We've all been there. "There" being excited about something, offset by that nagging little, or sometimes not so little, concern that something might go wrong. We're talking here about a long distance drive in our cherished ride.

What could go wrong? Nothing to just about everything. From mechanical to road hazard. From weather to road kill (or is that road live?). From bad roads to bad drivers. Let's face it, even the most confident or cavalier rodder is putting on a bit of a brave face when they say they are not concerned when it comes to the open road.

I cringe big time when a stone "pings" off my daily driver. I weep openly when the same happens to the rod. I know what some of you might be thinking - "part of the territory", "build 'em / drive 'em", etc. I would still challenge anyone who said they didn't have something floating in the back of their mind about you-know-what happening. Because you-know-what happens. However, we've all got broad backs. Right?

I was recently chatting to a buddy about how attuned, sonically, we are to our respective vehicles. Despite the fact that we're motoring, maybe listenin' to tunes, we're also on autopilot listening for the mystery noise and glancing furtively at the gauges, checking for too hot (or real hot), too low, too fast (never too slow) or not enough (great word eh? Furtive that is. Wouldn't be Canadian without one "eh").

I'm sure none of you (he said sarcastically) have been in the following situation where you're cruisin' with your significant other:

You - "Did you hear that?"

Other - "Hear what?"

You - "A weird sound when I went over that last bump"

Other - "I didn't hear anything"

You - "I definitely heard something. Be quiet and listen"

Other - "What am I listening for?"

You - "A weird sound"
Etc.

Usually, at this point, the "other" is thinking that the only "weird" thing is you. Or, that you are simply paranoid.

Remember the lyric "paranoia runs deep". (Quiz - anyone care to tell us what song that lyric came from? Hint: Neil Young was in the group)

Boy, can I digress!

Bottom line, given the time, good company and an appropriate vehicle, we'd all prefer to drive to shows and events and, if we're fortunate, everything goes without a hitch.

The purpose of all this? Canadian Rodder is interested in your "road" stories because Canadian Rodder is going to be about rodders as well as our beloved rods.

So, if you have one, get it to us. We, and your fellow rodders, would love to hear about them. In fact, we've received one. We'll share it with you soon.

Rod on.