Knoxville, and Other Things On My Mind

  This week, things have been pretty busy in Chewville.

  Our youngest was in an outdoor presentation of "James and the Giant Peach" at the Columbus Arts Festival, last weekend, so we didn't get out to any races. That doesn't mean that we didn't have racing on our mind, though... we've been busy helping out a few folks with some really cool deals. Some will be revealed, soon. Others, you'll (hopefully) see next year. 

  Not everything is "Top Secret" in the land of the Leftclankers, though.

  This weekend, we will be making our first journey to Knoxville, IA. While we had hoped to get there in time to watch Friday's vintage races, Chew's limited vacation time and our youngest's departure for summer college didn't line up with the plans. Instead, we'll be there Saturday night... that way, we can bring back as much of the Sunday National as possible. I'm planning on going camera crazy - I hope you are ready!

  There's been a lot of commotion about the latest campaign, to bring flat track into the X-Games. Some people feel that this promotes Harley Davidson, too much. Others feel that the event won't do justice to The Sport. Personally, I think it's great. All of the positive exposure we can get is good, in my book!

  It seems like most of you agree with these thoughts. Twitter and Facebook are FULL of the hashtag "#XGamesFlatTrack." I love it. It's lets them know just how popular this "hidden sport" is! One thing that I DON'T like, though... some people are hashtagging posts that are FULL of people complaining about the idea. That, to me, kind of contradicts what you are hoping to achieve, with the hashtag. Others are throwing the hashtags on pictures that include underaged drinking, "heavy partying," and such. Look, if you want to promote a negative image of the sport, thats on you. However, I have heard directly from potential sponsors who have said that the entire reason they don't want to back flat track is because of these kinds of images. Yes, it's true... it only takes a handful of irresponsible people, posting pictures of irresponsible drinking, offensive language or street slang, or constant drama and negativity to make sponsors back out. Who wants their product associated with THAT crap?

  The truth is, flat track has so many GREAT stories... underdog victories, amazing comebacks, incredible saves and passes, etc... that can (and SHOULD, in my opinion) be shared. Yes, there's a time and a place for debates and such. It seems to me, though, that this sport is at a crucial crossroads which could lead to either a public comeback or another sweep beneath the carpet.  The internet plays a bigger part in that than people realize.

  Take a minute and think, before you post... does this HELP the sport, in any way? Is it honest and truthful? Would I want my children to read (or post) something like this? Would my sponsors share it to their customers?

  Ok, enough of that speech...onto Knoxville.

  As I said, we've never been there, before. Therefore, I can't do our usual "what you need to know" blog. If any of you have any tips, we'd love to hear them! Where are the best places to eat? Any cool sights we HAVE to see (there or on the way)? Special advice for those who are camping or spectating, there? We'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions!

  While we don't like to ask for donations, we are always grateful for any assistance that can be offered for gas and internet broadband coverage. If you'd like to help, please consider placing an order at our online store or clink the link at the bottom of this page.

  Thanks to all of you, for following our adventures and sharing our passion for the greatest sport on Earth.

  Peace, Love, and Pea Gravel!

Chew & Mia