Here we are in Florida where it’s 85 degrees. I’m lovin’ it. Gary and I both spoke to our family back in Nevada today and it’s a cold 27degrees back home … brrr. I am in the airport now returning home from a great weekend. Gary will be driving back home on Tuesday, after being on the road, since January 1st. It’s only for a week and then he is back on the road.



I arrived in Fort Myers, Fla., about 11 p.m. Friday. I quickly caught up with the team, and called it a night. Saturday we were scheduled to be at the Fort Myers Harley Davidson dealership from 10-2. I know it sounds funny that a Suzuki rider would go to a HD dealership, but, we did and it worked out wonderfully.

Kat and Dog, otherwise known as Katrina and Brian, are two employees at FM HD, and they’re the entire reason we ended up in their parking lot on Saturday. They introduced themselves to us at Gainesville, the first year that we raced with Doug and Debbie Johnson in 2003. They walked up to our pit in complete Harley riding attire and prefaced their request for an autograph with, “I promise, we like all racers, not just the Harleys.” I laughed and retuned with “Me, too!” We ended up talking for about a half-hour that day and continued corresponding through the years. They always commented that if there was any time that we were available to come by the shop that we had an open invitation. This year our schedule made the offer possible, so our Geico liaison, Ryan, called and arranged the appearance. Here is a picture of me and Brian as well as a picture of some of the team at Fort Myers Harley Davidson.

I was also able to take a few minutes and test ride the “Screamin’ Eagle Destroyer.” Well, not really test ride, just take a picture with it, but it felt comfortable. It reminded me of my past bracket-racing bike. I can’t wait to see how many of these show up at the divisional level of NHRA.

Sunday was my day to see if I was truly healed and ready for the 2006 racing season. The goal, as I mentioned in an earlier blog, was to see if I incur any pain or discomfort when I race. Well, the good new is, no pain. We made four passes, and I was very comfortable. My reaction times and clutch mobility seemed to be exactly where I left off last season. At the end of the day, the knuckle, which had been dislocated by the door, was a little sore, but within a couple of hours it was fine.

I was very happy to get back on my GEICO Motorcycle ride and have some fun. Definitely, healing for the soul! Not just mine, I think the team felt a wave of healing also. We went back to Doug and Debbie’s that evening for a team celebration out by the patio pool, toasting to a “great” weekend.

That about wraps it up for the quick Florida trip, so I will sign off now and be back soon.