I had a very long blog written out about this, and then it was deleted. So starting again…

Day #1

The day started off well. We left the hotel around 12PM and headed for Roebling Raceway for a track day. We had until 5PM with the place to ourselves. Everyone was really excited. We started off by grouping together and talking with a few people. The owner of the track spoke, and his first few words were “While you’re here, I own you.” Durka spoke next and gave everyone some pointers.

I rode with Alicia a few times around the track (wish Dan was here with the Mini!) It was a lot of fun. We did seem to have a shortage on helmets, however. You also had to wear closed-toed shoee - of course I didn’t bring anyone/ Allyson and I ended up wearing Chris’! (Sheena wore her heels.) It was incredibly hot and sunny. I got a lot of great pictures, though.

We left right at 5PM, and just as we did, a big storm started. Perfect timing! We started off, and Alicia was worried about her breaks. The light had come on a little before. Durka drove it down the street, and declared that the breaks were dead. Alicia rhen declared him the driver. She jumped in with Chris for a while (she ended up with the taxi not too soon after.)

Aicia and the othes went ahead, and it was simply Alan, Durka, and me for a while. Durka got some nice shots of Alan and others as we drove. As I said before, it was storming a lot. And as this was happening, Durka started telling what happened with his M5 the last time he was in Florida, yet he still did not slow down…

We finally caught up with everyone, and made it to the hotel in Saint Augustine, FL. Once we arrived, everyone was dying for a shower. We found, however, that the hotel had checked us in and out on the same day, and they had no rooms for us. After Chris worked his magic, we got rooms at Casa Monica, which was AWESOME! They had a nice pool area that when went in later in the evening.

After getting settled, we made our way to a restaurant down the street. It had a bar downstairs and an eating area upstairs. There was live music and many middle-aged people (which I learned later from Robbie’s roommates girlfriend is always the case in St. Augustine!) We had a really nice dinner - I had filet, which was super yummy, and Alicia had shrimp and grits. Our waitress wasn’t too great - she couldn’t seem to ever get us drinks, or clear the table…

We went down to the bar after, and discovered an incredibly drunk old woman dancing with everything she could. She humped chairs, poles, people… and then asked Robbie to dance with her (to which he evaded by declaring he had a bad back.) We had some fun - drinks and such. The bar closed at 1AM! Tooo early, which is why we went to the pool. We ran into some 18 year-old girls there, and eventually we were yelled at by a hotel employee. A few other things occured that night, but they are things that should not be spoken of, for fear of incriminating anyone.

Day #2:

We left the next morning around 11AM, and made our way to a karting place, Palm Springs International Raceway. Everyone had fun here - 7 people at a time. Again, it was incredibly hot and sunny out. (Oddly enough, the only timed it rained during this trip was when we were in the cars.) We were there for a while, and later found out the red vette died on the side of the road. Luckily the boys dropped the car off somewhere and continued on.

Next stop was the hotel, where I had a big room to myself. I changed quickly and Alicia and I headed over to Geiger’s family’s house, which is amazing. It had an awesome pool, which was used the whole night. Chris cooked some great food, and we had plenty to drink. (Dan especially!) PT got a nice decoration for the front of his car, courtesy of Geiger’s sister. We definitely had a great time at the house. Bryan was a housekeeper the entire evening! I’m fairly certain everyone was pushed in the pool, and at least once by Dan. A few extra people arrived - Bobbi and Alex from previous rallies.

I caught a ride home with Ian, Dan, and Mike. Ian decided it was a good idea to simply park right in front of the building, and I later found out that when they came down later, the woman at the counter told them to move it. They denied it was their car until she called them out because their names were written on it!

We had to meet in the lobby the next morning at 10:30AM. Ian and I thought breakfast ended at 10:30, and it was actually 10. We somehow managed to bum muffins off of the lady there. We headed out and had a water-balloon filled afternoon driving.

Day #3:

We arrived in Key West around 3:30PM, and went to the hotel to leave our luggage. Alicia and I were last to arrive, and we rushed to the boat as it was leaving (you have to take a ferry to get to the hotel.) We missed it because we bought an awesome blue dress (which we later found out doesn’t fit Alicia, just me.) Luckily, though, we weren’t even supposed to get on the boat - everyone was headed towards the water to go snorkling. We were supposed to be on the boat by 4:30PM exaclty, as Chris was told the boat waits for no one.

Of course we passed by a bar and decided to pop in. Alicia and I got frozen drinks, and everyone ordered food. We had to quickly get it packed and run for the boat. Once we arrived, Alicia made friends with a group of people sitting in a baby pool. She soon joined them, accompanied by Sheena. Soon Ian follwed and got everyone kicked out. As he was walking away, he was attacked by a girl wearing an Mexican wrestling mask, followed by a cooler of water poured on him.

We jumped into the boat and took off for the snorkling spot. It was insanely HOT and sunny. I’m not sure how I don’t have sunburn yet. The snorkling was okay - nothing too amazing, but everyone had a fun time on the way back - free beer and wine! We got some great pictures, including a group one and a girly one.

The boat dropped us off at Sunset Keys, our hotel. Chris, Geiger, and Bryan met us on the dock. Robbie and Jeremy jumped off the boat and swam to shore. Alicia was quite tipsy already, and we had an interesting time finding our cottages and luggage. Once settled, we started getting ready for dinner. I had a great room with a king size bed and my own bathroom - which was used by almost everyone in the cottage. Alan, Dan, Josh, and Jeremy are my roomies. We had an interesting time getting ready. Josh and Dan both attempted to tie my dress for me, and finally we left for the restaurant (which is on the island.)

We had a really nice dinner - the waiters, waitresses, and bartenders here are HORRIBLE. They are very slow, rude, and argue with you. We had a few toasts after dinner, and then headed to the dock to go to some bars in Key West. Alicia was very drunk by this point, and was not feeling well. We decided that she would feel better if she barfed, so I told her a story and BAM she barfs. A job well done.

We went to a few bars, and after Alicia barfed on the deck of one of them, we decided she should go back. Alan and China went with her, and the rest of us stayed. We had a fun time, and didn’t get back to the island until around 4:30AM or so. Most of us got up around 11AMish, and sat around the pool for a while. It’s incredibly beautiful around here. We sat on the beach for a while, got some drinks and food. Watched an extremely large woman get tangled in a rope in the water. It was a fun time.

You can watch us here! http://www.ustream.tv/channel/team-diablesse

Dressed up for the 2009 Rally!

We started with a long drive from Newtown, PA to Savannah, GA. We drove down with 7 cars (including us.) Tina, 5 BMWs, and a Subaru! We left at 2AM Thursday morning, and arrived at our hotel at around 6PM Thursday. Loooooooong drive!

Alicia drove all the way to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge - around 8AM. We stopped at the reststop there and got breakfast. China (xdrive’s copilot) took over driving Tina for a while after (Alicia grabbed a nap in Chris’ M5). He somehow managed to live through my ipod selections! Alicia switched back around 1PM when we stopped for gas. I’m amazed everyone was still awake. Everyone had been up for a long time.

We continued on, and Alicia and I keep going when everyone else stopped at a fireworks place. I was drifting in and out, and finally stuck to being awake - once we were in GA, there was a huge storm. Wind, lightening, thunder, and CRAZY rain! A truck had cracked the windshield earlier, and the crack doubled in size by then. We made it through, and right as the sun comes out and it gets insanely HOT again, we have another encounter with a truck!

Windshield crack!

There was a huge, horrible sounding noise as something hit the passenger side as we’re driving. There’s a huge truck next to us, and we figure something from there hit us. We pull over, as does the truck. We hop out and try to asess the damage - the trucks back right tires had exploded and smacked Tina in the side. She dented a bit on the passenger side near the rear tire, and Alicia is a little worried the rim might be bent too. We realized later the car was vibrating a lot more then usual!

Crazy rain!

On the shoulder, after the truck hit us.

Exploded tires!

Exploded tires, up close!

Alicia talking with the lady cop!

All in all - good start. It felt like a really long drive here, but we made it with minimal damage and no tickets! We all ran into the hotel and were very happy to have showers. It’s crazy hot here. We met up at the bar in the lobby (I had a nice pineapple and vodka), and walked down the street to a nice Italian restaurant. We ate yummy food, then took a walk down to the water. Savannah is such a cool place - very historic. We got back to the hotel around 12AM and most of us went to bed!

This year, from Savannah to Key West.

Today we are heading to go white water rafting. We left around 9:00 am. It is a very short trip about 400 miles. We decided that we would try to stay together as a group to get some good footagefor the cameras. Its been pretty good with staying together and the roads have been pretty clear.

We do have our live feed up if you wanna check it out. www.live.yahoo.com/teamdiablesse

We will update you on the rest of the trip today and the event tonight!!!

Yesterday was a good day finally. We left the hotel around 10ish and we made it to our hotel in Denver, CO around 4:0 pm. On the drive we were able to stay with the same group. (Blue 350z and GTR) It was a smooth run with no tickets which was pretty sweet! We sat down for some lunch at the hotel and were able to take a nap or rest because had a good amount of down time.

Everyone met up at 8:00 pm in the lobby for two limos to take us to the dinner. Well we made it half way there and the limo we were in caught on fire. It was not in sparks but some wires were. It was pretty funny because the driver was saying its fine just wait a little and we were all like “we need to get the hell out” we already had the lotus burn to pieces.

The dinner was verrryy good and the bar was great too!! We had a great time but an early morning today!!

(Sorry I got a little behind on the blogging, yesterday my head felt like it was going to pop! But Im all good now )

We arrived at the track (MPH - Motorsports Park Hastings) around 3:40 pm. Driving up to the track, the track looked amazing, nice and flat! We had some pizza and had a meeting to go over all the rules and regulations for the track. The people that have never been on a track went thro a brief class while the people that are experienced took a few laps.

Alicia went out on the track for the first time in Durka’s M5. That was a blast for her because she was able to see what the track was all about and go side ways with Durka’s incredible driving skills. Alicia than gets in her car and drives the track herself. Durka drove with her and she did an awesome job! Everyone was very proud of her and how she was able to take the track like a pro.

I was finally talked into getting in the car with an instructor to experience the track. I was extremely nervous because I have never been in a car on a track or taking turns going sideways. I went out in the z4M which was amazing. That car is def a track car! I went out with Glen (from Verve) which i must say is an INCREDIBLE driver. I also went out with Arthur in the 135i, four words for ya, Not A Track Car. It was fun but def not for the track. It is so crazy how all the people with us on the rally are such incredible drivers. It was a great experience but my stomach was just a little mad at me lol.

As the tracking time wound down, Alicia got to go back out. As she did the first time a great job. You could see how she was geting more comfortable and expanding her experience. She drove like a pro. Durka decided to take her car out at the end, Alicia’s car looked like a match box car. The way he was taking turns was crazy!!

The track was def a great experience for everyone.

After the tracking event, we went to a house behind the track and had some food! The food was great and we were able to all hang out together. They had a house with a few older cars that were so beautiful.

Than Geroge from MPH took everyone out on a bus. (I personally didnt experience this because I was at Walmart getting crazy things to make the trip interesting). Alicia did get the experience of the bus! She had a great time. They took everyone around the track and you would sway back and forth. As she stated, “It was one of the better events on the rally.”  

To conclude our day… everyone had a great time at the track and headed back to the hotel. We all hung out for a while, did some bonding and hit the sack!

Remember to watch our live feed…

www.live.yahoo.com/teamdiablesse

*I am having a few issues uploading the pictures so they will be up as soon as I can get it to work*

Tiffany had a pounding headache yesterday so she was unable to update our blog from the road.  I’ll try to relate everything that happened before we leave this morning.

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We originally started the day apprehensively because of all of the rain.  Once we got on the road, we realized we could move pretty quickly.   We left about middle of the group, but were able to catch up and move to the front of the pack.  The ferrari would not let me pass him though :).   STUPIDLY however, I forgot to fill up before we left and we had to pull off to fill up.  In that time span, the group in front pulled 10 miles ahead of me, leaving me scrambling to make up the distance.   The ferrari would send back texts to let me know if there was any trouble ahead.   Unfortunately, as has been our luck so far, a cop going the other way (I never even saw him) NAILED us.  I won’t even say how fast I was going and needless to say, I got yet another ticket.  We really need to figure out how to get those laser jammers on the car.     While sitting in the front seat of the patrol car (yes, very familiar to me) the new M3 rode past us.    We got back on the road and about 20 miles later, passed the M3 pulled over!   Five minutes later, they sent us a text saying he got arrested!  They clocked him at 120mph in a construction zone.  :O     He immediately posted bail and was out a couple hours later.

I’m supposed to be getting ready to leave right now for our next leg.  Instead I decided to take a quick look around at the other rally blogs.  There is so much good stuff being loaded online.   I happened to stumble across this sweet picture of me here trying to get my seats in, minutes before we left for New York for the kick off.  I think the photo says it all.

aarrgggghhhhh

so…
shortly after my last update, we pulled in to get gas at some random town in what seemed like the middle of nowhere - Knoxville, Illinois.  The signs said gas and we got off on the exit.  We unwittingly found this sleepy little town.  Once we bagan pumping gas, we attracted a lot of the locals it seemed.  Kids started coming out from everywhere.   A local small town cop showed up and hasseled us a little.  Up until then all the cops have been amazingly cool, even when they issued us citattions.  I’m not sure what this dude’s problem was.  No matter, he could only flap his gums at us. 

napolean complex?

 More interestingly, a older gentleman, Gary, came wandering by and told us he had a garage we might like to see next door.  We were about to blow him off as we didn’t have a lot of time to spare when we heard him mumble something about “original Shelby Cobra”.  That’s like one of my all time favourite classic cars.  We were all over it.  Turns out, Gary not only had an original Shelby, he had a garage filled with classic, mint condition mustangs.  I’m not a huge muscle car fan but anyone would appreciate his fine collection.   Somehow, I managed to talk Gary into letting me sit in the cobra (only 75 miles on the odometer!).  What an amazing experience.  Absolutely special.

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Shortly after we left Gary’s (leaving him with a cooler pack of verve) , we got back on the road, and I switched back into the driver’s seat.   We were on the road maybe 30 mins when Chris, who we were all following (us, the NSX-T, the red M5, and the 1-series) got clocked at 96mph.   We all got pulled over as a result.  I ended up with another ticket!  this time for 94mph.  Luckily, points don’t transfer and it’s only a $97 fine.  So now, I’m 2 for 4 getting out of tickets.   I’m having a losing streak. The cops have been great so far though.  

After that  we took it easy for a while, got re-routed because some people in the griup wanted to loop around traffic.  I’m not sure if that really saved us any time but we eventually made it to the hotel.   Pretty much everyone was there waiting for us.  I’m really not liking being at the back of the pack after everything has been stirred up.  It creates too much police pressure.  Besides, I want to be the one stirring!

At the hotel…

I am exhausted now and going to sleep.  I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.