Forestburgh, New York -- Auto rallyists get through -- unless the roads
are blocked or washed out -- that's a point of honor. And in preparing for
the first Rally New York U.S.A. (Saturday, November 6, in Monticello), chairman
Ivan Orisek and his crew are holding themselves to the same standard.

It won't be easy. On September 18 a storm dumped five and a half inches of rain
on Sullivan County, damaging some of the roads and bridges which are part of
the rally route. Some of them may not be repaired until next year.

Fortunately for those who planned to enter, the Town of Tusten and the
managers of the Boy Scouts' Ten Mile River Reservation were able to suggest
alternative roads. And the rally organizers are working to adjust the route
instructions and schedules from which the officials and competitors operate. All
will be in place in time for the rally.

The new route will have twelve speed tests against the clock (rallyists call them
"special stages") totaling 65 miles. Of this, 52 miles will be on dirt and gravel
roads, and 13 miles will be on pavement. The new route will be slightly longer
than the original plan.

Of course on November 6, even if it's raining heavily, the rallyists will do their
best to reach the finish line.