Tinsmith and I arrived at the track this morning just as the racing was getting underway by a number of light motorcycles of around 150cc I'm guessing. Two strokes by the sound of them.
We met up with Lance who was getting his bike ready and went over in some detail how it is setup. Compared to my bikes, which tend to be on the heavy side, Lance's bike is a well engineered light weight, coming in at around 50 to 60 pounds. His engine is a quiet, smooth running 35cc Robin hooked up to a Staton transmission. Smooth as silk. Unlike me, Lance is in to pedaling and pedals as he rides, working together with the engine and changing gears along the way. The gears are for the pedal chain. The frame is custoe made in California and is very well made with beautiful welds Most of the bike is American made and represents a design which has progressed through several builds, getting more refined with each generation. This guy knows what he's doing.
Slowbalt drove all the way from Rhode Island and while checking out his bike blew the engine before getting an opportunity to hit the track. What a bummer. He can explain better than I can what happened, but in a nutshell it ate the ring and locked up. No racing for Slowalt.
Just two racers showed up while Dan and I were there. JbCruisin was due to arrive late, but had not yet come by the time we left. I hope he made it.
Lance was able to put in some laps in between the motorcycle race. Its a nice track in a beautiful setting out in the country. The racing bug bit me and I think Dan, too. I can see us both taking part in the future... not seriously racing,but it would be fun to ride the course. Cheap thrills for old men who never totally grew up.
Racing has to start from somewhere and this was a beginning. No, there wasn't a great turnout, but considering there was only two weeks notice and how busy everyone is at this time of year, I think it was still an important beginning with bigger turnouts in the future. Next fall when I'm back from Minnesota I want to take part. I need to get a full face helmet and pads for knees and elbows in the mean time.
Something that occurred to us today was that this course would e great for a combination race and rally, as the local country roads would make for some great riding.
Pictures are coming up...
SB
