by MtnClimber Wed May 29, 2013 10:38 am
Guess we don't hafta get in shape for this one...
Hi VOT entrants! Lots of updates to report:
1) There's just one week left for teammates to enter before we'll have to take steps to draw from the waitlist. Here's a list of teams for which we only have one entry: Columbia Overland, Andrew Alinovich, JP Cody, Renterandroll Kilroy, Anderson & Stauffer furniture, Roverbones. These teams should take steps to have their teammates register this week.
2) Due to time constraints, we've decided to forego the physical challenge component of VOT. We've had more questions about this aspect of VOT than any other and it's been a source of real concern for a lot of people. Besides, four days of driving over rugged terrain while camping in the wild will be a workout in and of itself.
3) We've tweaked the localvore stop to make it a bit more interesting. Basically, we'll target a village or particular area and you'll have the challenge and fun of finding a locally-made item sold by a locally-owned business anywhere in that area. The item can even be a quick lunch at a local eatery, as long it's locally-made and the place is locally-owned.
4) We're concerned about folks having a mechanical failure or getting lost and then trying to make up time at night to make the midnight camp deadline. For obvious reasons, this would not be a good idea, so we've implemented an iron-clad, mandatory afternoon checkpoint that all participants will need to reach before being able to proceed further. This way, if any teams are hopelessly behind, they'll need to call it a day while it's still day. Don't worry, we'll build in plenty of time to make the checkpoint. We just don't want partipants having a mishap, spending all day repairing it and then racing into the night to get to camp by midnight. If you have a show-stopping delay, have a good attitude, abandon the expedition and safely return to base camp to enjoy the rest of your weekend in VT.
5) We've been having some difficulties with the Gaia GPS app, the one we were going to use for evidence of the teams completing the route, so we've decided to nix it. Instead, we'll have event staff members stationed at undisclosed locations throughout the route keeping track of all of the teams and their progress. If they don't record a particular team passing, but then the team shows up at the afternoon checkpoint, we'll know there's a problem somewhere.
6) Instead of providing for one provisioning/fuel stop each day, we're going to let the participants decide where they want to stop for provisions and fuel. We'll make some notations in the trip book as suggestions, including diesel fuel stations, but, other than that, you'll be on your own for provision and fuel stops.
That's it! These changes are reflected on the updated VOT website so you can refer back to the final format anytime.
Thanks and please don't forget to have your teammates finalize their entries!
Peter Vollers
Vermont Overland
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