Every year, the end of June into the Canada Day long weekend represents one of the highlight of Canadian Rallying to enthusiasts....

Rallye Baie Des Chaleur, New Richmond PQ.


This will be year #42, there is lots of history written in this wonderous part of the Gaspe, and lots yet to be written.....

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"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

He says clearing his throat...

Boys and girls if you want to gather around the campfire now, I believe our kind of automotive poetry will be told over the next few weeks that will leave you wanting more at the end of every day

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The fricton circle for my 911 Porsche resembles more of an oblong... I'm either trailbraking or accelerating while trying to get it to turn!

Subscribed....

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"On snow or ice or gravel, we all know that a car will not stop or steer. And yet rally cars do both of these things. That means the whole thing is sorcery, and the people who do the driving must be witches." - Jermy Clarkson.

We knew there would be a decent contingent from Nova Scotia heading to Baie, we just didn't know who would be there in what capacity.

There are several positions to be filled: Social, Service, Competition...... and Administration of beatings to ensure everyone is where they need to be at the correct time......

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

Early in the year, we had great hopes of significant numbers of entrants.

Kevin and Waynes new build was tested on stages last year, and performed well at the Sprint this spring. Gord and I had a hoot last year fulfilling a long time dream of running Baie, and Cal and Meg have been wanting to experience Baie mud for many moons.

As these things do, the numbers would drop over the planning part of the season.

Gord and I had a number of things on the go, and put a lot into last year. For a bunch of reasons, taking this year easier had large appeal, and some necessity.

Kevin decided to get Married. We tried to explain to him the importance of Rallying, but he kept with his original plan. There were hopes for a Honeymoon Baie trip, but things did not quite pan out that way.

Cal and Meg, were bound an determined.......

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

As time drew closer to the event, it was looking like Cal and Meg.
Mal Swann also had plans to debut the new RX7 Build being completed in Montreal, with Martin Co Driving for him.

Given the number of people, and jobs that would be balanced, a number of vehicles would be employed.

Truck and Hauler for Cals car, en autre camionette for Cal and Megs Reconnaissance, and two cars for the service gang staying slightly further out at the Pin Rouge.

It would be a loose convoy formation, with a Thursday departure.

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

So who would make it this year? It was sure to be a large list, one of our best turnouts....

Car #32

Cal "lepilot" Vandallen
Meg "lacopilot" Grandmaison
James "dassubaru" Whitman
Daphne "thecatherder" Sleigh
Gord "lajournaliste" Sleigh
Ian "catsarehot" Pearce
Brian "drivemyownwhip?" Partridge
Jonathan "hammerdown" Conrad
Blu "thewheelman" Vandallen
Carole "maisonavendre" Pelletier

Car #29

Mal "twinrotor" Swann
Sonia "bothfeetin" Meadows
Oban "thecatfixer" Cameron
Cole "wegotthis" Dimock
The gang from Uptown Motorsports.

Max "thesteward" Meconse was also at the event, make the beast run smoothly.....

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

The bags were packed, the car loaded, and the route planned.

Nothing could have us deviate from our plan.... excepting that this is rallying..... and planning is only ever a theory....


2130hrs Wed 26JUN2019 the phone rings...

M "Hey Ian, it's Mal. Listen I've been out of the loop. Who all is going to Baie?"
I "Well, we are leaving tomorrow morning with truck, trailer and a bunch of us, what's up?"

M "Well, see here's what's happened......."

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

M- "The new car is sort of ready, but we've got a few tuning things left to go. Martin is busy, so I'm wondering who's around that could CoDrive. I might not make Recce, so even running some of it with organizer notes just as a shake down would be good......"

I - "ummm, well Gord and Daph are going. What's Tim up to? Sonia will be there....."

M - "Oh, right, I had forgot about all that. I'll get back to you!"

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

Into the evening messages and inquiries would fly back and forth.

By morning, there were still questions as to what would happen with Mal. Sonia was advised to throw her Helmet and Suit in the car, just in case.

"It might be fun...... and adventure even....."

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

The departure would have us all gather at Enfield. Tims and fuel, what else could a person want.

We shift that after a last minute call, to Stewiacke. More room for trucks.

We find Blu with Trailer fueling up, and Carole with coffee, fueling up. Cal and Meg arrive shortly with Jon and Brian.

Daph, Gord and James would follow shortly behind. Situating pets and children as they go.

We refill our mugs, and breakfast snacks. We hit the road refreshed, and ready to make time, somewhere around 1030hrs.

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

As we motor west, the cell phone is alive.

Tim won't be joining us in Baie, and Gord and Daph are shy some paperwork for the adventure. It's current, just not submitted.

That leaves Ms Meadows to fill the seat, in an unproven, untested, fast new build.

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

Gord Daph and James are about 85km behind us as we pass the NB border.

Our destination of course, is Miramichi NB. We will target our famous golden arches.

Near Moncton, Blu misses a turn, and takes us on what we felt was a goose chase. Wild or otherwise.
It turns out a combination of too much coffee and too few humans has resulted in a needed break.

We regain the Hwy, and continue our trek. The tunes are varied and soothing....

"Throw your hands up
Move in, now move out
Hands up, now hands down
Back up, back up
Tell me what you're gonna do now
Breath in, now breath out
Hands up, now hands down
Back up, back up
Tell me what you're gonna do now....."



With so many people in our team, and some new to our gang, we find that not everyone has been fully briefed on customs.
Jon and Meg head to Pita Pit, Sonia and I obey the custom, and Brian Blu and Carole hit up Subway. Which has room for 42' of trailer.

Cal is big on Custom though, and $2 Giant Tiger shorts are on the list. Again. This year. Because last years $2 shorts are not this years $2 shorts....

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

We swap drivers, and carry on.

We've got some fuel remaining, so we'll see how deep into NB we really can go. There has been epic rain here. Both hands on the wheel and down to 80kph rain.
We are hoping it'll lighten a bit as we move north.

With Sonia free to check the phone, she's starting to decipher the communique from Mal.......

A license upgrade is done, Mal may not "quite" be on time for Recce, and there is question to when the car will arrive.

Seems straightforward enough......

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

Schemes for how to do Recce are being schemed...... Plans for food times etc are being made.

Daph has a decent schedule laid out to allow all involved attend. Like old British Class systems, we need to included the desire and wishes of both houses....
Le Chateau Rouge does have good entertaining space, so we try and center our activities away from the service park around it.

Distance between the two will be found later to be 12 minutes, on good smooth road.

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

Oban, Cole, Mal and a number of other folks are less than a KM away from the Chalet, at the Pin Rouge ski lodge.

Lots of room to park vehicles, and good comfort.

Again this year, we decide not to stop at the SEXE PUFF SHOPPE.
Cal is again disappointed.


As we roll east on the 132 we are starting to hear calls for fuel from some of our team.

There is a Petro Can on the route, and we decide to aim for it. It has enough room for four Volkswagens.
It was never sized for an F450 and 42' trailer.

We end up creating extra steps for all patrons entering and exiting the facility. It is decided that we can market this as a fitness program, and use the proceeds to fund Rallying.....

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

OMG! Thank You

With the IPO in place for our new fitness product, we decide to finish our trip to New Richmond.

We are doing well on time this year, and will be ahead of official opening of HQ.

There will be paperwork to be done. Teams and crews will register, service crews will do the same.
Sonia has a few discussions with Max, who is a steward this weekend. He's invaluable in making the connection with the special circumstances they are working with.

A trip to the MAXI is in order. This is the Quebec branding of Lablaws. James is a massive fan, pledging that his devotion could never be swayed from it dispite how his cart ate a package of bacon.

The Cat Herder has a plan laid out for our team and associates that will keep us fed, watered and in good spirits.

Food and provisions bought, James Daph and Gord proceed to the Chalet, and Sonia, Cal, Meg and team take care of paperwork at Rally HQ.

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

Cal and Meg get themselves in line to pick up their packages. While entry is done in advance, there is paperwork and route books to be picked up.
The official notice board gives pertinent info on road changes and important information.

Oban, Cole and Myself sign ourselves up as service crew. Jon, Blu Carole and Brian sigh up as well.

Max helps Sonia explain her special conditions to registration. It's somewhat complicated by the language difference, but they get it worked out.

Once we have organized what we need, we plan for food. A last minute message from Daph asks for butter. An oversight on their stop. We contract this out to Blu who is yet to shop. They'll be joining us for supper. Butter can Churn up then.....

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

Sonia has some puzzled look on her face. It's clear that the magnitude of what she has agreed to is being processed:

This is a seed 3 driver, with a very stout record of being fast and sideways, as only RWD allows. In a new car. That's never been sideways on dirt.
Rear biased engine mounting, Pheriperal Port, Dog Sequential Box, Custom Ford 8.8 rear end..... the list goes on, and would make most rotary afficiandos weak in the knees...

The Chalet has been converted to a pizza house, and the drive back is somewhat quiet. Cal and Meg are arguably fairly ready to go. Sonia may be riding in their backseat for Recce....

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

MOAR! GIVE ME MOAR!!!

Daph and Co have the generous table set, and things are ready to go for a lovely meal with good folks.

This won't be a late night, the alarm is set for 0500hrs tomorrow.

We enjoy our Pizza, a beverage, and Daph Meg and Sonia start to discuss some plans, and organize their road books. Gord has our notes from last year that are being consulted. Some of the stages are very similar if not identical to last year. They need to be in the right place at the right time (which really is the essence of rallying) to do Reconnaissance on the stages. Some will be done in convoy format, and some can be done at your leisure. Sort of.
It is a full day, and it will prove to be taxing on the teams.

The pizza, is lovely, and really hits the spot....

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

0500hrs, Friday 28JUN2019....

Delightful light tunes fill my dreams, and I wonder as to their meaning, and generally begin to contemplate life....

.....until I realize it's the alarm.

Cal and Meg will be departing from their local, 12minutes down the road. There is little point is having the extra vehicle left there all day, as we will have things on the list to do.

I have the short straw, and an ferrying Sonia to meet the others. A double check of all paperwork and refreshments for the day is needed. Some wraps, cooler bag, protein bars, gatoraid, etc etc.
Recce from the back of a crew cab will be an adventure. You have to admire the dedication to the sport. Only 2 days ago this was a vacation trip.

As we exit the Chalet, a large white tail crosses the ridge behind the building. It's very relaxing to be so close to nature, in the midst of all this excitement.

Mal has sent progress updates during the night, the car is off the dyno, and tuned. Meg has left the front door open, and Sonia is to enter on arrival.

I make my way back to the Chalet, to try and snatch a few hours of sleep. It's not even 6am yet.......

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

Friday is the day that we non competitors get to sleep in a wee bit. Most of us.

The crews are out on the road, we have service to help setup, but for the moment it's pancakes, and bacon!!!
It is at this painful juncture, that we find out James' cart ate the Bacon. We check, double check, check under vehicle seats, roof racks...... nothing that resembles a pork product.

Nothing is said, but we begin to feel that James' love for the Maxi may be waning.....

The pancakes however, are awesome. Syrup, Butter, and Daph's homemade bread. Great start to the day. The coffee is on, and we have more than a cup or two...


Satisfied with the morning meal, we begin our plan to head in to town. Bacon is on the shopping list, and we also will be setting up our spot in service.
It will turn out that Brian, Jon, Blue and Carole have been busy on this front, and have most of the heavy lifting done for us.
Tarp is down, tent is up, car is unloaded and started to be gone through. There is nothing wrong with the car, but when you have a number of Rallyists who are tasked with making sure a car gets through tech, we want to MAKE SURE it gets through tech.

Jon, of the Duct Tape Maple Leaf fame, begins to fabricate a lightening bolt for the kill switch, one of the few things we find that they may query.....


Vincent of A2Z in Quebec has sent a shipment of Gravels for those of us in Nova Scotia. Wayne and Kevin have a set going home, and Gord and I managed to pooch one at Trout Lake last year..
We visit Subaru, are directed to Ford, and find our half dozen donuts ready to go. We also find the Honda Rally car that was for sale a few months back. Ready to go, sitting inside warm and dry. Someone should bring this to NS......

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

Coffee is now on the list, and we hit up the Maxi for Bacon, Gatoraid and other minor needs.
Tims is close by and we stop in for a quick bite. My cell busses with Jon qwerying where we are/

With most things settled in the service park, he's decided to bring the car to Parc Expose.

The downtown of New Richmond is closed in front of Town Hall, and this will be the ceremonial start area. A red carpet lines the road.

Spots are marked for each team, and we line up with a good portion of the teams. The weather is nice this year, and it's paying off. Lots of coverage of the event.
Jon has brought a 1/10 scale RC as well, and is delighting school kids with his driving prowess. Turns out he's pretty fast weather in or out of the car.

Suddenly it happens. Right out of no where.........

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

Mal Swann has arrived!!!

He's had a busy week you can just tell.
He's on his way to take care of his end of the paperwork, and then get some sleep. He needs to catch up he tells us.

Behind him on the road, still a number of hours away, is the RX7.

With only 5 hours until ceremonial start, we ask how he's going to swing that.
"No problem, we'll walk over he podium and tell a good story...."

This is rallying at it's finest.

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

The messages are coming in from Cal, Meg and Sonia.

They are done with recce, and are planning some food and down time before the evenings events.

Cal and Meg are tired, but ok. Sonia has suffered some dehydration, and perhaps some motion issues. It has not been an ideal recce for her.

Oban and Cole are waiting with baited breath for the RX7. The latest rumour has it surfacing close to midnight.


We aim ourselves back towards the Chalet. We'll have a couple hours to relax and get suited for the evening. Hamburgers are heading for the Grill, and chef James is working his magic, all while battling the Gaspe Mosquitoes.

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."

Pancakes!! I missed PANCAKES!!

Gord, has been dutifully taking pictures of last years Recce book.

It would turn out, that Dan Spalinger and Ben Nadeau, who we've rallied with before and have been down to our neck of the woods for Lookoff, have suffered their own setbacks.

They tow vehicle, which was their Recce vehicle, died on them. They have made other arrangements for a substitute, and are underway, but behind.

Looks like The Pearce-Sleigh route book is going to be well used this year. Not that it's felt we are experts, we just are here with books.


Picture by picture..... the book is photographed...... and sent off into the wilds of the Caspicadia......

I'm told this is why you Rally....

_________________
"Nos Ludos Intra Vehicula"

"That is on the floor..... in fifth..... 6500????..." -Buffum to Smith (140mph+, Rallye Charlevoix.....)

"A HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIVE DOLLARS????"

"Great, now we're gonna get frikken' yelled at....."
"Let the record show that the evening degenerated at 2022hrs..... Duly noted..."