Well, it was an interesting day to say the least. After more bummed than I have ever been about that stupid GSXR that is supposed to be my track bike, I decided to take the SV to the track day, so as to not lose out of my day's track fees.
Got out for the first session, and as first sessions always are, it was ho-hum, too many guys going too slow, and really just a remember the track layout kind of session. Came in after that session, and of course, the clouds come and it starts to drizzle. Figuring it would just blow over, I decide to chill the second session, and skip it due to the water coming down. That was Ok cause it gave me time to chill and chat with Vinny, Joe and Song...which it was cool to see those guys.
Well, the third session came around, and it was finally a little dry. I realized that there might not be too many more dry sessions, so I went out pretty fast for that session. That session, the coach that is in the pics below, #937, had pulled me off to the side and said that I was looking pretty good and fast out there. Not even thinking of getting bumped yet, but always having it in the back of my head, the first thing I said was, " Oh yeah, fast enough for red group???" He said yeah, probably, but wanted to see me one more session before he signed off.
Of course, the next session had it start raing after the second lap, and that same coach had been watching me again. It was a good session, for riding in the rain. I was able to get around the whole field and lap five or six guys. I guess after having ridden in the on the street more than I would have like, gave me a little more confidence that most that were on the track. I again talking with Coach BJ Blackburn (Guest coach #937), and said I looked really good in the rain, just wanted to see me one more dry session to make the final call.
Of course, it rained the entire rest of the day just about. I know now what people are talking about when they say Pocono raceway has its own mind when it comes to weather. I did the rest of the sessions of the day in the rain. I had initially decided I was gonna ride in the rain, but once I was wet anyway, I figured what the heck did I have to lose.
Later in the day, I also had coach Glen Halfride, # 521 watch for some sessions too. I had worked with him at Vir North as well as down at Summit, so he knew how I rode in the dry.
Good outcome: between coach Glen and guest coach BlackBurn, and much pestering from me, they had both decided that I could be bumped to the RED group. Sucking it up and riding in the rain had proved worth it.
Most of the pics below are from that one dry session with coach Blackburn following me or leading me. I guess Dennis doesn't take any pics when its raining. LOL
Things I learned:
1. Riding in the rain, although it sucks, does help you riding. It teaches you how to use brakes and throttle with way more smoothness than you ever have to in the dry.
2. Getting bumped from one group to another doesn't have much to do with speed or times, but more with staying in the line, hitting the marks and passing cleanly and safe. I got bumped, but I know there were guys there faster than me, wanting to get bumped, but also getting lectured about how they were passing/stuffing.
3. My hands didn't go numb all day. I can honestly say that is the first time I ever ridden that bike and it didn't happen. has to be cause of the rain-forced smoothness. Something I need to carry over to the dry days.
4. Leathers that are soaked will no doubt take weeks to dry.
and lastly
5. If through the miracle of science, you could morph Vinny and Song together, you would have another Ant.
DougZ 8/27/05 Pocono track day report
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