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If you like automobiles and scenic
drives in the country, chances are you will like Road Rallying. The Basic
idea behind most types of Road Rallies is the same: Each participating team,
consisting of a Driver and a Navigator, is given a set of written
instructions. These instructions describe the course that is to be followed.
Each team traverses the course independently. The object of the Road Rally
is to follow the instructions as closely as possible. Road Rallies occur
during all four seasons and are run in all types of weather conditions,
including snow.
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Time-Speed-Distance Rallies
The most prevalent type of Road Rally is the Time-Speed-Distance (TSD)
Road Rally. In a TSD Road Rally, the teams must not only follow the
rally course, but are also challenged to maintain precise average
speeds. This speed is always at or below the posted speed limit for the
roads used. At various points along the route, unknown to the
competitors beforehand, the cars will be clocked in. Since the
organizers of the event have measured the course prior to the event, the
exact time that each car should arrive at these checkpoints is known.
Teams are penalized one point for every hundredth of a minute that they
arrive late or early at the checkpoint. At the end of the event, the
team with the lowest score is declared the winner. Since all speeds are
at or below the posted speed limits, no special vehicle is needed.
Rallies usually end at a restaurant or other social establishment. Here
competitors trade stories of their adventures and enjoy each other's
company while waiting for the awards to be handed out.
More About TSD Rallies.
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Gimmick
Rallies
The Gimmick Rally is similar to the TSD rally in that the rally team
will drive an everyday car on public roads. The difference is that the
scoring does not usually depend on time, but on some other factor. There
are several different types of gimmick rallies. One of these uses the
idea of finding your way from point A to point B in the shortest
distance. In the gimmick rally, the team usually has to answer questions
about points of interest found along the way to be sure that they visit
all the required points along the way. Other gimmick rallies require may
require the team to find certain items, similar in nature to a scavenger
hunt.
How To Get Started
It's easy to get started! Check out our Schedule
for the next Road Rally and then complete the online registration form.
Then, just come to the event with your car, a driver and a navigator, a valid driver's
license, and the entry fee (usually about $20 for non-members). We'll show
you the ropes from there. It's easy and a great way to spend an
afternoon.
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