Big News??

I was just reading over at Jack Bruce's site and damn if I didn't see a most amazing thing. The CREAM may be coming to the U.S. - WOW! The info ain't official at this point, but maybe Madison Square Garden in October 2005. And in the same little moving banner, mention of a U.S. tour as well? October is when the DVD of the Royal Albert Hall shows is due out. Is this the summer of love all over again?

Stay tuned boys and girls...

Home from Tampa

Robin & I are home from Tampa. Even as hot as it is here in Boise, the humidity was left behind on the East Coast. Damn, for a lad from the West Coast of the U.S., that was just NASTY. I hope the folks who live there like it or can tolerate it. I'll stay here thank you very much.
My final scores put me at 23 out of 48 in the twins class. Not so bad for a 52 year old first timer to the Nationals. It was an intense time of learning and more. To be amongst such an elite group from across America is such an honor. I'm inspired to maintain my safe driving and get myself to the 2006 NTDC in New Orleans, where I'm told August is EVEN NASTIER THAN TAMPA, climate-wise.
To be included amongst our nation's best drivers seems to be an addictive thing. Good deal.
Thanks to all the ATA folks who ran the events and to the sponsors. Special thanks to the great FedEx people one and all who aided the drivers and families in both Indianapolis and Tampa. What a great family to be part of. You couldn't have been nicer or done more. Thank you - Gary

Friday from Tampa

Well, my portion is complete. This morning I finished the final two components of the competition, the pre-trip inspection and the personal interview. Whew. What a relief. I have no false hopes of placing amongst the finalists, but the honor was being eligible and being allowed to participate. All in all this has been a valuable learning experience. Now, can someone do something to improve the climate. Eliminate the heat and humidity, please. Gary finished with the 2005 NTDC.

from Tampa, Thursday morning edition

Al & Helen, I'm trying...
The humidity is real. Nice hotel, except for the missing towels and the power outage. Making life interesting.
I'm in the'bull pen' having completed the written exam, for a second time. Yesterday all drivers tested and killed an electronic testing system. CRASHED.
We did it the old fashioned way this morning. Now we await our turns on the driving course. There are so many drivers that even though parallel courses are set up. We're guessing our turns won't come up until afternoon. Tomorrow will be pre-trip and the personal interview.
There have been two intense thunder storms with all the trimmings. Exciting, but it doesn't cool off at all. I didn't think I'd look forward to snow, but I do.
Not much to add. Right now it's quite like being in a Doctor's waiting room with a long wait ahead.

Off to Tampa, FL

Well, in just a few hours Robin & I will depart Boise to Tampa via Phoenix. Too much air time for my taste. I can feel the aches already, and I'm still home!
Here is the schedule of events as I understand them;
Tues 8/16 arrive and get checked into the hotel and find the FedEx team.
Wed 8/17 up for breakfast at 6:30 (that is MY bed time!!), then some registration and at 10:30 we walk to the convention center. I hope nobody watches, 'cause I have to wear slacks and a shirt with a tie. Incredible. Who do they think I'll be fooling? At lunch time, there will be contestant briefings and the written exam portion is at 13:30 and we get an hour to fill in the bubbles. If only it were an essay test... After that some explanation of the course and a walk through. Somewhere we select the equipment we'll drive. This has me a bit confused. I'd like a Ferrarri please.
Then dinner in Ybor City
Thur 8/18 another early awakening for breakfast. I think this should all be held in the middle of the night, when I usually am awake. By 8:15 the drivers are sequestered into bull pens by entry class. Depending on the class, we might do our pre-trip, interview or drive the field course. I've lost track of what day I do what. Someone else knows all those details. In the evening we board the Yacht Star Ship for a 2 hour cruise. Oh great, sounds like Gilligan's little trip.
Fri 8/19 Yet another rude early wake up. This has just got to be changed. Breakfast at bedtime indeed. Oh, I didn't read correctly the first time - it's worse, breakfast must be even EARLIER as we have to be at the Convention Center by 6:45!!! Drat. Same kind of thing for the day, just depends on your driving class.
Dinner at Busch Gardens.
Sat 8/20 Incredible, depart the hotel at 6:30 AGAIN. They are showing me no mercy with this schedule. At 9:30 The National Truck Driving Championship Finals with awards being handed out at lunch time. Free for the afternoon but the big banquet is at 17:30, fancy dress too!
Sunday it's fly home and collapse.
More to follow... how was that Al?
I think this link will get you to the ATA site for the NTDC http://www.truckline.com/aboutata/councils/slpmc/ntdc/