GRA said:
... BC2BC will become practical and even routine for owners of the S and follow-ons, and the adventure will go away, at least for them. No one stays excited about being able to drone along on the interstate for hour after hour. And that's how it should be, if we want BEVs to become mainstream - unnoticed parts of the transportation background, with expected and unremarked capabilities.
This "Debbie Downer" for BC2BC only comes from existing and former EV drivers who are typically the "old guard" of EV's. The general public (who this is supposed to appeal to) is actually quite excited overall, both last year and this year. We will get a lot of the great unwashed masses exposed to EV's, both through TV and print, and up-close-and-personal.
The "mainstream and unnoticed" current oil burning transportation devices with millions in use and 100,000 plus refueling stations still do all sorts of rallies, races, etc. Two and four wheel. Clearly, you would find no use for any of that, either. Check out the Iron Butt Rally*** if you want your head to explode, and yet we've have motorcycles for over 100 years. Guys pay $2000 to ride on public highways for 11 days and 11,000 miles. There's a waiting list.
When the Cannonball Rally started May 3, 1971, we had been successfully driving oil burning cars cross country for almost 70 years, when 1903, H. Nelson Jackson and Sewall K. Crocker completed the first motor trip across the United States in their oil burning car. Thankfully, folks with vision and adventure tend to just make things happen. Others sit around and complain.
*** The 2013 Iron Butt Rally will take off in early July 2013 from the Northeast. Once again, it will be a challenge not only to your riding skills but also your ability to map a successful route in order to maximize points and solve the time/distance equation. In no particular order, the checkpoints will be in the west the east and finish back in the Northeast. Exact locations, dates and times will be announced at a later date. Please note: the rally will start and finish at the same location.
As in 2005, 2007, and 2009 there will be a minimum number of points required in order to qualify as a finisher. In other words, it is possible that you will ride for 11 days, not obtain enough points and NOT qualify as a finisher. Important: There will not be the opportunity to be a checkpoint-to-checkpoint rider. If this finds you shaking in your boots, remember the Iron Butt Rally is for the World's Toughest Riders.
Positions are extremely limited and, unfortunately, not everyone who seeks to enter the rally will be able to find a spot. We wish we could accommodate more applicants, but unfortunately, we have limited facilities and staff to conduct the rally. The
entry fee for the 2013 Iron Butt Rally will be $1,850 ($2150 two-up)(U.S.Funds) payable in two parts. If you are drawn for the rally (information on how to enter the drawing follows) to hold your position the initial deposit of $700 due January 15, 2012; and the remaining $1050 ($1350 two-up) fee due January 15, 2013.
