Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Casey Stoner Wins!

Well,
Dreams do come true, sometimes. My Boy, Casey Stoner, clinched the 2007 Moto GP Championships and so did Ducati. Casey Stoner is a 21 year old from Australia. This is his second year in the Premier class and he won!
Stoner seems like such a nice kid. He's the son I wish I had.
So far after 12 races, he's won 8 of them. This kid is just getting started.
Casey helped Ducati win the manufactures championship. Or you might say Ducati helped Casey win. Either way they're a great combination.
Also this is the first time in 34 years that a non Japanese motorcycle has won the GP class.
Go Casey and Ducati!

AMA Finals

Hi,
I know it's been a while since my last post. I was busy. Sorry.
Anyway, one of the fun things I did a couple of weeks ago was ride up to Laguna Seca (Monterey, Ca) and attend the AMA Finals. The AMA Finals= Americam Motorcyle Association last race for Superbike (1000cc heavily modified), Supersport (1000cc not modified much), Formula Extreme (600cc heavily moded), and Superstock (600cc not moded much).
I rode up the 5 to the 198 which is through the town of Coalinga. Coalinga, Ca is a very small town with a Big mental Hospital and a Big Prison. Terrible town. I feel sorry for anyone who lives there.
Highway 198 was very nice. 58 miles of nice pavement, nice twisties, and hardly any cars. The scenery was nice too. Farms with cows and lots of grass.
That took me to the 101. The 5 and the 101 are very boring freeways. Well come to think about it, all freeways are boring, but they are the quickest way to get you to your destination.
I went by myself and wanted to get to Monterey ASAP.
I arrived in the town of Marina, a few miles from the track and close enough to Monterey. I spent 3 nights at the lovely Ramada Inn, Marina. Actually it was a very nice hotel. Nice bathroom with Jacuzzi style tub, a living room, King bed, and 2 TV's.
Back to the races. I had great seats for both Saturday and Sunday. Premier Pit Row #1. The best in the house. Those seats gave me access to the pits and pit row.
Saturday was qualifying. Sunday, the races. Both days were real good.
I had dinner Friday night with Gary and his wife Denise from Marin County. They were checking in the same time I was at the Ramada. We started talking bikes and they asked if I'd join them for dinner. We had a nice meal at this Italian joint across the street. We talked about motorcycles of course. What else is there in life?
Gary worked for Marin BMW Motorcycles.
It's not even about the races as much as the ride up and back, the other motorcycle enthusiasts you meet and talk to, and the general ambiance of the event.
See ya!

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

My Vacation






I got back from a great 6 day motorcycle trip to the US Red Bull Moto GP race at Laguna Seca.
We left Valencia (Santa Clarita Valley, not Spain) for Pismo Beach on Wednesday. My friend Mark and I arrive at "The Cliffs Hotel" in Pismo. There were about 10 California Highway Patrol cars and motorcycles and about 5 Secret Service Suburbans. There were also 6 guys on Harleys and a convertible Mustang. We asked everyone in sight "who's here?". No one would say who it was. Mums the word. We found out days later that it was the King of Jordan with his family. Apparently they were visiting the beautiful California Coast.
Next day Mark and I head out on Highway 1 North to Cambria, Big Sur, and Carmel. Very lovely coastline.
We check in to our hotel in beautiful (just kidding) Salinas. The Best Western Salinas would be our home for the next 4 days. There were already motorcycles in the parking lot and there would be more to come.
Thursday was our first day at the track. The Moto GP bikes hit the track for first practice at 11am. It was awe inspiring to finally see Valentino Rossi, Casey Stoner, Nicky Hayden, and the rest of the motorcycle gods in person for the first time. I was weeping tears of joy. Beethoven's 5th Symphony playing in my head.
Mark and I spent the day walking and walking all around looking at all the great motorcycle vendors and there wares. This was heaven on earth!
After the days activities Mark and I headed over to Monterey's Canary Row. There were thousands of motorcyles from all over the country lining the "Row". We walked and talked to a lot of motorcyclists. I hung out with Johnny from Spectrum Ducati and his freinds. His freind Terri owns TEK-9 Motorcycles, a custom shop for Sport Bikes. 28 years old and very succesful. He's also a nice guy.
Saturday we were back at the track. My favorite rider, Casey Stoner, set the track record and got pole position for Sunday's race.
Saturday night, back to the festivites at Cannery Row.
Sunday's the big day. I'm hoping my boy, Casey Stoner, aboard his red Ducati Desmodici GP7 can win the race. Well he did win the race. In fact the 21 year old kid from Australia dominated the weekend!
To celebrate Mark and I ate at "The Outback" in Salinas.
It was a great weekend. I had great seats in section A, turn 4. Spent a good deal of time in the "Flagroom" Hospitality tent eating fine food.
Met a father and son from England who were at Laguna with their families. Very nice and interesting people. They suggested I attend the "Isle of Man" time trials. Maybe I will one day.
We left Salinas Monday for our over night stay in Pismo Beach. We traveled through beautiful Carmel Valley. Stopped at a wonderful coffee shop that had some heavenly cakes and coffee.
We also stopped in at "Johnny's Bar and Grill" home of the famous motorcycle bar fight in Hollister, Ca. Hollister is an interesting town. When riding through Hollister you can't help but notice how the whole town looks like something from the late '40s or 50's. It looks like a movie set. Mark and I had a delicious burger at Johnny's and listened to the locals tell us the history of Hollister. They love their town.
I must say how absolutely beautiful a lot of California is. I'm stuck in overcrowded Southern Cal so it's easy to forget how nice it is in much less populated areas. I'm sorry to say that were there are a lot of people, the surrounding landscape sucks!
Anyway I had a great time! I'm riding back to Laguna Seca by my self in September for thr final AMA Superbike race.
Above are some photos of the winner, Cassey Stoner (great name, eh), me with my new friend, and my buddy Mark, meditating under a tree.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Weekend of 7-7-07

Had a great weekend.
Saturday the wife and I met my good buddy Mark and his girlfreind Sandy at The Spectrum in the OC. We ate at Red Robin's (not bad, great onion rings).
Hung around the Mall for a bit then we went off to Spectrum Ducati. They had my carbon fiber ignition cover for my beloved 1098. I picked that up, a new racing seat, a service manual, a new Ducati Corse cap, and a pair of Dainese short boots. The short boots are for my ride from the hotel in Salinas to the track (Laguna Seca). I'll be walking around A LOT in these so I hope they're comfy!
After Spectrum we went to Flemings Staek House in Newport. Great steaks, lobster, service, etc. We had a delicious meal. After dinner we sat outside and watched the beautiful people.
When I got home, I put on my new racing seat and carbon fiber ignition cover. The cover looks real good compared to the rubber piece it covers.

Sunday I went for a ride with my 1098 crew at ACH. Very fun, very fast!
That's it for now....

NOPI Show 7-1-07

NOPI Show 7-1-07 Carson Calif.
Interesting show.
Lots of drifting, lots of bikini chicks, and lots of sun.
Very fun, but hot weather made it less enjoyable 'till the NOPI Chicks Bikini Show.
When NOPI comes to your town, go!

Thursday, June 28, 2007

CHP raid the Canyons

Last weekend was a bummer.
2 motorcylists collided head on at Angeles Crest Highway. They're both OK. Broken legs, ribs, but nothing life threatening.
Because of that and complaints from residents in the Malibu area the CHP have started their annual summer crack down. They will be en-mass at the Malibu canyons, ACH, Palomar, Ortega, Topanga and anywhere else sports cars and sport bikes congregate.
I was at ACH last Sunday and believe me it was a drag! No fun watching your speed and trying to ride at the same time.
I plan on staying away from the "popular" spots and just riding in the canyons near my house. No cops and not hundreds of motorcycles too.
The problem is everyone wants to congrigate. Same place, same time. I've always been a loner, so I don't have that problem. Yes being social has it's problems.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy people most of the time, but not all the time.
That's what I love about bicycling and motorcycling. They're individual activities. Never cared for team sports growing up or now for that matter.
Anyway, this weekend will be good. Saturday I'm getting the suspension on the Ducati adjusted by someone who does it for a living. As opposed to a hack.
Sunday, I'm going to the NOPI car show. That should be fun! I'll let you know.

Sunday, June 17, 2007

6-16 weekend

Well,
Rode up ACH to Newcomb's Ranch on Saturday. Nice ride. Nice weather. Good burger.
At 5:30 the wife and I went to our dear freinds, Richard and Lorraine's house. I've been freinds with Richard since Jr High. We celebrated Richard's, Tina's (my wife) and my birthdays. Richard and his wife made us all a wonderful dinner. We sat around the table telling ghost storys. Lorraine was telling us about the home she grew up in located in Pasadena. Apparently it was really haunted. Everyone who came in that house had a supernatural experience. It gives me chills just thinking about the wierd tales. Creepy stuff!
Sunday I went to a "Choppers and Chili" function in Saugus. It was OK.
After that I had a blast through the local canyons, practicing what I learned at Cal Superbike School.
I must say it again. Riding my motorcycle is the most fun I've had since I was a kid. Yeah it may be a little dangerous, but who cares. The fun and thrills far outweigh the danger.
One of the best things I've done in my life.
I'll check back with you later.

Monday, June 11, 2007

June 10th Willow Springs

Hi,

I had a GREAT day! Level 2 at Keith Code's World famous "California Superbike School".
From 7am to 5:30pm.
By 1pm I was floging the Ninja 600 around the track at almost full lean. What fun!
For level 2 they have you ride the "lean bike, a modified Ninja with a contraption attached to the bottom. It lets you go to full lean without falling over. They show you where to put your feet on the pegs and knees pressed against the tank. I rode in circles as instructed until I got the hang of it.
Next it was out on the track again and what a difference. I was hanging off the bike and leaning over more than ever before. It was a blast!
I really want to get a 600cc bike and use it just for track days.
I've already scheduled Level 3 in October. That's when Keith and crew are back in SoCal.
Meantine, I'll be out in the canyons practicing what I just learned.

Sunday, June 3, 2007

Weekend 6-2+3

Not a terribley exciting weekend. Spent 5 hours on Saturday washing, claying, washing, drying, putting on a coat of Klasse All in One, wiping that off, putting on a first coat of Klasse Sealer-Glaze, then wiping that off. Whew!!! Then I did the wheels and tires. That was on my new Civic Si.
Then cleaned and waxed the Ducati. That took another hour
The 5 hours I spent on the Si is it's first base detail. In the following weeks I'll just wash it, dry it, and put another coat of Klasse Sealer. 3 more coats and I'm done for now. Well almost. The 4th week, I'll put on a coat of P21s carnuba wax. This will help protect the car's finish from UV, gravel, and Nuclear Fallout. OK, not Fallout, but everything else.
It also makes the car look spectacular! By doing this once a year, the car's paint will look new.
I want the car to look new as long as possible. I've got a 5 year loan and would hate to be making payments on a car that looked like sh...
You can ask me real questions about car detailing and I'll answer. Obvious idiotic questions will be deleted. Of course I'll get a laugh out of them first.
Sunday, 6-3 I met my Adventure Riding buddies in the OC. They live in Riverside County, so OC is kind of half way. We met at OC Harley-Davidson. They have some catered Mexican Fare on Sundays and we had a few mini burritos and taquitos. They were OK for free.
Doug showed up with his new '07 350Z. Very nice car.
We hung around for about an hour then Mark, Keith and I went to a very good breakfast spot. We talked, laughed and ate.
Then we parted ways.
Next Sunday is my Level 2 class at Willow Springs with Keith Code and crew. I'm looking foward to that big time! It's from 7am to 5pm.
Lots of instruction and lots of laps.
I plan on taking levels 3&4 by the end of the year. It's well worth the money. If you're going to ride a motorcycle, you'd better learn how to ride well. California Superbike School or any other school is a must to me. "It's cheaper than crashing."
I'll let you know that went.

Ara

Monday, May 28, 2007

Big Monday Ride





I just got back from a 225 mile ride on the Duc. Went from Valencia to Ojai and back. Me and 3 other biker buddies, Devin, Anthony, and Terry took the scenic and fast route through Frazier Park, Lockwood Valley Road and Highway 33 to Ojai.
We all had a great time.
Here are some pics.

Sunday, May 27, 2007

Weekend so far.

It's Sunday evening.
Saturday rode the Triumph to OC Motorsports in Santa Ana. I had them check the fuel tank seal and the clutch. No problem with either. I also picked up my hard cases ( long story).
I tought since it was a holiday weekend traffic on the 5 would be light. Wrong! I was splitting lanes 70% of the time. I don't really like splitting lanes, but it sure beats sitting in traffic.
Today I rode with my neighbor to Van Nuys Harley Davidson. It's located in beautiful downtown Panorama City actually. What a dumpy area! He needed a little work on his bike.
We rode back to beautiful Valencia and had lunch at the Elephant Bar. Very nice place with great food.
Going for a long bike ride tomorrow. About 180+ miles. Should be fun. I'll let you know.

Monday, May 21, 2007

Ride on Sunday 5-20.

I rode up Angeles Crest Highway yesterday with Jeremy and my new bud Terry.
We arrived at the famous Shell gas station at 9am. We hung around there 'till 9:30am waiting for the usual Ducati crew that didn't show. They went on a 260 mile ride the day before and were too burnt.
Anyway, the 3 of us cruised up ACH at a decent pace, ever mindfull of the CHP and their radar. We arrived at Newcomb's Ranch, a famous Biker hangout, at approx 10am. The 3 of us had a nice breakfast.
We then hung out, chatted amongst ourselves and with some of the other bikers.
Around 11:30, we rode back to my place. Jeremy had out of town guests so he returned home. Terry and I weren't done riding yet, even though we just rode about 160 miles, so we raced through the canyons near my place.
All in all a very fun, enjoyable day!

Friday, May 18, 2007

My ride today

Took the Triumph ST out today. I got new Bridgestone 021's last week. The original 020's wore out at 3500 miles. The 021's seem to be a lot better! Took 'em out for 68 miles to scrub them in. Very enjoyable ride through San Francisquito, Spunky, and Boquet Canyons.
It's nice to know that new, improved tires really are better.

French Moto GP

They just started! Free practice for this weekends French Moto GP race. I hope Casey Stoner wins again. We shall see.
Well, Casey didn't win, but finished 3rd which is good enough to extend his lead in the championships to 21 points over Valentino Rossi.
A hectic, rain filled race!
Next, Mugello Italy in 2 weeks.

My 1098






What a great Bike!


This thing is a Beast!


I love riding it!