July 25th, 2009 TRACK DAY

I went to Putnam Park this Saturday July 25th. I wanted  to get the race bike dialed in. It didn’t start very well because the bike was only running in 3 cylinders. I was a little frustrated to say the least. I took out the offending plug and switched to another cylinder, but no luck. Dummy me packed the wrong plugs in my spares kit, and I had no extra plugs. STUPID!  I figured I had NO choice but to go thru tech inspection and get ready to try and blow it out on the track.  I did one lap and it “fixed itself” LOL. I think it was shooting flames out the pipe because I heard some loud “booms” when I was easing into the turns, LOL. It started running on all four cylinders and it was “all good”after that.

It was raining for the most part of the morning. The track was really, and I mean REALLY slick. The Dunlop's I had on the bike were not the best tire for the track. I wanted to get a set of Bridgestone's slicks for the event but lack of funds stopped me from doing that. I went out for 2 sessions in the wet, and I  got sideways twice, once in the dreaded “Dead Bear Turn” (thanks Carl)   and in turn 10.  I screwed up my breaking marks and got sideways. I had a little off track excursion (ride thru the grass!) I was coming in to turn 10 way to fast. (note to self)

After lunch the track started to dry out. I got the suspension dialed in after the first dry session. The rest of the afternoon was a BLAST! I really enjoyed myself. My bike was way underpowered for the guys I was running with. Most of the bikes in the group I was in were 1000’s. They blew by me on the straights like I was going backwards. I did OK in the turns, but I was “fresh meat” on the straights. Oh well. The 400 was just a pleasure to ride after I got it  running right. It handles really nice. I’m sure with better tires I would have been able to go much faster. I didn’t want to wad up my bike trying to keep up with the bigger bikes. It was like taking a pea shooter to a gun fight, LOL. I’m sure next year when I start endurance racing it will be a more level playing field. If I get a job soon I can see another track day in my future, and new set of Bridgestone slicks, LOL ;) I was pretty tired after a day on the track. It was fun and I hope to do it again soon. Thanks for coming up to watch me Pug and Little Pug!

Until such time!

 

                           That little girl on the bike was really fast!

 

Friday night July 17,2009

I wanted to take a few pictures all suited up. I got my new back protector on and I have enough room to still move around, LOL. If the weather allows I will ride both tomorrow and Sunday and break the leathers in even more. I have rode about 5 times with them on and they get better with each ride. I’m sure next weekend at the track they will be all broken in by the end of the day. The bike is done and it’s ready to go. I can’t wait to get on the track! Yahoo……………………….

 

 

A “NEW” Beginning July 17, 2009

 

It’s been a rough few months for me. I lost my job in May and I struggled for quite a while trying to figure out who I was, and what I wanted. It’s hard to explain but it was almost a relief when I was  let go by Aerofab. I was so stressed out, that my life was in a downward spiral. I hated coming home every night feeling miserable.  ENOUGH SAID!

Now I’m unemployed and enjoying the summer. I’ve been doing a lot with my daughter Dedra. I enjoy hanging out with her. I’ve learned that friends are very important, and everyone should have lot’s of them. Without my friends and family it would have been much worse to get thru this difficult transition in my life. One thing I have learned MONEY isn’t everything.  We all go thru life trying to make a “buck” and we lose sight of what’s really important, OUR family’s. I will NOT make this mistake again! I’d rather drive a dump truck and be happy, than make big$$$ and be miserable. I’d like to thank my wife Holly (Pugsley) for being there always for me. I’m a very lucky guy to have such a wonderful wife. She is my best friend and she has a heart of gold. I’d also like to thank all my friends and family for helping me get thru this: Dee, Angie, Toni, Carl , Dave B. Dan C, Stosh man,  Wayne S, Glenn B, Suzie, Mom Dad, Jimmy, Johnny, Mark, and lots more. Like the old Indian in Outlaw Josie Wales. I will persevere. LOL

Here we go!!!! GO GO GO!!!! I’m getting the little beast (Blue Lightning) ready for it’s first shake out run next weekend. July 25th I’ll be at Putnam Park getting the bike sorted out. I can’t wait. I wanted to get at least a few track days under my belt before the snow fly’s. I won’t be getting my CCS racing license this season, but I will get it next season! I had a minor set back (no job or money) but I will be back!. I have to change my fork seals this weekend, new 20wt oil. The bike is all set, all safety wired, all my gear is ready and my new back protector should be here today. I will be taking lots of pictures next weekend so I will post later.  I’m looking forward to dropping a knee and breaking in this bike. Until such time……………………

Power BY: Pugsley & Little Pugsley

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