| Author | Message | ||
     Redbuelljunkie |
Yesterday was my first time back at Jennings GP since my accident last January. It was also my first track day on an XB12R. The experience was absolutely fantastic in many ways. For starters- since I'm still recovering from eight broken bones (tibia, fibula, pelvis, distal radius, glenoid, scapula, and humerus- in two places) I was not sure if I was ready for a track day. In fact, seeing I was still in a wheel chair in August, I wasn't sure if I'd make it to Jennings this year. Although I was not able to drag a knee, I was surprised by the level of aggressive riding I was able to accomplish... my cohort and I were able to pass everyone in the "B" (intermediate) group twice in each of the afternoon sessions. I attribute a lot of my ability to an amazing motorcycle. The XB is hands down the best track bike I have ridden- edging out contenders like my R1200S, D675, Ducati GT1000, Monster 750, SV1000, Ninja 650R, FZR600, and X-1. The one word I would use to describe what the XB provides is "confidence". The handling is amazing... I trust the front end completely, turn in is telepathic, mid-turn stability is rock-solid, it puts the power down smoothly and with authority, and the sound- wow! That Special Ops exhaust got everyone's attention, and many compliments. My friend Craig was riding his '05 Speed Triple, and he was able to pull me on the straights- but the two of us passed every other bike on the track (BMWs, Jap I-4s/twins, and Duc twins). It was definitely the best day at the track so far. I can just imagine what it will be like when I'm healed and really able to ride. Here are some pics... I'll post the "action shots" when I receive them. Set up and ready for action  Brrr... it started out at 31 degrees  An extremely impressive motorcycle  My cohort- Craig the Triumph guy (I'm six feet tall... we call him the "Wookie")  Our guest instructor- Nate Kern and his HP2. Not only is he a great rider, but a really nice guy too. His comment on my Buell shirt was "I appreciate those guys- they make me work so damn hard. It really makes racing fun- the way it should be." He was timed at 1:18 yesterday, the track record is 1:14.  The only downside to yesterday... I have been in bed all day today. I have not been this sore since last January, but at least the discomfort comes with a smile. I'll be back at Jennings before the end of the year. | ||
| Xoptimizedrsx |
we go there ourselves often. maybe a group event one weekend. the more buells the better. mike http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w182/xoptimizedrsx/000_0678.jpg (Message edited by xoptimizedrsx on November 23, 2008) | ||
| Iamarchangel |
No pain, no gain? Heck, no pain, no fun! Congrats on going back into the deep end. | ||
| Paint_shaker |
RedBuell, Sounds like you had a good time! Come join us at Jennings Dec 27th and 28th. Only $200 for both days!! | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Great on ya RBJ! Going down sucks. Going down with multiple breaks and rehab sucks even worse. Many would have hung it up after that. Getting back on and locking in a really great performance is awesome! | ||
| Redbuelljunkie |
I appreciate all the support. My family thinks I've totally lost it... but I think they're starting to understand that not riding anymore is what would really push me over the edge. The best part is they agree that the track is safer than the street- so I have a green light for track days if I cut down on street riding. Paint- I'll check my schedule and see if I can make it on the 27-28th. | ||
| Iamarchangel |
Guy that sold me my third bike (?) was a very old man. A few years earlier, his doctor had told him to give up his bikes for his heart's sake. Later tests showed his heart and stress levels were higher. Doc told him to get back riding. We all know that feeling. |
