$Big Money Rally$ -Announcement

[RenoJohn]

You are invited to participate in a rally that is like no other!

The goals of this rally are simple:

• Awesome value at only $49.69 (and it includes a money back guarantee).
• Promote riding during winter months via self-guided bonus collection.
• Provide a new and very unique bonus collection experience with (near)real-time scoring.

This rally will start on Jan 12 and finish on May 12 (yes, that is 4 months).

There will be three bonus listings to be released at different times (the first is already out).

There will be a banquet in Nevada at the conclusion of the rally.  Those not able to attend the banquet will have their shirt/awards/swag sent to them.

Bonuses are spread all over the USA. Wherever you live, you will have access to bonuses.  

121 total points will be needed to reach "Finisher" Status.  Those able to get out for a few weekends during the winter have a very good chance of reaching this score.

If this sounds interesting to you, please go here to learn more: http://BigMoneyRally.com

Please surf around the site and read more via the menus on top just below the header image.

Suggested reading:

Ten Free Tips
Rally Q & A
Sample leader board
Bonus listing
Sample/practice posts

Please contact the Big Money Rally via the webpage with any questions. Or post them up here and we'll try to help out.

[Justin]

Pretty sure I'll be signing up for this one - like the format, and lot's of passes where I live  

[sleazy rider]

Hmmm....  That bonus list is sure tempting.

[Justin]

Hmmm....  That bonus list is sure tempting.

+1 - mostly places I'd just pass anyway when riding   - might as well add some more fun to it.

[wibornz]

Thinking Thinking Thinking hum.

[Cablebandit]

Argh...smart phone required.

[Jason F.]

Argh...smart phone required.

Looks like just a camera phone that can send email. Even my old Motorola Razor phone would do that with a cheap data plan. Heck I think I still have one in a drawer somewhere. Bonus is they have better battery life than a smart phone. Of course the cameras in newer android or iphone units are a bit better than the old school camera phones but I bet they would work just fine.

[Jason F.]

Looks very interesting. I have spent the last hour mapping loops of bonus locations instead of working. I am thinking hard about jumping in on this one.

[Justin]

Argh...smart phone required.

And I thought I was the last person on earth to upgrade to a smart phone.

Looks very interesting. I have spent the last hour mapping loops of bonus locations instead of working. I am thinking hard about jumping in on this one.

  - that's what I did yesterday  

[RenoJohn]

Looks like just a camera phone that can send email. Even my old Motorola Razor phone would do that with a cheap data plan. Heck I think I still have one in a drawer somewhere. Bonus is they have better battery life than a smart phone. Of course the cameras in newer android or iphone units are a bit better than the old school camera phones but I bet they would work just fine.

Correct, many phones that are not "smart" phones will do a fine job.  However, typically not as user friendly to send pics via email as a full-blown smart phone.  Most likely a few extra steps (keystrokes) involved.   You can always practice / test by sending  a picture via email to yourself and see what's involved.

Looks very interesting. I have spent the last hour mapping loops of bonus locations instead of working. I am thinking hard about jumping in on this one.

  - that's what I did yesterday  

GREAT Job guys,  if you have any questions, let us know.    also, a few folks are already sharing their routes, --uhhh, but I think the motive is more to psyche other riders as the routes I've seen are not realistic winter routes  :-)

whether you participate or just spectate, I hope you'll have fun with us.  Obviously we'd love to see you participate.

BTW:  You both live in great proximity to delicious bonuses.  Not everyone is as lucky on the initial bonus listing.

...RenoJohn

[Jason F.]

BTW:  You both live in great proximity to delicious bonuses.  Not everyone is as lucky on the initial bonus listing.

...RenoJohn

I put together one route that was completely in state, right over 1000 miles (perfect for a SS1000), hit 20 bonus locations, and had me sleeping in my own bed at the end of the day. Of course it may be hard to photo some bonus locations after or before dark so it might be better as a two day causal weekend ride but it is fun to plan.


Ok two quick questions:

1) I did not see anything in the rules regarding bikes used. Can a single registrant use multiple bikes? I am guessing the answer is yes but just want to be sure I can drag multiple bikes out of the garage for various bonuses.

2) Do National Military Parks count toward the National Park Bonus Theme?

[Justin]

BTW:  You both live in great proximity to delicious bonuses.  Not everyone is as lucky on the initial bonus listing.

Yes I do   - Unfortunately most pass signs here in CO do not have the word summit on them - luckily I have visited most and have an extensive gallery of pics, so I went through and found all the ones that do.

[RenoJohn]

I put together one route that was completely in state, right over 1000 miles (perfect for a SS1000), hit 20 bonus locations, and had me sleeping in my own bed at the end of the day. Of course it may be hard to photo some bonus locations after or before dark so it might be better as a two day causal weekend ride but it is fun to plan.


Ok two quick questions:

1) I did not see anything in the rules regarding bikes used. Can a single registrant use multiple bikes? I am guessing the answer is yes but just want to be sure I can drag multiple bikes out of the garage for various bonuses.

2) Do National Military Parks count toward the National Park Bonus Theme?

1.)   Yes, you can use multiple bikes.  Not a problem at all.    
Now, that doesn't mean you can violate the spirit of the rally and fly all over the country and take pics of your placard in front of strangers' bikes.    :-)    

2.)  Be very careful with the wording of the Nat Park bonus.   Note that the signage of the national Park must include the word Park.   That is important, very intentional and non-negotiable.   If you feel there is a grey area, or something we've missed, please contact me off-line.

[RenoJohn]

Yes I do   - Unfortunately most pass signs here in CO do not have the word summit on them - luckily I have visited most and have an extensive gallery of pics, so I went through and found all the ones that do.

Bwahahahahahaaa, and me guesses when you sign up for the BMR and let that info known on the site, you'll be re-able to re-coup your dues if you were to sell that info to other riders.   LOL

[Jason F.]

1.)   Yes, you can use multiple bikes.  Not a problem at all.    
Now, that doesn't mean you can violate the spirit of the rally and fly all over the country and take pics of your placard in front of strangers' bikes.    :-)    

I have a few in the garage and try to exercise them from time to time. I also plan on buying a KLR to setup for my Alaska Trip next year and it will need some sorting and testing once luggage and farkles are added.  

2.)  Be very careful with the wording of the Nat Park bonus.   Note that the signage of the national Park must include the word Park.   That is important, very intentional and non-negotiable.   If you feel there is a grey area, or something we've missed, please contact me off-line.

I will send you a note on this with a more specific location question.  

[RenoJohn]

I have a few in the garage and try to exercise them from time to time. I also plan on buying a KLR to setup for my Alaska Trip next year and it will need some sorting and testing once luggage and farkles are added.  

awesome, this rally is designed for folks to get out on weekend rides.  Perfect for you.

I will send you a note on this with a more specific location question.  

Please do, if the wording is bad, or confusing or grey we surely want to identify that ASAP.   Thanks!

[Justin]

Bwahahahahahaaa, and me guesses when you sign up for the BMR and let that info known on the site, you'll be re-able to re-coup your dues if you were to sell that info to other riders.   LOL

Honestly, I had not even thought of that, but now that you mention it....  

I have 13 in my list I found in my pics. 14 if you count a dirt road one I am not sure of in the winter. Will be planning routes around them and fill in the PO's and NP's.

[RenoJohn]

I have 13 in my list I found in my pics. 14 if you count a dirt road one I am not sure of in the winter. Will be planning routes around them and fill in the PO's and NP's.

great stuff.  I'd be curious in ballpark numbers, of all of your summit signs, how many (or what %) meet the criteria?  (name, elevation and thee word "summit" all on the sign)

[Justin]

great stuff.  I'd be curious in ballpark numbers, of all of your summit signs, how many (or what %) meet the criteria?  (name, elevation and thee word "summit" all on the sign)

Actually found a few more in my old blackbird pics   - up to 16 now, and only one that I am unsure of in the winter. A rough count is about 55 different passes that I think are ride-able in winter months (Either paved of well groomed dirt). So 16 out of 55ish meet the criteria (well one is a peak, not a pass, so 15).

[RenoJohn]

Actually found a few more in my old blackbird pics   - up to 16 now, and only one that I am unsure of in the winter. A rough count is about 55 different passes that I think are ride-able in winter months (Either paved of well groomed dirt). So 16 out of 55ish meet the criteria (well one is a peak, not a pass, so 15).

great, thanks.   and I think that will be fairly consistent proportion in other regions as well.

[playinatwork]

I am considering this but I've never been in a rally before.  Is this a good one for a beginner?

[Justin]

I am considering this but I've never been in a rally before.  Is this a good one for a beginner?

It's self paced, so it's very good for a beginner. And it's over 4 months, so you have plenty of time to grab enough bonii to be a finisher.

[sleazy rider]

Oh, so IN!  Payment sent.  It's gonna be a fun 2012 between this and the Waffle House Tour.  

[Justin]

Oh, so IN!  Payment sent.

+1 Finally got around to registering. This is going to be a blast  

[Ignacio]

I am considering this but I've never been in a rally before.  Is this a good one for a beginner?

Perfect for a beginner because you get a sense of following instructions without a clock incessantly ticking down the seconds.  And it appears that there will be a sort of rally-within-a-rally towards the end if you choose to go the BBQ.  Plus, if you want to pile on even more...you could do a Saddle Sore during the rally and get credit for it too!

[endo]

Yep. Entered last night. Route planning tonight.

So who can share contact info on the 2012 Nevada White Stag rally?

[Justin]

Yep. Entered last night. Route planning tonight.

So who can share contact info on the 2012 Nevada White Stag rally?

Usually the announcement gets sent to the LD list. I do not recall seeing the announcement yet for 2012.

Edit: and it fills up quick iirc, so be sure to sign up right away  

[Jason F.]

Late to the party. Just signed up today. I had planned on signing up but some health issues lately had me waiting. I got to come off a medication last week that was giving me some real problems and now that I have made a turn for the better I cleared myself to ride and participate.

[endo]

Late to the party. Just signed up today. I had planned on signing up but some health issues lately had me waiting. I got to come off a medication last week that was giving me some real problems and now that I have made a turn for the better I cleared myself to ride and participate.

 

[Justin]

Well, looks like my starting weekend for the BMR will not be so good after all

http://bigmoneyrally.com/2012/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/IMG_20120111_085540.jpg

Not going to be able to start big like I wanted to.

[Justin]

Just finished up day two - should be up to 52 points now . But alas, won't be able to get back out for while . Last pic for today - Squaw pass. 6 miles of packed snow, slush and ice each way  



My original plan was a 1500 route around CO, but the snow last Wed's cut that short . So now I am picking off what I can get. Hopefully in a few weeks I can head west and finish up  


Looks like Howard E's taken a decisive lead at this time - Go Howard!

[Jason F.]

I have yet to collect a bonus. Thursday have us winter mix of light snow and sleet so I could not get out. Friday and Saturday had me working 10 and 11 hours a day. Today it is gorgeous out and I am tied up with family obligations and a family birthday party. Mayday I can take Tuesday off and go for a little ride.

[sleazy rider]

Pfft!!  I haven't even printed my tag yet.  We've got a few inches of snow on the ground right now.  Plenty of time left to come in last.

[endo]

Pfft!!  I haven't even printed my tag yet.  We've got a few inches of snow on the ground right now.  Plenty of time left to come in last.

But it looks like they gave you those points anyway! And if it makes you feel better I think you can actually say that you are TIED for last place, LOL.  

I hope you can get out there soon. I'm having a blast ... But it looks like a storm is on the way...

[Justin]

Pfft!!  I haven't even printed my tag yet.  We've got a few inches of snow on the ground right now.  Plenty of time left to come in last.

We got snow last Wed's, and I hit some pretty slick places to get the bonii I have so far. I wish the weather had held one more week, and I would have been *finished* yesterday. My original route would have started when the rally opened Thurs, and finished Sat with 121+ points. But alas, the weather didn't hold and I did not feel like crossing 10+ high passes in snow and ice. Not to mention the temps dropped to 0 in a lot of the places I had wanted to hit  

Oh well, I'm having a blast with this so far, and there is still almost 4 months to go. Win or lose, I'm making some good memories

[Justin]

Looks like the St.n contingent is doing pretty well with the BMR

I got finisher status last weekend after a 1700 mile weekend ride   - report on the link below.

http://bigmoneyrally.com/2012/?p=14406

I'm not really competing for the win anymore at this point myself. Just grabbing a few points here and there and looking forward to the RTE I'm hosting next weekend.

It looks like Endo's "get a lot of points early, even if it means freezing his balls off and forgetting to use the kickstand" strategy is paying off for him  . I've got my pom-poms out and I'm cheering for you the rest of the way if it helps!

Jason F appears to be well on his way to finishing as well  


Which STn'rs are planning on attending the Banquet in May?

[Jason F.]

Yeah I should finish next weekend. I will have over 100 points tomorrow with a RTE and a few more bonuses. I will not be able to make the banquet however. Just to far for a dinner ride.

[Specter]

I finished last weekend. Will probably go for some more bonuses, just for fun.  Ride report here

http://marks-rides.blogspot.com/2012/04/big-money-rally-first-rally-of-2012.html

[Justin]

I finished last weekend. Will probably go for some more bonuses, just for fun.  Ride report here

http://marks-rides.blogspot.com/2012/04/big-money-rally-first-rally-of-2012.html

My bad - forgot you and maybe a few other members. I think timmer is a member here as well, and he's way up there on the points too.

[Jason F.]

Well I finished. Got my final bonus to put me over the 121 mark with 17 hours to spare before the end of the rally.

I must say I am sort of blahh about the whole thing. I did not really enjoy the whole experience, I guess rally riding is not for me. I had no problems with the event itself or the folks involved it just did not fit the type of riding I enjoy I guess. I do enjoy LD riding and IBA type rides but those to me are about your time in the saddle, the mental focus, and the physical challenge. It is not about the roads or even the locations you pass through. I also really enjoy touring by motorcycle but when that is my goal it is about the locations and the scenery. I could spend a day or more in a given area and not cover more than a couple hundred miles exploring at my own pace.

This form of rally riding to me was a combination of all the negatives of both of my favorite types of riding. Being pressed for time and distance to make bonus locations. Trying to hit a specific location and taking care of GPS routing and directions rather than just exploring the area and enjoying it. Having to stop so often to hit a location or having to navigate small towns made it difficult to cover any real distances in a day of riding. Dealing with poor routing or incorrect location data really sucked up the time as well. Better than half of the locations I went to were not marked correctly by either of my GPS systems. I had to do a bunch of backtracking and fell back to trying to find street numbers on numerous occasions. I found that far too many places do not even bother with house/building numbers anymore and street name signs seemed to be nonexistent when they were needed most.

I did three day rides and one 3 day ride to get all my bonus locations. I managed to do that in only 3 states. There were certainly some good stretches but overall most of those six days of riding were some of my more frustrating and disappointing days on the bike. In the end I am glad I did it. It was an interesting experience. I am not likely to do another rally of this type again though simply because it just not seem to fit my interests.

[Justin]

I must say I am sort of blahh about the whole thing.

Yeah, it's certainly not for everyone. You tried it, you didn't like it, move on to something you do like  

I enjoyed it overall myself, and had fun just riding around to get points for the sake of it. Although, I prefer the 24-36 hour format for rallies, or just doing cert rides.

[Jason F.]

Yeah I am not sorry I did it at all and it was not be the first time (or last) I tried something new that did not work out all that well for me. I may still try a 24-48 format rally but I am not sure I will enjoy that much more.