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What do racers do when not racing? Go watch others race, of course!
Since I having some down time until I can get back on the track, I jumped at the chance to accompany three good friends out to Bonneville Speed Week, August 11 - 17.
It was sensory overload, with hundreds of participants, all trying to go as fast as possible! The place is so expansive and flat and so alien, it's hard to believe you're on Earth. We had a great time and who knows, there could be a Racing with Ralph salt flats effort in the near future!
I hate to report that the July CCS round at Blackhawk Farms didn't play out as planned.
I attended the Friday practice day to get some track time and some coaching from AMA touring pro, Paul James. Paul is one of my mentors and used to race a Buell XB very similair to what I race now.
The day had been going well although I was a little slow getting up to the speed I was hoping for.
Late in the day, after coming through turn one, I noticed the bike was slowing down. As I tried to move off the fast line, all of a sudden the rear tire started coming up and I realized the front brake was locked up and I was on my way over the bars.
Needless to say the bike tumbled and caused enough damage to end my day and Saturday and Sunday's races. After some medical attention, the only things that were apparent were that I'd skinned up my knee again and my right hand was swollen although not hurting.
I really appreciated all the help that Janet, Ben Schmidt (Paul's crew chief) and Paul James for all their help. We later figured out that the front master cylinder had seized up, causing the brake fluid to heat up due to friction and lock the front brake. Mechanical problems like this are so rare but I'm thankful it happened where it did!
Back home on Saturday, I made a trip to the 24 hour clinic and after an x-ray found out that I had broken at least one bone in my hand.
After visiting with a specialist on Monday, I learned that I had three fractures and the pleasure of wearing a cast for six weeks. Fortunately, no surgery will be necessary and I will miss the August round for sure.
It's been a tough season on me and my equipment but I'm hoping to make the September round at Blackhawk Farms, wish me luck!!
