tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36548662467845274552024-02-06T21:47:38.235-05:00Carl's Two Wheeled Adventures....These are the adventures from the road and a look into what goes on in my life.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00474909864364238025noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654866246784527455.post-80576148401719821582014-09-07T08:32:00.002-04:002017-12-25T18:40:29.657-05:002011 Honda CBR250R Ride test ...<div>
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<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Carls-bikes-/Buell/i-gcxDVvj/0/01e922bc/L/IM000587-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Carls-bikes-/Buell/i-gcxDVvj/0/01e922bc/L/IM000587-L.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I am considering building a new bike for my long distance riding, My current 2006 Buell Ulysses has shown an inability to go more than 5-6,000 miles without a major failure of some sorts. </div>
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After a good thrash though the West in August has got my bike leaking lots of oil from multiple areas of the engine. It started leaking oil on the way out, and got worse after crossing Kansas in 105 degree heat.</div>
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So, Having decided that the 2006 Buell will not hold together for 11-1000 miles days in a row a new machine must be picked...</div>
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My search begins and this is the first bike I have done a lot of research on and have gone as far as to go and ride the bike.</div>
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The thought of it being a rally bike started as a joke to me from the owner of a shop in North Syracuse NY named Micro bore inc. I had seen it in the show room while on a parts mission for the Buell</div>
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He told me I should try and do my LD riding on the little CBR250R, I joked back I know a guy who spent 22 days flogging a CBR125 doing an Ultimate Coast To Coast to Coast ride. </div>
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Key West to Prudhoe Bay and back to Key West<br />
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<a href="http://bobmunden.blogspot.ca/2011_05_01_archive.html">Bob's ride report for the UCCC...</a></div>
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Bob Munden's CB125<br />
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I also had ridden with him for over 600 miles while he was on a Honda NSR50. </div>
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There is something about the minimalism of running a small bike that I find refreshing. </div>
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Me trying the 50cc endurance bike<br />
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Another event that kept this idea of riding a small bike in my head was the chance meeting with Kurt Worden at the IBA National Meet. Kurt has run in the Iron Butt Rally on a Kawasaki 250 Ninja and other LD rides on those small bikes, Our meeting spilled over into dinner and I came away with many questions answered in my head. </div>
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So... Let's introduce the Honda CBR250R !</div>
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<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Rides-Rallies-and-other-motorcycle-activities-/Honda-CB250-test-/i-6DBV7g7/0/ebca2d93/L/IMG_1354-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Rides-Rallies-and-other-motorcycle-activities-/Honda-CB250-test-/i-6DBV7g7/0/ebca2d93/L/IMG_1354-L.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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How fun is it to ride in on a Liter bike and ride off on a quarter liter bike!</div>
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<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Rides-Rallies-and-other-motorcycle-activities-/Honda-CB250-test-/i-6zp6PX9/0/1e34f686/L/IMG_1363-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Rides-Rallies-and-other-motorcycle-activities-/Honda-CB250-test-/i-6zp6PX9/0/1e34f686/L/IMG_1363-L.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The shop was busy the day I came to ride it, So I did the trip prep on it, Put about a quart of gas in the fuel tank and unplugged the battery tender. Pushed it out into the service bays and set the tire pressures on the new Battlax tires it has and checked the adjustment of the new chain and I noted little brake pad wear. This being on my hands and knees thing let me really check this bike out. It is in perfect condition, A few scuffs on the fuel tank and scratches on the muffler are minor.</div>
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Start the bike and it has the exhaust note of a fart, sorry I got no better description, Rev it up and it still sounds like my lawn mower. </div>
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Very underwhelming sound .</div>
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To the gas station a 1/4 mile down the road.</div>
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<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Rides-Rallies-and-other-motorcycle-activities-/Honda-CB250-test-/i-HCLXMQt/0/7335d61a/L/IMG_1358-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Rides-Rallies-and-other-motorcycle-activities-/Honda-CB250-test-/i-HCLXMQt/0/7335d61a/L/IMG_1358-L.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Notes from the first qtr mile, The mirrors give my the same view as my CBX, So it has so... so mirrors for me, I have a great view of my shoulders, The side view is wide and clear and the mirrors are rock steady. </div>
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The first thing I do not like, The fuel filler has a restriction to prevent the insertion of the fuel filler nozzle, It also has a baffle at the top of the tank that splashes fuel all over. I had to fill it very slowly to keep gas from running over the tank.</div>
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The second item is the small tank, I have read that when pushed flat out this bike can get as low as 45mpg Looks like it has a 2 1/2 gallon fuel tank, A couple of websites stated 4.1 gallons. (?)</div>
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<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Rides-Rallies-and-other-motorcycle-activities-/Honda-CB250-test-/i-MXNqTkm/0/6b9a469a/L/IMG_1357-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Rides-Rallies-and-other-motorcycle-activities-/Honda-CB250-test-/i-MXNqTkm/0/6b9a469a/L/IMG_1357-L.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The road test, </div>
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I went another qtr mile down the road and got on I-81 heading south towards Syracuse during rush hour, The traffic runs really fast through downtown and this will give me a lot of interaction with interstate highway traffic.</div>
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From the moment I twisted it to the throttle stop it took right off and is very willing, The ultra light clutch and precise shifter are a joy to saw through and you find this bike accelerates faster than most traffic and you are constantly slowing due to traffic holding you up.</div>
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I was heading towards a steep up hill grind complete with slow lane for big trucks. </div>
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As I approach the hill the traffic slows to 40 and I see a trooper with a car pulled over and I needed to get into the left lane quickly. Kicked it down two gears and just put the bike in the hole I wanted to be in. Keep the bike at 7 to 8,000 rpm and it is smooth and happy.</div>
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I get to my exit where I am going to run up a hill with about a 1500 foot elevation and is very steep.</div>
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I stop at the bottom and try to get a picture of the hill, But I also took a few of the bike, I like the styling, The fit and finish is real good and a lot of attention to detail on the bike from Honda.</div>
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That is the steepest hill I can get to on this test drive.</div>
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<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Rides-Rallies-and-other-motorcycle-activities-/Honda-CB250-test-/i-mDPp8VV/0/b057723f/L/IMG_1361-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Rides-Rallies-and-other-motorcycle-activities-/Honda-CB250-test-/i-mDPp8VV/0/b057723f/L/IMG_1361-L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Again twist the throttle to the stop and shift it at 9,000 and it goes up the hill, I tried to carry the rev's higher but it just seems to fall off the power above 9,000. I topped out at 65mph ( 10 over the speed limit) and I could have gone faster if I had more hill. Plus I started at the base with no head of speed. </div>
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I start heading back to the bike shop and I take a 2 lane state road that has a few twists in it and I cannot even begin to get close to the limit on this bike, It just goes anywhere you think about going, One of the best chassis I have ever ridden, Plus on a 55 mph road the motor is much more relaxed and the aero package works very well. The temps were in the mid 90's and I got no engine heat to my legs.</div>
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Hop back on the interstate and run about 20 miles to get back to the bike shop, Again I am very comfortable with being in traffic with this bike. It has an easy to read instrument panel, good wind flow and low engines vibrations in the controls in the 6-8000 rpm range. </div>
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<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Rides-Rallies-and-other-motorcycle-activities-/Honda-CB250-test-/i-d7TSC6B/0/5ff5764b/L/IMG_1364-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" height="400" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Rides-Rallies-and-other-motorcycle-activities-/Honda-CB250-test-/i-d7TSC6B/0/5ff5764b/L/IMG_1364-L.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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So in conclusion </div>
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After 50 miles I am having neck issues riding this bike, I need to try the bike with a taller bar riser and a better windshield. The aftermarket does support the bike and it is getting stronger.</div>
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The next issue is there is no room for my GPS without blocking the view of the instrument panel.</div>
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The area that is open along side of the instrument panel is in the swing area for the handle bars. </div>
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<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Rides-Rallies-and-other-motorcycle-activities-/Honda-CB250-test-/i-whhqkR9/0/b81a3603/L/IMG_1366-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Rides-Rallies-and-other-motorcycle-activities-/Honda-CB250-test-/i-whhqkR9/0/b81a3603/L/IMG_1366-L.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So I am passing on this bike and going to try and ride a Ninja next.</div>
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All of the items I would need to change for LD use. </div>
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Seat</div>
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Aux Fuel </div>
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Better windshield </div>
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Bar risers</div>
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Hard bag systems are not yet available, but many soft bag systems are available </div>
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GPS mounting ??</div>
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A way to make a crash bar and forward foot pegs </div>
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Another thing is the bike was very sensitive to buffeting, this could be very draining on long rides. I wonder how this bike would have been in North East Utah with a hard cross wind that blasted me the last time I had ridden there.</div>
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If I was in the market for a track day bike, I would buy this bike in an instant. Fun little package and I have heard from a few very happy owners about their love of the bike. </div>
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It is not off the short list for my next rally bike yet, But I need to ride some other bikes and get some of the issues like a bag system and GPS mounting figured out.</div>
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I have attached some links to road test reports that represent the bike well. </div>
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<a href="http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/01/28/honda-cbr250r-abs-sportbike-long-term-test-wrap-up-review-photos-specs/">Cycle World long term review </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.cycleworld.com/2011/03/04/kawasaki-ninja-250r-vs-honda-cbr250r-comparison-test/">Ninja vs CBR250R</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00474909864364238025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654866246784527455.post-37734359203765603182014-09-03T12:39:00.000-04:002017-12-26T09:06:11.163-05:00I am back ... <div style="text-align: center;">
I am back....</div>
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I, at one time, not long ago thought I was going to be crippled by pain. </h3>
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I have not been able to ride long distance on my bike in the last two years due to a somewhat botched diagnoses of a pain issues I was suffering from. My pain were diagnosed as arthritis and I was told by an Orthopedic surgeon <b> I needed to quit my job at the fire truck repair shop I liked working in </b>and find a desk job somewhere. I knew that my then 49 year old body just started to hurt bad all over. Plus I have to drive these trucks ; so I needed relief without pain relief drugs.<br />
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<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Planes-trains-and-automobiles-/Fire-truck-stuff-/i-GrRh2Rr/0/bb8eab92/L/Photo558-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Planes-trains-and-automobiles-/Fire-truck-stuff-/i-GrRh2Rr/0/bb8eab92/L/Photo558-L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This is typical sight from my former work area. That truck weighs about 60,000 pounds. There is nothing small or light on that truck.</div>
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Testing the repairs !<br />
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<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Planes-trains-and-automobiles-/Fire-truck-stuff-/i-FgBCdzf/0/63769e10/L/Photo002-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Planes-trains-and-automobiles-/Fire-truck-stuff-/i-FgBCdzf/0/63769e10/L/Photo002-L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Fast forward 2 years </h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">By November of 2013 I had a new job that was much easier on my back, but I also found the</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><b> gym</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> ...</span></h3>
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Shameless plug here .... <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Well-Rounded-Health-and-Fitness/158634400851607">Well Rounded Heath and Fitness Facebook page</a> </div>
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Some before and after pictures.</div>
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220 pounds, Beast in the East Rally, August 2011 <br />
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<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Rides-Rallies-and-other-motorcycle-activities-/Last-Beast-in-the-East-rally-/i-CD4KhCJ/1/1de13f55/L/IM000453_2-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="800" height="260" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Rides-Rallies-and-other-motorcycle-activities-/Last-Beast-in-the-East-rally-/i-CD4KhCJ/1/1de13f55/L/IM000453_2-L.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Biloxi Mississipi<br />
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August 18 2014... 182 pounds ...<br />
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<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Rides-Rallies-and-other-motorcycle-activities-/Second-BBG-/i-xg2nZDR/0/fe74dc7c/XL/P8180005%20(1)-XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Rides-Rallies-and-other-motorcycle-activities-/Second-BBG-/i-xg2nZDR/0/fe74dc7c/XL/P8180005%20(1)-XL.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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East Syracuse NY<br />
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2 of the four trainers i worked with to get this way !<br />
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On the right side, The gyms owner Jeramy Freeman and my team leader Justin Mastropietro Is on the left side of me.</div>
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So what has been the result of this work ?</div>
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My pains are at new lows, It truly feels like I rolled my odometer back 50,000 miles ....<br />
But many other benefits, and some that blow my mind .…<br />
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My allergies to pollen and dusts have just about disappeared ....<br />
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My energy is way up and I am handling stressful situations much better....<br />
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I could keep going on and on .… But I will not ....<br />
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Rest assured... I feel good !<br />
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Something that I picked up at the gym is, I needed a goal ....<br />
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<b>My Goal ?</b></div>
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<b> Bettering my personal best run of ..</b><br />
<b> 1</b><b>510 miles in 24 Hours 50 minutes</b><br />
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<b>on a Motorcycle </b></div>
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My Goal ? ... Denver in 24 hours...</h3>
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<a href="https://photos.smugmug.com/Rides-Rallies-and-other-motorcycle-activities-/Second-BBG-/i-R4d5qWp/0/8e2af0c6/L/IM000587-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://photos.smugmug.com/Rides-Rallies-and-other-motorcycle-activities-/Second-BBG-/i-R4d5qWp/0/8e2af0c6/L/IM000587-L.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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To be continued !</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00474909864364238025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654866246784527455.post-38231124066175931472011-09-05T19:17:00.004-04:002011-10-02T09:45:10.974-04:00Perseverance.... Beast in the East 2011<div style="text-align: center;">The Merriam -Webster dictionary give us this description for the word "Perseverance."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>To Persist (As in a undertaking) In spite of the difficulties.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">Little did I know that this would become my personal theme of this event ....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It all started long before I packed the bike to head to Statesville NC in mid August to participate in this years Beast in the East event. On my way home from the Minuteman Rally in May, I had discovered some major problems with my 2006 Buell Ulysses. I had waited a few weeks after that event to get to sorting the bike out for the Beast in the East rally.</div><div style="text-align: center;">What should have been routine repairs turned into a parts availability nightmare that went all the way up to three weeks before this event. The situation was so bad that I was starting to prep my retired LD bike in a last ditch effort to make the start of this event. This was to be my first multi day rally, five days to be precise and because of the perfect alignment of certain stars in the sky I was able to participate in this event and I did not want to miss my first shot at the next level of Long Distance riding events.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Buell 3 weeks before the event </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IMG_0141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IMG_0141.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fast forward to August 13 2011 and I am on the bike heading to Statesville North Carolina, It is a nice day, the bike feels great, I feel great and things just could not be any better until the weather starts to warm up to what is considered normal in states south of the Mason-Dixon line. That would be temperatures in the upper 90+ degree range with 95% humidity. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then it happens, I start to get very uncomfortable in the seat of my bike, The distance I need to cover today is only 700 miles and as a test of myself and the machine I had put a 1050 mile day in two weeks before. But here and now I am in serious discomfort on a short ride to the rally hotel the two days before the biggest ride I have ever done in my life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I arrive and check in, then head over to the early arrivals banquet, I go through introductions and get some of the great food the rally organizers had set out for us. I sit in the back of the room and listen to the other riders try and get clues and hints from the rally masters about our upcoming adventure, the rally staff was having fun toying with the riders and it was a pleasant and fun atmosphere. I receive my information about where I need to be and when for the official check in to the rally for Sunday and I retire for the night.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sunday, I go through odometer check, This is to see how far your odometer is off from a perceived value, I know from doing other L.D. rides my odometer reads an extra 50 miles per thousand so if I were to run 5000 miles that would add 250 extra miles to the odometer that I did not actually travel. Plus we did the regular paperwork that is normal for these events. After this I set out to find what is causing the extreme discomfort in my bikes seat. After thinking about how this has only happened one time before and strangely enough it was also in August, in Georgia of 2010. I set out to find an auto parts store. I find what I am looking for, Heat reflecting tape...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>And I line the underside of the seat, where I sit ...</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The extreme discomfort was me getting mild 1st degree burns on my butt. It only happened one time before and I never put it together what the cause was.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Like sitting on an air cooled engine in 98 degree heat at 80 MPH</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This falls under NOT GOOD but I am going to run anyways, I have come this far and I will go until I can not run any longer is what I tell myself as I face the prospect of five days of riding sun up to sun down with my butt on fire... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As I am working on my bike another rider asks me about my impromptu modifications, His name is Alan Hatcher, we kind of joke about the situation but little did we know that later we both would have so much in common by the end of the event.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>First Leg Bonus listing </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/BiteFirstleg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/BiteFirstleg.jpg" width="272" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After yet another great dinner we get our bonus lists and a thumb drive with the rally data on it, The event so far is routine like a 24 hour event. The only difference is that we are given a fuel log sheet that we are told will come into play in the second leg of the event. The requirement of the fuel log is to get receipts from 16 states or provinces and yes Washington DC did count as a state. I plan a conservative route up the coast to Delaware and then back down to the check point in Surrency, GA. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After having my GPS unit act up again, I can not load the information with my lap top computer. So after manually inputting all the latitude and longitude in my primary GPS for the locations I want to collect I settle in for 3 hours of sleep. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>At 5 am sharp we are off ..... Note to self ..</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/bf810479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/bf810479.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was my plan and notes about the states I needed a <b>Good </b>fuel receipt for my leg two 16 state bonus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
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</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My first bonus location is near Lacama NC. It is Simpson's Whirligig farm. This is a 195 mile run from the start of the event and all is well...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is why I do this, is to see unique things like these huge wind driven machines built from old car, truck and tractor parts. This was an incredible sight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/03f7fc39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/03f7fc39.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/f8f351b0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/f8f351b0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I get all my paper work together and plug in the next location on the GPS, As I exit the site I meet Todd and Diane LeClair rolling in on their Goldwing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hum...I Think...Another bike coming to the the same location, Am I on to something ???</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They are coming in as I am heading out. There are not a lot of bonuses out here along the coast of the Atlantic ocean. But all of the bonuses that are out here are hi point value.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next bonus was the The Hammock House, The oldest home in Beaufort N.C. dates back to approximately 1700 and Blackbeard headquartered out of what was shown on ancient maps as the "white house" which was located on what is now Taylor's creek, overlooking the inlet to the Atlantic Ocean at Beaufort. After nearly 300 years, things have changed. Today the house is known as the Hammock House,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This will be a 2 1/2 hour 130 mile ride up the coastline.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Who by chance do I end up riding with in the last 50 miles in to Beaufort N.C. with ? Todd and Diane again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I get to admire how the Goldwing soaks up bumps and watch Todd skillfully direct that huge bike 2 up towards our destination. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blackbeardthepirate.com/history.htm">Link to Blackbeards House </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Strangely we make different turns to this house, I get there and think, How can you see this from the sea, It's in a cul de sac. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I reread the directions and do my paper work, I point out the house to Todd and Diane as they are pulling in as I am loading up to get to my next location.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A Replica of the Cape Hatteras Light house in Columbia N.C. This was to be some of the best 3 hours of riding up the Atlantic Coast I have ever ridden. As I make my way out of Beaufort, Todd and Diane catch up to me in traffic and I am only guessing that I am going to the same place as they are.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> We ride for a long time together, At times I lead, at times Todd leads, but it is a wonderful ride through rural North Carolina, I got to laughing in my helmet as it looked like Diane was doing yoga on the back of that bike, Right leg hanging of the bike, then left lag up in the air, then big stretch to the left, Todd just kept that bike steady and smooth... About 45 miles from the location Todd pulls ahead then slows and takes an off ramp . I Think about following him, but remind myself to ride MY plan. I stop for ice and fuel on my way to the replica light house, so I meet Todd and Diane just leaving the location.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I get the picture I need and set the GPS to send me to one of the most unusually named places I have ever been to ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But first we need to go across The Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel, I have never crossed here before and I was amazed at the 17+ mile complex.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ocean going ships ready to cross over us in the tunnel sections of the bridge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">And again I catch up with Todd and Diane on the twisting back roads leading to.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/56a99f93.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/56a99f93.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A Better picture of the Assawoman Church in Assawoman Virginia</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/359134c4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/359134c4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So at this stop I finally get to talk to Todd and Diane, We commented on it looks like we have the same route. We compare notes and find we are only going to one more location in common.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That location is the Maryland WW 2 Memorial in Arnold Maryland. But first I need to head due north to the Delaware state line and get a fuel receipt. At the gas station I realize the lid to my cooler has fallen off after I left Assawoman VA.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I contemplate stopping at a Walmart and getting another cooler, but I need to get to the WW 2 Memorial</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">before 8:30 PM or I will not be able to claim the daylight only bonus. So I press on without my drinking water supply. On my way out of the gas station I see Connie Gabrick heading towards me and we exchange a wave. 800+ miles and I am still running into other riders.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I arrive at the WW 2 Memorial near 8 pm. Moments later Tim Pawlowski pulls in and we go up to take pictures, I take Tim's picture and he takes mine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/IMG_0051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/IMG_0051.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://triggert1911.wordpress.com/2011/08/30/2011-rallies">Tim's ride reports.</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/f669419c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/f669419c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tim and I converse while packing the bikes about where we had been and were we are going and he quickly speeds off. I stand and look at the place we had just taken pictures of and something is not right.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nowhere does it say it is the WW 2 Memorial. So I walk up to the stone rail and look down. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There it is... behind what I had just taken pictures of.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/e7f91839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/e7f91839.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I feel real bad that Tim may have just got the wrong location, but I had learned from a mistake I made in the Minuteman event earlier in the year that If you have any amount of doubt about the bonus. Go walk around a little bit, You would be amazed what you might find. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As I walk back up from the WW2 Memorial to my bike I see Todd and Diane again, This will be the last time I see them until the Check Point in Surrency, GA. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From here I am done bonus hunting for the night, I need to get a Maryland and Washington DC fuel receipt and start heading south to take my rest bonus somewhere in Virginia.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I start to feel the need for sleep as the Thunderstorm I am riding in is getting difficult after 20 hours in the saddle. I find a Ramada with 3 gas stations around it, I stop in and ask about a room, The clerk tells me that they have only 3 rooms left. I ask him if any of the stations are 24 hours so I can get a receipt to start my rest bonus. I go to that station and what happens? A bad receipt. The rules state that a receipt for a rest bonus must have Date, Time, Street Address. There can not be any alterations or corrections to a rest bonus slip. I go back and get a room, I then try the ATM in the lobby, Bad receipt, I mount back up and go to the next 24 hour gas station and yet again no street address on the slip. I head farther away from the hotel and look for a bank machine when I come across a McDonald's and I buy a juice, finally a good receipt and 35 minutes of my limited rest time lost.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I set my Screaming Eagle timer for 2:45 and I fall asleep quickly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Disaster strikes...</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wake up with out the aid of the alarm, and I have a real bad feeling about this.... I bring my watch up to my face and I see that it is a little after 5 am .........</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">A unseen force blasts me out of the bed and out the door to my bike</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I fire up the GPS and check my arrival time to the mandatory check point in Surrency Georgia, It says I will be late, really, really late.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In what I would call a near panic I load the bike and get to the McDonald's to get my ending receipt, I try and choke down a small coffee but I am just to panicked to finish it. I hop on the bike and head south on I 95.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After about an hour on the bike I tell myself that I need to stop at the next rest area, and do my pre trip inspection on my bike plus I realized that there were 2 bonus locations on the route to the check point that I need to see what happens if I eliminate them from the route.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I find that eliminating the two bonus locations will give me a 1 hour cushion to travel the 606 miles to the check point. A large wave of relief sweeps over me and I just settle in and ride down I 95 to contemplate how a small mistake like not arming an alarm clock can make for such a huge problem and loss of potential points. But I am still in this thing !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Leg 1 Checkpoint: Ed's Last Resort </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/389e14f2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/389e14f2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Scoring Area</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/61c73220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/61c73220.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ed Tillman put on a fantastic spread of food, Plus we had a opportunity take a shower, sleep and plan the next leg. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/513113d9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/513113d9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> And enjoy the August Georgia weather </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/364cb8cc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/364cb8cc.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The First leg scores are posted and I see that the two locations I needed to drop to get here on time have hurt my overall position. I am in 8th position at check point 1, Should have been 6th. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/6ffa671b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/6ffa671b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next bonus list will not be released until 7:pm so after scoring, eating and showering I spend some time talking with the other riders and play with Ed's dog Mack.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/ea7027aa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/ea7027aa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just after the Rally packs are handed out another rider rolls in, It's Allen Hatcher. It seems that there were a few complications to his first leg and he now is getting set to start leg 2 with no points in the bag.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What amazed me was that he was absolutely OK with his situation. Just looking forward to doing good in the next leg. All the riders were given 2 rally books and 2 sets of coordinates. A "B" route and a "C" route. Allen who was sitting next to me decided to try routing the "B" route and I worked the "C" route </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After some time he tells me he has a route and we compare notes, With the need to get to 9 states to score the big 16 state bonus the "C"or combinations route will not work for me. Allen heads off to find a room I am now the last person here planning my route again with the "B" book </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/2b4348e2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/2b4348e2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I put a route together that was somewhat aggressive but had multiple bailout points so I could at 4 places on the route check my progress and had a alternate plan in place at each of those bailout points to get back to the finish on time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/d7904202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/d7904202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At a few minutes before midnight I have the bike loaded and parked under the canopy next to Ed's Moto Guzzi. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I went in the house and grabbed a bunk and <b>PROPERLY SET MY ALARM</b> for 2:45 am.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I again wake up without hearing the alarm, But unlike in Virginia it is 2:44 am and I turn the alarm off before it goes off. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/f26d85c0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/f26d85c0.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Loaded up and ready for a strong leg 2, I feel great, my butt is feeling better from the burns and I have a well thought out plan in place. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My plan takes me to 9 states, 13 bonus locations and will cover 2650 miles if I do not run into any major problems. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/Leg2route.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="365" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/Leg2route.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The first bonus location is 63 miles away and I am happy to be starting the 2 half of this adventure on time and well organized and just feeling good.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First stop, Mud Cat Charlie's a highly regarded local restaurant in Brunswick Georgia </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/4fdbcf2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/4fdbcf2a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The rally book instructed us to take a picture of the front of the restaurant, As you can see there is a gate blocking my path. I double check the rally book, and confirm that this was a 24 hour bonus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The rules state that if a 24 hour location is blocked by a gate, You need a picture of the gate, plus another of a nearby sign.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/816bdd4e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/816bdd4e.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And then a gas receipt from a nearby gas station. So I put a search in the GPS for a gas station and find one a few miles away. I top off my main fuel tank and start heading to Florida, But as I am leaving the gas station it is starting to rain, Big,Big,Big rain drops, the ones that sound like hail on a helmet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I ride in this huge down pour to get back to I 95 and drive out of the rain once I am on the highway.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Welcome to Florida !</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In someways I got to do some other things during this event that I always wanted to do... Like ride my bike from New York to Florida. Check that one off the list .....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Of course that great feeling did not last long when ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Disaster Strikes .....</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am just past the large inspections area, that looks a lot like a international border crossing when my bike just pops back through the intake and just <b>dies </b>near the end of a construction zone. I spot a place where I can pull the bike off the roadway and slot it in between the barrels that are marking the traffic lane and as I grind down in speed I release the clutch so I can shift the bike out of top gear and it burst back to life. Running fine, No check engine lamp on, everything just fine. I hop off the bike and give it a visual inspection and do not see or hear anything unusual. I ease the bike up to 55 mph and it has some hesitations but they are intermittent and not near a violent as when the bike quit. I am near my exit off of I 95 so I pull into a gas station to look at the bike again and to purchase some kind of dry gas. The way the bike is acting is like it got some water in the gas. I come to find out that dry gas is not a common item in Florida like it is in NY so I get some STP fuel treatment ( Must have some dry gas in it ) and put it in my bikes tank.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/41db5ca9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/41db5ca9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As I cut across on two lane road from I 95 to I 10 the bike is running good again, it still has an occasional hiccup but seems to be running better. Now I wonder how much water did I get in my fuel, and will it cause any fuel injection issues down the road.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Get on I 10 west bound and it starts happening again, Popping back through the intake, then back firing through the exhaust. All very brief but very noticeable. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I continue on for about an hour trying to put a pattern to the issue, no pattern, just random. It might do it one time in 20 miles then do it 5 times in a row then be fine for 25 miles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The sun has come up and I decide to pull into a rest area to look for a cause to this issue.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sunrising over the Osceola National Forest</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/2fee30a3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/2fee30a3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At this point I am thinking that it is not a gas issue anymore and is most likely an electrical issue.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I had lined the underside of my seat with heat reflective tape back in Statesville NC and maybe I have a electrical short developing now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/bacc8674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/bacc8674.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For 2 hours I inspect every ground point, electrical connection, and inspect the wiring harness and find nothing wrong, plus when I run the bike to shake and jiggle the wire loom, the bike runs just fine </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/b99ed911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/b99ed911.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At this point I have gone as far as I can go, I call the shop that I work in and ask them to locate a Harley dealer to the west of me. I am told that Capital City HD is about a 100 miles to my west just off I 10.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I put the bike back together and add some extra electrical tape to some places that might be rubbing on my seat bottom. And I start heading west again. I also clear my second trip meter to note the how far till the bike acts up again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For almost 50 miles the bike is fine... Then it starts all over again... Then stops for a while, as I near Capital HD in Tallahassee the bike seems to be fine again but just as I near the stores off ramps the bike gives me a big back fire and jerk and pop through the intake so I get of the road again and stop in to see if I can get some help. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/31a5ad18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/31a5ad18.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First I see no Buell sign at the place, But after I went into the service reception area I was told that they had been a Buell store and the Buell tech was working that day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">John Sands the service adviser was first rate with me, I explained my situation and I was given immediate attention. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/de591e16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/de591e16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My thinking was that water might have got into my cam position sensor area, But I could not get the rivet's out without a drill </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/53870d84.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/53870d84.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We found no water in the cam sensor area and the tech Bill Elert agreed with me that it was either water in the fuel or the cam sensor that could be the issue, Bad news was they did not have a sensor in stock.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/5d998848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/5d998848.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After making a small change to my bike that allows access to my cam sensor I thanked the crew at Capital City HD for their great service, and pointed my bike west again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/1d91007a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/1d91007a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, That is westbound I-10 in the background and that is a <b>DEAD </b>Buell in the foreground.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After what could be best described as a<b> significant</b> event, Consisting of flames out the exhaust and the tachometer making 6000 rpm jumps and the bike shutting down completely. I pushed the bike up into a rest area. I then realize I knocked the gel pad off my seat back on the highway. So, I walk back the 1/4 mile I had just pushed the bike, to retrieve it off the road. In nice comfortable 98 degree weather.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I find a nice place to set up my office while I figure out what to do next.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/9f0e9d25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/9f0e9d25.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I call Capital City HD back and explain that they should be able to find the issue real easy now, and I was advised to wait for a call. As I am still catching my breath from pushing the bike in the heat. I get a call from Dothan HD/Buell in Dothan Alabama asking about my issue, I explain whats going on and they advise me to arrange for towing, seems that their truck was out for service that day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I call the AMA road service number and give them the particulars and they advise me that I have a truck on the way, At this point I call Rick Miller <b>again</b> advising him of my situation (update # ?)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As I am on the phone with Rick, My truck arrives.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/7957705a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/7957705a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I help the driver get the bike on the bed of his truck and he ties it off well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/86838c33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/86838c33.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I then call the folks in Dothan to advise them I am in route, and will make it there before they close for the day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We arrive at the dealership and unload the bike, At this point my 30 years as a mechanic makes me push the starter button and..... The bike starts right up, and I ride it into the service reception area.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Harley-Davidson Of Dothan </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/96723d54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/96723d54.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That Buell sign is a beautiful sight !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/cd3b4086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/cd3b4086.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hang out in the waiting area and a few minutes after 5pm the owner of the dealership and the service manager come and get me and we go back to the shop and to my bike. They can not find anything wrong, all components test fine. I talk with the tech and the owner and service manager and explain I would like a Cam Sensor put in anyways if they have one, The tech goes back to parts and comes back with a shiny new cam sensor in his hand. I accepted all responsibility so if I was wrong I would not blame them but I also stated that lets leave the bike here for the night and install the part in the morning because I did not want to have a failure in the middle of the night. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bill Holland the owner of the dealership gave me a ride to the hotel and gave me some great suggestions on where to eat dinner, On my way to dinner I stop and get a ATM slip and start my rest bonus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What the hell, I am not riding so I might as well claim the 6 hour bonus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At 8:30 am Bill picks me up and I get my ending slip from the same ATM and back to the shop we go, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At this point I have a new route plan that will work if I am on the road by noon, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At noon I get my bike back.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A beautiful sight !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/1ada780e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/1ada780e.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And I still need to put all my stuff back on and they want me to ride the loop road around the shop for a couple of laps to be sure we are fixed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.harleyofdothan.com/aboutus.asp">Harley of Dothan about us..</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Just about 2pm central time I am at the gas pumps and about to go back on the clock, I call Rick Miller and advise him I am back on the road again and I hope not to talk with him until I see him in Statesville NC. I have a "Hail Mary" route planned and I hope to be at the checkpoint in 24 hours with some points in my hands.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next stop is The Stagecoach cafe in Stockton Alabama, I have heard about this place from the LD Rider list, This place has been used as a meeting place for LD Riders for years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/903f1bb4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/903f1bb4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now I have been riding in the south for nearly 4 days, but when I got off the bike here I was hotter with my gear off than when It was on. Before I left home I put a thermometer zipper pull on my suit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/232b73a7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/232b73a7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I stopped in and had a few large glasses of sweet ice tea and a dish of ice cream to cool off and then hit the road to Biloxi ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/0b396121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/0b396121.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the beach, Biloxi Mississippi, That cool gulf air feels great !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/8bb799d0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/8bb799d0.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The bonus location I was seeking, The Biloxi Lighthouse</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/7f2705ea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/7f2705ea.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next stop, Hot Coffee Mississippi</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/cbb47307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/cbb47307.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hot Coffee, Mississippi is an area in Mississippi, according to a National Geographic journalist, "about halfway between Jackson and Hattiesburg ... Hot Coffee isn't a quaint little town; it's not even a town. Instead it's a tiny community of farms, homes, and businesses scattered along two-lane Highway 532. The 12-mile stretch known locally as Hot Coffee Road runs from the town of Mount Olive to a crossroads that dates back to pioneer days. There, according to local lore, a resident [J.J. Davis] opened an inn in 1870 and sold coffee to passersby. Apparently the drink was the only memorable thing about the place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next and last stop is 300 miles of mainly back roads away in Cherokee Alabama</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/23d233d0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/23d233d0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A video about this place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fs0VUxVnWLg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had some trouble finding this place, First the GPS put me about 6 miles away on the Natchez Trace Parkway. I walk in the woods with my flashlight wondering were it is. I then dig the rally book out and see that the GPS location is off, so I punch in the new location and go a mile up the parkway and still do not see it. So I read the clue completely and use the driving instructions to get to this location about 12 miles away. It is way off the beaten path and a great place for a coon dogs final resting place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I pack up the camera and the Rally book and then I am just stuck thinking, It's over.... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I punch in the route back to rally HQ in Statesville North Carolina 530 miles to go and 8 hours to get there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sunrising in northern Alabama </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/a7822140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/a7822140.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This will be the last sunrise I will see from the seat of my bike, I had seen the sunrise on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and now Friday from the seat of the bike, And it has just hit me how fast it all went by. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/a61bb398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/a61bb398.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From here it is a push to make the finish, It will be close getting there by 3:00pm or I will get some penalty points. Every gas stop puts me behind and I make some time up on the road. I am glad there is only 2 gas stops to get to the HQ for the finish. I am blessed with no traffic delays over the 530 miles it took to get to the end of this rally for me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My GPS at the finish </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/6cbb728d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Beast%20In%20The%20East%202011/6cbb728d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> That is from Dothan Alabama to the finish, My last leg of the event. The real total time is 24:17 because I had a 60 minute stay at the IronButt inn on my way up to the Coon Dog cemetery and I turned the GPS off during that time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am very pleased to be only 2 minutes late to the final check point and to come in as a finisher after all the things I needed to overcome.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After scoring I find I have come in 10th </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Alan Hatcher who had no leg one points came in 9th </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The rider who I took the wrong picture of, Tim Pawlowski ended up the winner of the event </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> "Perseverance."</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>To Persist (As in a undertaking) In spite of the difficulties.</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>In spite of all the issues I had, I had the best time competing in this event, If it was over when I broke in Florida I still would have been pleased with all the cool bonus locations I had been to and the experience as a whole. But toughing it out to the end just made it a never to forget experience.</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>I hope life offers me a chance to do another one in the future.</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Thanks for reading my ride report </b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Carl van Kesteren</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b> </b></div></div><br />
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</b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00474909864364238025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654866246784527455.post-18103317166301575422011-07-20T21:09:00.004-04:002011-07-22T22:04:05.938-04:002011 Minuteman 24Hour Rally... To Infinity and Beyond !!!! Or where I learned to have fun again.<div style="text-align: center;">The lead up to this event was nothing short of a marathon for me, With the change of the event date from last years June date and major pressures of life weighing heavily on me, I went into this event stressed, not rested as I would have liked, and just not into it. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The day the bonus list was released I ended up working a late night at work so when I got home all I was able to do was load the data into my spreadsheets and Nav software before trying and getting a few hours sleep for the next work day.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am going into this event not near as prepared as I would like, The competitor in me is not happy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>On my way out the door to head to the Rally, My wife reminds me ....</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Remember to have FUN...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>After a mixed weather ride I arrive to the rally hotel and see familiar bikes and faces </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000099.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I check in and register and when the rally staff takes my picture for my memory card, I make a point of trying to smile.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1681.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now I have some time to kill and wait for my roommate to show up so we can check into the hotel, So I go out to the parking lot and check out the latest technology in LD world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The new Honda auxiliary fuel system </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000105.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On a Moto Guzzi</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000103.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">C.R.A.P fuel cell systems ..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000102.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> After a great dinner, the food at this event is first class. Thanks Max BMW for such a great meal !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We get our rally books, Now I had been putting a route together and there was one bonus that was causing me some headaches.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We are required to show up at Max BMW by 14:45 and receive a 500 point bonus for every minute before 14:59 at 15:00 you get nothing, then you loose 650 points for every minute after 15:00 till 15:15. After 15:15 you receive a 70,000 point penalty. <b>Ouch...</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was a challenge but I put a route together, Of course as I am fretting over my route in back in our room </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> My roommate who is doing the Saddlesore ride tells me that what I am doing is just for fun...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The highlighted route is the 1000 mile Saddlesore route. The flags are Bonus locations</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The green star is our hotel/ Start-Finish </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://rpb.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/LD-Events-Bikes/2011-Minuteman-1000/i-9DT2XCZ/0/X3/2011MM1K-X3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://rpb.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/LD-Events-Bikes/2011-Minuteman-1000/i-9DT2XCZ/0/X3/2011MM1K-X3.jpg" width="486" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I agree and get the lights out early and try and get to sleep.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But I am still concerned about the route, and I sleep poorly until I work out what is wrong with my route in my head.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The day the World Ended...</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000108_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000108_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The date of our event was May 21 2011, The day that some folks had predicted would be Judgement Day. More on that later...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, to turn on the TV to check the weather and have the movie "The Day the World ends" come on the screen made me just laugh. If this is a sign, I think I am going to have a fun day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well the bike is loaded, I am as ready as I am going to be, so I wonder the impound area and I wish my</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> fellow riders a safe ride.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My roommate Sam Booth heading out to do his Saddlesore ride</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000113.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Other riders in last minute preparation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000112.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At 6:02am I am heading out to my first bonus, The Space Sugar Bonus. 2500 points.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1683_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="483" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1683_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The first Maple Syrup to go into outer space came from this sugar house. The syrup went up on a Space shuttle mission.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Other riders at the location.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000114_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="417" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000114_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The roads in and out were very interesting, But FUN on the Buell.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000115.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The ride to the next location are all on back roads that are just beautiful, I am riding in the rain but the back country Massachusetts and Vermont roads are just twisty and fun. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next Bonus, Hogback Mountain gift shop deck in Vermont. 2500 points</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1687_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1687_2.jpg" width="325" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And the view is To Infinity and beyond !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000118_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000118_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of my goals for this event, was to not repeat the mistakes I made last year, one major blunder I made last year was to not pick up the rally master's favorite maple syrup. So I was noting sugar houses as I heading to Brattleboro Vt till I see the open light turn on as I drive by one. Pull a quick U turn and stop at the Paradise Farm Sugar house. 10,000 points.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000119_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000119_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While I am completing my purchase, a young woman comes out of the back room with some fresh donuts. I decide this would be a great time for a brief break and I enjoy a coffee and a donut. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You know what, this is fun..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Back out on the road I get my next stop in Brattleboro Vt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Planet gas station. 750 points.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1690_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1690_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To Infinity and Beyond ??? In Ascutney Vt. 3700 points.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1693_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1693_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After leaving the Magic Mushroom I get on the interstate and head north to pick up some high point locations in the north part of the state. I see that I am doing good on time so I decide to change the order of my plan and stop in Hanover N.H. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here on the campus of Dartmouth College I was to look for the sign for the US Army Corps of Engineers Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory. On my way to the location I was stopped by a police officer and was told that a marathon was coming through, and to hang out for a moment. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So I shut the bike off and wait for the large group of women runners to come past. The group went by in about 5 minutes and I am released by the officer and I continue on my way. Well now I can not find the sign, I recheck the bonus list and punch in the street address. That puts me right back were I was stopped for the marathon, I guess I should not have been looking at the girls ....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">CRREL. 2100 points.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1695.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Back in the rain again ..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000121_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000121_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next location is on Rt 100 on the way to Stockbridge Vt, I find the location that was an advertisement for Emerson Motor Works, A BMW motorcycle repair shop. Sadly the David Segal the owner of the shop passed away in March. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">9000 points.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1697_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1697_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The fantastic roads heading northwest to my last location before I turn around and head for the New Hampshire seacoast to make the very important Max BMW bonus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000122_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000122_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After going up into the mountains in the picture above, I get to Ripton Vt. home of the Robert Frost farm and take my picture of the Ripton Community center. 8500 points.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1701.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">More Ripton Vt </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000123_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="344" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000123_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Somewhere on the road heading to New Hampshire and the Max BMW Bonus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000126_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000126_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And yes it is raining hard now, but my rain gear is holding up well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000127.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I see that I am still doing Ok on time so I decide to pick up an extra location on my way to Max BMW. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now this was one of the locations that had 2 bonuses at the same location. When you zoomed in on the GPS a second flag would pop up at the location. So though I was close on time, a two for one stop was worth the risk of being late at Max BMW.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, Take a picture of the full-sized replica of a Mercury-Redstone rocket. 5750 points</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1706_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1706_2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then as a second bonus at the same location I needed to find. It was a question bonus asking who had flown a Vostok Class 1 rocket.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Vostok 3KA spacecraft was launched on April 12, 1961. The flight took Yuri Gagarin, a cosmonaut from the Soviet Union, into space. The flight marked the first time that a human entered outer space, as well as the first orbital flight of a manned vehicle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This bonus required me to write the information in my Rally book. 2450 Points.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1705.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now it is time to turn and burn, I have 50 minutes to cover the 55 Miles to get to Max BMW. This is all on multilane highway and the GPS estimates I will make it at 2:45pm, the opening time for the bonus location. Of course driving habits of the local drivers works against me, it seems that you can run your limousine in the passing lane at the speed limit for miles on end. This caused some dangerous passes by some of the other drivers on the road passing in the breakdown lane. Nearing my exit , the limo pulls out of the left lane and the assembled cars rocket down the road. Of course to late to be of any benefit to me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000134.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Max BMW bonus, 2 minutes late, 6000 points earned, Lost 1000 points being 2 minutes late.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Riders got some great food and drink and used this mandatory stop to fine tune the next segment of the rally.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000130_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000130_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had to see the new BMW GTL, I wish I had the time to take that for a ride.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000131.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One member of the rally staff, Bob L. Has a photo album of this stop.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.whereisbobl.com/2011/2011-05-mm1k.html">Bob L. pictures from Max BMW Link.</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used the time here to work on my second leg and eat and drink. I stayed here till 3:30 to hone my second leg to my satisfaction and get a bathroom break in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The first stop of the second leg..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The University Of New Hampshire Observatory. 6800 points </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1710.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From Durham NH, I then headed to Derry NH to find the Forest Hill cemetery</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This bonus required me to find what was engraved on a gravestone and write that information in my rally book.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Derry NH was the Boyhood home of Alan Shepard, The first American in space.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The family plot</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000140_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000140_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The answer to my question. 1998. 7200 points</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1712-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1712-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From the cemetery I had to find the high school in Derry and find who donated the sign.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1716.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> The answer to the question. + 4000 points</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1715.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was the last bonus in New Hampshire that I was going after. Now I am heading south towards Boston to get to another group of bonuses.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The first was another double bonus at one location, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the bonus requirements was to take a picture of the train at the station, When I got to the station I realized that there is no locomotive on display at the station, To get a picture of the locomotive I would have had to wait for the next train that was due to arrive 1hr 30 minutes later. So I skipped that bonus and did the second bonus at the location. 1150 points</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1718_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1718_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next bonus I went to, I did because of the Irony of the bonus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Judgement Day 7250 points</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1722_2-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="616" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1722_2-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was one of my favorite locations of the event, Just to be able to get a time stamped picture on Judgment day after 6 o'clock at a billboard was just to cool ! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But back to work getting bonus locations </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next location was to be the Smithsonian Observatory in Cambridge Mass. This would take me across Boston and through the campus of Harvard. The funny thing is.. The only traffic jamb I was stuck in the entire rally, was on the Harvard campus. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1724.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5000 Points </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This will be the last daylight bonus I will be getting, from here on out it will be harder to get my pictures. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next location was heading out of Boston, in Westford Mass</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Amateur Telescope makers club. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1727_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1727_2.jpg" width="530" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had to wonder what the folks inside thought when I lit up he place with all my lights, Well it does not matter. Another 1800 points in the bag and now we have some commuting to do to get to Auburn Mass to get our next bonus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1731.jpg" width="532" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That folks is my first big mistake of the rally, The rally book stated to take a picture of Robert Goddard's first liquid fuel rocket . I had seen pictures of the first rocket and I KNEW this was not it, but the rocket had a tag with Robert Goddard's name on it. I found out later in scoring that the correct rocket was in a glass case off to the side, very hard to see at night. So if had I looked a little harder I would have found it, 6600 points<b> LOST.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At this point it was time for me to take my 2 hour rest bonus. I found a McDonald's near the park with the Rocket and a 24 hour gas station to get start and stop receipts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My data at this point </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1733.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rest Bonus 25,000 points </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ate some food and worked on my paperwork all by myself in the Mc Donald's. I double checked my plan for the last segment of the rally and found myself ready for the last leg of the event. As I check the bike over for the last leg, It starts to rain again, misty and foggy so caution will be in order for the run to Hartford CT.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1734.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Woody's hot dogs is in this Building. 4000 Points and off to the last group of bonus locations in New Milford Connecticut. The rain finally stopped and it got a lot warmer, I got to the High School at 2:55 am and started wandering the grounds of the high school. I finally found the first planet to take a picture of .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1735.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There was 6 similar markers that I found in the town that I got, It was a hunt to find some of them, But it was cool wondering around a town at 3+am while watching other riders riding around looking for the same markers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another nearby Bonus was .....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1743.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lovers Leap State park, 2000 points, And now I can say that I have been to the real Lovers Leap !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I get my last bonus that I can grab before running out of time, before heading back to Rally H.Q by 6 am.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our Galaxy ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IMG_1750.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The GPS says I have 1 hour and 45 minutes to get back to the rally hotel. I get on the road and head out. The roads are back country roads and it has started to rain so caution is in order, plus I have seen my fair share of forest rats and other critters.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">About 30 minutes out I see a large flash under my bike, My right aux lamp mounting has failed. I had practiced securing a broken lamp with wire ties on a test run a week earlier so it was not a big deal. But it cost me 7 minutes. Now I am going to be late .....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Go a little further and the left lamp does the same thing, I had stashed the extra wire ties in my tank bag so this stop was about 5 minutes. So now I am going to be late for real.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So this is where it gets interesting, My mind says <b>STAY CALM, </b>My body wants to just open the throttle wide open and tear ass ....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I find a balance of speed and conditions till I get to the closed bridge....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>$%&K many times in my helmet</b> .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now panic sets in and the mistakes just start to pile on. Biggest mistake was a blind trust of the GPS. It made me take a turn that directed me away from the Interstate highway, and over a mountain pass in the fog. By the time I realized that I had made a mistake it was too late to turn around and head in the correct direction. I stop again to see what else the GPS had in store and plan my route back to the hotel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I arrive 20 minutes late ......But in the penalty window at least ! And not DNF for being late.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The broken lamp mounts ... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2011%20Minuteman%20rally/IM000142.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I has a great time despite the weather and adversity, I finished 12th and I am very happy with that finishing position.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Minuteman was another great time again, I loved the theme and I got to go to cool places again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I want to thank Rob Nye, Max BMW and crew for another great event. I plan on coming back next year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks for stopping by to read this... Carl</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">07/22/2011 Addendum </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wanted to post some stats.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My official rally statistics are....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Corrected miles 831... Rally time ...24:20 and I was the last 24 Hour rally rider in the barn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">points 152100.... points per mile 183.03</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The winner, Jim Abbott</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Corrected Miles 878... Rally time 23:58... Points 194360....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Points per mile 221.36 ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I still have a long way to go, But I learn so much each time I do a rally . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00474909864364238025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654866246784527455.post-31076186731090600472011-05-15T00:58:00.003-04:002011-05-19T21:32:56.246-04:00Battle Ready ... sort of ....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IM000057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IM000057.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After a long hard winter I finally get a day off from all the demands of life to ride my bike. I planned on riding a 400 mile loop gathering Affair with Water tour locations but I came up short, More on that later.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I used today to hone my rally routing and GPS skills and to shake the bike down for the upcoming Minuteman 1000 event next weekend. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Why shake down the bike ?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The bike was taken apart and some updates were performed. So to be sure we did not screw anything up, we need to test it before it gets put into a rally situation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the updates my 2006 Buell Ulysses received during the winter was to improve rider comfort with some Palmer Pegs from England, These allow me to put my feet forward and change the load on my rear end during those long interstate grinds </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/DSC06407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/DSC06407.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://palmerproducts.co.uk/">Palmer products</a> makes a cool line of accessories for Buell's and other bikes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another update is a change with my GPS's. I removed my GPS V and added a Garmin 276c.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This allows me to load matching data in both units. One unit can back up the other now, Plus I can run different data screens at the same time greatly reducing the need to push any buttons on the fly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IM000098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IM000098.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The biggest change is more light ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After roaming around Maine in last years Minuteman 1000 in the middle of the night, I realized I needed more light. After a lot of trial and error I believe I have come up with a good solution to the problem.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have added two sets of Led lamps on the bike, One set is a three level, three Led flood light unit with a maximum 1500 lumens output on the highest setting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IMG_1491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IMG_1491.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I use these on the low setting during the day to help make me stand out when I ride with the sun on my back.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My stock H7 headlamp, one note, It is hard to keep the camera from changing settings when taking these pictures</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IMG_1498_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IMG_1498_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Led's on highest setting </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IMG_1500_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IMG_1500_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With lighting, some is good, more is better !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I then added a pair of four Led 2000 lumen lamps that will only activate if my Hid high beams are on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IMG_1514-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IMG_1514-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">all lit up !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IMG_1508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IMG_1508.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some of the wiring work to make this work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IMG_1493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IMG_1493.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IMG_1487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IMG_1487.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So other than, tires, brakes, fluids etc.. Thats about all for the updates on the Rally Buell.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>So, How did the shake down go ? </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, good I have to say... First issue was not with the bike, it was the weather..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IM000077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IM000077.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A cold wet northeastern day, Now this is not a bad thing because I could be riding in the same conditions next weekend. And yes my wet weather gear did its job and passed this test.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But I did develop a misfire at low engine speed that I have never had before in the wet, This condition got worse as the day went on so I bailed on my 400 mile loop and ended up putting in about 250 miles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am very happy that this problem manifested itself today and not during the rally.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Second issue Is one of my light brackets broke, Now this is my fault, I had cracked it last fall and when it broke the first time I tack welded it and forgot to order a replacement.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IM000085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IM000085.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The bike kindly reminded me to get it dealt with. So in true rally fashion, a repair involving zip ties secured the light.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IM000086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IM000086.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another thing I learned today is that I can get get my tank bag open, hang my flag, and work my camera with my Aerostich 3 digit rain covers on !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Great day all in all !</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some pictures from the day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IM000066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IM000066.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IM000062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IM000062.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IM000071_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IM000071_2.jpg" width="430" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>News update 5/15</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have found the issue with the bike, My front spark plug wire failed, The ignition coil then shorted with the idle speed cable.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IMG_1678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Uly%20rides/IMG_1678.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We will see how finding parts will go on Monday, But it is an easy fix.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>5/16 Update...</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My former Buell dealership had 1 spark plug wire in stock, I also learned that they have been having some issues with the wires. The wires are on the 3rd revision so I guess I can not complain.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The new bracket for the Led lamp is on its way from Florida and may or may not make it in time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We will see...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>5/19 Update...</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First chance to ride the bike today, In the rain of course... The bike ran fine and waiting for me was a new mount for my light. Its on the bike and I am ready to go to run in the MM1000.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Life is good!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00474909864364238025noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654866246784527455.post-42990766919081533382011-02-20T19:56:00.002-05:002011-02-21T05:33:08.139-05:00A Trip to the Barber Museum...And then some...<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It all started with this post on the IronButt forum</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The Barber Motor sports Museum has accepted the Barbie Bike from hell(Honda NS50F)for display.As a swan song we(along with Charles Fider on his BMW R100RT)are going to attempt to ride down to Birmingham for the acceptance.I believe(I'm sure someone will correct me if I am wrong)this is the first bike to be accepted by them based solely on it accomplishment of IBA rides.It sure isn't because of it's good looks! I think,(fingers tightly crossed)that we've got the BB from Hell up and running as good as she gets.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">(Steady 70-75 on the flat.)The plan is to leave the Detroit/Windsor border crossing at 1:00a.m.on friday the 20th and arrive in Birmingham in mid to late afternoon.It is only about 734 miles.If anyone would like to ride along for a short or long part of the way with us you would be welcome.We won't be stopping long to chat but thought if anyone was along the route as we pass through you might like to give us a wave.We will be at the Barber sometime on the Saturday morning if anyone wants to say hello. Perhaps a RTE somewhere on the Saturday night.If you want to follow the ultimate girly bike(gone Bad!),Spot link is:...And will be turned on about 1:00 am on the 20th.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The ride home in my wife's car won't nearly be so much fun-But a darn site more comfy.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Bob Munden</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Then I started to think ....</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Since I was heading down to Spartanburg SC for the IB 5000 finish on Friday the 20th anyways.</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Why not leave on Thursday night instead ?</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Then I think some more..(</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This is never good)</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Why not go and get my Bun Burner certificate at the same time !</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A Bun Burner is a 1500 miles completed in a maximum allowed time of 36 hours. Since I did not have this ride certification yet, this last minute change to my travailing plans is really starting to sound like a good time to me.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I run some calculations through my mapping software and find a good place to meet up with Bob and Charles near Toledo OH. This would be a great first leg of 475 miles and I should be out there by 1 am <b>IF</b> I leave from Canastota NY by 6pm. Plus I will be able to get a 1 hour rest break before meeting up with Bob and Charles.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I E.Mail Bob Munden with a plan to meet him at a Denny's near where I-80 and I-75 meet.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Bob's response</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Hi Carl,Depending on U.S. Customs we should be there sometime between about 2:10 and 2:30. If all goes well then S&T says 2:17am</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">at the I-75 I-80/I-90 junction. Should be two of us. Little red crotch rockety shape and a large Hannigan faring(Bronze)covering an old BMW R100RT.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Hope to see you there!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Bob Munden</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Trip planning by E.Mail ... So far... So good.</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So it is done, I will be leaving at 6pm on the evening of the 19th and heading to Toledo OH, To meet up with Bob and Charles, Two guys I have never met before.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Oh did I mention one guy is on a 50cc bike?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Then we will ride together some 680 plus miles to Birmingham Alabama. When we get there, I will take a few hour break in Birmingham. After my break I will head to Spartanburg SC via Atlanta GA.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If all goes well I will be at the Marriott Spartanburg at midnight on Friday with my BunBurner in hand.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It all looks so easy on paper.</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">They say a picture is worth a thousand words,</span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC06090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC06090.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I took that picture when I pulled up to the gas pumps next to the Denny's meeting point. And if you note the top left corner of the GPS you will see that it is 2:08am and I have just arrived at our meeting place late. I lapped the parking lot on my way to the gas pumps and I am the first one here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I start to fill my bike with fuel and I hear the unmistakeable sound of a high performance 2 stroke coming towards me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Here they come!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bob see's me immediately and comes over to the pumps, I note the time and it is exactly 2:17am. The time Bob had estimated. Charles is a few moments behind and finds us after lapping the Denny's parking lot. First thing Bob ask's me is if I had seen a Goldwing ? I tell him no, He explains that they had met up with a rider at the Ambassador Bridge and promptly lost him in Detroit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So we get done with our hello's and mount up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Before Bob closes his face shield he says to me...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Catch me if you can...</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I complete my ritual for completing a gas stop as Bob and Charles head off down the road.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I always do the same thing at stops so I will not have to pull over on the interstate or worse yet, loosing something on the road. After completing this task, I head off after them.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I wind my Buell Ulysses up to 85 mph and stare off into the night looking for a 50cc Honda and a BMW100RT. After what seemed like an eternity I catch up to Bob and Charles running at near 80 mph!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>on a 50cc Honda!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When the conditions are perfect that bike runs awesome, and right now conditions are perfect!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After a while I start to notice the smell of a two stroke engine and Bob is starting to slow down.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Soon Bob pulls into a rest area and starts fussing under the faring of the bike. He tells me that he needs to change the spark plug and is proceeding to change it very quickly, looks like he has done this before.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Before I can get my helmet back on, Bob is paddling the little Honda away from the curb and taking off, On a nice <b>Crisp </b>sounding machine</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So here we go again...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC06091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC06091.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4:36am</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/SANY0454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/SANY0454.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Charles Fider Photo</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After that brief stop we are off and running again, The Barbie bike is running great !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For a while I pull alongside and turn on all my lighting, and just listen to that little bike sing its high pitched song through the darkness of the night.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>5:46 am. First fuel stop...</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">West Chester OH</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So; At the first fuel stop we are running at a Bun Burner gold pace, this means that our overall average is better that 62.5 mph. I like riding with these guys. They know how to get the business done. And with that we are off after a very quick fuel stop. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Soon we will see the morning sun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC06098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC06098.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC06096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC06096.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>AM in Kentucky.. A Study in riding style...</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/RidingtheBuell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/RidingtheBuell.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Charles Fider Photo</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/SANY0457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/SANY0457.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Charles Fider Photo</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bob was in that position the entire trip.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>8:17am. Monfordville Kentucky</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Our next fuel stop </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our pace is still very good and all is well with all the bikes. We are starting to see more traffic now and we have been through Cincinnati and Louisville without any major traffic issues. Bowling Green is the next city we need to ride through.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC06102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC06102.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC06105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC06105.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Taking a Trail mix break.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC06107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC06107.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Back on the road again.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We get going, but as the heat of the day starts to rise the little Honda starts to slow some plus the traffic is starting to get denser as we reach Nashville </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/SANY0460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/SANY0460.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Charles Fider Photo</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>11:39am. Columbia TN</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Our next fuel stop.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bob is having trouble keeping the pace of the Barbie bike up where it was during the night, He checks the bike over after filling it with fuel, I get myself into hot weather mode. I see the thermometer on the gas station is reading 90 degrees and I change down to just my LD Comforts for the August heat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC06108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC06108.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Plus we make this a lunch stop, This is the data from the end of our break. We are no longer at BBG pace anymore, But I am still pleased with a 1000 miles in under 17 hours. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As usual, I am the last guy out from a fuel stop and as I head south on I-65 towards Alabama I see Charles sitting at the top of an off ramp. I signal him to let him know I seen him and get off the exit ramp to see Bob taking his riding gear off. Bob thought at the last stop that fuel might be causing some of the bikes running issues, but it was soon apparent that was not the case. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC06114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC06114.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I returned a call from my job, They were wondering how far I have got so far.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/SANY0462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/SANY0462.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Charles Fider photo</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bob puts his last spark plug in the bike, I look at the one he removed and it looks fine, Nice color, not fouled or wet. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We head back on the road and "The little bike that could" is running along at an ok pace. The 80 mph speeds are now a thing of the past. It looks like 65 will be our top speed in the hot August heat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We roll along and then Bob starts to slow and I can really smell the exhaust of the Barbie Bike now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bob chugs along, struggling to get 55 mph out of the bike. Charles and I cover the back of Bobs bike to help him from getting hit from behind. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It went that way for a while till Bob gets off the highway north of Birmingham and takes us on a little detour to a Auto-zone store </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>2:12 pm, Parts stop.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC06122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC06122.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Clerk, Hi, how can I help you today? Bob, Do you have a spark plug for a Honda NS 50?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>They had no clue how to look that plug up, so Bob starts giving the clerk spark plug numbers till they get one that works.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC06118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC06118.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC06120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC06120.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wondered what people thought, when they seen this motley crew of bikes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bob puts the new spark plug in the Barbie Bike and the crisp sounding engine is back. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>3:04 pm, Last fuel stop ...</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>We are on the outskirts of Birmingham near Leeds getting our fuel slips to stop the clock. I am starting my rest break, and Bob has stopped the clock on his ride.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/SANY0469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/SANY0469.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Charles Fider photo</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/SANY0468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/SANY0468.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Charles Fider Photo</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Bob's GPS data </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/P1010538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/P1010538.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Bob Munden Photo</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Once we got our receipts from the clerk in the store, (I hate it when the pump does not give you a slip) We headed to the hotel that Bob and Charles were to stay tonight. What I did not know was that other folks had also read Bob's posting on the Iron Butt forum and were waiting to meet us at the hotel.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Michael Jordan's pictures from our arrival.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/MJJ_0133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/MJJ_0133.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Why is this man smiling ? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/MJJ_0134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/MJJ_0134.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think because he is getting off that bike now!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So we meet the reception party, Michael Jordan and Jeff White and Bob, Charles and myself finally get to talk to each other and I wanted to take Bob up on his offer to ride the Barbie Bike from hell.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC06126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC06126.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/P1010547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/P1010547.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Back after a few laps of the Hotel parking lot, Fun little bike !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bob really built something really cool here, and I must say, very impressive.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jeff White trying the Barbie Bike on for size.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/P1010548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/P1010548.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC06124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC06124.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Blue BMW is Jeff Whites and the V Strom is Michael Jordan's The story of the trip was coming out . Plus it was the first time I got to talk to Bob and Charles, and add Michael and Jeff. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC06134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC06134.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>L-->R. Charles Fider, Michael Jorden with camera,Bob Munden,Jeff White,Carl van Kesteren</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, this might have turned into a party or something like one if I had stayed the night here. Bob and Charles wanted me to stay with them and go to the Barber tomorrow. And I did want to stay but, I had a reservation in Spartanburg SC tonight and I was still on the clock for my Bun Burner. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The few hour break was really relaxing, Made some new friends, But I got to go now. Jeff a resident of Atlanta offered an escort to the east side of the city and I took him up on that offer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC01105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC01105.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jeff. ready to head out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC01107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/DSC01107.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Jeff Watson Photo</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jeff and I went back to the gas station that I had used a few hours earlier and went back on the clock. Also the receipt came out at the pump this time. So off we went ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pictures from Saturday.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/MJJ_0142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/MJJ_0142.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Michael Jorden Photo</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/MJJ_0146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Barbie%20bike%20from%20Hell/MJJ_0146.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Michael Jorden Photo.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.fratellibrothers.com/Motorcycles/Bobs-Barbie-Bike-The-Barber/13420944_DE829#976594408_TJyTe">Michael Jordan's pictures and story of what happened after I left.</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Stay tuned in for the last leg of this ride...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Part Two:" The Gathering Storm"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</u></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00474909864364238025noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654866246784527455.post-35269157208945752502010-11-27T09:00:00.004-05:002010-12-12T10:41:53.990-05:00Motorcycle games.. Round Deux .... Rendez-vous Rally 2010<div style="text-align: center;">I had been looking forward to doing this event for a long time, So after receiving a personal invitation from Kevin Craft the rally master to come and play in his event. That was enough to prompt me to go and get my passport in order and place the date on the calendar to run in the 2010 event. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rendezvousld.org/2010/en/home.htm">Rendez-vous Rally home page</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Rendez-vous Rally is a young event of only 3 prior runnings, But it pulls in Iron Butt rally veterans and the finest in Canada's long distance riding community to play for 12 hours in not only Quebec but New England also, This means to be competitive, you must cross international borders in addition to everything else you will face during a rally. </div><div style="text-align: center;">This sounds like fun to me.....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Let's get to Quebec !</b><br />
<b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;">I feel that any morning that you can get up and not go to work, Yet still have a job. Is a great morning even if it is raining and foggy out.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I decided to go to Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu QC via the state roads in the Adirondack mountains thinking that there should not be much traffic on a friday after Labor Day weekend. Yet I find myself stuck in throngs of people from Old Forge to almost Raquette Lake. They are all here </div><div style="text-align: center;"> to enjoy The Adirondack Canoe Classic, '90-Miler' One big event from what I could see. I quickly remembered that one of my friends has run in this event for years, And by pure luck I see his support vehicle by the side of the road as I head up to my competition in Quebec. I wish him good luck as I pass.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Near Saranac Lake NY</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0880.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Once I got back underway I only stopped for gas before I crossed the border. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had prepared a way to keep my paperwork in order so prior to getting to the Customs agent it would be easy to access, First issue, I can not get it with my gloves on! So now I am fumbling in front of the Customs officer. I need to change that system for the Rally </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Check in....</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After crossing into Canada, I found the Auberge Harris easy and then got over to the Rally office and checked in. Of course they need your mugshot for your photo memory card. This shot is used to make sure that the camera is set to the correct resolution and that the rally staff can read the card. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0882.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then out to the parking lot to see who's here and do some tire kicking until we get our rally books at the dinner tonight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nova Scotia, Thats like, 1000 miles from here !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The bike, Honda ST 1300 belongs to Allen Archibald</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0885.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jay Whitney's Ninja and Jennyfer Audet's Blackbird</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jay ran this event without a GPS. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0893.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not your normal rally mounts !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Folks arriving at Rally HQ</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jacques Titolo sitting on his bike next to Perry Karsten's tricked-out FJR1300</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0894.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The new Honda VFR with clutch-less shifting, This bike was being ridden by a journalist who has never done a rally before and had a film crew running around with him. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0899.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0899.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A very good looking bike </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0947.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Link to </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.leshowdemoto.tv/">RDV Rally TV debut in March 2011</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I spot a familiar bike near my room, This BMW belongs to Sanjay Dixit. I had met Sanjay at the Minuteman rally earlier this year, I had found out later that he had won this great bike from BMW. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0890.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Route Planning </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Earlier in the week all the participants were sent a e mail with a group of coordinates and point values for all the bonus locations of this event. I had spent some time putting a basic plan together at home before arriving at the event. One of the reasons for not spending a lot of time putting a detailed route together prior to getting the rally book is that you do not know what the time constraints are. And the other reason was that the largest point value available for this event was located near the rally hotel. What is the rally master thinking ?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The Rally Master was thinking BIG !</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That is the theme of this event, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After a nice dinner we get our rally books and our rally flag. A paper plate with Christmas wreath design on it. This is the first year of photo bonus locations for the rally and the rally master wanted to level the playing field for those who had never run photo bonuses before. So after some question and answer time we are off to our rooms to plan our route.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had already had all the bonus locations loaded into my GPS so that I would not have the issues I had at the Minuteman rally.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was able to work with the route that I been thinking about prior to getting the rally book plus the mystery of the largest point bonus was that it was available during daylight hours only. I also make a checklist together so all I need to do is follow my list and ride my plan </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I set my multiple alarms and go to bed before midnight. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Let the Games begin !</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The alarms get me up at 4 am, and I wonder why in gods name am I waking up at 4am on a Saturday morning ?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I load up the bike and head over to breakfast, Then get over to the riders meeting to get our wildcard bonuses and check on any last minute changes. The wildcard bonus was to get a Mr Big candy bar and a picture of your bike in front of anything marked Walmart, Walmart being the worlds largest retailer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I then go about taking care of the non riding points bonuses, The first is to get your drivers license sealed before you leave the start, If you return with your license sealed it is worth a lot of points The next is to submit your route plan to the rally master prior to leaving, You are still free to change your route on the fly if you need to. This helps the rally staff find you, should you come up missing. Nothing left to do but get the bike in the starting line and wait for 5:30 to come so I can get this show on the road. I enter the code for my first bonus location "SUP"into the GPS and I leave the start and head towards the highway a few blocks away.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b> Disaster strikes...</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I start noticing something is not right with the bike, I can not quite figure whats is up until I fail to negotiate the on ramp to the Autoroute, I keep from going off the pavement and pull over before the end of the on ramp . I shut the bike down and go about diagnosing why my bike will not turn in corners. Great, I am sitting on the side of the road 5 minutes into the rally with a nearly flat front tire. I had checked the bike over closely last night, what's up with this ! I get my self back together and put my air compressor on the tire and start to fill it with air, While the tire is being re inflated I inspect it for damage and cannot find why the tire went down. I get the pressure back up to where it needs to be and get myself back into rally mode . I make a mental note to check the tire at the next stop.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Back on the road again... </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I head towards Montreal to catch the Autoroute 30. That will take me to the Trans Canada. The bike feels fine and I like the pace of the morning traffic as I skirt the eastern edge of Montreal. As I turn east on the Trans Canada the sun is coming up and I am heading into a beautiful day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I note a bonus coming up on my GPS screen that was not on my list, I see that it is alongside the highway and is an easy off and easy on to get back on the highway, and I am still slightly ahead of schedule considering I was stopped for 5 minutes with my tire issue.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My first points of the 2010 Rendez-vous rally </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0905.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The giant egg along side the Trans Canada in Saint-Hyacinthe Quebec</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">+ 41 points.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On to the next stop </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0906.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Parked at the Lovely Rang Du Moulin-Rouge I needed to get a picture at the back of the monster truck.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">+71 points and the first of my three part big truck combo bonus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As I head back to the highway I see a gas station sign that states they speak english, I head over and ask about a Mister Big candy bar. Well my French is as good as the clerks English but I get what I need.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A Mister Big Bar </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">+23 points..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/Untitled.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I bought 2, one to bring home and share with my wife.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I check my front tire again and find it has not lost any air in the last 2 hours.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">That makes me feel a lot more comfortable about my ride.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As I pull out I see a two up team on a V Strom pulling in to the Moulin-Rouge. This is the first rally bike I have seen yet, Is my route the hot ticket ?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>My next stop, Asbestos Quebec ...</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is where you get to learn something about the areas we get to ride to.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So off to find the Asbestos mine in Asbestos Quebec. After negotiating thick fog I find the mine and the truck.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0907.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Add 75 points to the tally and the second of my Big truck combo bonus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Off to find the big cow. The fog is still thick and is just like running in the rain, My gloves are starting to get cold and wet but I know that I am nearing my location, As I pop up above the fog we are now running down a dirt road going up into the hills near Saint-Georges-de-Windsor</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0909.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">249 points left on the table ...... Here. I will explain later.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is an observation deck that gives great views of the mountains around the area.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My task at this location was to write down what was on the sign board describing the mountain views</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I write down what I see and head back to the bike. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next stop is in Sherbrooke, I did not take a picture of the big tow truck, as I was slipping a little on my time, I wrote down the information in my rally book and head to the gas station I passed on the way in to get my fuel bonus, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This rally book read very clearly to get no more than 10 liters before 11:30 am, Pump in the max amount and check my receipt </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">+56 points +Big truck combo bonus points + Fuel bonus</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And head to my next location.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0910.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Coaticook pedestrian suspension bridge. Longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">+169 points</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Take a short ride over to my next bonus </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0913.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The rally book noted to make sure the bulls large Testicles were in the picture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">+52 points</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is my last stop in Canada, I am off to New Hampshire to get to Chutter’s General Store in Littleton.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If I planned correctly I should be at Chutter's near 11:45 am, I still have to get across the border first. The first of the two wildcard's in my plan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Border Crossing...</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b></b>Great news is; nothing to report. I was able to get my documents out with my gloves on, and the border agent was very cool about my bike, and seemed like a genuinely nice guy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">U.S. Border crossing, less than 10 minutes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As I get closer to Littleton, New Hampshire. I spot another bonus location pop up on my GPS. I get to wondering why was I passing by it on my way to Chutter's. I decide to get it now because I was ahead of schedule this would just help move things along.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0914.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Worlds largest syrup can. St. Johnsbury, Vermont </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">+52 more points</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Turn up the road and head to New Hampshire and I get to Chutter's easily. I walk in and all there is in the place is tourists. I look and the line is 4 deep, all I need is a Rally special ! Then one of the girls calls to me and say's I know what you want ! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am dumbfounded, How does she know I want a Rally Special ?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0916.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I guess that, when you never have seen an LD Rider before, and now at least 20 of them have been in your store. You can pick one out in a crowd.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">+239 points </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.chutters.com/candy/">Chutter's Link</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The place was cool and the staff fun, and I am running ahead of schedule. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Off to Cabot, Vermont next.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had plotted a back road route that would shave some time off by taking some dirt roads, I had many views this day but I did need to stop and take a tourist picture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0918.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And arrive in Cabot, Vermont.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0921.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our task at this location was to find the rusted tractor in a certain parking lot and count the stuffed cows around it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">+127 points</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At this point as I was finishing Sanjay Dixit pulled in so I stop from putting my helmet on and we chat for a few minutes, As I am leaving I see Jay Whitney pulling in. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am heading for Middlesex, Vermont to find a grave stone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I find the headstone and get my picture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0922.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">+196 points</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM70TZ_W_Jack_Crowell_Clothespin_Manufacturer_Middlesex_Vermont">More information Link </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> As I head down the dirt road away from here, I see Jay coming up the road. I think to myself How did he get here this quick ? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My next stop is Ben and Jerry's in Waterbury, Vermont.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I get there and see Sanjay there, we decide to look for the task together and go and look for the giant ice cream carton. As parents grabbed their small children and I did hear one tell their kid not to stare at us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Too funny, A couple of LD riders is scary.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I take Sanjay's picture and he takes mine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Blog%20Pictures/CIMG0017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Blog%20Pictures/CIMG0017.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0925.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">+236 Points, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Did I mention that Jay pulls in right behind me when I got there. I am really wondering how this guy is making up time like that. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next stop is Shelburne, Vermont .To get a picture of a giant Jack. Other than the big cow bonus, I have never had to go far from the bike to get my bonus. This time it was out of view from where I parked. And the GPS say's its right here. I wander up to the main road and walk about 200 feet and I see it. As I am putting my Christmas plate on the giant Jack, A group of ladies out shopping ask me if I would like them to take my picture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sure.... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0927.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">+107 points</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ends up I parked next to the ladies Suburban, we had a neat chat about what I was doing that day, while we walked back to our rides. They thought what I was doing was a riot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Last stop in the USA, I must be back at the rally headquarters by 5:30.01 or I incur penalty points till 5:45. After that, Then it's DNF, Did Not Finish.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All right, Lets turn and burn....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then I start thinking..... I have a half an hour cushion. Lets do a Walmart / Rest combo. Get a bathroom break in, eat something. I punch in a Walmart search in my GPS and I find one on the route heading north to Canada. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0929.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">+35 points </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I then seek out a place for my 15 minute rest break, I had put a search in the GPS for a Dunkin Donuts and it shows one in the same area as this Walmart, I drive to where the GPS says the DD is but I can not find it, I then see a Quizno's and take my rest break. I get a sandwich and a drink, use the bathroom and organize myself for the last leg.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I receive my receipt for my lunch and get rolling, as I fight traffic to get back to the highway I see that I am at a time deficit to get back to the finish in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Plus I need to get two more bonus stops done. The 15 minute break has turned into 35 minutes !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Heading back towards Canada I get passed by a group of cars with Quebec plates on them that are running at a pretty good pace, I fall in behind them and watch the estimated time of arrival to the Rally HQ get back down to 5:30, I can not be any later than that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I get to the border and have no issue with retrieving my passport with my gloves on, I get through with no issue and I am at most stopped for 5 minutes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So I am back to being 5 minutes behind again, I am running north thinking about how fast I can go here, when a girl on a VFR with Givi cases blows by me. When in Quebec, Do as the locals do, I tuck in behind her and hated to pull off to get my next bonus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Le Géant </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0933.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">+35 Points</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I must get to my next and last stop quickly, My heart is racing and if I make any mistakes now.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The First spike memorial</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Rendez-vous%20Rally%202010/IMG_0934.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">+1836 Points</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As I am mounting up, I see other bikes that had left before me rolling in, If I am late to the finish, They are even later .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The finish is only a few blocks away and I must navigate through city traffic to get there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After a very stressful run to the HQ, I arrive at 5:31 pm One minute after my planned arrival. I find out my official start time was 5:34 am so I had some 4 minutes spare time, But this felt very close.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Scoring ......</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you think crossing a border crossing is stressful, You should sit through a scoring interview.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All that is missing is the bright spotlights in your eyes, and hand cuffs. I can not put into words the nervousness I felt during the scoring process. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My scorer was Bob Collin, IBR veteran and Maine 400 Rallymaster, A genuinely nice guy who went through my paper work very carefully, and after showing me my mistake at Big Cow bonus,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I finished with 4873 points good for 7th position . </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Back at the Big Cow bonus I did not write down the elevation of the mountain that I had to Identify, To be honest I did not even see that information, But I have no doubt that it was there. The good news is that those points would not have moved me up to 6th position.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We then get together for our fine banquet and I get to hear how others did during this adventure. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was my first 12 hour rally, and I am very happy with how the my ride went from the planning stage to the ride and my final score. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I would like to thank Kevin Craft and all the volunteers that helped to put on this event. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was great fun and I hope to return to do another again !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a4qguy.blogspot.com/2010_09_01_archive.html">Ian Pavelko's write up. He won this year !</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rendezvousld.org/2010/en/home.htm">www.rendezvousld.org</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Event sponsors</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.motomaximum.ca/">Motomaximum</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bouchersports.ca/"> Germain Boucher Sports</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.warmnsafe.com/">Warm & Safe</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.fastridingschool.com/"> FAST Riding School</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ldcomfort.com/">LDComfort</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.aubergeharris.com/">Auberge Harris</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00474909864364238025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654866246784527455.post-12834334844499592492010-10-26T20:55:00.001-04:002010-10-31T09:02:58.233-04:00RTE.... Ride to Eat....<div style="text-align: center;">Just as simple as it sounds.... Get on the bike, ride somewhere, Eat ! In the company of other like minded people who rode and drove in from far away places. Just like me.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">These are simply wonderful affairs ..</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Some pictures from Grayson and Ann's. Post Void Rally RTE...<br />
<br />
A quick stop at the Massachusetts visitor center to warm my toes.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/State%20Signs%20with%20HD/DSC06277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/State%20Signs%20with%20HD/DSC06277.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bikes at the RTE...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Blog%20Pictures/DSC06295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Blog%20Pictures/DSC06295.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a link to Jerry Harris's Pictures from the event.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jharris4.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Grayson-and-Anns-2010/14394611_oCoYN#1066888097_bBeFc">Grayson and Anns RTE By Jerry Harris </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Blog%20Pictures/DSC06296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Blog%20Pictures/DSC06296.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Blog%20Pictures/DSC06285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Blog%20Pictures/DSC06285.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Blog%20Pictures/DSC06281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Blog%20Pictures/DSC06281.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Blog%20Pictures/DSC06278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Blog%20Pictures/DSC06278.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Blog%20Pictures/DSC06279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Blog%20Pictures/DSC06279.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Did I mentions lots of really good food.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Blog%20Pictures/DSC06294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Blog%20Pictures/DSC06294.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Blog%20Pictures/DSC06290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Blog%20Pictures/DSC06290.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just a wonderful day !</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00474909864364238025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654866246784527455.post-20899355983540177762010-10-18T22:53:00.000-04:002010-10-18T22:53:02.845-04:00Time with an old friend....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Blog%20Pictures/Fall10-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Blog%20Pictures/Fall10-8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div>Time with an old friend....</div><div><br />
</div><div>When I took my 1984 Harley Davidson FLHTC Electra Glide out of its role as my main motorcycle ride, I had promised myself that I would take some time and give my old bike some TLC. And this is the first ride after some TLC was given to the bike .</div><div><br />
</div><div>The biggest issue was in the Primary Chain of the bike, it was worn as was the compensating gear that drives the chain. Plus the clutch was original at 94,000 miles showing on the odometer.</div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Picture of all the new drive parts<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Blog%20Pictures/Fall10-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Blog%20Pictures/Fall10-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The bike also got some new front wheel Bearings</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A new Speedometer cable and turn signal relay</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Blog%20Pictures/Fall10-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/Blog%20Pictures/Fall10-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And then .... The road test ... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Views from Fenner NY USA</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Finally crossed another milestone in the 26 years I have owned this bike .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> All good things must come to an end, and as I rolled in to the top of my driveway and stopped.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had to take one more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Why so sentimental about this ride ?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">26 years ago this week I bought that bike new, My first new Harley Davidson, My first ride was in stunning fall colors and I just was loving life and my new bike on that first ride. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">26 years later, I get the same feeling... Again. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00474909864364238025noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654866246784527455.post-86873997851220545592010-09-22T21:47:00.004-04:002010-09-26T22:08:55.244-04:00Motorcycle Games.. Round 1. 2010 Minuteman Rally<div style="text-align: center;">What are Motorcycle games you ask ? Well, Think scavenger hunt on Steroids....</div><br />
In the case of the Minuteman rally <a href="http://www.minuteman1000.com/">www.minuteman1000.com</a> It is a 24 hour period of time to collect as many bonus points as possible through a variety of methods using a motorcycle as your transportation. <br />
The playground for this event are the states of Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York. Plus the provinces of Ontario and Quebec in Canada.<br />
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Three days before the event we are E Mailed a file that has the bonus locations and point values that we can load into mapping software and start to figure out where we would like to ride to. BUT ! We have to wait till the Pre ride dinner to get our rally books. The Rally books explain what we have to do at the locations and when the location is available, plus point values. So all the real planning is done the night before.<br />
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The Rally headquarters are located in NorthHampton Ma and it was a nice ride out to the hotel. The bike was running well and the GPS is working properly. Arrive and go through odometer check.<br />
Odometer check is used to give the rally organizers a idea of what your odometer reads over a predetermined distance, They use this to help verify your mileage at the end of the event and it helps prove you have been to where you have claimed to have been.<br />
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During the check in, all the cameras are checked to make sure they can be downloaded after the event, plus they take a picture of you holding the liability wavier. I liken these to a drivers license picture.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/CheckInpicture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/CheckInpicture.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The guy in the background, He is the Rally Master, Rob Nye </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some folks were muttering something about Rally Bastard, but he seemed ok to me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then after the paper work is done, I go out and look around the parking lot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was Sam Booths BMW, He was running a Saddlesore ride this event. That's 1000 miles in 24 hours on a 60's BMW. Earlier in the day I stopped to see if he was OK on the side of I 90 where he had stopped to look over his bike.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">There were other unique bikes in the parking lot.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mark Collin's 1976 Harley FLH</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/IMG_0723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/IMG_0723.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Parking Lot </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/IMG_0713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/IMG_0713.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well tire kicking time is over and we head in to eat a fantastic dinner and get our rally books. I end up seated with John Tubb, Jim Abbott, Art Garvin, Sanjay Dixit and Russ Milov.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>That's Entertainment ....</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Is the theme of this event, we will be following GreatFull Dead tours and history, plus show houses and theaters and anything else that could be entertaining .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is where I learn about Mr Nye's warped sense of humor, It is now looking like we will be entertaining him and the rally staff.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Planning begins</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/Planning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/Planning.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I should be sleeping now, but I am working on a route that will take me to NYC then up the coast to Rhode Island, Boston, New Hampshire, Maine and back to North Hampton Ma in 24 Hr's or less with provisions to take a 2 hour break worth 5000 points stuffed in. It is going to be a challenge to pull this off but that is why I am here. Then disaster strikes, My main GPS would not accept what I wanted to put in it, It was giving me error codes. I fuss with it for an hour or so and it is now 2 am, and I have to be up at 4 am. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>4 AM Comes.....</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My 3 alarms go off and I have passed the first hurdle of this rally. I woke up, I am not a morning person and being tired from a long work week and now less than 2 hours sleep, I was very concerned about over sleeping.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Get the bike loaded up, get to the riders meeting and get lined up for the start.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Picture from my Cell phone</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A picture taken by Bob L at the start of the event</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/Startlanepicture.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/Startlanepicture.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bob l Report of the Minuteman Rally. <a href="http://whereisbobl.com/2010-06-minuteman-1000-rally/2010-06-mm1k.html">whereisbobl</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And we are off, first stop is the XL center in Hartford Ct, The sky is getting darker as it should be getting brighter, and then the sky really open's up on me. Find a bridge to take cover under and put my overboot's and rain covers for my gloves. I do not mind riding in the rain when it is warm out plus my gear is pretty rain resistant. Catch up to a Goldwing with Maine plates that I recognize from the start and we ride into Hartford together, My GPS alerts me to get off at the next exit, I separate from the Wing and find the XL center with no issue.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/FirstLocation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/FirstLocation.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Read my Rally book, and take the picture they wanted, Note my mileage and time in the Rally book and head off to the next location. 420 points plus the first part of my big combo bonus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next Stop </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/IMG_0729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/IMG_0729.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I met up with the Goldwing rider again here, He pulled in after me in Hartford but beat me here. Took each others pictures did my paperwork. 500 more points</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a link to Rob the Goldwing pilot's ride report. <a href="http://gl1800riders.com/forums/showthread.php?t=250933">Rob from Maine, Ride Report</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I would not see Rob again till late in the day. This was also the last time I seen any other rally riders till much later in the day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next stop Madison Square Garden.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Part of the Game as I will call it, Is keeping proper paperwork. One of the bonuses is keeping a gas log using the credit card receipts from gas pumps. The gas log is void if there is one bad receipt in the bunch and that would cost me 2000 easy points. Easy ? Yea right. I get near my 150 mile leg and stop on the Merritt parkway to get fuel, Guess what happens, No receipt from the pump. Now I have to take my helmet off, and stand in line to get a slip. I decide to make this a bathroom break and get some water to hydrate up as it is getting hotter out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The clerk is African, speaking very poor english, The customer in line in front of me is Russian, and is speaking very poor english. The Russian wants matches for the cigarettes he just bought, The clerk is trying to give him change from another customers purchase. This goes on for 10 minutes till another clerk comes out and sorts this out. Get a slip and blast out of there, 20 minutes wasted. It should have been a sub 7 minute stop. Time to hammer down to NYC</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Disaster strikes Part 2...</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just before I get to the Manhattan bridge I hit a bump that was more of a jump and see something fly off my bike in the mirror. Dive on the brakes and realize the bag holding my heated gear and hydration equipment has just flown off the bike and is sitting in the road behind me. I park on the left median along the Jersey barrier run a few hundred feet back and get my bag. Hell I must have been a sight to see....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Get rolling again and navigate my way to Madison Square Garden pull the bike up on the sidewalk and get a picture at the particular place the Rally master wants. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/ThirdLocation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/ThirdLocation.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2000 more points in the bag, got the next key part of the Combo bonus. Set the GPS to take me to the next location. Cool thing is I am still ahead of the schedule I set.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Traffic is light, The weather is great, getting hot but still not to bad.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Make the next location with no issues...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/NassauColiseum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/NassauColiseum.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nassau Coliseum, next part of the combo bonus and good for 800 points. Use this stop to go to hot weather mode, It is getting very hot now. Select the next location on the GPS and head out to Rye N.Y.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/IMG_0733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/IMG_0733.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Playland, cool place that I would like to get back to and visit. It's a 1930's amusement park that is now on the register of Historic places and a State park.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Disaster Strikes part 3....</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Start heading up I 95 north to get to my next location when I note the traffic information boards saying a delay in the next 3 exits, I do not see a delay, it keeps happing and I keep ignoring it till near Stamford CT the traffic just stops dead. It takes me 2 hours to get off the interstate, and through the mess in Stamford to hit open road again in 96 degree heat. I am getting roasted in my riding gear, My bike is making noises it should not be making. I feel real bad. I stop to hydrate and sit in A/C for a 1/2 hour.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The reason for the I 95 closure, A naked man saying he was Jesus ran across the road causing a major crash . I found this out few days later. I will call it divine intervention.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Link to news article... <a href="http:/www.thehour.com/story/487389">Naked man causes pile up</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now my rally is falling apart, I feel like beaten dog poop, I lost all my extra time and my GPS is starting to do goofy things. I decide to press on and will asses my situation at the Max BMW bonus later in the day. I need to ride my plan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/IMG_0735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/IMG_0735.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wilton Playshop, Wilton, CT, Found it easy, did my paperwork got another 375 points. I am feeling better now and I point the Buell in the direction of the next bonus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/FreemanAthleticCenter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/FreemanAthleticCenter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT. Again I have no issue finding the location, and I have started to claw back some of the lost time from the disaster on I 95. 475 more points. Maybe all is not lost...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Aim the bike towards the next location </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/BillHanneyDinnerTheaterRI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/BillHanneyDinnerTheaterRI.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bill Hanney Dinner Theater, Matunuck, R.I. This was the first bonus that did not require a picture. What the rally book stated was. How many steps to the entrance of the establishment. Now I know why they are called Rally Bastards, Does he want the distance from the road to the steps? Or does he want the number of steps up to the door ? I decide not to read into the clue too much and walk from the road to the steps 5 times and note how many paces it took in my rally book and hope I get the 700 points. The ride out there was cool, At times I was on a narrow spit of road running with the ocean on each side of me. Plus the air from the ocean felt real good.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next stop </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Providence RI</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next bonus location was a two for one, First stop was The Sportsman's Inn, where I needed to write down what is carved in stone over the entrance of the building, The carving is done in greek type letters so I carefully put them down in my book. 375 more points, then proceed around the block to the DD center to again curse the rally master. The rally book specifically stated to take the picture of the sign with orange lettering, I could not find the sign. I have some tourist from Germany take my picture in front of what I believe to be the wrong sign. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I write down the information in my rally book, find I wasted 20 minutes looking for the orange sign and decide to hit the road. As I get back on I 95 I see the sign I need. Get off the next exit and take two attempts to get back to the sign, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Taken from the side of I 95</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/IMG_0739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/IMG_0739.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">420 more points and part 3 of my 4 part bonus combo that is starting to come together. Time to hit Boston </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The temps are staring to moderate as I am going north, Traffic is moving along very well and I am looking good, heading to my next location. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/IMG_0740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/IMG_0740.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Write down the required time and mileage in my book and get another 420 points. But now I have the "On the road again" bonus of 2800 points . MSG, Nassau Coliseum, DD center and Boston Garden. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Check my route sheet and find I missed a bonus location, Damm I drove right past one that one 30 miles back. Its at Foxboro stadium. I decide I have enough time to get to back to Foxboro and get to my next bonus before it closes at 9 pm. On reflection I have to say, <b>What the hell was I thinking ?</b> I went back to Foxboro only to get into a major traffic jamb near the stadium. It seems that Taylor Swift had sold the place out and I was in the line to the show. Got my self out of there by diving through the grassy median and blasting towards Max BMW in North Hampton, NH. Then I realize that the GPS say's I only have 4 minutes to spare till the bonus closes and I am 75 miles away with the city of Boston in the middle. Other than being pissed at myself, I make it to Max BMW with 7 minutes to spare and my reserve fuel light having been on 29 miles. I roll in with Rob from Maine and I am happy to be there. Max the owner of Max BMW puts some fresh burgers and Hot Dogs on his grill and we sit down for some dinner. I ask Max if I can take my rest bonus there and he calls the rally master, Everybody's cool about it. So me and some other riders hang for our 2 hour break. Get my picture for 850 Points and a timecard for my 5000 point rest bonus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/MaxBMWNH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/MaxBMWNH.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Into the night....</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I spent some time trying to revive my route in the GPS, and decided to take some locations off the list, I decide to back track about 30 miles and pick up some of my original locations from my route.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/FirehouseCenterMA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/FirehouseCenterMA.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Firehouse Center for the Arts, Newburyport MA, I found it easy and got in and out quick</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">add 350 points and head north to get ..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Playhouse Theater,Amesbury, MA to get another 375 points.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/IMG_0743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/IMG_0743.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/IMG_0744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/IMG_0744.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Music hall, Portsmouth, NH after that ...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ogunquit Playhouse, in Ogunquit, ME. I did not need to take a picture here, just count the flag poles in front of the building. Did that, logged my time and mileage and back to New Hampshire we go to the most fun bonus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/BarleyPubDoverNH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/BarleyPubDoverNH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Barley Pub Dover NH</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Man I wanted to stay and have a beer here, They thought what I was doing was a riot and were more than happy to help out the nutcase wearing a space suit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I started to head to my next location and just started making mistakes, I just can not seem to follow the GPS's direction. I stop at a gas station and get a small cup of coffee and look at my route and find I need to start heading back to the barn. I seen one more location I could get on the way back and it was the New Hampshire nudes camp</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/IMG_0752-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i399.photobucket.com/albums/pp77/FlyingCarl/2010%20Minuteman%20Rally/IMG_0752-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was in Nottingham, NH, I had the hardest time getting this picture. I had to take my saddle bag off and put it on the edge of the road, park my bike in the middle of the road with the high beams on the sign and it is near 3 am, Yes a car does come by and asks if I need any help. I can not imagine what they were thinking. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Cravings Suck....</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So all I want is a Mc Donald's coffee and hot apple pie, Now normally I would not have this desire but I can not explain why I wanted one so bad. As luck would have it, all the Mc Donald's and any other place of that type was closed in New Hampshire and Vermont on the two hour ride back to North Hampton Mass to the rally head quarters.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I arrive a little after five am, and I must say I was happy it was over, But it is not over. Now I need to get scored. This is where attention to detail is very critical . I have gone long already with this story, but I leave a small amount of points on the table over a paper work infraction. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I finish the event in 15th place, out of 32 entered, the lost points do not change where I finished.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was a great event and I am looking forward to trying to better my finishing position next year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I want to thank Rob Nye and crew for all their hard work in putting on such a great event.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00474909864364238025noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3654866246784527455.post-48458772335977348632010-09-15T23:34:00.000-04:002010-09-15T23:34:16.895-04:00My first entry<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So after months of thinking about it, and having friends tell me to do this, I now have a Blog.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I will be using this to tell the story's of my adventures that seem to come my way.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Currently I am rushing to get two classic cars ready for a History Channel video shoot that is coming up next week. Normally this would not be a big deal. </div><div style="text-align: center;">But the cars are having other idea's. One has decided to not run very well, and the other has had a Pinion Bearing failure in the rear axle. Good news is the 1924 Packard is going back together with the help of the fine folks from Max Merritt Co.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The other car is a 1927 Buick that has been rebuilt from a basket case, This car is in the final stages of completion. It runs and drive's and I am putting the finishing touches on the car. This is the car that has started to run poorly. So while I was working out it's issues, the Packard had it's failure.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The 1924 Packard 143 Touring car </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-u0mhX8px0Y25EUpsN5KAGF5g9CUr9MBMCnqdBUvvwB2ITIvoXMppt4wS51zzklJkAG3HoOvJQnQ1bGMB0_QWf1zii-VBxpt0-3RvF-R4kE63p62HIriptz4hW-Nh4yiEf4qVINkeQOI/s1600/P2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-u0mhX8px0Y25EUpsN5KAGF5g9CUr9MBMCnqdBUvvwB2ITIvoXMppt4wS51zzklJkAG3HoOvJQnQ1bGMB0_QWf1zii-VBxpt0-3RvF-R4kE63p62HIriptz4hW-Nh4yiEf4qVINkeQOI/s400/P2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the 1927 Buick Master 6, Flexible bodied hearse</div><div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBummJ-gR-tEDbHzgWTN-WO1pThNNti0BWDy7KAWW_tNXtgItF-Azxjlik_fg-AdxOwP8scE1tniLa4Ce3UhOocVqyIAWat1fRZv0wq-fkmztm3NNlyUnzkOPJFFNDcSJYrJe0ReovOUU/s1600/iphone+6-30-10+086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBummJ-gR-tEDbHzgWTN-WO1pThNNti0BWDy7KAWW_tNXtgItF-Azxjlik_fg-AdxOwP8scE1tniLa4Ce3UhOocVqyIAWat1fRZv0wq-fkmztm3NNlyUnzkOPJFFNDcSJYrJe0ReovOUU/s400/iphone+6-30-10+086.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well that all for now, I hope you enjoy my Blog</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00474909864364238025noreply@blogger.com3