My first trackday at MMP

Wow! That is one word that describes riding on the track. It was one of the coolest things I have ever done in my 31 years. Last Saturday I was able to do my first track day ever and I’m lucky enough to have MMP (Miller Motorsports Park) right in my backyard basically. What a world-class facility this place is. Make sure you all come out and see World Super Bike on May 31-June 1st held at this track.
The weather was predicted to be rainy and snowy. Luckily the weathermen got it wrong and we wound up with a mostly sunny day. It was cold (40’s) but you didn’t even notice when you were on the track.
Out on the track for the first time was pretty scary. We did a couple laps with the instructor then they turned us loose. We all went at a reasonable pace for a while since we were getting use to the layout and our tires were cold. After about 10 minutes the pace picked up and I started to feel a tiny bit more comfortable. After the session ended, I exited the track and couldn’t get the grin off my face. I couldn’t wait for the next session to start.
As the day wore on I got more and more comfortable and started to pass most of the people in my group. I was catching 600’s and litres in the corners but then they would pull me on the straights. I finally started to get into the corner faster than them and make the pass and they wouldn’t ever catch me again. It was the coolest feeling to get around the other bikes while leaned over in the turns.
I did scare myself a few times by losing focus and taking a few turns too wide because I went in too hot, and once I leaned over far enough to scrape my left peg on the ground. That startled me since I’ve never felt that before.
I heard that trackdays was an addiction and now I see why. I’m signed up for April 27th now. I’m just counting down the days.
This bike actually handled very well out there. I have Michelin Pilot Powers on and didn’t have any problem sticking to the track. Not once did I lose confidence in them. Since we were only doing the East track and not the whole track, the straight was only half as long. I was able to reach 110mph on the straight and on another part of the track before having to grab the brake and set up for the turn.
One thing that really surprised me was that I could get into 4th gear and never have to shift again. This motor pulled so well, and the track was set up just right, that the engine never lugged and I wouldn’t have to shift before getting to the end of the straight. Everyone else was pounding through the gears but I never had to. And I still passed most of them. For a budget bike this little 650 kicks some serious ass.

Trackday? Oh yeah baby...It's coming!

Written by Tony

As of right now, I have 5 more days to meander through before waking up to do something that little boys often dream of and most grown men are too scared to do. Reach 135 mph before grabbing a handful of brake bringing her back down to 85 mph just before setting my line, leaning left with body hanging off, and stretching my leg out so my knee touches the tarmac and glides along the bumps. The feeling of being so close to the ground while it whooshes by is the most exhilarating and heart pumping action. Slowly I bring the bike back up and twist my wrist to bring it back up to the fastest speed I can reach before diving into the next corner.If you can't tell yet, I'm heading to world famous Miller Motor Sports Park on April 5th to partake in my first ever track day. The day will consist of class room instruction and 7 track sessions to learn hands on how to race and ride correctly on the track.I have ridden on the road for years carving canyons and hoping there isn't a cop around that next turn. But now I get to focus on high speeds and control without having to worry about obstacles such as cars and trees.Hopefully come April 6th I will be posting about how much fun track day was and how I was so good that I was convinced to go for my racers license on the next track day. My hopes are high but I'm not really expecting that. But who knows? Racing is what I ultimately want to do and after a few of these days i will be able to have a good feel if I should go for it or not. I will surely let you all know.Here are some pics of my bike all dressed up and set up for the track.

A Woman’s Intuition: A Conversation between Sheila and Tony

Sheila: “What would you do with a million dollars?”

(I fully expected Tony to reply with some sort of strategy to acquire massive quantities of uber fast motorcycles and cars and then devise a scheme to race both of them all while becoming a legend.)

Tony: “I think I would like to volunteer.”

(I was touched. Clearly I misjudged my husband. I hung my head in shame.)

Sheila: “What cause would you like to be involved with?”

(Tony mischievously smirked.)

Tony: “The track….”

(I made a valiant attempt to keep a straight face. I failed and initiated laughter.)

Yes, he was referring to the race track. Moral of the story: A woman should always trust her instincts and a man, at least this man, will always have a teenage boy lurking inside craving the need for speed.

Today is the day...

Today is the day that Tony is officially one year older than being old! Ha, ha!!! Okay, okay, I am quite aware that 31 isn’t the least bit old, but I have the right as his young vibrant 24 year old wife to rub it in. Tony is so much more than my husband; he is the father of my children, my best friend, my lover, and a certifiable bad-ass! Every time he looks at me I feel like the most gorgeous girl in the world. I can’t believe that we have been married for over 5 years. I know that many people thought the odds were against us when we decided to get engaged after dating for only one month. Well lover, we proved them wrong! It has been one crazy, sexy, cool ride. Happy Birthday! I love you!!!