An overdue update

I know it’s been a quiet couple of weeks on the RRDG group and on our website. I’ve had a welcome visit from some of our European family, and it has also given the rest of the RRDG a chance to review some documentation, survey some rally routes, and move forward with a few new initiatives. But we’re all back in the saddle now, so let’s get caught up!

Of primary interest to all of you road rally competitors will be the latest update on the ASCC’s New Scotland Road Rally (NSRR). Jim has finalized the route and everything is in place for the event on May 3. There are a few last minute details to tie up, but everything will be ready for a launch from the Truro area for a +/- 350 km exploration of central Nova Scotia using paved roads only. There will be lunch and rest stops included, so don’t let the total distance scare you away. Richta GPS timing and scoring will be utilized on the NSRR, so brush up on that technology through the information here on the RRDG website, the BAC website, and on the Richta Rally website. Rumour has it online registration will open shortly and Supplementary Regulations will be made available around the same time, so stay tuned for that and for further information.

Given the date of the federal election, it seems certain that the start of the BAC Bluenose Rally on May 24 will be at the Windsor Curling Club. This will be a mixed-surface rally using traditional staffed CPs and is an annual classic of the road rally season. It’s one you don’t want to miss and we’ll publish more details in the very near future.

I can also quickly report the Tarmac Trial (September 7) now has a complete odo check leg and Richta CPs have been set for the first three sections. This rally will start in Hantsport at the Hants Border Community Hall, and end some 150 km later at the King’s Arms Pub in Kentville. Like the NSRR, it’s comprised of paved roads only.

Thanks to RRDG member Ian, we also have a 2013-vintage rally “in the can” and we’re trying to figure out what to do with it. We’ll come up with something for 2026. There’s no sense in letting good road rally routes go to waste!

Last but by no means least: for those of you interested in organizing a road rally (and we sincerely hope there are a few of you), our organizer’s guideline is now published! This document is the culmination of a number of years of simmering, editing, updating and effort by a number of Nova Scotia road rally enthusiasts. Our thanks to Sonia Meadows and the aforementioned Ian Pearce for the foundation documents which were massaged into this updated manual. And while this makes a great guideline, remember there are lots of experienced people within the Atlantic region clubs to help you with road rally organization.

Enough for now. Stay tuned for more info on all of the 2025 road rallies, mark your calendars, and we hope to see you on the NSRR on May 3!