| Author | Message | ||
     Bartimus |
The PACE, good reading for all... this can be found doing an archive search... THE PACE The Pace focuses on bike control and de-emphasizes outright speed. Full-throttle acceleration and last minute braking aren't part of the program, effectively eliminating the two most common single-bike accident scenarios in sport riding. Cornering momentum is the name of the game, stressing strong, forceful inputs at the handlebar to place the bike correctly at the entrance of the turn and get it flicked in with little wasted time and distance. Since the throttle wasn't slammed open at the exit of the last corner, the next corner doesn't require much, if any, braking. It isn't uncommon to ride with our group and not see a brake light flash all morning. If the brakes are required, the front lever gets squeezed smoothly, quickly and with a good deal of force to set entrance speed with minimum time. Running in on the brakes is tantamount to running off the road, a confession that you're pushing too hard and not getting your entrance speed set early enough because you stayed on the gas too long. Running The Pace decreases your reliance on the throttle and brakes, the two easiest controls to abuse, and hones your ability to judge cornering speed, which is the most thrilling aspect of performance street riding. YOUR LANE IS YOUR LIMIT Crossing the centerline at any time except during a passing maneuver is intolerable, another sign that you're pushing too hard to keep up. Even when you have a clean line of sight through a left-hand kink, stay to the right of the centerline. Staying on the right side of the centerline is much more challenging than simply straightening every slight corner, and when the whole group is committed to this intelligent practice, the temptation to cheat is eliminated through peer pressure and logic. Though street riding shouldn't be described in racing terms, you can think of your lane as the racetrack. Leaving your lane is tantamount to a crash. Exact bike control has you using every inch of your lane if the circumstances permit it. In corners with a clear line of sight and no oncoming traffic, enter at the far outside of the corner, turn the bike relatively late in the corner to get a late apex at the far inside of your lane and accelerate out, just brushing the far outside of your lane as your bike stands up. Steer your bike forcefully but smoothly to minimize the transition time; don't hammer it down because the chassis will bobble slightly as it settles, possibly carrying you off line. Since you haven't charged in on the brakes, you can get the throttle on early, before the apex, which balances and settles your bike for the drive out. More often than not, circumstances do not permit the full use of your lane from yellow line to white line and back again. Blind corners, oncoming traffic and gravel on the road are a few criteria that dictate a more conservative approach, so leave yourself a three- or four-foot margin for error, especially at the left side of the lane where errant oncoming traffic could prove fatal. Simply narrow your entrance on a blind right-hander and move your apex into your lane three feet on blind left turns in order to stay free of unseen oncoming traffic hogging the centerline. Because you're running at The Pace and not flat out, your controlled entrances offer additional time to deal with unexpected gravel or other debris in your lane; the outside wheel track is usually the cleanest through a dirty corner since a car weights its outside tires most, scrubbing more dirt off the pavement in the process, so aim for that line. A GOOD LEADER, WILLING FOLLOWERS The street is not a racing environment, and it takes humility, self assurance and self control to keep it that way. The leader sets the pace and monitors his mirrors for signs of raggedness in the ranks that follow, such as tucking in on straights, crossing over the yellow line and hanging off the motorcycle in corners. If the leader pulls away, he simply slows his straightaway speed slightly but continues to enjoy the corners, thus closing the ranks but missing none of the fun. The small group of three or four riders I ride with is so harmonious that the pace is identical no matter who's leading. The lead shifts occasionally with a quick hand sign, but there's never a pass for the lead with an ego on the sleeve. Make no mistake, the riding is spirited and quick--in the corners. Anyone with a right arm can hammer down the straights; it's the proficiency in the corners that makes The Pace come alive. Following distances are relatively lengthy, with the straightaways---taken at more moderate speeds--the perfect opportunity to adjust the gaps. Keeping a good distance serves several purposes, besides being safer. Rock chips are minimized and the highway patrol won't suspect a race is in progress. The Pace's style of not hanging off in corners also reduces the appearance of pushing too hard and adds a degree of maturity and sensibility in the eyes of the public and the law. There's a definite challenge to cornering quickly while sitting sedately on your bike. New rider indoctrination takes some time because The Pace develops very high cornering speeds and newcomers want to hammer the throttle on exits to make up for what they lose at the entrances. Our group slows drastically when a new rider joins the ranks because our technique of moderate straightaway speeds and no brakes can suck the unaware into a corner too fast, creating the most common single-bike accident. With a new rider learning The Pace behind you, tap your brake lightly well before the turn to alert him and make sure he understands there's no pressure to stay with the group. There's plenty of ongoing communication during The Pace. A foot off the peg indicates debris on the road, and all slowing or turning intentions are signaled in advance with the left hand and arm. Turn signals are used for direction changes and passing, with a wave of the left hand to thank the cars that move right and make it easy for the motorcyclists to get past. Since you don't have a death grip on the handlebar, you left hand is also free to wave to oncoming riders, a fading courtesy that we'd like to see return. If you're getting the idea The Pace is a relaxing, noncompetitive way to ride with a group, you are right. RELAX AND FLICK IT I'd rather spend a Sunday in the mountains riding at The Pace than a Sunday at the racetrack, it is that enjoyable. Countersteering is the name of the game, a smooth forceful steering input at the handlebar relayed to the tires contact patches through a rigid sport-bike frame. Riding at The Pace is certainly what the bike manufacturers had in mind when sport bikes evolved to the street. But the machine isn't the most important aspect of running The Pace because you can do it on anything capable of getting through a corner. Attitude is The Pace's most important aspect; realizing the friend ahead of you isn't a competitor, respecting his right to lead the group occasionally and giving him credit for his riding skills. You must have the maturity to limit your straightaway speeds to allow the group to stay in touch and the sense to realize that racetrack tactics such as late braking and full throttle runs to redline will alienate the public and police and possibly introduce you to the unforgiving laws of gravity. When the group arrives at the destination after running The Pace, no one feels outgunned or is left with the feeling he must prove himself on the return run. If you've got something to prove, get on a racetrack. The racetrack measures your speed with a stopwatch and direct competition, welcoming your aggression and gritty resolve to be the best. Performance street riding's only yardstick is the amount of enjoyment gained, not lap times, finishing position or competitors beaten. The differences are huge but not always remembered by riders who haven't discovered The Pace's cornering pureness and group involvement. Hammer on the racetrack. Pace yourself on the street. The street is not the track - It's a place to Pace. Two weeks ago a rider died when he and his bike tumbled off a cliff paralleling our favorite road. No gravel in the lane, no oncoming car pushing him wide, no ice. The guy screwed up. Rider error. Too much enthusiasm with too little skill, and this fatality wasn't the first on this road this year. As with most single-bike accidents, the rider entered the corner at a speed his brain told him was too fast, stood the bike up and nailed the rear brake. Goodbye. On the racetrack the rider would have tumbled into the hay bales, visited the ambulance for a strip of gauze and headed back to the pits to straighten his handlebars and think about his mistake. But let's get one thing perfectly clear: the street is not the racetrack. Using it as such will shorten your riding career and keep you from discovering the Pace. The Pace is far from street racing - and a lot more fun. The Pace places the motorcycle in its proper role as the controlled vehicle, not the controlling vehicle. Too many riders of sport bikes become baggage when the throttle gets twisted - the ensuing speed is so overwhelming they are carried along in the rush. The Pace ignores outright speed and can be as much fun on a Ninja 250 as on a ZX-11, emphasizing rider skill over right-wrist bravado. A fool can twist the grip, but a fool has no idea how to stop or turn. Learning to stop will save your life; learning to turn will enrich it. What feels better than banking a motorcycle over into a corner? The mechanics of turning a motorcycle involve pushing and/or pulling on the handlebars; while this isn't new information for most sport riders, realize that the force at the handlebar affects the motorcycle's rate of turn-in. Shove hard on the bars, and the bike snaps over; gently push the bars, and the bike lazily banks in. Different corners require different techniques, but as you begin to think about lines, late entrances and late apexes, turning your bike at the exact moment and reaching he precise lean angle will require firm, forceful inputs ant the handlebars. If you take less time to turn your motorcycle, you can use that time to brake more effectively or run deeper into the corner, affording yourself more time to judge the corner and a better look at any hidden surprises. It's important to look as far into the corner as possible and remember the adage, "You go where you look." DON'T RUSH The number-one survival skill, after mastering emergency braking, is setting your corner-entrance speed early, or as Kenny Roberts says, "Slow in, fast out." Street riders may get away with rushing into 99 out of 100 corners, but that last one will have gravel, mud or a trespassing car. Setting entrance speed early will allow you to adjust your speed and cornering line, giving you every opportunity to handle the surprise. We've all rushed into a corner too fast and experienced not just the terror but the lack of control when trying to herd the bike into the bend. If you're fighting the brakes and trying to turn the bike, any surprise will be impossible to deal with. Setting your entrance speed early and looking into the corner allows you to determine what type of corner you're facing. Does the radius decrease? Is the turn off-camber? Is there an embankment that may have contributed some dirt to the corner? Racers talk constantly about late braking, yet that technique is used only to pass for position during a race, not to turn a quicker lap time. Hard braking blurs the ability to judge cornering speed accurately, and most racers who rely too heavily on the brakes find themselves passed at the corner exits because they scrubbed off too much cornering speed. Additionally, braking late often forces you to trail the brakes or turn the motorcycle while still braking. While light trail braking is an excellent and useful technique to master, understand that your front tire has only a certain amount of traction to give. If you use a majority of the front tire's traction for braking and then ask it to provide maximum cornering traction as well, a typical low-side crash will result. Also consider that your motorcycle won't steer as well with the fork fully compressed under braking. If you're constantly fighting the motorcycle while turning, it may be because you're braking too far into the corner. All these problems can be eliminated by setting your entrance speed early, an important component of running the Pace. Since you aren't hammering the brakes at every corner entrance, your enjoyment of pure cornering will increase tremendously. You'll relish the feeling of snapping your bike into the corner and opening the throttle as early as possible. Racers talk about getting the drive started, and that's just as important on the street. Notice how the motorcycle settles down and simply works better when the throttle is open? Use a smooth, light touch on the throttle and try to get the bike driving as soon as possible in the corner, even before the apex, the tightest point of the corner. If you find yourself on the throttle ridiculously early, it's an indication you can increase your entrance speed slightly be releasing the brakes earlier. As you sweep past the apex, you can begin to stand the bike up out of the corner. This is best done by smoothly accelerating, which will help stand the bike up. As the rear tire comes off full lean, it puts more rubber on the road, and the forces previously used for cornering traction can be converted to acceleration traction. The throttle can be rolled open as the bike stands up. This magazine won't tell you how fast is safe; we will tell you how to go fast safely. How fast you go is your decision, but it's one that requires reflection and commitment. High speed on an empty four-lane freeway is against the law, but it's fairly safe. Fifty-five miles per hour in a canyon may be legal, but it may also be dangerous. Get together with your friends and talk about speed. Set a reasonable maximum and stick to it. Done right, the Pace is addicting without high straightaway speeds. The group I ride with couldn't care less about outright speed between corners; any idiot can twist a throttle. If you routinely go 100 mph, we hope you routinely practice emergency stops from that speed. Keep in mind outright speed will earn a ticket that is tough to fight and painful to pay; cruising the easy straight stuff doesn't attract as much attention from the authorities and sets your speed perfectly for the next sweeper. GROUP MENTALITY Straights are the time to reset the ranks. The leader needs to set a pace that won't bunch up the followers, especially while leaving a stop sign or passing a car on a two-lane road. The leader must use the throttle hard to get around the car and give the rest of the group room to make the pass, yet he or she can't speed blindly along and earn a ticket for the whole group. With sane speeds on the straights, the gaps can be adjusted easily; the bikes should be spaced about two seconds apart for maximum visibility of surface hazards. It's the group aspect of the Pace I enjoy most, watching the bikes in front of me click into a corner like a row of dominoes, or looking in my mirror as my friends slip through the same set of corners I just emerged from. Because there's a leader and a set of rules to follow, the competitive aspect of sport riding is eliminated and that removes a tremendous amount of pressure from a young rider's ego - or even an old rider's ego. We've all felt the tug of racing while riding with friends or strangers, but the Pace takes that away and saves it for where it belongs: the racetrack. The racetrack is where you prove your speed and take chances to best your friends and rivals. I've spend a considerable amount of time writing about the Pace (see Motorcyclist, Nov. '91) for several reasons, not the least of which being the fun I've had researching it (continuous and ongoing). But I have motivations that aren't so fun. I got scared a few years ago when Senator Danforth decided to save us from ourselves by trying to ban superbikes, soon followed by insurance companies blacklisting a variety of sport bikes. I've seen Mulholland Highway shut down because riders insisted on racing (and crashing) over a short section of it. I've seen heavy police patrols on roads that riders insist on throwing themselves off of. I've heard the term "murder-cycles" a dozen times too many. When we consider the abilities of a modern sport bike, it becomes clear that rider techniques is sorely lacking. The Pace emphasizes intelligent, rational riding techniques that ignore racetrack heroics without sacrificing fun. The skills needed to excel on the racetrack make up the basic precepts of the Pace, excluding the mind-numbing speeds and leaving the substantially larger margin for error needed to allow for unknowns and immovable objects. Our sport faces unwanted legislation from outsiders, but a bit of throttle management from within will guarantee our future. THE PACE PRINCIPLES Set cornering speed early. Blow the entrance and you'll never recover. Look down the road Maintaining a high visual horizon will reduce perceived speed and help you avoid panic situations. Steer the bike quickly. There's a reason Wayne Rainey works out - turning a fast-moving motorcycle takes muscle. Use your brakes smoothly but firmly Get on and then off the brakes; don't drag 'em. Get the throttle on early Starting the drive settles the chassis, especially through a bumpy corner. Never cross the centerline except to pass. Crossing the centerline in a corner is an instant ticket and an admittance that you can't really steer your bike. In racing terms, your lane is your course; staying right of the line adds a significant challenge to most roads and is mandatory for sport riding's future. Don't crowd the centerline Always expect an oncoming car with two wheels in your lane. Don't hang off in the corners or tuck in on the straights Sitting sedately on the bike looks safer and reduces unwanted attention. It also provides a built-in safety margin. When leading, ride for the group Good verbal communication is augmented with hand signals and turn signals; change direction and speed smoothly. When following, ride with the group If you can't follow a leader, don't expect anyone to follow you when you're setting the pace. Please read this a couple of times to make sure you get the jist of it. There is alot of good info here, along with some constructive critisism. | ||
| Bartimus |
James, things you should bring are: good boots that will protect your ankles in a fall. Decent pants, Preferably padded riding gear, along with a good jacket with padded elbows and shoulders. Gloves, and of course, a helmet. These are a minimum for a "spirited" group ride. While I am not a supporter of "mandated" helmets or riding gear, safety is the main concern here. Bring what you can to protect yourself in the case of a crash. (not saying it will happen)a little protection will go a long way. I think Charlie wears those GEL shorts for another reason, LOL. JK! honestly, it will be alot of miles, a gel pad will be comfortable I'm sure. But in my hundreds of thousands of miles that I've ridden in my 35 years of riding, protection is the main concern. While jamming the twisties, comfort is the last of your concerns, making the next corner is... Concentrate on your APEX, look into the curves, become one with the bike, etc... I know, I sound like a broken record... But I'm sure Brian and AL can attest to my record of trying to get ALL riders back in one piece. I was present when Daryl went down on the Tourque Fest. How and why it happened is no longer an issue. If you want to know, I can talk with you off the board. This is not the place to discuss it. S##T happens, and it happened that day. We need to maintian a "pack" mentality. If you want to get together and go for a ride, contact me. My email address is in my profile. I work nights, but am available during the days. I sent you an email regarding this. It's your choice if you want to get together and do some riding before the event. All the riding/training you can get before the event is all the better. I'm not saying I'm an expert or anything like that. I'd like to think I' a pretty good rider. I used to think I was fast until I met David. After only a year of riding, with track days and such, David is what I would consider an excellent rider. He is good, he is fast, and he is just plain a great guy. the fact that some guys ride fast does not mean they will leave you in the dust. We do pull over and take smoke breaks, etc. Plenty of time for you to catch up. We will not dog you or anything like that. Just ride at your "pace" and wear your protection, and we will ALL have a good time. I have been in contact with a number of friends in New Mexico, that were present for the Tourque Fest. They would also like to ride the route again and are making plans. Expect about 10 riders from New Mexico to be present. Also, my good friend Murrae Haynes, who gave CPR to Daryl for 45 minutes until the helocopter arrived will be present. The idea of a short memorial service for Daryl is a good one. I'm sure Daryl's girlfriend would like a pic of a line of Buells in front of the memorial, since Daryl was such an enthusiastic Buell fanatic. She was very supportive of the run, and receptive to all the support we gave her in return, after the incident. So guys, this is turning into a major run. Let's try to cover all the bases on this one, because it looks like it wil be about 25 riders or more. Be safe, be happy, and by all means, be a Buelligan!!! | ||
| Tucsonxb9s |
Bart you're one helluva planner! I think you've found your calling. Buell ho! Ever thought about plannin' weddings? Big money...  I'll be there for sure for at least the Saturday ride and the overnight. I may have to miss the longest part of the ride and come home on Sunday, but I'm not sure as of yet. We'll see as we get closer. Looks like Ski's farewell is blooming! | ||
| Charlieboy6649 |
Bart, Thank you for posting "The Pace". I think we all benefit from reading it, even again. And yes the squishy gel pad feels wonderful! LOL! Oh, and I'll be sporting my new power ranger suit! YAY Looking forward to seeing Murrae. He was such a neat fellow. I'm glad so many Buellers are coming out. Maybe we'll get Brag's attention??? The reason I mention it is it would be good to get another group rate from the local hotels/services... | ||
| M1combat |
I can make it.  . | ||
| Charlieboy6649 |
All right. M1 looking forward to meeting you, if not before then. The wife and I leave on our first road trip together to San Diego here in a half hour. Wish us luck! Too bad we're getting a late start! | ||
| M1combat |
Good luck . | ||
| Dbalista |
Thanks Bart for the compliment..... Please keep me informed of all the details.... I will be just getting back from a trip east.... And would love to join you all... Need to get some of those bicycle shorts though.....They will take the pain from a 500 plus mile day....Right Bart... Going out to ride Mt Lemon in a couple minutes.... Cheers | ||
| Charlieboy6649 |
Well, Called BNB and let him know we weren't coming. Fred from here in SD isn't up and running for the race. Instead, Eliz and I rode the PCH and went sight seeing. Had a wonderful day anyway. BTW, Got a line on vinyl BWB stickers for Blake I'll let you know how it comes out... Hope you all are having a great weekend. | ||
| Jwz7 |
is there a local brag chapter here in az? edited by jwz7 on June 13, 2004 | ||
| Charlieboy6649 |
JWZ Yes, But quite inactive as I understand... Was called East Valley Sportbike Club. It is the intention of the members of this board to change all that... Things like the weekend rides and Torquefest route etc... Lets just have monthly meetings and tell participants to check this board for info. It would be much easier. Bart for president??? Had a great time in San Diego with the wife. Logged some great miles up in the mountains and along the California coast. Sucked coming down off the mountain on 78 into the heat again. Wasn't liking that at all after 3 days in the cool ocean and mountain air! My poor Buell was HOT! Good thing I switched to Mobil 1 before the trip! Hope you all had a safe weekend. | ||
| Charlieboy6649 |
Oh, BTW. I saw a few new Buells cruising the PCH while we were out there. Good to see!  | ||
| Xb9rski |
Damn, I go away for 4 days and have 7 days reading to catch up on. "Ride it till the engine seizes."  Ski | ||
| Jwz7 |
i'm for bart being president! is there anyone interested in starting a local chapter?it takes seven riders from what i understand.i already e-mailed bart about this.maybe this time it will work.kyle owner of grand canyon h-d & buell wants to start one up.and have rides that start from mayer h-d & buell.kick the idea around and let me know what you think. | ||
| Bartimus |
   You guys must really be nuts if you think I'd make a good president of a chapter, LOL. This beer drinking, cigarette smoking, road hogging relic is the best you can come up with? On a happier note, I HAVE contacted the Days Inn in Showlow, and I think we can get a "group rate" if we can get at least 20 riders to get reservations there for that weekend. I'll keep you posted on that. Brian, No whining this time, dammit. You want to ride, you will make the time. This is one ride you DO NOT want to miss! You have GOT to figure out a way to make it for all three days, and that is all there is to it! Hey Charlie, Arizona is hot, get used to it... OK guys, that's enough of my drunken rambling for today. I'll try to keep in touch, but I hear that bottle of Jaggermeister calling me. Ride hard, ride fast, and ride free! (don't blow your motor, don't lay it down, and don't do any of that other crap)   Tripods forever!!! | ||
| Charlieboy6649 |
Hell, I grew up here in Yuma and I've learned one thing... You never get used to it. "But it's a dry heat" my •••! I think you'd make a good chapter president. Everyone in the area knows or knows of you. You have an affinity for riding and a love of Buells. Yep, fit's the description to me? If it's upside down and on fire, you were stupid! Courtesy of Bart... | ||
| Tucsonxb9s |
Charlie...you sure you want Bart to be our chapter president? He's run with some hardcore bikers! Here's a pic of the last club he was president of......  | ||
| M1combat |
ROTFLMAO!!! | ||
| Charlieboy6649 |
Ahhh, And what a good harem it was! LOL! | ||
| Bartimus |
As you can see, i really whipped them ladies into shape. With the proper attitude, anything is possible. The brunette in the back was the VP, She was a great rider, don't know how well she could ride a bike though, LOL. thanks Brian, for digging up them old pics of my last club. You forgot to mention that YOU were also a part of that club. I believe they called themselves The Tucson Buell riders... |
