Woodburn Drags '12 ...Pt. 1

It was a very good weekend with lots of miles (450) and many hours (17) in the saddle for the boys, and they did it by overcoming breakdowns, dealing with strange (read that drunk/stoned) people in weird towns in the middle of BFE, and fighting a persistent rain with no front fenders.  My only regret was that because my bike wasn't done in time for the trip I wasn't able to be in the saddle with them facing the elements.

For a first long trip with their bikes (a '71 Sportster and a '69 Triumph), Vince and Chris stepped up and took charge of themselves and their bikes and experienced the feeling of self-reliance and confidence that comes with being on the road.  And when we finally pulled in Sunday night around midnight, the boys were wet, and cold, and really tired, but they were also very proud and psyched that they did it.  There was definitely a bonding that took place between them and their bikes and that moment of 'making it' was one they will remember for years to come.

It was also good to have Theresa with us too.  Her and J-Man had their own troubles on the way home but they figured it out and gained a new friend in the process ("Hi, my name is Darrell, and this is my other brother, Darrell...").  As for the races, T was raised around bikers so it was like a homecoming of sorts for her.  She was all smiles and moved with a relaxed step throughout the day.  She had more than a hint of pride about her as she initiated J-Man into the world of drag racing and MC's for the first time, and to bikers in general.  And being the good-natured guy that he is, he took our laughing at him all in stride as the rubber smoke and nitro fumes stung his eyes and made his nose hairs burn.  There may be hope for him yet...!