I'm Back!
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SuperBike
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: South Lake Tahoe, CA, USA
I'm Back!
I rode Thunderhill on Saturday. The bike was really good before lunch, and absolutely spectacular after lunch. It was amazing how I could wait to see how a rider in front would set up, then just squirt past with a handful of throttle. I have finally put all of the demons behind me. I was comfortable and confident just riding the **** out of it!
The first session was tedious. I decided to run in the B group, and the pace was terrible. I started after most of the riders had gone out and it was just frustrating - pass a couple, then come up behind another bunch of lollygaggers. I almost went to the A's, but decided to start at the front of the B's and had mostly clear track, the rest of the day. I got into a few good scrap sessions, swapping places. It was really fun, but I think I'll run A's from here on out. It's a huge relief to be back and riding better than ever!
I'll post up some photos, when I get them.
The first session was tedious. I decided to run in the B group, and the pace was terrible. I started after most of the riders had gone out and it was just frustrating - pass a couple, then come up behind another bunch of lollygaggers. I almost went to the A's, but decided to start at the front of the B's and had mostly clear track, the rest of the day. I got into a few good scrap sessions, swapping places. It was really fun, but I think I'll run A's from here on out. It's a huge relief to be back and riding better than ever!
I'll post up some photos, when I get them.
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SuperBike
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Portland, Oregon
the difference in A group & B group is huge. once you have the pace you'll love it ! it's great when you think you have a good line and a deep brake marker and then someone blows by you !
tim
tim
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SuperBike
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From: South Lake Tahoe, CA, USA
That's for sure. I ran A's the last time out. I just had to run smooth lines and let those guys run by. I'm in no-man's land, but I know it's time to step up.
see photos below...
see photos below...
Last edited by RCVTR; Sep 2, 2010 at 11:24 PM.
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MotoGP
Joined: May 2008
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From: San Clemente, CA
Glad you had a great afternoon session. Having to slalom through groups of riders can't be all that fun. Although I think it would freak me out being the slower rider in a fast group...no mirrors and all...then someone blows by mid corner. I guess you just have to hold a solid predictable line and trust their skills.
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SuperBike
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From: South Lake Tahoe, CA, USA
Yeah, you know, I was riding pretty hard, but checking it out - how much track I have left on corner exits, how much later i could brake, how much harder I think I can get on the throttle. I could go faster everywhere - I pretty much understand the parameters. But at the same time, I didn't really want to start pushing it harder. When I had open track and just a few people passing, or that I had to wait to pass, I was really comfortable. It was a good place to be.
Once I start riding with the fast guys, it will pull me to the next level. I just want to be sure I'm ready for it. The guy on the Rizla Suzuki in the picture was fast. He switched to the A group and ran of the track in the 3:00 session. He left in a helicopter.
Once I start riding with the fast guys, it will pull me to the next level. I just want to be sure I'm ready for it. The guy on the Rizla Suzuki in the picture was fast. He switched to the A group and ran of the track in the 3:00 session. He left in a helicopter.
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SuperBike
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: South Lake Tahoe, CA, USA
Here are a few of my favorite photos, thanks to Joe and the crew at 4theriders.com.
It was great to finally be out of my head and riding the bike!
It was great to finally be out of my head and riding the bike!
Last edited by RCVTR; Sep 2, 2010 at 11:23 PM.
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From: Lake View Terrace, CA
Out of my mind, back in 5
MotoGP
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 6,109
From: Skurup, Sweden
They are in the correct spot... Perhaps a small bit further forward... They are supposed to be the outside support/protection when putting a knee down, not on the point of the knee...
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SuperBike
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: South Lake Tahoe, CA, USA
Yes, they could be a little bit forward, but when they slide, the contact is even from the front edge to the rear.
The important thing to notice is that I don't reach for the ground with my knee. I wait until my corner speed is high enough that the lean angle brings the track surface up to it. If I'm not sliding my knee, I know I have more lean angle available.
The important thing to notice is that I don't reach for the ground with my knee. I wait until my corner speed is high enough that the lean angle brings the track surface up to it. If I'm not sliding my knee, I know I have more lean angle available.
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SuperBike
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Westerly, RI
After Rossi's crash, I've noticed a lot of guys keeping there knees closer to the bike, and getting their shoulders and chest further out.
Nice photos.
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SuperBike
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From: South Lake Tahoe, CA, USA
Yeah, I noticed that in the picture. I'm not actually on the brakes at that point. It was definitely on my mind, to come off the brakes as I tipped in. I'm trying to transition from braking load, to cornering load, to keep the suspension loaded. It seems to be working.
I have not started keeping lap times, since I'm just now getting my head right, after 3-4 years off the bike. I was running around 2:10s on my VTR. It feels like I'm back to where I was, but I think my riding technique and understanding of what I'm doing have improved. I'm more comfortable running at that pace. Trying to let the speed come, without pushing it.
I have not started keeping lap times, since I'm just now getting my head right, after 3-4 years off the bike. I was running around 2:10s on my VTR. It feels like I'm back to where I was, but I think my riding technique and understanding of what I'm doing have improved. I'm more comfortable running at that pace. Trying to let the speed come, without pushing it.
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