Kaismo
Well-known member
OK, so I’m a virgin when it comes to ride reports, so here I go off into the wild blue yonder. Most likely I will not be so eloquent as my friend Mr. Pants; however I will give if the old college try. LOL
So I drew the short straw and was required to head down to COTA March 29th for Day 2 of the Dunlop Tire test held at the track. The first issue to arise was the van vs. motorcycle selection process and that lasted about a nanosecond to decide on the bike, since what the hell it’s a beautiful day plus I get to go watch motorcycles whizzing around a race track. I can’t think of too many things cooler activities with the exception of the actual riding part of the equation. I set off and slabbed it down I-35 heading sound toward Austin and it was a fine day. The Blue Bonnets and other wild flowers between West and Waco were spectacular and I was enjoying my day to tunes and flowers. Down by Austin I ended up on the 130 toll road which the speed limit was 80, so I set the cruise to 86 and enjoyed the last 30 miles at a nice brisk pace. After 3 hours, I arrive at my destination.
I have been to many races over the years; however this was my first visit to COTA and my first impression was the old saying “everything is bigger in Texas”. This place was over the top awesome and very impressive.
I worked my way past the security guards at the shack and proceeded toward the paddock when I came across this “diving board” or at least that is what my better half called it. Great idea except for landing might be a bit harsh.
So I parked my bike and was entering the paddock and the photos below say it was a tire test. The Dunlop guys were working the tire changing machines with gusto and busting out fresh tires during the day for all the teams involved in the test.
I arrived during the official lunch period and the track was quiet except for the sound of one motorcycle. Come to find out the M4 team was doing two up rides during break and next to actually being able to ride the track, this would not be such a bad Plan B as long as you held on real tight since they were hitting some serious MPH on the straight.
Also below is some additional bike porn for your viewing enjoyment. I spoke with the Yosh guys and they have all of 6 testing days on the new GSXR; however they are super pumped about the new model after years of riding the older version.
It is always nice to be #1.
Finally lunch ended and I ended up meeting with the new Honda supported team running the 2017 CBR-1000 model. The Broaster Chicken guys were also working very hard dialing in a brand new motorcycle too.
Testing always seems to be a “hair of fire” kind of deal and this day was no different. The image below is during the official timed test in which Jake left wearing his old Alpinestars suit only to pit after 5 laps to change tires and just enough time to the Alpinestars service staff member to assist Jake in putting on the new suit which were air freighted to the track.
I hung around for practice and visited various sections of the track and it is pretty cool when the place is virtually empty and you can go wherever you want with no mass of humanity or security guards blocking your way. Late afternoon I headed for home using the less direct method and 225 miles later I arrived back at my home. I ended the day riding 450 miles and I am really looking forward to my return later this month so I can get my MotoGP on.
So I drew the short straw and was required to head down to COTA March 29th for Day 2 of the Dunlop Tire test held at the track. The first issue to arise was the van vs. motorcycle selection process and that lasted about a nanosecond to decide on the bike, since what the hell it’s a beautiful day plus I get to go watch motorcycles whizzing around a race track. I can’t think of too many things cooler activities with the exception of the actual riding part of the equation. I set off and slabbed it down I-35 heading sound toward Austin and it was a fine day. The Blue Bonnets and other wild flowers between West and Waco were spectacular and I was enjoying my day to tunes and flowers. Down by Austin I ended up on the 130 toll road which the speed limit was 80, so I set the cruise to 86 and enjoyed the last 30 miles at a nice brisk pace. After 3 hours, I arrive at my destination.
I have been to many races over the years; however this was my first visit to COTA and my first impression was the old saying “everything is bigger in Texas”. This place was over the top awesome and very impressive.
I worked my way past the security guards at the shack and proceeded toward the paddock when I came across this “diving board” or at least that is what my better half called it. Great idea except for landing might be a bit harsh.
So I parked my bike and was entering the paddock and the photos below say it was a tire test. The Dunlop guys were working the tire changing machines with gusto and busting out fresh tires during the day for all the teams involved in the test.
I arrived during the official lunch period and the track was quiet except for the sound of one motorcycle. Come to find out the M4 team was doing two up rides during break and next to actually being able to ride the track, this would not be such a bad Plan B as long as you held on real tight since they were hitting some serious MPH on the straight.
Also below is some additional bike porn for your viewing enjoyment. I spoke with the Yosh guys and they have all of 6 testing days on the new GSXR; however they are super pumped about the new model after years of riding the older version.
It is always nice to be #1.
Finally lunch ended and I ended up meeting with the new Honda supported team running the 2017 CBR-1000 model. The Broaster Chicken guys were also working very hard dialing in a brand new motorcycle too.
Testing always seems to be a “hair of fire” kind of deal and this day was no different. The image below is during the official timed test in which Jake left wearing his old Alpinestars suit only to pit after 5 laps to change tires and just enough time to the Alpinestars service staff member to assist Jake in putting on the new suit which were air freighted to the track.
I hung around for practice and visited various sections of the track and it is pretty cool when the place is virtually empty and you can go wherever you want with no mass of humanity or security guards blocking your way. Late afternoon I headed for home using the less direct method and 225 miles later I arrived back at my home. I ended the day riding 450 miles and I am really looking forward to my return later this month so I can get my MotoGP on.
