It’s checkpoint day! We are excited to see all our little dots on the map converge upon us in State College! We hope all the spectators are enjoying the names we come up with on the Spotwalla public page. While we are super excited to see the riders, we aren’t sure they are excited to see us. The list of atrocities attributed to rally masters continues to grow. Exponentially, in keeping with some of our methods. For example, Danny Dossman and other riders were in Indianapolis to collect a bonus while the sprinkler system was on. We thought these were tough riders who wouldn’t melt in a little water. Instead, the rally master was accused of bringing this rain-like scenario to fruition to ruin everything for the poor little rider.
Speaking of rain, we don’t think there is anyone in this community who doesn’t know of the reputation Kenneth Andrews has to bring about crap weather. He has befouled the Heart of Texas riders and the state of Texas in general with his presence on many occasions. We love Ken and would love to have him with us, but boy are the riders having terrific weather. Is it because Ken chose to ride another event? We can’t say for sure, but the empirical evidence is becoming overwhelming.
Those of you who are following on Facebook are aware that a two-up couple, JJ and Bobbie Jackson, suffered a final drive failure on their Goldwing last night near Milwaukee. They have pulled the plug and are out of the rally. They are disappointed, as are we, they were very competitive, and we were enjoying watching them.
The Cover/Rufo 3-way team is out due to illness. They appeared to be having a grand time and we are sad to see them go. But obviously, health comes before rallying.
Also advertised/discussed on Facebook was a rider in need of a rear tire for his GSA. There were some super helpful responses, and we are so fortunate to have Chris Purney already planning to be here tonight and he’ll give the rider his rear wheel. They’ll sort out the return swap down the road. Sounds like a good excuse to meet for BBQ in the middle and make an RTE out of it to meet up with other friends as well. Details TBD.
When we said the weather has been great, we were not kidding. It’s phenomenal. Not just here in State College. Looking at the photos coming in, wow. This is ideal weather. Since Paul gets blamed when riders aren’t happy with weather, sprinklers, protests, street festivals, etc; let it be known by all that Paul is also being credited with providing the riders with fantastic weather. That is all.
We shared a photo of Jon Kerr’s daughter yesterday channeling her inner Sacajawea. Her real name is Caleigh, pronounced like the city in France. She’s been a ton of fun and we sure enjoy when a bonus comes in from rider #8. In all seriousness, wouldn’t it be amazing to sit for tea (or whatever) with Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass?
Scoring opens at 3. As of 1:45PM, there is one bike in and another looks like it’s close. Penalties start at 9PM, DNF at 10PM. On penalties. We don’t like lateness. Penalties are tough. Riders are penalized at 2 to the power of number of minutes late. So being a couple minutes late isn’t a huge deal, but it gets ugly fast. To demonstrate:
3 minutes late – 23 = 8
10 minutes late – 210 = 1,024
20 minutes late – 220 = 1,048,576
In case you missed the exponential reference earlier, you probably get it now. We like exponents and use them to encourage good behavior.
Staff is assembled, Andy Kirby and his wife Sue joined us for the checkpoint to assist herding the cats. Core staff is here, of course. Nancy and Jeff are doing all the scoring. Tara will be checking odometers as riders come in. Paul is doing Paul stuff. Greg Rice arrived and there are several other folks planning to be here to see the riders and lend a hand if anyone needs something. That is always appreciated by the riders. And the staff because you take something off us.
Well, this report will be a little shorter today. We’re about to get busy. Will provide more scoop, standings after the first leg and any other gossip from the checkpoint. All is well here and as long as riders remain accounted for, we are happy.