Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Riding At The Track

I've been eagerly awaiting the professionally-taken photos of my experience at the track last week, but they haven't arrived yet.  Those pictures will show you some of the excitement I felt riding that day.

While we're waiting, here is a video taken by my friend Jim.  Jim has a camera mounted on his bike.  The video shows Jim riding the 13-curve track we were at that day.  The track is named "Thunderbolt," to distinguish it from neighboring track, "Lightning."

As you'll note from seeing Jim pass slower riders, Jim is an exceptionally-skilled motorcyclist.  His bike -- a rare BMW sportbike that costs $28,000 -- hit 160 mph on the straightaway and could have gone faster if that stretch was longer.  At its end, you have to make two sharp right-hand turns that necessitate slowing down to get through the curves.

Watching the video, you get a sense of the lean-angles our motorcycles are capable of.  To get through sharp curves at high speed, you need to lean over as far as possible, even to the point of dragging your knee on the road.  Hovering inches over the pavement while hurling at ridiculous speeds is scary but, if you're brave, you can savor the sensation.  Seeing this visually gives you a glimpse of the ride, but it doesn't convey many other sensations accompanying it, like the visceral thrill of acceleration, harsh vibration, physical forces pulling your body, and occasional terror.  :-)





17 comments:

  1. oh i would do something very embarrassing in my pants if i was on that motorcycle! hahaha. just watching it made me nervous! excited for more pictures. x

    ReplyDelete
  2. Absolutely amazing. I can't fathom those speeds. Can't wait to see your pro pics (not that Jim isn't impressive)!

    ReplyDelete
  3. My husband used to ride motorcyles. He did motocross. I used to ride on the back of his bike and he could scare the bejeezus out of me! I am not one for adrenaline, but if one is, riding like that is one way to get it. I am glad you had a good time.

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is so cool!!! (and scary!) What a rush. :) Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  5. it looks so cool! i don't even know how to drive a car :p

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oof, that looks scary as hell! Guess I'd better get used to it if I'm going to write a novel about a biker. I should probably actually ride a motorcycle at some point as well...

    The Tall Blonde Artist

    ReplyDelete
  7. That video made my head spin. I got a little sick. haha. I love that you have something like this that makes you so happy!

    BIG HUG!!
    Tracy

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wow wow wow dangerous but oh so exhilerating (I can only imagine!) You look so happy and in your element- love the jacket!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I can't view the video at work, so I'll need to do it later ... but I can just imagine. You look fab in your leathers

    ReplyDelete
  10. WOW! I would love to be on one of them (in safe company though!) :P

    ∞ © tanvii.com ∞

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tanvi, there are professional racers who offer rides for a small charge. Sitting on the back of their bikes as they do amazing feats, you get the thrills of a lifetime with complete safety.

      Delete
  11. Not gonna lie, video made me nauseous. Hahaha I'd never be able to ride a motorcycle but that is SO SO COOL!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Haha! All I'd be able to feel is the terror. I'm such a wimp, totally jealous of people like you. :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. You look Super Cute in that outfit ; )

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh, man, that gave me goose bumps. I still don't see me on a track with my little GS, but I can daydream, right?

    ReplyDelete
  15. TOO COOL! Chris and I enjoyed watching that video and then got jealous lol

    ReplyDelete