Northwest Rally Council

A small but enthusiastic group of rallyists ran the September Rally, ‘The 8th Sign”. The odocheck took rallyists East on I-90, then Westbound on Highway 18 over the Tiger Mountain Pass to Hobart. They then drove around Lake Francis encountering Checkpoint 2 (Leg 1.)

Next, rallyists headed towards Ravensdale passing the infamous Yellow Submarine. The route headed West on SE Kent Kangley Rd where a note Ghost Riders was introduced but could not be executed as there was no Note Ghost Riders, just Ghost Rider. The crossing guards for the equestrians on Landsburg Road before Checkpoint 3 (Leg 2) added the finishing touch to the trap.

Checkpoint 4 (leg 3) was located just outside of Ravensdale Park.

Leg 4 started with a bathroom break transit then headed towards Kanaskat Palmer State Park and the traffic pause, then, on to Checkpoint 5.

Leg 5 began with a sign reversed reference. It was very short and the penalty was small.

Leg 6 traversed the areas around Fell Hill, Krain Corner and fields filled with livestock.

Leg 7 zig-zagged around more field and pastureland and ended at Green Valley Road.

Leg 8 meandered through the Green River Valley. I had you observe the Doreen Johnson Conservation Area. Doreen was a teacher and environmental advocate. This area was named in her honor in 2017. I have known Doreen and her family since 1970. Doreen was the mother of Nora Johnson Hightower, a fellow rallyist (and 1st in Masters class) and my friend who I met at Federal Way High School. I had Doreen as a teacher and Nora had my father as a teacher, too. Our families have been friends since then. Leg 8’s Checkpoint (9) was at the top of the hill on the Lake Holm Mesa.

Leg 9 wound its way around heading to Four Corners and the Rally finish. One numbered route instruction (NRI) was out of order. If you missed executing this instruction in order, you were timed in early on this last leg.

All competitive classes were represented on the Rally. So, all competitors won a trophy for participating.

I want to thank my wife, Derris Humphrey, for all her support in making this rally happen. And, I want to thank all the competitors who participated. Thank you to Mike Daily for creating our trophies. Thank you to Dave Treen for riding pace with us.

October is the last Rally for 2026. Novice, SOP and Master Class 2026 Championship trophies will be awarded after the October event awards. Rallyists must present at the October Rally to earn the Championship trophies!

John Humphrey
Rallymaster