A Day at the Races

Somewhat captured at +100mph: Brad the Bullet

It's become a Labor Day (and Memorial Day) weekend tradition to spend the holiday weekend with my dad at the Springfield Mile. It's amazing how life can change in what seems like a blink of an eye. If you'd asked me 15 years ago what I was doing for Labor Day weekend, I would have told you I'd be showing horses at the Minnesota State Fair with my mom. But now? I'm at motorcycle races instead! I'm so lucky I've had the opportunity to share these experiences with each of my parents. 

Labor Day weekend has not always been kind to my family. Beginning 14 years ago, we went through a series of accidents that occurred over that holiday weekend over the span of several years. My mom had a terrible horseback riding accident that landed her in the hospital for several weeks. My dad had a motorcycle accident. My brother had a somewhat less-serious mishap that still involved a trek to the hospital. It's left me holding my breath until Labor Day weekend is finished and the regular work week begins again on Tuesday. 

But back to the track. It's fun to have pit access at the flat track races. Over the years, I've gotten familiar with a lot of the terminology, inadvertently learned a few things about motorcycle mechanics from watching the tuners in the pits and talking with my dad, witnessed some great races, and met some great people along the way. It's loud (I never have to worry about damaging my hearing, though!) but really a lot like horse shows -- a lot of hurry up and wait, standing around sweating in hot clothing, track grooming, and expensive equipment.

I'm sharing a few photos from this weekend. They're a departure from my regular photography. Most of the photos I took Sunday did not turn out as well as I hoped they would. My camera & lens combo are just not quite fast enough to capture quality images at over 100 mph! I'd love to have a better camera and lens to capture the bikes in action, but I've learned to make the most of the camera & settings I do have.   

My dad with the Harley Factory rider before his heat. 

Another view from the top of the H-D trailer. You can see around the whole Mile track from up there. 

The starting line for the GNC Main at the Springfield Mile

The leaders during one of the 25 laps of the Main. 

KC2 won the Springfield Mile -- way to go, Kenny!! 

I finally got to meet Stacey Markel Kelly! She's pictured here with Bart Markel's H-D motorcycle. Awesome piece of history.