We've been trying to deal with the public's concerns for a long period of time. We brought several options to the board for their consideration.

Tires were a constant problem, which was a direct result of the roads, ... They spent a lot of time trying to pull themselves out of what they called 'buffalo wallows,' soft patches of ground that turned into bogs when it was wet. ... They spent some time getting stuck in streams they tried to ford, there not being many bridges to use ... and they spent a lot of time in blacksmith's shops to get them fixed, or waiting for replacement parts from the Winton factory in Cleveland.

Personally, I think I need to improve some of my times. I've been trying to get lower.

Our plans are to keep trying to improve patches and the amount of testing we can do.

It was definitely touch-and-go for a little while. There were a number of band summit meetings trying to save the record. The creative process this time, not to sound cliched, went through peaks and valleys. And without the valleys, you can't appreciate the peaks.

It starts to take its toll on you, ... It's awkward. I'm trying to stay focused and motivated. The classroom is the most stable part of our lives.