Hey all, So I came across this event scheduled for 1/15 - 1/16 up in Duluth. My wife and I already had a trip planned to go up that weekend and this looks like a lot of fun. The event organizer hasn't gotten back to me yet so I though I'd check with all of you. The web page describes this as an "Easy Touring Rally over snow covered forest roads" Has anyone has done this in years past? If so, is it competitive or more of a fun drive through the back roads of MN? I'm not familiar with "touring rallies". Any input would be appreciated. Right now I'm pretty sure my wife thinks I'm looking for a way to wrap our new car around a tree. Not the case of course, nor do I want to enter it into a racing event. If it's more of a spirited drive down some awesome roads however it sounds like it would be a great way to spend the day.
This type of rally is done at the speed limit. It's about arriving at controls at an exact specified time (not like a stage rally where the goal is the lowest time). It's about precision driving, maintaining the right time (can't go too fast, can't go too slow), and proper navigation. low key, fun events
Thanks for the quick overview! Any excuse to drive down curvy snow covered roads sounds like fun to me. Assuming the oganizer ever gets back to me I'll probably plan to give it a try.
Tim Winker is the organizer of those I believe. He has been putting on this rally for many years. I have never competed in any of these but I have heard great things from everyone that has attended these over the years. Tim has been very active in the rally community for more years than I could ever imagine. He always puts on a great event. I have heard that this rally is a good one for anyone that really wants to work on learning the logistical side of doing stage rally (time controls, communicating effectively with your navigator, learning schedules, etc). And I'm sure the route that he chose would be both scenic and challenging.
Hmmmm... Might have to check that out next year. I don't particularly care to get another set of winter tires this year and I don't think performance winters would fare all that well on snow over gravel. Looks interesting though!
Tim got back to me today. It sounds like most of the really fun roads (Honeymoon Trail, etc) are not drivable as they have not not been plowed but he did say the route will still be very fun. I'm waiting to hear back from him on how long the northern route on Saturday will take as we'd be driving back to Duluth later that day. Assuming I can get back by early evening (this is supposed to be a trip to visit the in-laws) I'll likely give it a try. Thanks all for the insight.
what kind of tires do you currently have? you'd be quite surprised at what does and doesn't work for various winter rally conditions. my current winter tire arsenal includes yokohama A034, Blizzak revo1 (tractionized), Blizzak WS70, General Altimax Arctic
I'm running Micheline PA3's, with the idea that my daily driving occurs mostly on clear roads. They're respectable in deep snow, but I don't know that I'd want to tool around a snow road rally with them. I think I'd rather have a studless ice and snow.
Just checking, I've got a brand new set of General Altimax Arctic's on my car. In your experience should I expect any problems?
Sounds like I might be going with Tim this weekend, finalize the coarse. Gotta check with wife, may do sweep for the event, we'll see.
Cool! Please keep me posted. As I mentioned above I'd love to do it if we can get back to Duluth at a reasonable time Saterday afternoon/evening. Thanks.
I'd be interested in lending a hand with this if needed. I don't think I could get a navigator by then and I have no clue wtf I'm doing to serve as one myself, but I'd be down for getting involved regardless. Do one of you guys have Tim's email or did you just call him?
I contacted Tim via Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&tid=479789210753#!/tim.winker A buddy of mine that lives in Duluth has agreed to navigate for me so I'm planning to attend. Here are the details I know so far... 1. Everyone is meeting at the Perkins on the north side of Duluth at 8:00 AM on Saturday. 2. The first car will leave at 9:31 AM 3. The route will be around 220 miles and should take about 6.5 hours. 4. There is a gas stop 1/2 way for those that need it (likely me). I'm only doing the Saturday leg so if you need details about Sunday you'll have to ask Tim. Hope to see you there!
