Long Distance Scavenger Hunt Rallies....anyone?

[Patmo]

For some time I've had an interest in trying one of these outs, and possibly setting one up at one of our MSTA rallies.  I'm just wondering if any of our members have done any of these, and/or if anyone else might have some interest as well.


Now that this year's riding events are starting to wind down, I'm beginning to think about what kind of things might be fun to do next year.  In addition I'm wondering what we might add to an event to make it appealing to members that haven't attended before. 


Pat M

[TN2Wheeler]

Maybe a keg, a burn out pit, some youngsters coleslaw wrestling and a tattoo artist on site?

Oh wait that's a different group...  But it would attract some people who haven't attended before.

[HawkGTRider]

Not that we couldn't do it, but you're basically talking about an Iron Butt Association event. Having done several of these of varying lengths (12 hour, 24 hour, 11 day), all they really are is a long distance scavenger hunt.

I think these type events are a LOT of fun. But they require a HUGE investment of time, money and effort to be set up properly. If some in our membership are interested, I would encourage them to participate in one of the IBA events first to see how they do it. Be prepared for a lot of friendly, intense, competition.

[qman8]

Scavenger hunts with on-road vehicles are illegal in some states, especially if there is any time requirements.  Check local laws.

[HawkGTRider]

Scavenger hunts with on-road vehicles are illegal in some states, especially if there is any time requirements.  Check local laws.

I don't doubt what you are saying. The IBA events may be sort of like "Fight Club" with both rule #1 and rule #2 being "You don't talk about Fight Club." Everyone who participates in an IBA event knows they may be doing something contrary to the law. So if you happen to get stopped or are involved in an accident or whatever, you don't talk about the event. You're on vacation, you're traveling, etc. And all of that is likely true too. If you share too much, you're very likely to find yourself being busted for a LOT more than whatever initiated the original stop.

The IBA may skirt most issues by having rules against speeding. If it's obvious that you got from point A to point B in a time that would necessitate stupid speeds, you may find yourself invited to leave the event. The correct emphasis is on time and resource management...not speed.

[stevegrab]

Scavenger hunts with on-road vehicles are illegal in some states, especially if there is any time requirements.  Check local laws.

When did you grow up and get so responsible?  That is usually something I'd point out

[Patmo]

From what I have been able to gather from those that have participated in events like these, and from what I have read, the emphasis is far from being on speed.  It is more a challenge of routing and proper time management than anything else.  In the case of an 8-12 hour event it is not even on stamina or the riders ability spend long hours in the saddle.  Since, in most cases the point bonus locations are released the night before the event, it puts a premium on the riders ability to research and plan v. their ability to just pump out mileage or speed.  It's certainly not a contest to see who can ride the most mileage within a certain period, or who can go the fastest for the longest.

[HawkGTRider]

And to put even more emphasis on the idea of avoiding high mileage, in my last rally a couple of years ago, there was a penalty for riding over a certain number of miles. So there was absolutely no incentive for riding balls to the wall...quite the contrary.

[qman8]

From what I have been able to gather from those that have participated in events like these, and from what I have read, the emphasis is far from being on speed.  It is more a challenge of routing and proper time management than anything else.  In the case of an 8-12 hour event it is not even on stamina or the riders ability spend long hours in the saddle.  Since, in most cases the point bonus locations are released the night before the event, it puts a premium on the riders ability to research and plan v. their ability to just pump out mileage or speed.  It's certainly not a contest to see who can ride the most mileage within a certain period, or who can go the fastest for the longest.

I'll give you my 2 cents...I "research and plan" all day, every day at work.  And i ride to get away from that!

[Patmo]

I guess you wouldn't be interested in a link to LDriders then?   .   LOL

q.....compeletely understand.  It's certainly not for everyone.  Heck, I'm not even sure it's something I want to do a lot of.  But I think it's something I want to try at least once.

[Landon]

I've done an 8 hour rally and two that were called 24 hour but were actually 32 hours. They are fun and challenging. Personally I prefer the shorter 8 to 12 hour rallies. I'm not a big fan of riding at night in unknown countryside and the longer rallies that is almost a requirement, at least if you want to finish near the top. Both the longer rallies I did had a required rest break and mileage limitations, so its definitely not all about the most miles or fastest speed. You won't shave much time speeding, the top dogs in rallies have the bonus stops down to an art and don't waste anytime while stopped. Some even use selfie sticks to hold out their rally flag and take a picture so they never leave the seat of their bike. Most of these rallies are now providing the bonus locations in gps format at least a week ahead of the event so you have plenty of time to plan your best route.

Pat- if you organized one I'd definitely be interested in participating.

[HawkGTRider]

Pat- if you organized one I'd definitely be interested in participating.

It sounds like we've got several people who have done some LD rallies or are interested in trying it. Before we go off half cocked and try to do something on our own, I'd propose we pick one of the IBA rallies and all sign up, and then go do it. I'd be up for something like that.

[Patmo]

Geoffrey....that's not a bad idea.  Would be fun to do one with friends.

[HawkGTRider]

Geoffrey....that's not a bad idea.  Would be fun to do one with friends.

There are just a couple of events remaining on the IBA calendar this year, and I'm already booked for those dates. I agree that it would be fun to launch into one of the rallies with some friends if for no more reason than to compare notes afterwards.
It's not completely unusual for good riding friends to ride together during some of the events. They'd need to be good friends as these events, while being fun, can also be a bit stressful. It's not the easiest thing to ride for ~24 hours with someone by your side every step of the way. Rest stops, gas stops, time taken at bonuses, all have to be coordinated between each rider, and that adds additional issues to consider. But at the end of the day, it can be a real hoot!
Here's a link to the IBA calendar of events for this year...
http://www.ironbutt.com/eventcal/
Take a look at see if anything intrigues you. Many of these events are like our MSTA events...the good ones are repeated year after year in about the same place at about the same time of year.

[Brick]

I am also a member of the www.sc-ma.com which is the organization that puts on many many really cool rallies/events including the Three Flags. And NO I don't live in Southern California. Belonging to the SC-MA is a requirement to riding the Three Flags ride.

Anyway this months newsletter talks about many of the rallies they put on or are very involved with. One is what they call the Park & Ride which is a Scavenger hunt rally. The list the rules and the classes. It's worth checking out if you might want to plan this event.

I have no idea how SC-MA gets so many members to volunteer to work so hard to put on all the events they do. Perhaps the MSTA could learn a thing or two from them???