Thursday Rev-Up: Turkey Day

Hello, everyone, and Happy Thanksgiving. This edition of the One Industries Thursday Rev-Up comes to you from the top deck of the M.S. Fascination. With today being Thanksgiving, I did something I hadn't done in quite a long time: I got my lazy ass out of bed at 6:00 a.m. and walked out to the deck to watch the sun bring in a new day.

I have to say that watching the auburn glow of the morning sun slowly rise against the dark blue of the Caribbean is one of the most beautiful things I have ever laid eyes on. There were some low-hanging clouds that began to change to a perfect shade of bronze as the awesome circle of light began to break into the horizon. You could see the lonely darkness of the ocean come to life with each passing second. Finally, the first beams of light tore across the water, giving new birth to the deep blue water that seems to go on for eternity. I got to experience a perfect moment about 10 minutes ago, and I had to get to a computer and share it with you.

I have had the privilege of enjoying what is now four full days of no cell-phone service or internet access. They have an internet station here on the "boat," but with a $.75/minute fee, I have waited until now to exit onto the information superhighway. And, with the clock ticking at $.75 a minute, this Rev-Up will be short and sweet. In fact, I am only going to offer a top-10 list this time for you fine folks, a la David Letterman.

So without further ado, here are the top 10 things I am the most thankful for in 2005:
 
10. Growing up traveling in a motor home. We were met with angry seas on the first day of our voyage. I had heard talk of seasickness, but never actually stood witness to its random and ruthless attack on people. At last count, the infirmary had 300 people visit who were puking their guts out. I have never seen so much vomit in my life! The elevators, the stairs, the halls, the deck —dude, it was everywhere. It was horrible.
    
9. Growing up and living in America. Having just visited the friendly but absolutely punished and clattered confines of Playa de Carmen, Mexico, I have regained my respect for being an American citizen. Hurricane Wilma put a beating on this place. And instead of a mass cleanup effort, the locals appear to be just living and working around the calamity of twisted metal and debris like nothing happened.
 
8. The internet. It’s been at least three years since I have gone more than three days without being on the ‘net. It'll be longer than that before I want to do it again.
 
7. Racer X. If you are or ever have been a racer, you have to respect the plethora of motocross gospel it delivers each month. It’s come a long way since the "Street Level Media" newspaper.
 
6. Hearing aids. I have at one time or the other worked in about every profession you can imagine. Dishwasher, auto-detailer, lawnmower man, warehouse worker, you name it. This year it’s been the very interesting, but very strange, hearing-aid industry keeping the wheels on my wagon.
 
5. Living in Kansas. There has been very little tornadic activity in the Land of Oz in 2005. Even less earthquake or hurricane activity.
 
4. Getting to know and love the feel of the 2005 RM-Z450. The best stock motorcycle I have ever ridden. Period.
 
3. Meeting Danny Dobey in Ricky Carmichael's motor home at the St. Louis SX. That encounter has allowed me to express my second-biggest passion in life.
 
2. My family making it through 365 days in good health and well-being.
 
1. You guys. This little column is has only been around for six months or so. In that time, I have gotten dozens of e-mails with feedback, good and bad, that make me about the happiest guy around. Thank you all so much for visiting Racer X Online and taking the time to read the Rev-Up.

The 2006 season is right around the corner. In fact, the opening round of the 2006 World Supercross GP series kicks off next weekend in Canada. Look forward to next Thursday, because I promise I will have something here waiting for you that will get you primed, ready, and Revved-Up for the greatest year of supercross racing we have ever seen.
 
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Enjoy it with your families and loved ones and cherish every minute. See you next week!