Nov 11, 2007

I´ve had a super busy couple of days which is why this is late and was done in haste.....

Its funny how much of a non event Remembrance Day was where I am, but I did not forget. Also, Happy B-day RossCo.

A few people sent me messages saying something to the effect of ´You are going to volunteer to stand on a track with a flag? I would have thought you would be in the motorbike pits or something..´….

Welllll, being the big dreamer I am, when I heard about the Baja 1000 race I got all ambitious and thought about working with a racing team and maybe possibly even getting a gig as a co-pilot. Volunteering for the race organization was also an option, the one that I mentioned earlier.

So how do you get such a gig? Well my first choice was the internet,,, but that proved fruitless as I could not find one centralized networking site and the race organization’s site is geared to racers only (Abit weak if you ask me).

Plan B – I am driving a huge and ancient motorcycle that stands out like a sore thumb, and motor sports people would see it even more. Remember earlier how I commented on all the garbage in the ditches around Tijuana and that I would get back to that? Well when I was in San Diego I bought a big black marker. Once I passed the border and saw all the garbage in the ditches, I pulled over and grabbed a big cardboard box. I folded it and using bungee straps attached it to the back of the bike. Using the marker I wrote….Do you need a Co-driver? And added my e-mail address etc.! When I got to town I drove around then parked the bike with the sign on it on the strip.

On Saturday I did a lot of asking around found out that the big teams were extremely organized and really did not have room for an extra person, some were even worried about espionage. The smaller teams were really hard to find and I still have not found many.

At this point I should describe abit about the scenario here. Basically these guys race over 1000 miles through scorching desert in less than 52 hours. The fastest guys will be done in 23 hours! What kind of vehicle is capable of this? Million dollar ´Trophy trucks´ with 25 to 40 mans teams working full time to accomplish this goal. Funding? Typically this is private money with some costs offset by sponsorship, some costs. Basically this is rich guys given´r hardcore in the desert. This is very serious business to them and they are fantastically skilled at it.

So with no e-mails about my bike signs I used the computer in the hotel and made up some mini flyers that I handed out to people with team looking shirts on or who were driving around in race vehicles (it is Mexico so plates are somewhat optional). Basically I bugged everyone with a truck and shirts.

Near the end of the second day I was getting discouraged as no one accepted my offer. Over a beer and some tacos I was resting from my marketing efforts when a grubby group of guys sat down at the table next to me and we started talking. Fun group, and when I asked if they needed a volunteer the one sorta leaderish type guy said ¨´yeah we always need help´. Well for me that was enough, I followed them around and just kept offering to help and doing little things here and there. I picked up garbage, I handed guys tools, lifted stuff and bought a few beers and tacos here and there. I hung out abit with the guy and we had some meals and drinks together.

The teams name is Pete Sohren Racing led by driver and owner Pistol Pete. All a fun bunch of good guys having fun givn´r in the dirt.

I also talked to one guy who is loosely affiliated with the team (Doug) who makes off road videos…. Look up Ín Dust We Trust´. I offered to run a second camera for him which will be a great way for me to see some things. I look forward to that !

Today was what they call contingency. All the racer vehicles have to line up for visual and tech inspection, This also gives spectators to see everything. It was like a festival with T-shirt vendors, gear vendors, mariachi guys etc etc.

After I exhausted myself looking at all the trucks, buggies, pick-ups, Rhinos, bikes etc etc I went back to the team camp and helped out abit more, where I could. These Guys are pretty organized and have a lot specialty guy around. Welders, mechanics, drivers, navigators who have little to do for some periods of time so gophers are readily available most times. I consider myself a pro-gopher so I was in there anticipating needs. I think the busy guys appreciate that cause at on point this afternoon I was given a team shirt! I really feel official and auspicious now!

So now with a few chats, I get to ride in a chase vehicle which involves follow the racing trucks in big 4x4´s. These trucks are loaded with spare parts, tires, welders, tools and all sorts of things to keep the race truck running. One truck even tows an older version of the race truck they can use to rip out to the real race truck if something happens.

So if you like go to www.ionearth.com, look for Pete Sohrens racing and you can bring the actually real time tracking of where the truck is at all times! The race is listed as R2, there is also P1 and P2. I will be in P2, so look for me!

So now I have stored my bike at a hotel and will be riding the chase vehicle the 1000 miles to Cabo San Lucas. I have no idea how I will get back from there to Ensenada and my bike to continue the trip but I will.

Ok, sorry to cut this close so quickly but I have to pack yet and be up for 6 am to get ahead of the race truck as it catches up fast. The whole thing will be over in 24 to 30 hours so wish us luck!!!

Ron