2009 LowCal 250

[sandiegoland]

Well this is not long distance by any stretch of the imagination... but the 8-hour rally does mimic the format of some of it's big brothers. For those who like to line their calendars up early, the LowCal 250 has set a date of Saturday, April 25, 2009.

Though the daylight format is definitely novice friendly, last year it did not necessarily prove to be a slam-dunk for experienced riders. There were enough variety of bonuses and roads to keep it interesting for everyone. Novices, experienced riders and non-residents came in pretty evenly across the board.

You can explore 2008's Results and there's even a link at the end of the Rally Master's Report to download the Bonus Points and take a shot at planning your own winning route!

For an FJR riders perspective take a look at RenoJohn's LowCal 250 Report!

Last year's winning route:

 

[Fairlaner]

This would be good to do in Tim's memory as he could not do it last year.....

I think I am In.

R

 

[sandiegoland]

This would be good to do in Tim's memory as he could not do it last year.....

That would be nice.

It's true Tim was not feeling up to the task early that morning... but he bounced back quickly and we did get a chance to take in a nice 150 mile ride to lunch and back together before helping us with the rider check-in... Wildcat Canyon Road, Old Julian Highway, Mesa Grande Road, East Grade Road and South Grade Road (Palomar Mountain), Lake Wohlford Road, Highland Valley Road.

Can't say enough of what that day means to us now.

 

[McRide]

I'm in and tracking this post... I have zero experience with a rally, read the reports you link too and know this will be great fun. Any links to learning about an MC rally? How do I lose?

 

[sandiegoland]

Any links to learning about an MC rally?

A good start is Doug5551's 2008 Immersion here: 2008 LOE 1000, A NooB's Perspective (doug5551)

Another Rider who has extensively documented his route into rallys is RenoJohn: RenoJohn's Ride Reports (renojohn)

Also The Iron Butt Rally (reports by year) and 29 Tips & Techniques from IBR Veterans

Also Search here on the FJR Forum for "Spank Rally Report" "CAL24" "UTAH1088" etc.

How do I lose?

You obviously have the wrong attitude for losing. Can't happen. :lol:

 

[beeroux]

I'll be there to get my butt kicked again.

Short rally, but a LOT of fun.

Do it Do it Do it.

GZ

 

[sandiegoland]

I'll be there to get my butt kicked again.

:lol: #2, 3, & 4 were only 0.25% apart... plus you were the #1 Alien Class Finisher!

Thanks everyone, we've gotten some out of town entries already. Last year we didn't even set the date until January...

I've decided to go ahead and put the paperwork in for some good rally weather! B)

 

[doug5551]

Bump for this rapidly approaching event.

If you have never participated in an organized rally, there is no better place to start than the LowCal 250.

It is very newbie friendly. I participated last year, and it certainly helped me perform better in the Land of Enchantment rally later.

If you are an experienced rider, it is a great way to start the season.

You will see some great San Diego roads, meet some great people, and have a great introduction to Rallying.

I am getting my application sent in today.

If you have any questions about the event, do not hesitate to ask.

 

[sandiegoland]

Thanks Doug... look forward to seeing you again!

There is nothing to lose and everything to gain on this one. 100% of your entry goes to charity... this year I bill it as "Easy to Finish, Hard to Win"

Not dummied down... but no killer minimum requirements either... last year the experienced riders did it old-skool (no routing computers, help, etc.) but you are welcome to use S&T or whatnot.

Bring you bike full of petrol this year... the start will be from the same location as the meeting... B)

 

[johnny80s]

I am in! My Utah trip was canceled since my buddy is sick. This sounds like fun. I wonder if I can get my wheels to Gary for powder coating before the relay?

 

[dj bill]

looks like im in to

 

[jefsantiago]

Looks like fun for first timers! Got this in my calendar.

 

[sandiegoland]

2 weeks coming up fast... if your entry is in ahead of time you'll have more time with your packet in the morning... I might just have to flog walk-ins old-school!

But seriously, there will only be so many walk-in packets made up (over estimates waste sponsor $$), so please help us from running short. If you plan to attend please consider this a friendly reminder to get your sh#$ together... :assassin:

Looking forward to meeting you all!

 

[sandiegoland]

If I may be so bold to predict the riding weather for this weekend:

[SIZE=36pt]OUTSTANDING!!![/SIZE]

Pre-ran about 700 miles of potential routes last weekend. Four FJR's are pre-registered. Are any of you ready to make some predictions? B)

 

[doug5551]

Hey,

Are you and ListMakerLisa going to be having any pre-ride gathering on Friday night, like last year???

If so, I will definetly be there.

Predictions???

I predict that there will be more people participating this year than last year....

 

[sandiegoland]

Hey,
Are you and ListMakerLisa going to be having any pre-ride gathering on Friday night, like last year???

If so, I will definetly be there.

Predictions???

I predict that there will be more people participating this year than last year....

If anyone gets in early enough on Friday they can pop by the new shop to check out the start location: 5673 Kearny Villa Road, San Diego, CA, 92123

I'll be setting up some stuff there around 5pm, then grabbing a bite nearby.

We met at the Ramada last year because people were arriving at different times and that was an easy place for them to find us. The food options run out early there if I recall (but as mentioned we may grab a bite beforehand this time). The Ramada still is probably the best bet for place to wind down between 7pm and 9pm. Hope to see you there!

 

[RenoJohn]

Best of fun luck and silly adventures to all the folks running this tomorrow. I'm very sorry that I won't be there, such a great time last year.

Hope to hear great stories and tomorrow I'll be thinking of ya's ....living this rally vicariously.

ride fun and safe everyone

...renojohn

 

[sandiegoland]

Hope to hear great stories and tomorrow I'll be thinking of ya's ....living this rally vicariously.

The standings are posted and my report is building (edits and corrections are appreciated, PM me). Got some photos posted and hope to do some route analysis this afternoon. LowCal 250 Website

We missed you and George. I'll save a pair of the special latex gloves for you!

(b/w's are from pre-running))

Downed tree on Banner Grade.

Beloved barnacle checkpoint on the shores of Salton City.

Los Alamos Truck Trail.

La Jolla refinement.

The Doug5551.

Strategery.

The right attitude.

Trust through verification.