Rocky Hill Ranch - The Race that Wasn't

My son, Joe and I drove down to Smithville, Tx late Friday afternoon for the Rocky Hill Ranch 50K. It had been raining the entire day in Smithville - huge storms with big thunderboomers. However, ultra runners are super hardy folks so I thought the race would still happen. And I really needed to get my long run in this week as I am out of town the next two weekends.

We arrive to a flooded mudpit of a campground. But it had finally stopped raining. I pitched my tent while Joe played with Matt and Julie's children. I checked in and spoke to Joe P -- race director -- who assured me he was doing everything he could for the race to happen.

We feasted on Julie and Becca's excellent dinner and then turned in early. Joe and I were asleep by 9pm. It did not rain all night and we slept well. I awoke at 5am to some sprinkles and then it started raining much harder - complete with some scary lightening hitting pretty close to the campground. I continued to prepare for the race, but in the back of my head I was wondering if they'd call it off. I left Joe sleeping in the tent and went to investigate. Race director, Joe P walked in to the main lodge area and quickly called the race off -- just too dangerous with the frequent and violent lightening. I agreed completely and went back to our tent to hang out with my son.

So no race -- but still a great experience. Joe and I got to have an incredible Father/Son trip. We laughed and joked in the tent while the storm raged around us. Joe gave each of us pretend names and made up stories. Finally water started coming into the tent and we had to retreat to Matt and Julie's camper. Everything we had in the tent was soaked! It was a mud bog all around us. Rivers of water were pouring through the campgrounds.

During a lull in the storm, I quickly broke down the tent and threw everything into the car and we headed back to Dallas. No race, but a trip I'll probably always remember for the bonding with my son.