Welcome to the unofficial start to summer folks! As I’m typing this in my house, a dedicated trio of hard-working youngsters are outside in my driveway polishing the aluminum on my Kenworth. It’s 75 degrees and they are feeling every bit of it! I’m sure there are many others out there, across the country, listening to the ringing buzz of a high-speed buffer right now, but as you’re reading this, the ATHS National Truck Show and Convention is taking place (or already has) in Reno, Nevada – and you can bet the farm that I am there! It’s such a great experience to attend one of these shows, even if you don’t own or drive a truck. There is much to appreciate about the efforts that the ATHS goes through to coordinate these events, and the hard work it requires to bring an antique truck, from all over the continent, right here to northern Nevada to be displayed and admired. It takes a lot of sacrifice to commit to the time and expense of participating, but it is worth it. Taking a road trip in a classic vehicle is always a unique experience, but doing the same thing in a vintage semi is in a realm all its own (it makes me feel like I’m a kid in a veteran’s shoes). Then, getting parked at the show and visiting with other drivers and truck fanatics like myself, really restores the fellowship within the trucking industry – it makes it feel more like a family again. This month, I decided to write a poem about heading to the Reno ATHS truck show. I hope you enjoy this “Biggest Little Poem in the World!” And, if you’re at the show, come and say hello. There’s a good chance I’ll be hanging around my green KW or shootin’ the breeze near the 10-4 Magazine booth inside. I hope to see and meet you there!
HEADING INTO RENO
By Trevor Hardwick
We’re headin’ into Reno, in an antique diesel truck,
Pushin’ wind, with a big ol’ grin, and a little bit of luck.
We pulled a few all-nighters, leading up to this event,
But it’s worth the busted knuckles, and the money that was spent.
We’re coming from the rugged north, and coming from the south,
They’re blazin’ trails from way back east, I heard, by word of mouth.
We’re meeting in the wild west, to share a common bond,
A love for classic semi-trucks, and the industry, beyond.
It felt so good to hit the road, and hear that diesel bark,
By the time we shut ‘er down at night, it sure felt good to park!
A busted belt, a leaky hose, a filter swap or two,
A roadside wheel-seal repair, ‘cause that’s just what we do.
I love to see the people wave, while passing in their cars,
And late at night, the amber lights, competing with the stars.
I love this antique semi-truck, just like the old man drove,
I’m on my way to Reno, to a trucker’s treasure trove.
And when I round the corner, and I enter through the gates,
I’ll try to hide the feelings, that my heart anticipates.
Rows and rows of semi-trucks, of every shape and size,
I feel just like a kid again, with wonder in my eyes.
So, here we are, in Reno, and the sun is blazin’ hot,
Shining on the paint and chrome, in the Grand Sierra lot.
A weekend full of swapping tales, and stepping back in time,
Admiring the craftsmanship, of old rigs in their prime.
And in a couple days, we’ll light these diesels up again,
And go our separate ways, with open shutters in the wind.
We’ll park our relics in the barn, and unload all our gear,
And mark the calendar again, for another show next year.