I took the day off from riding the America and took my 5 year old son to an antique tractor pull on the Schrock Farm in Gladys, VA. There was great food, drinks and desserts for a donation only. All of the money raised was to benefit a quadraplegic Mennonite kid who was injured several years ago when he drove a go cart into the path of a car. I bought a few $20 BBQ sandwiches and was thankful that the boy in the wheelchair (more like a mobile life support vehicle) wasn't my son. I was impressed at the generousity of the competetors, some of whom came from out of state to put on the benefit for free. At 50, it was my first time at a tractor pull and I must say that it was exciting to see all of that horsepower being put to the ground. There were tractors that had been plowing this morning and 1000+ HP (dragsters with tractor tires) machines that made the earth shudder when they made their runs. For those who haven't been to a pull, the tractor is hooked by a chain to a sled that has to be pulled along a dirt track. The sled has a large weight that is gradually moved further to the front, increasing the load as the tractor moves down the track. A fun day and a sobering experience. Tomorrow, after church, I plan to take a Blue Ridge Parkway and or Skyline drive ride on the America. Safe riding to all.
