A weekend in Sweden – Gold Brothers and the PDU drones on an adventure Part 3 of 4 – Training, motorcycles and community at Anderstorp
The night over the Anderstorp Raceway had been quiet. Only a few sounds from the forest, a distant car on the road and the rustling of the tent canvases had broken the silence. Slowly, the bright Swedish summer morning began to spread over the camping area. The PDU drones were, as usual, among the first to get up. While most of the Gold Brothers were still asleep, the drones began their regular morning routine. Uniforms were checked, boots were laced, and equipment was laid out in precise rows. Then they performed gas mask exercises, morning roll call, and their common mantra. "Discipline creates strength." "Strength creates confidence." "Confidence creates unity." The words were spoken clearly and in the same rhythm, as the morning sun slowly rose above the trees. Some of the Gold Brothers had also come out of their tents and started their workout. They were doing push-ups, sit-ups, squats and running around the campsite. Others hadn’t had their morning coffee yet and were watching the workout with tired eyes. A little further away, Daniel Gold #16 and Alton Gold #77 had already started arguing.
No one could quite make out what the discussion was about. It sounded like a mix of go-karting, racing, engine power and a bet that had possibly been made the night before. The voices gradually got louder. “You braked way too early,” Daniel said. “I braked exactly where I should have,” Alton replied. “You could have taken the turn at least ten kilometers faster.” “You’re only saying that because you drove over the curb yourself.” “It was a controlled maneuver.” “You were almost in the grass.” “Can we have some peace this morning!” The voice came from PDU-034. The Swedish drone had come forward with the whip hanging from his boot. He didn't need to use it. It was enough that he stood with his arms crossed and watched the two loud brothers. Daniel and Alton immediately fell silent. Several of the Gold Brothers had great respect for PDU-034. Not because he shouted often, but because everyone knew that when the Swedish drone gave an order, he expected it to be followed.
Wells Gold #58 lifted his coffee mug and nodded in satisfaction. "That's impressive," he said. "034 can handle an argument faster than a mechanic can turn off an engine." PDU-034 shot him a look. Wells also fell silent. Shortly after, PDU-073 slowly emerged from his tent. The drone, more than two meters tall, had a red head like a boiled crayfish. The sun from the day before had hit him harder than he had first noticed. PDU-090 walked over to Ham. “073, are you going to the hospital for treatment?” “No thanks,” PDU-073 replied. “We’ll wait and see. It’s just the sun.” “You don’t look like it’s just the sun.” “I can still do my job.” “That’s not the question. The question is whether you can do it safely.” PDU-073 straightened his back. “I’ll let you know if it gets worse. And besides, I’ve had a friend pick up my private car and a trailer. The car needs to go home and get properly checked after yesterday’s problems.” PDU-090 nodded. It was the sensible decision. The hours passed slowly, and the camp fully woke up. Izzy Gold #45 walked around the tables and tents, making sure everyone had coffee, water, and snacks until the big breakfast was ready.
At some point, PDU-034 returned from his morning run. He had covered several miles around the area around the track and had checked the access roads. “PDU-039 has met with PDU-166 and PDU-767,” he announced. “They’re on their way here. They’ll talk to PDU-073 and make sure he’s back to his best.” PDU-166 and PDU-767 were both trained to help with injuries, overheating, and other problems during Golden Army missions. Not long after, they walked into the camp with their task. The drones greeted each other properly. PDU-034, PDU-090, PDU-166 and PDU-767 exchanged brief messages about the night’s progress and the day’s program. Then the two Samaritans went straight to PDU-073. “We heard you tried to turn into a Swedish boiled crayfish,” said PDU-767. “It wasn’t on purpose,” replied 073. “They all say that,” said PDU-166. They examined PDU-073’s skin and checked for signs of sunstroke or dehydration. Fortunately, the situation was not serious. They applied a cooling gel to his face, neck and shoulders. Then he was given a drink of water, salt and minerals.
“Drink plenty for the rest of the day,” said PDU-166. “And wear sunscreen,” added PDU-767. "Factor 90," said PDU-090. "You got it?" Wells asked. "To 073 do it now," replied 090. Izzy Gold #45 and Rhys Gold #19 came over and greeted the newly arrived drones. They hadn't spent much time with PDU-166 and PDU-767 before, but they quickly became a natural part of the camp.----
Rhys clapped his hands. "Go ahead! Morning brunch is served."
On the long tables was everything the heart could desire. There was freshly baked bread, crispbread, dark rye bread and several kinds of hot rolls. Dishes of ham, chicken, fish, sausages and various Swedish cold cuts stood side by side with cheeses, jam, honey and fresh fruit. Izzy had also made a large bowl of shrimp salad, which he was very proud of. "It's not just shrimp salad," he explained. "It's educational shrimp salad." "How can a shrimp salad be educational?" asked Daniel. "It teaches you to take an appropriate portion the first time, so there is also something for the others." Daniel immediately put half back. Coffee, tea, apple juice and orange juice were served. The atmosphere was relaxed, and even PDU-073 began to feel better after the fluids, food and treatment.
After brunch, the day's motorcycle training was prepared. PDU-034, PDU-039, PDU-073 and PDU-090 as well as Daniel Gold #16, Alton Gold #77 and Wells Gold #58 changed into their leathers. Helmets, gloves, boots and back protectors were thoroughly checked. The motorcycles were lined up next to the track. Each machine was inspected before anyone was allowed to ride. Tire pressure, chains, brakes, oil and petrol were checked. PDU-090 checked the fastenings once more, while PDU-039 noted the condition of the machines. The first few laps were calm. The goal was not to set a record, but to get to know the track and find the right rhythm. Anderstorp Raceway had long stretches, fast corners and areas where it was important to choose the right line. PDU-073 had gotten his hands on a very small training motorbike.
As the two-meter-tall drone climbed onto the mini motorbike, it almost looked like he could lift it and carry it under his arm. Wells started laughing. "All you need is circus music." PDU-073 looked down at the machine. "It's built for precision." "It's built for kids," Daniel said. "Precision doesn't have to be a certain size," 073 replied. As he started riding, it turned out he was right. He steered the small motorbike safely through the cones and was surprisingly fast around the short training track. The other drones rode larger 1000cc motorbikes and completed many laps. PDU-034, PDU-039, and PDU-090 had almost the same riding style. They rode disciplined, choosing calm lines and only increasing their speed once they knew the route. Daniel, Alton and Wells had a different approach. They quickly began racing.
No one was quite sure what the bet was this time. Maybe it was who would get the drinks later. Maybe it was who had the fastest machine. It could also have been a bet on who would do the dishes after dinner. Izzy and Rhys constantly made sure that both brothers and drones got breaks, water and something to eat. No one was allowed to drive too many laps without coming in and resting. When Daniel and Alton started arguing loudly again, PDU-034 simply turned his head and gave them a look. The camp immediately fell silent. Wells whispered to Daniel: "I think he can hear us from hundreds of meters away." "He doesn't need to hear anything," Daniel replied. "He just knows."
At noon, Izzy and Rhys had set up a big lunch buffet. There were omelets, hot bread, several types of cheese and fish, salads and dishes with everything from the sea. Izzy had been to the race bar and had also brought cold drinks for those who weren't racing right away. After lunch, training continued. PDU-034, PDU-039 and PDU-090 did several steady laps and worked on their braking points. Daniel, Alton and Wells continued their private competition, but this time they kept a little more distance and followed instructions. PDU-073 completed another lap on the minibike. By the time he passed the camp, his knees were almost up to the handlebars. Rhys waved to him. "You look fast!" "I'm fast!" 073 shouted back. Late in the afternoon, a car could be heard approaching the campsite. It was PDU-090's metallic gray Volkswagen Jetta. Behind the car was a car transporter with two racing motorcycles that were to be used for tomorrow's TT race.
Shawn Gold #22 got out of the car with PDU-070. "Delivery to the Golden Army," Shawn said, pointing to the motorcycles. PDU-090 immediately went over and checked the car and trailer. "How did it run?" "Perfect," Shawn replied. "PDU-070 has been checking the buckles about every twenty kilometers." "Eighteen kilometers," PDU-070 corrected.
The two racing motorcycles were carefully unloaded and driven to the work area. PDU-039 began to document their arrival, while PDU-034 and PDU-090 went through the machines. Everything had to be ready for the next day's TT race. Before dinner, the whole group decided to go down to a nearby swimming lake to cool off. The sun was still hot over Sweden, and after many hours in leather gear it was a relief to get down to the water.
Some jumped in straight away. Others walked slowly out from the shore. PDU-073 was told to keep his head in the shade and avoid more sun, but he was allowed to cool his legs and body in the water. Daniel, Alton and Wells immediately began a competition to see who could swim out to a small bathing jetty the fastest. PDU-034 stood on the shore and watched them. “No stupid idea.” “Of course not,” the three of them replied in unison. Five minutes later, Wells tried to push Daniel into the water, while Alton tried to climb onto the bathing platform from the wrong side. PDU-034 only had to raise one hand. The three of them calmly sat down on the bridge
PDU-166 and PDU-767 also joined in the water. When their Samaritan duties were over, they were given the opportunity to relax with the rest of the group. They splashed around, swam short distances, and told stories from past Golden Army missions. Izzy and Rhys had brought soda, cold water, and fruit. They made sure everyone had plenty to drink. Even PDU-034 finally sat down at the water's edge and relaxed. The whip and boots were safely on land, while the Swedish drone let its feet slide into the cool water. It was a lovely few hours at the bathing lake. When the group returned to camp, the evening's big Swedish dinner began.--- Ten different kinds of meatballs were served. Some were made of beef, others of pork, chicken, fish, elk and reindeer. There were also vegetarian meatballs and a few strong varieties, which made Daniel drink a glass of water. The meatballs were accompanied by mashed potatoes, brown gravy, sour cream and cranberries. In addition, Jansson's temptation and several Swedish salads were served. "This is not dinner," said Wells. "It's a whole festival." Dessert consisted of Swedish cakes, ice cream, fruit and coffee. For those who wanted it, there were good wines and beers. The drones, of course, kept track of who would be driving the next morning. As the evening wore on, PDU-039 found the music equipment. Some of the music he had produced himself. Calm tones were mixed with more energetic rhythms, and soon the tables were singing along. The three wild brothers, Daniel, Alton, and Wells, kept their cool that night. It might have been because they were tired from the day’s training. It could also have been because PDU-034 was sitting so he could see them.
Drone stories and brother stories from previous missions were told. Shawn told about the transport in the Jetta. PDU-070 described how he had checked every strap on the auto transporter. PDU-166 and PDU-767 told about companion missions where quick and calm action had made a big difference. Rhys told about today’s motorcycle training and tried to imitate PDU-073 on the mini-motorcycle. It made the whole table laugh, including 073 himself. “I completed every lap without a mistake,” he reminded them. “You did,” said PDU-090. “And it was a good run.” Izzy sat with a satisfied smile, looking at the long table. During the day, the group had grown even larger. Gold Brothers and PDU drones from different locations had gathered at Anderstorp. Some knew each other well. Others had only met this weekend. Yet they were already working as one team. When darkness finally fell over the campsite, the music was turned down. The machines were covered, the trailers were locked, and the last of the equipment was checked. PDU-034 made a final round of the camp.----
PDU-039 saved the day’s photos and notes. PDU-070 checked the kitchen area. PDU-166 and PDU-767 ensured that PDU-073 had more water and cooling gel. PDU-090 stood for a moment, looking out over the many teles, motorcycles, and vehicles. The day had been filled with training, discussions, laughter, swimming, good food and new friendships. Everyone had contributed something. Some had ridden on the track. Some had cooked. Some had treated a sunburned drone. Others had transported motorcycles or provided water and safety. Finally, PDU-090 wrote the day's final line in the mission report: "Day three at Anderstorp completed. Gold Brothers and PDU drones trained, helped each other and welcomed new participants. PDU-073 was treated and was able to continue safely. The motorcycles for tomorrow's TT race have arrived. The community is stronger because each brother and each drone carries out their task with respect for the rest of the team." Slowly and quietly everyone calmed down. The next morning the TT race awaited.---
To be continued in part 4 of 4.
New members who want to do sports, motorsport, outdoor activities and adventure with the Gold Brothers and the PDU drones can find information about the Golden Army by contacting: @polo-drone-125 @alton-gold77 #GoldenArmy #GoldBrothers #PDUdrones #PDU090 #PDU034 #PDU039 #PDU070 #PDU073 #PDU166 #PDU767 #AltonGold77 #WellsGold58 #DanielGold16 #IzzyGold45 #RhysShawnGold2 #RhysShawnRway #SwedenAdventure #MotorcycleTraining #TTRacing #Motorsport #Camping #Brotherhood #DroneDiscipline #Teamwork #OutdoorAdventure #GoldenArmySweden #SportAndAdventure
