Inching ahead while we wait our turn. The cross wind had been gusting 20-25mph but has died down so we don't have to worry about being blown off the course.
Thoughts about motorcycles, tools that work (or don't), travel, and occasionally politics. Places I've gone, routes that were special, and food I've found along the way. And, thankfully, not too much of any of it.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Smiling When It's All Gone South
Kurt blew his engine at 178mph. He was laughing and saying, "That's racing!"
I want to be that cool when I grow up.
Shade Tree Engineering
I made a shield for the rear shock out of a piece of mirror plastic I found in the dumpster and a couple of ty-wraps.
We adjusted the clip-ons so that Beth could get lower and more streamlined.
Tech V
Joyce gives us the final inspection sticker. We are now free to run as much as we want and as fast as we want.
Deviation
The wind blew over the canopy last night and wrecked it. It knocked over the bike too but the only damage appears to be a broken clutch lever. Luckily it's one of the few spare parts I brought with me.
Turning 3000
The sun is coming out so the salt will dry and harden. The temperature is still cool (80's) so the conditions are good for going fast.
Weather Report
Rain this morning which will slow things down a bit. Cooler and a nice break from the sun and heat. Should blow past us soon.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
End Of Run
Can you see an 83.35 MPH grin? Her first words were, "That was great, next time I can go fast!"
When I said that she was supposed to take it easy she said that she was, only 12,000 rpm when redline is 14,500.
Looks like tomorrow will be a blast!
And Go She Does
That little black dot is Beth. I'm doing 65 in the truck and she's pulling away from me. This is supposed to be an easy trial run.
Tech IV - PASSED!!!!
Houston, we have liftoff. The leathers passed and the magic tech button was attached. All the to-do items have been checked off. Next stop is the Rookie Rider meeting.
Midnight At The Oasis
After dinner we were up until midnight gluing the edges of the patches. Hopefully this will be the final hurtle to leap.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
A Home Of Our Own
This is the pit area for us. The guys that fixed the bike invited us to pit next to them. We should be able to glue the leathers tonight and run tomorrow.
Tech III - PASSED! !!!
The bike is ready, now we just need to fix the leathers. They liked the barbed wire but we need to seal the edges.
I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends
Honda Harry and his crew lept at the chance to help us out. They welded up the steering stops, cut a chain guard, and had it back together in record time. When I asked how I could help they suggested that I should stand back. Good people are everywhere!
Tech II - Failed
A new to-do list.
Steering stops to wide for the class we got bumped up to.
Inadequate drive chain guard.
What to do? What to do ...
Barbed Wire Leathers
Sure to start a new trend in New York City and San Francisco. We fixed the leathers by safety wiring leather over the textile panels. Ill put them on eBay when we get back and let the bondage crew fight over them.