Salvation

I went to Dickson last weekend to experience a little of the final rounds of the ITSA North American Championship. Nothing like a little time spent out of doors to lift you after you’ve been cooped up for a month or so. The good times began with a trip Friday night to the ranch for a much needed influx of the kind of camaraderie that I can only get from my campfire buddies. The music and the jokes, the teasing back and forth, the old stories, the fire, the smoke and the welcome I got, all worked wonders at improving my deposition. I felt better there than I’d felt in a while.

The next day was a mess for everybody and it took its toll on me. Something about slipping and sliding around in the muck ran me out of gas pretty early. I loaded up and went home shortly after the trials started and didn’t do anything else the entire day. I hate I missed the Saturday night campfire, but I knew the sun was going to shine on us Sunday morning and I wanted to be up for it.

Sunday delivered as promised and the riders had blasted off by the time I got to the site. It had dried considerably so I decided I’d try to make my way backwards on the loop to a point where I could see a little riding. I found the hiking a little easier than I thought it would be, to the point that I found myself a good ways back in the woods by the time I heard the first motorcycles coming my way. I actually had time to walk a couple of sections before none other than Captain Dick came over the hill, leading a group of riders who were obviously enjoying the better conditions of the day. It was a good spot to watch the action and before I moved on I’d seen every contestant in action. I walked and walked during the remainder of the day, finding several good spots to watch competition. It was well worth the effort, although it pained me a little not to be among those riding. At least I was out in the woods, rather than staring at the world out the window.

The weekend ended on a high note too, as the guys all made their way back into the pits and began relaxing from all the activity. This continued until the Guru called everyone together to hand out awards for the day and the series. A final gathering around the campfire followed the awards and (as always) no one seemed to want the day to end. This included me and even though I was really beat, I was still one of the last ones to make their way to the truck.

I figured I would pay dearly for the day’s activity when I got up the next day, but this proved not to be the case. I reckon all the climbing and bending as I’d made way around the uneven terrain, was just what I needed to loosen up what ailed me. I awoke with a lot less pain and was not nearly as stiff as I had been just a couple of days before. The physical activity combined with the mental therapy to….....well, to save me. Thanks to all of you who contributed so much to my salvation. I owe you a lot. Can’t wait till the next one.