1)
FTG +9 overall (+4)
Status: Resting
And if anyone wants to talk with Luke, feel free. His ‘night-rest’ is putting most of his internal systems into standby, mostly to keep them from breaking down quite as fast, so he’s still very much alert. Just don’t expect him to be up and walking, his hydraulic pumps are switched off to avoid wear and tear for just sitting there.
We join our “heros” as negotiations break down in spectacular fashion…
“HOW MUCH FOR A F***ING ROOM?” bellowed Ken as they rolled into Seaside.
“All the hotels further down are around $300 a night” replied Phil, swiping like crazy on his phone.
“NO.”
“What about that one?” cut in Jason, taking Phil’s phone “It’s the worst motel here and it’s only just off to the left”
“That sounds better” said Ken as they rounded the corner and the motel came into view
“It looks like people die here on a regular basis” said Phil
“Good, we’re staying here, fingers crossed I die during the night”
It was a few moments later when the rooms had been booked, with Jason and Phil sharing a bed and Simon and Ken in two singles on the other side of the motel, that Phil revealed his masterstroke, having left a supply of meat and potatoes wrapped in tinfoil in the engine bay and the appearance of a small hotplate, the team settled down to a simple dinner.
“Is this cocaine?” asked Simon, who was looking through Phil’s supply of food in the boot of the car
“No, Pancake mix, I brought enough for four nights”
“You know, I’ll give you credit where it’s due boys, this hasn’t been as bad as I thought” smiled Ken
Later in the night, around 9:30, Ken and Simon were bunking down in their room.
The room was almost silent, bar the whine of an air conditioner
“Are those two partners?” asked Ken
Simon woke from his daydreaming “What?”
“Jason and Phil, you know, are they?”
“You must be really old fashioned” replied Simon
“Well I was just asking” said Ken
“Not that I know of, they’re just really good mates, why do you ask?”
“Because I’ve got to start thinking about my future and I want to know if I should update my will and include Phillip”
“Oh” replied Simon “Isn’t this a bit heavy of a subject right now?”
“I thought so too, but can you think of a better time than right now?”
“Not really”
“I’ll wrap it up then, it’s just, you’re in the will, I owe your family a lot for my success and I’d never forget that, Jason’s in there 'cos he’s flesh and blood and, well, I like Phil, I’ve known him for years and he means well enough, but he’s dumb, he goes into every situation with doe-eyed optimism and he always gets hurt and I never say anything good about him, so I want to do him right for once, I just happened to think he and Jason were partners”
“That’s sweet Ken, Phil would probably fly to the moon and back if you were nicer to him”
“He flies around enough as it is”
“What else can you expect? He’s a full blown optimist”
The two smiled, bridging a 60 year generation gap in some dank and dinghy motel room off the west coast of the other side of the world, silence fell again and in the distance, when the wind blew in the right direction, you could hear Phil walking around the Advance, talking to it about their day.
“Hear that?” asked Simon “That’s Bamford manager material outside”
9PM (ish)
Bill figured that he’d let Toni sleep in the back of the car, while he’d take the passenger seat, forcing what’s-his-name into the most uncomfortable night 's sleep he could imagine. Turns out, he screwed up. The drivers seat had recline, while his, well…didn’t. BURN!!!
Bill: Why the hell did they make this seat not a reclining type? Were the designers demented?
Wookiee: Psychic, maybe. You’ve got the warmest blanket, and I’ve got a steering wheel to contend with. Stop bitching.
Toni: I’m going to back up Wookiee here, Bill. You’ve been a dick at every opportunity, and tomorrow, we’re going to a camping store, and buying a tent. That way we can all get a better sleep. I can’t believe you didn’t pack a tent.
Bill: ME?! I didn’t organise this jaunt. Try pointing the finger in the right direction!
Wookiee: Talk to Toni like that again, and you wont…ever.
Toni: Drop it. Both of you. Sleep. NOW!
#Team ‘Southend or Bust’
Original Post - Previous Post
Southend or Bust crossed over the Astoria-Megler bridger long after it had gone dark, but the lights of the town guided them in a semi-romanticised way. Martin thought to himself, I swear we’ve been here before…
“What’s up Martin?” said Seb, having noticed his confused expression.
“I swear we’ve been here before. And we were talking about this bridge and the films its been in.”
Seb was now equally confused. “Er, right, sounds like some serious de ja vu”
Meanwhile, James had fallen asleep in the passengers seat, though thankfully the signposts to the park were obvious now. Martin grumbled as they arrived in the camping area, surveying the tents and cars already there.
“I am not in the mood to do this” he said to Seb.
“Mate, literally everyone else is doing this. You’ll be fine”
It made no difference. Martin despised camping.
.
With the tent set up and James finally awake once more, the boys were sat around outside the tent entrance.
“Oh man, can you guys smell that barbecue too?” said Martin, frustrated.
James looked desperate at the realisation. “Now I wish I’d bought some barbecuing gear. I could kill for a burger right now”.
Pause.
“Oh goddammit I’m going to bed, can’t deal with this!” - James stormed inside.
Seb and Martin looked at one another. “Where the hell did that come from?” Seb whispered.
“Not getting his beauty sleep it seems” Martin returned, and the two laughed.
“Screw it, I think I’m gonna follow him” said Seb.
Martin grimaced. “Ugh, ok”.
.
It was about 40 minutes later. The other two were fast asleep, but he couldn’t get off; Martin swore tents just had this effect him. Time for a wander he reckoned.
Clambering out of the tent, he snuck around for a while until he noticed Luke of Twin Snail nursing a dying campfire, and came over.
Luke registered Martin’s problem immediatley. “Can’t sleep?” he said with a smile.
Martin smiled back. “How did you guess?”
He sat down. “Nah, I just hate camping, and tents, and sleeping outside in general”.
“Is that so?” asked Luke. “Well, I don’t sleep at all”
“No way!” said Martin, blissfully unaware that he was talking to an Android who also happened to be the CEO of Storm. “I’ve found the right guy then it seems”
Luke chuckled. “So, how’s the going going so far?”
“Good thanks” Martin replied, “a lot easier than the Roulette Runner and a lot smoother”
“Good to hear” said Luke in generic appreciation.
“I must thank you and your team for that exhaust last time, it saved our ears among other things”
_To be continued by @Madrias _