Buttonwillow... My first track day

[hooptygoo]

Monday was my first ever experience at a track. This was a private event organized by Ron Mousouris of the Santa Barbara Ducati club. There ended up being only about 30 riders total for the day, 10 or 11 of those including my friend Anna and me in the C group, making for a very intimate event. I was happy to be the sole Hyper rep present

For me it was a truly humbling experience and my one regret is not taking advantage of the available instructors. Next time. I felt myself getting more and more comfortable with the bike and the track throughout the day (partly thanks to the suspension guys) but still managed to exceed my and the rear tire's limits at one point as you'll see if you watch the second video below. Miraculously I managed to stay on the bike and track but it was a wake up call for sure. I have a lot to learn and Monday left me so eager for more.

Hope you enjoy the pics and vids...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WkDcP7iJpM

Be sure you watch the end of this one. The instructor I passed congratulates me on my save.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rp_Gi15avYQ

The loop we followed for the day



Ron restores old Hondas and this is one sweet example

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sf-5wItSYbU









And of course my tires. The best I'm willing to do on the street...



and after one day at the track



But perhaps the best part of the trip happened before we even got to Bakersfield for the night. We stopped at a random fruit stand on the side of Hwy 126 and heard music. Figuring it was surely a recording, we walk into the stand to find this gem...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zWYOwdK4Lg

I can't stop thinking about it. I'm hooked! I have to go back!

Oh, and just for kicks, some pics of my technique in action courtesy of forum member Roulette

[johnchypermotard]

noice!!!!

very calming music in your lap vid ... francesco should take note (pun intended).

[hooptygoo]

Originally Posted by johnchypermotard

noice!!!!

very calming music in your lap vid ... francesco should take note (pun intended).

Thanks! That's my first ever iMovie project. I think the music nicely reflects the serenity of being out there pretty much all by myself.

[jboothe]

Very cool and thanks for sharing. Must be damn nice to have that sort of weather...4 or 5 months maybe...

[johnchypermotard]

Originally Posted by hooptygoo

Thanks! That's my first ever iMovie project. I think the music nicely reflects the serenity of being out there pretty much all by myself.

wurd up!!!

francesco insists on using ac/dc highway to hell on all of his track vids. getting a little boring by now

anyway, good to see you had a great track day experience.

[johnchypermotard]

Originally Posted by jboothe

Very cool and thanks for sharing. Must be damn nice to have that sort of weather...4 or 5 months maybe...

sorry to say, we have much better weather all year round here in california.

it was 31 degrees on sat morning @ 7am when we rolled into the track ... but it warmed up nicely throughout the day.

[hyprduc]

Very cool and welcome to the addicition. I think you need to post a close up of your riding buddy though....

[CodeRed]

Nice post, going to WSIR on Monday for the first time on a bike so I am sure that it will be a similar experience. We should get a group together for an Ojai ride soon...

[BeHyper]

Cool stuff! I like your approach to the track addiction, just take it easy, relax and have fun!

I love Buttonwillow and I will surely be there again, after the snow season!

Perhaps next time you can join The Gang!

Francesco

[Desmodude]

Way to melt the "chicken strips" off you rear tire!
Thanks for posting the photoshopped pictures of your fantastic cornering technique! Have you contacted Valentino Rossi yet? I'm sure he could use some pointers.