2013 Minuteman Rally
I had a very poor finish in
the 2012 Minuteman Rally due to some very dumb mistakes. It was my
first rally, and I vowed to learn from those mistakes. I did much
better in my 2nd rally, the Nutmeg 400, earlier this year,
with a 2nd place finish. The 2013 Minuteman Rally was
going to be my big test to see if a bit of experience would help.
After a thorough soaking on
the 4 hour ride down Friday night my first task was to ride back out
into the rain for my odometer calibration. Once complete all my gear
was hung up to dry overnight. My room mate, Mike Breton, had the good
thought to run a dehumidifier. Smart move, as our gear dried out
nicely overnight. Once the rally books were handed out at Friday's
dinner we rushed back to our room to work on our routes. I already
had three good options, a main route and two other routes I could use
if there were some expected combo bonuses. There were no combo
bonuses for Max BMW, so that ruled out one of my routes. I made a
couple of small adjustments to my main route and saved it, then
experimented with a route attempting to get the 8 Diner Combo
bonuses. There was a good 6000 point bonus for getting six diners
(all located in and around the Boston area), a tiny increase for
getting seven, and a slightly larger bonus for all eight. Six diners
were located on a good route, but two were off the route a ways, and
I didn't see enough points for those last two to make them worth the
ride. Adding in the likelihood of getting caught in traffic somewhere
in the city could easily drop the points on that route to well below
my main route. Late at night (or rather early Saturday morning) I
finalized my route and loaded it into the GPS. I was ready, time for
4 hours of sleep and 24 hours of riding.
Our 6am start was wet and
so was the first bonus on my route. It was nearly a traffic jam
getting it as it was located so close to the start of the rally many
riders chose it. As we departed I headed south toward Connecticut. My
route quickly changed though because a bridge was out and there was a
detour. I turned right and hoped my GPS would guide me to the next
bonus without losing too much time. I usually keep a list of every
bonus and my expected arrival time for each, but due to the large
number of bonuses on my route, combined with how late it was when I
was finishing the planning, I chose to only list arrivals for every
10th bonus. I thought this would let my mind relax between
those bonuses and allow me to concentrate on the ride instead of
worrying over time. I already found this to be a bad idea because
when I got to the 2nd bonus I had no idea how far behind I
had fallen due to the detour. I had a very rough idea from the ETA I
had to the end of my route, but that was a very rough estimate at
this point.
I claimed my 2nd
bonus in Southampton and continued toward Connecticut. On my way I
saw a Cumberland Farms and made a quick stop for fuel. I was less
than 30 miles from the start of the rally but there was a wild card
bonus for stopping at up to three Cumberland Farms. I topped off my
tank, got my receipt, and double checked all info. I was good to go!
Or so I thought. When I arrived at my 3rd bonus I pulled
the slip of paper with the Cumberland Farms bonus info and saw that I
needed an actual CF branded product package! My original fuel receipt
wouldn't cut it. Oh well, save that as a gas stop and look for more
Cumberland Farms. This is New England...they are everywhere!
After a few more bonuses I
spotted another Cumbies and stopped for a bag of chips. Knowing I had
21 hours of riding ahead of me I didn't attempt to carry them that
far. The bonus said I could eat the contents, and only needed the
package. I opened the chips, shoved a handful into my hungry mouth,
and dumped the rest into the trash. The bag was safely stored in my
rally clipboard. I had a couple people looking at me with funny
looks. Not sure if it was the big guy in the bright yellow suit &
lime green helmet running into the store, or the fact that I ate 4
chips and threw away the rest while carefully saving the bag that got
the odd looks.
I picked up a couple more
NY bonuses which included an Indian on a sign and a giant chair
before crossing the border into Mass. At one farm bonus I was greeted
by a very friendly miniature horse. Being an animal lover I wished I
had time to make friends, but I had to head to my next mission. After
taking a photo of a cow-colored dairy bar I went next door and
purchased three half-pints of maple syrup. I only needed two but I
wanted an extra in case one got damaged. I would be happy to take the
extra home with me if all went well.
I stopped at the Shelburne
Falls Coffee Roasters so I could get information off their bathroom
wall. I also needed a receipt for a purchase, but I didn't need the
actual item. I asked the girl working behind the counter what she
liked to eat or drink. She didn't know how to answer that, so I
quickly explained the rally and that I needed a receipt. She said she
liked the coffee so I bought her a cup and got my receipt. I ran out
to my bike while politely answering a couple questions from other
customers. Off I went east, then up into Vermont for the first time
that day.
As I was headed to my first
Vermont bonus I spotted another Farmer sign, this time in someone's
driveway! The bonus didn't specify where the signs had to be so I did
a U-turn and pulled in. The owner was mowing his lawn and I asked the
old-timer if he minded if I took a photo of his sign for a scavenger
hunt. He chuckled and said go right ahead. I snapped the photo and
high-tailed it out of there. I didn't get far, however, because I was
smart enough to watch in my mirrors for signs. It stands to reason if
there is a farmer crossing sign in one direction, there should be a
corresponding one on the other side of the road. This was the first
time I was right. I ran back and got the photo before continuing on
to my next bonus. A picture of an old sign, then a photo of a sheep
sign and answer a question before crossing over into NH.
I was in the area where I
grew up and knew these roads like the back of my hand. I had a sad
moment as I
passed my aunt's & cousin's house and saw them
outside. I hadn't seen them in several years and wished I could have
stopped for a visit. Unfortunately my schedule didn't allow it and I
was already 20 minutes behind schedule. I pulled up to a moose
sculpture and got the photo, then U-turned and headed east down onto
Rt. 12-A. This is the road I lived on for over 25 years of my life. I
turned left and rode toward Alstead before turning off toward
Acworth. I got a photo of a sign, and another photo of a farmer
crossing sign for a total of 4. I later realized I only needed three,
and could cross one off. This sounds simple but would come back to
haunt me.
I had chosen Manchester, VT
for my 2-hour rest stop. It was chosen because it was large enough
there should be a 24 hour convenience store or gas station, and it
was more than the required 50 miles from the rally headquarters. I
managed to get behind schedule again. I should have been starting my
rest stop at 11:38 but I arrived at 11:50. I found a mini-mart and
got a gas receipt. I filled out my log at a leisurely pace expecting
to get a bite to eat then rest for an hour and a half. As I was
removing my riding suit a woman poked her head out the door and asked
if I needed anything in the store. Huh? Are you closing? Yes.
!?!?!?!? I ran in looking for quick food. The only sandwiches were
tuna salad and seafood salad. Looking at the condition of the
sandwiches I thought the tuna would be safer. I made my purchase then
asked a police officer outside if there was a bank with an ATM
machine nearby, and if so, would it be O.K. to take a nap by it. He
said no problem as long as nobody complained. Cool! I rode down the
road to the bank and decided to get another start receipt just to
play it safe. The rules state the start & stop must be in the
same location. I assumed in the same town would count, but I didn't
want to take any chances, so I got a fresh start receipt. Now my rest
stop was starting at 12:10 instead of 11:38. Ugh. I laid down on the
grass for a nap after setting my Screaming Meanie for 110 minutes.
The next thing I knew my
alarm was going off. For those who have never heard one, a Screaming
Meanie is just as the name implies- it will wake the dead. And now
this thing was going off in the middle of downtown Manchester, VT. At
2:00am. Next to a bank. Yea, I didn't think this through thoroughly.
I saw lights moving around and heard something, but I was still
wearing my helmet (noise reduction, and a little warmth while
sleeping on cold, damp grass). The Screaming Meanie isn't easy to
turn off- its designed that way so you can't easily turn it off and
fall back asleep. I managed to get it turned off, removed my helmet,
and concentrated on the voices and lights. Well the police officer I
had talked with earlier was with another one and they were shining
their flashlights at me and asking me if I was O.K. Ummm, yea, I'm
good. I checked the ATM time and found I had 6 more minutes. I took
that time to talk with the officers and explain a bit about the rally
and what its about, why I was sleeping on the bank lawn at 2am, etc.
They were very cool and understood, and thought the rest bonus was a
good idea. I apologized for the noise and commotion and we all had a
good laugh. I hit the ATM machine, this time a little late, but
that's O.K. I wasn't in jail, or worse...shot, so all was good. Fill
out my log, jump on the bike, and head for my next bonus.
I got a photo of a sign &
a bear in Bondville and turned north toward Londonderry for a sign
with a barn on it. I was running really late now- my double start for
my rest bonus, then extended stop in Manchester really threw me off.
I should have been in Londonderry at 2:22, but I got there at 2:47. I
guess it could have been worse considering the big screwup at my rest
stop. Things are starting to get really interesting. I'm in an area I
know very well from my 4-wheeling days. I know the back roads, side
roads, short cuts, and cow paths around central Vermont. My GPS
wanted me to ride from Londonderry to Chester then down to Grafton. I
knew better- I hit 121 and rode 8 miles of dirt in the middle of the
night. In fog. With critters all around me. After having a bunny
shoot out and bounce off my rear wheel (I saw him scurry into the
ditch, but I bet he had a heck of a headache!) I came out in Grafton
and turned down 35, stopping at my next bonus.
This is where things go
bad. For those with a very delicate stomach skip to the next
paragraph. I won't go into detail, but as I stopped and filled out my
log I felt a quick rumble of my stomach. No. NO. NOOOOO!!!!! I
started tearing my 'Stich off. Remember that tuna salad sandwich? It
was coming back...and not the way it went in! I had a 15 minute stop
while I was...indisposed. So there I was, naked from the waist down
on the side of a back road in Vermont at 3am hoping no other
riders...or worse...came along. I got myself composed and back to
dealing with rally matters.
Somehow I managed to have
the frame of mind to notice that the sign had two different sides. I
read the bonus and took a photo of the correct side, got back on the
bike, and headed to the next bonus just a ways down the road. I had
arrived 20 minutes late, and departed 33 minutes late. Again...I
guess it could have been worse. Time to make up some time. I know the
roads I'll be on for the next few hours and know where I can make up
some time. I'm in my comfort zone, and as long as I don't have a
repeat of the previous stop, I might be able to make up some of this
time. I got to the Long Acres Farm sign 26 minutes behind. Quick
photo, shorthand on the log, and back on the bike. Down to Vernon for
a quick photo and scribble the answer to a question about a farm
co-op. I was in a hurry and scribbled my answer and rode on. I should
have read more thoroughly. 13 minutes behind.
I arrived at Just A Dream
Farm for a photo and saw another rider there. This was the first
rider I had seen at a bonus since the previous afternoon. No time to
chat, click a photo in the dark and rush back out into the night. 5
minutes behind. Down to Diemand Farm as the sky was getting lighter.
Click-N-run. 3 minutes behind. I might pull this off! Next was Old
Depot Gardens. I was getting so I had the camera out of my tank bag
as I pulled up, jump off the bike for the photo with the rally towel,
scribble on my note pad, and ride away while I put the camera back
into the tank bag. I was 5 minutes ahead as I left Old Depot Gardens!
I usually plan 3 minutes per stop but I was doing them in 1-2
minutes, and at this time of morning there was no traffic slowing me
down. I was able to ride at a brisk, yet safe, pace. I was twelve
minutes early to Atlas Farm. Click, ZOOM....
I arrived at AGY 15 minutes
early but couldn't find the sign. I rode up and down the road,
stopped a couple times for closer looks, but all I could find were a
couple of posts that looked like they used to hold a sign. Well time
to use the phone. I called the Rally Master and asked about the sign,
and was told they were aware of the problem, and to take a photo of
the two posts. Done. BYE! I left 12 minutes early. Still exceptional.
Next was an old growth tree plaque. Then a milk bottle. 15 minutes
ahead still! I was now on the phone with my wife filling her in on
the night's happenings and informing her of my ETA. I made a beeline
to the last bonus, a huge mural on a barn, and snapped the photo. 20
minutes ahead! As I was leaving the final bonus I noticed the sun
rising off to my right. It was just above the tree line with warm
rays hitting me, and the fields around me seemed to glow. It was the
perfect setting for the final bonus of the rally. Now to get back
safely. I relaxed my pace a bit since I was so far ahead.
I arrived at Rally HQ 17
minutes early. I was already kicking myself for eliminating the three
bonuses Saturday afternoon. I hadn't done the math but I knew I would
have had time for them. I saved exactly 17 minutes by eliminating
them, and finished the rally exactly 17 minutes early. Well no time
to think, I checked in, parked my bike, and my wife helped me grab
what I needed. I ran to the room for a quick shower before starting
on organizing my mess into something that resembled a rally pack. I
verified that I only needed three Farmer Crossing signs and randomly
crossed one off my list. I managed to forget to insert my Cumberland
Farms bonuses into my log, so I had to go back and erase several
entries so I could get them written in the correct order. I got
everything squared away then went to wait patiently in line for
scoring.
At scoring I was nearly
shaking. Flashbacks to the 2012 Minuteman were on my mind. I was
called and sat down to take my punishment. We went through one thing
at a time. So far so good. Cumberland Farms were all good, I got the
full points allowed. Farmer signs were good, I got full points. Fuel
log was fine. Phew. Rest bonus was O.K., and I found that I could
have skipped the double start- just being in the same general area,
within reason, was good enough. Oh well, I played it safe. Now we
were going over the actual photos & bonuses. I quickly got
penalized for having one Farmer Crossing sign out of order. It
happened when I was adjusting the log to put my Cumberland Farms
bonuses in. Oh well, it was only a small penalty. Funny though, if I would have crossed off THAT sign instead of another, I wouldn't have had the penalty. As we got near the
end of my route things were looking good. Until we got to the Farm
Co-op sign. I had misunderstood and written the wrong name down.
Crap. That was a 4750 point mistake. Oh well, maybe it didn't cost me
a position. I waited while numbers were crunched and was given my
final score. Nearly 400k points. Not bad. But was it good enough? We
left scoring and went to breakfast to wait for the official word. The
positions started getting called. Cool, I made the top 10! Wow, the
top 5!! TOP 3!!! My name was called for second place!!! I made a
GREAT showing compared to last year!
When Anthony Mills was
called as the winner I was really happy for him. He's a great rider, comical, and all around nice guy. I listened for his
score and at least my two penalties didn't cost me the win, though my
three skipped bonuses did. Later, when I had gotten home and went
over all my bonuses I noticed that there had been a mistake in the
rally book. The files we received showed one bonus as 3000 less
points than the rally book stated, and I had used the points from the
GPX file. Oh well. It would have been a few more points but wouldn't
have changed my position. A week later when the official list was
posted I saw my points had changed- apparently I had been awarded the
3000 points. Cool! But now that meant that my wrong answer for the
farm co-op DID cost me the win. Argh. Oh well...there is always next
year, and this rally was yet another learning experience.