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2012

Morningside Ride

Road Challenge 2012 – FAQ’s

 

      • Q: What exactly is the Ride?

        A: Think driving scavenger hunt meets the Amazing Race.  It’s inspired by road rally type events but participants are judged on accuracy of answers not speed.  See sample instructions here and clues from last year here. 

        NEW!         - 2012 Morningside Ride General Instructions & Definitions here.

      • Q: How do I participate?

        A: Fill out the registration form on-line or complete a paper copy and mail or fax back to Morningside.  Register early for “early bird” clues and other pre-event instructions and tips.

    • Q: How many people can be on a team?
      A: It depends on how big your trunk is! Just kidding!  Each “team” must have at a minimum of two people - a driver (yes, an active WA State drivers license is required) and a navigator (this is a key position, so choose that person carefully).  After that, it’s up to you how big or small your team may be – grandparents, children, co-workers and family pets have all been part of teams in the past.  Please note that there is an additional cost for extra team members (the four-legged varieties are still free).

    • Q: Is a car required to participate?
      A: Our event coordinators did experiments with bicycles, skateboards and rollerblades but found that the car works best. This choice of transportation also lets your team finish the race in a matter of hours versus days.  The great news is that you can participate in a car, any car! In fact, the more creative or unique, the better!

      Some people have asked about motorcycles and while not prohibited, it would be a challenge, especially if the weather is uncooperative.

    • Q: Is there a dress code or recommended attire?
      A: Helmet, goggles and gloves …oh, you mean for this event? With this event, we celebrate the relaxed lifestyle of the Pacific Northwest where comfortable clothing is essential!  However, our elite planning committee challenges every team to create their own style – bring on the fedoras, the scarves…the matching shirts?

    • Q: Got Junk…In Your Trunk? 
      A: If so, get it out and make room for our road-tested list of supplies and suggestions:

      Supplies:

      Clipboard or writing surface, pens/pencils, laptop, Thurston County map, binoculars, driver’s license, car registration and proof of insurance.

      Suggestions:
      Liquids to stay hydrated - missing a clue may cause extreme perspiration.

      Snacks of all kinds - this is a serious contest! Don't let that blood sugar drop!

      Music - this is a very important element to many teams. One wrong CD pick and it can be over before you leave the starting line. (Goes back to selecting the right team members - a "fanilow" may not mix well with a "metal head"...we're just saying.

    • Q: When and Where?
      A: Plan to arrive between 8 – 10 am at Olympia High School (see the home page for a map).  Departure of the teams will be staggered to avoid congestion along the route and to prevent cheating (what? cheating?).  The staggered start also means you don’t need to arrive at 8 am sharp.  Feel free to sleep in an extra 5 minutes or grab a cup of adrenaline and come anytime between 8-10am. 

      NOTE: teams must depart by 10am to ensure that everyone finishes on time and makes it to Lucky Eagle Casino for lunch and the party!



    • Q: Registration
      A: Bring your driver’s license, insurance card and payment.  Driver's licenses of the team driver and passenger will be sealed in an envelope and given back to you. Yes, this is where the Ride gets serious! The sealed envelope is to prevent speeding or reckless driving (who? You? Talk to the hand!).  Should you happen to capture the attention of local law enforcement, you will need to show your driver’s license and the only way to do that is to tear open the envelope, which will result in a BIG penalty at the finish line.

      Registered teams will also receive a fabulous commemorative Ride T-shirt, oh, yeah and an instruction sheet, and clues. (Did we have you at fabulous T-shirt?)
    • Q: Driver’s Package
      A: There will be a special package available for purchase at the start line that may include "mulligans" (think free answers to clues) and other goodies to give drivers that extra edge in the competition and to increase the overall fun factor.

    • Q: Vehicle Safety Check
      A: To ensure every team leaves the starting line of good mind, sound body and in working order, our crackerjack team of volunteers will perform a short safety check of your vehicle.  While no oil changes will be performed, you can expect a quick look at brake lights, turn signals, etc.
    • Q: Driving Conduct
      A: This event is not your attempt to be Dale Earnhardt Jr.! The Ride takes place on public roads with normal traffic. All rules of the road apply during the course of this event. At no time are you expected to, nor should you be compelled to, violate these rules.

    • Q: Pit Stops
      A: Hey, we’ve all been there. A little too much hydration and well… Feel free to stop along the route to make any needed pit stops.  The event is not timed but the clues are in order, so don’t get side tracked or lost!


    • Q: Checkpoints
      A: There will be several interactive planned stops along the way to further challenge your rally skills and abilities.  The tasks and surprises will vary at each one.



    • Q: What if I get lost?
      A: Then we have a good story to tell! It’s very possible that the Ride course will take teams to parts of Thurston County that you’ve never seen before (is this really possible?). So come prepared with a current map, a cell phone and any other emergency kit items that may be important. If you cannot get back on course or have run out of time, head towards Lucky Eagle Casino and the finish line!

      NOTE: event coordinators have a list of all teams and will be keeping track of who has arrived at the finish line and who hasn’t. Rest assured, volunteers will be on the lookout for your team!




    • Q: When and Where?
      A: All teams must arrive at the Lucky Eagle Casino by 12:30pm! Even if your team has not found all the clues.

    • Q: Team Check In
      A: Enter the Lucky Eagle Casino parking lot and follow the signs (or volunteers) to the Finish Line Party. Park wherever you can.  Take one last look at your clue sheet and double check questions and answers, they can be tricky!  Head into the banquet room where you can turn in your answers and check the Answer Board with sounds of glee or gloom. Remember all decisions by the Rally Master are final! (Do not cross the Rally Master!)

    • Q: What Activities are there at the Finish Line Party?
      A: The fun continues!  Keep the momentum going with your team and participate in team photos, raffles, silent auction and games!  Don’t forget to break for an “all the fixin’s” BBQ lunch.

      Awards will be presented at 1pm to the 3 teams who received the highest scores.  Tiebreakers will be available if needed.  The awards are a very handsome and highly coveted plaque, suitable for bragging, displaying in your office and holding in the face of your competition. 

    • Q: What is Morningside and what are the funds being raised for?  See www.morningsideservices.com

    • Q: Are children allowed to participate?
      A: Yes, the Ride can be a great family activity. Please remember that the Finish Line is held at the Lucky Eagle Casino. While the event will be in the banquet room in which children are welcome, only those over age 21 are allowed in the casino.

    • Q: Are pets allowed?

      A: Yes, pets are allowed to join you in your car but are not allowed in the casino (the famed Dogs Playing Poker painting seemed to put a damper on things).  Please remember that the weather may be warm so please plan accordingly.  Extra water and windows down are appreciated by our four-legged friends!

    • Q: The art of giving directions:

      A: No one likes a back seat driver, except the person in the back seat!  As a road rally event, the Ride can be rife with challenges when it comes to navigating the course. Even between the best of friends, co-workers, spouses or pets, giving and taking directions while in a moving vehicle can result in unpleasantness.  The Ride Committee encourages the use of common courtesy and patience! 

      DISCLAIMER: Morningside, Morningside Ride and/or any of its affiliates are not responsible for the results, impacts, or outcomes that may occur between teams as a result of participating in the Ride. Nor will mediation be offered or paid for between significant others!