The flight went smoothly even though I was seated next to a rather large gentleman. Being thigh to thigh with a complete stranger for two hours made it difficult for me to fall asleep for the duration of the trip. My first time at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was amazing just for the size of it all. I think I have flown about ten times in my life this far, so I'm getting used to navigating airports, but was glad I did not have to find my way around alone that morning.
Just as we picked up the rental car I got a cramp in my foot, so Mike was kind enough to drive and once we got out on the highway I was very grateful I was not at the wheel. Six lanes of traffic for the first 18 miles or so was a little daunting, especially on 3 hours of sleep.
We stopped for breakfast and coffee at Waffle House. Something I had been looking forward to for some time, having read about it as part of the race day routine in some of Mike's stories. (Check out ehorseman.blogspot.com - he's a great writer BTW)
We finally arrived at Dixie Speedway around 11 AM - hours before any racing, but with plenty of time for me to walk around the pit area getting into raceway vibe while the Electric Horseman started doing his media work.
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| First glimpse at Dixie Speedway |
The afternoon started out chilly but warmed up pretty soon for the series of practices and qualifying races. In between races and during track prep, I walked around enjoying people watching, speedway food, t-shirts shopping, and listening to a young guy playing a guitar and singing.
There were a few riders that were injured during the afternoon races and again I see that the Rookie Class of '79 and the AFT family are supporting these young men and their families financially as well as in prayer. Injuries are unfortunately a part of this sport as in most sports. See Rookies of '79 on Facebook for a glimpse of the work these guys do for injured riders.
Before the evening progressed to the semi and main races, there was the Open Paddock where the fans get to meet the riders and get autographs. While the only autograph I got was on the back of my new Jeffrey Carver Jr /the Wizard T-shirt, I did shake hands with and talk with a few of the other riders I have become familiar with through Michael's stories and following the races on Fanschoice.tv. Good luck this season to all.
The evening races were exciting and began with an invitational race that included a couple of the members of the class of '79. By the time the main Singles and Twins races ran, the weather had gotten cold and where I stood between turns three and four, I was having trouble following the action, but the energy of the crowd kept me trying to see what I could. Last year's Singles Champ -PA rider Dan Bromley got a podium and the Main Twins race was won by another PA rider -Brandon Robinson. I admit I'm partial to the local talent, but enjoy the family spirit of American Flat Track.
Grateful again that Mike drove the car back to the airport/hotel area where we couldn't find an open diner so we shared another Waffle House meal. I think I'm good on the race-day Waffle House thing for a while. Mike had a very busy and productive day and it was interesting to almost be able to see the wheels turn in his mind as we ate and talked. He had a very early flight home so we said goodnight and he went to the airport and I conked out shortly after 1 AM . Wow! Can't remember the last time I was awake the better part of 24 hours! I have to say, for being within three miles of the airport, Country Inn and Suites by Radisson was surprisingly quiet and I was able to rest up for my trip out to see the family the next day.
Sunday morning hotel breakfast was pretty good. I ate my fill for the ride out to see my nephew Bob and his family. My brother Mike rode his cycle up from South Carolina to Bob's area the night before which saved me a few days travel and a few nights of hotel stays. I opted to stay off the Interstates since I was not in a particular hurry and I wanted see a little bit of the city of Atlanta and the northern Georgia countryside. It was a ninety mile drive that took me about two and a half hours.
It was a pleasure to take my time driving and not have to be concerned with getting to locations in a timely manner to deliver auto parts, though I am grateful for the job to have the extra cash. There's just something I enjoy about the feel of the road passing under my wheels and letting my mind wander as I ramble down the highway. I just don't get that feeling on a crowded Interstate or short trips on local streets.
The closer I got to Bob's, the more it reminded me of going to the area up north to visit them in the mountains a few years ago before they decided to head South. They had lived way out in the country and for some reason, I had never gotten up there until shortly before they moved even farther away.
They have been in Georgia over three years and my brother Mike has been in South Carolina even longer. I had thought about heading South to visit before, but the retirement income has been a bit tight.
It was just about noon when I got there. Bob and Mike were sitting outside talking when I arrived and Bob's wife Tracy came out to greet me. I had brought a little Pennsylvania with me - a bag of Wawa coffee, Corpolese pepperoni and cheese stromboli and a box of Gertrude Hawk chocolates. We brought those inside and talked a bit with my great niece Shannon before we all headed back outside to sit on the porch and catch up.
We talked for a couple of hours about family and books and racing and motorcycles, working vs. retirement , Southern living vs Northern way of life. I found out that Georgia does not have state safety inspection so there are cars held together with duct tape and plastic, but they are a lot more courteous toward motorcycles. Bob told how the first time he rode his bike into an intersection with stop signs and the three cars there all waited for him to go, he got crazy waiting for them to move until they all waved him on. On the other hand the speeding laws can be very heavy handed and you can go to jail and permanently lose your license for something called super-speeding. They filled me in on all manner of local wild-life of the animal and insect variety as well. I found out that the Atlanta airport area was not the only place where it was hard to find a diner. Apparently diners are not a common place to eat down there.
It was a great afternoon sitting with family I haven't seen much of for years, but still feel connected to. Bob had made a pot of sausage and peppers as well as braciole which was delicious, Not only was it good to have a home cooked meal after the speedway food and Waffle House, but to share a family tradition on a Sunday afternoon made the trip complete.
I started back to Atlanta not long after dinner and whether it was the after effects of the pleasant afternoon and good meal or erratic sleep schedule, the fresh air or the road, I was finding myself getting sleepy and stopped at Panera's for coffee and grabbed a sandwich for later back at the hotel.
My plan was to relax at the hotel indoor pool or hot tub when I got back, but a few families with children already had the same idea, so I printed out my boarding pass and turned in early.
Monday morning I again had the hotel breakfast buffet- I ate just enough to get me to the airport, turn in the car and get to the right gate in plenty of time. I checked the departure gate on my phone before I left so I would have an idea where to go in this busiest airport in the world, (according to their website).
Traffic at 9 AM wasn't bad for the three mile trip and it didn't take long at the Hertz center to complete the return. I found my way to Terminal A and got to the assigned gate way early and the next scheduled departure from there was to San Francisco which was delayed due to bad weather out there. I checked the departure board and I was now leaving from terminal B. No problem, still plenty of time and actually the connecting walkway was decorated in greens and blues and played bird song music as I walked through. I felt almost like I was out for my morning walk instead of at the airport.
I again felt like I was getting my morning walk when the third time I checked, my plane was now scheduled to leave from the opposite end of the terminal.
Eventually we boarded and I had to check my carry-on because there was no more room in the overhead bins. That was fine with me after dragging the darn thing all around the airport all morning, at least I wouldn't have to tote it around PHL. The flight was uneventful, but I was curious that the Delta people suggested keeping your seat belt on in case of "rough air". I think the last time I flew they still called it turbulence. Funny the things your mind ponders after vacation. I also mused as we prepared to land how easily a plane can go from thousands of feet in the air at hundreds of miles an hour to drop down, touch ground and stop in a matter of minutes. Every hour of every day. Just saying, I found that very cool.
My driver, Dave from Exec Limo was waiting for me at the escalator. We got my bag and I climbed in the back seat. Nice to be riding up 476 instead of driving it in that little yellow and green car. I was home before rush hour and happy to have had such a pleasant trip and happy to be home.
Maybe tomorrow I'll start planning the next getaway, but for now it's time to relax.
Interesting and informative. Enjoy your choice of words and how the story just flowed.
ReplyDeleteThank you for including us in your fun and varied experiences!