Ride for the cure ... and a little stock car racing

(Click on images to enlarge)

"The Young dog and a boy" meet at the Waves of Thunder Rally

Ride for the Cure

Turn One

Race Winner, and a Trophy Lady of Note

Sprint Cars in Mechanic's Alley

Riding through the dense canopy of Cook’s Forest has a smell that is so earthy to me with its high density of oxygen; this byproduct of the trees nourishing themselves with CO2 during the photosynthesis process is so now. It is the perfect example of concentrating on the process, and not the outcome. This is one of my life skills, which I use to teach martial arts to my students with. The hundred bikes or more riding along with me were all on a ride For the Cure. It all started 100 miles before, back in Kittanning at the Waves of Thunder rally. Both events took place on Saturday.

Friday found me at the Lernerville Speedway for the races. This dirt track is one of our local gems for racing. I loved the sprints and the modified stock classes, which were filled with talent. The day had it all, sunburns, cute women, loud cars, and of course racetrack food … everything a growing boy needs.

This time of year finds a local festival every weekend now. You know Pennsylvania, any reason to shoot fireworks, eat and dance, is what it is all about … community at its finest. It is all waiting for you; see you there next year.

________**________

When you are coming home, you may want to talk to someone who has walked before you about the adjustment back to the real world. The world where steaks still have marbled fat in them, women smell good, and water comes out of pipes without creatures or microorganisms riding along.

You may also find that after experiencing so much, you will find yourself at odds with friends at home who have not had to survive just to exist everyday. Your newfound worldliness, whether or not you choose to experience it, can be used against you in some corners. You know men, competition is everything. If they feel that they cannot top your stories, you may not be invited to the BBQ, or to the party. Some insecure folks relish the fact that they are the "King of Cool," whether it is true or not. They do not want anyone to diminish that fact with realities. You have changed, grown so much more than you think. Although it should be a plus, in some circles it may not be. Be prepared, and soon you will adjust to the non-adrenaline driven world where excitement is rolling down the boulevard in or on your machine of assorted types and styles ... and that is for adventurous folks believe it or not. The rest may not venture out into risk areas of life at all. It takes some adjustment to throw the switch from warrior to lawn boy, trust me on this.

________**________

Photos:
1. A young pup beagle and a very young, barely walking boy meet! This was at the Waves of Thunder rally.
2. I shot this one from the saddle, while riding with the group. It is probably in Amish country somewhere during the ride.
3. Turn one of the track.
4. Winner and his trophy, with another beside him!
5. I was riding in the cab of a big rig, shooting the mechanic's row as we went past. The truck was out on the track doing laps with other trucks from sponsoring companies for the event. (I rode my Harley to the event though--not to worry!)

________**________

Keep your head down,

Henry Hill, Plum Pennsylvania