Thursday, December 31, 2010
The MTB Sports gang got on the road at about 10:00 this morning. The weather was cool, but the clear blue skies and sunshine made the two hour drive to Brooksville quite enjoyable. After a quick lunch stop at the local McDonalds, we were back on the road for the last 15 minutes of our relatively short journey.
As members of the club, we were able to arrive at the track a day early and search out the premier parking and camping location. The back corner of the club parking, by a large oak tree, seemed the perfect spot for the munchkins to run around and play. However, the club decided that our generators would disturb the tent campers, so we moved to the next best spot a little further up. This seemed to meet everyone’s approval.
As usual, we spent the next little while setting up the campers and getting organized. Stephanie decided to be a part of the MTB gang this weekend, so Michelle filled her in on the ins and outs of camping shower and bathroom etiquette. The kids got into their camping routine quickly and began running around and playing while the adults continued setting up.
We then set out to enjoy one of the other perks of having our club host the race. We got the kids geared up and headed out to the pee-wee track for some free ride time. Michael J. hopped on his quad and took off – ready to go. Brie was a bit tentative, so Trey led she and I – with me hanging on tightly to the fenders – around the track for her first practice lap on a real race course. We spent most of the afternoon at the pee-wee track taking turns riding the quads and the TTR 50. By the end of practice Mikey J. had improved his lap time, Brianna was more comfortable on a racetrack, and McKenzie was enjoying riding around the track with her Daddy and Brie. A successful afternoon for the MTB Munchkins!
A new experience was in store for the two Michelle’s in the late afternoon. Michael and Trey decided that they wanted us to experience what they do on race day. So, we threw on our helmets (Michelle had to wear McKenzie’s…which didn’t exactly fit) and hopped on behind our husbands. Off we went, not sure exactly how well having a tag along on the back of a quad or bike was going to work on a harescramble track. After a good 30 minute ride, the MTB wives have a completely new respect for our husbands’ abilities. Maneuvering through the tight woods, in and out of trees, up and down hills, around tight corners, and through mud and sand cannot be easy with someone sitting behind you holding on to your shirt for dear life. All in all, I hope we get to do that again!!!!
The club was providing fried turkey for the club members for dinner, so while we were waiting, the MTB gang decided to wander around and get some ideas for how we were going to handle the GNCC camping. We found a few enclosed trailers that seemed workable, as well as a two room tent with sleeping room for two queen size air mattresses. I say we go with the enclosed trailer, but the tent would save a lot of money. We’ll have to debate that a bit more when the time comes.
The club dinner was fabulous. The pot luck choices made a great addition to the wonderful flavor of the five turkeys that they fried. Dessert finished it all off with the sweet taste of brownies, chocolate mousse cake, and a variety of pies.
The remainder of the evening was spent by Michael’s campfire. The boys worked on Trey’s bike; Michelle, Steph, and Michael J. played “Tip It”, the girls did girlie stuff, and I worked on crossword puzzles. Everyone was relaxing and enjoying the blue moon (which we won’t see again for another 15-20 years) until Michael had to mess with the fire. Okay, so it wasn’t his fault, but all of a sudden the grass beneath the fire pit was ablaze. Michael was trying to kick dirt on it and stomp it out, Trey grabbed our 7 gallon water container and began pouring water on it, and Michelle grabbed a little water bottle. The rest of us…we just sat and watched. The newly appointed MTB fire squad saved the day, well night.
Once the excitement ceased our activities resumed, until the rain started. Then it was a frenzy of people covering generators, chairs, bikes, and quads. It was about 10:00 anyway, so we decided to head inside and get ready for bed. We knew tomorrow would be a day filled with excitement, especially for the MTB munchkins. Good night to all and Happy New Year!!!!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year!!!!! What an exciting feeling, to wake up on the first day of a new year. Trey was starting the year off with a morning run and I was enjoying sleeping in (Pea-Pod was enjoying it too!). That worked out well for us girls, as the rain from last night was not ceasing and the wind had picked up, but Trey was going for his run anyway. As he opened the camper door at the completion of his run, soaked basically from head to toe I realized how proud of him I should be. He started the New Year out right, no matter what Mother Nature had in store. Brie and I were still lazing in bed.
So, I finally got up and got ready to face the world. Brie wanted some pancakes, so I set up the generators and the griddle. We prepared the pancake mix and we were ready to get started, when the clouds really let loose. The pancakes got soaked on the griddle and I was a mess. Brie and McKenzie had escaped to the safety of the camper and left me to handle the cooking. Needless to say, six pancakes were the only things to get cooked.
Meanwhile Trey, Michael, and Mikey J. set off toward the pasture to work on the track. The cows had eaten many of the arrows and knocked down a few of the posts, so their job was to get everything back to race-ready. They had planned to be back in about an hour, but with the downpour, it was a good two hours before they arrived back for lunch. Not long after shoving down an amazing chicken salad sandwich (thanks Daddy!), they were back on the track hard at work. Michelle, Stephanie, the munchkins, and I made a Wal-Mart run for a new pair of boots (Trey’s got destroyed in the mud) and a few others odds and ends.
The boys returned to the camper shortly after we returned from Wal-Mart and the MTB Sports gang decided to explore the track on foot. Trey, Stephanie, Brie, Kenzie, and I headed for “The Claw” while the rest of the gang helped the Hedins unpack. By the time we had mastered “The Claw”, “The Log”, and a number of other hills we had one muddy tush and some dirty hands, but we had a great adventure. As we headed toward the motocross track, we ran into the rest of the gang and spent some more time on the muddy hills.
By this time we were all ready for a hearty dinner – cheeseburgers and Amish macaroni salad (the Amish macaroni salad from Wal-Mart has become a favorite of the MTB gang). As we were preparing this seemingly appropriate camping meal, Michelle and I realized that it was New Year’s Day and we hadn’t prepared our New Year’s food. We scurried in to round up our canned black-eyed peas, canned collard greens, and the slab of hog fat (better known as hog jowls). Steph took over the indoor cooking and I handled the outside food preparation. I thought I was going to freeze to death, but I managed to survive and we all enjoyed a tasty dinner.
The evening concluded as usual with the kids playing and the adults chit-chatting about anything and everything. Another incredible day at the races!!!!
Saturday, January 02, 2010
So the morning started a bit off track since Trey overslept and was late heading out to his work post. Fortunately he was able to get on his way quickly and the rest of the gang got back into our Saturday routine. Michael headed out to his practice and Mimi arrived a bit before Mikey J. headed out to his pee-wee practice. As usual watching practice was interesting – anywhere from 50cc to 90cc quads with munchkins from 4-11 years old all on the track at the same time. Mikey had fun though and made it through…even Karlee was out there this weekend.
Then it was back to the camper to chill out until Mikey J.’s race. A bit of playing was in store for the kids and more chatting for the adults. It wasn’t too long before it was Mikey J.’s time to race. The MTB gang (now known as Mikey J.’s cheering squad) was strategically placed over the track – prepared to rescue anyone from a tree or perhaps a pile up in a tight corner. Luckily no one needed rescuing and the race was a success. Michael J. finished ____ and received a participation medal.
Lunch and more relaxing was in store for the next few hours while we waited until time for Michael to race. As the day progressed we realized that the weather forecast was on target this time and a cold front was upon us. So we grabbed our hoodies, beanies, gloves, sweaters, blankets, and a Snuggie (yes…Stephanie has a Snuggie) and hiked out to the track to watch Michael race. Thankfully the afternoon sun kept us warm for the first half of the race, but as the sun sank down behind the trees the north wind made it extremely chilly.
More important than the comfort of the MTB spectators, Michael got off the line in second place. As he passed Trey in the pasture he had acquired first place. Unfortunately he crashed not long after and was back to the end of his class. He toughed it out and made it through, which paid off in the end. Another rider dropped out and Michael finished in second.
Then it was back to the campers for another camp meal. Michelle was in charge tonight and got busy stirring her huge pot of chili. So, Steph and I made a quick trip to the gas station to get gas for the generators (a couple of limeades from Sonic were our reward for the trip). By the time we got back the boys had finished eating and were headed to the Harescramble Committee Meeting. I decided to join them just to hear what issues were being discussed, so I grabbed my bowl of chili – and a warm blanket – and went to the sign up tent. After a good hour of discussion and not accomplishing too much, I thought I should get back to check on my munchkin. It was just too cold to do much socializing tonight so the munchkins watched a bit of Curious George and we all headed to bed. Yet another fabulous day for the MTB gang!!!! Looking forward to tomorrow!!!!
Sunday, January 03, 2010
So, this morning started at about 4:30 when Trey noticed that the camper was unusually chilly. After trying to get the furnace to put out some heat, he realized that we were out of propane in the active tank. In a valiant effort to rescue the ladies from what seemed to be turning into an ice box, Trey ran outside to switch the tanks – in his underwear! Did I mention that the temperature was barely 30 degrees??? Needless to say, he made a mad dash back inside the camper and slid beneath the covers. We quickly fell back to sleep for another few hours of warmth.
7:30 came too quickly, but Trey was up and ready to head out to practice. While he walked in the freezing cold to sign-up, I threw together an egg sandwich. Soon after gobbling down breakfast he was geared up and heading out to the track. My Angel was still snoozing, so I went ahead and got ready to go. This included my thermal undies (shirt and pants) as well as a long sleeve shirt, hoodie, jeans, two pairs of socks, and my boots. At a little after 10:00 Brie finally awoke. She hastily brushed her teeth and piled on the same layers as her mommy. We just aren’t used to the chilly weather.
The Saturday races were not permitted to use “The Claw” or any of the surrounding area, so Trey wanted to go out and watch the Sunday morning racers attempt the challenge. Most who tried any of the three uphills made it without a struggle, but there are always a few who have difficulties and today was no exception. We witnessed a few bobbles, as well as a few complete failures, but fortunately no injuries.
Soon it was time to head back and start the preparations for Trey’s race. Brie was completely enthralled with watching the excitement at “The Claw” so she opted to hang out with the rest of the MTB gang (except Michael, who was working the race). Trey and I ate a simple lunch and suddenly realized that time had flown by – it was time for serious race preparations. My next 30 minutes or so consisted of filling Camelbak’s (one for Trey and one for Brie), bandaging various sensitive areas, prepping goggles, etc. Trey spent his time getting on his many layers of gear (some for protection and some for the cold) and trying to relax as it was nearing 12:45.
As usual we finished the preparations just in time to head to the line. I left Brie (equipped her Camelbak and snacks) with the MTB gang, grabbed my Thermos and my chair, and hopped on the bike with Trey. After four days of camping it was finally time to do what he was here for. We approached his line, the fifth row back, and took one of the few spots that were left. He didn’t have the best starting location, but he usually doesn’t. As 1:00 drew near, Trey took his last potty break and spoke with a few of his competitors.
Finally the horn blew – only four minutes to go. The time flew by and soon row four was gone. One minute to go – the B250 boys moved to their line and, as always, Trey told me he loved me. Each competitor on the line was looking at his bike (probably hoping that one of us holding their bikes for them didn’t drop it). The horn blew and they were off. Unfortunately, Trey’s bike didn’t start (not uncommon) and he got off of the line in 18th place. There was one competitor that had worse luck than him and started last. As the laps went by Trey managed to make up time, completing the race in 11th place. A pretty good finish for the MTB Sports team.
The MTB gang gathered up our chairs, snacks, blankets, gloves, etc. and headed to finish to hear all the ups and downs of the race. It seems Trey made some great moves and had a few bobbles, but he got some more ride time and finished in one piece. It is all part of the work necessary to reach the ultimate goal. Three years, Baby. Keep pushing!!!
The next hour or so was spent cleaning and packing up the mess that it took us four days to create. Amazingly we were not the last ones to leave (we usually are). After a final check to ensure that the camper bays were locked and our antennas were down properly, the MTB Sports gang was on their way to dinner – Waffle House here we come.
Dinner together on the way home from our races has been a tradition since Trey and I started our racing journeys five or so years ago. It’s nice to sit down for a few minutes and discuss the highlights of the weekend – and the track. It took about two hours to get home, which is a short journey compared to most, leaving us time to get the camper unpacked before heading in to relax.
Our New Year’s race weekend has come to an end – too soon! Tomorrow we head back to our normal lives. But I am thankful for another safe and fun race weekend with my family. I am looking forward to a busy week of cleaning and re-packing to do it again next weekend – the Myakka City make-up race!!!!
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