At the end of a 24-hour day, teams would traverse more than 100 miles of central Washington's high country.At the end of a 24-hour day, teams would traverse more than 100 miles of central Washingto Our observation was this: Of the 15 headlamp-clad teams gathered around the 0530 driver's meeting, there was an hour time-spread in the first one-hour Time, Speed and Distance section (TSD) section. First note: You must know how to navigate with a tulip chart. Instructions for the special tasks were detailed and clear, but had intentional holes, which were open to interpretation. Second note: You must be able to think on your feet. We saw three adrenalin-driven rigs in a row break drivetrain components in the one rockcrawling task. Third note: You can't win if you don't finish. And of course you must remember the cliché, "There isn't an I in 'Team'." Some of the competitors managed their rigs with finesse, while others blazed out of the gates only to miss turns and lose time, then break an axle trying to make up the time later. By the day's end, about a third of the field had broken or become hopelessly lost, or both. But when we cruised into base camp about 2130, the lead teams had already headed out for the night sections. Did we like it? You bet! And we're looking forward to see what the wacky minds of the Trail Tamers come up with next year. We may even bring a rig and participate next year, but we'd better bring someone who can navigate, turn a wrench, and drive. For info on the 2010 Team Trophy, check out www.timbertamers.org. Tennis, anyone? In any area called Moon Rocks, the first rig collected strategically located tennis balls, and the second rig had to replace them. The catch? You couldn't set foot on the ground.Tennis, anyone? In any area called Moon Rocks, the first rig collected strategically locat Winch out! Dude, where are your gloves? We're sure the judges were docking the scorecard. It was near dark when we arrived at the Pendulum Swing. One rig was required to traverse a 45-degree sidehill, and the only way to do it was to use the other rig as an anchor.It was near dark when we arrived at the Pendulum Swing. One rig was required to traverse a Early mariners depended on clear skies and a sextant for direction. Though sextants are somewhat antiquated, a GPS, good compass and map (and the knowledge to use them), along with the ability to navigate via a tulip chart were paramount for an event like this.Early mariners depended on clear skies and a sextant for direction. Though sextants are so Each of the 11 special tasks was worth 600 to 1,700 points, and ten minutes were given to complete each of them. First thing in the morning, they were breaking down and rebuilding a starter to working condition. The best time we saw was about three minutes. Try that one at home.Each of the 11 special tasks was worth 600 to 1,700 points, and ten minutes were given to Taking home the gold was the team of Lyle Funden, Joshua Bowen, Larry Gooby, and Chris Smelley.Taking home the gold was the team of Lyle Funden, Joshua Bowen, Larry Gooby, and Chris Sme « | 1 | 2 | View Full Article By Chris Collard Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
