Endgame:
I'm running the numbers in my head, trying to make it work while thinking of what's ahead as I barrel up Wisonsin County CC towards the Connorsville bonus. The FJR's on reserve and counting the miles before I'm out of gas. I've been making good time during the last 18 hours. My current dilemma is this; two bonus stops, 127 miles, and two hours to do it in. Can it be done? I'm sure it can if EVERYTHING goes right. But one of those bonus stops is Bob's Java Hut. What are the chances of that being a 2 minute bonus stop? And I vaguely remember our esteemed Rally Master advising not to Bonzai into Bob's at the last minute.
I've had a great ride so far. Some poor planning resulted in an less than optimal route, but I'm making the best of it. Highlights have been running up I-35/Highway 23 in the wake of Shultz's GS. Dennis and I parted ways in Bruno as he continued north and I veered east towards Lake of the Clouds.
Saw another rider (our East Coast rally friend Mr. Frick) as I was leaving the park.
Coming into Baraga I'm looking for the Shrine. No luck and after rereading the directions I make a couple of passes trying to find it. There's no road listed in the directions, only "south of highway 41". A phone call to Bart and he clears it up. A few miles later down Highway 41 I see the HUGE sign for the shrine (almost right where I had marked it on the GPS) and have to laugh at myself.
If the Marquette gas fiasco wasn't planned it should have been. I heard the same story from many riders. Heading east, no pay at the pump at the only station after the express by-pass. Take a chance, fill-up, go inside and no friggin' location on the receipt. Back into town for a frustrating search. Finally find a Citgo with pay at the pump and get a good receipt.
More bikes as the circle routes cross at the Stonington lighthouse. I pass Coons as he's coming up the dirt road, supremely confident as he nonchalantly gives me a wave. Many bikes milling around the lighthouse as I quickly get my shot and head out. Was Coons going counter-clockwise or am I just catching up to him? Nah, he must be going counter-clockwise.
I'm way ahead of schedule and look for anything to add. The Wisconsin river looks good. Time restricted but I think I can make it. Up Wisconsin Highway 55 (beautiful road) and 240 miles later I'm taking a picture at the source of the Wisconsin river with a whole 10 minutes to spare. Back at the bike and who's there but Mr. Coons. What the hell is HE doing here? He asks if I saw Marty and Tim. They're on there way south towards Green Bay. John's riding counter-clockwise and I'm riding clockwise, yet we've ran into each other twice 240 miles apart. My route is seriously screwed up or Bart's a genius. You pick.
Back to the current dilemma...
It's funny, but I've come closer to running out of gas since I started using a fuel cell than I ever did with only a stock tank. I need to take my rest bonus and don't want to make an additional stop for fuel. I decide to start my rest bonus at the next gas station I find. A search for gas on the 2730 shows one up ahead just west of Spring Valley.
As I approach the station The Guess Who is chanting "I got, got, got, got, no time. no-no-no, no-no-no, no time." from the radio. Synchronicity?
I refuel the main tank at the closed pay-at-the-pump, saving the aux tank for the ending receipt. I've found a great place to take my rest bonus. They've got a covered area with a nice cozy bench and wireless access. I'd give this station a 5 star rating but for the dairy farm behind it. Man those dairy farmers get up early. Getting off the bike is welcomed and I use the time to finalize my run the to barn.
127 miles in 2 hours or a 63.5 mph average with 2 stops. I can cut that down to 115 miles if I take the direct route through Stillwater, but would hit beaucoop traffic lights and end up taking more time. If I drop Connorsville its a leisurely 80 mile ride, but 222 less points at the scoring table. I hate it. And I'd hate for that to be difference between my final standing and the winner. With the decision made I set the Mean Bastard for 1 hour and lay down on the bench for some sleep well deserved sleep.....
As it turned out the difference between three time winner Coon's score and myself was substantially more than the 222 points I decided not to go after. So in hindsight it was a good decision. I had a non-stressful ride to Bob's where I got to spend time with the other MN1000 riders who chose the get the HIGH value coffee mug (sorry Curt
). It was time well spent.
Equally impressive are Curt's THREE 2nd place in his class finishes. That's 3 in a row. And if you go back to 2005 you'll find another 2nd place finish in the Sport-Touring class.
Thanks again to Bart and crew for putting together such a great rally. And to all the other MN1000 riders old and new that make this event so much fun. Hope to see many of you new riders back next year