June 19, 08. Day 08 - Eau Claire,Wi - Stillwater, Mn

Within seconds of crossing from Wisconsin to Minnesota the solar car and its chase vehicle were pulled over by the Minnesota State Patrol and near two hours later the officers laid a citation on us, stating that the van and the trailer were a commercial enterprise. They claimed that it required a log book like truck drivers, a DOT number, and a break away electric safety brake. The American solar car race have been taking place across Minnesota since 2005 with over 20 solar car teams racing on public roads, this is the first time to our knowledge that any solar car team is deemed commercial. It sure make us feel special. Marcelo refused to signed the citation. As everyone knows (and it is well documented in this site and through the media all over the world) this is not a commercial endeavor. The team took a one day delay in order to comply with the Minnesota State patrol in order to proceed. Marcelo took the van to get the necessary break away brake. At the garage he met a sympathetic supporter who offered to pay for the part and labor. It was greatly appreciated. Everyone who learned about our ordeal shook their heads in disbelieve, the situation was so ridiculous that it even made the news. After driving across a number of states since our official start in Buffalo we were looking forward to Minnesota. After all they have a great solar car team here and we were planning on giving them a surprise visit. Unfortunately, due to the delay we'll now have to continue our journey without a stop in Minneapolis. In spite of our initial "special" welcoming into Minnesota, it turned out to be one of our best and most welcoming stops of the tour so far. We met some wonderful people who were excited to have us here, showing a great hospitality and support to the project. As the word got around more and more people came to see us and show support. Special thanks to Leann, Hervey, BOB, Michael, Craig, Greg, Stillwater police department, KSTP News, P.D.Pappys, Tom and many other who came by to support us.

	122.7km (76.7miles)
	Marissa stretching early in the morning, doing a sun salutation.
	Opsy! - Marcelo locked the trailer with the keys inside. Evan climbed the trailer and started to take the hinges off. No mountain high enough!
	Our hosts in Eau Claire. Thanks guys!
	Wisconsin had the best roads so far.
	Surprise, surprise! Welcome to Minnesota, do you have your documents?
	Minnesota has been hosting the American Solar Challenge since 1995, with dozens of the solar cars competing on its public roads. In fact, next month ASC 2008 will be taking place in this very state. XOF1 was the first solar car project to our knowledge to be required to have a log book, DOT number and get a electric break away brake. And that was only for the support vehicle, when we were pulled over for the solar car. I guess they had to find SOMETHING!
	Thanks to the Minnesota state troopers for getting us on news!
	Since we couldn't go anywhere with the solar car we took the opportunity to charge the batteries. It was a great opportunity to meet some of the local residents. Everyone who learned about our ordeal with the states troopers were very supportive and apologized for the inconvenience. Our new best friend, Leann, even tried to convince some local hotels to put us up. Thanks Leann!
	The project's number of supporters grew immensely after a stop at P.D. Pappy's.
	Come to the light! XOF1 on the spotlight for the live news at 10:00pm.
	ABC Reporter Chris O'Connell covered the story earlier in the day. Chris returned for a live broadcast during the 22:00 news.