Spectating at Ojibwe Forests ProRally

[Steve Garbe]

Some friends and I are heading up to see the Ojibwe Forests Rally, and I'm looking for advice on what to expect. I've gone over the detailed spectator info at www.ojibweforsestsrally.com, but I'm looking for some impressions from people who have been there.

How packed does it get at approved spectating locations? Do you have to arrive early to get a spot?
What's the pace like- do you move every hour to follow the action, or do you spend a half day in one spot grillin' and drinkin'?
Any other advice for a Rally newbie? Like a better forum for asking these questions?

Thanks, all.
-Steve

[ITSrotary]

We used to go every year but have missed the last three so assuming they haven't changed things too much here's my $.02.

Bring a lot of bug dope and liquids. You are totally on your own and in pretty remote areas most of the time.

Get a good map of the area. You'll be driving to different viewing areas on different stages.

Get there early and go to the rally headquarters. It's a hotel on the west side of town called the Northern Inn or something similar. They have a ton of info and rally updates. Most importantly they have maps with directions and approximate times for the viewing areas. There are usually only 2,3 or 4 viewing areas where spectators are allowed to see the event. Most of the rally is held in the forests south of Bemidji so you'll be traveling county highways and forest roads to get to those areas. Once at a viewing area you will be restricted to a pretty small area and they are hardcore about this, insurance and all. Watch the cars fly by and hop back in your car and head to the next viewing area. They used to have a service break around Park Rapids that was pretty cool because they would take a short break and you could wander around and check out the cars and drivers. Plus it was a chance to grab some food, etc.

Lot's of driving around and pretty limited viewing for a short amount of time but still worth it if your into rally at all. If your expecting a "WRC" style spectating experience you'll be dissapointed.

I've been told the best way to see more of the rally is to actually work the event.

Steve