So Cal Track days Memorial Day weekend

Finally back to the track after nearly a year and what an epic weekend it was. I took Friday off and was able to head for Pahrump Nevada early. My bike was sporting a fresh set of Pirellis and I stripped off the mirrors and license plate. This would be the first time I put the R6 on the track and I was unmistakably excited. The rest of the corner workers showed up and we set the race trailer up for what would turn out to be a fantastic track day event.
Saturday morning came early yet I felt ready to relearn the lines of the track. I alternated with other corner workers and was able to get in some sessions in the morning. My pace was definitely slower than I have ran before but I felt smooth and controlled as I made my way around the track.
It was a blast to be back hanging with some great friends and riding together. Tom Day and Clif Sands really helped me tighten up my lines and was able to pick up speed. The R6 was really in it's element on the track, that bike loves to be pushed hard. Compared to the 01 GSXR 600 I rode before, the biggest difference was quicker turn in and stable in the corners. The bike is like a scalpel.
Changing the gearing will make a big difference as I felt the stock gearing too tall for the track.
Working the corners is enjoyable I love watching the other riders thread there way through turn 8, 9, and 10. The weather was on the warm side but very nice and conditions were optimal for tire grip. I can't say enough how much fun I had. Seeing my friends, and riding motorcycles on a track made for a memorable Memorial day weekend. Life is good!

Let the good times roll

My 47Th birthday was spent enjoying a fine day with friends and riding motorcycles. Feeling very rested and prepared, I met John and we headed east to meet up with the rest of the crew.

I was fairly generous with the throttle rolling out on the 52. We expected the turn out to be light on account of Mother's Day, but we ended up with 7 total. Rumbling through El Cajon was fun with a group of bikes, seven bikes and riders with a single purpose. In a short time we were roaring up Wildcat Canyon. The weather was conducive for riding despite a little fog. In Ramona we filled our stomachs and gas tanks and made our way up to Mt. Palomar. A new guy joined our group this Sunday and he really had a rough day. Outside of Rincon he clipped a mirror of an Excursion and luckily recovered without going down. The South grade is tight and you need to be focused. I rode smooth and felt relaxed as I chased John up the grade.

Rather than head to Julian three of us broke off and headed toward Warner Springs. The plan was to meet up with my friend from the desert, Nick. He was waiting for us at the 371/74 junction. The 74 into Hemet is a fun stretch of pavement, however it was late morning and traffic held us back. After a break at The Lookout we continued on the Ortega Hwy. to the coast.

Hanging with my riding buddies and getting in some turns was Birthday to remember.