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The
brief excursion to this hallowed place was followed by a return to
the circus where the work was rapidly getting completed. The big
top was up and the seats were being assembled and the performers
readied the one ring arena for the aerial acts and other antics to
follow. At noon I bid my host adieu and returned to the
Haley-Davidson store where the motorcycles were arriving. The
afternoon was full with three scoots receiving decorative
pinstriping paint work.
I
returned to the circus when the evening show as underway and a
grand show it was. Two large families provide the bulk of the acts
and most of the animals took a turn in the performance. Special
effects, lighting and the capable guidance of the ring master made
for a pleasing show as was evidenced by the reaction from the
crowd.
As
we filed out into the darkness after the show, a sprinkling of the
activities that took place on the midway earlier was going on
amongst the loading out process that had already begun. I chatted
with the owner for an appropriate amount of time but when his cell
phone rang I recognized an opportunity to go home. Although it was
late and the visit to the circus interrupted the pattern of sleep
that I maintain during this rigorous tour, the experience prompted
a gratitude for the skills I possess, the result of my becoming a
circus man years ago.
My
daily routine during Gettysburg Bike Week starts early everyday as
I drink coffee and enjoy breakfast at the Lincoln Diner. I enjoy a
pace that continues steadily through the morning, as I begin on
the first bike, and lasts until the evening comes and, as the sun
is going down, I finish the last few duties and make ready for
bed.
The
final day of the event the owner of Battlefield Harley-Davidson
stopped by my booth and said “we will enjoy having you back
again next year”
As
I make plans for the next stop on my six month tour, I find myself
grateful again; I have another opportunity next year to have
breakfast at the Lincoln Diner.
Dave
"Letterfly" Knoderer
Letterfly.com
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