Roadtrip 2000
Battle for a Cure. Puyallup, Wa.
One Friday afternoon John MacRitchie, Don
Scott and I headed for a South of the Border excursion. The weather cooperated for our
journey across the border to Tacoma. The Interstate 5 isn't the most
adventureous highway and we were looking forward to the weekend for some twists and turns
at the BattleTrax the next day.
Staying with Bob and Debbie Gussenhoven is always memorable, with a little help from the various guests.
I can't think of anything I'd rather be doing after a day of Buelling than kicking back
with a few buddies.
 After our first night, we awoke to rain
on Saturday morning. A soggy start to an otherwise
hot and sunny day for Battle for a Cure at Pierce College in Puyallup WA. This 2nd  annual event incorporated
fundraising for the American Diabetes Association and a BattleTrax course. There were also
performances by the North West Wings and Seattle Cossacks as well as a band that kept the
toe tapping throughout the day's event. Many vendors kept the place busy for those of us
not competing in the event and the college was kind enough to be open for some nice clean
bathrooms. Sure beats the port-a-potties from last year. (Nothing worse than struggling
with riding gear in a tiny little closet!)
As for the event, I don't remember
everyone who won, Dave  Haggensen
(sorry if I got that wrong!) got 1st Place for quickest time in the Sport Class and from
our group Bob Gussenhoven received 2nd Place in the same Sport Class. I was impressed with
everyone that participated. There weren't many women and the ones who did compete should
have been awarded for getting out there and showing the rest of us wannabees how it's
done! (Girl Power!!... Okay guys... I'm done ;o)
 Saturday night we livened
up the local bar for a late dinner and some cold ones, then headed back to Bob and
Debbie's for a night of gut (neck?) wrenching laughter.
Sunday we took the long way home
and to make sure we got pointed in the right
direction, a few Buellers escorted us north. We stayed away from the I5
as much as possible, heading up Hwy 16 through Bremerton. We stopped for breakfast in
Poulsbo then over to Mike's house on Bainbridge Island. Beautiful area with roads meant
for motorcycling.
 Eventually we rode into Port Townsend and  stopped
at a local pub for a pitcher of cold refreshments. Time was on our side as we made the
ferry just before it sailed. It was great spending more time with our friends during the
ferry crossing to Whidbey Island. However, it's always with a bit of sadness that we wave
and head our separate ways at the Hwy junction.
 We had a great weekend and thoroughly enjoyed our time spent
with some fellow hooligans. Thanks for your hospitality Bob and Debbie, we really
appreciate it!
Lorraine
Scott
|
