When the Equinox to Equinox Rally kicked off on the first day of spring, it seemed like we had all the time in the world to ride around and collect points. After all, the autumnal equinox and the close of the rally was months away!

As it turns out, people get busy, they forget, things come up and weeks will tick by when you don’t collect a single bonus. Guilty as charged.

For the past 2 weekends I’ve had a free day to go out riding. While I’ve been out I have managed to pick up some points along the way. Keeping my rally placard in the trunk definitely helps.

Speaking of my flag – it has taken a bit of a beating over these few months. But, other than having one of it’s ears slightly torn it has held up to the trunk-test. Mounting it on cardboard and wrapping it in packing tape have really done the trick.

Let’s Get Some Points, Shall We?

My travels over the last two weekends took me through New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In covering that ground you could pick off post offices and firehouses all day long. But as strange as it may sound, stopping is the hardest part. You’re out on your bike and the desire to ride trumps the desire to win. So, you sail right by bonus points all day long.

Given my interest in roadside Americana, my favorite categories for the E2E Rally are: Oversized Roadside Statues, Covered Bridges and Static Trains – with a side helping of Historical Landmarks and Cemeteries over 100 Years Old. Luckily, these are high point stops for the rally. That means I get to marry my interests in riding to the object, seeing it and collecting points.

This past weekend I kicked off my day out with a nice breakfast at the Clinton Station Diner. The most delicious 7 points of the day.

Somehow I managed to rope my husband Kenny in to coming along with me. You’d think after all these years together, he would have learned his lesson when my alarm clock goes off on the weekend but, nope… he still rides with me.

Once in a while he stands in and models for me, too. I’ll take superstrong hubby lifting giant barbells for 7 points, Alex.

On Saturday night we were at a birthday party. While there, someone asked what we would be doing the following day.

“I think we’re going to go check out some giant barbells,”  I answered.

“Giant barbells. Of course,” he said.

No surprise there. 🙂

Double Indian Points

Getting to see 2 giant roadside indians for 14 points? Not a bad deal, I’d say.

Plus, the giant chief that stands at the Big Indian Shop in Shelburne Falls, Ma. is just east of a smokin’ section of route 2 from North Adams. That’s a great ride.

Have a Seat …or Two

You know, you can go a whole lifetime without ever seeing a giant chair on the road. That is unless you live near Gardner, Massachusetts. But, I guess that’s to be expected from a place called ‘The Chair City.’

They Do Exist!

Oversized Roadside? Yea, I think I have that category covered. In the most yummy way possible!

The facade of Mars Chocolate in Hackettstown, New Jersey has giant M&Ms that greet you at the front door. Not only are they squeal-worthy fabulous but they’re also good for 7 points.

During their last podcast, James & Chris mentioned that I was riding in first place on points. But they also mentioned that there were tons of pictures still in the queue to be processed. Knowing what I submitted – which hasn’t been that many this summer- I don’t think i’ll be staying there for long.

We’ll see.

In the meantime – I’ll just keep enjoying the ride.