Had 10 hours to be exact as I made my way to Bulls Gap, Tennessee to watch the AMA Flat Track Race. A lot of time to reflect on things, situations and solutions. It was a long drive. I headed out on Friday and timed it properly to miss rush hour in Jacksonville, so I was happy about that. What a beautiful trip through the mountains near Asheville and to complete no wheresville! Ha…… Had a moment thru the mountains where I caught myself talking out loud and answering the questions I had previously asked, But I wanted to get enough miles under my belt the first day so I wouldn’t be completely tired for the race day. Then my worst fear presented itself.. Tunnel ahead 5 miles.. Oh I so wanted to turn around… Sweaty palms restricted airway and eyes as big as frying pans there was no turning around… Tunnel 3 miles turn on headlights.. Oh crap this should be interesting.. No cell service.. I really just wanted to close my eyes and wing it but you know I am driving… Tunnel 1 mile ahead, I slowed down fearing the worst then reliving the whole Princess Diana scene with the paparazzi chasing her thru the tunnel; the experience was just the same but I am not Princess Diana and there were no paparazzi but I felt it… So there I am thru the tunnel unharmed with a white sign ahead “Check Headlights” Do they actually want me to get out of the car and check my headlights then “ Falling Rock Zone” What are they crazy? My luck would be I would get out of the car to check the damn headlights and unable to make the race because of the falling rocks on my head.. Talk about giving someone a complex. The falling Rock Zone was actually multiple miles, and I was watching from the corner of my eye I noticed some heavy duty fence on a few sections of the high way.. What about the other sections? Needless to say I arrived at the track rockless, and in one piece.

I was super excited to see everyone.. Got the work stuff out of the way and met with some new fans. The track was really wet when I got there around noon but it was really cool looking. Banked and beautiful. The race went off well and was fast moving once started. No major problems and a lot of hooting fans new and old. So thanks for the fun time.

I had a meaningful conversation with a gentlemen at the track during the down time about supporting the sport. He actually supports the sport wholeheartedly where I think I support the riders which then supports the sport and goes from there. It was interesting to hear his side of things and as we stumble together trying to come up with better solutions to situations. We do our part and in return expect respect. We swapped stories about different issues and the outcome was the same. Do we enable people and the sport we love? Do we not speak up and let people know that situations warrant respect?

My weekly thought and lesson for the week is respect. Respect the ones that help you in any situation you may have, even though they may not give you currency, they give you time and effort and that is priceless. Respect the ones the come to the races without ticket sales.. Your livelihood would be in jeopardy. Respect the outsiders that are not part of the family who you know is active in the sport and have the best interest invested in you. Respect your pit area and the people in it. People will step on toes, you may not agree with decisions that people make, bit that is no reason to be disrespectful. The ones who are silent but have an aggressive approach to you, your rider and your sport warrants respect. Hell, do you not thank the person at Subway when they hand you the finished sandwich they just made for you.. You say Thank you.. You purchased it.. Its yours.. Why would you thank them? When was the last time you thanked your mechanic? Live I sports? Your fans? Your family? The people behind the scenes? The photographer? The promoter? The Pro Sport riders? Can’t remember? Shame on you!

Always remember…

1. Every human being, of whatever origin, of whatever station, deserves respect. We must each respect others even as we respect ourselves.

2. I must respect the opinions of others even if I disagree with them.

3. If you have some respect for people as they are, you can be more effective in helping them to become better than they are.

Till next time

Respectfully;

Jennifer