Overnight Trip, Part 2: Super Bike Weekend at Mid Ohio
by Linda Carruth

Saturday, July 23, 2005
These events take place the day after we checked in at Gilead's, as this is the rest of the overnight trip. We were heading for Mid Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio for AMA's Super Bike Weekend.

After a night of light sleeping, the alarm went off at seven-thirty and Scott got up. He headed for the shower first, leaving me a few extra minutes to snooze. We went outside to visit the ducks again. Scott said he was sitting out on the deck, and coughed. Then he saw the big one pick her head up, and up they came, hopping up the steps two at a time to get onto the deck. He wasn't able to lure them off the deck fast enough before the big one exploded on the deck. Scott cleaned it up with the broom. Those ducks were something else. I never knew ducks could be so friendly. And personable.

It was looking a bit cloudy out, like we might be getting wet today. We were dressed and groomed by eight-thirty when breakfast is served. They have a buffet set up in the main vestibule area with cereals and milk, juices, bananas, fresh fruit cups, maple kuchen, and a delicious breakfast quiche. It was mostly eggs, with ham, bits of onion and potato, and topped with cheese. It was exquisite. Suffice to say, we had a good breakfast. They have a dining area, but we take our food back to our room. Scott had coffee made, and I had a cup to insure my alertness on the early morning ride. After breakfast, we packed up and got ready to go. My stomach was starting to act up. Yeah, I was getting nervous as it got closer to crunch time (chunky gravel pull-out).

We checked out, turning in our key, and packing up the bikes. As I got ready to go, I felt like I would have to run back in to the bathroom. But we didn't have a room anymore, so I decided to suck it up. We'd have to stop for gas eventually. I could always say something once we were out. We put on our jean jackets for the cool morning; I put long sleeves underneath as well. I got going, duck walking as I started out curving to the right, until I could put my feet up on the pegs, but before the drive curved back to the left and then straightened out. I rode out the rest of the driveway. This part felt a little easier each time. As I rode out the length of the driveway, I saw a car go by that had just come up over that blind hill. Great, I thought, traffic already. I remembered to use my back brake at the edge of the drive, as I pulled up alongside of Scott. He was on my right, and we were turning left out of the driveway. I did better hanging on to it this time. We looked both ways and listened. He said he was going to pull out. He did and then I did. I hit the throttle as my back tire touched pavement, and off we went. I was so relieved and thankful that there was no car coming over that hill, and that I was okay. We would take 241 into Millersburg to gas up. I hoped for a bathroom.

It was a nice ride over there, about 10 more miles before we actually gassed up. We putted through Millersburg and pulled into a BP station, but we pulled on through. Scott said there was no 93 octane, so we'd find another place to buy gas. We continued on out of the downtown area. We pulled into a Citgo station just out of town on the left. He started gassing up. I got my helmet and gloves off. I put the key in the gas cap and told Scott I had to run in and use the bathroom. He was cool. When I came out, Scott was coming in. He gave me my key and out I went. There was a biker dude out there talking to some lady and at first I thought he was headed for Mid Ohio, but he talked about some kind of bike run with only two stops. Scott came out, we geared up, and left. About ten miles so far today.

Scott started his bike, put it in gear and left. Mine wasn't even started yet. Yikes. I started mine and put it in gear, but I was in no hurry. Haste causes mishaps. I putted over to the driveway and Scott was pulled over and lighting up a cigarette. I should have known. When we get going, he has a cigarette lit. I almost got hit with the discard one time thanks to a wind gust. When I started riding on the back with him, he had quit smoking to pay for the bike. Then when he started up again, after a year, he took up this smoking while riding habit. I made him stop. I didn't want the smoke that close to me, and besides, I was getting hit in the face with hot ashes. But I digress.

I pulled up next to him and waited. When no traffic was coming, we turned left. We took Rt 39 west through some beautiful country. It was a curvy, pretty ride. I tried to stay caught up; some of the curves were kind of sharp and it's hard to tell what's around them. My downfall. Sometimes I judge better than others, and when I'm unsure, I tend to slow down. I didn't do so badly on this run. I lagged back a few times but then quickly caught up when I could. Quickly caught up. Along most of 39 was a guard rail to the right. I think there were railroad tracks down there; I'm fairly certain it was not water, like a river.

We came into a little town called Nashville. We stopped at a traffic light in the middle of town. Looking in either direction, their was a breaktaking view of rolling hills with the patchwork of farmer's fields. We rode out of that town and rumbled on. Route 39 took a right turn at one point. The road was newly paved and there were "no passing" signs that soon gave way to "pass with care" signs. We eventually came into Loudonville. I believe the signs said "redbird country", alluding to the local high school football team.

On down the road, we came to Perrysville. I noticed an alley on the left hand side that was named Tom Dick and Harry Alley. Then I noticed that all the streets were called Alley, and there WERE alleys. Some were named after trees like Beech Alley, and then there was Garden Alley, and I think there was a Susan Alley. They were ALL alleys. Soon we rode out of that town, too, and we rode through more beautiful country.

Soon we had a group of bikes behind us. It was odd because it was all cruisers except one chick on a crotch rocket. Not odd, but memorable, you know? Soon we came to I-71. We turned onto the on ramp to go south on 71. The bikes behind us did not turn, they just kept going. We merged onto the freeway. I stayed up with Scott. The car behind me stayed back and there were trucks next to me. We got off at the next exit, which was Mansfield. We stopped at the bottom of the ramp and then crossed to the median. Scott said we have to go one more exit. We got back on 71 south and went one more exit. There was construction and the right lane had to use the birm. I stayed up with Scott. There were grated seams to cross over. I leaned and dipped over them, kind of like a quick lane change, so that I could over them at as close to a ninety degree angle as possible. Of course it wasn't ninety degrees, but I did the best I could. At one point I got a thumbs up from Scott. Did he think I wouldn't know that? Anyway, the thing is, the freeway thing wasn't too bad. I had more semi's next to me this time, but I stayed to the right of my lane, following Scott's example. We got off at the next exit, Lexington. We continued on. I started seeing signs for Mid Ohio and I knew we were getting close. Scott asked if I wanted to stop for a break. I said I was okay, but looking back, I should have taken the opportunity to stretch and rest my hands, even though we were almost there.

We turned right into the south gate entrance to Mid Ohio Sports Car Course. Scott had me go first, although we ended up side by side. The idea was to have me buy the tickets. I had the money in my jean jacket pocket along with my AAA card. They advertise a discount, but it turns out that's not for the single day, only for the entire weekend. It cost us fifty bucks to get in. I handed the tickets to Scott, put away my change, and got my glove back on as fast as possible. We putted on through the gate and bore right. Traffic backed up quickly. We crept past the median area. The traffic was tight between street bikes, cars, and golf carts. We putted on, over the bridge and onto the infield. I could hear the whine of the bikes speeding around the track, trying to make good times for qualifying. It was loud, amazingly loud. We kept going and going for what seemed like a very long time. It was pretty crowded and it turns out we were both thinking the same thing— we might not find a place to park. Soon we came to a fork in the road and we pulled up under a tree. We parked and locked up. I wasn't sure of my position, it seemed that the lumpiness of the ground coupled with the weight of the bike was causing my side stand to go back. Scott helped me secure it. It didn't seem to be leaning much onto the stand either. 50 miles at this point on the trip odometer.

I had to go to the bathroom, which was just across the way. Scott asked me to leave my key because he was going to turn the bikes around. I grabbed a sleeveless top out of our bag to change into. I showed him where I locked my helmet to the luggage rack and headed for the bathroom. When I came out, the bikes were turned around. My helmet was locked up again, opening facing the bike so no garbage would be deposited in it, and I locked my steering. I put on my ball cap to protect my head and hide my helmet hair. We grabbed a cold pop and started walking towards the track. I thanked Scott for turning the bikes around; I would have had fun trying to back the bike uphill. I could do it, but it would take me a while. He said he could have pushed me by the handlebars, and then I could have done the same for him. This was better in case we got blocked in. And easier, I thought. Timewise, it was about a quarter to twelve at this point.

We went over by one turn where they come flying up over a hill. Bike after bike zoomed around and flew past us. Then one sounded different; there was a different whining sound, and then an overturned bike came around the corner, and then the rider came sliding around after it. Both ended up sliding across the grass. The rider got right up, but he looked like he was hurting. Not as in hurt, but as in sore. Qualifying ended and then there were cars going around. These were just advertising their racing school. Some had passengers with their arms bent out the window and holding the top of the window. Not exactly racing form, although they did seem to be going kind of fast. I noticed that some workers were sitting down under a tree with some catered box lunches. We surmised that it must be lunchtime. There would be no more track activity for a while.

We went back to our bikes, and we saw that group of bikes that was behind us earlier, come in and park just over from us. They must have taken the long way in, through Mansfield. We grabbed another pop and started off to go in search of vendors. There were mostly crotch rocket vendors and only one that was more for cruiser stuff. I found no conchos. The leather vendor that is usually there was nowhere to be found. We saw a sign for Domino's pizza and I asked Scott if he was hungry. We each got a couple pepperoni slices and headed for the bikes once again. We sat down under the tree and ate. I didn't realize just how hungry I was. The pizza was messy, but good. I pulled off little pieces with my fingers as best I could and then scooted the pizza over to the edge of the thin paper plate. That's how I got a bite, and then another bite, etc. Good thing I grabbed plenty of napkins. It tasted so good and it really hit the spot.

After we ate, we went looking for more spectator spots. We covered some ground, sat in a couple of shady spots, and eventually stood under the pine trees at the top of a hill. He caught a nice breeze there. I started to tire of just standing there. It wasn't a hot day as such, but we were pretty hot. I told Scott that I needed to switch to water. It was about 2pm and there was a superbike race at 3pm, so we decided to go get some water, and our picnic blanket, and try to find a shady spot for the race. I was tired, too, so I needed to rest up a bit.

We walked across the hill, passing up a really good spot. Scott announced that he didn't think we'd find a spot in the shade. I told him that we walked right past one. We went back, but some little kid had it by then for his nap. We pressed on and eventually found a shady spot on a slope, fairly close to the fences. I tried to lie down but I never did fall asleep. I wound up on my stomach but by the time I really started to relax, the race was going to be starting. And the people behind us just never stopped talking, especially the guy. What amazed me was that he didn't SAY anything. Some people will run their mouths even though they have absolutely nothing to say. Unbelievable. Then they were talking about us!

When the race started, I sat up. They called the numbers and announced the starting positions. We really should have gotten a program. They did a first lap parade and then the race started. Mat Mladin (#1) got right out in front and stayed there for the whole twenty-six laps. Others in contention were Aaron Yates (#20), Jake Zemke (#98), Ben Spies (#32), and Miguel Duhamel (#17). We see the highlights on 2 Wheel Tuesday every week, we hear the names, so now it was pretty neat to actually see a race. It's so much more fun to watch when you're familiar with all the riders' names. We saw one rider off his bike, and walking it over to the fence, right across from us. By the time the race was over, I was really tired and dazed. At this point I really didn't want to ride; I didn't think I COULD ride.

We headed back to the bikes and unlocked everything. I went to the bathroom and splashed cold water on myself. When I came out, I could see backed up traffic. Everyone decided to leave after the AMA Superbike race. There'd be another race the next day, and at 4:30 today there was a Superstock race, but people were leaving in droves. We decided to wait— a WHILE. Traffic was backed up all the way to where we were, which was pretty far considering how long it took us to ride in.

We finally got ready to go, and Scott points out some guy that just took my picture. I have no idea why. We warmed up and pulled out, and still had to creep out in traffic. I stalled once on a hill, but started up again and did okay. We finally pull out and I noticed one of the troopers directing traffic staring at me as I went by. There was a crotch rocket guy alongside of me to my right, but then he turned back into a driveway. Then I was behind Scott.

We got on 71 north. Scott merged right in front of a car and the car stayed close behind him. I was behind the car. The car moved over and I moved up behind Scott. I had a truck kind of close behind me for a while, but then he moved over. I had semi's next to me, more of them this time. We went two exits and got off at Rt 39.

I was really hoping we could stay over somewhere. Just a motel, to flop overnight. I was so pooped. I couldn't imagine that long ride back to Mt Hope, and THEN the long ride home. It seemed impossible. On 39 I wasn't staying up with Scott very well. I'm tired and my judgement is poor, especially judging the curves. I slowed down for curves and for hills, not knowing what obstacles may lie ahead. I was very tired and not trusting myself.

I did better later. We passed through Perrysville, Loudonville, and Nashville, going back the other way. We came into Millersburg and pulled into Citgo to gas us again. I had to go to the bathroom. When I came out, my bike was alone at the pump and Scott had parked. I pulled over there, knowing he had to smoke. I plunged my hand into the icewater in the cooler for a bit and then got something to drink. 101 miles at this point, added to the ten miles from Gilead's, so 111 miles so far today.

We rode into downtown Millersburg and turned left on 241. It seems to come out of nowhere. I did much better staying caught up. We turned in to the parking lot at Mrs. Yoder's and went all the way down to the end. Why? I don't know. It would have been so much easier to park along the far row. I pulled around and had to stop. I had a cramp in my leg. Then I pulled in to park and straightened out.

We had a good dinner. I enjoyed it much more today than the day before, which now seemed like so long ago. They started having pickled cucumber salad at their salad bar. I had some yesterday, but it tasted even better today. I had said earlier that today might be one of those salad bar and dessert days, but I was hungry by this time. It was six thirty already. After dinner I had a cup of coffee to perk me up.

Well, the nourishment, the coffee, and the long break really helped me. We talked about staying over somewhere but then we both agreed that it would be better to just get on home. We agreed on two stops for sure, we would take it easy, and we had no reason to be in a hurry.

We hit the bathroom and headed out. I stayed caught up with him on 241 and I was started to feel better. I even stayed up with him pretty well on the Dalton leg of the trip. Not great, but better than usual— well, my usual lately. When we got to the slow, hilly, 25mph curves by the railroad tracks in Burton City, we came up behind another couple on bikes. The lady was slow. There was a car behind her that got pissed off and passed her. We had come out of the curves and the speed limit was back up to 55mph. She was doing forty. We stayed behind her; she was really slow, but Scott didn't try to pass her. He figured she was better off in a group of bikes. My thinking exactly, even though I had a pickup truck fairly close behind me, as I was bringing up the rear. We were behind them all the way into Dalton; they turned right into the ice cream place just before Rt 30, and we stopped at the new Citgo on the other side of Rt 30. I hit the bathroom.

I bumped into a lady in there that had just come from a two week trip in Canada. They took trains and traveled into the Northwest. It sounded cool, but she said she was very tired, and anxious to get home. You and me both, honey.

I came out and plunged my hand again for good measure. We got going again and pulled out, turning right to head into downtown Dalton. As we came to the first light, a cop had pulled out behind us. After I put my signal on, he put his signal on. When we came to the next light, the same thing happened, and after we all turned, he stayed a calculated distance behind me. He was pacing us. We're a husband and wife team, what gives? It's not like we're hard core or anything. It was 35mph through there but I kept my speed down to 30mph. I looked right, and then I looked left, like I was sightseeing. I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of just doing the speed limit, and I certainly didn't want to look like I was nervous. After I passed the 55mph sign, I eased up on my speed. I caught up to Scott, who was not hip to my game, and I stayed up with him pretty well. We soon came into Wadsworth, putted through town, and stopped at Citgo. We both noticed how, while we were getting chilly in the country, once we came into Wadsworth, it instantly felt warmer. You can feel the warmth coming up from the pavement.

We pottied and Scott bought a pop. He gave me his key so I could plunge my hand again. He came out and we took a nice long break. He went on to tell me that he feels lucky to be riding with me, and that he felt sorry for the other woman's husband. I thought that was a terrible thing to say. I reminded him that I didn't do the speed limit either the first time down there. He said that was different; she wouldn't do over 40mph. I think they were locals, too. Then he started crabbing about 39, about how I couldn't keep up coming back. I told him I don't do well when I'm that tired. He doesn't get it. Boy, he can turn on me so fast! I told him that he went from praising me to ragging on me.

But why do we HAVE TO do ten miles over ALL the time? He even admitted that he enjoyed the ride more taking it easy today. One of the most frustrating things is how he can just run hot and cold. I made sure I told him that I stayed up with him from Mrs. Yoder's, and why I keep a distance on purpose, when I do. Like when we're going fast. If he has to move over, or if he slows down, I'm up on him in no time. And when he tailgates, I keep a distance. There is NO REASON to always get up on everyone's ass. No reason.

And now, he says he's feeling better and he wants to ride. He even suggested going back to Mt Hope and finding a hotel for the night. I said he'd never do that and he insisted he would. I said I felt better, and I make no promises for the next day. He told me to go to Geauga Lake and he'd go riding himself. I told him I would not get up early and that if we did go out it wouldn't be a 150 mile trip. He talks big, but he gets tired too and can't always back it up.

Griping finally over, we decided to get it overwith. I ditched my sunglasses, put the long sleeves and denim jacket back on, and we headed out. We had already decided to take 94 all the way up, as it is an easier route.

So we went up 94 and I stayed up close with Scott. It did help that the speed limit is lower for most of this leg. It was already dusk and I wanted to be up in the city by the time it got dark. The only bad thing was when a Tommy's Pizza delivery guy was passing a truck coming the other way and almost didn't make it over before us. I was getting ready to get off the road. Scott gave him the "hand", like "what the…".

We turned onto State Rd and continued north. That was okay, but when we got above Pleasant Valley, we were going too fast for the road conditions. Bumpy, bumpy, bumpy. We're almost home; what's the hurry, Scott? We stopped at a light at one point and he said something about not being so bad, and I just looked away and sighed. Once above Snow Rd, I was trying to downshift and brake for a light we were about to zoom through, and I felt my tires skip on some bumps. I could swear the bike jumped. It scared the crap out of me. I decided to keep my own pace after that. I slowed down. It's 35mph through there on State Rd; we don't have to do 45mph.

He slowed down, too. I didn't care. I was going to get home at my pace and that was that. I was too close to home after a long trip to so carelessly risk screwing up now. We turned right on Russell and then did a rolling right into the driveway. I had to stop short though. The gate was closed, Matt's car was in the driveway, then Scott's bike, then me. Scott was giving me the "kill it" sign. A little while later, he comes out and tells me to back my bike onto the sidewalk so Matt could back his car out. So I backed out onto Herb's front sidewalk, and Scott backed up onto our front sidewalk. We were facing each other, so he made some comment about playing chicken. I was too spent to respond. Matt backed his car out, Scott pulled in, and then I pulled in. We parked and gathered our stuff to head into the house. Scott said how much he enjoyed this trip and Scott thanked me for going. We were both glad to be home. This added another 71 miles, making a total of 182 miles for the day, another new day record for me, and a total of 246 miles for the two day trip, which was not a record for the weekend.

Once in the house, I iced my hand while Scott unpacked his stuff and then went up to the corner for pop. Then I unpacked my stuff. Once done, I headed out to the porch. I asked him if he still liked having me for a riding partner. He said yes without hesitation. He also said that I was perfect coming back from Wadsworth. Once again, I reminded him why I keep a distance and when. He started to wax philosophical and said that I'd get there, I just needed more time. Gee, thanks.

Don't get me wrong, things are cool enough, even though somebody gets a little full of himself sometimes. Again, 182 miles today.

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