Thirty-three Minutes Five Seconds with JT$ “Sheltering in Place”

I’ll be doing a series of these during this unanticipated “off-season”. I want to get a sense of how various industry folks are handling their personal instances of Shelter in Place, quarantine or whatever else it’s being labeled. Without further delay, I give you, one of the most frequent travelers in the United States. A man who rarely spends two consecutive nights at the same address; Jason Thomas.

Swiz: What do your days consist of since Shelter in Place began?

JT$: Usually drink heavily well into the night, bellowing Italian opera from my balcony. Haha jk. I have been working and trying to help keep FLY Racing progress even in these tough times 

I get up super early, usually 5-5:30 and get a head start. I like to have a clear idea of what’s happening that day and watch some business news as well. Once 8am hits, there are a lot of things happening via Skype, Zoom etc right now.

WPS has always sounded like a dream gig in the industry, it’s gotta be comforting to be with them in a situation like this. Especially knowing how much they  value you personally as a big part of the Fly team. 

Well, things are tough in the powersports industry. That’s an industry wide truth. WPS is not immune. We are a healthy team but we also have to make smart decisions to remain that way. I am lucky to be a part of that team. I couldn’t imagine not being involved.

Swiz: We’ve seen how this “Covid-Crazy” is affecting Weege’s money monitoring, what’s your general personal guideline as far as watching that stuff and stressing goes?

JT$: Honestly, it’s been really interesting because I love learning. I got absolutely clobbered in the Great Recession of 2008. I promised myself that I would pick myself back up and financially prepare for the next time America ran into trouble. That time is now. So I’ve been absorbing everything I can during my free time, which is quite a bit right now. A scary amount. I have probably set a record for the most consecutive time ever spent in a robe and slippers.

Swiz: We’re you in the process of howling at the moon with Mad Money on the TV in the background when that earthquake hit yesterday?!

JT$: I was watching Mad Money!  I was on my spin bike in the living room while Cramerica educated me. The tv started swaying a little and I couldn’t figure out why.. then the whole house started rolling. It was like I hit a big set of whoops on my spin bike! Seriously, it was wild. It was over really quickly but it’s a very unnerving feeling.

Swiz: There had to have been a split second where you were like, “shit, this really is the apocalypse!”

JT$: It was over before I even realized it was an earthquake. I actually first thought something exploded nearby, sending a shock wave. But within a minute or two I realized what it was. If I see even one locust tomorrow, though, I’m going to freak out.

Swiz: It’s funny how in any poignant moment, Steve is always that unshakeable force. The France terror attack (“Stew didn’t jump the double”, on the daily now with Covid (“just chill out everybody”) and as reliable as death and taxes, we had a Pulp Show this week to return some sense of normalcy. Was it that way for you too?

JT$: Steve and I just argue all the time so that’s not really any different. Honestly, I don’t think I will feel like we are back to normal until I am at a race and the gate drops.

Swiz: Prior to this, what was the most time you spent at home, what was the reason and how different is “house arrest” in Boise solo vs extended stay at home in Fla due to injury?

JT$: I think my broken leg in 08 would have been the most time at home. I was at Dan Truman’s most of the time playing video games but I was on the couch for months. 

This one is different for sure. I am working a lot right now and have responsibilities. Back then, I literally had zero responsibility. Like none. I wasn’t making any money which was really hard but I had no one to answer to for months and months. It’s almost like time doesn’t matter.

Swiz: How excited are you to book a flight? Are you holding up ok, or singing Seger songs into a candlestick? Drawing faces on volleyballs? Do you have a Ouija board and conjuring spirits?!

JT$: I am definitely excited to get back to normalcy. I think most of the aspects of life that I was jaded by will be much more appreciated for a while. I’m hoping our sport is healthy enough to bounce back in a big way. It’s going to be a very painful few months 

Swiz: I’m just glad the always level headed JT is staying true to form and part of the sane crowd during this stuff. I figured if there was anyone who would be shook with the current lifestyle change from rarely ever two nights at the same place, to lockdown for months; you’d be a prime candidate but you’re holding strong. Eyes on the future. 

JT$: It’s like a social experiment. I don’t have any human interaction right now. I’m basically living on the moon. Might as well be anyway. I have a lot of communication with people but not in person. People will study this period for decades to come. 

Swiz: I gotta admit, I’m a little impressed by the populace’s, around here anyway, commitment to follow the executive order and try to achieve the intended goal. Very few opposing carelessly. 

What’s your sense there?

JT$: It’s similar but a lot of people are out exercising. They are keeping their distance but definitely trying to get some outside time. I don’t know how long people will be willing to stay inside though

Swiz: True. It’s gotta be easier here where it’s a little rural, kids out on dirt bikes and stuff. Be tough in a sub to look out and see all your friends but not be able to get together. 

Just hoping for some news of progress, that should lift spirits for those struggling with the isolation. 

Thanks for the time JT! Thanks for giving us some insight on your personal experience during this crazy bizarre period in our history. 

JT$: Yep, pray for me if this continues but I’m hanging in there.