Welcome to the Rendez-vous 2010 rally.

As we turn the page on the 4th edition of the Rendez-vous rally, Québec's only 12-hour "mini-endurance" rally, many participants are probably still dreaming "big". This year's theme was "Think BIG...!" and participants were riding all over the countryside looking for and taking pictures of BIG things. The world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Coaticook (QC) was a popular stop, as was the albino stuffed moose and world's longest candy counter in NH (I think you get the picture).

On behalf of the entire organizing committee, I want to praise the participants for finishing the rides they started. They are the reason we toil to create this unique event and this year, our efforts were rewarded with a nearly 50% increase in registrations.

Who was going to walk away with the top prize was the question on everyone's mind since the past three-time winner, Cameron Sanders, was forced to DNS due to dietary restrictions (too much beef in his diet).

One participant, Jean-François Gysel, had a harrowing time just getting to Rally HQ on Friday... he suffered a flat tire while crossing the Champlain bridge exiting Montréal in the middle of rush hour traffic... he finally arrived late, but in one piece... and was quite pleased to finish in the top 10 for his first ever rally.

In typical LD rider fashion, Perry Karsten came to the aid of Peter Schaefer, last year's 2nd place finisher, after Peter had his GPS stolen out of his tank bag literally minutes before the start when he stopped for breakfast at a local Tim Hortons. Peter put in a solid ride with enough points to finish in the top ten, but the minutes lost using unfamiliar equipment meant he arrived deep into the penalty window and lost nearly 50% of his points.

This year's bonus locations were spread a little further and wider than in years past, but as riders set off on Saturday morning, the weather Gods were smiling on them because the forecast looked good all around.

Jay Whitney, a Rendez-vous "Plankowner", was the only participant to ride without the aid of a GPS and still finished in the top 10.

This year, we were once again honored to have IBR veterans Jennyfer Audet and Jacques Titolo participate. We also had Perry Karsten, fresh off his IB5000 finish, on his totally tricked-out FJR1300 which drew oohs and aahs from the gathered riders. We were also honored to have Bob Collin, IBR veteran and Maine 400 Rallymaster, assist during the scoring process.

Everyone made it back safe at the end of the day sporting BIG grins.

After the scoring process was complete, the participants enjoyed a beer and the BIG stories surfaced... then the riders sat to enjoy a fantastic 3-course meal in the company of the illustrious Dave Riley (CDog) and Mr. IBR himself, Peter Hoogeven.

Following dinner, Peter Delean regaled the participants with an excellent presentation about his recent participation in the IB5000.

What about the results, you ask...? Well, after a thorough audit which took longer than expected, I interrupted Peter's presentation to deliver a few Mr. BIG candy bars and the news... It took 4 editions to finally get two "rider and pillion" teams to join us and I was excited to present our first ever 1st place (two-up) plaque to Willy and Sandy Pichler. 3rd place went to another Rendez-vous "Plankowner", Michael Del Brocco (despite the fact that his camera knocked his bike over...), 2nd place was awarded to Perry Karsten and 1st place was bestowed upon Ian Pavelko.

For complete results, click here.

Overall, a good time was had by all, and the organizing committee once again feels that it was a BIG success and we are already hard at work on next year's edition.

A huge thank you to all of our sponsors, including Germain Boucher Sports, Moto Maximum, Warm & Safe, FAST Riding School, LD Comfort and Auberge Harris for making the Rendez-vous rally possible.

Ride safe.
Cheers!

Kevin Craft
Rallymaster