Let there be RAIN - Bike Ride Across Indiana

A return to old US 40

A cycling challenge I first partook in some 10 years ago has a special place in my heart. It’s the RAIN (Ride Across Indiana) ride; a one day – 160 mile trek from Saint Mary of the Woods College in Terre Haute to Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana. A ride that follows mostly along old Historic I-40.

The first time competing, dad was there driving along the route offering support and encouragement. He was so proud of me and impressed that anyone could accomplish such a feat. I had heard him repeat the story countless times to friends and family over the years. I am sometimes embarrassed by the praise and adulation. It did, however, make me so happy to make him proud. So much so, that I did the ride again the following year, with him again driving along. The “crew” T-shirts I had purchased for him became his favorites and he wore them often. Ironically donning one when he passed away. Little did we know that he would be stricken with Parkinson’s the following year and unable to make our annual pilgrimage to the Hoosier State.

Rain Ride SAG

Parkinson’s took its toll over the years and without Dad offering SAG support and the kind of encouragement only a dad can, I had little interest in this ride. Until today, when I again participated in RAIN. This time with dad only following along in spirit.

The ride will take about 12 hours if all goes according to plan. The miles slowly count down from 160. The rest stops look familiar South Putnam High school is about 40 miles in. It was at this point in a previous year where a rainstorm and ill-fitting jersey causes a bleeding nipple condition that I don’t care to repeat. Dad eagerly rushes ahead to get band-aids and is to meet me at the Plainfield High School some 25 miles more ahead. Today, I miss looking ahead knowing he would be on the side of the road to patch me up and cheer me on.

I begin to weep and hope no one notices by feigning a bug in the eye and sweaty brow. The little towns continue passing by. Franklin Township and then Greenfield. Who doesn’t get excited by the push pops at Dunreith Fire Station. It was at this point I nearly quit the last time out though an ever encouraging dad will not allow it. Today quitting was never even a consideration. Having nipples intact does wonders for one’s mood. While there is plenty to see and be aware of as the miles click down into double digits left. Beyond watching for the 9’s turn into 8′ then into 7’s one is left with much time to reflect. A ride across Indiana is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. Today much of my mind focuses on remembrance and giving thanks.

It is a bit bittersweet to be reminded of what is no longer here while accomplishing something of merit. I am very lucky and grateful to have had the love and support of a great man, father, and friend. If that weren’t enough, I can find even more to be thankful for, as today I also celebrate 4 years of sobriety.

Makin it RAIN up in here!

Curious Craig - Celebration

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Curious Craig

Lead Membership Specialist at Thousand Trails

Craig spent a career in the Information Technology industry before selling his company to pursue full-time RV travel.He has written for various travel-related publications and is an amateur photographer.
When not on the road, he helps others fulfill their yearning to travel as a Membership Specialist for Thousand Trails.

Lexington Red Mile

Today is one of those days where I just want to phone it in, I’m tired and not feeling well. I do, however, want to visit Lexington’s Harness Racing Track, Red Mile, as it is represented in a SuperGraphic. I’m not a huge harness racing fan, but having Wiener Dog races between the horse races this night presents a perfect opportunity to go check it out.

In Lexington, Horse Racings’ little cousin to Keeneland would be the Red Mile. Red Mile is the second oldest harness track in the world. For over one hundred and forty years, harness racing’s elite have converged on Red Mile to stage some of the greatest equine battles in history.

Harness Racing is a form of horse racing in which the horses race at a specific gait (a trot or a pace) pulling a two-wheeled cart called a sulky on a dirt track.

I’m here for the Weiner dogs and I’m immediately drawn to all the dogs in attendance and proceed to meet as many as I can. I adopt one, Sir Otis von Bratwurst, and he’ll be “my” Weiner for the night. Though he is on a later race card

Kentucky - Otis-Weiner-Dig.jpg — Sir Otis von Bratwurst

A Chance Meeting

Meanwhile, I settle in a seat on the rail and soon meet a nice couple, Rita and Catesby Prewitt. We exchange pleasantries throughout the races, share a program and exchange betting ideas and pool our resources on a few bets. We, however, never cash a ticket. Did I mention I’m not crazy about Harness racing?

Ironically, the Prewitt’s son, Gabe is the track announcer and resident handicapper at Red Mile. He would visit us between calling the races. As is my curious nature, I pepper him with questions about how he got into race calling, how he prepares, what the work conditions are like. Before I know it, he invites me up into the press box later in the evening to watch some races. Experiencing something that unique alone would have been worth the trip. Little did I know….

The Starting Car

While waiting for the 8th race to join Gabe in the press box, I keep eyeing folks, VIPs I assume, getting in and out of the starting car between races. The starting car is essentially a rolling starting gate. The horses line up behind the car as it revs up to speed then the “starter” retracts the gate releasing the racers with a running start. I inquisitively ask Gabe, what’s it take to ride in that car? A walkie talkie conversation ensues and he states “YOUR’RE IN!” 7th race.

Kentucky - Starting-Car.jpg

This car is a 1995 Cadillac that has been modified for the purpose. The back seat has been replaced with 2 swivel stools and the back dash is now a control panel of switch and levers. I duck into the back seat facing the rear of the car, it’s much like entering a tank. I meet, Mike, the starter and he is very amicable and again gracious in answering my questions. We speed around to the backstretch and the starter and driver are very mindful of where the horses are during their pre-race warm-ups. The starter uses the large megaphone attached to the outside of the car to issue instructions to the racers to line up. Once we reach about 32 miles per hour the gate retracts and the race is on!

We proceed along the outside of the riders on the track. The starter is looking for any kind of infractions and breaking of strides. It’s overwhelming, there is so much action. I’m trying desperately to get that perfect video, and at the same time to stay out of the starters’ line of sight. I forget I have a GoPro in one hand and an iPhone in the other. I just resign to savor the moment: the sounds of the horses’ hoofs thundering, the jockeys (called drivers) yelling and whistling, the cracks of the whips in the air. It had to be the fastest 90 seconds in my life. The thrill and marvel of it all just left me speechless.

To the Roof – Press box

After exiting the car, I rush to join Gabe in the press box for yet another fantastic view of the races. I watch him practice his craft and call the races, while also overlooking the track and all of downtown Lexington. A sense of wonder and appreciation just overwhelm me.

Kentucky - IMG_0839.jpg — Gabe Prewitt making the call

I have struggled to find my place and figuring out who I am. Tonight, I got further confirmation of who I am and what motivates me. I am just a Curious guy that thrives on finding those little one of a kind and unique experiences. Tonight I felt like Forest Gump sitting on that bench. Sitting there one minute and then the next off in a whirlwind of adventure that I cannot predict. I absolutely love it!