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A truck driving challenge I couldn't turn down
I may not be a world traveler, but I can proudly say that I’ve ridden across the United States in a big rig (with my brother, Tom, at the wheel) and have now driven one - in a parking lot.
Two weeks ago an invitation from the Iowa Motor Truck Association (IMTA) arrived in my mailbox inviting me to join my comrades in the media driving challenge. I jumped at the chance and signed up immediately.
The event was held Saturday in the parking lot between Hilton Coliseum and Jack Trice Stadium at the Iowa State University campus in Ames. The goal was to drive a brand-new semi tractor and 53-foot trailer through an obstacle course for a chance at bringing home a trophy.
Arriving in Ames I was anxious, but sure that I could handle the challenge. I think Debbie was nervous about the whole ordeal, but she supported me all the way, even getting up extra early on a Saturday morning for the trek to Ames. My mom, well, I don’t think she was too sure about the whole deal.
My brother, Tom, got a kick out of the ordeal, stating that I would probably be driving an automatic.
Following a walk-through of the course I awaited my turn. Joining me was a politician and several IMTA board members, who also own trucking companies. I was the only media there.
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Republican Editor J.O. Parker proudly displays (backwards) his first place truck driving award earned at the Iowa Motor Truck Association Media Driving Challenge held in Ames on Saturday, June 21. Photo by Roger Allen |
My only concern was getting in the truck. I mentioned that to one of the IMTA volunteers and I was told
“We’ll get you in there.” Climbing in (with no problem) I strapped on the seat belt, pulled off the air brakes, shifted the transmission into first gear, honked the horn and off I went. A professional truck driver from Wal-mart rode shotgun with me and a volunteer with the IMTA led me through the course. I’m glad I didn’t hit the gas and run him over.
First, I had to drive around three barrels, which I aced with ease. Then I had to stop the passenger side trailer tires on a makeshift weight scale. I was able to get the trailer wheels on the scale.
Next, I had to turn a corner and cross a section of tape without hitting a large yellow rubber ducky positioned on the parking lot. I’m glad I didn’t hit the duck.
Unfortunately I don’t think I crossed the tape either. I then got a chance at backing into a dock before driving along a 10-foot strip of tape with the passenger wheels without crossing the line. Finally, there was the stop, which I did without crossing the line.
After completing the course I was awarded the first-place trophy with 83 points. Being the only media representative there, I was a shoe-in. I got my picture taken and enjoyed the experience, receiving many congrats and a victory kiss from Debbie that I was safely on the ground again.
Afterward, Debbie and I stopped at Culver’s in Ames for cheeseburger meals. I called my brother, Tom, to boast of my first place win. “How many did you compete against?” he asked. “One,” I said as we both chuckled. I explained that backing up was tough. He said it wasn’t if I used my mirrors. I said that it was fun but I wouldn’t be heading my career on the road anytime soon.
Tom drives a semi for the Wonder Bread bakery in Tulsa. He takes the fresh-baked bread from Tulsa to various depots in Missouri, Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma. Bread deliverymen pick up the bread at the depotsand deliver it to area stores.
Tom has driven a semi tractor-trailer for about 10 years, working for four different companies. He often is asked to pull a tandem – two trailers – on some routes.
I have fond memories of traveling the road in a big rig. In 1997 after I finished my schooling at the University of Missouri-Columbia, I went on the road with Tom. He was driving for Mayflower van lines at the time. We took a short jaunt to near St. Louis and back to Tulsa before heading to Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska and through the northwestern part of Iowa, continuing all the way to Maine, New York City and West Virginia before returning to Oklahoma three weeks later. A week later I was back on the road again, this time to Michigan. It was during that trip that I received a call and eventual job offer to move to Iowa and work at the North English Record. Two and one-half years later I moved to Montezuma and joined The Republican staff.
More than 10 years has passed since I trucked into Iowa and I can say with confidence that it’s been one heck of a great ride – so far.
Always remember that no matter your situation, “Good things are happening.”