Johnny Panther Quests. Ecotours

I think I've been seeing more bluebirds in the past few months. In my backyard, at Bulldogs, or in the burbs of Burton. As always, a good omen. I got a part time job plowing snow, but it's not snowing. The water is too hard for Johnny Panthering, so I focused on racing the ice race national. It got RAINED OUT! I have had some fun with the kids on the sledding hill of death with the little snow we've had. I've watched my Dad display the same courage and poise my whole life, now during one of the toughest battles of his. He is always even tempered and positive, while I ride a rollercoaster of emotion. I have been blessed with the company of family and friends through this incredible journey. I was invited to announce the White Lake Ice Races February 28th, and look forward to the possibly racing it as well. I heard it is one heck of an event. The water will soon be "soft" again, and I can't wait to go Johnny Panthering. I feel guiding through the "Everglades of Michigan" with my guests completes me and gives purpose. Every day is a new adventure.... Bring it! My Dad used to say; "We're off to see the wizard." Don used to say; "Zoom, zoom." I say; "Let's rock!"

Here is another link to what can happen when the water is too hard for Johnny Panthering! The two riders going at it are arguably a couple of the best in their respective disciplines in the world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwjY9jj_e9A

My redemption. Pure and simple. This year I would not get last place. Last year I blamed it on my bike and set-up. This year it was ready! Unfortunately, we knew long before the weekend what was in store. I fabricated a special front fender to keep the water from spraying in my face due to the unseasonalble weather(for the second year in a row).

The racing on Saturday, and the whole atmosphere for that matter was awesome. The fields of Soaring Eagle Casino were happening. Freestyle snowmobiles, snowboarding, and Mandingo Pickles, what more could you ask for? There are many stories within the story, and I am smiling as I write this.

The touches are finished

lean 'n mean?

Saturday morning's riders meeting

The track at Soaring Eagle Casino

#7 Bob Wheeler. Proof you can teach an old dog new tricks

The track Sunday morning was actually in pretty good shape, but the weather was not.

Hey you're going the wrong way! Actually by noon the pits were nearly empty. No expert class champions were crowned in 2010. We loaded up and went to watch the supercross. There was drama and controversy over Sunday's cancellation which proved very disappointing to everyone. Hard choices were made.

My family. Though I am far from being the perfect father or husband, I love coming to home to my wife and kids. Feeling their arms wrapped around me and hearing "I love you Daddy", are food for my soul.

My parents. Far from being a model child, they helped guide and enable me to be here today. Now my children are testing my patience, understanding, and humility.

The outdoors! Wether I'm on a river, lake, stream, mountain, swamp, or woods, some of my best memories come from being outside. Either Johnny Panthering up a rocky stream or laying on a blanket watching the clouds blow by, I am at home outdoors.

Riding motorcycles. If there is one thing that has absorbed more of my life, it's riding. The friendships, challenges, lessons, and adrenaline rushes are unmeasurable. I am not saying they have been the best overall, but it still continues to be one of the motivators of my life.

My friends. I am amazed at those who know me, and those that still want too! I can get pretty wound up sometimes. Opinionated, outspoken, passionate, stubborn, determined, are adjectives you could use to describe me. Hopefully I use these qualities(?) more positively than the other way around.

Life. This weekend I'll be surrounded by friends, hopefully family, motorcycles, and the outdoors! Hopefully we can share lots of smiles, rub elbows, and maybe get a shot of adrenaline or two.

So off to the 2010 Ice Race Grand Championships at Soaring Eagle Casino in Mt. Pleasant. Last year a girl won my class, a hot one at that. She beat all the guys. This year I just want to make the main. With adverse conditions, will this be the year old age and treachery wins out? Or should I just go find myself an old enduro to ride around in the woods?

I finally got the video uploaded from our New Years Day Ice Party. Of course the images do not do justice to the talent that was there. I did my timely best to capture "Smoke on the water" at the beginning without spending way too much time on it. It was an incredible afternoon which included Jay Springsteen on his Gold Wing sidehack!

Here is the link to my very amateur video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJtIepeaHzs

Honda Gold Wing; Cadilac of the ICE?