I've got some photos from August here, all thanks to Mr. Len
Beech. I'm sure he shoots digital, but he walks around before every
District 6 or 7 race with a huge binder of 4x6 prints he sells for a
dollar each. It makes me wonder how long he's been doing it. Flat
track is certainly rich in heritage and tradition, which is
certainly a component of the experience that I've grown to love.
I caught the fourth and last race of the Timonium, MD series on
Friday August 12, and had a great time as usual. Taking off work to
go racing; not much is better than that! I took advantage of an
opportunity into the first turn of my heat race, and nearly finished
second, until she got around on me and I lost some ground. We paused
for way too long, just to watch a storm roll by in the distance, but
still had plenty of time to get the program in. I picked up some
helpful tips from local fast guy Nick Henderson, and made some
improvements in the main. I drank a gallon of water, easily.
When I got home, sometime around midnight, I asked Kelly if she
wanted to go racing the next day. She seemed agreeable, so I left
everything on the truck. The following morning, we headed up to
Reading, PA for the short track they host as an attraction during
the fair. We went through a hell of a storm along the way, and I
hoped it wasn't following us. It must have been the hottest day of
the year, and humid. We got through one practice session, and then
it started to rain. The breeze was refreshing, but once it let up,
the humidity was unbearable. Don't talk about it, don't even think
about it. That's the only solution to that problem. Everyone was
concerned about the condition of the clay track, but hopeful. The
prep guys got to work turning laps in their crumpled, stained
machines and soon surprised us all. Somehow the track was even
better than the first practice session! It wasn't bad before, but it
felt amazing, and I really enjoyed it. With much longer straights
than most super-short short tracks that we race, it seemed narrow,
but I really enjoyed it.
My heats were much later, so we got to sit back and enjoy about
half of the program. Then it started to rain again, and this time it
wasn't letting up. Even a little would have been too much, and it
wasn't just a little. The generous decision was made to pay off the
heats run, and refunds for those who didn't get to race at all.
That was very cool, but I wished it hadn't rained! I let them know
how much I liked it, and was advised they were going to try for 2
events next year. We decided to stop at a Macaroni Grill on the way
home, as I had a pocket full of money that was already spent. I
think Kelly said something like "I've never gone to dinner this
sweaty before". I must have eaten 15 cloves of garlic, I ate
absolutely everything. We had a great time!
Two weeks later, we went to Delta, PA. Another tiny short track,
and one that I've spent the most time on. For some reason, it was
super slippery this time. That initial moment of getting acquainted
with the surface made me feel like it was my first time, and I
didn't seem to be alone. Considering some of the moments (saves) I
had, I considered it a victory not falling in practice. I think I
was one of the few who didn't. I found myself next to one of the
fastest young guys in my class and asked what tire pressure he was
running. He advised "14... that's what my dad told me to run
anyway!" I said "Me too!" and figured I'd leave well
enough alone. Everybody was having a rough time. It was all about finesse.
I'm not sure if something changed with the class I run, but I
noticed there were a lot of younger riders, compared to what I've
seen in the past. Kids 12 and up on 125cc two-strokes, stepping up
from 7-11 85cc. I think I'm going to start running the 30+ class,
because it's inhibiting to worry about the other racer being
essentially a children, with their whole life ahead of them. In the
main, a young girl fell immediately in front of me heading into turn
one. I barely avoided her, my hot shoe clinking lightly against her
helmet as I lifted my foot over her head. It was just enough
contact to let me know I was that close, and I was as far away as I
could get in that instant! She was fine and the race continued, but
that one will stick with me. Things happen in racing for sure, but
risk mitigation is important to consider as well.
A sobering note to leave things on perhaps, but I've got to keep
that thought in mind. Historical data will show that October has not
been kind to my body in the past, and I am planning to have the
metal removed from my leg in November. In July, Kelly and I found
out that we're going to have a little one of our very own come
April. I'm stoked on that! Doesn't seem real yet, but I'm trying to
act accordingly.
This Sunday 9/16 is Piston Poppers TT in Parkesburg, PA and next
weekend is Full Circle V-Twin Fall Dirt Day in Hagerstown, MD. It's
gonna be a two-day event with practice Saturday 9/23 at noon, a band
and camping that evening, and a catered full-on race event Sunday
9/24. Also, I picked up a cheap WR250F project. It was stolen away
to Baltimore and wheelied until the cams shredded the head for lack
of oil. There are still glimpses of the nice bike it used to be, and
it's got a street title. So I've got alot to look forward to!
Thanks as always for your continued support. Cheers!
Travis