I got it! I got it! I finally figured out the MN1K!! They can’t catch me now…..   --Victor Wanchena			Oh honey, that's the same thing you said about the IRS, remember...? --Mrs. Victor Wanchena

Howdy-howdy again Strange-ers. It’s nigh time again for the annual Minnesota 1000 fiasco, and here’s all the news that you need to know, along with some you don’t. So pay close attention as the next few pages are filled with information and answers to questions that you need to prepare for the MN1K.   Please read and re-read them so you’ll have a thorough understanding of the rally’s procedures. There might even be a test later, who can say. Here we go, in no particular order: 

1)         The Schedule  

As this is a weekend event, please pay close attention and familiarize yourself with what’s going on when.  Rally Headquarters will be at the Two Rivers Saloon and Hotel.  

Note that on Friday and Saturday, sign in and out for The Minnesota 1000 and the TeamStrange poker Run may be done anytime between 0500 and 2300.

Sunday sign in and sign-out for rides will be from 0500 and 1000.

2)         ALL riding events Finish at 1000 Sunday.   No exceptions.

3)         Final Awards for all riding events is 1200 Sunday.

4)         There are no guest tickets available for this event. If you plan on bringing someone, they need to be registered or they will not be admitted.  Limited on-site entries will be available, but due to unpredictability of the number of attendees, no guarantees are made as to food or any other event item availability.

5)         Group Ride.    In answer to the many questions, there will not be a group ride course as in last years MN1K.

6)         Ray Bentdahl Award.  In view of the fact that many riders entered may not ride the MN1K part of the event, this years MN1K will not count towards your Ray Bentdahl Award total miles until you actually sign-out on the ride. (i.e. Once you get the MN1K routesheet, it counts.)  For those not in-the-know, the Ray Bentdahl Award is given to anyone who compiles 5000 miles in their first 4 MN1K’s.

7)         ’02 MN1K Classes.  Going back to our first-year format, the MN1K riders will be divided into 3 classes this year Expert, Touring, & Sport/Standard. Two-up entries have their inherent benefits and handicaps and will be run in the above classes. All classes will have finishing position awards to 10^th place.

8)            Definitions of competition class bikes: 

 A. Sport/Standard: all bikes not equipped with fairings. Windshields are allowed, as are saddlebags. If the windshield has a painted section, we consider it a fairing, and assign the bike to the touring class. Also includes all sport bikes, regardless of size.

Note to Sport Touring riders: Hard saddlebags, (including after market) on a sport bike, define the class. If we see the mounting racks, etc. we're assuming you are running the bags and will move bike to the touring class.

B. Touring: All factory touring bikes, and those equipped with "Windjammer” type fairings.

C. Expert: Prior MN1K 1000 class winners, known hi-milers, anyone entered in a past/future Iron Butt/ButtLite Rally, and bikes with larger than stock fuel capacity. Riders are assigned into the Expert class at the discretion of the Rallymasters.

9)            Mileage, revisited.   As many of you know, TeamStrange awards the Prestigious Ray Bentdahl Award to any rider that compiles 5,000 miles in the first 4 MN1K’s they enter. (The MN2K counted as 2).  Mileage needed by those identified so far as within striking distance this year:           

Jim Simonet       1502                Tom Roe   1304                  Steffan Fay   1367

10)  So who’s this Arlene Liska, and why is the event in Nebraska?  Arlene Liska (and her then husband Danny) traveled around the world on a BMW motorcycle (the book “2 Wheels to Adventure” chronicled one such trip) and influenced untold riders to extend their adventures and travels as well. Eddie James considers them to be one of—if not the—most influential people in the history of long-distance riding. Arlene's presentation is sure to be a great time—would YOU want to miss it?

11)  How can I find out more about Arlene and Danny Liska?  Search the internet, some libraries (some still have copies of the book) or better yet, come see Arlene and talk to her about it. Arlene is compiling a small book of their travels, articles, photos etc. from the time and will have some for sale as well.  She has made this book specially for THIS EVENT--we're sure you'll want to buy one as a special memento--or buy two, they make great gifts for your riding friends!

12)       Rules. The “R” word. Let’s clarify this one right now. This rally is based on the notion of having fun while riding. The rules are straightforward and everyone is expected to follow them. They are enforced fairly and equally upon everyone. Please do not put us in the position   of not accepting any or all of your route sheet or worse, disqualifying you from the rally for rules violations. Disqualifications will occur whether they’re discovered the day of the event or during subsequent auditing of your route sheets.    You’ve been warned--and we’re not kidding.

13)       Rules, part deaux.  The complete TeamStrange rules are available on the TeamStrange website at http://www.teamstrange.com/uniform_rules.htm  We’d recommend familiarizing yourself with them in advance of the rally. Additionally, every rider will be handed a printed copy at rally sign-in, because we want to make extra-sure that you can’t claim that you never had them.

14)       This is a rally, not a race.  An endurance ride is about riding. If you think wide-open, raw speed will help you do well, think again. In addition to the affect on fuel mileage and winds tiring you quicker, 21 or more mph over the speed limit is go-to-jail speed in most states. In fact, bonuses on the route are intentionally selected to discourage speeding (i.e. even if you went a bajillion mph, you’d just get there before it opens and have to stand around and wait). You want to risk your license for that?? To state the obvious, you can’t win a rally that you don’t finish. Besides, what would your mom say

15)       The ’02 Minnesota 1000 is NOT a photo bonus rally.

16)        Mandatory checkpoints before the rally?               None.

17)       All time Minnesota 1000 highest total mileage riders:  (* riders entered in 2002)

18)            Recommendations.  In addition to all of your carefully selected riding gear, bike preparation, and extra accessories, we strongly suggest you have the following:

            A)            Detailed maps of AT LEAST  the 7 state area around Nebraska

            B)            Ink pens, hi-lighters, markers, etc.

            C)            Flashlight

D)            Clock or watch (required)

            E)            Sense of humor. (this tends to get used up as the rally progresses....)

            F)            AMA Card (if you’re an AMA member.)  Not required for the event.

19)       So how do I get my camping gear to Niobrara from Minneapolis?
As has been previously discussed, TeamStrange has made arrangements to transport riders' camping gear to/from Niobrara. The specifics are as follows:

A. You may drop off your gear at Warner Outdoor Equipment, 9521 Garfield Ave S., Bloomington, MN 55420 any time from the date of this message until 1200 on June 12, 2002. Warner is open 0900-1900 Mon-Thurs, 0900-1800 Friday and 0900-1300 Saturday.

B. No gear will be accepted by Warner after the above deadline. If you snooze, you lose.

C. It is our intention to provide you with a means of getting your camping gear (tent, sleeping bag and the like) down to Niobrara. It is NOT our intention to transport lots of extraneous stuff/the kitchen sink/etc. Please realize that transport space is limited and be considerate of your fellow riders who will be using this service. Leave the lawn chairs, gigantic coolers, etc. at home.  

D. This service is provided as a convenience to you. As such, neither Team Strange nor Warner accepts any responsibility or liability for any items that may be lost/broken in transit. 

E. When you're at Warner, stop in and say hi to Dean Cross! Dean has been a long time supporter of the MN1K, and is continuing to support the event this year by helping in the above fashion.

21)       Last minute accommodation update!!!  Through some last minute wheeling and dealing, we have secured limited lodging in Niobrara.  This is nothing fancy but is an alternative to camping.  Rates are $40/person for the weekend (singles) and $60/person (couples) for the weekend.  The accommodations will be available on a first come/first served basis at registration.

20)       Any questions on anything here?  e-mail me at:  adam@teamstrange.com

Helpful hints for successful rallying

1)         Every answer/bonus stop/checkpoint MUST include time and odometer reading.

2)         No sharing of receipts.  If you’re riding with another competitor, each rider must obtain their own required item.

3)         Receipts must show time and location.

4)         A $1 coin with that Casino’s name is required as proof of visit.

5)         If a bonus requires you to follow a specific road as part of the bonus and the road detours, you must follow the detour as directed.

6)         I know you are—but what am I?

7)         Receipts must be from the required city. Close doesn’t count.

8)         What you turn in, we’re gonna keep. If you really like it, you better buy 2.

9)         To receive points for a bonus stop, you must do what is required.

10)       All finishing positions and awards are tentative. We review all score sheets for accuracy and make adjustments as necessary.

11)       If the rules and instructions seem unusually clear to you, you must have misunderstood.

12)       If a judges decision is required regarding acceptance or validity on a rider’s score sheet, the decision will be made with regards to fairness for all competitors.

13)       It is your responsibility to note the hours that a location is to be open. If you mistakenly get there some other time, that’s your problem.

14)       No exceptions are made for uncontrollable problems including-but not limited to: 
            weather, traffic, bike trouble, getting lost, trouble getting receipt, lunar phase, etc.

15)       Politeness at all locations is critical. We are there because they invited us. You WILL be on your best behavior at the rally locations. Smile and thank them for what they’ve done. Without the checkpoints and volunteers, the rally would not happen. Let them know how much you appreciate what they’re doing for you.

16)       What would be really helpful is if we would have included a list of specific unknown problems and occurrences you’re likely to encounter. Yes, that WOULD be helpful.

17)       We’re rubber—you’re glue. The names you call bounce off us and stick to you.

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