On November 21st seven teams ventured west to run the Piatt County Passage. The late date had me concerned in the planning stage about the potential of snow. I needn’t have worried, however, as the weather turned out to be unseasonably mild. The course crisscrossed the Sangamon River six times, covering many of twisty and crooked roads on either side.

Starting from downtown Monticello, the route took the contestants into the northeast quadrant of Piatt County, on a brief excursion into Champaign County just southwest of Mahomet, and then brought them back to Monticello via White Heath. After a rest break the route took them west for a trip around the outskirts of Allerton Park, then northeast again for another loop through White Heath with a final checkpoint just south of the back side of Lodge Park. The teams and workers then retired to Three Ravens on the Monticello Square for drinks, food, banter, and awards.

5 teams competed in the S.O.P. class. At the break the team of Bob Townsend and Jonathan Flora held a slim lead over Russ and Chris Bedford, 82 to 86. The Bedfords took the lead on the 4th leg, however, and held on to win 125 to 145.

Two teams went head to head in the Equipped Class. Chuck and Judy Hanson had the misfortune of being distracted by a hunter on a quad-runner at a critical speed change point on leg two. They weren’t able to completely recover and took a 23 on the leg, ending up with a final score of 37. Bob and Marianne DeMeritt were consistent throughout, taking the class and overall victory with a score of 16.

I had hoped to attract some Novices and wrote a very conservative rally with many (too many?) course following hints and a leisurely timetable. Unfortunately none showed. I think next year I’ll make this event a bit more challenging for the veterans.

Many thanks to my wife, Angela, for all her assistance, and also to Kim Johnson for assisting with checkpoint operations.

Gary Patrick, Rallymaster