FAQ
1. Come on, what could really finish this race other than a waste vegetable oil powered diesel vehicle?
A. You are being uncreative. There are 10s of solutions, if not 100s- most of them with a pile of prior art in transportation history.
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2. Q: Ok fine, so there are a few options that could work. But what “fuels/power sources” are legal in the race?
A: All fuels have to be “scavenged” along the route, in non-fossil final forms, without the use of money to acquire. You can, however, talk your way into energy sources as you wish: electricity from a ranch; compressed air from the gas station; waste vegetable oil from the sushi house; mow the weeds on the side of the road; over-unity wind turbine out your window, etc etc. However, you cannot “scavenge” fuel in any typical petroleum form. This means you cannot use waste motor oil from the auto parts store, or gasoline siphoned out of parked vehicles at the truck stop. Otherwise, everything not specifically prohibited is permitted. The options are wide open.
3 Q: So the fuel options are wide open. But what about the vehicles? What types of vehicles are allowed?
A: Again, the options are wide open. One, two, three, four or more wheels. Tracks, legs, skis, etc. Mechanical, magnetic or thrust propulsion. The “vehicle” does have to be legal and roadworthy, and at least one person has to be in the vehicle at all times. You are allowed to switch out drivers/riders as often as you like. No autonomous or remote controlled vehicles. If you have an autonomous urban vehicle, please walk down the hall to the last door on your right. You will notice a large “DARPA” sign on the door. Walk in and your services will be kindly received.
4. Q Very funny. I would actually like to be along for the ride in this. But what if i don’t really want to use the road for it? What if i want to fly? Or balloon? Or hovercraft?
A. Well, if you can get your anaerobic digester steam cracking hydrogen generator to fill your derrigable, using only waste you find on the way, you are most welcome to fly there. You will, however, have to stop (i.e. land) at all checkpoints, and begin and end at the start and finish line each day. Same goes for all tunneling entries.
5. Q. OK, forget that. I’ll just use the road. But do I need to follow any specific course? Can I take any route I want?
A. The race is in three parts, over three days. Each day there is a start and a finish line. Somewhere in the middle there will be two checkpoints. You have to hit each of these. Otherwise, you are free to follow any route you wish.
6. Q. But what if I want to go really, really fast? You can’t actually be running an open Gumball Rally type event here. That is illegal!
A. This is a timed road rally. We are running it in the typical “rally” form where there is a “proper” amount of time to get between A and B with a regular vehicle and fuel. The time challenge is to match that time most closely. Factor in fuel scavenging, fires, intra/inter car drama, tool throwing, etc, the “proper” time will still be a challenge. The rally model is a known and legal model. We will run this with permits and pre-coordination with the counties traveled. Most entrants are finding the art car parade adventure part of this to be somewhat more interesting that an open road speed race. Finding the fuel and just making the “cars” get there is enough challenge.
7. Q What if I want to go really slow? Or maybe just ride my bike? Do I have to use an “artificially” powered vehicle?
A. Bicycle entries are fine, but realize that the segments are about 200 miles each day. To make this possible for bicycle entries, you are welcome to change out riders, or run tandems/triples, or augment human power by various means. We have been surprised how many people are discussing augmented bicycle scenarios.
8. Q. How about support vehicles? Can I have help and supplies follow me or do I need to be self-sufficient?
A. Support vehicles are allowed for safety if you desire, but they cannot help you with fuel or tools in any manner. You need to be completely self-sufficient during the race each day, other than potentially switching out drivers/riders. After the finish each day your support vehicle and team can help as much as needed.
9. Q What if I do not want to race, but I would like to watch and travel along with the race?
A. Travelers along the race are encouraged. The checkpoints and start/finish points each day will be organized gatherings, some rising to the level of events themselves. Check the blog for upcoming specifics.
10. Q What if I want to help a team or volunteer for the race in general?
A. Teams will surely be open to additional help. We also need people to run checkpoints and other race support issues. Visit the Volunteer page for more information.
11. Q I have a question that is not answered here, what do I do?
A. Contact the event coordinators.
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