Midwest Track Day Results

[BradfordBenn]

or How to Go Fast, Scare Yourself, Scrape Hard Stuff All While Having Fun

May 7th we all drove up to meet at the hotel in South Haven, Michigan. Somehow the idea of getting up realllllly early did not sound really good to any of us. So Lorezapan, Lorezapan’s twin brother, dzimbric, BMWRTGIRL, new member Donatello, and others showed up. Unfortunately, boxergrrlie could not make it, work got in the way.

The next morning was pretty early. First thing was tech check.

Lots of stuff removed, lots of gaffer’s tape. After the tech inspection, I needed to make a few slight modifications. So I had to do a little more removal of items. . Yup, that is the center stand. I thought it was a little overkill, but later in the day I found out why I should remove it. Then there was the need to get a ruling on the “fur” on the helmet. It was approved.

http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-01tn.jpg Click for larger image (http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-01.jpg) http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-05tn.jpg Click for larger image (http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-05.jpg)

Then there were lots of photo taking

http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-02tn.jpg Click for larger image (http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-02.jpg) http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-03tn.jpg Click for larger image (http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-03.jpg) Me and Donatello. http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-04tn.jpg Click for larger image (http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-04.jpg)

Then came the first meeting, where we were broken down into groups of six or seven based on our own self rating of how fast we would be going. I nominated myself to the slowest group. I had no idea just how apropos that decision would be. There was stop of about an hour due to weather, cause it was ugly. Thunder and Lightning.

http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-11tn.jpg Click for larger image (http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-11.jpg)

So BMWRTGirl, me, and three other people were in the group. The goal of the first ride was simple to learn the track and see the three different lines. I was behind BMWRTGirl.
http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-12tn.jpg Click for larger image (http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-12.jpg)

Oh yeah, if that does not look a BMW, it is cause it is a Triumph.

http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-06tn.jpg Click for larger image (http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-06.jpg)

Of course like any ride, when we stopped we all got around and talked about the ride.

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Then another class session, this time talking about how to pick lines and go through the corners. A couple of us were feeling like we could go faster, so the group was further divided. BMWRTGirl, myself, and another rider chose to go a little faster. Looking back on that, man was it the wrong decision.

After the ride, it was back into the pits… We had more time to talk about the ride, and some of the instructors brought out their tricked out track bikes.

http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-09tn.jpg Click for larger image (http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-09.jpg) http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-07tn.jpg Click for larger image (http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-07.jpg)

Instructor Racing (http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-movie1.avi)

Then it was time for lunch, followed by a Ladies Only ride. BMWRTRider took the opportunity to get going full speed… Of course we all watched and cheered her on. She was polite and did not pass...

http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-15tn.jpg Click for larger image (http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-15.jpg)

Tracy Rides By (http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-movie2.avi)
Tracy Rides By 2 (http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-movie3.avi)

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Then another couple of classes about downshifting and breaking, getting into the proper position, and leaning.

The course on leaning came a little late for me, as I had already nailed some hard parts on the ground. It was really loud, and scared lots of people.

http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-18tn.jpg Click for larger image (http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-18.jpg)

The next time around I was a little faster and applying all of the stuff that we were taught.
http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-13tn.jpg Click for larger image (http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-13.jpg)
and pretty much everyone else was as well.

http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-16tn.jpg Click for larger image (http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-16.jpg) http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-17tn.jpg Click for larger image (http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-17.jpg) http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-19tn.jpg Click for larger image (http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-19.jpg)

Unfortunately, at that point I realized I officially was the slowest person on the course.

http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-08tn.jpg Click for larger image (http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-08.jpg)


I was running as hard as the engine would go. Hitting the rev limiter in the turns is not a fun feeling. I was scraping all sorts of stuff. Pegs, axles, knees. First time I scraped the knee I had to take the GS off roading. No wipe out, just a pure adreanelin rush. No biggie. The next ride, off a couple of times as well. Nothing big and I kept everything up right, and only had a pucker factor of 4, on a scale of 1 to 10. The scary parts were being passed like I was standing still. So I talked with the instructors a little more. Pretty much they had nothing to suggest other than a bigger bike. I was tucking and turning, upping and downing, braking and accelerating, hanging off, and all the other stuff properly – rough but properly.

There was one last ride of the day, and then it was out to the showers. Yup, I sweated a lot and got just a lot of sun. Something you don’t think about bring sunscreen!
Ride By (http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-movie4.avi)
Ride By 2 (http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-movie5.avi)


At dinner it was the meeting of the sick minds… Lorezapn, Cliffy777, and myself.

http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-20tn.jpg Click for larger image (http://www.bradfordbenn.com/photolinks/040508-20.jpg)

So would I do it again? Yes! Was it fun? Yes! Was the F650 the right bike for the track? Yes! Cause as Dzimbric pointed out, I was able to use all of the stuff I was being taught and still be within the comfort window.

[BradfordBenn]

How do I know that the stuff took?

Stayed on the balls of the feet most of the time home.
Going around an exit ramp, I forgot to see the sign that suggested a speed of about 20MPH slower than I was going. No scraps, no scares, just followed the same thing as cornering on the course.

While I do not recommend ignoring the speed signs, being able to merge onto a highway that is posted at 70MPH by coming off the entry ramp in the mid 60's is much easier and in my opinion safer than following the sign.

Money well spent. Plus meeting Cliffy777 made it all worthwhile :p

Now the hard part, remembering that there are those street signs that say I am supposed to go slower and there are people who will "sell" me some nice documentation of the speed. Must remember to slow down tomorrow while on the way to work.

[BMWBeauty]

Thanks for the report Brad........Nice looking pics of you and your bike.....Glad you had fun...:)
Sorry to hear about the thunder and lightining......:(
Sounds like you had a fun time anyway........:)

[kbasa]

You guys just totally rock!!!!!!

:rocker :rocker :rocker

:clap :clap :clap

[BMWBeauty]

Who rode the Trumph Bike Brad.....:)
Very Nice Looking Bike....Dang......:p
:bliss :bliss :bliss :bliss

[Cliffy777]

Very nice report - with movies even. It sure sounds like one of the best motorcycle investments out there for sure.
Enjoyed meeting you all - it was worth the ride there after work to share in your adventure.
Next time can I sit at the same table as the rest of you?

[Cliffy777]

More on the track day from a non-participant.
First, it was a gas meeting Gale, Dale, Gail, Tracey, Dan, the BB, Dan and Mrs Dale (Geri?). The fact that I rode ON A SLAB to meet them after work should serve as a testimony to my eagerness to meet people from this forum. (I hates 2 ride on a slab, but it was the fastest way - especially since they were holding dinner plans until I got there.)
I knew when I pulled in the hotel lot I was at the correct location on account of Lorazepam's dee-luxe newly installed topcase was visible from the road.
BB, Dan and Tracey were waiting patiently in BB's room for me to get there. They were hungry but happy to share their track day fun.
Dan knew South Haven and he recommended a place to eat. Great pick - my cow parts were great and everyone was complimentary about the chow. The time passed way too quickly, before we knew it the clock was headed toward 11 pm. Dan was heading home as was I, so we didn't get to sample the (in)famous Appletinis at Chez Brad.
After gassing up I called home to let Julie know my ETA. She told me it was raining like a mofo, so I suited up in my raingear - the best way to assure a rain-free ride and it worked.
Enjoyed meeting some Forum Friends, sorry to learn that Boxergrrlie had to work instead of ride, but I could relate!

[dzimbric]

Originally posted by Cliffy777
Very nice report - with movies even. It sure sounds like one of the best motorcycle investments out there for sure.
Enjoyed meeting you all - it was worth the ride there after work to share in your adventure.
Next time can I sit at the same table as the rest of you?

Only if you ride Dad's scooter, with the chrome and Screamin eagle exhaust.

[BMWBeauty]

Originally posted by Cliffy777
Very nice report - with movies even. It sure sounds like one of the best motorcycle investments out there for sure.
Enjoyed meeting you all - it was worth the ride there after work to share in your adventure.
Next time can I sit at the same table as the rest of you?


At dinner it was the meeting of the sick minds… Lorezapn, Cliffy777, and myself.

Cliffy the pic that Brad posted said you sat at the table with them.........
If that is you? Nice pic of you.....Glad to meet you....:p

[BradfordBenn]

Originally posted by BMW Beauty
Who rode the Trumph Bike Brad.....:)
Very Nice Looking Bike....Dang......:p
:bliss :bliss :bliss :bliss

BMWRTRider (Tracy) rode it.

[BradfordBenn]

Originally posted by BMW Beauty
Thanks for the report Brad........Nice looking pics of you and your bike.....Glad you had fun...:)


I have to give props to Geri (sp?) Lorezapan's sister in law for taking most of the pictures.

[BMWBeauty]

Originally posted by BradfordBenn
BMWRTRider (Tracy) rode it.

Nice Looking Bike Tracy......:bliss :bliss

[Rbike]

:bliss :bliss Yes Yes Yes...going to the track is one of the funnest things I do. I took my old (now wrecked) airhead out the first time and had a blast. So I went looking for a track bike... I didn't consider a F650...I picked up a standard crotch rocket ('92 GSX R750) that is a pain to work on, but a pleasure to ride...well as long as I can get off to stretch every 30 minutes or so.

I recommend everyone take any bike they have to the track at least once...no oncomming traffic, you know exactly how big each turn is, and no unexpected trash in the way.

[RebeccaV]

GREAT REPORT! It looks like you all had fun and learned lots. I am sorrier than I can possibly say that I wasn't there.

I did get to HEAR you though - Tracy called me (yeah, kinda cruel) during my Saturday meetings (in San Diego) to listen to you all scream around the track. Heck - I even had an Appletini in your honor on Saturday night! Cheers to all who participated.

[BMWBeauty]

Some posts are under Campfire, and some are posted under Ride Peports........:dunno

[BradfordBenn]

Originally posted by BMW Beauty
Some posts are under Campfire, and some are posted under Ride Peports........:dunno

The pre event and planning are under Campfire. The actual report of the ride is under Ride Reports. Make sense?

I work for an ISO company, I just following procedures.

[BMWBeauty]

Originally posted by BradfordBenn
The pre event and planning are under Campfire. The actual report of the ride is under Ride Reports. Make sense?

I work for an ISO company, I just following procedures.

Brad it does make since even for a blonde like me...............:p :p