Back on the Road Again

Okay folks,
I've worked through all of the issues and am ready to get back on track. With the holidays quickly approaching, I have become very busy. Despite this, I am working on setting up a date (hopefully in the spring) for a future run. I appreciate your patience and enthusiasm and anticipate posting the date in the beggining of the new year. Please check back for that and any other updates that might come up. I hope you can all make it for the Big Day!

Until Then,
"The Roadmaster"

On another note...

You may have noticed that I am no longer in Rhode Island. With that being said, I am brainstorming ideas for my next Road Rally, which I anticipate will be held next spring in Jacksonville, Florida. If you have any comments or suggetions, just post them to the website or e-mail me at theRoadmaster@att.net. Mainly, I'm looking for ideas for the next theme, so let me know what you'd like to see.
Also, if you're anticipating being in the Jacksonville area (or simply curious) and want to keep up with what's going on, be sure to sign up for e-mail updates below. It's the easiest way to stay up-to-date and receive instant notification when changes are made. I look forward to seeing everyone at the next "hunt."

"The Roadmaster"

Maybe next time...

I am disappointed to announce that the Newport Officers' Spouses' Club has unexpectedly cancelled the Road Rally that was to be run on October 17th. Unfortunately, I am currently trying to have all of my supplies and prizes returned to me that were left in Rhode Island for this event. Until this is resolved, I do not anticipate many updates to be posted. Please check back, however, as I hope to be up and running again as soon as possible.

Keeping my chin up!
"The Roadmaster"

Welcome NOSC Members!

I am excited to announce that the Newport Officers' Spouses' Club has decided to invite their members to run the rally as their October social. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone October 17th and am sure you'll enjoy every minute of the fun, just as much as the previous participants did. Please feel free to e-mail me with questions/comments, or post them directly to the site. Some aspects of the road rally may change, and I'll keep everyone updated as more details come in. Also, you can sign up to receive e-mail updates below. I can't wait to see you all at the starting line!

"The Roadmaster"

What's New?

First, I'd like to announce that the intial clue for this run of "The Red, the White & the Blue" will not be posted to the website. This is simply to preserve the possiblity of repeating the rally in the future. If you've already signed up, look for instructions in your Team Captain's inbox.

Second, check out the latest addition...you can now receive updates via e-mail. Simply fill in the form below to subscribe. You'll receive an e-mail each day that new posts are added. No new posts...no e-mail.

That's all for now. See you at the starting line!

"The Roadmaster"

New Polls!

For everyone who missed out on the first run of "The Red, the White & the Blue," for whatever reason, please check out the two new polls I've added. Due to recent Navy-wide changes, we may find ourselves in Newport longer than initially anticipated. If so, it might be possible to run the road rally a second time. I need to guage the interest, however, and find out what month(s) work best for everyone.

Please respond only if you are SERIOUSLY considering taking part, so I can get an accurate count. Naturally, it is only open to those who did not participate the first time around. If you belong to an organization that might be interested in running the rally as a fundraiser, please contact me to discuss this possibility. I've created this event purely for fun and, therefore, collect only enough money to cover my expenses. It could be altered, however, to fit your fundraising needs. Until next time...

Have Fun!
"The Roadmaster"

Slight Delay?

I realize that there was a slight delay in the printing of the advertisement in the Navalog (printed 5/1). I apologize for any problems this may have caused. A few of you have already contacted me about putting together a team at the last minute. I understand that this can take a little time and will try to reserve a spot for you. In the meantime, if anyone else finds themself in a similar situation, please e-mail me and let me know. The registration deadline has passed, but I will try to add your team, if possible. I hope this is helpful and am looking forward to seeing everyone there!

"The Roadmaster"

Almost There

Just a quick reminder that the sign-up deadline is quickly approaching. There are still some spaces available, so send me your team information if you'd like to fill one of these vacancies. I have heard from a few of you who are interested in being paired up with other parties, but am waiting until sign-up ends to actually match people up. I have a strong suspicion there may be more of you out there who do not yet have a complete team. If you'd like to participate, just send me your information, and I'll do my best to form compatible teams. That's all for now.

"The Roadmaster"

Keepin' on Track

Just a few more tidbits...Everything is moving along smoothly as the rally date approaches. You may notice that I've moved the sign-up deadline back two days to May 2nd. This is just due to a calendar error (I can't read the calendar, apparently). I'll need a weeks notice to plan for the number of people/teams, so this is the absolute latest that you can sign up.
Also, I've added a slideshow to the website with photos from a previous road rally that I participated in with some friends (Yes...this was my inspiration!). I hope you enjoy them and maybe even find a little inspiration of your own.

'Til the day we meet once more...
"The Roadmaster"

Keep 'Em Comin'

First let me say that I am really excited about the enthusiastic response I have been receiving. It looks like this is shaping up to be quite a blast. With that in mind, I would like to encourage everyone to post comments and questions directly to the website, so that I can address any questions/concerns to everyone at the same time. Allow me to clarify a few points now.

A few people have asked if it would be beneficial to be familiar with the area. This is a definite "YES!" It sort of "goes with the territory" that familiarity with streets, etc. will help you to get around much more easily and, therefore, quickly. However, possession of a good map (or two) should allow anyone to be able to complete the road rally. Hint: there are various free maps available at the Gateway Visitor's Center on America's Cup Ave.

A point on costumes: These can be as intricate or as simple as you choose. You may take the theme literally or stretch it as far as your imagination will allow. That is entirely up to you. It just makes the road rally more fun (running around in public dressed like a bunch of bumbling buffoons!) and signifies to others that you are participating in an event. Plus... it makes your pictures that much more memorable!

As far as children are concerned, the rally is designed for adults. However, those of you with older children may wish to invite them to participate. Those with younger children may bring them along in their car (even though they are not team members), but this is not very conducive to getting around quickly and, therefore, not recommended. If you do not want to leave your children with a babysitter for more than a few hours, you may bring them along to the dinner/party (see Qualification tab SIGN UP section). On the other hand, you are certainly free to take a night for yourselves to participate in "Grown-up Time."

On a similar note...the puzzles/questions in this road rally are designed to be DIFFICULT (though not entirely impossible). Keep this in mind when deciding who will participate. The intention is to reduce the likelihood that any team will complete everything and receive full points, thereby reducing the likelihood of a tie.

As a reminder, the road rally begins with this website. Do not overlook this important fact, as it may cause you problems "getting out of the gate" and lead to unnecessary "pitstops" further down the road.

"The Roadmaster"

Change of plans

I must apologize, but, due to an unforseen scheduling conflict, the road rally will be pushed back to May 9. I hope this doesn't cause too many problems for those of you who have already marked the date on your calendar. Please view the updated sign up information for deadlines, etc.

Thanks,
"The Roadmaster"

Sign Me Up!

Please check out the Qualification tab above SIGN UP section on the right for information regarding admission, as well as instructions on how to sign up for the road rally. You will notice that there is an option available for parents to bring their children with them to the dinner/party, even if they do not participate in the road rally. Given the length of time of the event, you may wish to pick up your children after you've completed the rally portion. Just be sure to provide the number/ages of children with your sign-up information. Keep in mind that there will be a limited number of teams, so don't wait until the last minute to sign up.

Reservations will be confirmed when payment is received.

"The Roadmaster"

Let's GO!

You'll notice that I've finalized and posted the date and time of the rally. Sign-up information will become available later this evening, when I get some more free time. Until then, mark your calendars, tell your friends and get your driving gloves ready!

"The Roadmaster"

Life's a Journey...

Ok...so it appears I may have been mistaken about the e-mail thing, but it would be a nice feature (don't you think?). I'm sure that's something they'll add in the future. For now, you'll just have to check back for updates. At least following displays your little picture for everyone else to see! It's nice to know who's out there.

Later!
"The Roadmaster"

Follow Me!!

Hey everyone...
You may have noticed that I've added a "following" section to the right side column. I've never used this before, but I believe it gives you the option of having new posts e-mailed to you as they appear on the website. Give it a try and let me know what you think. I believe you just need a Google account (which is very easy to set up, if you don't already have one).

"The Roadmaster"

P.S. Date, time and sign-up information should become available in the next week, so keep your eyes open! (Potential dates: April 25, May 2)