Triumphrat

voodoo_chile · 09-03-2006

So I did my first track day at Blackhawk Farms today with NESBA. It was a blast to say the least. Today I just rode in the free intro class which meant I only got to do 2 20-minute sessions, but it was enough to get the idea.

I took some photos of the track. You gotta love the midwest.

What better on a farm than a silo?

This is a picture of me and the bike all suited up. For now, this is the only picture of me, but I hope to get some action shots this photographer was taking later next week.

'Nother shot of the Speedy.

I took a picture of my tire. Maybe this isn't a big deal to most people, but the track is the first time I made it all the way over to the very edge of my tire.

I did the track day with my friend Jesse and JJ Roetlin. JJ used to race AMA so he was able to give us some great advice.

Scott Hulse joined the action to prove that you really can go three up on a 250 Ninja.

JJ was riding our friend Jon's Ninja. It was funny to watch him tear through the corners ahead of the "big shots" on their liter bikes. That little bike is a screamer. (Notice Jon's Triumph shirt)

Here are some pics from Saturday. Jesse is on the Bandit and JJ is on the Ninja.

There were a few Triumphs at the track too. I talked to a guy riding an '04 red Speedy.

This guy had a Daytona.

There was another guy there with a Speed Four too.

All in all, it was a great experience. It went by too fast for me to have learned as much as a full day session or a weekend would have given me, but I got to ride my bike like it was meant to be ridden and I left feeling more confident. The only problem is my head. I'm having trouble wiping this sh*t eating grin off my face!

cheapbastard · 09-04-2006

nice voodoo, nice pics too man, can't wait to see the action pics the pro took! Looks like a great time, wished I could've been there!

Will · 09-04-2006

That track sure looks like fun. Not much runoff room, but so it goes. I can't think of any buzz that lasts as long or has fewer side effects than the one you have after a really great day on the track. If the grin doesn't last at least a week, then you need more track time. If it lasts more than a week, then you also need more track time. :-D

chitownG60 · 09-05-2006

Hey Voodoo...I was the other guy at Blackhawk Farms on Saturday with the black Speed Four, #44. We were camped out way at the far end, and I never walked up to say hello. I have to be more social out there. It was a great day at the track, and it was cool to see a few Triumphs out there.

I rode in the beginner group...it was my 2nd trackday...and the cold track and my cold tires caused my rear end to skip out on me in turn 7, going into the long straight...but I was able to keep it upright in the grass. It took a while for my confidence to come back, but as the day progressed I found myself getting better with each session.

How did the big triple treat ya on the track? The Speed Four seems to hold its own on the track, but I had a definite disadvantage on the straight....only got up to 115 or so before braking for turn 1...which is fine, because I don't carry enough speed into the turns yet anyway...it's kinda scary, in a good way.

Your friend JJ was flying on the 250 Ninja. I was watching him all day through turns 4 and 5...he can really throw that thing around. And your friend Jesse is huge...he must be at least 6'5", 250lbs. It's gotta be touch finding leathers that fit him!

Are you going to make it out to any other NESBA events this year? I'll be at Gingerman in Michigan on the weekend of the 16th and Autobahn in Joliet, IL the next weekend. If you make it out, I'll be sure to say hello.

Pics are from my first trackday at Blackhawk in August.

[ This message was edited by: chitownG60 on 2006-09-05 20:49 ]

voodoo_chile · 09-06-2006

Chitown,

I haven't decided if and when my next track day will be, but I find myself thinking about it a lot more. I'm glad to hear that you had a good time and kept the rubber on the road (or at least on the grass).

There is a Sportbike Track Time day next week (the 13th) at Blackhawk and then the date you mentioned at Autobahn too. We'll see. I'm torn between taking my baby to the track where she can really open up and being protective of it since it's my daily driver.

chitownG60 · 09-09-2006

Hey Voodoo...found some nice photos of last weekend's Blackhawk event.

You on your S3.... http://www.gron4.com/event090306/beg/x/

Me on my S4....
http://www.gron4.com/event090306/beg/44tri/

[ This message was edited by: chitownG60 on 2006-09-09 11:13 ]

ChuckofTahoe · 09-11-2006

Pretty neat. That track looks very tight.

voodoo_chile · 09-11-2006

Chitown - you're looking like a pro out there!! Nice work. Thanks for the heads up about the pics. That Gron guy took some great photos - I've ordered the digital package from him.

chitownG60 · 09-13-2006

Voodoo, thanks. I was feeling pretty good by the last few sessions that Saturday. My skills are definitely a far cry from where I want them to be...as I still get passed in the B group. But with only two track days under my belt, I feel like I'm making good progress.

I'm sure riding the intro sessions gave you a good taste of the track...but, man, was the track cold and slick that morning!

Looking forward to seeing you out and scrubbing some tires with you at some NESBA events later this year or next season!

TonUp · 09-14-2006

Track Days are addicting!

Ton Up!