Doc1647545523

The rally is almost a scavenger hunt for car people. Many of the checkpoints have a car connection. We were at three raceways, for example. An early one was Shennandoah Speedway, which had a beautiful setting in the mountains. http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%20Appalachia%202011/BentleyatShenandoah.jpg Sometimes, the trip card (which you are given at the beginning of each day) will give you the actual address of the checkpoint. Sometimes you just get a name, or a "clue" to the name. Sometimes you only get a photograph, and you're told to go find it! As an example, we were given a photograph of this clocktower, and we needed timestamped photos of the checkpoint with both team members: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%20Appalachia%202011/clocktowerwithFarkas.jpg On the first day we were back and forth along the beautiful Skyline Drive in Virginia. Both of the CR teams had nav problems, cell signal problems, and driver errors which kept us out of the podium spots. However, we were all having a great time and the cars were running flawlessly. We ended the day at the Natural Bridge Hotel near Lexington, Virginia. The place reminded me of the Overlook Hotel from the movie "The Shining." A police escort lead all the Rally cars in a parade through Lexington. Despite the oppressive heat, a few folks came out to watch the "racecars" come through their little town. We had a great dinner in town and drove back to the Overlook to call it a night. Day Two was clearly the major challenge. There were over 20 checkpoints required and many of those had to be chosen from a group of over 40. Much of the day was on the Blue Ridge Parkway, where the speed limit of 35-45 is strictly enforced. Add to that unexpected road construction delays, detours (of 30+ miles), and the physical tests, and this was the hardest driving and hardest navigating of the day. Here we are the next morning lining up in front of the hotel: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%20Appalachia%202011/lineupatnaturalbridge.jpg Everyone receives a starting time down to the second (and some awards came down to less than a minute of time difference). The starter flag girls were a bit of a mixed bag this year http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%20Appalachia%202011/EB_Auto_Rally_1-595x433.jpg Things started out well for Team Bentley. At Motor Mile Dragway we were paired up with a BMW One Series and blew their doors off. Additionally, I had the fastest reaction time of the day which was worth a time bonus. Here's the video of the eighth mile run (with my very supportive co-pilot arguing with me that I red-lighted, which I did not). Click to view: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%20Appalachia%202011/th_IMG_0407.jpg We visited Chimney Rock State Park where we were required to either hike to a famous 404 foot waterfall (which was estimated to take 90 minutes roundtrip) or to climb to the top of Chimney Rock, a 315 foot monolith at an elevation of 2,280 feet with 75-mile views of the Hickory Nut Gorge. Paul-Michael and Nicky set the group record for the climb up Chimney Rock, and this feat, combined with excellent driving by Paul and flawless navigating by Nicky, won them first place for day two, the top prize of the rally. This was an outstanding accomplishment for anyone, but even more remarkable for a rookie team. And they beat the next team by 45 minutes! They deserve everyone's congratulations. There was loud applause for them at the closing awards ceremony. Here they are accepting the award from the Rally organizers (my apologies for the poor photo): http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%20Appalachia%202011/firstplaceceremony.jpg We ended Day Two in Greenville, South Carolina. As is typical on these rallies, there are good eats at the end of the day and then usually a lot of drinking and storytelling. Day Three was the most fun for us. We had the cameraman from Mob Theory in our car much of the day, and I suspect when the video is produced in a month or two, a few of our shenanigans will be immortalized. One of those moments was captured on film when the South Carolina State Police stopped us because the cameraman was hanging about 4 feet out of the car filming other rally members. He let us go with a warning and with a clear explanation of the law and the admonition, "YOU WILL COMPLY." We started with a meet & greet with sports legend Cale Yarborough, four-time winner of the Daytona 500 and one of only two drivers with three consecutive Winston Cup Championships (1976-8). He is very friendly and cordial. http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%20Appalachia%202011/farkaswithcale.jpg Next, to Darlington Raceway, "the raceway too tough to tame." http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%20Appalachia%202011/PaulscaratDarlington.jpg Farkas drove the Bentley for the paced laps. It was a thrill just riding along. http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%20Appalachia%202011/darlingtononthewall.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%20Appalachia%202011/darlingtonatthecurve.jpg This fellow motioned us off the track, and we figured we were in some sort of trouble (not our first for this rally): http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%20Appalachia%202011/darlingtonpullover.jpg We stopped, put down the window, and he said, "Hey, what kind of car is this? It's great." Apparently, not to many Flying Spurs go to do laps at Darlington. I thought it was funny that the car's appearance made it into Darlington's newsletter this week.

The two CR teams to compete in this year's Rally North America event, Rally Appalachia 2011, rolled back into Columbus yesterday from Charleston, South Carolina with many great stories to tell. I'm sure the others will have things of their own to add to the thread, but here's my version. Farkas and I were one of the three rookie teams from CR last year to compete in the Route 66 Rally. CR sent three teams in 2010, and we came back with three of the top four East Coast trophies (pictured at the bottom of the CR homepage). Needless to say, the 80 teams of the 2011 Rally North America were paying close attention to the CR entries this year. Farkas and I made up Team Bentley #16 and FyrhzrdGT Paul-Michael and his girlfriend Nicky made up Team Mercedes #17 (1985 300D), the only diesel vehicle in the rally. This was their first rally. We left last Monday morning, meeting up at the Denny's near National Trail, reviewing our strategies. http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%20Appalachia%202011/atDennys.jpg As a taste of things to come, when we left the exit I turned west on I-70, heading back to Columbus. We all had a good laugh over the prospect of a thread on the rally website entitled, "Defending rally champs unable to find their way to 2011 Rally starting line." We made great time to Winchester, Virginia, arriving early at the check-in motel. We came out of the lobby to find a line of other participants. As much fun as we poke at those vinyl stickers, it's actually pretty exciting to see other cars for the first time with the same stickers as yours. http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%20Appalachia%202011/lineupatwinchesterhotel.jpg At the pre-rally drivers' meeting, old friendships were rekindled and new ones made. The rules were reviewed and we were told that many more checkpoints would be required and that some would require walking, perhaps running and climbing. I should mention before I tell more of the story that last year, on the wide open roads along old route 66, sheer horsepower and speed could compensate for rally navigation skills and tricks. It was clear that the rally organizers this year were going to try to keep a lid on that by using slower roads, more checkpoints, and a few physical tests thrown-in. The rally began on Tuesday, with the start from the historic district of Winchester, Virginia. The 80 teams were parked on the brick streets and numerous locals came out to greet us. http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%20Appalachia%202011/Paulsshotofoldwinchester.jpg As was the case at many of our stops, TV and newspaper crews were there to cover the event. Over one hundred media outlets covered the story and countless websites carried updates: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%20Appalachia%202011/TVinterviewatoldwinchester.jpg Here's a couple minute video of the typical TV coverage (the Bentley gets its five seconds of fame): http://ww2.tv3winchester.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=6067093&h1=Rally%20Appalachia%202011%20Kicks%20Off%20In%20Old%20Town%20Winchester&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=0&LaunchPageAdTag=News&fvCatNo=&backgroundImageURL=&activePane=info&rnd=99866497 As you could see from the TV clip, there were some nut cases in the Rally. Our friends "Team Cream" won the best costume award....... how embarrasing is that? This guy from Houston brought his blow-up girlfriend, Brianna, with him: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%20Appalachia%202011/blowupdoll.jpg Some of the competition: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%20Appalachia%202011/vetteatoldwinchester.jpg A Lightning which put on slicks at the track and a nice old Porsche with a father and son team driving: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%20Appalachia%202011/threeatoldwinchester.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%20Appalachia%202011/crowdatoldwinchester.jpg Not everyone's a nutjob, though. This is Jay (at the side of the car, while the video guy installs a cam inside the car), who rallies between his deployments. He drove a dune buggy last year on Route 66, and this year he had this 60's vintage Corvair in the heat and humidity (some days over 110 heat index, and an average of 15-30 minutes of rain at some point each day). http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%20Appalachia%202011/mountingcamerainCorvair.jpg The motor was sweet. Check out the four carbs: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%20Appalachia%202011/fourcarbCorvair.jpg And the cockpit: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/Rally%20Appalachia%202011/Corvaircockpit.jpg

In case he's able to make it this morning, be sure to congratulate Paul-Michael (FyrhzrdGT) and Nicky on winning first place in the 2011 North American Rally! :fuckyeah: We all rolled in late last night from Charleston, South Carolina. He was going to try to bring the winning car #17 (Benz diesel) while it still has the stickers on it. Thread with pics to come later today.

I know that most people like some tint, and it's practical for a DD. However, I'm a fan of clear, clean glass for most cars. I've got my Blues Brothers style shades if the sun's too bright. Glass tint, smoked lenses, lowered cars ...... it all seems so played-out to me. Obviously, most car guys like those things. That said, my limo had a medium-dark tint in all the side and rear glass (all 11 panes), http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/limophoto.jpg and the Viewt came with dark limo tint in the back (which I think adds to the visual joke of it). http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/original.jpg So, I have to admit, it has some applications that I like.

Starting helps, but IMHO the truck needs to move for the sake of the tires, brakes, transmission parts, and for all systems to get up to proper operating temps. One trip out per month ....... I guess it seems to me to be very little risk if not a named insured vehicle, but not everyone would be comfortable with any risk at all. I think that if an insured driver, other than your wife, drove the car, it would have some coverage under the driver's insurance. By having your truck insurance "placed on hold," are you at least keeping comprehensive coverage (fire, theft)?

Since last week it was at Lennox, I went to Blocks this morning at 8, waited until 11 --- didn't see any of you guys Or is it back to being at NTB downtown again?

I didn't recognize you. They way you pulled up near me, I thought you were wanting a short race, which is the reason I paddled it down two gears. But as you saw, we had traffic pretty close ahead. Thanks for the kind words. Frankly, I'm already looking forward to taking the stickers off, although it's funny how many facepalm reactions it provokes in people.

IMO, this is the best advice, although once a week might be more than is necessary. My recommendation would be at least once every 3-4 weeks, and each time for a trip long enough to bring engine temps up to normal operating range. Gas stabilizer is a must, as is a high quality battery tender such as Opti-Mate III. I would leave a window cracked open if it's stored somewhere relatively free of insects. If it is a 4WD, that should be engaged as often as the user's manual recommends (for my Tundra, it's monthly for a least 5 miles).

I did my best to promote it. I started a CR thread for the new Rally in November 2010, then bumped it last month when it looked like spots would open: http://www.columbusracing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=86587 At the end of the thread I made about the Route 66 Rally, there were many comments from people about how they had not heard about this and they would go for sure in 2011 if they were advised about it. Yet, no one registered. I'm sure this year it will be the same. Bookmark this site and check it from time to time: http://www.rallynorthamerica.com/ Carpe diem!

Thanks, Seth. I really wish you two were going along as well. You and your brother were the consummate competitors. As far as winning goes, I think if a CR team wins again this year, we'll be lucky to get out of Charleston alive. :burn:

I'm doin' fine, thanks. Farkas and I are getting ready to leave on the 2011 North America Rally in a few days. Since you're such a big fan of vinyls, I hope you like what I've done to the car: http://www.columbusracing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=94226 Are we going to be seeing you out at some CR events this year?

Hmmmmm. Who would have thunk it? A thread entitled "Scott Cordell" with a drift video posted to it.

I'm in the same boat. Got the Thunderbolt today after spending two years happy with the original Droid. Waiting for Jones to help me root it. Much faster adaptation to the touch screen than I thought.

Funny you should point this out, Andy. Our Scott is really re-inventing himself here lately. 1) He's likin' on your Toyota 2) He's driving a Honda now and lovin' it 3) He's sporting a new diamond stud earring in his right ear, worn to CR events: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/July%203rd%20CR%20cookout/Cordell.jpg We're all behind you Scott. Let your light shine!

Thanks for the kind words. Farkas is navigating again (no reason to change last year's championship team). BTW, the navigator is more important than the driver on this type of rally, so I'm not really taking him, more like he's taking me. Paul-Michael (FyrhzrdGT) and his girlfriend are Team Mercedes for this year. Promo video: http://www.youtube.com/user/RallyNorthAmerica#p/a Highlights include being on 3 racetracks, in two parades, and we'll have a meet & greet with Cale Yarborough. Much of the route will be on Skyline Drive and the Blueridge Parkway, which should be beautiful this time of year. And the Flying Spur won't be getting window tint or smoked lenses.

With the help of Chris (Major Payne), I got the Bentley washed, clay barred, paint sealant applied, and 15 vinyl stickers on, as required by the 2011 Rally Appalachia rules. The Rally's only 9 days away! http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/rally%20stickers/006.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/rally%20stickers/014.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/rally%20stickers/009.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/rally%20stickers/008.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/rally%20stickers/013.jpg http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/rally%20stickers/012.jpg According to the Team Output guidebook, this should be good for at least 200 more at the wheel. Heading out to QSL to put the beast on display. Please reserve my usual handicapped space, on the patio.

Actually, calling you a "queer ricer" would be using the word queer as an adjective, not as a verb. They still teach the parts of speech in 3rd grade, don't they? (I'm so proud to have contributed to this thread.)

Carl, what would you pay to have been in the passenger's seat during those few seconds coming down Bray Hill? Prolly better than any amusement park thrill ride.

Welcome to CR, Jason. Great collection of vehicles! Hope you make it out to some CR events this summer. + rep

The American Automobile Association has more than 11,000 affiliated service providers across the U.S. Each year, AAA names the top four Gold National Service Providers of Excellence. For 2011, CAPITAL TOWING & RECOVERY received the honor. :bangbang: Many factors went into the decision, but according to Bill Linsenmayer, director of Automotive Services for AAA, " ...our AAA employees who work with Capital Towing on a day-to-day basis recommended them because they truly care about solving members' problems .... " Brandon started Capital Towing just 5 years ago with one truck and one driver and has built his business to nine trucks and thirteen employees, according to the article in the July issue of Home & Away. Congrats, Brandon and crew for earning the top national honor. Thanks for being a sponsor on CR.

You're right, of course, Rich. The last open house I had for CR at my garage drew 160 members, fed 90 at lunch, and was such a disaster. http://www.columbusracing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67087 A few of the pics: http://www.columbusracing.com/forums/showpost.php?p=970983&postcount=180

Keep in mind it's a big car weekend, between Good Guys and the Arthritis Show. You'll want to plan around these events to get the maximum attendance. Good Guys schedule: http://www.goodguysnats.com/ Arthritis car show: http://www.arthritisautoshow.com/about/general-admission

I thought you might want an update. I'm proceeding with the plan I've outlined above. I've arranged to lease the office space connected to my shop, which is around 900 or so square feet. It has two outside entrances, one from this parking lot (as seen from the front windows of the office): http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/office/viewfrontlot.jpg and the other entrance is from this very large parking lot (as seen from the small office in the suite): http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/office/lookingeast.jpg This arrangement gives the office an excellent view of two lit, paved parking lots which are empty at night, outside of the City of Delaware, and a good ways from the road (but not hidden from the road). My plan for the larger room http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/office/viewfromdoor.jpg is to make it an informal patient reception room with comfortable furniture, and a large TV on the wall. It will probably only get used one or two nights per month as a free psychiatric clinic. For CR purposes, tables for food can be added, a gaming console hooked up, refreshments brought in to the kitchenette. There is a drink machine and two restrooms in the entry hallway, right outside the glass door: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/office/frontroom.jpg The smaller office is where I'll have my desk and better furniture. Both offices have excellent views of the cars outside: http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r445/martyr65/office/view1.jpg I think it would be an accomodating place for a meal and a meet, especially when the weather isn't cooperating. The office has an inside door into my existing shop. The plan is for me to rearrange the space so that I can accomodate two spaces for CR members to use to work on their cars, at their own risk. The new spaces shouldn't interfere with access to my stored cars, so if a project needs to go on for a week or two, it shouldn't be a problem. Washing cars in the winter should also be a lot easier with the additional space. I'm not going to rent spaces or memberships--it'll be free. I'll have a few spare keys with people who need them, but I'll be on site when the office area is in use. People working on cars in my shop can come and go as they please. I think this will be up and running in the first part of August. I'd like to replace the carpet, which is glued down, no pad. Anyone have experience installing carpet or can get a big discount? I've got about 900 square feet to do and the vinyl baseboard to replace. I'll also be looking for a nice TV which can be mounted on the wall, and a decent video console and games. If you can get a deal, PM me with details. We'll have another open house when I get this completed. Perhaps a cookout, we'll have to see.

Well, times change. It used to be that if you went to an event, you tried to make sure that your photos included all the cute kids running around (they make the best photo subjects, IMO). In fact, parents might be offended if you didn't capture that priceless moment when their precious little rug rat wiped his nose on the picnic tablecloth. But the way things are these days, I'd think twice before posting other people's children's photos on the internet without first asking for parental permission, even if it's only CR (limited access).