2007 Road Rally: The Bottom Three

#8 - Mustang Element

Cruising in a vintage Mustang convertible, this team was on the road for nearly fourteen hours! They were almost flawless on mandatory items and did admirably well on the optional items, but their total time on the road was just too much to overcome. Maybe a little less time planning on the front end (they were still at the start line when Rally Officials left for the Farm) and more time scavenging is the secret for'08?

#9 - Fix Me a Sandwich

This all-rookie team did very well with mandatory items, collecting all of the visits and missed just one scavenger item. However, they fell short on the optional items, collecting only 24o minutes of bonus time (10 of the 36 total optional items). In order to improve their finish in 2008, they'll need to maximize each stop, collecting several items at each location.

#10 - The Regulators

This all-rookie team started their maiden voyage the right way - studying maps at the starting line. But the length and depth of this Rally seems to have broken them later in the day. They completed all of the mandatory visits, but skipped three of the mandatory scavenger items, adding 90 minutes to their overall elapsed time. Their optional items collected (both visits and scavenger) were thin, suggesting they just ran out of gas. They did very well on the brain benders and with a year of experience under their belt, we look forward to a better, stronger finish for this team in '08.

Road Rally Recap: The BIG Picture

The 2007 Island Pond Road Rally was run on July 20, 2007. Ten teams started (and finished) - the largest field in recent memory. While veteran teams anticipated a standard NH/VT course, Road Rally organizers threw them a curveball with a course almost exclusively in Maine!

The teams began their journey in Chelmsford, MA at 8:30am and arrived in Island Pond, VT between 6:50-10:15pm.

Final Audited Results:

1. Walk This Way - 765 minutes on the road/726 bonus minutes collected/39 minutes overall
2. Akina Speed Stars - 678/619/59
3. Straight Line - 740/659/81
4. 9012Speed0 - 620/468/152 (Rookies!)
5. Rage Against the Bananas - 655/457/198
6. Popped Biscuits - 710/485/225
7. Big Red - 702/462/240
8. Mustang Element - 825/442/383
9. Fix Me a Sandwich - 760/298/462 (Rookies)
10. Regulators - 697/179/518 (Rookies)

Thank you Storers!

Somehow "Thank you" seems entirely inadequate...

Once again, a sensational time - thanks to the Storer family for making it all possible.

Everyone, I would like to volunteer my time to put together a comprehensive photo gallery, so please contact me if you have any photos you would like to share (I know you do!).

In the meantime, enjoy this shot - many more to come..
-greg (team popped biscuits)

#1 - Being Immortalized on the Plaque o' Green

Unfortunately, we don't have 1990-1993 on film.

Good luck to all the 2007 Rally Teams!

Late night at TPB HQ

another video from the freaks in the Popped Biscuits Underground Bunker somewhere near the Team ASS HQ in Groton, MA...

We're winding up, or down or something like that here, strategizing and shucking & jiving and maybe enjoying a pint or two.

click here to watch the goodness

and the one from this morning in case you missed it...

-greg, joe & jake (katie's asleep)

#2 - Dinner Time

I love this shot... it really captures the essence of dinner time in Island Pond. Pure contentment.

ps... Notice the tarp set-up extending all the way to the bonfire. You might see some of this in a couple of days. ;-)

Road Rally Odds Released!!

July 18, 2007 :: After much contemplation, head scratching and many beverages, the 2007 Island Pond Road Rally odds. Let the discussions begin...

5:2 - Akina Speed Stars (David, Patrick, Robert, Steve)
Two-time defending champs...'nuf said.

3:1 - Popped Biscuits (Greg, Joe, Katie)
To use a football analogy, it's almost like this team was red-shirted for two years. They did the Rally in The Thing and were never really in the game, but learned valuable lessons along the way. "Put me in coach, I'm ready to play...today." Watch out!

4:1 - Big Red (Chris, Darren, Jessica, Joanna)
There's always turmoil on this team in the days leading up to the main event and this year's no different. There's talk of a new driver, new car, etc... We figure they sort it all out at the start line and take off in a cloud of dust. Always a contender.

4:1 - Walker's Walkabouts (Kevin, Jen, Dad Walker, Sis Walker)
Silently going about their business, but when the gun goes off they'll be lunatics (we think). Don't disappoint Dad and Sis...

5:1 - Straight Line (Andy, Jeremy)*
*They haven't even confirmed that they're going to make it to the start line, but their presence is still felt among the other teams. Two-time champs in their own right (with the old lady, of course), we wonder how they'll fare going it alone. America (and New Zealand) wonders with us...

7:1 - 902speed0 (Tim, Dan, Amos, Jackie)
I had a couple of beers with team captain Tim the other night and I reckon they're a serious threat in this, their rookie campaign. He had all the right answers and sounded like someone who had been there/done that. We'll see... I just hope they don't have capes.

10:1 - Rage Against the Bananas (Bizzy, Kachina, Adonis, Yuka)
Still not sure what to make of this team, but they're sure win the prize for Most Interesting Team Member Names. That's quite a car full...

12:1 - Fix Me a Sandwich (Mike, Lauren, Lauren's Bro)
I'm not sure how two social workers and a sandwich maker will fare on the back roads of New England, but I know one thing... they'll have some great stories! I'm looking forward to hearing about all the souls they've saved, because we all know there are a lot of lost (and hungry) ones up there.

15:1 - The Mustang Element (Tom, Phil, Natalie)
(Scratching my head)... ummm... long shot?

18:1 - Regulators (Nikki, Callie, Nate, Kasey, Liz)
The word on the street is that this team is taking the Rally very seriously. I don't doubt they'll be able to get strangers to do almost anything for them, but wonder how far they'll be willing to stretch themselves? Currently they're the only team with five members, which lends itself to the "scatter" technique perfective by Big Red over the last ten years. Surprise me...

Final Preparation(s) H

Focusing... That's what Team Popped Biscuits is doing tonight. I just talked to Joe, and it sounded like perhaps he was focusing on ordering another pint, I have a glass of single malt Scotch which helps me focus on this years opus, the Team Popped Biscuits RR07 Official Soundtrack.

What is your team doing tonight? We want to know...

Team ASS has been a bit quiet this year, actually, everybody has been. Time to increase the 'chatter', folks! FOCUS!

-greg, writing from a bunker far under the bedrock of Groton, MA, with enough canned good to last well into tomorrow.

Can't Stand the Weather

I told you not to pay attention to those early forecasts stating sun & clouds with a 10% chance of rain. The latest forecasts are dim, but I encourage you to again, pay not attention. Well, you should pay a little attention.. bring the poncho as I advised earlier. Maybe bring an extra tarp to put over your tent...

What I'm really here to tell you is that if I had a nickel for every time the weather forecast for Island Pond was rotten and then we spent a sun-splashed weekend frolicking at the Farm... well, I'd have a bunch of nickels in my pocket. Here's my forecast based solely on my past experiences in Island Pond...

Friday
Some sun, but mostly cloudy. Humid. Several passing showers, with little to no accumulation. Clear, cool (50s) night, with a slight chance of a light shower. You'll see the stars at some point and Tim will run by the bonfire with a tiki torch in his hand. There will be much rejoicing.

Saturday
Periods of sun and clouds. One (that's right... one) thunderstorm, that comes across the lake quickly and leaves after scaring the crap out of any dogs on the property. Clearing in the evening with a beautiful sunset and stars like you've never seen before. Certain nudity in the hot tub after 10pm.

Sunday
Overcast, with low-hanging clouds burning off in the late morning. Those of you that stick around into the afternoon will be rewarded with one of those rare Vermont summer days when the dew in the grass fills the air with a sweet oxygen-filled aroma usually only enjoyed by dairy cows.

See you soon!

Extra Credit?

as an upstanding member.... ahhh, of the Road Rally community, I would like to put forth this idea...

Extra Credit... as in "brown-nose points" - a gift.. dowrey if you will... given by each team to the Rally Officials at the end of the race. The most useful, cool or thoughtful (awwwww, how sweet!) offering gets a time bonus (as in deduction), which is at the sole descretion of the rally organizers (but must be determined before the event starts). You can bring something from home, or pick it up along the way.

Thoughts?

voting is now open.

-greg

#3 - The Reason You Can't Keep Your Eyes Open on Monday Morning...

Regulators Respond to the "Rookies Suck" Comment

"While we care very little whether or not you pay any attention to our (as you call it) “Virgin Campaign”, I will assure you that we are no ordinary “Rookie Team.” So that you understand where we stand let us just say that we are coming into this competition with a few, very powerful competitive advantages.

1. At the risk of sounding redundant we are all extremely competitive team players.
2. We will do ANYTHING to get the job done.
3. At least one of us has taken the trip to IP. While we recognize that this next trip will be quite different, the advantage of at least one of us having taken the trip before allows us brief experience into the NEK and also encompasses the fact that at least one of us has been carefully warned about the intense competition, obstacles and tasks at hand in this “Road Rally."

In fact, the insistent day in and day out talk/buzz around this so called "Road Rally Event” that one of our team members has had to endure has caused us to want this thing....BAD!!!!

So watch out Road Rally Teams 2007, there is a new team on the road and possibly on the Plaque O Green itself!!!!"

#4 - Look What the Cat Dragged In!

The Mustang Element Checks In

A gracious and good evening.

The consensus is that "The Mustang Element" will be our charter in this years RR. Tom B, New England's widely infamous design/builder extrodinaire; as seen in several prominant industry rags noteworthy as recipient of amultitude of awards by his peers in said associated circles for well overdecade.

Our femme d'fantastique has the single placard much like "Prince." She is also quite a circomblu' yet in the field of interior decoration and fine decorative paint schemes in exclusive circles. Natalie (or Natalia) as her closest call her, will add the brilliant color to our otherwise mere
cardboard box typed genius sitting in the pilot and co-pilot seats.

At this years endeavor IP Road Rally 07, The Mustang Element will make her mark.

Wish us luck. We already have impenetrable style, good looks, flair, booty and we hope to beckon the sun as it is only fitting for a circa 70 Mustang convertible. If no sun to burn away the rains, we will race in a Honda Element. The gods will make our fate for us on Friday, see you then.

Phil :: Tom :: Natalie

#5 - When Life Gives You Lemons...

... roll out the high speed slip and slide. Given the near certainty that we're going to have torrential downpours this coming weekend, this seemed appropriate for the top five. When it rains in Island Pond, we roll out the tarps, lather up in baby shampoo and slide down the back hill. Good fun, especially after dark!

#6 - Ready and Waiting...

... for you.

Team In Training

Hey MoFo's...

This is Greg from the oft-talked about but seldom seen Popped Biscuits.

I'm back from Europe - I came back early to accommodate the RR07. This speaks to our dedication.
What you hear is true, the Thing (aka: Clem) is down for the count - it's been down since last years RR and I just haven't had time to get it all fixtamacated. Clem has been part of the team, for sure - but not necessarily helpful in our final score, what with its 40 some odd horsepower, poor brakes and top speed of 65mph, downhill. with a tailwind. off a cliff. OK, maybe 60mph.

Instead, we'll be riding in style in Joe's Da Box - plenty of room to get our strategem and jive-ass groove on. Heck, we'll even have room on top for some mountain bikes.

While overseas, instead of slacking off, I was deep into the final throes of my year-long training regiment, as seen in this photo.



Anyhow, I'm ready to rock and roll.. I can only presume Joe & Katie are, too - they are in a mandatory black-out period to center their energies.

Also, look forward to the third Official Team Popped Biscuits Road Rally Soundtrack, available to all teams.

More later. I need sleep.

-greg

#7 - Water Activities

Last year teams were asked to take a photo of a team member holding a sparkler while fully submerged under water. Good times!

Breaking News: Theresa and Meg BBall Showdown Looms Large

Boston, MA - July 14, 2007 :: Despite rumors that Meg is sequestered away in Wisconsin and unable to return for IP 2007, reports are beginning to surface about a re-match of the one-on-one basketball showdown that took place between Meg and Theresa in 2006.

We spoke with David S., the VP of Sports and Fitness for IP 2007 and he confirmed the rumors. "We've spoken with representatives from both camps and they're interested in deciding once and for all who's the top basketball diva in IP. As a result of these discussions, we've gone ahead and scheduled "The Brouhaha in the Barn", which will take place at a time to be determined on Saturday night. We've discussed the matter with the Finance Committee and we've decided to charge a modest barn entry fee for this main event and will turn the gate receipts over to Meg to subsidize her flight home for the big contest."

"The Finance Committee complete supports this activity," said Jim S., Sr. Director of Consumption. We've been looking for an anchor activity on Saturday night and this just might fit the bill. We've already secured top line sponsorship from Reebok and Wilson... now it's just a matter of getting the players on the court."

When reached for comment, Theresa simply stated, "I'm the best there ever was... I float like a butterfly and sting like a bee. Watch out world, here I come!"

Meg took a decidedly different approach, "Theresa's certainly a better ballplayer than I am. It's pretty clear I can't take her on the court. I can't imagine this would even be a good contest."

Tickets go one sale for the main event the day of the contest. They are general admission and will be $5. We hope to have player profiles and historical significance out in the next day or so.

Introducing the Teams for Road Rally 2007

1. Akina Speed Stars (David, Patrick, Robert, Steve)
Winners of the past two installments of the Road Rally, this is a seasoned bunch. They'll pretty much do anything (see this photo for proof) and do it quickly. They don't let pride get in the way of a good time and are able to read maps and make good decisions under pressure. The lack of a female presence on the team this year could spell trouble.

2. Big Red (Chris, Darren, Jessica, Joanna, ??)
The perennial bridesmaid, Big Red is looking to keep ASS from the three-peat and a certain spot in the Road Rally Hall of Fame. After two crushing losses in a row, the question is whether they can continue to bring the fire needed to win this thing? Fielding's always got a trick or two up his sleeve, so we find it hard to count BR out.

3. Popped Biscuits (Greg, Joe, Katie)
Smart money is on PB for several reasons:
1. "The Thing" is in pieces, forcing them to Rally in "Da Box." Not that The Thing wasn't sexy (it was), it was just seriously underpowered and presented more challenges that opportunities on the road.
2. This is their third Rally and three is the magic number. 'Nuf said.
3. Did I mention that three is the magic number?

4. Walker's Walkabouts (Kevin, Jen, Dad Walker, Sis Walker)
Kevin's been doing these since nearly the beginning of time. Check out this photo from the early 90's. Kevin loves finding roadkill, even when it's not on the Scavenger List! If his dad and sister are anywhere near as committed, this team has a real chance to finish at the top.

5. Rage Against the Bananas (Bizzy, Kachina, Adonis, Yuka)
A new entrant in 2007, RotB has tremendous wisdom in Rally veteran Bizzy. But we've yet to see a veteran split from their original team and bring a group of rookies into the winners circle. They might be able to pull it off, but it's a big challenge.

6. Regulators (Nikki, Callie, Nate, Kasey, Liz)
I have a really hard time getting excited about rookie teams. They typically come to the start line woefully unprepared and lack the focus and stamina to win the Rally. With that said, I'd welcome a letter from Regulators explaining why we should pay more attention to them in their virgin campaign. Feel free to post it as a comment to this post.

7. Fix Me a Sandwich (Mike, Lauren, Lauren's Bro)
If memory serves me Mike has Rally experience, just not highly valuable. However, he and Lauren live with two-time champion Andy, so I've got to imagine some of his wisdom's rubbed off on them. In the end, with good decision-making, it's probably enough to finish in the Top 5.

8. The Mustang Element (Tom, Phil, Natalie)
Phil's spent a lot of time on the back roads of New England and could turn that into a solid finish with a new team. But, like Bizzy, he'll find it hard to make the transition with rookies on his team.

9. 902speed0 (Tim, Dan, Amos, Jackie)
This team is completely unknown. We'd love to hear from them in a comment.

Still Undecided
Straight Line (Andy, Jeremy)
Nice Girls (Jen, Sandi, Stacey)
Spice Girls (Meg, Sue, Sara)

#8 - Strange Clothes Configurations

Only on the road in the Island Pond Road Rally...

#9 - Interesting Campsites

You'll usually see some pretty interesting camp sites at The Farm

Weather Forecast - Don't Get Too Excited

I tend to keep a close eye on the weather leading up to the weekend in Island Pond. We've experienced it all up there, so it's not really an issue, but I just like everyone to be prepared.

Rain in Island Pond opens up a whole host of alternative experiences and the Barn gets a whole lot more use than when we have clear skies. Cold nights usually translate into a lot more bonfire sitting and hot tub usage. Sunny skies and warm evenings usually mean more mosquitoes and random nudity.

In an earlier post I talked about the challenges in forecasting the weather and my distaste for a certain online weather site. Well, it's with this in mind that I post the following screen shot from taken earlier today from their site.



It's not that this is forecasting bad weather, it's actually quite good. But herein lies the problem... they're always wrong. So, make sure to pack the slicker/poncho/umbrella and prepare for alternative activities. I'll keep you posted on changes to this forecast as they occur.

#10 - The Flaming Log

This was one of those moments when it all came together. We'd been using these big logs as seats around the bonfire for several years and apparently this one was soft in the middle. About halfway through the evening on Saturday night it started to smoke out the sides (while people were sitting on it)! Someone suggested we flip it up on end and when we did it caught fire. The knot hole in the front was a perfect vent and then later it was ideal for toasting marshmallows. Just another reason to pack the poncho and bug spray for the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.

Track the Local Weather

All I can say is it's a good thing we didn't plan the party for this coming weekend. Check out the NOAA forecast, which I've found is usually a better indicator of the likely weather than some of the major web sites for weather (weather.com is the worst, imho).

In any event, you should start thinking about packing a rain poncho... they're all the rage in Island Pond!

#11 - The Rally at Sunset

Just when you think you can't do a couple more hours on the road... think again.

#12 - Naps

Most Island Pond veterans admit that the Saturday afternoon nap is essential.

#13 - Oh, What a Night!

What happens when you combine middle age access to cash and connections and mix in just enough stupidity to think 6" mortars aren't dangerous? Pure magic...

#14 - The Next Generation

Katie and Reed preparing to take over the reigns from the "old folks." Notice the carefully concealed Solo cup... there better be milk in that cup!!!

#15 - Mauling Monuments

Whether it's the largest polished shaft in Vermont, a giant granite fish on the banks of the Lake Memphremagog or a plaque memorializing the Gage Incident, Rally teams get a chance to get "up close and personal" with some of the regions finest.

Newsflash: Isosceles Coming Together Again?

July 9, 2007 :: The word on the street is that two-time Road Rally Champion Jeremy (as one part of Isosceles) is looking into flights from NZ to make it for the weekend. Andy and Jeremy have been silent on whether they're going to enter a team in the Rally, calling it a "game time decision."

The missing link is Erin, who is staying in NZ to manage the home and bring home the bacon while Jeremy jets across the globe. She could not be reached for comment.

This announcement shook up the odds makers at Road Rally HQ, who immediately installed an Andy/Jeremy entry as the team to beat in 2007.

Complete early odds to be released in the coming days...

Ahoj!

Greetings, MoFo's, from the Czech Republic! The travels have been nothing short of splendid, and my training regiment has been going very, very well. Last night we hung out in Prague and consumed in excess of 12 strong, large beers and partied like it was 1999 until the pending day was making itself known.

Anyhow, I'm psyched for the Rally, and was shocked to learn of the sheer number of possible teams. I do apologize for not delivering my normal barrage of trash-talk, and I'm disapointed in the general lack of trash talk on the blog site!

OK - got better things to do (beer) than type on a computer while here in wonderful Eastern Europe.. Tomorrow, it's off to Berlin, Germany.

Na Shladanou

-greg

#16 - Kneeboarding in the Fields (circa 1990)

We pulled this photo from deep in the archives... truly one of those experiences you will never forgot. It was never imitated or duplicated to my knowledge.

#17 - Soup's On!

Based on the shadows and smoke, this looks to be early in the evening on Saturday... just about time to pull the pig and start dinner.

#18 - Game On!

#19 - Farm Animals

Farm animals usually play a part in the Island Pond Road Rally, which at times presents a perplexing predicament. Would you like to...

...hug a pig?





...milk a cow?



...or hold a chicken?





If you answered "yes" to any of these, you should have your maps purchased and bags packed for the Rally on 7/20 @ 9am.

#20 - Pool Hopping with Strangers

Just one more reason to book your date with destiny...
July 20, 2007 @ 9am. That's right, I'm speaking to you Andy.