Triumphrat

Shaunlee · 10-22-2007

What a blast! I recommend this to anyone that gets the chance.
Great track, even better museum. Vintage racing rocks!

We had good weather and no problems. 1300 miles on the touring Speed Triple.

Catenaccio · 10-23-2007

Great pic. Nice contrasts. Long black shadows against the light gravel. Congrats on a fun trip.

vintagebikefan · 10-23-2007

Is that the corner in front out in front of Camping Lot C?

Shaunlee · 10-23-2007

That would be turn one and I think camp area C to my back.

VR6 got a great shot of the sidecars coming around that corner, maybe he'll post it.

Old Scratcher · 10-24-2007

I haven't seen or heard of the track before, but it looks like it was purpose built for bikes. Is that so? Is the whole track as nicely cambered as that? If so, it'd sure be a sweet ride. I wish I was closer, I'd definitely be giving it a blast. Would love to see some serious racing action from there.
You lucky man!

Shaunlee · 10-24-2007

They also have the Porshe experience there, but I believe the track was built with motorcycle racing as the goal.

The museum is massive with one section dedicated to old F1 cars, but the rest is stuffed literally to the rafters with every bike you can imagine.

http://www.triumphrat.net/memberalbu...ry.php/cat/567

http://www.triumphrat.net/memberalbu...500/ppuser/370

some more pics.

Trophy4 · 10-27-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Old Scratcher

I haven't seen or heard of the track before, but it looks like it was purpose built for bikes. Is that so? Is the whole track as nicely cambered as that? If so, it'd sure be a sweet ride. I wish I was closer, I'd definitely be giving it a blast. Would love to see some serious racing action from there.
You lucky man!

If you get SPEED channel over there (satellite??), Barber's is often featured. The track was actually designed to F1 specifications, which just happen to work quite nicely for bikes, too. It's a uniform 45 feet wide, really, Really, REALLY smooth, 16 turns, 80ft of elevation change over 2.38miles. There are often motorcycle trackdays there, run by groups like Florabama, Sportbike TrackTime, New England Sport Bikes, and others. Some of the big names run their schools there, too. (Keith Code, Penguin, Kevin Schwantz, etcetera). It's also the home for the Porsche Driving Experience, who have the track rented some 120 days/year. You can see the layout @ www.barbermotorsports.com.

Next major motorcycle race is the AMA Superbikes, April 18-20, 2008.

vtimm · 11-01-2007

Barber is one of the most beautiful places! We've been there twice now. The first time was two years ago. I took Ned for a surprise weekend to watch vintage races and tour the museum. We both loved it so much that we went back last year for the Vintage Festival. Sadly, we didn't make it back this year. But, I must say that track and grounds are super cool and absolutely meticulously maintained. The museum is one of the best! The architecture of the buildingalone is awesome, but when you go inside and look at all of the fabulous bikes and the different ways they are displayed, you're simply blown away.

Everyone who has the means should make it a point to visit!

LoVel · 11-01-2007

Mr Barber actually said that he had Augusta National in mind when he designed the grounds. It is beautifully maintained and if you know who your looking for your likely to see George wandering aroung the museum. I saw him the last time I was there.

vtimm · 11-01-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoVel

Mr Barber actually said that he had Augusta National in mind when he designed the grounds. It is beautifully maintained and if you know who your looking for your likely to see George wandering aroung the museum. I saw him the last time I was there.

Ned and I saw George Barber there too during the Second Annual Vintage Festival in October 2006. We rode the elevator with him. Great man. Awesome place. Wonderful vision!