Let's Get Rolling!

  It's been a long break for us, since Bike Week! 

  This past weekend, we were able to attend Western Reserve M/C's season kick-off, in Salem (OH). We were saddened to learn that Dan (the cook, renowned for making the track's signature chili) had passed away during the off-season. His son has stepped into his father's chef hat, and continues to make the infamous "No Wimps" chili with his Dad's secret recipe. 

  There was a great turn-out of riders. However, the large number of entries (and a computer tech issue) delayed the Mains a bit, which ran the program late into the night. The temperatures dipped into the low thirties, but a kind WRMC member had a fire going outside of Turn 3, and we brought extra blankets to weather us through our night in the Fan Van.

  From here on, our schedule is pretty packed... and we love it! This weekend (May 4), we plan on heading to Henry, IL for a Steve Nace All Star event. It's my first time at this venue, so I'm extra eager for the trip! On May 10, we plan on being in Lake Odessa, MI. They are holding a race and related events, to benefit the family of Gage Beland. Lots of great items have already been donated for the silent auction, and there will be a hog roast and live entertainment.

  On May 17, there is a race right down the road from us, in Bucyrus (OH). Chew and I stopped to take pictures of this track, last year, as part of our "Tracks of Yesteryear"  series. Little did we know that the Addisons (parents of 2012 Horizon Award-winner, J.R. Addison) were already making an effort to bring this track and the Nace All Star series together! It will be great to see the bikes return to this wide, beautiful, half-mile cushion. The next day brings a few options our way, and we will have to wait and see which one is most feasible.

  The following weekend, we are heading to Springfield, IL. We'll be catching the Amateur action on Saturday, and the National on Sunday. The Youngest Chewable is spending that week on her class trip to Washington DC... we will be picking her up at the school, late on Friday night, and heading West. While this eliminates the All Star race in Peoria, IL and the Class of '79 Golf Tournament (both on Friday) from our itinerary, we wouldn't dream of having our daughter miss out on her trip.

  And this is just the beginning of the season!

  We can't wait to watch the action unfold. We have some great talent, moving up in the ranks... restrictors have been lifted from the Twins... lots of racers have switched teams, or are sitting on new bikes... there's no guessing at what can happen!

  One last thing... I have to give a huge thank you to those who have donated to our efforts. Thanks to the generosity of a few of our friends, we were able to take a break from sleeping in the van during the Daytona Nationals, which allowed us to charge up our gear and provide better coverage to the folks at home. These donations, as well as purchases from our online store, have also helped put a little fuel in the Fan Van and cut the costs of entries into some of the events we attend... or camping fees. We were also the grateful recipients of a much-needed printer (which will allow us to print pictures and flyers for upcoming racers and races, and has already aided me in printing out travel directions and photo itineraries for events). The kind words and e-mail messages have, often, been just the thing we needed on a difficult day.

  Our endeavors have definitely been made worthwhile, in large part, from folks like you. Our coverage is truly a group effort, and we can't thank you enough for your support... whether moral or financial. You folks are the best.