Red Bud 2007

Our third year for this event and Ricky Carmichael's last appearance at this track...

Friends...We camped with the Conley's and the "bachelors" joined us Saturday. G, C and S enjoyed bike riding, the campground playground and pool, and catching fireflys long after their usual bedtime. We missed the Cather's this year, but made new friends with the freelance photographer camped next to us.

Practice day at the track...I think G and his Dad snared nearly every autograph they wanted on the first day. The riders--on and off the track--held G's interest right up until his Dad bought him a toy KTM dirt bike. After that, wherever we were, all you had to do was look down. And there G would be creating his own mini dirt bike tracks in the sand with his new KTM.

He did pay attention when his new favorite rider wiped out though. Caught up in the action, both his Dad and I failed to see G's immediate reaction. After they carried Dungey away, I looked down to find tears streaming silently down G's face. He was so concerned because Dungey did not get back on his bike and continue riding. We assured him that Dungey would be ok and our new photographer friend, Dave, printed a fabulous shot of Dungey taken earlier in practice for G to take home.

Race day...We scrambled out of camp at dawn to secure a trackside spot for our awning and chairs. And although we weren't completely successful, we did end up happier with our 'spot' and got on with the festivities. Ricky won. And all motos were interesting and exciting. G was able to tell Ricky goodbye in the pits, following the race, and managed to grab a few more autographs.

The guys left for home and the rest of us ate ourselves into a stupor back at camp and crashed for the night. In the morning, we took down camp and grabbed just a little more time together over breakfast at a local diner.

Great, great weekend.

G and C pose behind Ryan Villapoto's bike.

This is pretty much as close as the boys got to James Stewart, who repeatedly, but politely, declined to sign autographs for them all weekend.

I believe this is Joey Lawrence, or J-Law. Goofball story behind this one is that C and his Dad mistook Lawrence's mechanic for Lawrence himself. Nice picture. Just had the wrong guy in it. LOL

The legendary, and short, Roger DeCoster.

No idea who this is, but a cool shot nonetheless.

Did I mention that G fell ASLEEP trackside during Ricky's last moto?

Mom's favorite shot...watching yellow crest the ski hill before green. Go Ricky.

Ryan Villapoto spraying dirt in our face. Thanks Uncle Brad, for turning us on to this vantage point. Great view, but mighty dangerous. LOL

Ryan Villapoto and Ben Townley in the air. Easily by best shot.