2011 Cal 24 Rally

[Cal24Master]

2011 Cal 24 Rally Announcement

            We are proud to announce the 2011 edition of the Cal 24 will be held on June 10-12th 2011.  The Cal 24 has been one of the premier, and longest running, Long Distance Rallies in United States.  We have a reputation of sending riders on the best motorcycle roads in the west, which of course means the best motorcycle roads on Earth!  We also make sure that everyone has whole lot of fun, while riding safely.
 
            The Cal 24 is a 24 hour rally that starts Saturday morning and finishes the following morning.  Riders are given a list a list of possible bonus locations, along with some mandatory check point locations.  Riders try to get as many points as possible by getting bonus locations, (either answering questions, taking photos, participating in activities, or getting certain objects) while getting to the checkpoints within certain time windows, and getting to the finish on time.  Some have referred to it as kind of a scavenger hunt on steroids.  It is, and always has been a challenge.
 
            The base route is slightly over 1,000 miles.  Finishers who put on over 1,000 corrected miles will qualify for an Iron Butt Association Saddle Sore certificate.  To be a finisher, a rider only has to make the mandatory checkpoints on time, and get to the finish within the time window.  Minimum mileage to be a finisher is typically about 700 miles.
 
            Riders are required to provide a valid driver’s license with motorcycle endorsement, valid registration and proof of insurance.  Motorcycles must pass a technical inspection which includes checking for proper operation of lights, horn etc. and tires that should reasonably last the rally.  (New tires are highly recommended!)  Riders and passengers must also sign a release of liability form.  A copy of the release can be sent to you upon request before you send in an entry.

            The Cal 24 is also a fund raiser for Polio Plus through Rotary International.  We have raised thousands of dollars for this wonderful cause in previous years.  Each rider must make a minimum donation of $50.  Riders are encouraged to raise these funds through friends, family, co-workers etc.  We give a great prize to the rider who raises the most money for Polio Plus.

            This year we are going to do things a little differently once again.  (We are known for this too!)  This year we are going to start in a different location than we finish in.  The start will be on the eastern side of the Sierra’s.  (The exact location will be given to riders when the Rally Packs are sent out, but it is in Northern Nevada.)  The finish will be in San Jose, California.  This opens up a whole new world of route possibilities.
 
            Because we are finishing in a different location, there will be a vehicle available to transport any items riders need at the finish that they don’t want to carry with them on the rally.

            On Sunday afternoon, after riders have a chance to get some rest and we do the scoring, we have an awards banquet at the finish location.
 
            The cost for a single entry in the Cal 24 is $225.  Cost for a Couple is $275.  Minimum donation for a single is $50 and $100 for a couple.  For this, riders get the Rally, a long sleeve riding shirt, awards banquet, finishing plaques and refreshments before, during and after the rally.

   Also new this year is that for the first time, the Cal 24 is officially sanctioned by MERA, the Motorcycle Endurance Riders Association.  Last year MERA gave Jerry White, the winner of the Cal 24 an entry into the Ten N’ Ten rally.  The Cal 24 gave Ken Meese, the winner of the Utah 1088 an entry into this year’s rally.  This year, MERA will give the winner an entry into the 24 hour version of the Utah 1088, and the winner of the 1088 will get an entry into the 2012 Cal 24.  You can get more information about MERA and the Utah 1088 at www.utah1088.com.
 
            More information and entry forms can be found at www.cal24.com.  Or you can email Tom Melchild, Cal24 President, at tom@cal24.com

[Ignacio]

Registered, paid, and getting ready for next year.  Thx Tom!

[Slonishku]

Tom- I'm doing the IBR one more time, so I'll be missing the 2011 Cal24. The two are just too close, and the 800 pound gorilla factor...

I'm sorry about the timing and my missing this one especially. I think the 2011 Cal is set to be one of the best ever.

The Cal has always been the spawning ground for many an IBR veteran, and If a rally could be called home, the Cal would be mine.

Alex

[miles]

Hmmm...

[mmdrake]

ohhh ,  shudder

[DNA]

Just took a quick peek - what is he deadline to enter?

As I live in WaDC area - this would require a bit of logistical commitment to ride - but I could theoretically complete the MD2020 - see the fam for a few days - ride west and ride the Cal 24.

That woudl be a pretty serious 10 days of riding.

If the national was the first week of Just - I could complete the STN dream trifecta.

Thinking of the possibilities...
-DNA

[Cal24Master]

Deadline is May 15th, but we are getting close to being full this year, so I wouldn't wait too long to get an entry in.

Tom

[Slonishku]

Has the starting point been specified yet? I'm thinking about it, but it's really going to depend on how far from home in Bakersfield the start is. From the end in San Jose, I'd lolly-gag on up to the start of the Iron Butt Rally. I can't imagine a better way to get all set. And what a wonderful few weeks of riding that would be!

[Cafe Racer]

Been wanting to do the Cal24 for a long time.  This year looks like the year I can give it a try.  I have a few questions for the experienced.  

What are the basic things that I will need?  I have no desire to spend alot of $$$ other then the entrance fees and the other associated costs.

Do I need a GPS?  Yes...?  Does it need to be something "fancy"?  Can I use my simple GPS.

Should I wear my leathers or my textiles?  

What type of bike prep do you recommend?

Thanks!

Miguel

[Specter]

Been wanting to do the Cal24 for a long time.  This year looks like the year I can give it a try.  I have a few questions for the experienced.  

What are the basic things that I will need?  I have no desire to spend alot of $$$ other then the entrance fees and the other associated costs.

Do I need a GPS?  Yes...?  Does it need to be something "fancy"?  Can I use my simple GPS.

Should I wear my leathers or my textiles?  

What type of bike prep do you recommend?

A gps is very helpful, but not absolutely necessary. If you feel comfortable with your current model, stick with it for now. There isn't much time before the rally to learn a new fancy one.

I recommend textiles over leathers. Most important is that you can be comfortable in the wider range of conditions - 30s to 100s, dry, rain or fog. The ability to add layers, possibly even heated gear are important.

For bike prep, make sure your maintenance is complete, and is comfortable. Have the tools for all the basics, tire repair and inflation, and first aid.

You should carry adequate hydration, like a camelback or bottles of water. The Cal24 will have you runing around the deserts and heat throughout the day.

Have plenty of light. Bring at least two flashlights with fresh batteries. It is really dark at 3AM in the middle of nowhere.

Finally, log into the Cal24 forum and ask around. People will be happy ot give advice.

Ive finished three Cal24s. It's the best rally training you'll ever get and many of it's participants have gone on to do well in the Iron Butt Rally and Ten n Ten.

Most of all, have fun, ride safe, read the rules and bonuses carefully and you'll do fine.

Thanks!

Miguel

[Ignacio]

Do I need a GPS?  Yes...?  Does it need to be something "fancy"?  Can I use my simple GPS.

Should I wear my leathers or my textiles?  

What type of bike prep do you recommend?

A bike with decent rubber on it is probably the minimum.  One that's comfortable for you for a 300+ mile day is a bonus.

Hydration, hydration, hydration is the number one thing for prep.  Having a Camelbak or way to take in fluid while you ride is very helpful.

A later model GPS is certainly helpful, but one can do it with paper maps the first time if you want.  If you do GPS..one with street maps in it.

Gear type isn't critical as long as it's protective.

I'd get a throttle lock first though before I worried about other gadgets.

[Cafe Racer]

Thanks for the reply.

I do have a basic GPS unit.  I should probably run a powerjack to keep it fully charged.

I have decent and quality gear to wear.  I think textiles will be the ticket.  Thanks for the tip about layers.

Tires are good.  I have all of the emergency tools and tire kit from my multi-day enduro rides.

Will carry flashlights and extra fuel since my bike is only good for about 130 miles.

Looking forward to making the final decision.

Miguel

[Specter]

Check the Rules on carrying extra fuel and ask the rally master if your method is ok. They usually frown on it, unless it's a permanently attached fuel cell or tank. Plastic gas cans and bungie cords will definitely fail tech inspection

[Ignacio]

and extra fuel since my bike is only good for about 130 miles.

Have you signed up?  This isn't something you just show up to the day of the event....it's one you sign up for and the RM shares details of what's cool and what's not.

Although this will be my first Cal 24 I know all other RM's I've run under don't allow fuel like this for various reasons.  I'd ask when you sign up.

[Slonishku]

It's pretty late in the game for new stuff, but if you're close to Bakersfield I might be able to hook you up with a 5 gallon fuel cell.

I ran the Cal 24 once on a bone stock Bandit 1200 with only a GPS added. I did fine, but wanted more light and some warmth. The second and third time I ran the same bike with a Givi topcase, heated grips, an MSR windscreen (about 2" over stock) and some inexpensive halogen aux lights. I wore a heated Widder vest, which was fantastic. Never ran AUX fuel for the C24 until my fourth, when I was running an FJR.

My second Cal24, I had a gas can strapped to the passenger seat. That was exceedingly stupid. I don't think they allow that anymore.