tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44382715758553071732024-03-13T22:54:47.688-07:00The Damn True ExperimentA little bit of everything. Sports, cooking, getting into the back-country, politics etc. I write about what I happen to be thinking about. Hope you enjoy reading it.Truehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230038396571759241noreply@blogger.comBlogger160125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438271575855307173.post-86355127550168742322016-01-15T10:36:00.002-08:002016-01-16T02:51:19.037-08:00A new motorsport adventure Pt3....Short Circuits on a Long Course Off-road Race…..<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b><a href="http://thedamntrueexperiment.blogspot.com/2015/08/a-new-motorsport-adventure-pt-2-of.html" target="_blank">Read Pt2 Here</a></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my last installment I described, in what was probably
excessive detail, the self-imposed ignominy of my first professional off-road
race. That event turned the light on for me in regard to how serious this whole
desert racing thing is and what the true level of investment is. Not only the
financial investment from Steve & Tony who own and run the team, but the
personal investment of blood, sweat, tears and time of every guy and gal who
works on these buggies to get them ready for us to race. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The process for preparing an Unlimited class Truck or Buggy
(Trophy Truck / Class-1) doesn’t vary much. In most cases, after every race the
vehicles are completely stripped down to their chassis. Every inch of tubing
and every weld is inspected for damage and repaired if needed. All the suspension
bits are magnafluxed or x-ray inspected to look for the beginnings of internal
structural failure. Every ball joint, heim joint or other suspension pivot
bearing is thrown away and replaced. The shocks, the massive King Racing or Fox
Racing multi-bypass shocks and coilovers must be completely torn down and
rebuilt. Engine, transmission and clutch? Rebuild them as well. All told a team
racing at this level will spend no less than $15,000 and often upwards of
$30,000-$50,000 just to prepare a Truck or Buggy for a race. That’s before
tires, fuel, food & lodging for the team registrations & insurance etc…..</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Add to that, the time that the guys and gals in the shop put
in. The weekend days and late nights working on the Truck or Buggy, the days
away from “regular jobs” to go to the races and it all adds up to one
conclusion for me. This isn’t just Steve, Tony, Mickey and I going off into the
desert to have a good time. This is a team sport, and there are a lot of people
who have a lot of themselves invested in this thing and I’d better damned well
start taking that seriously. And I did….</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I mentioned previously that I’d gotten in better shape this
year and after Caliente I doubled down on that effort. I put in roughly 300mi a
month on the bike through the summer, mixed that with a bit of weight training
and a bunch of work on the bleachers at a nearby High School football field. I
spent hours upon hours searching YouTube for every bit of film I could find of
the course and while I know that in no way can video prepare you for the
physicality of desert racing, I wanted to at least know what type of terrain to
expect and when. When August rolled around I was in pretty darned good shape
for a 45 year old Silicon Valley desk jockey and as prepared as I could be at
this stage in my experience for the longest off-road race in the United States.... </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Best In The Desert Vegas to Reno.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The race began in the early 80’s as the “Frontier 500” ran
by the late Walt Lott and the “High Desert Racing Association” and was taken
over by former competitor Casey Folks’ “Best In The Desert” organization in
1996. The race uses a number of different routes depending on the year but
usually starts in either Beatty or Alamo, NV (about an hour North of Vegas) and
ends in Dayton, NV <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(about 20min East of
Carson City). The courses are usually 500-600 miles in length and the winners
usually finish in roughly 9hrs give or take depending on overall course length.
Teams qualify on the Wednesday, run through registration & tech on Thursday
and the race starts on Friday morning and there are often competitors still
filing into the finish after sunup on Saturday. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/yKTMIHPHEyQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yKTMIHPHEyQ?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe></div>
<br />
For the 2015 running, we’d planned to have the buggy in
Vegas in time for qualifying but issues with getting the new engine installed
required that we skip qualifying and start from our draw position which wound
up being pretty close to the front of those who didn’t participate in
qualifying. The upside was that the team had a chance to do more testing in
Parker, AZ on the way to Vegas than they would have if we’d been at the
qualifying session. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I cringed a bit when I found out where the host hotel was
for the race….North Las Vegas…hoping that nobody in the area read and was
offended by my account of my brief visit to North Las Vegas in the last
installment my buddy John and I set off from Mountain View for the race. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We didn’t encounter any stories of murder on this trip, and
the only issue encountered was BofA shutting off my credit card because I
bought gas in two states in one day….huh? We arrived at the hotel a day ahead
of the team, had a good dinner and a few drinks and called it a night. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/DSCN3738_zps8ezpt5qz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/DSCN3738_zps8ezpt5qz.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The next day John and I drove down South of Vegas to observe
the qualifying sessions near Primm, NV. You couldn’t see much of the qualifying
loop from the spectator area but we did get a real sense of what kind of speed
these Unlimited class trucks & buggies are capable of. More astonishing
than that though was the size of the operations in support of the guys at the
pointy end of the class.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/DSCN3743_zps5perctsr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/DSCN3743_zps5perctsr.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/irxOzdCcitw/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/irxOzdCcitw?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe></div>
<br />
Crews for the trucks belonging to Bryce Menzies, RPM Racing
and Rob MacCachren numbered in the 30’s with all manner of haulers and support
vehicles in tow, and this was just for qualifying. Each of the teams, ours
included would have at a minimum 4 chase vehicles following along during the
race and leap-frogging the race vehicle and each other on the paved highways
then dashing a short distance into the desert for pit stops in remote spots in
the desert.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The following day was technical inspection, contingency and
the drivers meeting at the host hotel in North Las Vegas. Luckily, it began at
noon…in Vegas…in August. So it was only about 115 outside. I’m pretty sure I
drank ½ my body weight in water over the course of the day. Why they don’t do
this after sundown was completely lost on me and damn near everyone else I
spoke to.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/IMG_2173_zpsj8sgxxax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/IMG_2173_zpsj8sgxxax.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
For tech and contingency the teams unload their race
vehicles and push them through a maze of vendor booths where race officials and
manufacturer representatives verify the equipment on the vehicle for
contingency payout after the race if you place well. If you run parts from
company “x” and you do well, they pay you a bit. How much depends on how well
you finish, your class, and the contingency pool offered by the manufacturer.
Tech is fairly simple for an Unlimited class vehicle, essentially verification
of the requisite safety equipment since there are so few actual rules for the
class.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/IMG_2176_zpshfn2qiqs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/IMG_2176_zpshfn2qiqs.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After this was complete we re-loaded the buggy onto the
trailer and headed to the drivers meeting. There were just under 900 drivers
and navigators representing over 230 teams in the room and we were all
entertained by the affable Casey Folks and his collection of “Folks-isms”
during the meeting. A number of competitors suggested a drinking game or BINGO
card for next year.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/IMG_2179_zpspsjikj6f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/IMG_2179_zpspsjikj6f.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The biggest drivers meeting I've ever seen...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/IMG_2171_zpscgvhhm0i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/IMG_2171_zpscgvhhm0i.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few of the different course markings we had to look forward to....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We did learn during the meeting that the Northern part of
the state had been hit the previous week with some seriously heavy rains and
that the course would be according to Casey “rougher than I’ve ever seen it” in
the last 1/3 of the race and in the middle 1/3 there were places with over a
foot of standing water and numerous dry lakebeds and dry creekbeds that were
far from dry. So we had that to look forward to….<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/IMG_2178_zpsb4iniczg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/IMG_2178_zpsb4iniczg.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final nut & bolt check in the hotel parking garage while an evening thunderstorm raged outside...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/IMG_2177_zpsjqmeyev2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/IMG_2177_zpsjqmeyev2.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">770hp of Small Block Ford...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our plan for the race was to have Tony & Mickey (who
have the most race miles under their belts) start the race in Beatty, they’d
run the first 1/3 of the race and hand the buggy off to Steve and I at pit #5 a
bit South of Tonopah. Steve and I would race the middle 1/3 at a conservative
pace to not hurt the buggy and then hand it back to Tony & Mickey at pit
#10 in Mina, NV. After that Tony & Mickey would run to the finish in
Dayton.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/IMG_2174_zps1rb3yiis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/IMG_2174_zps1rb3yiis.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is actually happening isn't it?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the morning of the race everyone but Steve & I got up
quite early to get to the start. Tow rig with the buggy and all the fuel went
to the start area. Four chase trucks each with 2-3 mechanics, fuel jugs, spare
tires and various parts each went progressively further north to their
respective first pit stops. Each would wait until the buggy passed or stopped
for service/fuel, then dash out to the highway, meet the tow rig to top off
their fuel jugs then haul ass ahead of the other three chase trucks to the next
spot where they’d encounter the buggy. Each team had a specific set of pit
stops that they’d be at.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The tow rig had to be there at least 2hrs before the start
in order to find a spot to unload, get the buggy warmed up ad into the staging
line in time. Steve and I left Vegas about 2hrs after the tow rig and planning
to arrive at the start about 15min before the first racer departed.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Making our way from Vegas to Beatty provided some interesting
sights along the highway. The first of which was Creech Air Force Base. If you
aren’t familiar, it’s the central hub of the USAF drone program. Somewhere on
that base is a kid, sitting in a room, flying a Predator Drone that is actually
over Afghanistan. However you feel about the practice of remote warfare, the
technology that supports it is pretty staggering and kinda fucking awesome.
Here’s hoping one of those kids is sending a “message” to ISIS today.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.nellis.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/web/060626-F-9999K-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.nellis.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/web/060626-F-9999K-003.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
After that we passed a number of the most frightening things
I’ve ever seen in Nevada…..low-end brothels……<b>HELL NO WE DIDN’T STOP!</b> Now, all I
know about brothels is what I’ve seen on that show on Cinemax. That place seems
at least reasonably tidy. These places though….wow. I’m talking a dirt road off
the highway leading to a trailer in the desert….not even a double-wide…usually
painted pink or red to keep things classy. Some pretty creative signage on a
few of them though. Most featured the words “trucker friendly”….does that
mean<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>there’s room at the end of the dirt
road to turn a truck around or does it mean there’s a shower for the trucker in
question to scrub off 3 days of highway swamp-ass before his dalliance? I don’t
know….nor do I wish to. The best sign though is below....<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hcn.org/issues/47.9/a-prom-request-painted-on-blm-land-a-nevada-brothel-and-more/heard-47-9-jpg/image" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.hcn.org/issues/47.9/a-prom-request-painted-on-blm-land-a-nevada-brothel-and-more/heard-47-9-jpg/image" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I nearly barfed....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I shudder at what kind of souvenir one might
take home from such a place….and at the amount of antibiotics one would need to
get rid of it…..</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
I fought back the nausea and drove further North to the
start…</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were unable to get anywhere near the start due to the
traffic in the paddock area but even from the shoulder of the highway we could
hear the howl of the first few Trophy Trucks and buggies departing the line.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Steve and I then made a dash to pit 1 to wait for Tony and
Mickey to go by. In this first pit each of the Unlimited class racers that we
were up against had a chase truck in wait. Most of the racers wouldn’t be
stopping here as it was only about 30mi into the race. Quite a few though had
already encountered trouble. One of the TSCO trophy trucks had blown an engine before
even making it to pit #1, Steve Strobel tossed a drive belt off his engine and
had to stop for a quick repair and frequent pole sitter Dale Dondel had an
extended pit stop due to what sounded like an ignition related issue on his
Roberts Racing Trophy Truck. There were a few other vehicles that broke down in
the first 30 miles and after a while, Tony & Mickey came through, the buggy
in perfect shape and having picked up about 5-7 positions on the course.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/DSCN3751_zpsi9uvf1su.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/DSCN3751_zpsi9uvf1su.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pit #1 and all's well....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We were feeling pretty good as Steve and I hopped into the
truck and made our way toward pit #5 where we’d be getting in. We got there,
had a snack and laid out our race gear consisting of a back brace, head/neck
restraint, helmet, fire suit, gloves and a catheter.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
A what?</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yeah, one wears a catheter on your junk so you can relieve
yourself during the race without pissing in the seat. Thankfully it’s not the
type of catheter that they put up into your urethra if you are bed-ridden in
the hospital. Instead it’s like a really thick condom with a 4’ long tube on
the end. Instead of lube, like a normal condom this one has an adhesive on it so
it sticks to your schmeckle and seals to your skin.<br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0769/1859/products/71bhr_grande.jpg?v=1450138241" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0769/1859/products/71bhr_grande.jpg?v=1450138241" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
The tube runs down your
leg, out the leg opening of your firesuit and empties through the floor of the
buggy. I'm not going to include pictures, but if you're curious <a href="http://www.pacificcustoms.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/mastercraftcatheter_2.jpg" target="_blank">HERE </a><br />
<br />
Yep, it’s just as comfortable to wear as you might imagine. The real
prize though is removing it.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Not glamorous.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
About 20min after we arrived at pit #5 the buggy made it’s
way to pit #2. They had a small oil pressure issue that was quickly rectified
by adjusting the dry sump pump and they were on their way without losing much
time at all and still having picked up a few more positions in the race.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
About 15min later my cell phone went off with a text message
from Mickey. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
If your asking yourself, WTF is Mickey doing texting you
from the buggy in the middle of the race you’d be asking yourself the same
question as I was at the time.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mickey had to use his phone to text me because the buggy was
absolutely dead. No power. Electrical system completely dead. Nothing, nada,
zilch. He and Tony were stranded on course roughly ½-way between pit #2 &
#3 and about 5mi off of the nearest paved road. Had they been in a location
were they could be easily towed to the next pit we might have been able to
attempt repair and continue but their location was not conducive to that. The
options were for them to fix the buggy where it sat and continue or accept a
tow off the course and get a DNF. Due to the nature of the electrical failure,
option 1 wasn’t an option. We were done.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The team made it’s way to the ranch road along the highway
that the course marshals said the buggy would be towed to and waited. When they
arrived we found out that Mickey had struck out on foot and walked back on the
course over a mile each way (August, Nevada, 115 degrees, in a firesuit) to retrieve
a battery from a Trophy Truck that had blown an engine on the off chance that a
freshly charged battery might get the buggy restarted and limping on its way to
the next pit or a spot to be towed there from…no dice.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
223 Trucks & Buggies and 113 motorcycles & quads would
start the race less than ½ would finish. So at least we had company……..</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
This series is all about the experiences and what I’m
learning in my introduction to professional off-road racing. I’ve been in
involved in grassroots sports car racing for years and had my share of disappointments
caused by mechanical failures large and small. The experience in this case for
me is one of incredible build up and anticipation. Excitement at a level I’d
not yet experienced about an adventure that I wouldn’t have the opportunity to
take part in. That and incredible disappointment, but not for me. I felt
horrible for those guys and gals who put so much, for so long into that buggy
to get it ready for that race only to have it end so soon after it had started.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve learned, that even in professional racing
with professional, paid, full-time support staff one little thing, outside of
your control can end your day just as easily as it can for some programmer auto-crossing
his Miata on the weekends.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
After we loaded the dead buggy on the trailer and the team
left to head home to Phoenix John and I continued North heading home via Reno.
We wound up staying in the same hotel as everyone else was and ran into Jason
Voss’ team having their victory dinner, their third in a row for that race. It
didn’t hurt as much as it inspired.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/An3d2o8WlNc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/An3d2o8WlNc?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I write this, it’s cold, rainy and the desert racing
season seems as distant as Tonopah, NV is from Mountain View, CA but even still
I’m feeling the urge to get back to it. To continue to experience, measure
myself against the challenges, improve and chase our first victory. </div>
Truehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230038396571759241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438271575855307173.post-61685274479716344492015-08-09T23:31:00.000-07:002016-01-15T11:51:53.800-08:00A new motorsport adventure Pt 2, Of Bourbon + Bumps & Bile ….<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><a href="http://thedamntrueexperiment.blogspot.com/2015/06/a-new-motorsport-adventureyou-want-me.html" target="_blank">Read Part 1 Here</a></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I left the US Coast Guard fifteen years ago with nearly 3000
hours of helicopter flight time. In that period I had occasion to fly in some
of the most beautifully perfect and horrifically miserable weather conditions
imaginable. Not once in that period did I puke.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was an oft-voiced statement in the months leading up to
my first real race with “Patent-It! Racing”…..and at this point I’m betting you
can see where this story is going but we’ll get to the self-deprecation in a
bit. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Off Road Racing there are a number of different
sanctioning bodies that run races. Some large and prestigious like the Baja
1000 and some small and not particularly well known outside of the off-road
racing community. The largest of the organizations is <i>“SCORE International”</i>
<b><a href="http://score-international.com/" target="_blank">(Southern California Off Road Experience)</a></b> and they run most of the big races in
Baja such as the San Felipe 250, Baja 500 and the grand-daddy Baja 1000. Second
only to SCORE is an organization called <i>“BITD”</i> <b><a href="http://bitd.com/" target="_blank">(Best In The Desert)</a></b> they run a
bunch of well known events in the US such as the Mint 400 (made famous by Dr.
Hunter S. Thompson), Henderson 250 and their premiere event, the Vegas to Reno.
There are a number of other organizations as well such as <i>“MORE”</i> <b><a href="http://moreracing.net/" target="_blank">(Mojave OffRoad Enthusiasts)</a></b> and <i>“SNORE”</i> <b><a href="http://www.snoreracing.net/" target="_blank">(Southern Nevada off Road Enthusiasts)</a></b> and others
that run smaller more “club-level” events. Think of SCORE and BITD as “F1”, “WEC”
or “NASCAR” and the others as the equivalent of the “SCCA” or “NASA”. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The smaller organizations often have big-name participants
that use those events for testing or tune-ups for the larger more prestigious events.
Steve and Tony wanted to get us all in a real race before our target event
later in the summer so they registered us for one such event. The “Caliente 250”
in Caliente, Nevada <b><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/@37.6091039,-114.521932,5262m/data=!3m1!1e3" target="_blank">(Google Map)</a></b>. If you aren’t familiar….I wasn’t, Caliente is a small rail
town in Eastern Nevada about 150mi North of Las Vegas and 30mi West of the Utah
border. It’s in the high desert and sits at about 4300’ above sea level. The annual
event is hosted by the aforementioned <i>“SNORE”</i> and is one of the biggest annual
happenings in this cool little Nevada town. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Driving across Nevada is always interesting in one way or another. On our way home my friend John and I experienced the weirdness that exists along the "Extraterrestrial Highway" (NV-375) and spotted a bunch of Antelope and a few Desert Bighorn Sheep. Going both ways we were treated to impromptu airshows by some of the worlds best aviators in F-16's and F-18's. Things got a little uncomfortable on the way to Caliente though. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/IMG_1167_zpsn1bi7zqq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/IMG_1167_zpsn1bi7zqq.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Following a trailer full of "Science"....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, let me say that I'm sure there are a lot of good people in North Las Vegas but our stop there made us want to do just one thing. Leave. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We pulled into a Lowes just off the highway to buy a few things we needed to set up our pit in Caliente. Wooden stakes, surveyors tape and a mallet. In the midst of the causal conversation surrounding checkout the gal behind the counter looked up at John and asked, "So, were you planning on killing someone with this stuff?" Dumbstruck, John politely asked her to clarify her question. She went on to explain that earlier in the week some guy that lived around the corner came in, bought a mallet and a few other items, went home, killed his girlfriend and was caught attempting to dispose of the body. She went on to explain that the Sheriff's office had been at the Lowes for the last few days reviewing security tapes and interviewing employees. But that's not all...she further explained that there had been a number of similar instances in the 9 months (WHAT?!?!) that she's worked there. We paid and got the fuck out of North Las Vegas before some Lowes customer buried our bodies in the desert.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The people of Caliente really open their doors to the Off
Road racers and seem to enjoy the spectacle of Trophy Trucks and 800hp buggies
rolling (at the posted speed limit) through their town as they move to and from
the pits, tech and even a portion of the actual race that runs right through town. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/DC17F417-EFC6-4541-9AA0-1A6460DAB9E2_zpshqcq5toj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/DC17F417-EFC6-4541-9AA0-1A6460DAB9E2_zpshqcq5toj.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Race buggies outside the restaurant/casino/bar....because, Nevada.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For this race Steve Lisa (team owner) and I would be driving
the teams Class-10 buggy to get more familiar with each other and to give me
more experience in calling the turns at a more reasonable pace while Tony
(Steve’s son) would drive the Class-1 buggy with his navigator to continue to
test and develop the buggy. A Class-10 buggy is allowed an unlimited suspension
and chassis but is required to run a sealed, production small-displacement (sub
2.5 liter) engine. Most often the GM eco-tech 4cyl rated at about 250hp.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/94E1D842-CE4C-4848-BDF3-6CF3EDF36CA1_zpsjrrtlri7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/94E1D842-CE4C-4848-BDF3-6CF3EDF36CA1_zpsjrrtlri7.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Class-10 on the left, Class-1 on the right</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/90B643B6-FA52-49F6-8092-B1BDE3C000D4_zpshp0qqyyk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/90B643B6-FA52-49F6-8092-B1BDE3C000D4_zpshp0qqyyk.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is there anything that doesn't look good in Gulf livery?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our goal was simple. Get me used to riding shotgun off-road
with my head down in the cockpit reading the GPS while calling the turns for
Steve. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, it isn't. It's pretty tough and it's even tougher if you're an idiot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before the race we had the opportunity to pre-run the course
and record a GPS file that I would use the next day. During the pre-run, I would
enter way-points for various trouble spots on the course. Things that we’d like
to avoid making contact with such as trees, boulders that were bigger than the
buggy, deep washes that crossed the course that could, if hit at sufficient
speed rip wheels off, ravines to the left/right of the course that if we fell
into we might not be found…ever. That sort of thing…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While we were doing this Steve took occasion to advise me
that in a certain portion of the course I might get a bit nauseous because of
the terrain. The route at this point was quite twisty and rolling
<i>left-up-down-right-down-right-left-up</i> etc for about 10mi and we were rolling through
it at a sedate pace during the pre-run and I scoffed (internally) at the idea…mainly
because I’m a bit of a prideful asshole.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/IMG_1153_zpscswjprbq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/IMG_1153_zpscswjprbq.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading out to pre-run, helmets were put on just after this pic was taken...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the remainder of that day we took the two buggies
through tech, made final preparations to the buggies and our gear, had a few
good meals and drank. Kind-of a lot. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/IMG_1126_zpsmbs2x2lu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/IMG_1126_zpsmbs2x2lu.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stupidity in progress......</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next morning I woke feeling a bit dehydrated but without
a headache despite consuming about 1/3 of a bottle of Bourbon and quite a lot
of beer. After a light breakfast and a bit of Gatorade I was feeling fine
and ready for the race….or so I thought… as we geared up and headed for the
staging area to await our turn to begin our 250mi of desert racing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/IMG_1141_zpsxwsjphjz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/IMG_1141_zpsxwsjphjz.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve on the right and myself gearing up to race...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now this 250mi race isn’t a point-to-point affair. Instead,
it’s four laps of roughly 62mi with each lap starting in the town of Caliente,
running out into the mountains of the surrounding high-desert and returning.
The video below shows some highlights of TJ Flores’ (who’s won this race a
number of times) laps a few years ago.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LAPMP3wflmU/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LAPMP3wflmU?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In this form of racing the vehicles don't start en-mass as in
most forms of racing but at timed intervals. The organization keeps track, via
computer of each vehicles individual start/finish time then calculates the
finishing order (overall and within classes) based on each vehicles total
elapsed time. Usually the Trophy Trucks and Class-1 buggies go off first as
they are the fastest and then the slower classes start with each individual
starting at what is usually a 30sec interval. While we waited for our turn I
had the time to consider what was about to happen. We are getting ready to take
off for 250mi of desert racing on a route I’ve seen once, the guy sitting next
to me owns the car and is trusting me to tell him which way to go and not get
us both killed, I’m sitting in the buggy which despite its smaller size
compared to class-1 is still capable of well over 100mph on darn near any
terrain, I’m wrapped in a three-layer nomex fire suit, wearing a full-face
helmet hooked up to a forced air system to provide dust free air for me to
breathe, I’m wearing a neck restraint designed to prevent separating my skull
from my spine during heavy impact, I’m strapped in via a crash harness to a
carbon-fiber racing seat that is rated to withstand over 12,000lbs of force in
a crash, it’s over 100deg out and I have to pee!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Luckily, we had well over 5min before it would be our turn
to start the race. I had time to unstrap, climb out of the buggy and run behind
someone’s race trailer and find out that I don’t have to pee, it was just
nerves and I’m still dehydrated. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Great.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once back in the buggy we made our way to the start line and
counted down the 30sec interval from the buggy ahead of us. The start light
turned from red to green and we were off……we ripped away from the start
accelerating to over 60mph before making a hard 180 degree turn down into a
wash. Back up to about 80mph in the narrow wash between the 15’ high walls of
dirt and rock on either side. ½-way down the wash we came upon 4, steamer trunk
sized boulders where yesterday there stood a single boulder the size of a Smart
Car. Beyond that, the wounded remains of a Trophy Truck that had hit the boulder,
smashing it into 4ths and ripping the right front suspension and a portion of
the roll-cage completely off the 8000lb beast.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yup, this shit just got real.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We continued down the wash at over 80mph I called out the
next turn, “Hard left 90!” and Steve jumped on the brakes, turned in, set the
buggy into a drift and nailed the gas. We kissed the top of the berm beyond
which was a 5’ drop into the river which runs through Caliente. A class-10 buggy
would later blow that corner and wind up in the river. We raced along the bank
of the river toward town.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/20150529-DSC_0207_zpscvt9wdqu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/20150529-DSC_0207_zpscvt9wdqu.jpg" height="442" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Braaap!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/IMG_0593%202_zpseswwgvwa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/IMG_0593%202_zpseswwgvwa.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tony Lisa hauling the mail in the Class-1 buggy...more Braaap!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we reached town we made a hard 270 degree turn up out
of the river bottom, onto a paved road and then onto one of three railroad
bridges that we’d have to cross on each lap. The bridges are about 8” wider
than the buggy. Yeah, that’s 8 INCHES. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/20150530-20150530-DSC_9551-2_zps5ljiwwm0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/20150530-20150530-DSC_9551-2_zps5ljiwwm0.jpg" height="538" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
We had it pretty good. The Class-1 buggy
that Tony was driving is about 8” wider than the bridges so he had 4” of tire
hanging off of either side. Get it wrong, you fall off the railroad bridge and
into the river. One of the Trophy Trucks did just that.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once past the three bridges the lap really began in earnest.
We ripped along a farm road adjacent to NV Hwy-93 at over 90mph then made a hard right up
into the mountains. As we crested the rise we saw the plateau ahead of us and
the tell-tale dust plume of the next buggy on the road. Steve asked me if I was ready
to start racing and I replied, “Get him!” and it was on. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were ripping across the plateau at 95-100mph getting
closer and closer to the next buggies dust cloud and just as we entered it, a
series of turns appeared on the GPS screen. We’re doing just under 100mph,
blind, with another buggy an undetermined distance ahead and we need go through
a pretty complex series of corners, cross a wash and pass between two steel fence
posts that demarcate a private grazing area and BLM land. I’m doing my best to
keep the information stream to Steve coming at a pace that gives him enough
time to react to not only what we need to do but to what the guy ahead of us
(who we can’t see) might do as well. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After what seemed like forever but was probably a minute or
two Steve came over the intercomm yelling “siren, siren!” and I looked up and
just like that, the engine cover of the buggy in front of us was 2’ ahead. I
laid on the siren and he didn’t move. I hit the siren again and again he didn’t
move. Of course, like us, he has an un-muffled race engine behind him and he’s
probably a bit busy as well… so Steve hit him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That might seem a bit odd but it is the norm in desert
racing. The trucks and buggies are required to run a siren to alert a vehicle
ahead as to your presence. If they hear it, they are supposed to pull aside
where safe and allow you to pass. They don’t usually hear it, or they pretend
not to, so the next method of communicating your desire to overtake is to apply
a firm bump to the rear of the vehicle ahead. The firm bump would destroy a
normal road car but these things are built a bit tougher than that.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/IMG_1143_zpsivbr4cxd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/IMG_1143_zpsivbr4cxd.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our first lap would continue, during which we’d pass another
3-4 racers. We passed through what was the most fun part of the course which
descends down a gravel wash (flash flood path in the winter) that twisted down
a deep canyon between 80-100’ rock walls. The wash sinuously threaded its way
between the canyon walls as we drifted and darted back and forth at ~80mph.
Stunningly beautiful terrain and an utterly amazing way to experience it. Then
we got to that twisty bit that I mentioned earlier and I remembered Steve’s
advice from the pre-run. He told me that if I started to feel sick I should let
him know and he’d slow down to drive only what he could see while I brought my
head up and got some fresh air and recovered. I remembered the advice…then
ignored it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I bore down, concentrated on my job and powered through it.
Eventually we cleared that part of the course and I started to feel better. But
that was the first lap….of four.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our second lap began and I’d be gifted with a number of reminders
as to the seriousness of all of this as we came upon at least a ½-dozen racers
who’d blown a corner and wrecked or suffered mechanical failures ending their
day. As our second lap continued we managed to catch a few other racers and we
got caught by one or two. Things were going quite well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then we got to the twisty bits again and….it got ugly. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I felt the nausea building. The sweat on my arms and neck
turning cold, the excess quantities of saliva, the shame. At this point, if I’d
followed Steve’s advice I probably could have got it under control and made it
through. But I ignored it. Again. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Instead, I tried to knuckle down and power through it once
more because as previously mentioned, I’m a prideful asshole. A dehydrated prideful
asshole. A prideful asshole with… ok I’m admitting it… a hangover. A prideful
asshole who is now vomiting inside of his helmet at 80mph in the desert while holding
up a closed fist in front of his driver trying to get him to stop the buggy
because one cannot speak while one is upchucking a bilious puree of red Gatorade
and cliff bars. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have you ever imagined what it might look like to spew a
fountain of yack inside of a closed face-shield on a full-face helmet? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><a href="https://youtu.be/HBWTBk3tfWc?t=2m10s" target="_blank">Click THIS</a></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kinda like that.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I've done some gnarly stuff in my life. Flew in rescue helicopters in
horrific weather, raced MtB Downhill, solo paddled the Green River, surfed the North Shore of Hawaii. I
thought I'd be able to essentially throw my jock out on the floor and
be able to do this w/o a great deal of effort. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Instead, there I stood, next to Steve’s buggy, throwing up on my
boots, the front of my fire suit and inside of my helmet covered in puke as one,
then three, then six, then more of the buggies and trucks we’d worked hard to
overtake passed us by. Each passing vehicle reinforcing the sudden realization
that we’d been running a very
competitive race and were likely in a podium position (in our class) and I’d
fucked it up. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The dust from each passing racer settled on me, sticking to my
vomit soaked fire suit, adding additional layers of guilt to the disgusting
mess I’d made of myself and the inside of the buggy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Asshole.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I mentioned in the lede of the first piece in this series
that my intent was to chronicle the learning curve of going from rank novice to
professional racer. I’m hoping to impart at least some of what this feels like
both good and bad. I think I’ve buried myself in self deprecation and enough
graphic descriptions of the bad for now. The good is that I’m gaining competence.
We did another lap and though we were out of the running at that point it went
very well, Steve and I were clicking in the cockpit and we were going fast. The
good is that I’ve learned a valuable lesson in humility and in the need,
especially where professional racing is concerned, to listen to those with
exponentially more experience than I have. The good is that Steve trusts me
enough to let me do this again. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mainly though, the good is in learning and improving. This
race taught me a lot about myself and about the path that I've embarked on.
This is no joke. Nobody is getting paid for any of this but it absolutely is
serious business. The Trophy Truck that drilled the boulder, the Trophy Truck
and buggy that fell into the river, the buggies and trucks that we saw torn up
beside the race course…in each case everyone was alright but in each case they
weren’t far at all from being very much NOT alright. The gear, the preparation
of the buggy the logistics, the training it’s all meant to make us competitive
second but first to help us survive if shit goes wrong. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wasn’t taking this endeavor seriously enough before this
race. I am now. Since then I’ve lost 35lbs. I’m fitter and stronger than I’ve
been at any time in the last 6-7 years. Most importantly I’m humbled and ready
to learn more.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I write this I am less than a week from the next
opportunity to learn. As I said, Steve has trusted me enough to let me do this
again and that opportunity will come at around 9:30am on August 14<sup>th</sup>.
On that day Steve and I, along with his Son Tony, Tony’s navigator, Mickey and
the rest of the “Patent-It! Racing” team will race in the <b><a href="http://bitd.com/" target="_blank">2015 BITD Vegas to Reno</a></b> (Maps <b><a href="http://bitd.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Map_2015_Vegas_to_Reno-1.pdf?inframe=yes&iframe=true" target="_blank">Here</a></b> & <b><a href="http://bitd.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Map_2015_Vegas_to_Reno_2.pdf?inframe=yes&iframe=true" target="_blank">Here</a></b>). 543 miles of desert racing over ~9hrs (if all goes well) starting just
outside of Las Vegas and finishing just South of Reno. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Steve and I will race
the middle 1/3 of the course from just South of Tonopah to a small mining town
called Gabbs, NV. Tony and Mickey will race the first and last 1/3…..and in a
week or so I’ll tell you about it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The good, the bad and the ugly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><a href="http://thedamntrueexperiment.blogspot.com/2015/06/a-new-motorsport-adventureyou-want-me.html" target="_blank">Read Part 1 Here </a></b></div>
Truehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230038396571759241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438271575855307173.post-90720503609461954432015-07-07T14:58:00.000-07:002015-11-11T17:00:17.108-08:00The Farce And Failure Of The DeltaWing<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:107%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:107%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">I’ve had a couple of guest posts on
this blog and here is another. The background here begins with a years
long discussion of the Deltawing Racing Program on a motorsports related
message board that I frequent. The members of this board are a pretty
tech-savvy lot and have highly tuned BS detection faculties. Over the years we’ve
watched this program and marveled, not at it’s achievements but that it
continues to exist despite an utter lack of them. Matt Miller explains further
herein……</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span style="text-transform: uppercase;">The Farce and
Failure of the DeltaWing</span></u></b></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
A Guest Post By Matt Miller</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The 2015 24
Hours of Le Mans included some amazing technology and competition among very
different LMP1 prototypes. It also
included the first racing of the Nissan GTR-LM, a car designed by Ben Bowlby
that is waaaay outside the box. Against
this backdrop, it’s a good time to re-examine another Bowlby design that also diverged
severely from general practice: the DeltaWing.
To eliminate all suspense, I will say at the outset that this car is
both a miserable failure and a farce.
Now, let’s see why.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<h3 align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>IndyCar Roots</u></span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To
understand the DeltaWing (DW), you have to understand the original intention of
the car in 2010: it was supposed to be the next IndyCar. It was intended to attract attention to that
form of racing, which had been losing its fan base and which become a
spec-racing series with an old-tech, open-wheel Dallara that was pretty
boring. Bowlby proposed a dramatic new
car with only 300hp and which weighed far less than the Dallaras. It was dramatic because of the shape: with a
front track of only 24 inches, the car resembled a slimmed-down Space Shuttle
in planform.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/chicago-deltawing-indy-large02_zpsgrddla1z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/chicago-deltawing-indy-large02_zpsgrddla1z.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:107%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The DW
functioned as a three-wheeled car, because the front suspension had no roll
stiffness, and the front wheels and tires were very narrow compared to
conventional cars. Bowlby claimed that
it would lap Indy at comparable speeds to the old Dallara while using half the
power and half the fuel. That mantra
continues to be repeated to this day, and it has never been true. <span style="color: black;">At the time the DW
was being announced (2010), IndyCars were restricted to a minimum of 1565lbs
for ovals and 1630lbs for road courses. The DW would have had to weigh 800lbs
(363kg) to achieve the claimed weight.
In fact, the proposal called for the DW to weigh 1050lbs, which was a
lot more than half the weight. That was
the first of many outright lies about the achievements of this car. We’ll revisit the mantra again later</span>.</span></span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Another lie
that has been constantly repeated is that the DW looks the way it does because
that form provides the best function for a race car. Yet, in an article by Gordon Kirby (<a href="http://www.gordonkirby.com/categories/columns/theway/2010/the_way_it_is_no222.html">http://www.gordonkirby.com/categories/columns/theway/2010/the_way_it_is_no222.html</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext;">)</span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">, Bowlby talks about wanting the appearance of drivers
<i>“working in the corners” </i>whereas conventional Dallaras looked like slot cars in
action (i.e., they actually have a lot more grip); and how he wanted <i>“</i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><i>the jet fighter or the single-seater man and machine
entity, [and therefore] developed a single-seater that's very different from
what we have today and would in fact be a unique identity.”</i> In other words, <b><i>everything</i></b> was about form, NOT function! That is the sole reason the DW was developed:
difference for difference’s sake.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Supposedly,
the DW could match the 225mph lap speeds of conventional Dallaras at Indy
because it would have so much less drag, due to its shape and size. In the Kirby article, Chip Ganassi said, <i>“<span style="color: black;">Ben [Bowlby] pointed out to me that an Indy car has more drag
than a stock car right now!...That's not the way it should be. But that's how
we, as rulesmakers, have allowed it to be.”</span></i><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"> This is misleading. IndyCars certainly have a higher drag<i> <b>coefficient</b></i> than stock cars, but
probably not a higher amount of drag – they have much smaller frontal
areas. Furthermore, while IndyCars are
inherently draggy due to their open-wheel and open-cockpit designs (parasitic
drag), they also create a lot of induced drag because they make a lot of
downforce. That IndyCars are easily more
efficient than stock cars is proved by the lap time comparisons: the IndyCar
pole at Fontana in 2012 was 216mph, whereas the Sprint Cup pole was only 186mph
despite having more power than the IndyCars (the Cup cars do not run restrictor
plates at Fontana). In other words, the
IndyCars of the day were not nearly as inefficient as Bowlby was making them
out to be, and they were blazing fast around an oval. While the DW’s shape intuitively seems to be
very low-drag, and reminds people my age of 60s-era fighter planes, Bowlby
forgot to mention that it would also have to make downforce to turn fast laps
on any track, like any other race car. That
would mean that it, too, would have a lot of induced drag. To approach 225mph in a straight line in this
car with only 300hp would be a huge challenge.
To <b><i>average</i></b> 225mph at Indy
with only 300hp is simply not possible.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<h3 align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u>Le Mans 2012</u></span></span></b></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thankfully,
IndyCar did not adopt the hair-brained DW to replace the old Dallara, opting
instead for a newer and safer Dallara with factory-option aero packages to make
visually impactful cars that are pushing lap records at various venues. Faced with the rejection of his design, Bowlby
decided to peddle it to the ACO to gain entry to the 2012 24 Hours of Le Mans
(24LM) as a special <i>“Garage 56” </i>prototype entry. Key to this entry was that, as a <i>“Garage 56”</i>
entry, the DW did not have to conform to the rules of any class (other than
safety). It had no limits, and it had no
scrutineering other than safety. Still,
Bowlby and his DW group targeted the LMP1 prototypes much as they had the 2010
IndyCars: by claiming that they are heavy, over-powered, inefficient anachronisms
that produce boring racing and don’t push technology that’s useful to
consumers.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/2012-03-26-delatawing-1_zps67dqgdyd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/2012-03-26-delatawing-1_zps67dqgdyd.jpg" height="320" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">LMP1
prototypes, the top class of WEC and Le Mans, were factory-backed efforts from
Audi and Toyota, with around 520hp and weighing 900kg. Their power plants and minimum weights were
both severely limited by the rules. The
DW was supposed to compete with 300hp and weigh 475kg. The claim was repeated that the DW would race
at half the weight and half the power of the prototypes, and yet go equally
fast and use half the fuel. Without even
studying the claims, you can already see that 300hp is substantially more than
half of 520hp, and 475kg is more than half of 900kg. More importantly (you’ll see why soon), 300hp
is a <b><i>whole lot more</i></b> than half of
the 450hp that LMP2 cars were making at the time (LMP2 cars also had to weigh 900kg). So the lie was cast (see what I did there?)
early and often. As the 24LM approached,
the quoted power figures became more fuzzy, with qualifiers like <i>“around”</i> being
added into the verbiage, and then 350hp being openly discussed. In truth, many believe the car’s Nissan
engine was pushing closer to 400hp, and there would be no way to verify this because
it conformed to no class rules. The
bottom line is that the DW very likely competed at the 2012 with close to the
same power as the LMP2 prototypes, but was allowed to race at just over half
the weight. It should have dominated
them and even beaten the LMP1s in lap times while still burning less fuel.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So what
really happened at the 2012 24LM? <span style="color: black;">As it turned out, the DW qualified at 3:42. The LMP1 pole was 3:23, or 19 seconds faster
(an eternity). LMP2’s top qualifying
time was 3:38, or five seconds faster.
The DW’s qualifying time would have placed it 16th out of 20 entries LMP2. In other words, it was an also-ran in a field
of prototypes that probably had only a very small power advantage and a huge
weight disadvantage. The fastest GTE car
(a production-based car, not a prototype) qualified at 3:55. The DW was a lot closer to the GTE times than
to the LMP 1 times. To say it was slow
would be an understatement.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Did it meet its fuel goals?
No, and again it wasn’t even close.
For reference, the <b><i>vastly</i></b> faster Audi e-Tron went 12 laps on
only 58L, or about 4.83L/lap. The Deltawing holds 40L of gasoline, and also ran
12 laps/tank too, or about 3.33L per lap: about 69% of the fuel used by the
Audi while going much slower. Supporting
this data, it was reported on Mulsanne's FB page that the DW experienced 9mpg
and the Audi diesels were at 6.6mpg, or 73% as much as the Audi. So the DW used 30% less fuel or thereabouts
than the Audis. Their stated goal was <i>"half the fuel"</i> and they did
not get close to that. Of course, DW
also couldn't do that work in anything close to a competitive lap time. The 2012
Audis could probably have dialed back to 3:42 lap targets and gotten the same
mileage, <b><i>even though they were mandated
to weight almost twice as much as the DW</i></b>.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<h3 align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><span style="color: black;">Since 2012</span></u></span></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">In the 2015 24LM, the newest Audi R18 lapped at 3:17 during
the race, so it has gotten 6 seconds faster and it is using less fuel than in
2012. The Porsche 919 that won, and uses
a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine like the DW, was within a second
of the Audi’s best lap and used roughly 5.6L of gasoline per lap to do it,
which is still less than twice what the dog-slow DW used. These cars all use hybrid systems that make a
Prius look like a Model T. They really <b><i>are</i></b> advancing technology, unlike the
DW, and that technology will apply to production cars in the future. They look incredible, and they <b><i>are</i> </b>incredible. And then there is Bolwby’s newest
attention-getter, the Nissan GT-R LM Nismo....more about that later.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/uscc-2013-dt-eg-0013_zpsf002wr98.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/uscc-2013-dt-eg-0013_zpsf002wr98.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">The DW has since raced in American Le Mans, which became
the Tudor United Sports Car Championship.
You can visit the team’s site here: </span><a href="http://www.deltawingracing.com/">http://www.deltawingracing.com/</a><span style="color: black;">. It now has a coupe
roof.</span><span lang="EN" style="color: black;"> It has
become hideous looking. </span><span style="color: black;">Nissan bailed on the project a long time ago. It now uses an engine called an Elan, another
2.0L turbo four-cylinder, with a Mazda DI cylinder head. It supposedly makes 350hp per their specs,
but there has been much talk of it making more like 390hp. Same old BS.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/2015TUSC_DeltaWing_zpspmk1qvka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/2015TUSC_DeltaWing_zpspmk1qvka.jpg" height="410" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:107%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]--><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">The DW competes against P2 cars which are essentially LMP2
cars (425hp, 900kg prototypes) that are forced to run Continental tires which
impair their performance compared to LMP2s in the WEC. The DW now weighs 544kg, but probably comes
pretty close to the P2 power levels. It
has zero wins, zero podiums, and I’m not even sure it’s ever officially
finished a race. It keeps breaking
transmissions, among other parts. It turns
out that building uber-light cars isn’t easy on a shoestring budget. The tranny failures also probably hint that
the team is turning the boost up to try to keep up. Over time another aspect of the three-wheeler
planform has come to light: when involved in collisions with other race cars,
it has a pronounced tendency to roll over (see </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uW7qaG9K2_c&feature=player_embedded">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uW7qaG9K2_c&feature=player_embedded</a><span style="color: black;">).</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<h3 align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><span style="color: black;">Myth-busting the Delta Wing</span></u></span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>MYTH:</b> Half
the weight and power is a novel idea, and other race car designers just haven’t
thought of making their cars lighter.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>FACT:</b> Every
engineer has <b><i>always</i></b> known that
lighter cars are faster and require less power and fuel. Every major racing series enforces minimum
weights to make sure cars are safe and to keep costs for materials and
engineering within reason(ish).
Otherwise, every car would be as light as could be afforded.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>MYTH:</b> The DW
pushed new technology in materials and construction in order to be light.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>FACT:</b> The DW
was built on a spare tub from an older, conventional prototype. It used a nearly off-the-shelf Nissan
engine. It didn’t use any more advanced
materials than any other top-tier race car.
And in fact, it keeps breaking transmissions because the uber-light one
they’ve been trying to use isn’t strong enough.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>MYTH:</b> The
active differential is a novel way to make a three-wheeled car handle well.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>FACT:</b> Active
diffs have been part of racing for many decades now, and their advantages are
known. You won’t find them in IndyCar,
F1, or Prototype racing because they are banned by the rules. If they were allowed, every team would have
been using them all along.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>MYTH:</b> The
Delta Wing has a highly efficient shape that is highly advanced compared to
normal prototypes.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>FACT:</b> Drag
coefficients are nearly meaningless in high-downforce cars, since their aero configurations
change so much for tracks and conditions.
Lift:drag ratios are the important metric, and the only number I’ve ever
seen quoted for the DW came from the team’s website in 2012, and it was
5:1. That is, for every 5lbs of
downforce, the car induced 1lb of drag.
That’s no better than the best GTP prototypes<b> <i>from 25 years ago</i></b>! The <b><i>only</i></b> reason current prototypes have lower
L:D ratios (typically quoted around 3.5:1, but probably better than that right
now) is because rule-makers intentionally hobble aerodynamics to keep speeds in
check. The DW had none of the rules
applied to it, and still couldn’t advance aerodynamic technology past the
achievements from a quarter-century ago.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>MYTH</b>: The DW can do things no conventional car can.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>FACT:</b> Give any engineer unlimited aero, active
differential, 395hp with no other power plant constraints, a weight of 475kg,
and similar limitations for track and wheelbase, and he would design a more
conventional 4-wheeled prototype that would run circles around the DW and still
use less fuel than the DW. Without going
into lots of vehicle dynamics theory, there are sound reasons that nobody
designs race cars like the DW. Remember,
the DW was <b><i>really</i></b> designed to
attract attention with its bizarre looks – going fast had nothing to do with
Bowlby’s original intentions.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>MYTH:</b> The DW goes just as fast as other prototypes
but uses half the weight, half the power, and half the fuel.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>FACT:</b> No, it does not. Not even close. Ever.
Not even once in its four seasons of competition has it even threatened
to do this. The DW has never met a
single one of its performance goals…ever.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<h3 align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><span style="color: black;">Why Is the Delta Wing Offensive?</span></u></span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 107%;">There is no virtue in coming up with a design that is silly and
unfounded from the get-go. That's not science or engineering - it's a marketing
ploy. It does actual harm by obscuring
good science and people's understandings about vehicle dynamics and physics in
general. Look at how much ink has been
spilled giving blatantly false information to the public. And the
half-the-weight-half-the-power-half-the-fuel mantra continues to be stated
today! The DeltaWing group (in all its
iterations) is flatly lying about all this.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; line-height: 107%;">It would be nice if all the time, money, and attention being
poured into this sham could have been diverted into technology that actually
had a basis in fact. It would have been a lot better for racing and the
advancement of technology. The DW is a cynical effort and is shaped the
way it is for marketing rather than engineering purposes. In 2012, Bowlby took
the only Garage 56 entry available, thereby preventing any genuine effort from
actually getting a more deserved seat. The
real story on technical advances and efficiency at Le Mans in 2012 should have
been the Audis and Toyotas remarkable achievements. But thanks to the DeltaWing,
we didn’t hear nearly as much about those real advances as we should have.</span><u><span style="color: black;"></span></u></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><span style="color: black;">The 2015 Nissan GT-R LM NISMO</span></u></span></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So this
year, Bowlby spearheaded a new prototype to compete in WEC’s LMP1 class: the
Nissan GT-R LM NISMO. This is an
interesting effort: extreme, but almost a polar opposite to the DW that he also
designed. The first huge difference is
that it will conform to an established ruleset, alongside all the heavy hitters
that the DW avoided. Also, instead of
being small, it is as big as the rules allow.
Instead of being light, it has to meet the same 900kg minimum as other
LMP1 cars, and in fact has not been able to make that low weight. Instead of being low-powered and conserving
fuel, it was originally intended to push 2000hp (no, that’s not a typo!) using front-biased
AWD and serious hybrid technology (the team had major issues with both). And instead of silly aerodynamics, it goes to
extremes in pursuit of something that makes sense on its face: a front-engine
layout with the majority of power sent to the front tires in order to make room
for exceptionally clean tunnels above the floor and undisturbed airflow under
the floor. The GT-R LM is a head-turner
in appearance, but unlike the DW, its appearance does not seem to be a gimmick.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Nissan_LeMans_SL2_zpshxuek5ff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Nissan_LeMans_SL2_zpshxuek5ff.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In 2015 the
GT-R LM competed at Le Mans without AWD, and it didn’t race with any hybrid
power. So it was hopelessly slow. But it wasn’t racing as Bowlby intended with all the
systems it was supposed to have.
Hopefully next year that will change.
I predict that the severe compromises entailed by this design will outweigh<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a> its theoretical aerodynamic advantages. And I’m not sure that this team can make
reliable all the ideas Bowlby has committed to.
But at least it is honest and interesting, and I will be interested to
see how it fairs against the competition.</span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode"; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
Truehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230038396571759241noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438271575855307173.post-47531513838682720152015-06-04T14:24:00.000-07:002016-01-16T10:11:16.128-08:00A New Motorsport Adventure…”You Want Me To Race What?”<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve been involved in amateur Endurance Racing for over
ten years. In that time, as a crew-chief I have been a part of a class win and
two podiums at the 25hrs of Thunderhill, two NASA Endurance Championships and a
bunch of Endurance Series race wins. It’s something that I deeply enjoy. It
satisfies my need to measure my performance against my past and against my
competitors, identify areas for personal and team improvement and see measurable results of those improvements. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve long held the desire to participate in a top tier racing class and I thought that opportunity might come in the form of a
chance to help out with a team headed to the 24hrs of Daytona or 12hrs of Sebring.
Heck, I’ve even told a few acquaintances that hold professional racing licenses
that if they ever get the chance to race at Daytona, Sebring or….be still my
heart…LeMans, that I’d pay my own way to the event just for the chance to help
in any small way. Though that opportunity has yet to materialize, I thought until
recently that it would be my best opportunity to participate at the highest
levels of motorsports.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Until recently…..</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Steve Lisa is one of the drivers that I’ve worked with at
Prototype Development Group. In addition to being a very good sports car racer
Steve owns a desert racing team and early this year he approached me and asked
if I’d be interested in joining. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now, let’s stop here for a second and tally up all the
things I knew about professional desert racing prior to this conversation:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <i>1. They race in the desert.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i> 2. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That’s about it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But Steve, his son Tony and their Team Manager KC know
quite a bit more and apparently, they recognized in me a skill set that fit
their need for a full time Navigator to ride with Steve. Tony & Steve share
the driving duties for the team and Tony has a navigator that he’s raced with
for years. And just like that…I’m going racing. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What I’m planning on doing is chronicling my progression,
sharing the things I’m learning and trying to convey what it’s like to be quite
literally dropped into a form of professional motorsports with absolutely zero
experience.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://41.media.tumblr.com/4be1ea4161524f63f28a5feadea4f3bd/tumblr_mhxyt5y9p51rv9609o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://41.media.tumblr.com/4be1ea4161524f63f28a5feadea4f3bd/tumblr_mhxyt5y9p51rv9609o1_500.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Imagine the doing the entire Baja 1000 in this?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now I’d seen “Dust to Glory”, the fantastic Dana Brown
(son of Bruce “Endless Summer” Brown) film that chronicled the 2004 Baja 1000
so I did know that desert races are a multi-class affair. There are somewhere
around a dozen different classes of vehicle starting with class-11 which are
essentially bone stock Volkswagen Beetles. The classes progress upward in terms
of the level of preparation allowed, the expense and the speed of the vehicle
all the way up to the two Unlimited classes, Trophy Truck and Class-1.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Most of you are probably
familiar with the Trophy Truck class as it tends to garner the most attention
and the sweet sweet energy drink sponsorship dollars from RedBull (Bryce Menzies) Monster (BJ
Baldwin) and Rockstar (<span class="st">Rob MacCachren)</span>. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f4/58/3d/f4583d4d95407a5586a57e893abb839a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f4/58/3d/f4583d4d95407a5586a57e893abb839a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rob MacCachren's Trophy Truck</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These are 5000-6000lb, rear
wheel drive “trucks” with a live rear axle, independent front suspension and 36” of wheel travel that pack 700-900hp will top out
over 130mph and often cost upwards of $500,000 to build. They are the stars of
off-road racing. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The other unlimited class is Class-1. Rather than looking like
pickups, these are open-wheel buggies with 4 wheel independent suspension. Usually
~1000lbs lighter and more nimble than Trophy Trucks with often similar power
they tend to do well on courses that are more technical and that favor handling
over outright power though the class-1 buggies are capable of similar speeds.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2282/5762144647_e24128116e_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2282/5762144647_e24128116e_o.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fairly typical Class-1 Buggy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So in my initial conversations with Steve he informed me
that his team had been running in Class-10 (a buggy class with unlimited
suspension but with strict regulations on engines) but were upgrading….to
Class-1. So not only would I be jumping in as a participant in a sport I knew
nothing about, I’d be doing so in a Professional class at the very top echelon
of the sport…no pressure right?</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Before we began racing there was opportunity for some
introduction and education. I flew to Phoenix to visit the team shop and learn
a bit about the buggy. As a navigator, I’d be responsible for darn near
everything on the buggy except for operating the brake, throttle and steering.
If something breaks, I fix it or we wait for the race to end to get unceremoniously
towed in out of the desert. There are a handful of things one can reasonably
fix and continue in the race. They include, but aren’t limited to changing a
tire (more on that later), replacing a blown CV joint, replacing an alternator
or engine belt, replacing a steering arm if we center-punch a tree or large
rock, changing ignition modules and a handful of other “quick-fixes” that will
allow us to limp in to the next service area. KC and Tony walked me through
each of the procedures and showed me where the various tools and spares were
stashed on the buggy. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/C6B0549F-C8CD-4B35-B67B-72888F38CD9F_zpsrvhtmnwb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/C6B0549F-C8CD-4B35-B67B-72888F38CD9F_zpsrvhtmnwb.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh wow, this is really happening...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now, about that tire… Each tire & wheel weighs about
145lbs. The spare is carried on a rack above the engine in the back of the
buggy. The jack handle is pinned to the roll cage adjacent; the jack is tucked
into a space just above and forward of the right rear trailing arm mount. In
the event of a flat the procedure is thus;</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/27CD9148-E31A-4258-9A4E-F518DC9BC335_zpslbszxm4g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/27CD9148-E31A-4258-9A4E-F518DC9BC335_zpslbszxm4g.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">145lbs of BF Goodrich's finest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">1. Steve stops the buggy, hopefully in a place well off the
race course with a bit of cover to prevent some yahoo coming from behind plowing
into us. </span></i></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>
</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2. I unstrap from my harnesses, drop the window net and
climb out the window of the buggy and onto the back. </span></i></div>
<i>
</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">3. I then unstrap the spare tire & wheel and toss it
down onto the ground. </span></i></div>
<i>
</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">4. Then I unpin the jack handle & jack, assemble them
and hope there is some solid ground under the buggy to support the jack, if not
I need to collect some rocks or something to stabilize it. </span></i></div>
<i>
</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">5. Then I grab the electric impact gun from it’s holster in
the cockpit, buzz off the old wheel and lift the new one, all 145lbs, onto the hub
and if I haven’t lost any of the lugs in the sand, zap the lugs down tight. </span></i></div>
<i>
</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">6. Then I drop the buggy off the jack, disassemble the jack
and handle and stow them, stow the impact gun then huck the shredded tire &
wheel (hopefully it’s lighter than a new one at this point) up onto the back of
the buggy. </span></i></div>
<i>
</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>7. Then I climb up, strap it down then climb back into the
cockpit and begin strapping in as Steve drives away. </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This procedure is supposed to take ~2min. All while wearing a 3-layer
firesuit, helmet and head/neck restraint…in the desert. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mid-race repairs aside, my primary duty is to navigate.
In front of my seat in the buggy there is a Lowrance GPS unit with a 10”
display. It shows the designated course of the race and I use it to let the
driver know when a turn is coming and how acute that turn is relative to our
speed. They instructed me on how to read the display and how to call out the
turns to Steve as he is driving. And the next day we towed the whole shebang
out into the desert for my first time in the buggy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/4BD69D32-E728-4A0F-8CE2-3864216326DB_zpsul4w2pu8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/4BD69D32-E728-4A0F-8CE2-3864216326DB_zpsul4w2pu8.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/517C7C5D-AB1D-4213-BBE1-E59EEFB4A214_zpstrrvertq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/517C7C5D-AB1D-4213-BBE1-E59EEFB4A214_zpstrrvertq.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's an even more intimidating machine in person...if that's possible?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We arrived at Gila Bend, AZ for a small club race that
would serve as the first test day for the now complete team and our brand new
Class-1 buggy. We had a few minutes on Saturday to preview the short 4mi loop
course that we’d be racing on for an hour the next day. Our goal this trip was not to be
competitive, but to familiarize ourselves with each other and the new buggy. To
test the various systems and begin the process of tuning the buggy for the real
races we’d be entering later this summer. Despite that, when dawn broke on
Sunday it got pretty real pretty fast. Steve and I geared up and took the buggy
to the start area and lined up next to another Class-1 buggy and Tony in his
lightning fast class-10 single seater with about a dozen other buggies and
trucks behind us. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/DSCN3532_zpsiuqvmipa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/DSCN3532_zpsiuqvmipa.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/yLm4utu3Uwc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yLm4utu3Uwc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When the green flag dropped I very nearly ruined a very expensive
Sparco firesuit. It’s difficult to describe the sensation of dropping the
hammer in a vehicle with this much power. The thing squats on it’s haunches and
all you can see is the hood of the buggy and blue sky and as it rockets forward
you are assaulted with the noise of nearly 700hp of small block Ford howling
through open headers. The dog-ring gearbox ads it’s own racket like the horn
section in a very drunk ska band. Even the shocks are loud as the three way
compression and two way rebound blow-off valves pop and clatter over every bump…and
there is a buggy on either side of you contributing it’s own disparate melody and nobody
is playing in the same key. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/9C50414E-016E-468D-A914-E8B8668AF62C_zpsuxmiicr0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/9C50414E-016E-468D-A914-E8B8668AF62C_zpsuxmiicr0.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Then we arrived at the first corner. Steve laid into
the brakes and the buggy stood on its nose allowing him to initiate the turn.
Once tipped in, he was immediately back in the gas and grabbing a handful of
the turning brake, a device used to enhance traction in a corner by applying
the brakes to the inside wheel in a turn thus transferring power to the outside
all the while the 145lb, 37” BFG’s are scrambling for grip and sending up great
plumes of dirt, sand, rocks and small desert animals.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/FD41670C-2B20-4908-8557-253A353CCF56_zpsfdfbl2wn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Patent-It/FD41670C-2B20-4908-8557-253A353CCF56_zpsfdfbl2wn.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It was at this moment when I fully realized the purpose
of a navigator. The Class-1 buggy that started next to us had arrived at the first corner
before us and was now in the lead. The aforementioned great plumes of dirt,
sand, rocks and small desert animals that our tires were kicking up were also
being kicked up by that buggy…directly into our faces. We were 1/2 –way through
the corner, accelerating like we’d been shot out of a cannon and totally
blind. In the mean time we were still racing and there were other corners
coming. So while bouncing over god knows what because we couldn’t see, I now had
to guide us.<span id="goog_907672683"></span><span id="goog_907672684"></span> To give you some idea of what that looks like check out the video below (not us).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/WEIyMBHDmUY/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WEIyMBHDmUY?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The navigator calls out, over an in-helmet intercom, the distance
to the next turn, which direction the turn goes and how acute that turn is. It’s
either easy, medium or hard and left or right with occasional addendum of
adding 90 or 180deg if the turn is particularly sharp. The challenge though is
that what is an easy turn at 50mph might be quite a hard turn if you are
approaching at 90mph. You also need to consider subsequent turns and the
terrain which you can’t see because you are looking down…you have to sorta go
by feel. The GPS shows you the speed, but it’s a lot to take in all at once.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thankfully this race was short and we didn’t hurt the
buggy at all. In fact, in the second heat, Steve's son Tony scored the fastest lap of the day despite it being our first time in the buggy. Steve was happy enough with my progress thus far that he didn't immediately kick me off the team so that's a positive. We all learned a lot and I, most of all. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The most important thing
I learned…was that I have a great deal to learn.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Next up…. My first Pro race as a member of the team.</span></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->Truehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230038396571759241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438271575855307173.post-23620567159931389122015-05-19T17:03:00.000-07:002015-11-11T17:00:31.125-08:00Canoeing Culbertson Lake, CA a well earned silence...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Canoeists in California don’t generally have access to the
sort of trips that those in the upper Midwest do. We have no “Land of 10,000
Lakes”, no Algonquin or Boundary Waters or Quetico, and save for the Lower
Colorado no long lazy rivers through deep wilderness. I’ve long held a desire
for a multi-day trip that would take me through a number of lakes but that’s
pretty tough to find. Most lakes in California are either man-made water
storage reservoirs in the foothills around urban areas or in the low Sierras or
man-made reservoirs for power generation in the high Sierras. The latter has
provided a for a few of my trips in the past ( <b><i><a href="http://thedamntrueexperiment.blogspot.com/2010/12/canoeing-hell-hole-reservoir-may-2009.html" target="_blank">Hell Hole</a></i></b> & <i><b><a href="http://thedamntrueexperiment.blogspot.com/2013/05/canoeing-iron-canyon-reservoir-shasta.html" target="_blank">Iron Canyon</a></b></i> )
but given the terrain that they reside in most do not allow one to paddle a
lake, hoist your canoe onto your shoulders and hike a reasonable distance to
the next lake and repeat. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But there are a few exceptions if you look really high into
the Sierras. In areas where glacial forces long ago carved divots out of the
landscape that now hold runoff from winter snows. I’ve found a few chains of
these glacial lakes that I wanted to check out and when some unexpected time
off presented itself last year I jumped at the chance for a few days away from
the Valley, email, cellphones and noise.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The ultimate destination was Culbertson Lake which sits at
about 6500’ in the Sierras. It’s about 8mi north of I-80 as the crow flies, but
closer to 20 by road….the last 5+ unpaved. The lake is accessible without a
4x4. I made it in/out in my little diesel Jetta Wagon, but I’d definitely
recommend something with more ground clearance. I managed to buggar a sensor on
my exhaust system clanging over the rocks. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Culbertson is accessed only one of two ways. You can hike in
about 7mi by dirt road, or there is a longer singletrack trail route that is
roughly ½-again that distance or you can, as I did, portage and paddle your way
through the chain of lakes downslope of Culbertson. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I parked my car for the weekend at Lower Lindsey Lake. There
is an “Iron Ranger” there to pay for a campsite at Lower Lindsey but no
indication as to whether you need to pay if you are merely parking there to
access the back country. I decided to play it safe and pay for two nights. Once
parked & paid, I unloaded the canoe and set off up the trail to Middle
Lindsey Lake. This portage is on a fire road. It’s a bit rocky in places and
loose in others so use care when carrying your canoe. The hike isn’t
particularly long but it does begin at ~6200’ and the day I did it, temperatures
were in the mid-90’s. I made two trips. The first with the canoe (50lbs) and
then I returned to the car for my pack (80lbs) and tackle box. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3320_zpssghssxil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3320_zpssghssxil.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once I arrived at Middle Lindsey Lake I loaded the canoe and
made a slow trip around the lake while looking for the spot where I’d pull out
for the next leg. This is a pretty small little lake and it sits at ~6400’. At
some point in the past PG&E built a small dam at the West end which roughly
doubled the surface area of the lake to roughly 1,700’x1,000’ but only
increased its depth by maybe 8’. It’s very shallow and very warm and as such
lacks the oxygen level to support trout. I did see some small bullhead in the shallows
though. While paddling around Middle Lindsey I also spotted a sizeable female Black
Bear and her cub on the Southern bank. More on that later…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’d researched this trip a bit and found a description of
the route that made finding the portage landings easier. It seems that it has
been quite some time since anyone has made this trip though and the growth
around the landings was difficult to find if you don’t know which major
landmarks to look for.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3324_zpssjn1rtd3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3324_zpssjn1rtd3.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next leg of the portage, from Middle Lindsey to Upper
Lindsey is rather short but you climb, descend, then climb again through some
pretty rough and steep terrain. Upper Lindsey sits at 6500’, just 100’ higher
than the middle lake but the up-down-up portage means your carrying canoe &
pack 2-3x that figure. This portage wasn’t very clear and it took me a bit of
time to find the route. Again, two trips, but this time I took the pack first
as it’s far easier to scout out a route if your head isn’t inside a 16’ canoe. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3334_zpsejyc4mu4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3334_zpsejyc4mu4.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bank where I spotted the female Black Bear and her cub</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3335_zps2boom3nz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3335_zps2boom3nz.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3337_zpsnfyisfou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3337_zpsnfyisfou.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3338_zps3ebu2ajk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3338_zps3ebu2ajk.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Upper Lindsey is a quite small glacial tarn. It’s only about
500’x300’ but there are some great looking spots to camp around it’s banks. It’s
a brief paddle across to the last portage up and over the ridge to Culbertson
Lake. This landing was very difficult to find due to the brush growth along the
bank. Eventually I found a gap that I was able to ram the canoe into and part
the brush enough to me to pull the canoe out. I spent a bit of time with my
knife cutting back the brush a bit, but by now that work is probably erased. If
I do this trip again I’ll definitely bring a pair of pruning shears and clear
out a proper landing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3348_zpstejvljyq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3348_zpstejvljyq.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "beach" I carved out of the brush on Upper Lindsey Lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once I wrangled myself, my gear and the canoe through the
brush and onto the bank I set off over the ridge to Culbertson. This is the
shortest of the three portages but by no means easy. A number of large downed
trees cross the trail which makes carrying the canoe by yourself interesting to
say the least. The climb up onto the ridge isn’t particularly steep, but the
route does wind in/out of a few tight trees. Once the ridgeline is gained it’s
a short, but quite steep descent down to the bank of Culbertson lake at ~6500’.
I strongly recommend carrying your pack first to scout out a good route through
the trees and down to the bank and keep in mind, the steep descent down to the
lake on the way in is a steep climb on your way out.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3349_zps90wm0q5t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3349_zps90wm0q5t.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beginning of the portage to Culbertson, once you get in the woods ahead it gets tough</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3351_zpseg6kiarj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3351_zpseg6kiarj.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3353_zpsocyvkhp8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3353_zpsocyvkhp8.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I loaded the canoe again for the last time that day and set
off for the peninsula that juts out into the middle of the lake. My thinking
being that the extra exposure to the wind might reduce the mosquitoes. And it
did…until the wind died. All told it took me roughly 5hrs to paddle/portage my
way into Culbertson. It was hot & hard work, but as you’ll see in the
photos below, it was well worth it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3371_zpsnbtihyos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3371_zpsnbtihyos.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I set up my camp on the peninsula, had a bite to eat and
then hopped back in the canoe to explore the lake a bit while doing some
fishing. Tradition on my solo canoe trips dictates that there is an inverse
relationship between the researched quality of the fishing in a given lake and
my ability to take advantage of it. That tradition held out on this trip as
well. It is said that Culbertson is home to a healthy population of Brown and
Rainbow Trout. While I did catch one of each on my trip my performance as an
angler by no means lived up to the reports….as usual. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3356_zpsjsvdw1ns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3356_zpsjsvdw1ns.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3357_zpshzidlltt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3357_zpshzidlltt.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3370_zps4adaxo0f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3370_zps4adaxo0f.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3375_zpswyag6zz7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3375_zpswyag6zz7.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3377_zpsqx9bsg9l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3377_zpsqx9bsg9l.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3381_zpsuvbjip8m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3381_zpsuvbjip8m.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the sun began to set I made my way back to my camp,
prepared my dinner ( Backpackers Pantry<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Jerk Chicken & Rice…my favorite!), put my food bag up a tree and
found a suitable log on which to sit and watch the stars come out to play.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ll do a post in the future on the proper way to hang a
food bag because as it turned out, hanging my food bag was a good idea. For the
second time in my last three solo trips I had a bear visit to my camp in the
middle of the night. I don’t know if it was the same female and cub I’d seen
earlier in the day but a pair walked within 10’ of my tent in the night and
spent a good bit of time under my suspended food bag trying to get at it. I
never heard them though and they didn’t mess with me in the tent at all. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next morning was gorgeous. I had a little breakfast and
hopped in the canoe for some more fishing…..or more accurately, beating the
surface of a lake into a froth, drowning worms and otherwise not catching fish.
Oh well, as they say, the worst day of fishing is better than the best day of
working right?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By 11am the wind kicked up and I headed back to camp. Walking
into my camp I was met by good sized Mule Deer buck (4x5) that had been feeding
near my tent. Unfortunately, my camera was in my tent not my pocket. Hopefully
I’ll see him or one of his cousins sometime around the end of October. I then had
some lunch and found a nice spot in the shade to spend the afternoon reading. I’m
not sure how long I’d been asleep in the shade with my book in my lap when I
was startled awake by the sound of an American Bald Eagle and an Osprey engaged
in a heated debate over the fishing rights to the part of the lake in front of
my camp. Apparently the Eagle came out on top as a pair returned later that
afternoon and each made off with a small Rainbow Trout…..while mocking me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3406_zpsyoitcbsw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3406_zpsyoitcbsw.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3413_zpss64svyj1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3413_zpss64svyj1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3391_zpsgxxo5dpi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3391_zpsgxxo5dpi.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3400_zpse8rgtspm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3400_zpse8rgtspm.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3420_zpsuv6ukmib.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/DSCN3420_zpsuv6ukmib.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I took a quick swim in the lake before sunset and settled
down on my favorite log for dinner ( Mountain House Lasagna ). Due to the
drought in CA fire danger in the Sierras was exceptionally high. I figured that
discretion was the better part of valor and decided against a campfire on this
trip. The bonus was that without the firelight, the stars were even brighter. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The view went spectacularly well with the
flask of Manhattans that I’d brought along. So slightly buzzed…ok, drunk, and
with the sound of nothing ringing in my ears I crawled back in the tent for the
last night.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the morning I packed up and reversed the
paddle-portage-paddle routine. The return trip was a fair bit quicker as I didn’t
have to spend any time finding my way and it was blessedly mostly downhill. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/portage_zps9joqqnmg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Culbertson/portage_zps9joqqnmg.jpg" height="344" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have a few other multi-lake trips identified that I’d like
to try this summer but with the minimal snowpack this year the lake levels may
be too low. </div>
Truehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230038396571759241noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438271575855307173.post-118481531817212542015-02-28T13:45:00.002-08:002015-07-07T15:17:25.295-07:00The Future Of Mountain View: Art, Science, Technology & Big Thinking vs NIMBY's & City Government<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yesterday Google & LinkedIn and a host of other Mountain View companies launched a shared initiative for the growth and development of the North Bayshore area and it's surrounds.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z3v4rIG8kQA" width="560"></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://social.newsinc.com/media/json/69017/25967769/singleVideoOG.html?videoId=25967769&type=VideoPlayer/16x9&widgetId=2&trackingGroup=69017">KTVU Report on Linkedin plan here</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
I grew up in this valley and have lived all over the country
before moving back in 2000. One of the great failings of this area is our utter
lack of creative, innovative or even generally good looking architecture. SF
has the Transamerica Pyramid, Coit Tower and little else. The South Bay's most architecturally
interesting structures are Hangar 1 (built in 1933) and a pedestrian footbridge
over 280 near Wolf Rd.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cyclelicio.us/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/mary-ave-5-500x332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cyclelicio.us/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/mary-ave-5-500x332.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Apple is soon to change this landscape a bit, though I fear
from the outside, at ground level, it'll look something like a rounded off version of The
Pentagon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://9to5mac.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/apple-campus-2_rendering-submittal_page_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://9to5mac.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/apple-campus-2_rendering-submittal_page_2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Mountain View has this, and only this, opportunity to be the
home to something lasting, innovative, creative and beautiful. To create not
just for the area, but for the world, a touchstone for the confluence of art,
science, sustainability, and utility and all while creating a place where
Mountain View residents can recreate and live as well. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Combining sustainable and beautiful commercial structures
that offer public spaces with housing and infrastructure in the North Bayshore
area MUST happen. The undeniable answer to Mountain View's soaring real estate
prices is to increase inventory. The best place to put that inventory is close
to where it's residents will work, not along El Camino further clogging that
already overloaded artery (and don't get me started on that insane VTA BRT boondoggle).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Google & Linkedin and other N. Bayshore companies have
already done great things in terms of mitigating the traffic impact of their
employees. Each of those buses <i>(that so many non-thinking people like to
complain about)</i> takes 60-65 cars off the road and saves untold gallons of fuel
& emissions. All privately funded and all to the benefit of you & I.<br />
<br />
By putting a percentage of
those companies’ workforces within walking distance of their office space they
will further alleviate the traffic impact on the S. Bay and reduce the need for
vast expanses of paved parking areas around the commercial buildings. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The list of who is able to do something like this can be
tallied on one hand. If Mountain View blows this opportunity, there will not be
another and we'll be left, both literally and figuratively with a bunch of old,
inefficient, 80's era commercial buildings....and nobody to occupy them. Those
companies ARE going to continue to grow.<br />
<br />
The question for our City Council is
where?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Mountain View City council needs to stop being the
crotchety anti-growth "get off my lawn" body that it has been for
years and embrace these projects. Embrace job growth. Embrace real-estate
inventory growth. Embrace innovation.
Embrace creativity. Embrace sustainability. Embrace art & beauty in
architecture.<br />
<br />
In doing so they have the opportunity to be a part of the solution rather than the obstacle they have heretofore been </div>
Truehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230038396571759241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438271575855307173.post-47944633564517757942014-06-02T11:43:00.000-07:002015-07-07T15:17:34.733-07:00Last Fall's Harvest, This Spring's Sunday Dinner.....<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";}
</style>
<![endif]-->I harvested a very nice deer last fall in the Sierra and have been
enjoying various ways of preparing the amazing flesh from that beautiful
animal. I've avoided though the smoker. I'd never smoked wild game and
was worried that I'd ruin it and it'd come out dry and tough. Most of
the recipe's I'd found either called for wrapping the meat in an armor
plate of bacon or in some way braising it in the smoker. I wanted this
stuff to still taste like venison, not bacon.<br />
<br />
Decided to give it a whack this weekend though with a roast that had a
fairly good bit of thin silverskin running all through it. I didn't
label it when I butchered the deer so I don't recall if it came from the
shoulder or hind 1/4. I figured if I kept it low/slow long enough I
could get that stuff to break down and contribute some moisture. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
Started by putting together a simple brine with a handful of allspice
and pepper corns and a bit of sage that I allowed to steep in the brine
as it cooled. Plopped the roast into the brine and let it do it's thing
overnight.<br />
<br />
At about noon the next morning I fired up the Lang for the first time
this year. Used coastal oak to bring it up to temp and get a good coal
bed going but did the smoke using all apple wood. While the cooker was
coming up to temp I took the roast out of the brine, rinsed and dried
it, then trussed it up. I then applied a simple rub that I use for
brisket (dalmatian with a few extra bits) and by 1pm the smoker,
stabilized at around 225, and the venison were ready to meet. <br />
<br />
I wanted to be very careful with internal temperature so I used a couple
of digital probes inserted at near the end and dead center. <br />
<br />
Like a knucklehead, I decided to experiment with this when we were
having people over for dinner so I had that pressure going for me as
well.....and I doubled down on it by deciding to make two sides that I'd
never made before either, braised red cabbage and Käsespätzle. At least
I had something to concentrate on and worry about while the smoker was
running so I wasn't opening the cooker to peek every 10min. Either way, I
was worried and had the local Neapolitan pizza joint on speed dial
ready to go just in case.<br />
<br />
I pulled the roast out of the smoker when the internal temp hit 155. Let
it set on the counter for about 20min to halt the cooking, then foiled
it and popped it in a cooler for about 1-2hrs to rest while I finished
the sides. <br />
<br />
Well, as it turned out I did not contribute to the coffers of the Italian gentlemen downtown. It turned out great.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/garden/DBDB65B9-6034-43A3-A7DF-7F0573BE92B7_zpsxsowamab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/garden/DBDB65B9-6034-43A3-A7DF-7F0573BE92B7_zpsxsowamab.jpg" height="640" width="480" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Loved the way the apple wood and sage played with the flavor of the game
and the texture was fantastic as well. It wound up quite tender and
moist as well. I served it with the red cabbage (which kinda lost it's
color before it was tender...not sure why) and the Käsespätzle and a
drizzle of a black truffle / red wine reduction that I whipped up (just
in case it was dry) while I was resting the meat.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/garden/FFF8E9C5-8271-42F3-984B-B6EC1A7A2E04_zpsnwtuhhru.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/garden/FFF8E9C5-8271-42F3-984B-B6EC1A7A2E04_zpsnwtuhhru.jpg" height="480" width="640" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All in all, quite the success and a great Sunday dinner in the back yard with good wine, and good friends.</div>
Truehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230038396571759241noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438271575855307173.post-23113037025701656482014-04-29T15:26:00.001-07:002014-06-11T15:26:05.945-07:00Sure, the car is quick but I think we need more downforce....<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cT1eopwvADUbgfYg6jrFaPgX0RghnvtD5sv_gKFfMXTm0q8CANLFGUdAsQuPNMef8TZWIhOjuLzBVRK4PsV4aW5MU2I2j_oMKI_4SJ8L8aR8EmbDli5s9Gsw1iysmhMDxghUBxWGMF0W/s640/blogger-image--1332834503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cT1eopwvADUbgfYg6jrFaPgX0RghnvtD5sv_gKFfMXTm0q8CANLFGUdAsQuPNMef8TZWIhOjuLzBVRK4PsV4aW5MU2I2j_oMKI_4SJ8L8aR8EmbDli5s9Gsw1iysmhMDxghUBxWGMF0W/s640/blogger-image--1332834503.jpg" /></a></div>
Truehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230038396571759241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438271575855307173.post-56104967659455420532014-03-13T15:21:00.004-07:002015-07-07T15:17:47.956-07:00To Hell And Back...For A $2 Part<h2>
Prototype Development Group and the 2013 edition of the 25hrs of Thunderhill.</h2>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Every good story has a distinct beginning, middle and end.
The story of Prototype Development Group and their 2013 campaign is no
different.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The beginning….</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">After a good, but not great showing at the 2012 Edition of
the 25hrs of Thunderhill, team PDG owners Yvonne & Richard Migliori committed
to a full racing schedule for 2013. Operating on the theory that iron sharpens
iron, the focus was on competition and lots of it to gain more experience for
the team and drivers and a deeper knowledge of the strengths and limitations of
the </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Factory Five Racing GTM</span></span> and of their competitors cars. To that end, Team PDG entered 5
endurance races in the ES class and 10 sprint races in Super Unlimited. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The results? In the endurance races team PDG
collected podium finishes in 100% of the races including a spectacular <b><a href="http://youtu.be/Apq2LYzFLMw">overall win at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah</a></b> and their 2nd NASA WERC series championship.
In sprint races team PDG collected
podium finishes in 90% of the races and again, won the series championship. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">An
utterly dominant collection of podium finishes in 14 out of 15 races entered
and 1<sup>st</sup> place in 10 out of 15.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr-2012/DSCN2732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr-2012/DSCN2732.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">While bringing home the hardware is great, the greater value
is in the knowledge gained. The best example of this is found in PDG’s
partnership with <b><a href="http://mendeolamotors.com/trans-proto/">Mendeola Transaxles</a></b>. The development of Mendeola’s road racing
transaxle accelerated through the race experience gained with PDG in the 2013
season. The result is a highly dependable system that not only works
spectacularly for Team PDG but will provide a great solution for other racers
as well. PDG and Mendeola have
another development project in the works that will make the car
faster, more reliable and provide a more attractive product to Mendeola’s
customers. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A key player in the success of the PDG GTM is <b><a href="http://www.myraceshop.com/index.html">MyRaceShop</a></b>. They have developed many of the components that have been instrumental in attaining the reliability demonstrated in the teams results. Custom stub axles, 1/2-shafts, quick change alignment shim kits, wings & other aero bits and exhaust are just some of the development projects that we've partnered on. Incidentally, many of those items are available to the broader GTM community as upgrades to the standard Factory Five kit.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The team partnership with <b><a href="http://www.bajadesigns.com/">Baja Designs</a></b> has netted gains as
well. The lighting solution adapted from technology developed in the off-road
racing environment provides a new margin of safety for the drivers through
improved visibility and the ability to modulate the amount of front lighting as
race conditions require. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">With the traditional racing season in the books the focus
then pivoted to taking the knowledge gained and applying it to improving the
car for the 25hrs of Thunderhill. Countless resources were employed by the team
in designing and implementing aerodynamic changes to the car to improve downforce.
A keen eye will spot them in the photos shown in this piece. A testing day in
October confirmed the efficacy of those changes with new drivers Paul Edwards
and Davy Jones. Further validation was found a few weeks later when driver
Steve Zadig cut the teams fastest ever lap at Thunderhill. The car was ready.</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">On the logistical side of things, team owners Yvonne &
Richard made significant changes as well. Adding talent and experience to the
pit crew, utilizing past experience to streamline tactical decision making and
putting in place people and processes to allow adequate rest for critical team
members so that everyone would be on top of their game throughout what is known
to be the toughest sports car race in North America, if not the world. Like the
car, the team was ready.</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The middle…..</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The team arrived in Willows, CA for the 2013 Edition of the
25hrs of Thunderhill with a squad of drivers (Davy Jones, Paul Edwards, Mike
Holland & Steve Zadig) possessing of a combined 93 years of road racing
experience and a supporting team with roughly 2x that figure. The car, well
sorted by virtue of the extensive summer racing program, a complete post season
teardown, replacement of all critical components and numerous aerodynamic
modifications all vetted by two test sessions was equally up to the task ahead.
The car ran exceptionally well in Friday practice equaling the previous best
Thunderhill time set by Steve Zadig despite heavy traffic during the practice
sessions. </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As an aside, many teams at the 25hr do themselves a
disservice on the Thursday & Friday prior to the race. It’s an
understandably tough balancing act especially for those teams with non-local
drivers who’ve paid for a seat. The drivers, justifiably, want to familiarize themselves
with the track and on some level want better seat-time value for their paid
ride. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The problem is that a race car has only so many laps in it before
something inevitably will break and every practice lap gets them closer to that
point. Add in the risk of accidental car/car contact and you have a recipe for
starting a very tough endurance race at a distinct disadvantage. Based on prior experience, Team PDG intentionally limited pre-race practice to little more than what was
required to heat cycle the tires, bed brakes and do final systems checks. </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr%202013/NA251505_zps9dd822d1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr%202013/NA251505_zps9dd822d1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This event is, after all, an endurance race and starting
grid position isn’t horribly critical except for a desire to be in front of,
rather than in the midst of, the first lap shenanigans caused by over-amped
drivers trying to win the twenty-fifth hour..... 45sec into the first. That
said, you still WANT to qualify well, if for no other reason than to show some
pace to your competitors.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Qualifying at the 25hr is a unique proposition. A late
afternoon practice session terminates just after local sunset and the 30min
qualifying session begins immediately thereafter. 57 teams attempt a qualifying
lap - In the dark - All at once. </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Pure mayhem. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We like Steve Zadig, but we made him qualify the car anyway.
Amongst our drivers he has the most night laps at Thunderhill and given his
pace at our last test session we felt good about our chances for an excellent
qualifying result. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr%202013/NA252009_zps89a0a2cb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr%202013/NA252009_zps89a0a2cb.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We were able to get a few laps in but the opening minutes of
the qualifying session were an absolute madhouse so we brought Steve into the
hot pit. The goal was to wait for things to settle down or to pounce on a large
gap in traffic and put down a flyer. When a gap presented itself we sent him
back out with one car to pass to gain more than enough open track to lay down
an excellent lap. That one car, an E-30 BMW on cold tires, provided an
alternative outcome. One in which the E-30 slid off line mid corner, colliding
with the left-front of the </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Factory Five Racing GTM</span></span> and bending the steering linkage. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Bummer.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">All turned out well enough though as our initial time put us
in the middle of our class. Team PDG’s lead engineer, Jim Haussler deftly repaired the steering linkage and within minutes we were ready to go
for the race the next morning. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr%202013/IMG_0066_zpsea8cb550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr%202013/IMG_0066_zpsea8cb550.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Due to the stellar preparation of the car, we had little to
do on Saturday morning before the race other than cleaning windows, checking
and re-checking tire pressures and getting a good breakfast into our bellies as
we watched a gorgeous, if a bit cold Northern California winter morning bloom
before us. In a few hours, our lead driver Davy Jones, the last American to score
an overall win at the 24hrs of LeMans would take the green flag.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When the green flag dropped, Davy got off to a great start handily
passing a number of cars and the first two laps were both quicker than our 2012
qualifying time.</span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr%202013/IMG_0268_zps30b00bcb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr%202013/IMG_0268_zps30b00bcb.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Endurance racing is a thing apart from other motorsports. It’s
not a test of who can build the fastest car. It’s not a test of who is the
fastest driver. What it is, is a test of fortitude, of commitment, of
accountability, of leadership and of how you perform, not when things are going
great, but when absolutely everything......<i>goes absolutely wrong.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Our test came in the form of a pop quiz when, just 3 laps
after the green flag dropped, this came over the radio from our spotter on the turn 9 tower:</span></span><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“</span></span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Davy, the car is on fire. It’s bad. Head for the turn 10 flag stand and
get out. Get out.</span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Get out NOW!” </span></span></b></i></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/479fBUXxT_M" width="640"></iframe>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The sense of urgency in the pit went full-scale. Every
crew-chief along the entire pit lane was immediately alerted to what was
happening. We could feel their eyes on us and see the unspoken words on their
faces. PDG crew members raced across the paddock to the back straight to assess
the situation. Necks craned to get a look to ensure Davy was out of the car. A
wife and young daughter stood horrified and helpless as we tried to tell them
he’d be fine.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr%202013/254966a8-cdb0-45e6-b6be-e9c23b4da173_zps7d38263e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr%202013/254966a8-cdb0-45e6-b6be-e9c23b4da173_zps7d38263e.jpg" height="400" width="297" /></a></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">He was. Davy got out of the car unscathed and came back to
the pit in the crash truck that was towing the charred hulk that once was a
very beautiful race car. </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“You’re doing WHAT?”</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A question that we’d hear repeated hundreds of times over
the next 23 hours…. After the crash truck dropped off the car, we rolled it
into the pit stall and wrestled off or cut away the still smoldering bodywork. Everything
from the driver’s seat aft was in one or more of the following conditions;
Melted, charred or coated in a caustic crust of dry chemical fire retardant and
AFFF. I noticed a growing column of light smoke coming from the cockpit and
peered in to find that the cover on the racing seat had re-ignited. I grabbed a
bucket of water and was dousing the flame when I heard Richard, standing at the
back of the car with Yvonne utter the most unlikely combination of words
possible at that time. So startled by what I heard I hit my head on the roll
cage.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span></i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“Ok, let’s fix it.”</span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The first order of business was of course, to determine the
cause of the fire. As it turned out, a union that connects the chassis fuel
system to the fuel distribution rail on the LS engine failed. It didn’t come loose;
it wasn’t improperly installed; both portions of the union remained securely
attached to their respective assemblies. It failed internally and fell apart.
In so doing, it doused the left side of the engine and exhaust in gasoline.
More on this in the post script.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">With the cause of the fire identified, work began in earnest
to repair the car. Richard hopped in a truck with crew-members Ray Ayala, Will
Inskip and Robert Walter to make a 270mi round trip to Stockton, CA to retrieve
a spare engine. Darryl Witbeck and his son began meticulously rebuilding wiring
harnesses for the chassis electrical system. Jim Haussler and Mike Holland
directed the process of removal of the old engine and transmission and
evaluating the extent of the damage to the systems and components in the engine
compartment. </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr%202013/25f66e28-3c00-40c5-a568-fb70fb84189d_zps9f920675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr%202013/25f66e28-3c00-40c5-a568-fb70fb84189d_zps9f920675.jpg" height="496" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">480hp lightly toasted</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Every electrical connection would be checked. Every individual
wire would be checked then replaced if critical or isolated out if not. Every
fuel, oil, coolant and hydraulic line would be removed, cleaned, pressure
checked and replaced if failed or damaged. All told, easily 1/3 of the lines
had to be rebuilt on site.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">GMG racing lent their engine hoist so we could remove the
engine and transmission assembly as a unit. Their crew members made numerous
visits to our pit through the night offering help, encouragement, and in a few
cases, coffee. Lynam racing offered numerous spares as well and was instrumental
in providing a few electrical components needed for the rebuild. Too many other
teams to list lent fittings, tools and most importantly encouragement as the
project drug on into the night.</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr%202013/IMG_6567_zpsf4ef952f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr%202013/IMG_6567_zpsf4ef952f.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A number of brackets and supports in the engine compartment
were compromised by the fire and had to be fabricated on site by Jim Haussler
or Richard. Darryl and I had to “paddock engineer” a means of flaring the lines
to replace two fire suppression system nozzles that were damaged by the fire
and had to be cut off. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Replacement of the drivers harnesses, burned after Davy got
out of the car, was a particular frustration. We purchased new set of harnesses
from the “Pro Shop” at Thunderhill, only to find out that they were expired when
the NASA scrutineer was checking over the car. I returned to the “Pro Shop” to
find that every single harness they had in stock was expired. None would be
legal to use in a race car. Thankfully, a crew member from one of the BMW teams
found us a spare set of legal Schroth harnesses in their trailer. We still
haven’t figured out who that was so if your team lent that harness, let us
know. We’d like to return it.</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr%202013/DD4_7030_zps2ff7f089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr%202013/DD4_7030_zps2ff7f089.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks for all the help Al!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Through all of this, Alan Blaine, a member of the NASA technical
inspection team made numerous trips to our pit to check on the reassembly and
lend advice and guidance. He essentially did an annual inspection of the car,
in real time, as it was being rebuilt. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jim Haussler and Mike Holland did a great job managing the
entire task. When Richard, Ray, Will and Robert returned with the new engine
and critical parts needed for the installation all was ready for the swap to
begin. Accessory drives, exhaust and electronics were installed and in short
order, the new engine was mated to the transaxle and it began going into the
car.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The car caught fire just a few minutes after 11am and just
15hrs later, the </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Factory Five Racing GTM</span></span> roared to life. At that point a meticulous process of
systems and safety checks began to ensure that the car wasn’t just running, but
was safe to run. A few electrical glitches were identified and repaired and one
of the two fuel cells had to be isolated. So damaged was the wiring to its
internal pumps that it couldn’t be repaired without complete removal of the
fuel cell assembly. This cut the fuel capacity of GTM in half, but at this
point, pit strategy wasn’t a concern. Finishing the race was the only thing
that mattered.</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr%202013/D6FE9818-E83B-4DED-B721-47243335884A_zpsbj5s3xh8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr%202013/D6FE9818-E83B-4DED-B721-47243335884A_zpsbj5s3xh8.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">A persistent problem with the LS engine MAF sensor was
identified that was causing the engine ECU to go to a default rich condition.
The only solution was replacement. We decided not to cannibalize the
part from someone’s street car in the event that something else went wrong and
damaged it. We’d have to wait until the nearest auto parts store opened on
Sunday morning to get the part. Yvonne was waiting at their doorstep when they
opened and dashed back to Thunderhill and we were back in business. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Mike Holland has more time in the </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Factory Five Racing GTM</span></span> than any other
driver and he is a team principal as well. As such he took on the task of
taking the car back on track. I insisted that we run a single lap and bring the
car into the pit for leak checks and that we repeat this process 4 times before
we’d allow the car to go out and re-enter the race. Once completed we began
cycling the four drivers through the car so they’d all at least get a chance to
drive in the 25hr, even if only for 30min or so. </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr%202013/NA258019_zps9bbb4b77.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr%202013/NA258019_zps9bbb4b77.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr%202013/NA257882_zps5beacc8f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr%202013/NA257882_zps5beacc8f.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">All told, Team PDG completed just 44 laps and finished 661 laps
behind the race winning Rotek Audi. But we finished and in so doing completed
one of the most impressive undertakings I’ve ever seen in racing. The effort
did not go un-noticed by the rest of the field and the race organizers. The
Rotek team held the field back and ensured that ours was the first car back
onto pit lane after the checkered flag flew and the race organizers presented
Yvonne and Richard with the newly minted “Spirit of Thunderhill” award for a
team effort that embodied the spirit of the 25hrs of Thunderhill.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr%202013/NA258181_zps282418ae.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr%202013/NA258181_zps282418ae.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The ending…</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The usual post 25hr process for team PDG is to bring the car
back to the shop in Stockton, wash it and then not touch it again for about two
months. So involved is the preparation for that race and so strenuous is the
race itself that Yvonne and Richard want to give themselves and the members of
the team ample time to rest, recover and reconnect with family before working
on the car for the next season. That would not be the case this year.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Immediately upon returning to Stockton the planning began to
completely rebuild the car. The paddock repairs, though effective, didn’t
address much of the damage caused by the fire. As such, everything aft of the driver’s
seat would need to be rebuilt or replaced prior to the car seeing the track
again. Jim Haussler and Richard, along with many other local crew members set
about completely stripping the car down. </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/GTM/F34A1CA3-BBF8-4280-B536-EFCE5FED7E23_zpsumuryj4j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/GTM/F34A1CA3-BBF8-4280-B536-EFCE5FED7E23_zpsumuryj4j.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The first task was halting and repairing the corrosion
caused by the caustic firefighting materials used on the car. A new firewall
would be fabricated and installed along with dozens of brackets and panels
followed by a repaint of the engine compartment. The right side fuel cell,
isolated out during the in-race repair due to electrical damage would be
removed from the car, repaired and replaced. The entire electrical system and
entire fuel and oil distribution system would be replaced. Extensive damage to
the composite body of the GTM would be repaired and repainted as well. Numerous
driver safety upgrades would be made along with a complete re-engineering of
the fire suppression system utilizing the advice of NASA tech inspector, Alan
Blaine. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/GTM/9D64D4B0-9AEE-4A93-AE80-30677FCB1758_zpspeimr0pp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/GTM/9D64D4B0-9AEE-4A93-AE80-30677FCB1758_zpspeimr0pp.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">All told it would take over 12 weeks of late evenings and
weekends to completely rebuild the car ahead of the first race of the 2014
campaign to take place in Mid-February.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In all honesty we looked at this race, a 2hr endurance event
at Sears Pt. as a shakedown. An opportunity to run the car,
ensure everything was correct after the extensive repairs and find out what if
anything still needed to be fixed. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Factory Five Racing GTM</span></span> still wore a few battle
scars from the fire but those were merely cosmetic. In addition, the car was
still running the team’s back-up engine. An old LS-1 that is significantly
lower on power than our normal racing engine. </span></span>We
sent Steve Zadig out to run a few laps to break everything in. We ran some
systems checks and made a few tweaks to the suspension and tire pressures
specific to the track and weather conditions. </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As Steve took the green flag I congratulated
Richard and Jim on the incredible work they’d done in rebuilding the car.
Despite a full season of utterly dominant racing, exhaustive preparation, and
planning for nearly every conceivable contingency, a driver and friend was
nearly killed and the car was destroyed and rebuilt twice. All because of a failed $2 part. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Emotions ran justifiably high the first time the </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Factory Five Racing GTM</span></span> passed us at full song.
All present recognized how close we’d been to genuine tragedy and the superhuman
efforts required in bringing the car to this moment. None of us imagined at
that point what would happen next. </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We knew we were down on power to our competitors that day
but the car was still quicker than expected. As the race began to unfold we sat
solidly in 3<sup>rd</sup> place but the two ahead of us were pulling away. The
race moved into its later stages and one of our competitors suffered an engine
failure then moments later another failed to manage fuel appropriately and
dropped out as well and when two hours elapsed we stood atop the leader board
in the ES class. </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr%202013/zadigwin_zpsd012a156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr%202013/zadigwin_zpsd012a156.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The 2014 season would begin just as 2013 did with the Factory Five Racing GTM
being reasonably quick, dead reliable and most importantly, atop the podium. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">…..post script.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As mentioned above the fire was caused by a failure of an aftermarket
union between the AN chassis fuel line and the GM fuel distribution manifold on
the engine. Again, the union didn’t come loose; it wasn’t improperly installed;
both portions of the union remained securely attached to their respective
assemblies. It failed internally and fell apart. A part that probably cost $2
to make (though it sells for 9x that) failed and nearly killed a man while his
wife and daughter were watching. In the
aftermath of this incident it has come to our attention that we are one among
no less than 8 known failures of this particular component. Unfortunately, due
to legal reasons I am not at liberty to disclose the manufacturer of this
component. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I will say the following; If you are running an LS
engine in any form of competitive environment or if you’ve swapped an LS engine
into an older car or hot-rod I cannot urge you strongly enough to avoid any
form of quick-disconnect union between the chassis fuel lines and the fuel
distribution manifold. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are two ways you can accomplish this task
shown below. You can either weld an AN fitting onto the OE distribution
manifold or you can utilize an aftermarket billet fuel rail with AN connections
between the two rails and to the chassis fuel system. Any other solution is, in
our opinion, unsafe and puts you and your vehicle at significant risk. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr%202013/FuelRailMod1_zpsaec72262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr%202013/FuelRailMod1_zpsaec72262.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr%202013/ead53dd9-d47f-4d9c-b774-dc356951564d_zpse064c3a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/25hr%202013/ead53dd9-d47f-4d9c-b774-dc356951564d_zpse064c3a2.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
For Media or Business Inquiries Contact:<br />
<h3>
Prototype Development Group</h3>
<a href="mailto:vonrace1@sbcglobal.net"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">vonrace1@sbcglobal.net</span></a><br />
<br />
<h3>
Mendeola Transaxles</h3>
<a href="http://mendeolamotors.com/trans-proto/">http://mendeolamotors.com/trans-proto/</a><br />
1695 Cactus Rd.<br />
San Diego, CA 92152<br />
<a href="tel:(619)710-8800" x-apple-data-detectors-result="3" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">(619)710-8800</a> <br />
<br />
<h3>
My Race Shop</h3>
701 B St Ste 1830<br />
San Diego CA, 92101
<br />
<a href="http://www.myraceshop.com/index.html">http://www.myraceshop.com/index.html</a><br />
<span style="color: #fefefe;"><a href="mailto:mholland@hollandgroupinc.com" name="mailto:mholland@hollandgroupinc.com" title="mholland@hollandgroupinc.com">tech@myraceshop.com</a></span><br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Baja Designs</h3>
<a href="http://www.bajadesigns.com/">http://www.bajadesigns.com/</a><br />
<a href="mailto:info@bajadesigns.com">info@bajadesigns.com</a><br />
<br />
Race photos courtesy of: <a href="http://www.headonphotos.net/">http://www.headonphotos.net/</a><br />
<br />Truehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230038396571759241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438271575855307173.post-37172752404998474412014-03-10T14:48:00.000-07:002014-03-10T14:54:56.735-07:00Green River VideoI finally got around to compiling my video from a 2010 trip to the Green River in Utah. Huge thanks to Troy of Maddy The Goose, Greg Yoder of Mr.Diversity and Kevin Callan for the inspiration. Thanks to Tex's Riverways for the shuttle and advice. Visit <a href="http://thedamntrueexperiment.blogspot.com/2010/12/blog-post.html">http://thedamntrueexperiment.blogspot.com/2010/12/blog-post.html</a> for a transcript of my trip journal and tons of photos.<br />
<br />
The video is rather long, but the scenery is spectacular....makes me want to do a return trip.<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/3JOdpqexaLA" width="640"></iframe>
Truehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230038396571759241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438271575855307173.post-45365022572496844782014-01-20T09:51:00.001-08:002015-07-07T15:20:27.748-07:00Richard Sherman and what that outburst says about you.....I've always been a Stanford fan, and a fan of Richard Sherman, despite the fact that he now plays for a rival of the 49ers. Richard Sherman is a phenomenal athlete and whether Michael Crabtree wants to say so or not, he <b>IS</b> the best defensive back in football and arguably, the most impactful defensive player this year. He is a well educated man (Stanford graduate in 2010 and currently working on a Masters Degree) and one can assume, given where he's from that he was raised exceptionally well to have achieved that.<br />
<br />
Last night Sherman, broke the internet after losing his mind in a post game interview with Erin Andrews thus exposing a fascinating dichotomy in what sort of behavior we view as acceptable. There seems to be little gray area in regard to opinion on this. Many, myself included, believe he acted inappropriately. Others still, seem to be making excuses for him based on the emotion of the moment. Two such pundits are David Flemming and Joe Posnanski, both of which I have tremendous respect for.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
Flemming is a Stanford graduate, former TV announcer for Stanford Football and Basketball and current member of the San Francisco Giants broadcast team...no slouch. His twitter stream last night can be distilled down to the following statement: <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i> Our entire country sits and watches these guys beat their brains in
gladiator fashion and then we get indignant when they scream and yell</i></b></blockquote>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Posnanski is an award winning sports journalist who I have enjoyed reading for years. One of my favorite works of his is <a href="http://cybermetric.blogspot.com/2010/03/is-pedro-feliz-good-rbi-man.html">this piece</a> explaining the myth of "The RBI Man". His <b><i><a href="http://joeposnanski.com/joeblogs/postgame/">opinion piece on the Sherman incident</a></i></b> too leans on the premise that the guy just spent a couple of hours in an intense, violent game and he should be excused for his impassioned outburst. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's curious that we view some athletes differently with respect to their relative level of professionalism in dealing with the media. A major topic of discussion in Bay Area sports this year was Colin Kaepernick's relative aloofness toward the local media. They deemed his indifference as unprofessional. Tim Lincecum is often very quiet and doesn't say much to the media either. He is viewed as "shy and quirky". Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are both highly regarded and exceptionally savvy faces of their respective teams who give the media enough detail to satisfy, yet not so much that they expose too much to their next opponent. Johnny Manziel, stands in stark contrast though one could argue a pass based on his youth. Robert Griffin III get's no such allowance, at least from the Washington Sports media, for the way he dealt with the media this year.</span><br />
<br />
So why the vociferous defense<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of Sherman and his absurd outburst last
night? While true, he did just finish playing a very intense game. Football is
violent. Football requires a level of intensity that few can comprehend. But it
remains…a game. There is more than adequate precedent for players involved in
similarly intense and heated games who behaved in a professional manner
immediately after. Barry Sanders and Walter Payton come to mind.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Richard Sherman is an exceptionally intelligent man. He is
an exceptionally well educated man. Right now there are young men in our
military far younger, with far less intellect and education who we expect
professionalism from. Those young men are engaged in ACTUAL combat with ACTUAL
bullets in contrast to the oft used combat metaphors assigned as descriptors of
football games. Yet those young men are expected to behave in a professional
manner before, during and after. We expect similar professionalism from Law
Enforcement or other public Safety officials despite the real and present risks
they face in their workdays. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We view harshly those in the Military and Law Enforcement
who don’t live up to those expectations yet Sherman, the grown man, the
professional athlete, the Stanford graduate is given a pass because he just
finished playing a game. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Playing a game.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t know who’s right and who’s wrong and in truth, that’s
not what matters in this little thought exercise. What does matter, I think is
that we take a look not at Sherman, but at ourselves and the deltas in acceptable
standards of behavior that we assign to different individuals and why.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Truehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230038396571759241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438271575855307173.post-44388193057898533152013-10-07T11:15:00.000-07:002014-01-20T17:50:30.571-08:00I Like Big Butts And I Cannot Lie.....Breasts too!We decided to have a bunch of friends over on Sunday to watch the 49ers play the Texans on Sunday Night Football. Kathy & I are always game for an opportunity to entertain but if I get the opportunity to make it less work for her by doing a big part of the cooking, so much the better. In keeping with that and my desire to further hone my ability to run my new smoker I jumped at the chance to make some pulled pork sandwiches for the assembled crowd.<br />
<br />
While I'm still working on trying to find the happy place with this cooker with respect to Low & Slow type cooking <i>(~225deg range)</i> I've quickly found the process for maintaining the cooker in the ~300-325deg range which is ideal for the<i> "Hot & Fast"</i> style of BBQ cookery which is gaining in popularity. Doing so allowed me to sleep in a bit on Sunday which I rarely shy away from and allowed me to get started at ~9am for a ~6hr cook instead of staying up all night for a ~13hr cook.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/FC1BEE01-2A47-4681-8FDF-940233E85971-9516-00000846F1C70A3B_zps69dd1664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/FC1BEE01-2A47-4681-8FDF-940233E85971-9516-00000846F1C70A3B_zps69dd1664.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
By 10am I had started the smoker, split a small pile of Apple wood and had a 9lb Boston Butt in the cooker chugging away. For the sake of clarity, a <i>"Boston Butt"</i> is NOT from the rear-end of the pig. The Butt comes from the upper part of the shoulder around the scapula. For comparison to your anatomy, think about the <i>infraspinatus, latissimus dorsi and trapezius</i> muscle groups surrounding your shoulder blade. That area is the <i>"butt"</i> of the pig. So why then is it called that? There are a number of possible answers but the most common is that in the past, less expensive cuts of meat were salted and stored in small barrels once commonly called a<i> "butt" (which also has a "bung"... go ahead and giggle)</i>. The cut now called a Boston Butt was cut to it's size and shape to accommodate fitment into the barrel. Since it was the same size and shape as the barrel.....strange, I know, but that's the best we have. <br />
<br />
This new cooker <i>(Lang 36" Patio model)</i> has been a joy to use thus far. Its easy to manage, at least at the Hot & Fast temp ranges, and it runs very efficiently. If you look at the photo above, you can see that the temp gauge is right at 300 degrees. Notice the smoke coming out of the stack? No? Me either. That's how cleanly the thing burns. And that's a good thing. Thick columns of white smoke are also thick columns of creosote which doesn't taste awesome. The elements in smoke that positively impact the flavor of smoked meats are still there, it's just that the nasty stuff that comes from an inefficient fire are not. You can still smell the pleasant aroma of the clean burning wood, but you get none of the sooty, creosote smells associated with incomplete combustion.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/D39F2BE0-D1DA-461E-B50B-8314DF5A79BA-9719-0000085D6CF8E001_zpsa756be1d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/D39F2BE0-D1DA-461E-B50B-8314DF5A79BA-9719-0000085D6CF8E001_zpsa756be1d.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apple wood smells AMAZING when it's burning.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After a couple of hours I popped the lid on the smoker to have a peek at the pig parts and give it a quick spritz with apple juice and apple cider vinegar. I don't like to open the cooker much but I wanted to grab a photo of the mid-point...and damn it smelled great already.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/CEB94F5D-5E45-47ED-AB33-15C09F34C5DD-9516-00000846F8B823FF_zps81daa65a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/CEB94F5D-5E45-47ED-AB33-15C09F34C5DD-9516-00000846F8B823FF_zps81daa65a.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
You'll notice the temp probe in the photo above. Here's where we get into the unique process for cooking a cut like this using <i>"Hot & Fast"</i> instead of <i>"Low & Slow"</i>. The initial goal here is to get some good flavor into the meat via the smoke, establish the formation of a nice bark through caramelization, get the meat to a food safe temperature <i>(over 140)</i> within the first 4hrs and to a <i>"cooked"</i> but not <i>"done"</i> point prior to the next step. Most call this point at about 160 degrees internal so that is what I'm shooting for. After ~4hrs I'd achieved the right appearance in terms of the bark and the butt was at ~160 internal throughout so on to the next step.......<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/98916CAD-3EC8-4B69-9484-F9EE242E7C77-9719-0000085F0168E88D_zps4bffa251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/98916CAD-3EC8-4B69-9484-F9EE242E7C77-9719-0000085F0168E88D_zps4bffa251.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
At this point I popped the butt into a foil pan containing about 1cup of unfiltered apple juice & ginger beer. I then tightly covered the pan with heavy duty foil and popped it back in the cooker still in that ~300deg range. Argue if you want that this is now braising and not BBQ. You're kinda right. But it's VERY difficult to cook this cut at these temperatures and times without turning it into a briquet. At low temps it's pretty easy, but at high temps you kinda have to go this route....... or resign yourself to a night without sleep and go <i>"low & slow"</i>. <br />
<br />
Once covered and back in the cooker, it'll stay there for ~2hrs or until it probes VERY tender throughout.<br />
<br />
While this was going on Kathy asked me to smoke some turkey breast. Here's a look before:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/50B6147E-AC83-43A6-B0FC-71E1CA01B44D-9719-0000085FB29671E1_zpsa4d5d73a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/50B6147E-AC83-43A6-B0FC-71E1CA01B44D-9719-0000085FB29671E1_zpsa4d5d73a.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
.....and after:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/085045AE-BC5C-4A1F-8A60-6C4EE73CC314-9719-000008675DE8A761_zps774f4edc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/085045AE-BC5C-4A1F-8A60-6C4EE73CC314-9719-000008675DE8A761_zps774f4edc.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I seasoned them with a bit of salt, pepper, garlic powder & Hungarian paprika then smoked them at ~300 until they were 160 internal. Should make for some tasty turkey sandwiches this week. <br />
<br />
So, back to the piggy-bits. After 2hrs, the butt was mostly tender but still a bit firm around the bone. So I popped it back in for another 30min and after that bit of extra time it was probe tender throughout.<br />
<br />
I should at this point describe <i>"probe tender"</i> for those who may wish to try this. The first step is to ignore that temp probe readout. When it's tender throughout, it's done. It may happen earlier than your <i>"time X pounds"</i> math suggests and it may happen later. Every cut of meat has different fat content, different muscle and connective tissue density and thus achieves tenderness at a different point.<br />
<br />
So how tender is <i>"probe tender"</i>? Allow a stick of butter to come up to room temperature on your kitchen counter - cool and soft not hot and runny. The amount of resistance offered by the butter to a butter knife is just about what you are looking for. Using a probe <i>(a kebab skewer, an awl, heck, even a meat thermometer as long as you promise to ignore the display)</i> of roughly 3/16" in diameter prod your meat <i>(giggle again)</i> in a few different places, near and away from the bone if there is one and if we are talking about a brisket, in both the flat and point. When you achieve <i>"probe tender"</i> in the densest or thickest portion it's done. Yeah, it's that simple.<br />
<br />
In the case of this particular pork butt, <i>"probe tender"</i> was achieved at ~205deg internal but it took that to break everything down and allow that shoulder bone to pop cleanly free of the meat. I was pleased with the process thus far. The bark was still pretty firm.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/15D7E296-D876-4535-B934-4954E93601A0-9719-00000871B2B4B4AF_zps9f49a832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/15D7E296-D876-4535-B934-4954E93601A0-9719-00000871B2B4B4AF_zps9f49a832.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
The next step is to uncover the foil pan and leave it on the counter for 10-15min to halt the cooking. Then I carefully removed the butt from the pan and wrapped it tightly in foil then popped it into a small beer cooler to rest for ~1.5hrs. I poured off the liquid from the foil pan into a separator which I put in the fridge.<br />
<br />
After 1.5hrs I pulled the reserved liquid from the fridge and removed the fat, then unwrapped the butt and put it back in the pan to pull. I reincorporated the reserved juices. The meat literally fell apart. Ive seen video of people pulling pork using <i>"bear paws"</i> or forks. This fell apart by means of tossing it with a pair of tongs as if it were a salad. Stupendously tender, juicy and absolutely delicious.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/03F20CB7-6F28-4E35-8E47-C2EC55BC2D9E-9719-0000087E83CA83CE_zpsd6330370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/03F20CB7-6F28-4E35-8E47-C2EC55BC2D9E-9719-0000087E83CA83CE_zpsd6330370.jpg" height="640" width="480" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The texture was great too. All the fat was fully rendered out and the bark remained firm with a few crunchy/chewy bits in there. Nice smoke ring too for the aesthetic element.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/506fc50e-212a-4fb3-8416-4b33bd86a3e7_zps10e54694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/506fc50e-212a-4fb3-8416-4b33bd86a3e7_zps10e54694.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We served the pulled pork sammiches on Onion Brioche rolls with a bit of sauce, slaw and dill pickle. Kathy made the slaw...it's awesome, as is her sour-cream/bacon potato salad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/13E9DFB4-733A-4394-BAB3-3A1EB83B5CBC-9719-0000087E68856145_zps057fe601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/13E9DFB4-733A-4394-BAB3-3A1EB83B5CBC-9719-0000087E68856145_zps057fe601.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/1FFB83A1-5582-47B6-AF2E-C571D9AC0A46-10193-0000088B6FEED5D4_zps93b793c4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/1FFB83A1-5582-47B6-AF2E-C571D9AC0A46-10193-0000088B6FEED5D4_zps93b793c4.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
So all told, the meat cooked for ~6.5hrs and rested for 1.5hrs and was every bit as good as any pulled pork I've made by the "Low & Slow" method and I got a full-nights sleep....and for desert, the 49ers beat the heck out of the Texans by a score of 34-3.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Truehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230038396571759241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438271575855307173.post-15583782819227634972013-10-01T10:42:00.000-07:002013-10-07T12:00:02.274-07:00A New Smoker & A Quick Weeknight Cook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/garden/DSCN2243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/garden/DSCN2243.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'd been working with an old, inexpensive offset smoker for years. With a number of modifications I'd figured out how to get it to produce some pretty good BBQ. But, by virtue of it's cheap materials and how it was constructed it was horribly inefficient, it had seriously broad temperature variations in the cooking chamber, and it was very difficult to maintain reasonably consistent temperatures. All of which should be expected of any of this sort of <i>"Cheap Offset Smoker"</i>. See <i><b><a href="http://amazingribs.com/BBQ_buyers_guide/smokers/charcoal_smokers.html">HERE</a></b></i> for an detailed explanation as to why. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So decided to bite the bullet and purchase a quality offset smoker designed to run purely on wood or a <i>"Stickburner"</i> as they are called by the broad BBQ community. The type of smoker I was looking for had to be made of 1/4" thick steel, have reasonably consistent internal temps or a means of controlling/adjusting them and meet my expectations for quality workmanship. I'd considered a <u><b><i><a href="http://amazingribs.com/BBQ_buyers_guide/smokers/pellet_smokers.html">pellet smoker</a> </i></b></u>but decided that I rather enjoy the process of tending to the fire. Also of concern was the number of potential failure points in a pellet smoker what with electronic controls, motors, electric igniters etc. I shopped around, asked a bunch of questions on various forums and decided to purchase a <b><i><a href="http://langbbqsmokers.com/lang36/lang36_original.html">36" Lang Patio Model .</a></i></b> It has just about the same total internal space as my previous smoker, but due to the consistent internal temps it has much more actual useable space. On the old cooker ~1/3 of the space was far too hot to use.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://smokerbuilder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/ReverseFlowHorizontalSmoker-Cooker_cropped.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://smokerbuilder.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/ReverseFlowHorizontalSmoker-Cooker_cropped.bmp" width="320" /></a></div>
Most cookers in this category use tuning plates to control the internal temperature. The Lang however is a reverse flow design that provides the same result without having to adjust tuning plates relative to the temperature you wish to cook at. I was able to speak directly with the owner of the company, Ben Lang, who answered all of my questions and even made some custom modifications to the smoker that I wanted. The lead time from order to delivery was about 4wks and while the shipping wasn't cheap, it worked out to less than $1 per pound. I couldn't ship a pound of CA Apricots to Georgia for less than that. Every person I dealt with at Lang was really pleasant to deal with and they provided a very nicely constructed smoker at a price I felt good about.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/3307EFA7-3F7C-413B-9AE5-7DF814C09930-985-0000011B5DCD5429_zpsc130302c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/3307EFA7-3F7C-413B-9AE5-7DF814C09930-985-0000011B5DCD5429_zpsc130302c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
So....how does it work? Well, I'm still learning the tricks of maintaining lower temperatures consistently, but I have done a few cooks using what some call <i>"Hot & Fast"</i> (~300deg) cooking rather than the more common <i>"Low & Slow"</i> (~225deg). The results thus far have been pretty great.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/36D51F91-29CA-49C8-9E14-9CC557ACB0D5-6497-00000589109B3990_zps449b8a88.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/36D51F91-29CA-49C8-9E14-9CC557ACB0D5-6497-00000589109B3990_zps449b8a88.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Above is a slab of St. Louis Cut pork ribs I cooked last night. The color is mostly a function of the rub that I use. My ribs come out a bit on the dark side because of it regardless of which temp/time I use. But this is home BBQ and not <i>"Competition BBQ"</i> so I feel no need to shoot for that weird glossy red/pink color that seems to dominate <i>"Competition BBQ"</i>. They were cooked just to the point that the bark fractures when the rack is subjected to bending.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/C84FD86F-342D-41E9-AF39-1D99AF336CCB-6497-000005891633721C_zps67349480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/C84FD86F-342D-41E9-AF39-1D99AF336CCB-6497-000005891633721C_zps67349480.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
As you can see in the photo below the smoke ring is rather subtle. I don't know if this is a function of the <i>"Hot & Fast"</i> process, or if it's because I used Apple wood for the cook. I'll have to do some investigation on that, but it didn't impact the flavor at all. The Apple provided a light-sweet smoke flavor that went very well with the Caribbean Jerk inspired rub that I use for pork. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/5A8C7F29-EBE6-4629-9E9F-47D21271E2D5-6497-0000058AABC3A7E9_zps5ff9e161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/5A8C7F29-EBE6-4629-9E9F-47D21271E2D5-6497-0000058AABC3A7E9_zps5ff9e161.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
What you can't see is how tender and juicy the ribs were. While most people think <i>"fallin off tha bone"</i> is the mark of good BBQ, it is actually more desirable to have the ribs cooked to the point where there remains a tiny bit of tooth to the meat such that when you take a bite you get only the bite and the rest of the meat doesn't slip off the bone, slap you in the chin and leave pork grease in your goatee. It's a tough mark to hit, especially if you are cooking a bunch of ribs at the same time as the level of <i>"doneness"</i> will vary from rack to rack. But when you hit it, it's awesome.<br />
<br />
I served the ribs with a quick Mac & Cheese that I whipped up and I'll drop the recipe in below.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Mac & Cheese</b></div>
<br />
<b>Hardware</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Saucepan</li>
<li>Pasta Boiling Pot</li>
<li>Baking Dish (10")</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Software</b><br />
<ul>
<li>5tbsp butter</li>
<li>4tbsp flour</li>
<li>4c Milk</li>
<li>1/2lb <span class="st">Cavatappi Pasta</span></li>
<li><span class="st">1.5c English Cheddar (grated)</span></li>
<li><span class="st">1.5c Gruyere (grated) </span></li>
<li><span class="st">2Tbsp of your favorite Hot Sauce (I like <b><i><a href="http://www.paloaltofirefighters.com/">Palo Alto Firefighters Pepper Sauce</a></i></b>)</span></li>
<li><span class="st">Salt & Pepper</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="st">In the saucepan, make a simple bechamel using the butter, flour & milk. Add the hot sauce and salt & pepper to taste and set aside the bechamel sauce. Boil the pasta and reserve ~1/2c of the pasta water before draining. Fold the bechamel and grated cheese into the pasta, add a bit of the pasta water if needed to keep things creamy & moist. Spray your baking dish with a bit of Pam or butter it then pour the pasta, sauce, cheese mix into the dish. As an option you can top the dish with more cheese or a buttered breadcrumb topping, I prefer it without either. Bake at 400deg until bubbly and the top begins to brown. </span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st"><i><br /></i></span>Truehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230038396571759241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438271575855307173.post-87586899823464729192013-09-09T10:03:00.000-07:002013-10-07T11:29:35.116-07:00Conspicuous Omission<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>On Wednesday September 4th in San Mateo, CA three men, Edwin Lee of Daly City, Brian Ma & Bunn Vo of San Jose forced their way into a home in a quiet residential area. They held the residents including a pregnant woman at gunpoint. At roughly 11:30pm a gunfight in the home erupted, the homeowner was shot but will survive his injuries. The "suspects" fled in an SUV and turned up at an East San Jose Hospital. Lee was injured in the shootout and is in custody along with Vo. Brian Ma was killed.</i></b></blockquote>
<br />
So what does this have to do with anything? Later this week CA Assembly Members Nancy Skinner of Berkeley and Rob Bonta of Alameda will hold a press conference in support of their asinine collection of Assembly Bills (AB-48, AB1131, AB180) which are 3 of 19 (down from ~50) such bills currently circulating Sacramento. They plan to speak and offer the podium as well to sympathetic members of Law Enforcement (read PD chiefs with political aspirations),<i> "Community Leaders"</i> and victims of <i>"Gun Crime"</i>. Conspicuously absent from their agenda are individuals who have lawfully used a firearm in self defense.<br />
<br />
Why? Well, we know why. Because their presence would confound the politicians agenda. Be it at the Federal, State or Local level, <i>"Gun Control"</i> advocates never, ever acknowledge those who lawfully defend their lives with a firearm nor allow their voice in the discussion. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
It shouldn't be difficult to find such a person as even the most conservative estimates indicate that there are as many as 800,000 instances of lawful self defense using a firearm in the US every year. By contrast, there are ~11k killed and ~326k injured by the criminal use of a firearm.<b> <i>So for every victim of criminal gun violence in America, there are ~2.3 people who've protected their life and property through the lawful use of a firearm EVERY YEAR. </i></b><br />
<br />
Everyone, no matter which side of the <i>"Gun Control"</i> argument they reside on shares the opinion that reducing crime and violence is a priority. Where we differ is in how that is achieved. The bills currently circulating in Sacramento will serve only to make it more difficult for a law abiding person to own a firearm and maintain proficiency in it's use. Three of the bills (SB47, SB347 & SB396) will make continued possession of currently legal, lawfully attained firearms or accessories illegal essentially turning hundreds of thousands of law abiding Californians into potential criminals overnight. Further, many of the bills will make it impossible for owners of legally attained firearms to pass on heirloom or historic firearms to successive generations.<br />
<br />
It should be noted that these bills do not focus solely on so called <i>"assault weapons"</i>. 13 of the 19 bills will have significant negative impact on hunters and target shooters with restrictions on things such as ammunition purchases, storage, transfer/purchase restriction. So if you are reading this thinking this doesn't impact you because <i>"I'm just a duck hunter", "I'm just a deer hunter"</i> or<i> "I'm just a target shooter"</i>. You are mistaken and your rights WILL be infringed upon. <br />
<br />
These bills will not stop criminals from purchasing guns because criminals don't purchase guns by lawful means. The following stats per the US DOJ:<br />
<ul>
<li>39.6% of criminals obtained a gun from a friend or family member - <b><i>illegal under most circumstances</i></b></li>
<li>39.2% of criminals obtained a gun on the street or from an illegal source - <i><b>illegal</b></i></li>
<li>0.7% of criminals purchased a gun at a gun show - <b><i>illegal in CA</i></b></li>
<li>1% of criminals purchased a gun at a flea market -<b><i> <b><i>illegal in CA</i></b></i></b></li>
<li>3.8% of criminals attained a gun from a pawn shop via straw purchase -<b><i><b><i> <b><i>illegal</i></b><i><b> </b></i></i></b></i></b></li>
<li>8.3% of criminals attained their guns from retail outlets via straw purchase -<b><i><b><i><i><b> <b><i>illegal</i></b></b></i></i></b></i></b></li>
</ul>
<b><i><b><i><i><b><b><i> </i></b> </b></i> </i></b> </i></b><br />
I urge you to contact your State Senator and Assembly member and let them know you oppose these bills and to contact the Governor to urge him to VETO any and all such bills that make it to his desk. The Firearms Policy Coalition, a collaborative effort of eleven different Second Amendment advocacy groups, has provided a quick, easy and free means of doing so here: <i><b> <a href="https://www.firearmspolicy.org/the-issues/california/2013-2014/">Send a letter to your Governor & Representatives </a></b></i><br />
<br />Truehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230038396571759241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438271575855307173.post-24305999118964467532013-08-12T14:24:00.001-07:002013-10-07T11:29:54.923-07:00Man Can Cook #24 - Boston Baked Peanuts Full disclosure, this dish is not my idea but the recipe below is of my own creation. A few years ago my wife and I visited New Orleans and ate at a joint called "Cochon". This dish was served as a side and I made a point of figuring out how to make it for myself. It's not exactly the same as Cochon's but it's different and delicious.<br />
<br />
<b>Hardware:</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Large Casserole Pan<br />
Mixing Bowl<br />
Whisk </blockquote>
<br />
<b>Software:</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
2lbs Boiled Peanuts (shelled & peeled) <br />
1/2lb Quality Bacon (cut into 1/4"x1/2" lardon)<br />
1 Medium Yellow Onion (julienne)<br />
1/2c Molasses<br />
1/3c Brown Sugar<br />
2tsp Kosher Salt<br />
1tsp Fresh Ground Pepper <br />
1/2tsp Dry Mustard<br />
1Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce<br />
5-6pats Butter <br />
Hot water<br />
Pinch of Crushed Red Pepper or a dash or two of your favorite hot sauce</blockquote>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
Fry the bacon until its a bit crisp. Reserve about 1/4 of the fat and place it and the bacon into your casserole dish along with the peanuts and onions. Combine other ingredients and add to casserole dish add enough hot water to just barely cover the peanuts. It should look a bit like this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/BFFB1B95-97AB-4953-856C-BEBA0772815E-1771-000001E4D006BE8E_zps6b1b093f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/BFFB1B95-97AB-4953-856C-BEBA0772815E-1771-000001E4D006BE8E_zps6b1b093f.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Foil the casserole dish and pop it in a 400deg oven for ~2hrs. Check it every so often giving it a stir and testing the peanuts for tenderness. When they are getting very close, remove the foil and allow the liquid to reduce. It should look about like this when done.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/CD60CB29-5359-411C-974B-DA138337410B-1771-000001ED2B834B98_zpsd0471125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/CD60CB29-5359-411C-974B-DA138337410B-1771-000001ED2B834B98_zpsd0471125.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Serve with other similarly southern themed dishes such as cornbread and BBQ.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Truehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230038396571759241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438271575855307173.post-68796626353275484492013-08-12T12:08:00.000-07:002014-06-10T14:44:50.697-07:00Great Moments In Gun Control Analogies <b>Statement:</b><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blog_post_349_width/2012/04/rachel_maddow_a_p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/blog_post_349_width/2012/04/rachel_maddow_a_p.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a></div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Well honestly, the odds of something bad happening are just so slim. You really don't need a firearm to protect yourself or your home.</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Response:</b><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.realityburst.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/confused1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.realityburst.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/confused1.jpg" height="131" width="200" /></a></div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Really? Then I guess you don't need a fire extinguisher in your kitchen.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d9/FireExtinguisherABC.jpg/220px-FireExtinguisherABC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d9/FireExtinguisherABC.jpg/220px-FireExtinguisherABC.jpg" height="200" width="102" /></a></div>
<br />
Every year in the United States ~20,000 people are killed or injured as a result of fire in the home. Every fire department I'm aware of advocates that people keep an extinguisher in their home.<br />
<br />
Every year in the United States ~790,000 people are killed or injured as a result of violent crime. When the odds of injury or death are so much greater why is there not a similar, if not greater effort to encourage people to protect themselves from violence as they do from fire? <br />
<br />Truehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230038396571759241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438271575855307173.post-44073576244018832072013-08-12T09:15:00.000-07:002013-10-07T11:30:12.205-07:00Man Can Cook #23 - The Italian BBQ FattyI recently stumbled over a forum dedicated to the art of BBQ called "<b><a href="http://www.bbq-brethren.com/forum/index.php">The BBQ Brethren</a></b>". It's a great community with a ton of individuals who are more than willing to share ideas and assist each other in creating the best BBQ they can. It was on that forum that I was introduced to the concept of "The BBQ Fatty". A BBQ Fatty is a roll of sausage, often stuffed with various other ingredients and sometimes even wrapped in bacon. The ultimate expression is the "<b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAHhmewemJ8">Bacon Explosion</a></b>" which is a woven mat of bacon surrounding a sausage loaf, stuffed with crumbled bacon and cheese.<br />
<br />
This weekend I took a crack at my own BBQ Fatty and using some of the awesome Italian Peppers from my garden and Marinara made from last years tomatoes created an Italian version of the dish.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
You'll need the following:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>1lb bulk Mild Italian Sausage</li>
<li>1/4lb bulk Hot Italian Sausage</li>
<li>1 8-10" Italian Pepper</li>
<li>1-2oz Shredded Parmesan</li>
<li>Mozzarella</li>
<li>3-4 Tbsp Marinara</li>
<li>8 slices Prosciutto</li>
<li>Granulated Garlic</li>
</ul>
Knead the mild & hot sausage together and press out flat.<br />
Dust Sausage with a bit of the Granulated garlic<br />
Spread 3-4 Tbsp of the marinara over 2/3 of the surface of the spread out Sausage<br />
Slice the top off of the Italian Pepper, remove seeds & stuff with spears of Mozzarella<br />
Place the pepper lengthwise on the sauced end of the sausage and roll toward the un-sauced end <br />
Shape the roll and close up any gaps.<br />
Dust again with granulated garlic and wrap in prosciutto<br />
<br />
It should look about like this when you've got it all assembled<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/5A832288-233E-4DCC-B2F9-2A5193438A1B-1771-000001E2E688F2AD_zpsff369da4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/5A832288-233E-4DCC-B2F9-2A5193438A1B-1771-000001E2E688F2AD_zpsff369da4.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Pop it in a ~300deg smoker until the internal temperature reaches 160deg. Put it on a plate tented with foil to rest for a while then carve into ~1/2" slices.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/10133C0E-990C-4F16-BE1F-27D9CB676587-1771-000001EBE02AAC68_zps162daf0a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/10133C0E-990C-4F16-BE1F-27D9CB676587-1771-000001EBE02AAC68_zps162daf0a.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/D196B3BB-74CF-44F4-8D49-CD722CA73581-1771-000001EBE6CC75B0_zps767ee038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/D196B3BB-74CF-44F4-8D49-CD722CA73581-1771-000001EBE6CC75B0_zps767ee038.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Truehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230038396571759241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438271575855307173.post-84628396706069150372013-07-26T11:40:00.000-07:002013-10-07T11:30:21.564-07:00Bullmastiff Rescue.....Closure...I cannot describe the joy I'm feeling right now. In December of 2011
Dawn Hamilton and a massive group of dedicated volunteers undertook the
daunting task of rescuing 27 Bullmastiffs from a horrible situation in
Las Vegas, Nevada. The dogs were owned by a person who fancied himself a
breeder but in reality was a bit of a hoarder and seriously neglected
the feeding, veterinary care and socialization of the dogs. Many of the
dogs had significant health issues due to the filth they were forced to
live in. In some cases the dogs were 2nd or 3rd generation that hadn't
received proper vaccinations. There were behavioral issues with many of
the dogs due to isolation or improper socialization. Tens of thousands
of dollars were raised by the American Bullmastiff Association to fund
their care and transportation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/BobMaryampBoy_zps23797e2f.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/BobMaryampBoy_zps23797e2f.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
As of this week, the last of the 27 dogs has found a new "forever home". <span style="color: black;">Rescue is so often stressful for those
who put in the work, the time and money, but these are the joyous
moments that make it all worthwhile. Jewlz adopted out the last of
the Nevada surrender dogs a couple months ago. Boy, since renamed Bo, was
with Jewlz over a year, but he is now in his forever home with Bob & Mary in Washington.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black;">Jewlz
has been a lifesaver for rescue many times over and when Ithe
organization was slammed with the NV dogs, she and others in OR and WA
stepped up
and took several of the first 15 dogs into foster, so we could make room
for the remaining dogs who still needed to be picked up. Seeing these
dogs get a second chance at a loving home and good life, is what its
all about and without volunteers and fosters opening their homes and
hearts to these dogs, it wouldn’t be successful. Many of the dogs were
rehomed in a matter of a few short weeks, others took longer.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
Not
all the news is bright however. Because many of the dogs had never left
the property and most had never been vaccinated many of them contracted
Parvo from their initial vaccination. A few didn't survive the ordeal
including two puppies, Violet & Clyde. </div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/COWBOY121711029_zpsea061216.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/COWBOY121711029_zpsea061216.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
Cowboy
who was deaf and had lived his 6 yrs in his own world, could not handle
the stress of all the changes he encountered from
boarding kennel to vets office, and so many strangers. He lost it at
the vet office and had to be put to sleep. He never had a chance at
normalcy like his deaf sister, but he was a sweet loving boy who will
always be in our heart. His ashes are with Dawn forever.</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/d76de654-4e72-4fbd-9b06-ce35eb46a028_zpse4daee9c.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/d76de654-4e72-4fbd-9b06-ce35eb46a028_zpse4daee9c.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Remy
had a home with a retired man for a while. She had her own special
birthday party with her own birthday crown and a cake. She was loved by
her owner and all his neighbors and friends. She was always one tough
bitch and though she was wonderful with people and kids, any chance she
got to go after other dogs, she took full advantage. Unfortunately, she
took three opportunities to go after other dogs and after spending
three stints in animal control for minimally biting people trying to
break up the fights, the county refused to give her back and she was put
down. </span> </div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/Repo_zps1c7f406d.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/Repo_zps1c7f406d.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
Repo
unfortunately never got a chance to have his own home. Repo was just
under two years of age when we got him had never been vaccinated.
When we got the dogs, they all had to be vaccinated. From living in
their bubble with no exposure to disease to build up immunities, their
immune system was compromised. Repo came down with parvo 7 days after
we got him, and died within 12 hours.</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/Roscoe_zpse9ee9b53.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/Roscoe_zpse9ee9b53.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Roscoe
went to a foster home in WA. He was very happy and very loved. He
was very good, until he wasn’t. Out of the clear blue he viciously
attacked the female he had been living with in harmony. After the
attack, he never seemed right, he was unstable and unsafe even for his
foster mom who had planned on adopting him. Roscoe was with someone who
loved him and who he loved when he said goodbye. </span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
These
weren't bad dogs. They were physically and psychologically damaged by
the pathetic bastard who previously owned them. They were never able to
live the life of a normal dog and their deaths are on his hands. Sleep
well you jackass.</div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/CeCeTahoeTrip-April1232-1_zps84c02aae.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/CeCeTahoeTrip-April1232-1_zps84c02aae.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black;">Cece lives with her humans and her new buddy,
Simon in Northern California. They are very active, frequently go to
work with mom and apparently hiking near Lake Tahoe.</span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/Crystalsnewfamily8_zps702e17fc.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/Crystalsnewfamily8_zps702e17fc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black;">Many dog rescuers believe that with a new life comes a new name. </span><span style="color: black;">Crystal, the big girl with skin disease, entropian and cysts on her feet is now named Ethel. After putting her on
thyroid meds, her feet healed and now she goes for walks with her
new family. She had bloody feet from sores and swelling when we got her
and was overweight. She now has a svelte figure and pretty feet that
no longer hurt.</span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/EbearakaCupcake_zps563a546d.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/EbearakaCupcake_zps563a546d.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black;">Ebear
is now named Cupcake and is now living with one of Dawn's co-workers
and her husband in the Phoenix area. He made such a hit with them, they
adopted Angel (Not a NV Dog) recently to give him a buddy. The two of
them play and
play, sleep, then play some more. </span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/GoodbyePrancer004_zps67f42b4d.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/GoodbyePrancer004_zps67f42b4d.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black;">Prancer
had huge black callouses from sleeping on concrete with no bed, and
some bad scars from scrapes with other dogs along with a very advance
entropian that nearly cost him an eye. He has moved to Oregon and now
lives with an active young couple is doing very well and apparently
doesn't mind cats.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/Prancernewhome_zpsd3e7a3f4.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/Prancernewhome_zpsd3e7a3f4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/b7158aaf-c9cc-4cee-a723-64341d160c07_zps447cf11c.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/b7158aaf-c9cc-4cee-a723-64341d160c07_zps447cf11c.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black;">Izzy
who was 8yrs old when rescued, had been bred multiple times but
surprisingly was in amongst the best physical condition of all the dogs
is now living a life of comfort and relaxation with a retired couple and
three other dogs in Surprise, AZ. </span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/54d290f4-a0ba-4fb0-976a-51f9de596ca2_zpscdbf16c0.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/54d290f4-a0ba-4fb0-976a-51f9de596ca2_zpscdbf16c0.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="color: black;">JJ is living with another retired couple also in Surprise AZ,
she hates mirrors and had to work with a trainer for several months but
is very happy in her new home.</span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/LexiandhernewfamilyKelliandGary_zps6e112302.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/LexiandhernewfamilyKelliandGary_zps6e112302.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Lexi </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">had
a torn ACL tendon. Due to her age it was decided that it not be repaired. With a
bit of care and rest it has healed enough to make her as comfortable
as possible. She </span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">has a new family in Oregon and is doing very well. </span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/Redmon2_zps9bae105c.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/Redmon2_zps9bae105c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Redmon before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Redmon
was a psychological mess. So afraid of his surroundings that he
literally wouldn't move. He had to be picked up and carried from place
to place. He was fostered for a while at a boarding Kennel in Fountain
Hills, AZ. A volunteer at the kennel fell for Redmon and took it upon
himself to work with him and help him get over his fear and distrust of
humans. </span></span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">He wanted to adopt Redmon but he'd just lost his job and the timing wasn't right. </span></span><span style="color: black;">The opportunity came for Redmon to go to WA to
Jewlz for some rehab and learning to trust people, he left AZ and took a
long drive to WA. While there, the wonderful volunteer in AZ stayed
in touch with Jewlz and eventually decided to go through with the
adoption. Redmon who had </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/RedmonakaPancake-01-2012_zpsade4f3b3.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/RedmonakaPancake-01-2012_zpsade4f3b3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Redmon now</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: black;">
gotten much braver flew in an airplane back to
AZ, and though he still has some issues, he is making great progress in
learning to be a regular dog in his new home, with his new doggie
friends. He still goes for lots of walks with his new owners and is
learning obedience.</span></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/guinness%20and%20lulu/39B82CF1-42B8-4B97-886A-FF564C9671FF-4468-0000054FCDBBE74C_zps99abdf12.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/guinness%20and%20lulu/39B82CF1-42B8-4B97-886A-FF564C9671FF-4468-0000054FCDBBE74C_zps99abdf12.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="color: black;">Snort
was one of the dogs who contracted Parvo from his first vaccination. He
survived that and my wife Kathy and I adopted him and brought him to
our home in Mountain View, CA and changed his name to Guinness. He had
never been on a leash, in a yard, in a house or ridden in a car. He was
terrified of passing through doors and of large spaces like a yard or
living room. The only time he seemed comfortable was when around other
dogs. The problem with that though was that though he had been raised
"near" other dogs, it was clear that he had never directly interacted
with them. Consequently he didn't understand the hierarchy of K9
communication and would occasionally lash out</span> at a dog for a
fairly minor dominance effort. The hardest thing for us to deal with
though was his distrust of humans, mostly men....gee, ya think? He
connected a bit with Kathy and would allow (grudgingly) our female
friends to pet him but he wanted nothing to do with me or any other male
and would leave the </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/guinness%20and%20lulu/F87D3571-F3ED-41A8-8411-371B57E76D6C-742-0000009BCBE09A61_zps6a32f10a.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/guinness%20and%20lulu/F87D3571-F3ED-41A8-8411-371B57E76D6C-742-0000009BCBE09A61_zps6a32f10a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
room
when I entered. Guinness has been with us for about 1.5yrs and has made
excellent progress especially in the last 6mos since we've added Lulu,
another rescue Bullmastiff to our home.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/RosieinCA_zps46839597.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/RosieinCA_zps46839597.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Rosie
and Sader were the two puppies that survived their bouts with Parvo.
Rosie lives in coastal Central CA with a gentleman and his two college
age kids where she is very happy and very spoiled.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/sader2_zpsc7639c90.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/sader2_zpsc7639c90.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Sader,
now named Hudson is living in Northern CA and was taught the ropes by
two other older Bullmastiffs who sadly recently passed. Hudson was given
a great surprise when he was given a new surrogate mother, Mooha who
the family recently adopted. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/Sweetie2_zpsf4355b01.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/Sweetie2_zpsf4355b01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
TT,
now named Sweetie found a forever home in Washington with a retired
couple, two other dog-buddies and a nice warm fireplace to curl up in
front of.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/Avaflirtcouch_zps265b87d8.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/Avaflirtcouch_zps265b87d8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Ava
found her forever home with a young family in Arizona. She is well
loved, deeply spoiled, has taken over the couch and apparently is a bit
of a ham when the camera comes out. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/850bb07b-5d35-4b8c-bf0e-0c6cd3db67cf_zpsb4e28e9b.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/850bb07b-5d35-4b8c-bf0e-0c6cd3db67cf_zpsb4e28e9b.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
Brindee
now lives with a retired couple in Sedona, AZ. She still has difficulty
with her eyesight, probably from living in a garage for years and not
being exposed to bright light. She is very much loved and happy in her
home but remains uncomfortable with strangers due to lack of
socialization. She hangs out in her bedroom when company is over.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/Tealasnewfamily3_zps63a05e57.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/Tealasnewfamily3_zps63a05e57.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Teala
spent some time fostered by Jewlz in Washington before being adopted by
a great family with two teenage kids. Renamed Dugan, she now also has a
new Bullmastiff brother named Huck. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/titan-graham-newhome_zpsa4db8119.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/NV%20Dogs/titan-graham-newhome_zpsa4db8119.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Titan
lives in a beautiful home in Los Altos, CA with a great family with two
young kids and a Bullmastiff Sister. He has become best buddies with
Graham and loves hiking with the family.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If
you are reading this, you clearly have in your heart a love for
animals, especially those who need a second chance at life. I urge you
to support your local Animal Shelter and the Rescue organization of your
favorite breed. If you have room in your life for a dog, please contact
one of these organizations first. There are great dogs out there that
simply need a new home in which to flourish.<br />
<br />
If you are
one of the new parents of the NV dogs please contact me through this
blog or through Dawn Hamilton. I'd love to post a more detailed update
on how each of the NV dogs are doing.<br />
<br />
Special thanks to
Dawn, Jewlz and all the volunteers and donors who helped save these
dogs. I know Guiness thanks you and I'm sure the rest do as well. Truehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230038396571759241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438271575855307173.post-62460316576929502092013-07-19T14:22:00.001-07:002013-07-26T11:40:54.020-07:00Gear Reviews – In search of EDC perfection……<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
EDC or <i>“Everyday Carry”</i> knives take a number of different
forms. For some it’s a tiny folder like your Grandpa’s old CASE, for others a
more utilitarian instrument such as a Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman Tool, and
for others still, more personal-defense oriented blades. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was taught from a very young age that <i>“if your pants are
on, there should be a knife in the pocket”</i>. Advice that served me well as a
young man when I had occasion to rescue a Gentleman who was fishing upstream of
me, lost his footing and fell into the river. His waders filled in an instant,
the current quickly pulled him under and he was not strong enough to overcome
the combined weight and pressure of the current. I was able to jump into the
river, grab hold of him with one hand and with the other cut the shoulder
straps on his waders and pull him out and to safety. Had I not had a knife on
my person the man may have died that day. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When flying in the Coast Guard I carried two. The first and
primary being a Leatherman tool and later a Gerber Multi-tool and also a <i>“Rescue
Blade”</i> strapped to my survival vest that included a seat harness cutter a glass
breaker point and a heavy chisel-point blade that could double as a pry-bar. Sadly, the
latter device was used two times too many.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The most common uses for EDC blades are by no means as
dramatic. Essentially it comes down to having a handy tool, on your person for innumerable
tasks one encounters in daily life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When one decides to begin to carry an EDC blade one quickly
realizes that a single knife is not appropriate for every situation. What you
carry on your person while working in the yard or fishing is not what you want
when wearing a suit. Hence, most people have a number of different knives that
they rotate through depending on what they are doing on any given day. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My current rotation is amongst the four knives shown below.
From Left-to-Right, Spyderco Walker Zytel, Kershaw Whirlwind, CRKT Endorser and
Kershaw Leek.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/knife/DSCN3046_zps2f6c0349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/knife/DSCN3046_zps2f6c0349.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/knife/DSCN3080_zps9d6cfc9d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/knife/DSCN3080_zps9d6cfc9d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/knife/DSCN3076_zpsc3f26930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/knife/DSCN3076_zpsc3f26930.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I’m in no way recommending one or another to you, rather the
point of this post is to illustrate how the features of each impact when and
where I carry them. Each of these knives, like any/all others have their share
of pluses and minuses. The intent here is to help you to evaluate a knife you
are looking at to determine if it can or should be in your rotation. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A major evaluation point for any knife is how, and where on your person you
carry it. I’m right handed but I carry my knife in my left front pocket. Always
have always will. Most knives are configured for right handed use and right
side carry. If you differ from that, take into account how the knives features
and use are impacted by that difference.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/knife/DSCN3083_zps79974a01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/knife/DSCN3083_zps79974a01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The Spyderco Walker was gifted to me by my Father in ~1996
or so and as far as I know, is out of production. I rotated it with a small CASE knife when off duty (when still in the
Coast Guard) and in daily carry as a civilian. It’s extremely light, the hollow-ground
blade holds an edge very well and its design affords the ability for very
precise tasks. But it has its drawbacks. The first is that when using the molded
pocket clip it carries tip-up. This is a matter of preference for folks, but
after catching the tip of the blade on my watch band and opening it inside my
pocket (cutting through the pocket lining of my jeans and putting the cold
steel blade uncomfortably close to my gentleman’s parts) my preference is now,
decidedly, for tip-down carry. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Additionally,
the location of the clip results in a rather high carry leaving much of the
knife frame exposed above the top of your pocket and placing the widest part of
the knife in the pocket opening. On some trousers it makes getting your hand
into the pocket, around the knife awkward, hence the episode with my watch
band. Consequently, I no longer carry this knife using the clip. When I carry
it, I do so inside my pocket, either loose or clipped to a change pocket inside
the pocket of dress trousers. It’s light enough and thin enough <i>(6.1” open, 3.6”
closed and 1.9oz!)</i> that you barely notice it and it leaves no telltale bulge on
the front of your trousers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/knife/DSCN3084_zpsc9a45cc7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/knife/DSCN3084_zpsc9a45cc7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The most utilitarian of the four blades is the Kershaw
Whirlwind designed by Ken Onion. I purchased it ~1yr ago and it sees use when I’m
working in the yard and on camping – hunting – fishing – canoe trips. The hollow-ground
blade is thick enough for heavier tasks, but wieldy enough for finer work as
well and of a rather tough stainless <i>(Sandvik 14C28N)</i> which lends itself to use
in the outdoors and in the elements. The material isn’t the easiest in terms of
getting a good edge, and given the heavier use it sees I do have to sharpen it
often which isn’t all that fun. The knife features Kershaw’s <i>“Speed-Safe”</i>
assisted opening system with a thumb stud <i>(no flipper)</i> for quick one handed
deployment. The liner lock on the knife is extremely robust and very positive. The
handle is made of<i> “polyamide” (nylon/plastic)</i> and is quite tough, reasonably
grippy and shaped such that one can apply substantial pressure for extended
periods without discomfort. The pocket clip <i>(single position)</i> allows it to
carry relatively deep in the pocket but the end of the clip does occasionally
snag on things. It’s the largest of the four knives at 7.75” open and 4.5”
closed but still weighs a mere 3.5oz.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/knife/DSCN3062_zpsabd3ec1d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/knife/DSCN3062_zpsabd3ec1d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The last two knives lean more toward the <i>“gentleman’s knife”</i>
category. They are less utilitarian and more elegant in terms of design. Where
the Whirlwind can be compared to a Timex, the next two are Citizens or Rolexes.
They both tell time, but the latter looks so much better doing so.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/knife/DSCN3085_zpse1d20b13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/knife/DSCN3085_zpse1d20b13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The first of these knives is the CRKT <i>(Colombia River Knife
and Tool)</i> Endorser. The knife uses CRKT’s unique <i>“Fire-Safe”</i> opening system.
The thumb stud doubles as a locking mechanism and must be depressed before
levering it away from the handle to open. It’s an interesting feature which at
first I found cumbersome but as I continue to use it I’m coming to appreciate
the additional safety and I’m no longer bothered by the extra step. The blade
is of a rather original and quite pretty shape and made of 8Cr14MoV high-carbon
steel. It came out of the box absolutely shaving sharp and has proven extremely
durable. I’ve had it for 6mos and it has yet to see a sharpening stone and is
still sharp enough to shave with. I do occasionally wipe the edge with some
light gun oil though to prevent corrosion, a maintenance task that should be
considered if you are looking at a blade of similar material. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The handle scales are a laminated <i>(amber/auburn/black/brown)</i>
G10 material with a subtle checkering. It’s enough texture to provide
exceptional grip without<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>feeling like
you are holding a wood rasp in your hand. The scales are well shaped and quite
comfortable. The frame of the knife has a bit of palm swell and subtle finger
grooves though the frame does protrude a bit beyond the scales. I thought at first
this would make the knife uncomfortable in the hand when applying pressure to
the knife but that hasn’t proven to be the case, YMMV on that but it works fine
for me and how I use it. This knife is a liner lock which engages very
positively and takes a quite deliberate articulation to disengage. The knife
isn’t A LOT smaller than the Whirlwind at 7.3” open, 4.2” closed and 3.2oz but
it feels much less bulky and more appropriate to a nicer state of dress. The
pocket clip <i>(tip down, single position)</i> allows for exceptionally deep carry and
because of that it allows easy access to other stuff in your pocket. The clip
is of a dark, matte finish which combined with the deep carry makes it all but disappear
when worn against gray or black trousers. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/knife/DSCN3086_zps36adf2fe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/knife/DSCN3086_zps36adf2fe.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The final knife in my rotation is the Kershaw Leek. This is
by far the prettiest and most elegantly designed <i>(Ken Onion again)</i> of the four.
Mine is a bit of a Frankenstein in that I bought two so I could have the
bead-blasted Stainless handle/frame with the S30V carbon steel blade that doesn’t
come on that handle/frame. Like the blade on the CRKT, this one too gets an occasional wipe with a bit of gun oil. The blade is a razor thin modified <i>“drop-point”</i>
design that I think is really gorgeous. It will take and hold an absolutely
frighteningly sharp, scalpel-like edge. By virtue of its very slender blade
this is not a knife for heavy work. I wouldn’t call it fragile by virtue of the
quality of steel but don’t think something this lithe is up to the same tasks
as the Whirlwind. Further, the handle/frame is equally svelte and quite smooth.
It doesn’t give a fantastic grip for any kind of substantial applied force, but for more
delicate tasks, the light weight and razor-like blade are spectacular. The
handle/frame <i>(no scales)</i> is a two piece flow-through design with an integrated
frame lock that engages well with ~80% overlap to the blade. Here the slender
frame exposes another issue. It’s difficult to hold the knife in one hand,
manipulate the frame lock and keep your other nubby digits out of the way of
the closing blade. Closing this thing is a two-handed affair. Opening it though
is not. The knife is designed with both a thumb stud and a flipper allowing one
to engage the Kershaw <i>“Speed-Safe”</i> assist by either means. I don’t particularly
care for the flipper function, but the thumb opening is quick and very
positive. The dimensions of the knife lend to its <i>“gentleman’s knife”</i>
categorization at 7” open, 4” closed and 3oz in weight combined with its lissome
frame. The pocket clip can be moved allowing either tip-up or tip-down carry. I
prefer the latter and the clip is situated such that it carries very deeply in
the pocket <i>(though less so than the CRKT)</i>. It does sit a little higher in
tip-up configuration by virtue of where the clip attaches on the other end. The
carry height allows easy access to the rest of your pocket and the clip itself
in bead-blasted stainless is nicely shaped and blends well against trousers in
light gray, khaki or with jeans.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/knife/DSCN3058_zpsb184528b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/knife/DSCN3058_zpsb184528b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
So the takeaway here is that I think <i>“perfection”</i> at least
in terms of EDC blades is nigh impossible to find. Each has things they do well
and situations in which they shine and each has it’s drawbacks too. If I
had to pick a favorite, it’d be the Leek but a lot of that is based on
aesthetics and if I’m honest, the Whirlwind <i>(also the least expensive)</i> see’s
the most use of the four. So at the end of it all, when looking for an EDC
blade, consider materials, comfort and maintenance along with how you’ll use
it, how you’ll carry it, and what you will be wearing while doing so. In all likelihood
you’ll wind up with more than one knife and possibly as many, or more than I
have. As far as purchasing goes, I'd recommend you have a look at Blade-HQ.com. I've had nothing but good service from them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Got a favorite EDC blade? Tell me about it
below. The comments section doesn’t allow photos, but you should be able to
include a link to a google image.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Spyderco Knives </h4>
<b><a href="http://www.spyderco.com/">http://www.spyderco.com/</a></b><br />
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
Kershaw Knives</h4>
<b><a href="http://kershaw.kaiusaltd.com/">http://kershaw.kaiusaltd.com/</a></b><br />
<br />
<h4>
CRKT - Colombia River Knife and Tool</h4>
<b><a href="http://www.crkt.com/">http://www.crkt.com/</a></b><br />
<br />
<h4>
Blade-HQ</h4>
<b><a href="http://www.bladehq.com/">http://www.bladehq.com/</a></b></div>
Truehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230038396571759241noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438271575855307173.post-818883440652218162013-07-12T11:32:00.001-07:002013-07-12T11:32:55.716-07:00Great Moments in Gun Control Analogies.......<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
Interesting how going 140mph in an M6 and shooting AR-15's are equally legal on a closed course yet M6's deal more death annually than do AR-15's each year in America, but M6's don't receive the same negative feedback that AR's do. <i>"Support background checks on M6 drivers!"</i> Wouldn't it be worth it if we could save just one child?<br />
</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mrcolionnoir.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/M6-Tsukuba-01-e1373641666685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://www.mrcolionnoir.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/M6-Tsukuba-01-e1373641666685.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
....credit to Colion Noir. Check out his blog <b><a href="http://www.mrcolionnoir.com/">http://www.mrcolionnoir.com/</a></b> and YouTube channel <b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/MrColionNoir?feature=watch">http://www.youtube.com/user/MrColionNoir?feature=watch</a></b> both are great. <br />
Truehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230038396571759241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438271575855307173.post-81072680520327932632013-07-09T14:07:00.000-07:002013-07-26T11:41:00.282-07:00Man Can Cook #22 - Cuban Porknography<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156">
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><img src="//img2.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" style="background-color: #b2b2b2; " class="BLOGGER-object-element tr_noresize tr_placeholder" id="ieooui" data-original-id="ieooui" />
<style>
st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) }
</style>
<![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-ansi-language:#0400;
mso-fareast-language:#0400;
mso-bidi-language:#0400;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you know me personally or are simply a reader of this
blog you should have come to the conclusion that I love pork in pretty much all
forms. Over half of the cooking related posts here either have a pork product
as an ingredient or are the primary focus of the dish. The pig is natures
miracle beast and I dig it - <i>Pulled Pork, Cured Hams, Charcuterie, Pork
Sausage, Pork Ribs, Roast Pork, Pork Chops, Pork Loin, Bacon, oh my!</i> - I love it
all. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My absolute favorite is Kalua Pig. The Hawaiian method of
cooking a whole pig in an Imu <i>(pit in the ground)</i> and over the years I’ve cooked
a dozen or so by this method and if I can dredge up any decent photos I may do
a post on that someday. But for this post, we’re talking about a different
method.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last weekend we cooked one of the dinners for an annual club
event. We considered an Imu for Kalua Pig, but the location didn’t suit it so I
decided to try something new and chose to cook the pig in a La Caja China. If you
are unfamiliar with the device it is a metal lined plywood box with a tray on
top that holds charcoal. The pigs <i>(or other meats)</i> are roasted inside the box
by means of radiated heat from the coals above. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/DSCN3001_zps6ef3deba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/DSCN3001_zps6ef3deba.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a highly counter intuitive cooking method in that the
overwhelming majority of the heat from the coals just rises away from the top
of the box however enough is radiated down through the steel tray to get the
job done. Apparently the Grandfather <i>(a Cuban immigrant)</i> of the gentleman that
owns the company saw a similar device being used by Chinese railroad workers in
Cuba
and further developed the method and productized it for sale here. American
Dream right?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So the process begins with the procurement of a whole hog. For
this size group I purchased an animal that was 100lbs on the hoof, which worked
out to be about 80lbs after slaughter and would yield roughly 40-50lbs of meat.
Plenty for a crowd of 70 wherein a few of the big fella’s will eat ~1lb, most
everyone will eat 1/2lb or less and we had about 10 vegetarians in the group
<i>(not sure who invited them)</i>. I purchased the pig from Joe Alves of Bar None
Ranch in Half Moon Bay, CA <b><i>(650)726-7977</i></b>. I’ve bought from him
before. The service is great and prices are beyond fair. When I arrived to pick
up the pig it had already been slaughtered and had been under refrigeration for
over 12hrs to ensure it was good and chilled before they handed it off to me
for transport. When I told them how I was cooking the pig they butterflied it
on the spot in seconds. A process that would have taken me…..well, far longer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The day before cooking the pig I injected it with a Cuban Mojo
sauce <i>(recipe below)</i> in multiple places in the hams, backstraps, loins and
between each rib. Then I rubbed the pig both inside and out with the solids
from the sauce mixed with salt & pepper and kept it on ice until the next
day. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the day of the cook I removed the pig from the ice and
left it out <i>(covered)</i> to bring the pig up to room temperature before commencing
the cook.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The <b><a href="http://www.lacajachina.com/">La Caja China website</a></b> has a number of videos and written
instructions on the process, and it ships with a set of written instructions
and just in case you are a complete dolt and either don’t recall or forgot to
bring the instructions, they are printed on the side of the box.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/DSCN2993_zps89e20cf2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/DSCN2993_zps89e20cf2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The process begins by locking the pig into the steel frame
that comes with the Caja China that supports the pig above the floor of the
box, prevents it from curling and allows for easy handling and flipping the pig
near the end of the cook. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/DSCN2994_zpsf19a6c80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/DSCN2994_zpsf19a6c80.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You then place the pig, in the frame inside the box
and as you can see from the photos, we had to remove the trotters in order to
get it to fit. Otherwise, the 100lb pig fit perfectly. It’s a good idea to make
sure the box is exactly where you want it before doing so, it’s a bit unwieldy to
move once loaded and impossible once the fire is lit. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/DSCN2995_zps6206b9c2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/DSCN2995_zps6206b9c2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once the pig is secure in the box you begin the cooking by
piling 18lbs of charcoal, split into two piles, on the charcoal tray, light it,
wait until the coals ash over and spread them evenly. Once this is done the
clock starts on your cook. There is no reason to open the box during this
portion of the cook. Doing so only allows heat to escape and will slow the
total cooking time. As you can see in the photos, I have a remote temperature transmitter
running into the box and into the center of the rear ham to monitor the temperature
of the meat. This turned out to be overkill, but when cooking for others I’m
always a little extra careful about making sure everything is completely cooked. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/95157405-3125-4cfc-92f5-4c1a4de05919_zps930435e4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/95157405-3125-4cfc-92f5-4c1a4de05919_zps930435e4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once the cooking had commenced, we added an additional 10lbs
of charcoal after an hour and again 10lbs after the third hour. At this point the
internal temp of the pig should be around the 180-190 degree range. If not,
cook another 30min or so or until that point is reached. If it’s cold out it
may take you a bit longer. It was over 90 degrees when we cooked so everything
happened on time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/858fce8e-ebe9-44ae-88e8-f7ebaa18ab4e_zpsbb25cfbd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/858fce8e-ebe9-44ae-88e8-f7ebaa18ab4e_zpsbb25cfbd.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The party had a pirate theme....hence my silly outfit. Arrrgh mateys!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/DSCN3011_zps044ec99c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/DSCN3011_zps044ec99c.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The box's handles come in handy for resting the charcoal tray.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now the first actual work of the cook begins. You have to
carefully remove the lid and charcoal tray and shake out the excess ash,
discard the ash. Notice the heavy welding gloves we are wearing. Get some. That
tray is crazy hot. Also notice that we are wearing shorts and sandals…..not
recommended. Nobody got burned but if we’d been drinking a little bit more………. The
inside of the cavity of the pig is, as you can see below quite roasted and
awesome looking.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/DSCN3010_zps03e11b8e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/DSCN3010_zps03e11b8e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/DSCN3014_zpsb59db353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/DSCN3014_zpsb59db353.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/DSCN3019_zpse221cfcb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/DSCN3019_zpse221cfcb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/107893a2-0bd0-4a44-829f-2d94dd32a5c1_zps836a60ff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/107893a2-0bd0-4a44-829f-2d94dd32a5c1_zps836a60ff.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once the pig is flipped, you’ll notice that the skin is
still pale and decidedly not awesome looking. Don’t worry, it will be. Using a
very sharp knife score the skin in an <i>“X”</i> or grid pattern between each gap in
the wire frame. This allows the fat to render out from beneath the skin
essentially deep frying the skin in the pigs own fat. Read that last sentence again
and if you aren’t hungry, you aren’t human…..</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/7c74c945-8089-4b67-988d-55f2ffe9bc7d_zpsc7e5ec7e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/7c74c945-8089-4b67-988d-55f2ffe9bc7d_zpsc7e5ec7e.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We then placed the lid and charcoal tray back on top of the
box and add another 8lbs of charcoal. The meat is cooked at this point and we
are simply crisping up the skin for the aesthetics and because crispy fried pig
skin is absolutely delicious! During this portion of the cook you’ll want to
lift the lid a bit every 10min or so to check the progress. You are looking for
a uniformly mahogany colored, crisp skin. If one end is done and the other isn’t
you can lift the lid, turn it 90 degrees and place it over the end that isn’t
quite there. We had to do this with the head end of the pig. As you can see
below, the head itself didn’t get quite dark enough, but the hams were done and
I didn’t want to overdo it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/DSCN3030_zpsb911d6ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/DSCN3030_zpsb911d6ad.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/9240997952_0b098ec2ed_o_zps4d5dc7a6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/9240997952_0b098ec2ed_o_zps4d5dc7a6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All that’s left to do now is to remove the pig from the box
<i>(again, heavy gloves)</i> and remove the top portion of the wire frame. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/7c58a8a8-9cf5-4200-8ac4-dc0a9f1bbdbc_zps5b821dca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/7c58a8a8-9cf5-4200-8ac4-dc0a9f1bbdbc_zps5b821dca.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/DSCN3034_zpsa40713e5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/DSCN3034_zpsa40713e5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Breaking
down the pig for serving is very simple. Using a sharp knife remove the hams,
rib sections, loins and backstraps and cut into ~8oz servings. I tried to have
meat with a bit of skin in every serving but kept a bit of the meat aside with
no skin for the people that might be creeped out by eating crispy pig skin. Take
note of who those people are and consider removing them from future invitation
lists.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We served the roast pig with a <i>“New Orleans Style”</i> Red Beans
& Rice and Kathy made an awesome slaw to go with it. Our friends Patty
& Mike contributed a citrus/ginger side sauce as well that a bunch of
people really liked too. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From the lighting of the first match to the time we began
serving was just under 6hrs which is bloody incredible. An Imu cook can take
12-24 hours and before that you have to dig the pit! The end result from the La
Caja China
was absolutely awesome! It was absurdly tender, rich, uniformly moist, not too fatty,
slightly sweet with a bit of the caramelized crisp skin and just a hint of
acidic tang from the mojo sauce. Honestly, it’s one of the best pork meals I’ve
ever had and though I still dearly love the process, ceremony and result of my
Kalua Pig this is MUUUUUCH easier and just as tasty but in a different way. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/DSCN3040_zps4b5db943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/Caja%20China/DSCN3040_zps4b5db943.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There wasn't much left except for a few scraps that I brought home for the dogs. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the
comments section.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<b>Cuban Mojo Sauce</b></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>1.5c</b> Freshly Squeezed Orange
Juice</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>1.5c</b> Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>1.5c</b> Freshly Squeezed Meyer Lemon Juice</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>1/2c</b> Olive Oil</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>1</b> Whole Onion (chopped as finely as possible, think food
processor + 1 ½” chunk)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>50</b> Cloves Garlic (chopped as finely as possible, think food
processor)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>4Tbsp</b> Dry Oregano</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>3tsp</b> Salt</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>3tsp</b> Pepper</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>3tsp</b> Ground Cumin</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Heat the oil, add garlic & onion and cook on a low flame
until that single ½” chunk of onion is softened, then remove it. Add juices and
spices and simmer for 30min. Put the sauce in a container and chill for at
least 24hrs before use.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you are ready to inject your pig strain the sauce and
keep the moist solids. If you don’t strain it the solids will clog the
injector. Once all the sauce is injected, mix another 3tsp ea of salt &
pepper with the solids and use that to rub the cavity and outside of the pig. </div>
Truehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230038396571759241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438271575855307173.post-55070544669368583402013-07-09T14:06:00.002-07:002013-07-19T14:23:32.629-07:00Man Can Cook #21 - Red Beans & Rice.....for 70Cooking a meal for 2-4 folks is one thing, doing it for a large crowd is quite another. Most recipes can be fairly easily multiplied up to the appropriate quantity. The problem, if you are feeding a large group often centers though on prep-time and cost.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.dfi.dk/Service/English/News-and-publications/News/%7E/media/Cinemateket/201005/23233.ashx?w=450&h=300&as=1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.dfi.dk/Service/English/News-and-publications/News/%7E/media/Cinemateket/201005/23233.ashx?w=450&h=300&as=1" width="320" /></a></div>
Large parties are large work and you'd rather spend a bit of time at least enjoying the party as opposed to being exiled to the kitchen like Steve McQueen in Papillon......you imagine yourself as Steve McQueen too don't you? Of course you do.<br />
<br />
The other factor is cost. When preparing a normal recipe for guests it's not a really big deal to spend a bit extra on top-shelf ingredients. Besides, you like to make things extra nice for guests. But when that recipe gets blown up 16x from original the costs can go up quickly.<br />
<br />
Last weekend I cooked dinner for 70 at a party for a club that both Kathy and I are members of. The entree was a roast whole hog, but as a side dish I prepared a "New Orleans Style" Red Beans & Rice. I found a recipe to use as a framework then tweaked it here and there to keep the cost reasonable and still deliver a great dish for our friends.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/9DD8382F-7BC5-452A-B9FB-93496A0750D9-331-0000011AA3C509B7_zpsd1f82435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/9DD8382F-7BC5-452A-B9FB-93496A0750D9-331-0000011AA3C509B7_zpsd1f82435.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Most Red Beans & Rice recipes call for Andouille Sausage and Tasso Ham. Both ingredients that on their own and in modest quantity aren't exorbitantly priced. But when you are talking about 8lbs of each....well. So instead I found some rather inexpensive smoked pork shoulder, cubed it and seasoned it with a cajun spice mix and used that to replace the Andouille both in terms of meat contribution and flavor. I cooked the dish outside at a campground using a combination of a turkey fryer burner to get things boiling and a large camp stove to simmer. You could do the same thing using your largest burner on your stove and a smaller one to simmer. <br />
<br />
The quantity here is intended for a side dish. If you are using this as an entree for a similar group you'll need to expand. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Hardware:</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>2ea</b> 10ga Stock Pot (the thicker the bottom is the better, it's easy to scorch the bottom and ruin the dish)<br />
Long stirring device<br />
Long BBQ Tongs</blockquote>
<br />
<b>Software: </b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>4lbs</b> Smoked Pork Shoulder (3/4" dice)<br />
<b>3</b> Smoked Pork Shanks (split) (These offer more meat and the same flavor as hocks, if you can't find them just use 4-5 hocks)<br />
<b>1lb</b> Bacon <br />
<b>8</b> Onions (Coarsely chopped) <br />
<b>4</b> Green Bell Peppers (Coarsely chopped) <br />
<b>4</b> Red Bell Peppers (Coarsely chopped)<br />
<b>8</b> Ribs Celery (Coarsely chopped)<br />
<b>1</b><b>6</b> Garlic Cloves (Diced)<br />
<b>8tsp</b> Thyme<br />
<b>3tsp</b> Salt<br />
<b>4tsp</b> Pepper<br />
<b>4</b> Bay Leaves<br />
<b>1 #10 Can</b> Tomatoes (Canned, drained, chopped)<br />
<b>3 #10 Cans</b> Red beans (Canned, drained)<br />
<b>90oz</b> Chicken Broth (Canned, low-salt)<br />
<b>12Tbsp</b> Red Wine Vinegar<br />
<b>8Tbsp</b> Hot Sauce (Crystal brand works best with NOLA style cooking)<br />
<b>4oz</b> Cajun Seasoning (Your own blend or just use Tony Cachere's or similar)<br />
<b>72oz</b> Box of Instant Rice </blockquote>
<br />
<b>Step 1:</b> The night before your cook break down the ham and place it in gallon sized ziplock bags with the cajun seasoning.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 2: </b> Take about 20% of your beans and puree them in a food processor or blender and set them aside for later.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 3: </b>Fry your bacon in your stock pot. Remove the bacon, retaining the fat in the pan. Chop the bacon and set it aside. Then add your ham to the pot and brown it. Keep and eye on the bottom of the pot. If it looks like the fond is beginning to burn, add a bit of your stock to keep things damp.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 4: </b>Add your chopped vegetables, Garlic, herbs and spices and cook until the Onions & Peppers begin to get soft. Keep stirring to removed all the crunchy bits from the bottom of the pot.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 5:</b> Add Chicken Broth, Beans (pureed and whole), Tomatoes, Vinegar, Hot Sauce, Ham Hocks (or shanks) and bacon. Bring the heat up and get the pot to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Allow this to simmer for about 2hrs. Check your seasoning as it cooks but be careful, what tastes right in the pot will taste a bit saltier when combined with the rice.<br />
<br />
<b>Step 6:</b> Remove your ham hocks from the pot and separate the meat from the bones, skin and gristle. Add the meat back to the pot and discard the rest. Cook the rice according to the package directions in a separate pot and serve.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Truehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230038396571759241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438271575855307173.post-15525400052899319172013-07-08T10:26:00.003-07:002013-07-19T14:23:48.027-07:00In Search Of John Mueller......As I've become more interested in BBQ I find myself seeking the unique. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and truly good BBQ is somewhere between rare and non-existent. Even excluding the rubbish served by the National chain restaurants most of what one does find trends toward the Kansas City style. The sweet/spicy, sticky, tomato & molasses based sauce is what most people associate with <i>"BBQ"</i> hence that is what most purveyors produce...especially in an area such as this where BBQ is scarce.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/mueller/DSCN2971_zpsbd500274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/mueller/DSCN2971_zpsbd500274.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
I tend to prefer Carolina style or my own Caribbean spice profile for pork and Texas style for beef. Until recently, my experiments with beef have all been with Brisket and I was avoiding what Ive really been after - beef ribs - because I'd yet to experience good ones to try to emulate. By good ones, I mean John Muellers.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.cmgdigital.com/shared/lt/lt_cache/thumbnail/960/img/photos/2012/10/23/dd/aa/rbz-John-Mueller-BBQ-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media.cmgdigital.com/shared/lt/lt_cache/thumbnail/960/img/photos/2012/10/23/dd/aa/rbz-John-Mueller-BBQ-14.jpg" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Legendary John Mueller</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
John Mueller is the controversial and mercurial grandson of the late Louie Mueller of Louie Mueller BBQ in Taylor, TX. There are three Mueller offspring involved in the BBQ business, Bobby who currently operates Louie Muller BBQ in Taylor, LeAnn Mueller who runs "La Barbeque" after a fractious split with former partner/brother John and John Mueller.<br />
<br />
John has had an on-again/off-again relationship with the Texas BBQ scene, with substance abuse and with effective management of employees & business relationships. He has appeared and disappeared a number of times with various ventures of his own and in partnership with others. Through it all there has been his ribs. It sounds silly, but they are the stuff of legend in BBQ circles. <i>"Nobody does beef ribs like John Mueller"</i> has been heard nearly as many times as <i>"Yellow Rose of Texas"</i>. But I live in California, not Texas and I'd never had them nor could I justify time off and travel expenses to Texas to eat some ribs so I committed to suss them out on my own.<br />
<br />
Researching reviews, video and the BBQ blogosphere guided me to a collection of descriptions of the flavor profile and aided me in assembling a framework from which to start my experimentation. There is a massive gap between that which is <i>simple</i> and that which is <i>easy</i>. Mueller's ribs are simple in that the rub contains very few ingredients <i>(two by what I've been able to determine)</i> and they are smoked to achieve the appropriate texture. But, achieving the right balance in the rub and getting the cooking spot-on are <u>far</u> from easy.<br />
<br />
The ribs of a steer encompass nearly 10 square feet of cow on each side of the animal including backs, spares and short ribs. What part of the ribs to purchase is just the first part of the challenge, for that I visited my friends at Dittmers Meats in Mountain View, CA and filled Mark Dittmer in on my plan. He cut me a slab of beef short ribs with what we decided was the best mix of bone, connective tissue, fat and meat. To that I applied the rub I'd come up with from decoding various reviews and let them sit overnight.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/mueller/DSCN2969_zps8a84023e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/mueller/DSCN2969_zps8a84023e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The next day I commenced with the smoking and since a Texas style beef is what I was after I eschewed the fruit-wood I usually use for pork and went with straight oak and did my best to keep my rickety pit at 220-225 degrees.<br />
<br />
I decided to treat them a bit as I would a brisket, shooting for an internal temp between 180-190 degrees and though I moved the slabs around in the cooker to ensure heat/smoke were applied evenly I didn't flip them at all. Bone side down for the entire cook.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/mueller/DSCN2972_zps040fd362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/mueller/DSCN2972_zps040fd362.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In the event that the beef ribs were a miserable failure I tossed a slab of pork ribs in the cooker as well so I didn't have to order pizza for our guests...turned out to be a non issue, but just in case...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/mueller/DSCN2982_zps1804d24b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/mueller/DSCN2982_zps1804d24b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After 3 hours the beef began to contract away from the bone nicely, I figured at this point that I was on the right path in terms of heat and time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/mueller/DSCN2979_zps4fe341ec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/mueller/DSCN2979_zps4fe341ec.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
By 4 hours I had hit an average internal temperature of about 180 degrees. At this point I removed them from the pit and put them in the oven set to my target temperature to stabilize and rest for 30min or so. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/mueller/DSCN2974_zps5ae7dd1c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/mueller/DSCN2974_zps5ae7dd1c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And below is the finished product. I'm exceedingly pleased with how the meat was cooked. The texture was fantastic with a hearty bark on the outside covering a layer of caramelized threads of beef. Aesthetics were nice with a bright rosy halo of smoke ring around the heart of astonishingly moist, unctuous, fatty, intensely flavored beef. The rub isn't right yet though, I need to tweak the proportion of salt. All-in-all I am pretty happy with the first attempt. I'll likely never make them as good as John Mueller's but the inspiration remains and I'll keep chasing it....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/mueller/DSCN2988_zps5af59e8d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/mueller/DSCN2988_zps5af59e8d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/mueller/DSCN2987_zps7906f5ff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/mueller/DSCN2987_zps7906f5ff.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Truehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230038396571759241noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438271575855307173.post-69101239197560114112013-06-28T12:13:00.000-07:002013-07-19T14:23:58.977-07:00Paella-paloozaOur good friends Pam & Tom host an annual Spanish themed part at their beautiful home in Paso Robles. It's an awesome event. We get to make the leisurely drive south to Paso, do some wine tasting/buying and then enjoy a great party with a bunch of wonderful friends. The weather was gorgeous all weekend long and we had a spectacular time.<br />
<br />
This year the ante was upped to 60 guests so the food got blasted into overdrive as well. A fantastic collection of tapas was created including; Spanish Tortilla (egg, potato & onion frittata with garlic aioli) by my darling wife Kathy & home made chorizo sauteed in Spanish wine by John.<br />
<br />
Then for the finale, Mike, Vince, Tom and I each produced a Paella to share with the crowd. Just for laughs we decided to costume up like the encierros of Pamplona.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/paella/dudes1_zps2a432dd8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/paella/dudes1_zps2a432dd8.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R Mike, Yours Truly, Vince & Tom....special thanks to Vince for masking my boiler.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/paella/CF49E860-3D67-4323-8701-128A101D4460-183-0000000CBB9FE681_zps05c7d3fa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/paella/CF49E860-3D67-4323-8701-128A101D4460-183-0000000CBB9FE681_zps05c7d3fa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/paella/FDF5B1F7-A628-46A3-98C8-EFC4DC829532-183-0000000CC2401DB9_zps00bdc1bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/paella/FDF5B1F7-A628-46A3-98C8-EFC4DC829532-183-0000000CC2401DB9_zps00bdc1bc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/paella/9CBBA623-B84D-4A40-8547-A1C375250F3B-183-0000000CB46DD595_zpsc891f354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/paella/9CBBA623-B84D-4A40-8547-A1C375250F3B-183-0000000CB46DD595_zpsc891f354.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I'll share photos of the Paella and my recipe, if the other guys want share as well they will do so in the comments below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/paella/9567313E-8DF9-41DE-88EC-CC70A6DD2CEA-1330-000001C2CA9F495F_zps4d94e12b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/paella/9567313E-8DF9-41DE-88EC-CC70A6DD2CEA-1330-000001C2CA9F495F_zps4d94e12b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Mike's Paella featured chicken, chorizo and lots of peppers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/paella/mike_zps8b931ecd.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/paella/mike_zps8b931ecd.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My paella featured chorizo, Iberco ham & clams<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/paella/me_zps19fc6646.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/paella/me_zps19fc6646.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Vince's Paella used chicken and andouille with some artfully carved green onions that were great to nibble on while enjoying the dish<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/paella/vince_zps22285034.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/paella/vince_zps22285034.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Tom went all seafood in his with mussels, squid and shrimp<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/paella/tom_zps5c7c1aa2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr262/damn_true/paella/tom_zps5c7c1aa2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My recipe: (for the nuts & bolts of the process click <b><a href="http://thedamntrueexperiment.blogspot.com/2012/05/man-can-cook-20-oooooh-i-love-paella.html">HERE</a></b> )<br />
<br />
<b>Hardware:</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
15-18" Paella pan (a thin stainless skillet will work too)</blockquote>
<br />
<b>Software:</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>2c</b> Spanish "bomba" Rice<br />
<b>4c</b> Chicken Stock<br />
<b>18-20</b> Small Fresh Clams<br />
<b>1.5c </b>Whole Canned Clams<br />
<b>3/4lb</b> Iberco Ham (sliced in .5" strips)<br />
<b>3/4lb</b> Dry Spanish Chorizo <br />
<b>1</b> Whole Yellow Onion (finely chopped)<br />
<b>4-5</b> Cloves Garlic (finely chopped) <br />
<b>1</b> Whole Red Bell Pepper (julienne)<br />
<b>1</b> Whole Green Bell Pepper (julienne)<br />
<b>1c</b> Fresh Asparagus Tips <br />
<b>1Tbsp</b> Dry Oregano<br />
<b>1tsp</b> White Pepper<br />
<b>1tsp</b> Turmeric<br />
<b>1</b> Healthy Pinch Saffron Strands<br />
<b>2</b> Lemons (wedged)<br />
<b>2Tbsp</b> Olive Oil </blockquote>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Toast the Oregano, White Pepper, Turmeric & Saffron in a dry pan till fragrant then set aside.</li>
<li>Heat oil, add Onion & Garlic and cook until the onion begins to become translucent. </li>
<li>Add Chorizo and cook until the fat begins to render out. </li>
<li>Add Rice and fry a bit until you can smell it getting a bit toasty & nutty. Add Bell Peppers, Spices, Canned Clams & Stock. Stir to release the fond from the bottom of the pan and continue stirring until the liquid begins to boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and don't stir it again.</li>
<li>Once roughly 3/4 of the liquid has been absorbed by the rice (no stirring!) begin evenly distributing your Iberco Ham, Fresh Clams, Asparagus Tips and lemon around the pan. </li>
<li>Allow to cook until the rice has completely absorbed the stock.</li>
<li>Let sit for ~5min then serve.</li>
</ul>
<br />Truehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230038396571759241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4438271575855307173.post-79446283241829555492013-06-28T11:49:00.000-07:002013-07-08T14:36:00.813-07:00Blast! Foiled By Facts Again!In the wake of the shootings in Newtown CT the Obama Administration did what many populist political machines do. They attempted to capitalize on the tragedy to forward an agenda and in so doing convince those less given to critical thought that <b>"The Government is doing <i>Something</i> to make them safer."</b> You'll recall President Obama and Joe <i>"Double-Barreled-Shotgun"</i> Biden's dog & pony show complete with appropriately multicultural juvenile stage props wherein the President signed a series of Executive Orders related to gun control and gun violence. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ww2.hdnux.com/photos/17/33/47/4045261/9/628x471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://ww2.hdnux.com/photos/17/33/47/4045261/9/628x471.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Among those Executive Orders was the commissioning of a study on Gun Violence and the efficacy of various strategies to curtail it. Now if you are over 40 as I am, this should sound like a song you've heard before but we'll get to that in a minute. The first point I wish to touch on is the fact that you are likely NOT aware that the study is complete and has been published. One might be inclined to ask, <i>"Well why have I not heard of this?"</i>. <br />
<br />
You'd think that the Administration , armed with a raft of new info would be trotting in astride their white horses waving about the results of the study that they commissioned to support their effort to reduce gun crime/violence.Well, they would but for one teeny-tiny little thing........<br />
<br />
The study in large part debunks the key elements of the <i>"Gun Control as a means to curtail gun crime/violence"</i> agenda.....well, that's awkward isn't it?<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
The guys at the "Guns Save Lives" website did a bit of analysis of the key points <b><a href="http://gunssavelives.net/blog/cdc-report-on-guns-ordered-by-obama-says-self-defense-is-common-gun-carriers-less-likely-to-be-harmed/">HERE</a></b> and the full study can be read <b><a href="http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=18319&page=R1">HERE</a></b> so I won't consume space repeating their efforts. Suffice it to say, that the fact that the Administration and complicit elements of the media aren't screaming the results from the rooftops is due in large part to the results of said study confounding their agreed upon messaging that firearms in the hands of law abiding citizens present a huge risk to public safety. In fact, they don't and THIS is a point that has been proven time and again ironically, by those who endeavor to prove the inverse.<br />
<br />
I've mentioned this previously but we've been down this road a number of times. You see, in 1978 the University of
Massachusetts, Amherst published <i>"Under the Gun: Crime and Violence in America"</i> – <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Under-Gun-Weapons-Violence-America/dp/0202303063/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359669419&sr=8-1&keywords=under+the+gun+wright+rossi">http://www.amazon.com/Under-Gun-Weapons-Violence-America/dp/0202303063/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359669419&sr=8-1&keywords=under+the+gun+wright+rossi</a></b> This study was commissioned by the USCDC under the Carter Administration who at the time had a fairly aggressive and wholy misguided anti-gun agenda with the following primary elements:<br />
<ul>
<li>A National Registry of Handguns</li>
<li>An outright ban on "Inexpensive Handguns"</li>
<li>A National mandate for minimum waiting periods on all firearm purchases</li>
</ul>
The study was intended to provide the Carter Administration the ammunition (for lack of a better word) to push their agenda through Congress resulting in legislation ostensibly intended to reduce crime. The problem is, that the study disproved the lions share of the assertions required to support such legislation. For deeper analysis of the study's findings read <b><a href="http://educationviews.org/jimmy-carter-tried-gun-control-and-lost/">HERE</a></b>. The gist of it can be found in one simple statement by study author Professor James D. Wright:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>"Gun control laws do not reduce crime.”</i></b></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Fast forward a bit to Bill Clinton's first term. His Administration, like Carters had an Anti-Gun / Anti-Second Amendment agenda of it's own masked in the assertion that he was <i>"tougher on crime"</i> than his predecessor. Among Clinton's campaign planks was his support of the <i>"Brady Bill"</i> and for bans on so called <i>"Assault Weapons"</i>. In the wake of the passage of both, the Clinton Era DOJ commissioned <i>"Firearms and Violence: A Critical Review."</i> - <b><a href="http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10881">http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10881</a></b> completed/published in 2004. The bare intent of which was to measure the efficacy of the new regulations in support of future broader legislation. Despite every indication that the <i>"Brady Bill"</i> and AWB ban would not curtail gun crime/violence they were passed into law. The study found, in fairly profound terms that in fact neither had an appreciable impact on gun crime/violence.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Clinton and his team were/are a lot of things, but stupid isn't one of them. We must then give them the benefit of the doubt and assume that they were at the time aware of the findings of the Carter Era study. Similarly, President Obama and his team are a lot of things and stupid isn't one of them either. We must also give THEM the benefit of the doubt that they are aware of the Carter Era study AND the Clinton Era study both of which show, without great room for argument that as stated by Dr. Wright, <b><i>"Gun control laws do not reduce crime."</i></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So here we are again with the Obama Administration endeavoring to enact gun crime/violence <i>"reducing"</i> gun control legislation and seeking studies to support said agenda. And, here we are again with the result of the study debunking the key assertions required to support said agenda. It would be easy, and somewhat intellectually lazy to bring out the Albert Einstein quote about insanity at this point. I'm not going to do that because I don't think that Carter, Clinton & Obama are insane. Quite to the contrary in fact. I think they know exactly what they are doing. The studies, though confounding to their agenda are, like their flowery rhetoric and kiddie prop festooned dog & pony shows - simply window dressing. They know full well that these legislative devices aimed ostensibly at curtailing gun crime/violence will have little to no effect on gun crime/violence. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Their focus is <b><i>NOT</i></b> on gun crime/violence. Their focus is on infringing and eventually eliminating The Second Amendment.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
[Edit] ....and if you are about to comment something to the effect that, "Well, that's only three studies and hence not definitive." well....here's three more:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
1997 – Florida State University Dept of Criminology – Dr. Gary
Kleck, Targeting Guns: Firearms and Their Control - <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/targeting-guns-gary-kleck/1101583143">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/targeting-guns-gary-kleck/1101583143</a>
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Summary paper - <a href="http://www.largo.org/klecksum.html">http://www.largo.org/klecksum.html</a>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2010 – John Lott, More Guns – Less Crime: Understanding
Crime and Gun Control Laws - <a href="http://www.amazon.com/More-Guns-Less-Crime-Understanding/dp/0226493636">http://www.amazon.com/More-Guns-Less-Crime-Understanding/dp/0226493636</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2007, Republished 2012 – Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy, “Would
Banning Firearms Reduce Murder & Suicide?” - <a href="http://www.law.harvard.edu/students/orgs/jlpp/Vol30_No2_KatesMauseronline.pdf">http://www.law.harvard.edu/students/orgs/jlpp/Vol30_No2_KatesMauseronline.pdf</a>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Truehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10230038396571759241noreply@blogger.com4