So... Funny Story

[Crucible]

Fun Fact: The link to register for the Launch Mode event at Pacific Raceways in Kent, WA is still live.

TL;DR

The reason I know that the link is still live is because I registered for the event a couple months ago, received tickets in an email, and then I showed up there tonight, July 10, 2025 for the event. No one at Pacific Raceways knew about the event and speculated it must have been cancelled. I brought up the tickets on my phone and saw that I received them from the Rivian Events email address on May 27, 2025. That's when I finally noticed the date on the tickets for the event was July 10, 2024. One year ago today.

But it gets worse...

I'm not local. In David's post, I took heart to the line, "For those of you who live outside the Seattle area, we know it’s a trek to get here, but we’d absolutely love to see you if you happen to be in the area at this time or want to make the trip."

I made the trip. From Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. I drove it. The trip was 881.1 miles.

But it gets worse...

I made the trip in a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt, which charges at a maximum rate of 55 kw, under ideal conditions. And we all know conditions are never ideal. It took three days, 7 charges, some hydroplaning in a big rainstorm, and some traffic jams on major freeways.

But it gets worse...

I made my wife come on the trip with me.

And it still gets worse...

As we were getting close to Pacific Raceways tonight, we speculated whether any of the Rivians we saw on the freeway might be going to the event. I planned out a bingo card for all the varieties of EVs we might see in the parking lot. I wondered if I was going to like the R3 better than the R2, and how long I'd have to wait to get the R3, even though I'm an early reservation holder for the R2. I told my wife that this event might be life changing for me. Like maybe RJ would be there and he and I would hit it off and he'd be my new best friend. Like maybe someone from Rivian would hear about our long drive in a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt and realize that I am a hearty and seasoned EV driver from the far north, and they would ask me to leave my Bolt here and drive back home in an R2 and keep it for a year so that they could get data from it in our harsh northern environment.

And the worst part is...

My wife is now making fun of me for being so disorganized and not paying attention to details. She's making fun of me for my wild imagination about it being a life changing event. And now she has an 881.1 mile drive back home to continue making fun of me.

Well, I'd say it truly was life-changing!

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[thescamdog]

Oh wow - that is hilarious! What a fantastic attitude, you and your wife need to spread some of that around wherever you go Enjoy the island (but don't break down, BC Ferries will no longer transport an EV that needs to be towed - we don't need another chapter of "but it gets worse...")

I saw that story. And BC was one of the biggest supporters of EV adoption. Far better than my home of Alberta. I'm not worried. My Bolt is in fine shape, other than some bugs on the front that I just couldn't seem to miss.

 

[dmc94]

Man I’m so sorry you drove down! It’s annoying Rivian left the link up. If you do come back to Seattle, please make it to these Saturday events! The Emerald City Rivian Club will welcome you with open arms and you can come hang out with owners at the West Seattle Drive & Social Hour.

 

[HotPocket]

This is one of my favorite posts of all time. Maybe from any forum. As an adult with ADD who is often passionate but disorganize, I relate and sympathize. I also love the idea of forum posters loading you up with great stops on your way back!

I'd buy the movie rights to this story if it continues on this wild arc. Good luck! I hope you find more ways to make it memorable and appreciate your amazing wife.

 

[iforbes]

The Straight Story II: Back in Time

My heart was sinking with you on each “it gets worse”. Hope you were able to turn it around! Thanks for sharing.

 

[MF Spaceship]

See you there!

 

[Donald Stanfield]

Wow that’s a major letdown. I’m glad you can keep such high spirits about it. I hope you take some of the other members here up on their suggestions to make the most of your trip.

 

[Luvolbikes]

If Rodney Dangerfield was still alive you could sell him your story.

 

[mkhuffman]

I saw that story. And BC was one of the biggest supporters of EV adoption. Far better than my home of Alberta. I'm not worried. My Bolt is in fine shape, other than some bugs on the front that I just couldn't seem to miss.

Sorry for your very disappointing trip. I am sure your wife will remind you about it for years. But your account was very entertaining!

 

[MountainBikeDude]

Fun Fact: The link to register for the Launch Mode event at Pacific Raceways in Kent, WA is still live.

TL;DR

The reason I know that the link is still live is because I registered for the event a couple months ago, received tickets in an email, and then I showed up there tonight, July 10, 2025 for the event. No one at Pacific Raceways knew about the event and speculated it must have been cancelled. I brought up the tickets on my phone and saw that I received them from the Rivian Events email address on May 27, 2025. That's when I finally noticed the date on the tickets for the event was July 10, 2024. One year ago today.

But it gets worse...

I'm not local. In David's post, I took heart to the line, "For those of you who live outside the Seattle area, we know it’s a trek to get here, but we’d absolutely love to see you if you happen to be in the area at this time or want to make the trip."

I made the trip. From Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. I drove it. The trip was 881.1 miles.

But it gets worse...

I made the trip in a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt, which charges at a maximum rate of 55 kw, under ideal conditions. And we all know conditions are never ideal. It took three days, 7 charges, some hydroplaning in a big rainstorm, and some traffic jams on major freeways.

But it gets worse...

I made my wife come on the trip with me.

And it still gets worse...

As we were getting close to Pacific Raceways tonight, we speculated whether any of the Rivians we saw on the freeway might be going to the event. I planned out a bingo card for all the varieties of EVs we might see in the parking lot. I wondered if I was going to like the R3 better than the R2, and how long I'd have to wait to get the R3, even though I'm an early reservation holder for the R2. I told my wife that this event might be life changing for me. Like maybe RJ would be there and he and I would hit it off and he'd be my new best friend. Like maybe someone from Rivian would hear about our long drive in a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt and realize that I am a hearty and seasoned EV driver from the far north, and they would ask me to leave my Bolt here and drive back home in an R2 and keep it for a year so that they could get data from it in our harsh northern environment.

And the worst part is...

My wife is now making fun of me for being so disorganized and not paying attention to details. She's making fun of me for my wild imagination about it being a life changing event. And now she has an 881.1 mile drive back home to continue making fun of me.

I love the humour of your story, despite it being a bit shitty.

My let-down moment was when I was initially meant to teleconference with my guide in January 2023. Having had a reservation since mid 2019, I was excited for the delivery process to start, to say the least. I plunked down by my laptop, coffee in my Rivian mug, Rivian T-shirt on my buddy bought me....

Die to a scheduling issue, the call never came. My wife said it was the saddest thing she's ever seen... I was so excited, and got stood up on prom night.

So, I feel your disappointment.

I'm currently on the last day of my 2 week rivian camping trip, so if you're on your way through Osoyoos tonight, feel free to pop by our campsite if you want to check out my R1T. Maybe do a couple launches for fun

 

[CBRacerX]

It’s all downhill from here after this experience! One for the “remember that time we…”

 

[TLDR_71]

Amazing story. I literally LOL’d reading it. Thanks for sharing. If your wife hasn’t killed you by now, you’re good.

 

[mudito]

Fun Fact: The link to register for the Launch Mode event at Pacific Raceways in Kent, WA is still live.

TL;DR

The reason I know that the link is still live is because I registered for the event a couple months ago, received tickets in an email, and then I showed up there tonight, July 10, 2025 for the event. No one at Pacific Raceways knew about the event and speculated it must have been cancelled. I brought up the tickets on my phone and saw that I received them from the Rivian Events email address on May 27, 2025. That's when I finally noticed the date on the tickets for the event was July 10, 2024. One year ago today.

But it gets worse...

I'm not local. In David's post, I took heart to the line, "For those of you who live outside the Seattle area, we know it’s a trek to get here, but we’d absolutely love to see you if you happen to be in the area at this time or want to make the trip."

I made the trip. From Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. I drove it. The trip was 881.1 miles.

But it gets worse...

I made the trip in a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt, which charges at a maximum rate of 55 kw, under ideal conditions. And we all know conditions are never ideal. It took three days, 7 charges, some hydroplaning in a big rainstorm, and some traffic jams on major freeways.

But it gets worse...

I made my wife come on the trip with me.

And it still gets worse...

As we were getting close to Pacific Raceways tonight, we speculated whether any of the Rivians we saw on the freeway might be going to the event. I planned out a bingo card for all the varieties of EVs we might see in the parking lot. I wondered if I was going to like the R3 better than the R2, and how long I'd have to wait to get the R3, even though I'm an early reservation holder for the R2. I told my wife that this event might be life changing for me. Like maybe RJ would be there and he and I would hit it off and he'd be my new best friend. Like maybe someone from Rivian would hear about our long drive in a 2019 Chevrolet Bolt and realize that I am a hearty and seasoned EV driver from the far north, and they would ask me to leave my Bolt here and drive back home in an R2 and keep it for a year so that they could get data from it in our harsh northern environment.

And the worst part is...

My wife is now making fun of me for being so disorganized and not paying attention to details. She's making fun of me for my wild imagination about it being a life changing event. And now she has an 881.1 mile drive back home to continue making fun of me.

I would just fly her back home and drive by myself honestly. No way I'm taking my wide crap for that trip back...

 

[COdogman]

Man, that entire story sounds like something I would do. I’m glad you are able to laugh about it after the fact!

 

[Anjoo]

I’m in Edmonton and would be happy to take you (and your wife) for a ride in my R1S and maybe even go for a launch!

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