 My GMB VI review
Without going into a ton of details of the trip there and back, I’ll just say it started off great as Dane showed up at my house on time. Some my not think that is anything special but last year he was 4 ½ hours late. We changed up our travel plans this year and decided to drive two long days and arrive in Humble on Thursday evening. We wanted to have some time to relax on Friday and maybe even get to go ride the track for an hour or two. The plan worked to perfection, sans the track being closed.
On Friday we got to sleep in a bit which was much needed after the two long drive days. We went to lunch with Howard, Char, Robbie, Kevin, Tracy and Andy. It was nice to see some of the group again, to meet Andy and we laughed and had a great time.
Friday evening was at the Berg’s home. We left a little early and of course we got lost getting there but we didn’t miss it by very much. It was great to see many of the people who make up ATM again and to meet some new faces attending GMB VI. There were several hours of laughter however, the underlying meaning of this gathering kept things real. While there Mike Berg and I paid off our lost bets (Superbowl 2007) to George (DRGsin). While enjoying the fine whiskey and a fine cigar George produces Colt’s jerseys for Mike and I to wear….WTHeck??? We all laughed, as did others, as we had to eat crow and put on the jerseys. To darned funny!
Friday night the rain and thunder woke me up several times. I got up as scheduled anyway in the hopes of the track being open. I went downstairs and was having the complimentary breakfast when Sara arrived. We had a nice chat over breakfast and decided since no one else from our group showed up we would return to our rooms and go back to sleep. A couple hours later in the morning brought the news that the track was closed but we would all gather there anyway. We got to meet up with more ATM’ers that we had not met yet and got to see some who could not make it to the Berg’s home. Satch and family didn’t show at the Berg’s but I was happy to see they showed up at the track. Even though he hasn’t ridden since last years GMB he is a perfect example of the caliber of people who are ATM’ers.
The main track was closed so we rode “the sand track”, that had real fine and silty like sand I have never seen here in California. We also acted like kids riding through standing water, which actually made for some VERY nice photos! We got to spend some time with friends and on the bikes and that made the day fun. Before we knew it we had to pack up and back to the hotel to get cleaned up for the shindig at Howard and Donna’s home.
Howard, Donna and David (Pragmatic) produced some mighty fine chow for all of us to enjoy. As is usual for the festivities, there was much laughter among friends. I’m still not sure I liked the short shorts Dave was wearing to impress his new chick but at least they weren’t Dolphin shorts!! George surprised Mike Berg with a bottle of his favorite scotch ($$$$) and Mike was kind enough to share it with us while in the “meeting room” and when we went outside to smoke another cigar. Again, a fantastic evening hanging out with those who “Remember Those Who Rode”.
Arriving at the track on Sunday morning there was still a question about whether we would be able to ride the track. The decision was made to go forth and race as planned. The opening ceremonies were just as sobering as I remembered them last year. Actually it was much more emotional for me as two of my long time friends, Dave Stephens and Don Glover, who had both passed away in 2007 had been added to “the list”. Dave and I became friends many years ago via our passion for dirt bikes and he had passed after a short but valiant fight against cancer. Don and I grew up together, went to the same small high school and had raced against each other for many years. He passed away during a race as a result of a crash. I miss those guys and I was reduced to tears as their names were read.
The day of racing proceeded and there were a few crashes but thankfully no one was seriously injured. There was more socializing throughout the day and as the day was winding down people were packing back up and leaving. I got to say my good bye’s to most but not all so to those I missed, I apologize. I found Suzette and gave my thanks and my goodbye. I had to hunt down the social butterfly Mike Berg and when I found him I had to stand on a chair but I gave him a big ol man-hug. That man continues to gain more of my respect with each meeting. I just don’t understand how he, Suzette and Shannon make it through this weekend. They are a strong family and that speaks volumes to me.
Sunday evening our Cali group had supper at the Saltgrass. Char and family also joined us. I got punked pretty good by Anna but it’s all good. As we said our good bye’s it hit me that this whirlwind trip was just about over. The distance we travel to get there and the expense of the trip sometimes seems ridiculous but once there that is all forgotten. The ATM crowd is second to none. Thanks for the memories.  | 
10-11-2007, 10:51 AM
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