|
|
|
|
6:10 AM Left home. For the first time I was able to get the bike ready before the event. 7:40AM Got to the track. Drove through a lot of rain. Looked like it was clearing. Event registration and Tech inspection went well. Pulled in under the canopy where I usually paddock. Scott and Travis were there form last year. Scott had his 916 this time, not his RC51. (I guess he likes twins.) Travis had his ZX-7 repaired, and got through the day rubber-side down. Jorge, one of my eSportbike friends, was there with his FZR-600. He had a good point; Why take a chance with my $10,000 streetbike when I found this Yamaha for $1,000? Should I do the same? I’ll look into buying a used racebike or an insurance total to rebuild myself Once again there were few streetbikes in the Advanced class. I keep wondering if I’m worthy. Unfortunately I didn’t get much of a chance to set my suspension up. Most people with ZX-6’s or -9’s jack up the rear ride height. I didn’t get to add rear preload, either. We were supposed to get on the track at nine, but due to the recent rain, it was 11:00. While waiting I checked my tire pressure. It was 31.5 front, 34.5 rear. The guys next to me said for Summit Point, 29-31 psi is the hot ticket for the track. Note that this is much lower than what we usually use for the street. Session 1; 6 laps. The track was definitely dirty. There was so much water, we coined the name Lake 5 for the water in the carousel. There was a lot of dirt in nine, which is a right-hander leading up the hill. Usually, getting on the gas spins the tire up the hill. Not today. Lunch break. Because of the weather delay, we got a 20-minute lunch, instead of the usual hour. We then got first-call for the Advanced group. Eat. Ride. Belch! Session 2; 9 laps. Gee, smells like onions in my helmet. The track was much better this time. The three sessions cleaned off the dirt. I passed enough people to stop worrying if I’m worthy. I concentrated on three things; braking markers, turn-in points, and body positioning. Session 3. 9 laps. Got a little hot going into turn 1. (I was drafting a couple of bikes and the speedo read 165! when I hit my braking marker.) I chirped the front tire a few times, and turned in too late. I ran a little wide, but didn’t scare myself at all. The front end felt a little soft, especially when I’m sloppy. I remove another line of preload. I’ve been saying all along that I need stiffer fork springs and a valve job, but with the new house I don’t believe I’ll be able to do that anytime soon. Session 4. 9 laps. Preload adjustment seemed to have no effect. (I think I’m just not able to notice.) Good session, though. Washed the bugs off when I was done. (Why do the bugs always hit my helmet as soon as I get out on the track?) Session 5. 9 laps. Everything felt really good, but why did it seem like I got passed by everyone? Session 6. 9 laps. Scott and Travis packed it in. The skies looked threatening, but I felt like pressing my luck. Good choice! I have to learn to flick it harder into turn 3, but all my other goals were met. I can’t wait until VIR. Here are some pictures. I'll try to capture the video Friday.
|
