Over the years, and I suppose I've fostered this notion myself, the perception has been that I generally thumb my nose at Denver each year because it's just not that great a time. I guess there's a certain amount of truth to that (at least until last weekend), because as I missed year after year, I grew used to the idea of not experiencing the single-most entertaining chaser event in the world. After a while, I began to forget how much fun the event actually is, and the thoughts that floated to the forefront of my mind were "that's a lot of chase money to blow over a party atmosphere I can replicate at home." What I was forgetting, however, was it takes a lot more than booze and lavish surroundings to mimic the Denver experience. You also need a lot of cool people. So, going into this year, I was still against making the Colorado venture, even though we could afford it. But Bridget was relentless in her quest to experience the Rocky Mountain Chaser High, so my opinion was moot. We were going.
As the trip neared, and it became clear it wouldn't affect us financially nearly as bad as I'd estimated, I began to loosen up and come around to the idea. In the few days before we left, I re-discovered that old giddiness I'd had so many years before, anticipating what would surely be a great weekend. The drive out was incredible, kind of like a chase but not quite. The kind of incredible where you have a long way to go, but the reward at the end is so worth it. Once we arrived, the fun began.
There were so many people there, it was impossible to get to all of them (my only regret of the entire weekend). I'm the kind of person who enjoys the one-on-one experience, as I feel that's the best way to truly get to know someone. I tried to squeeze in as many intimate conversations as possible, but there was only so much time. It was mentally exhausting, but the kind of tired you love. My status in the chasing world was a lot different nine years ago; I only hung out with people I already knew, ignoring probably 80% of all attendees simply because (believe it or not) I'm rather shy socially. I'm friendly and willing to make new acquaintances, but I rarely make the first move. Because not many people really knew who I was, not many approached me. However this year, it seemed every time we turned around, someone was saying hello or waving from across the room. It was kind of overwhelming, and unexpected. We met so many interesting people, all of whom share the love of the open road and open sky.
So to bring the conference experience full circle, the event itself was FANTASTIC. Kudos to Roger Hill, Tim Samaras, and all who are involved for not only inventing this thing, but keeping it alive for so long. It ran smoothly for the most part, which is quite a feat when dealing with schedules and over 300 people milling about. It's an experience Bridget and I will never forget, and one we hope to relive every year from here on out.
