Try Something New Occasionally!

FLAT TRACK?

If someone would have told me I would go race a Flat Track on this “Thumb Rehab Tour” I would have bet against it. But as luck would have it my buddy “Montana John Roberts” just happens to have a stable of Flat Track race bikes that he uses when the urge strikes him. He has Vintage, MX Conversions, 2 Stroke Bultaco’s,  Rotax’s, and big bore conversions that started life as TT 500 motors.

Montana John pulled two bikes out of his lineup, a converted CRF 450 Honda and a Vintage Yamaha 500 stuffed into a Flat Track frame. Both had the prerequisite 19” wheels and NO FRONT BRAKE! What in the hell was he thinking putting a motocross/Baja guy on a motorcycle with no front brake. The first time I ever rode either bike was at the race track during my first scheduled practice. So what do you think happened when a guy with 45 years of motorcycle riding experience tried to slow that sucker down going into the first turn? You guessed it.  I reached for the front brake without even thinking. Talk about a conditioned response. My right hand automatically goes for the front brake when I want to slow a motorcycle down, ANY motorcycle. So there I was heading into the first turn and discovering my normal thought process to ride a bike was suddenly useless. Then it gets one better. The guy in front of me heading into the turn falls down on a slick spot and occupies the line I am heading for. All I can do is straighten up and try not to run him over. Mission accomplished, I straighten up and head for the outside of the track and avoid him without hitting anyone or anything else. So for my first 4 laps on a strange bike I am trying to figure out how to ride it by constantly turning LEFT interrupted by a short straight before the next LEFT. All the while having to remember I can’t slow down using a front brake. Talk about a total squid, I must have looked like a Fat Drunken Mexican on a motorcycle those first 4 laps. I doubt it got much prettier during the next 4 practice sessions.

Let me define practice sessions for you. 4 laps each at approximately 18 seconds per lap! So if you do the math each practice session lasted about 1 minute and 12 seconds! Since I rode two classes and got 2 practices on each bike when I lined up to race I had ALMOST 5 Minutes of experience. What more could a guy ask for?

So I raced two classes, a Heat on each bike (6 laps) to determine gate position and then a Main event (10 laps) per bike for a total of 32 laps of racing. That comes to roughly 9 ½ minutes of full on racing for both classes!

Now the really funny part is how freakin’ much can happen in such a short amount of time. In one of the Main events on about the second or third lap I got my clock cleaned by some guy that apparently thought if he used my front wheel to slow himself down he could make the turn. I never saw it coming and was on the ground before I knew he was coming. The race was red flagged and the other riders returned to the starting line while I gathered myself and my bike up to see if we were both ok. The ambulance guys were great and ran out to check on me asking me hard questions like what day it was while shining a light in my eyes. I passed the exam so I asked if I could line back up and they said ok. Now it got interesting. I pull up to line up on the front row on the outside assuming I would be last pick on the gate, (chalk line really). Then the starter tells me I am supposed to start on the back row because of the crash. Huh? When someone cleans you out from behind I guess you still go to the back. I said ok and backed my bike up to the second chalk mark. Now I was on a mission, not mad but just irritated enough that I was going to be a bit more aggressive and not be pushed around by the regulars. I read the starter perfectly and got a great jump off the second row to hit the first turn alongside the front row guys and got around them to lead coming out of the first turn! So now it was on! There was no way I was going to let one of them inside me and I wasn’t going to give an inch or leave anyone any room,  especially my new best friend, the one that knocked me down the first time. He was on a 2 stroke Bultaco and he ran a compression release. I listened to that compression release for the remaining 8 laps as he tried to get inside me. Nothing doing, I was closing the door and leaving him only one option. Go the long way around on the outside if you think you can. Then my bike started sputtering about half way through the race and I was afraid it wouldn’t beat him to the next turn each time we hit the straightaway. Each time I just reached the turn in time to grab the very inside line and occupy the best real estate on the track for the remainder of the race. I crossed the finish with a grin under my helmet and my first thought was, “How do you like them apples!” as I took the checkered flag.

I was happy enough that when I got second place in the other main event I didn’t really care, Life was good. Well except for the fact that the crash ground some skin off my left arm and was now bleeding down the sleeve of my jersey. I just thought Oh well it wasn’t the first time and I am fairly certain it won’t be the last.  Especially if I ever decide to try Flat Tracking again.

Try to keep it on two wheels…….and sliding!

#33

“Whatever you are, be the Best at it.”

Riding, Racing and Roundy Round?

Rehab....we don't need no stinkin rehab!

Well, here we go with another first! Riding and Racing in the Great state of Montana!  We are currently stopped off and visiting with a riding buddy, John Roberts (aka Montana John) as part of this thumb rehab tour. It seems since I broke the thumb it has transformed the trip into more rehab than racing as was originally planned.

I have ridden some new areas with John and a couple of new riding partners I met through him. Paul, who rides a KTM and Ken who is KX mounted both ride whenever the opportunity presents itself and I believe I became the excuse they used to go out riding one evening after work. I thought it was a bit strange that we were going out to ride at nearly 5pm, up into the hills and beneath the trees. I soon discovered that being this far north makes for very long days during the summer months. Pretty cool we could trail ride in the trees until almost 9 pm. The riding was a ton of fun and I got to see some of the seldom used trails that of course only the locals know. There was some great riding and some spectacular views. We came across some cool leftover mining equipment and even a sign warning of Wolves and Wolf traps! When was the last time you came across that on a ride? Definitely a first for me. The ride went well with no one getting lost, injured or breaking any bikes so it was a very good day of riding.  So that covers the riding part.

Next item on Montana John’s agenda was getting me to the local races that weekend. I was a bit worried about how the thumb would do on the mx track but agreed to give it a try. So out comes the KX 450 and I can’t believe my good luck. There is a practice on Saturday before the race on Sunday. Perfect, I will find out what I need to know about holding on to the big KX. It went well and I planned to give it a go the next day in the Geezer class (50+). Practice was pretty sloppy and the track worked in nicely during the first set of motos. The second moto was totally different as it dried out and reminded me more of our tracks back in California in the summer; Hard and slick. I was lucky to get two good starts and went 1-1 in the motos. Now we head on to part III of this tour.

So as I sit here watching hail the size of a quarter fall down around me I am mentally preparing for the final phase of this trilogy. I am also wondering what have I gotten myself into. You see the third part of this Montana John orchestrated plan revolves around me riding one of his FLAT TRACK bikes at a race. It seems Montana John is a long time flat tracker and has a whole garage full of flat trackers that obviously just need to be ridden!  I am beginning to think I got okey doked by agreeing to this escapade before I had even sat on or ridden even one of these bikes. I have never ridden a flat tracker before and he is already signing me up at a race.  So as the weekend approaches I am taking a look at the bikes and getting a few pointers. No practice, just pointers. I guess I will have to let you know how it goes when it is all over. Keep your fingers crossed, I am!

#33

“Never ride faster than your Guardian Angel can fly”

Ridin’ with Old Friends (Part 2)

Part 1 of this escapade had Ed preparing to buy a new/used Off Road bike. Jess was unaware of what was about to befall him as we, Cheryl and I, drove toward his place in Idaho for a visit and hopefully a bit of trail riding.

Having not ridden with my old riding partner, Jess, in more years than I care to remember I was pleasantly surprised that he had not sold every bike he and his wife Becky owned. Jess sold his stuff while he was busy relocating to Idaho and building a beautiful place, but left his wife’s stuff alone. Good man!

Upon arriving we set up camp and made my plan. We visited, played with the dogs, did some sightseeing and generally had a good time. Finally I got Jess to stop by the local bike shops to look at bikes and talk to a few riders we both knew from back in the day. Dan McConnell was also a rider we knew from days past in Nor Cal, but has relocated to Idaho and opened a shop in Orofino, Idaho called “Cycle Parts & Trading Post”.  After visiting with Danny for a bit and catching up on who was still riding and who wasn’t from the old days we agreed to meet up for a trail ride. I was very impressed that Danny was still riding due to the fact that he has gone through 2 hip replacements! The guy is hard core and loves to ride!  I want to be like him when I grow up. That was the answer to my dilemma of how I was going to get Jess out to show me trails he has not had time to explore. Danny was our trail guide for the day. When we met up for the ride there were 4 of us, Danny, Jess, Brian who we just met at the parking area and #33. You are not going to believe our good fortune, but it rained the night before!

Danny (KTM 150) took the lead since he knew the trails and I fell into second rider with Brian (KTM 300) falling in as third rider on the trail. Thanks Brian for keeping an eye on me and picking me up a couple of times. Then Jess (KDX 200) followed as the sweep rider. I think Jess was a bit concerned of holding someone up since he had not been on a bike in several years. We head out into some of the most fun and challenging single-track you could hope to find. It is not overridden and sometimes difficult to follow because the brush is beginning to grow back over the trail. I think they need more riders riding these trails and I am willing to go back to help brush out the trails with my bike! I am just that kind of guy.

As I ride along marveling at how great the riding is I realize just how fast Danny is making that little KTM go through the trees. He is going like stink and I start to get a bit warm because I have over dressed by wearing a jacket. He finally stops for a nature break and I have a chance to take off my jacket and let a bit of air out of the tires. We are riding in 1^st to 3^rd gears because the trails are so tight and I don’t have to worry too much about a pinch flat.  Perfect!

We have a great time for the next 40 miles or so with everyone taking their turn tipping over, stalling or missing the trail. Brian actually has to lift my bike off me one time when I fall down hill with the bike trapping my leg between it and a rather large stump while laying down hill. Sort of funny really because I must have looked like a turtle that couldn’t get up until he lifted the bike off the stump. Jess thought this was quite funny when he rolled up and saw me upside down pinned by my bike. I have to remind Jess that he is one of the characters in this rolling circus and I point out the cast to him at one of our rest stops.

Danny-the guy with artificial hips that should have a Blue Handicap placard on the back of his bike, but is riding better than the rest of us.

#33-the guy trying to rehab a broken thumb, that can’t keep his bike upright and needs a trail assistant.

Brian-the guy having to make sure everyone goes the right direction and cleans up the crashes as they happen. Thanks Brian.

Jess- my buddy that doesn’t even own a motorcycle and has to ask his WIFE if he can borrow her bike so he can go riding with the boys!

So at the end of our ride we say our good byes and head home to Jess’s. We put our bikes away and retire to a meal that his lovely bike loaning wife has prepared. We talked motorcycles for a while and as I listen to Jess talk about his ride I know that he still has a good time when he goes riding with the fellas.

A day later it is time to move on and we say our farewells. It doesn’t take long and I get an email from Becky (the bike loaning wife) saying that Jess is talking about a KTM 300.  Wow, I wonder how that happened. I think there were more grins under that helmet that day than I could see! 

Old friends, new acquaintances and riding, what could be better?

#33

“A man is usually more careful of his money, than he is of his principles.”

Ridin’ with Old Friends

Do you remember the guys you used to ride with years ago? I know I do and as I look back I quite often laugh remembering some of the great times we had.

Since I am freshly out of a cast from my thumb injury I am trying to ease back into riding shape by trail riding instead of heading straight to the tracks or the races. So I recently hooked up with two old friends that have not ridden in quite some time. Ed and Jess are their names. Ed sold his bike long ago and just owns a chopper now, I think it is a Harley. You have to know that since I am an off road guy, anything that is ridden on the street is a chopper to me! I know this irritates the street guys.

So I go to visit my buddy, Ed, and what do you know, I just happen to have two bikes! I get Ed on the KX 450 while I ride the Honda 450-X. Then part way through the day we switch bikes so he can compare them and he has the time of his life. We went out exploring the back country around his house and found our way into some great areas with some fantastic views he had never seen. We made it up to a Fire Look Out that he had always wanted to ride up to but never made the trip. I am having a great time because I am riding an area I have never set wheels on before.  There is not much I like better than riding an area I have never seen, just riding new trails is the most fun no matter what speed you ride.

So after a couple of days of exploring the area, Ed decides he just may need another dirt bike! The suspension and power has impressed him since he sold his last bike many years back. Another thing that he was amazed at is how easily the new bikes started. Ed is now in his early 60’s and was a bit fearful of wearing himself out kick starting the bikes. I guess these were a bit better than the Maico’s and early Hondas he remembered! He especially liked the electric start on my Honda 450-X. So Ed makes the mistake of telling me he would like to get a bike.

I immediately go to work scouring craigslist and find an inexpensive but solid bike. I gather the contact information and hand him a slip of paper the next day with all the info about the bike, price, and owner. Ed calls and finds out it is somebody I know in the motorcycle world, so he agrees to buy the bike. When I leave to continue my journey of rehab (thumb) and motorcycle infection of friends (Jess next) Ed is working out the details to pick up the bike. I just got a phone call from Ed telling me he was driving down to pick up the bike next week.

My job is done here! Time to move on and spread the word, Ride!!!

Part 2 will be about how it went visiting Jess, stay tuned.

#33

“It’s not about how long we live, but how we live.”

The Boys Win Baja Again!

2013 Baja 500x Team

Well, the current 50 class champions in Baja Off Road racing down in Mexico scored another victory at the 2013 Baja 500. The team of Marc Prince, Doug Smith, Dave Potts, Steve Williams and Bob Johnson rode a calculated race taking one step closer toward keeping their 500X (#1 in 50yr old class) plate for another year. Not only did they win the class but rode fast enough and made so few mistakes that they caught all of the 40 year old teams and most of the 30’s!    I was told Steve was about to overtake the 40 class winners when he came across a rider down and pinned under his bike so he stopped to make sure the guy was ok and get the bike off him. Says a lot about the people on this team doesn’t it?  

                    

I had to sit this one out with my thumb in a cast from a motocross mishap. So #33 had to watch from the sidelines as they commenced to whippin’ some butt without me!

They all did a great job!  I am proud of them and glad to have such a great bunch of guys to ride with. It is always a lot of fun because of the people on the team. The commitment and enthusiasm of all the riders and support crew is often hard to find when you put this many people together to work toward a common goal. This is one race in a series of 3 races and that is why I appreciate the time and effort everyone puts out to pull this off.

I am now out of my cast and working on rehabbing my thumb to get back on the bike in a couple of weeks. Maybe if I get myself back in riding shape they will let me come back and ride with them!

Fantastic job guys!   One more to go, Baja 1000 November 2013.

Lefty (at the moment)  aka #33

“It’s not the years in your life that count, it’s the life in your years!”