On the day before the Reunion, I wish the world would open up and swallow the event....So far it hasn't happened. Saturday has so much
occurring for me that it is a blur. 5 PM arrives. Guests arrive. It's underway. The prayer, remembering the men and women that are away
from home making it possible for us to live a secure life, each persons self introduction and food time. It's no reflection on catering but I
never eat there. It gives me a few minutes to contemplate the remainder of the evening.
Finally, turn the party over to someone else to finalize the evening.
This year that "some one else" was TV Personality Bret Kepner. ESPN and Fox drag racing voice. I don't even know when I hooked up with
him. I have no recall of how we started our conversation but soon one thing was established: we have the same birthday. He's young
enough to be my son but old enough in experience to have written the 10 Commandments. He had intended to attend in 2009 but a back
surgery made that impossible. He used his time well as he prepared for this year. The dude was a
KNOCK OUT !!!!!!His presentation was long but spell binding. I have had people complain that the speaker was too long winded. This time, no one
considered leaving early. His analysis of the Bonneville Racer wormed it's way into the soul of all of us. He allowed us to realize that the
Salt Racer family is bonded by a love of racing, competition, comradery and most importantly each other, that outsiders can not
understand. Bret, next time don't hold back.
When I realized that his sermon was about to conclude, I wished that Saturday night could go on forever.
My Friday wishes were replaced by a sigh of relief and realization that I was looking forward to Saturday February 19, 2011. Then I began
to think about the 2010 events at Boneville.
I'm home tonight. I'm making the same promises to my self about the Bonneville NW Reunion for 2011 as you are for Speed Week 2010.
I can not begin to convey my THANKS to my wife, Doris, for tolerating the time I spend working toward a fun time for all of you, being
gone on most of Valentines Day, leaving her with the responsibility of coping with the things at home while I disappear for several days
after being a zombie for the week prior to the gathering.
I hope that I personally thanked each guest. I was overjoyed to see the young ladies that attended with their Dads. Judie and Prozac were
first timers and I hope that they will return. Tom And Jeff Bryant added so much by showing us dedication to a way of life that has covered
over 40 years and showing us what courage is all about.
I was also privileged to share the evening with our son, Gary. This was his first time and it was a joy to have him with me. He was my
wrench when I ran the TZ 750 years ago and also the one that said to me, " hang on a minute Pop. I'm about finished here and I'll make
that bolt for you." We were laying under a Hughes 500 D helicopter on the island of Molokai in Hawaii, in a driving rain storm, attaching
two motorcycles to the landing skids and it was our only opportunity to do a foto shoot for a "can you top this" story in CYCLE MAGAZINE.
The story was so great that Malcomb Forbes called me about it and the story would never have happened without him covering my
backside.
The staff at the Shilo Inn make it so nice for me to work with them
I hope all of you have enjoyed the same glow that I am experiencing tonight and I am planning on eliminating Friday, February 18,
2011 from my calendar because that would allow Saturday February 19, 2011 to arrive one day sooner.
After all of the years I have been the fotog, this year Ray the Rat took over and has documented the weekend. It was with total confidence
I went thru the evening knowing that we would have a beautiful group of pictures to post for all of you to enjoy. Go to
www.bonnevillenwreunion.com to see his fotos but since he is still here in Everett with me, don't look before Wednesday.
For those that attended, give me your comments. I can stand the heat, I promise.
Thank You or attending and I LOVE ALL OF YOU,
FREUD