Mechanical Zoo

wHoooo's watching over us??

2012-01-28T18:01:00.000-05:00

Making My Monster

2012-01-08T23:13:00.001-05:00

Julian and his jello shot

2011-12-30T10:00:00.012-05:00

Here's Julian enjoying a slab a gelatin.

2011-12-29T13:23:00.001-05:00

2011-11-09T21:27:00.004-05:00

Playing in the dirt!

2011-10-11T01:16:00.000-04:00

Blue Diamond MX Park

Sept 12, 2011- NJMP-Thunderbolt

2011-09-14T23:49:00.001-04:00

I got go out for one session of fun this past weekend.

Berapi's newest little ones

2011-09-09T20:40:00.001-04:00

How to ride like Rossi

2011-09-09T20:28:00.002-04:00

Tundra playing

2011-09-07T21:09:00.000-04:00

I found these videos on YouTube of Tundra playing... I wish I had more time in my day to just hang out and watch him more often.

Tundra gets his seal!!

2011-08-07T16:11:00.001-04:00

well... a paper mache one anyway. Thanks to NYC teachers participating in the Bronx Zoo's Teacher Professional Development program about Tigers and Other Predators.

The teachers made paper mache animals for our Snow Leopards, bears and tigers.

Here Tundra enjoys his seal, filled with some goodies.

meanwhile Pepino is whining about not getting more fish in the pool!

Hallo!!!!!!

2011-07-31T19:23:00.019-04:00

I hope to write up some of my trip to Germany, for now I will just begin by posting photos.

July 1, 2011
on our way from Paris to Stuttgart.

July 2, 2011
Bus trip to the Rhineland...

“Niederwalddenkmal” or “Germania” monument

St. Hildegard

Rudesheim

Rhine in Flames

July 3, 2011: not too sure

July 4, 2011

Basilika Ottobeuren

Schwabishes Bauernhofmuseum Illerbeuren

Muhle Katzbrui

Die Mindelburg

July 5, 2011- Basilika of St. Mang & Hohes Schloss in Füssen

Hohenschwangau & Schloß Neuschwanstein

Wieskirche

Oberammergau

July 6, 2011

July 7, 2011

Ulmer Münster

July 10, 2011
Nurburgring

Michelle rides the Nurburgring Nordschleife from Terry Ciancio on Vimeo.

Nürnberg Zoo

July 11, 2011

Kellers of Weissenstadt

Bayreuth

Hofgarten Eremitage

July 13, 2011

Puppenklinik

DESMO Day

2011-06-20T07:20:00.000-04:00

Fishtail: Loudon, NHMS: May 16, 2011

2011-05-22T17:42:00.000-04:00

So I won a Fishtail trackday raffle at last year's DESMO Holiday Party, which I used on Monday, May 16, 2011 at Loudon. I paid for Terry to join in the fun. We headed up to New Hampshire on Sunday, driving though lots of rain. Forecast didn't look good so I brought my SV650 with me, figuring it had better tires for the wet and I didn't want to risk it with the Ninja, besides I figured if I brought the SV, it probably wouldn't rain. Well my logic held, as we lucked out and it only barely misted a few short times during the trackday!
I had a great time ripping it up with my new found confidence acquired from the California Superbike School day the week prior.

Here are some photos from Mark J Snyder aka Circle8photos.com

Terry:

Michelle:

Terry's new paint.

2011-05-22T17:24:00.001-04:00

Terry ran out of time to get his track plastics painted, so he decided to let me spray paint them, and asked for my urban camo special. Here he is putting his plastics back on the bike, in the hotel parking lot.... the night before our California Superbike School day (May 9, 2011).

kitty with attitude... guess he doesn't approve.

Terry's new (to him) van.. our new trackday transporter.

I think I did a pretty good job with the paint.

Spring time!

2011-05-01T00:05:00.002-04:00

new stickers!

2011-04-30T23:54:00.002-04:00

Introducing a new addition to the family: La Guapa

2011-04-24T22:27:00.001-04:00

So a former co-worker left the Bronx Zoo for a new position at Santa Barbara..... and I have now adopted his Blue Tegu. I was told he thought the tegu was a male and I named him "El Guapo"... but now I'm convinced he's a she, so her new name is La Guapa.

a short heat wave flows through NYC: Feb 18, 2011

2011-02-21T22:35:00.001-05:00

Bumi

rawhide

2011-02-13T09:59:00.000-05:00

Josie enjoying a rawhide stick.

West Side Highway, NYC

2011-01-18T18:33:00.000-05:00

Coldness: Jan 14, 15 2011

2011-01-16T09:58:00.001-05:00

is it spring yet?

2010-12-29T19:33:00.000-05:00

Bath time!

What did you say?

tails it is

Big Snow

2010-12-28T21:49:00.001-05:00

OFFSEASON

2010-12-19T08:24:00.003-05:00

Last month I got a new camera for my birthday. I purchased a Canon 60D which I've been taking with me everywhere I can. Here are the bikes in the back of a good friend's pick-up, taking a ride over the bridge... or two

2010-12-12T10:06:00.007-05:00

Juvenile Northern Goshawk????

Berapi Api's new home

2010-12-07T23:39:00.001-05:00

you lookin' gooood

2010-12-05T18:44:00.000-05:00

you're mine!

2010-12-05T02:03:00.002-05:00

Knucklebone love

2010-12-02T17:36:00.002-05:00

I love cuddling with my knucklebone

Tundra

2010-12-01T08:32:00.003-05:00

Tundra collecting his toys

nappy time

Tundra's Toy from Michelle Medina on Vimeo.

Sundays for Sinners

2010-11-28T18:56:00.002-05:00

live music in my home yeah! Shayfer James live online

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/shayferjames
password is : indeed

Tiger News

2010-11-21T10:21:00.002-05:00

Today begins the Tiger Summit in Russia, here are some recent tiger related stories I found interesting:

Rare Tigers Raised in Africa to be "Rewilded" in China

World's Highest Living Tigers Film follows the search for tigers hidden in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-11368475

sleepy Pepino

2010-11-13T17:40:00.005-05:00

Monster pics

2010-11-07T07:45:00.007-05:00

huge thanks to the guys at European Cycle Services, who hosted an Open House a few months back, and washed our bikes and photographed them. They're the only ones we allow to touch our bikes ;) I also won a CRG LS mirror in a raffle as well woo hoo!!

Terry's 2001 Monster chromo

some more tigger pics

2010-11-06T22:56:00.005-04:00

"Miss" Sasha and treat spinner toy

"Miss" Sasha and her cubs

Alexis

some of those in my charge

2010-11-03T18:51:00.015-04:00

"Pepino"

"Claiborne", she's my baby girl!

She reminds me of Hello Kitty!

Glacier, Denali and Kootz

Glacier and Kootz

Grizzly and Brown butts

mine, mine... it's all mine!

2010-11-01T21:42:00.004-04:00

so it's done! I traded my GSXR for Terry's 2009 ZX-6R! It's much taller than the GSXR, but it fits me better.

Camera trap catches Sumatran Tiger and the destruction of her habitat

2010-10-27T10:42:00.001-04:00

to learn more about this Palm Oil crisis watch this video from Cheyenne Mtn Zoo:

EMA conference in Pittsburgh

2010-10-22T20:58:00.002-04:00

Last week I (along with another keeper) attended the Elephant Managers Association conference hosted by the Pittsburgh Zoo. We both had a great time. The conference was informative and the people were fun. The first half of the first day was spent listening to presentations. The second half of the day was a field trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.

Not only did we check out the elephant area, we also chatted with one of the bear keepers (Spectacled and Black bears). We also observed a polar bear training session, as well as watched the polar bears from the underwater viewing, which is AWESOME!!!

one of the polar bears about to take the plunge

Polar Bear Viewing Tunnel @ Pittsburgh Zoo from Michelle Medina on Vimeo.

The next day was filled with informative presentations. There was a definite sense of community through out the conference, and the presentations ranged from docents and elephant enthusiasts to top researchers in the reproductive field.

The third day was spent at Pittsburgh Zoo's International Conservation Center (ICC).

Jackson eating leaves @ ICC from Michelle Medina on Vimeo.

Jackson eating leaves @ ICC, PA from Michelle Medina on Vimeo.

2010-10-21T09:18:00.001-04:00

some of Julie Maher's photos:

2010-10-21T09:02:00.001-04:00

2010-10-07T21:17:00.003-04:00

2010-10-02T21:03:00.000-04:00

CBS Early Show

2010-09-30T21:18:00.004-04:00

In this Monday, Sept. 20, 2010, photo provided by the Wildlife Conservation Society, three Malayan tiger cubs look as if they are posing for the photo at the Tiger Mountain exhibit, at the Bronx Zoo in New York. The cubs are the first of two sets of triplets recently born at the zoo.

(AP Photo/WCS, Julie Larsen Maher) NO SALES

Three Amur tiger cubs rest

This Sept. 20, 2010 photo provided by the Wildlife Conservation Society shows three Amur tiger cubs rest by a fallen tree limb at the Tiger Mountain exhibit at the Bronx Zoo in New York. The cubs are the second of two sets of triplets recently born at the zoo.

(AP Photo/WCS, Julie Larsen Maher) NO SALES

tired of keeping secrets

2010-09-30T07:35:00.001-04:00

Baby boom in the Bronx: First look at Bronx Zoo's two sets of tiger triplets

BY Barry Paddock
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Thursday, September 30th 2010, 4:00 AM

Amur tiger cub bonds with tree at Bronx Zoo. The Malayan and Amur tigers will be displayed at the Tiger Mountain exhibit.

A baby boom in the Bronx has produced two sets of tiger triplets, and the Daily News has the first look at the feline furballs.

The six kitty carnivores - five males and one female - make their public debut at the Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx Zoo on Thursday.

The Malayan and Amur tigers will be displayed at the Tiger Mountain exhibit, but only the Amur litter will be watched over by their mother.

The Malayan cubs, the first ever on display at the zoo, have been on their own since their mother, Berapi, stopped nursing them weeks after giving birth.

"She just kind of woke up one day and decided she didn't want to take care of them anymore," said Jim Breheny, director of the Bronx Zoo.

"If it had happened in the wild the cubs would have perished. These guys were lucky that they were here."

The zoo stepped in, feeding the helpless cubs a gruel of meat and milk while Berapi went on exhibit in a separate area.

"Even though they're not with their mom, they have each other for comfort and security," Breheny said.

The lucky Amur triplets have a devoted mother, 300-pound Sasha, and are still nursing.

"It's really great just to watch her and how protective she is over those cubs, how she's watching us and watching them, just like a mom at a playground," Breheny said.

The zoo hasn't had Amur cubs in more than a decade, but not for lack of trying.

Sasha was paired with two previous potential mates by the Species Survival Plan, a cooperative effort among zoos nationwide that promotes genetic diversity among captive populations.

There was no love match.

"It's just not as simple as putting ingredient A and ingredient B together in a jar and shaking it up and getting a product," Breheny said.

When Sasha met the triplets' father, Bachuta, it was lust at first sight. The frisky felines mated the day they met.

The Amur cubs were born on May 22, the Malayan cubs on April 5.

Two of the Amur cubs are named Julian and Josie, while two of the Malayan cubs have been named Pepino and Claiborne. The zoo will name the other two cubs soon.

bpaddock@nydailynews.com

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/09/30/2010-09-30_tigers_in_the_bronx.html#ixzz110m4hNht

Don't burst my bubble!

2010-09-16T18:55:00.010-04:00

Sept. 12, 2010

A hectic week at work was followed by Sunday breakfast at IHOP. yeah! ThenTerry and I drove down to NJMP for a trackday again, this time with my new to me GSX-R 750 in tow. We got down there Sunday evening and had din din with Dan the Cook and his girl. Part of what makes trackdays so great is not only the riding, but the great people you meet and are surrounded by but also the family that is created. After din din we headed to the hotel and I watched the season finale of True Blood. What silliness!!! I much prefer Being Human.

Monday, Sept. 13, 2010

We wake up early and head back to the track in the morning. I pull up to my trailer which we had dropped off the night before and as I get out of my truck I see my trailer tire looks like it's about to explode!

Lucky for me my friend Jay came to hang out for a bit at the track, to check it out. So he went to a near by trailer place and picked me up two new wheels.

So I didn't have to worry about the tire and was able to focus on my new toy.

So the bike is much more powerful than anything I'm used to, but I'm pretty smooth on the throttle so I'm not frightened by it at all. The bike does however have some issues to be fixed and polished. Fueling is one, suspension/handling and ergos as well.

Here are some videos taken from Terry's GoPro.

Me becoming acquainted with the GSXR

By the way... this was how Terry and I spent our 6th year anniversary of our first date! Which also took place on our motorcycles. ;) I love you sweebee.

I'm following Terry riding my bike in this one

Senior once again!

2010-09-11T19:10:00.000-04:00

September 11, 2010

So this past Wednesday I was informed that I am once again a Senior Keeper at the Bronx Zoo! Originally I was promoted to Senior Keeper around 3 years ago, in 2007. At that time I was given the charge of Babirusa Barn in the Wild Asia section of the Bronx Zoo. In April of 2009, I along with 2 other Senior Keepers lost our titles due to the "economic crisis". As of September 9, 2010 I am a Senior Keeper again, this time presented with the charge of Tiger Mountain and Bear Dens. I am now responsible for Amur Tigers, Malayan Tigers, Snow Leopards, Amur Leopards, Grizzly and Brown Bears, Polar Bear, Red Pandas and two White Eared Pheasants. A lot of very cool animals in my opinion. Things are getting crazy but it should all be worth it!!

Sunday Ride

2010-09-06T13:58:00.002-04:00

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Finally got out on the Monster for a ride with friends. It was supposed to be a "short" ride, as my knee has been bothering me lately (after a fall at work). 250 miles later, we had a great time, it was such a beautiful day with weather that could not be any better!!

View Larger Map

Usual pee break at Torati Circle:

Quick stop along Rt 218

Stop for brunch at Chalet on Hudson

Revisited one of favorite sculpture spots we found a few years ago. It's built up since our last visit in 2008. Polich Tallix, an art foundry with very large industrial sculptures outside.

Rode my Monster right into their outdoor area and took some photos.

some other random shots at this stop:

Team huddle....

going your own way..... go team!

everyone checking in....

Monday, August 30, 2010

2010-08-30T20:49:00.002-04:00

Terry worked on the bike some more today. Cut the fairings for the frame sliders. Changed my front brakes to those from a Yamaha R6. We also set the sag for me.

We still need to change out coolant to Engine Ice, install the Woodcraft cases and change the oil. Hopefully it will be ready for this coming weekend.

A peek at the titanium headers that the bike came with.

Edit: the bike might be ready in time for the weekend, but I waited too long to sign up and now the date's sold out. :(

baby needs some lovin'

2010-08-29T12:46:00.003-04:00

So the GSX-R is definitely in need of some lovin'

The rear tire was shot, rear sprocket was missing teeth, chain was rusty, clip-ons missing a bolt, one of the seat bolt threads was stripped. It needed a new exhaust can. Hopefully the list doesn't grow too much longer.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

A new Hotbodies Racing MPG Growler exhaust can was put on. The bike came with TiForce headers which have a larger diameter than stock so the exhaust pipe inlet had to be enlarged. This was done at a exhaust shop. The exhaust now fits but doesn't line up to the bracket that was supplied. But the bracket from the TiForce can lines up perfect.

Eventually I'll spray paint the bracket black

Grabbed this and we replaced the sprockets and chain.

Threw on a new rear tire as well.

I think that was all for Saturday. Next on the list: replacing the stock front brakes with those from an R6. Which is the same set up I have on my SV650. Also on the list is cutting the new fairings to re-install the frame sliders And replacing the coolant with Engine Ice. The bike needs a new gear indicator sensor as well, and the neutral light wasn't working. On order as well are new Woodcraft cases.

New paint have to wait until winter.

new baby

2010-08-25T22:15:00.000-04:00

So I got a new (to me) bike which I found on the WERA board. It's a 2007 GSXR-750. It finally arrived in NYC today from Alabama. Here's some photos of the bike from the previous owner.

2010-08-02T07:54:00.000-04:00

2010-07-12T14:22:00.003-04:00

2010-07-08T18:06:00.001-04:00

July 4th.... pretty mellow

2010-07-07T19:19:00.000-04:00

July 4, 2010
Kingston, NY

Fire!!

2010-07-07T19:14:00.000-04:00

July 3, 2010

Red Neck Smash Up

2010-07-06T18:46:00.002-04:00

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Demolition Derby time at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, NY

bird poopies!!!!!!!!!!!!

Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-06-30T16:29:00.001-04:00

Terry and I did some corner working for the CCS Races at NJMP- Lightning on June 26, 27 2010. It was waaaay hot. (Heat index of 100 on Monday). I was stationed at turn 10. It was fun to see friends do well, but it was boring as well to be stuck at turn 10 (end of the "bowl" or "lightbulb").

Here's some shots from Turn 10 from Sunday, June 27.

Terry stretching out his new gloves.

The following Monday we stayed for a trackday.

So after 3 days in the sun I got heat exhaustion. I thought I was well hydrated, as I was peeing about every 40 minutes. But I think I cooked my brain out in the heat for the extended periods of time.

It's now wednesday and I'm feeling better..........

Clockwise, counter-clockwise... what time is it?

2010-06-24T13:25:00.004-04:00

Did 2 trackdays at Monticello- North Course. Clockwise on June 21 and then counter-clockwise the next day. It was great to be able to just play!!

Met up with Todd owner of Heroic Racing Apparel and not only did he hook us up with great advice and support, he gave me a set of knee pucks which I actually touched down with!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND a beautiful pair of gloves!!!!!!!!!!
He suggested Terry and I take Salsa lessons together, which we are looking in to now. To help us (especially Terry) move on the bike easier.
Todd is one of the most beautiful people (inside and out) that I've had the good fortune to meet! Thank you soooo much!!!

Here is video of Terry following me on the second day (counter-clockwise).

Red Bull Air Race- Qualifying- June 19, 2010

2010-06-23T15:56:00.001-04:00

Met up with some friends and attended the Red Bull Air Race Qualifying event at Liberty State Park.

The day began meeting some friends for breakfast, of course there was still motorcycles involved.

hat hair

took the subway down to a ferry to the event.

where we were greeted by some Red Bull attendant chickies!

getting some fun in.....

2010-06-02T21:57:00.004-04:00

Memorial Day, 2010
Monticello Motor Club
Monticello, New York
66 course
Sportbike Tracktime
Intermediate Group
Playing on Terry's ZX-6R

Monticello- 66 Course Intermediate May 31, 2010 from Michelle Medina on Vimeo.

May 30, 2010 on Monticello's South Course

STT @ Monticello - South Course from Michelle Medina on Vimeo.

Working another track weekend! May 22, 23 2010

2010-05-26T18:00:00.003-04:00

Completed another safe weekend at the track down in NJMP with Absolute Cycle. We had a fun weekend with a big Suspects Unlimited turn out! as well as many other new and old friends!! Coached on both Saturday and Sunday. Here's photos.

Big thanks to Brian Nitto of 55 Productions for some great shots of the day, especially the coaches!

Hey your numbers are crooked!!!

Sunday was a mix of wet and dry... mostly misty drizzle, and then sunny and hot. Turned out to be a great day regardless!

May 7, 8 w/ Absolute @ Lightning

2010-05-09T17:35:00.001-04:00

Had a good time coaching this past Friday and Saturday w/ Absolute on the Lightning Course at NJMP.

Here are some photos of the bikes....

Terry, checking his tire wear. So far he much prefers our new Pilot Pures over his Bridgestone B016 that he used last year. After 4 trackdays the tires still look great. The bridgestones only lasted about 3 trackdays.

I see stars......

Dave's new stars add a few horsepower for sure!

us...

hey HO!! it's taaa HOE!!!

2010-05-09T17:16:00.002-04:00

Some shots from April 18-19, 2010 @ Thunderbolt, NJMP

2010-04-22T21:40:00.000-04:00

Terry

our buddy Dave

NoT the Emperor's NeW CLotheS

2010-04-12T20:54:00.001-04:00

Excited about my new suit that came in today!!!! First trackday is in 6 days!!!

HELL YEAH!!!

I'll be out on track looking for those droids!!!!

...yeah I'm a dork~!

welcome 2010

2010-04-05T10:01:00.002-04:00

So the SV has a new chain and sprockets (thanks Terry).

This is my collection of track day org stickers from the 2009 track day season.....

and as I look forward to the new track season voila! a new sheet of vinyl

waiting on some new rubber and it's set for the season

It's been a long time, and I'm glad to be back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-03-20T18:20:00.005-04:00

Much had been keeping me busy over the past 6 months or so. I had been spending much of my free time working with advocates for motorcycle and scooter riders in NYC. There is much to fight for and against. The previous year saw many anti-motorcycle legislation proposals, not only in NYC but nationwide!

We have no motorcycle/scooter dedicated parking in NYC. We have parking meters which spit out a paper receipt designed for your car windshield not for anywhere on a motorcycle or scooter.
Annual New York State motorcycle registrations this year have increased over 220% from last years $13, to this year's $42 for residents of "down state" counties of New York!!!!!!!! And why? to pay for the MTA's disaster of budget management. Resident's of other states such as NJ, may say, "who cares, we pay more than that". Yes you do, but you don't pay much for the MSF Basic Riders Course, which in NYC is $350! In many states, the course is free! Part of our registration fees are supposed to be allocated for state sponsored safety program, such as MSF courses, and perhaps some driver awareness to properly educate the general (and driving) public about sharing the roads with motorcycles. Instead those funds are spent on Motorcycle Enforcement Training of Law Enforcement!!!!!!!!

So instead of safety what I pay for is harassment! AWESOME!!!!!!!

Not only is there harassment on the state level, the is even stronger harassment on the local level. Face it, Highway Patrol in NYC have a hard-on for anything that has two-wheels and a motor!!! Unfortunately I strongly believe it's due to many a-holes riding bikes!!!!!! So what are we to do? Once again its the asshat actions of a few that ruin things for the rest of the community.

So over the past 5 months I co-founded a group of moto advocates which called themselves the NYC Motorcycle Advocacy Group. I designed the logo. I designed and ran the website and forum. Created a Facebook group.

I busted my ass working to make things as professional as possible because I firmly believed that was what our community deserved. If my name was to be attached to something I didn't want it to be half-assed. I know what is possible with a good team! I'm used to accomplishing much with/from very little everyday at work, .....again with a good team.... This is where the disconnect begins.. Everything I did (including the EPA survey I conducted and has been used around the country by the American Motorcyclists Association as well as state level MROs) came from my love of the motorcycle community not only of NYC, or the tri-state area, but all the motorcyclists I've come to meet across this country, and those I've chatted with around the globe! Face it, most moto people are very cool!!! I proudly did the work and put in all my energy, efforts and abilities for I couldn't do it any other way. This is something that is important to me and was my choice to do what I can!

Well as we all know motorcyclists are very independent people. In fact, ask any one riding a motorcycle why they began riding and chances are very good that the word "independence" will come up. Well long story short I increasingly found myself on a very different page than other team members. My vision of what we could be doing for the NYC community and how to achieve it was clearly not shared. Our Venn Diagram showed no intersection. A team member's head and ego swelled to the point I didn't think it was possible for it to fit under a helmet anymore...from other team members? well, just a plain lack of initiative to move forward became increasingly frustrating for me. The best part of my decision to leave is it will now allow me the freedom to PLAY and HAVE FUN!!!!! to look at motorcycles as a source of joy, to no longer suffer from my left eye twitching at the thought of another team meeting which routinely lasted over 5 hours each getting sucked into minutia and the end result with little to show.

So I'm finally free and I'm looking forward to a great track season, I've been asked to coach for Absolute Cycle!! This helps me out greatly on my financial front to allow me to ride at the track. I would not otherwise be able to afford to do as many days as I would like to ride. It also is something I think I will genuinely enjoy and get something out of! Wow what a concept! (<~~insert sarcasm here).

I love sharing both my enthusiasm of riding a motorcycle and my love of the motorcycle community! If I can teach someone something while I'm having fun all the better! First trackday weekend: APRIL 18-19 @ NJMP.
The countdown has begun!!!!!!!!!

soooooooooooo................................

2009-11-13T21:42:00.001-05:00

It's Friday the 13th.... and it's been a while since my last post.

yet a lot has occured...

lets go back....

Columbus Day, Oct 12, 2009

I almost got thrown out from a trackday lol.

I learned that trackday orgs are all very different as well as the skill levels of the riders.

Halloween, Oct 31, 2009

I attended my cousin Daniel's wedding in Florida. Theme: Rockabilly, hot rods and bikes.

Election Day, November 3, 2009

Participated in the shooting of a video for Office Max. How can I turn down the opportunity to ride around Union Square Park in NYC dressed as an elf, along with 15 other bike riding elf buddy hooligans!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ms October!!!

2009-10-02T21:29:00.013-04:00

SV Rider's SV of the Month for October

2009-09-22T19:24:00.008-04:00

I just got a PM over at SVRider.com informing me that my bike won the SV of the Month competition. It was a close call but my bike squeaked by to win by 4 votes!

http://forum.svrider.com/showthread.php?t=111562

Back alley bike show

2009-09-20T11:25:00.010-04:00

Rode out to Greenpoint, Brooklyn after work on Saturday night. Met up with the SuspectsUnlimited crew for some grub at Coco68. After BSin' and eating/drinking we headed around the corner to the 1st Annual Brooklyn Invitational Custom Motorcycle Show... wow that was a mouthful.

It was held in an abandoned industrial building which houses the Autumn Bowl skate park.

this is someone else's photo of the Autumn Bowl below.... I hadn't pulled out my camera yet to take photos... and by the time I pulled it out the bowl was filled with skaters and a band playing.

after wandering down the dirt alley we walk inside......

Though many of the bikes weren't completely functional (missing vital parts)
the creativity and artistic expression of the builders was overflowing. They were definitely machines of art.

bikes on the half pipe

Pat's former room mate built this bike

Monticello: The South vs. The North... once again The North WINS!!!!!!!!!

2009-09-09T16:29:00.014-04:00

The North Course was run in the (counter-clockwise) reverse direction the club normally runs it. It was awesome! It had everything you want at a track: technical sections, elevation change and better yet... elevation change with tight, technical parts!

Terry and I playing on the South Course

Playing on the North Course

Here's the view from Terry's cam while he rides the North Course:

Here's a lap with Terry on the South Course.

Vicki Smith's shots of Ducati Island

2009-09-04T21:18:00.006-04:00

Here's a link to her photo album/ collection:
http://photos.ducati.net/Ducati-Events/Indy2009/9497945_axumU

Here's a few I found of us....

my bike and the chromo are in the second row

wow!! my bike looks pretty!! I love this shot!

every one anxiously awaiting the announcement of the winners.....

where's my new Oakley Ducati sunglasses? They're much nicer than these.....

Indianapolis Moto GP weekend

2009-09-01T10:36:00.060-04:00

It’s Monday now, Terry is taking the first shift driving us back home as I try to recall all the events from the past weekend as well as the days leading up to.

Wed, Aug 26, 2009 Afternoon

I drive out to our garage that we rent in NJ to pick up the trailer. We return from NJ to home in Manhattan to pick up the bikes, roll up to the front of the apartment building to find both of our bikes on the their sides! AWESOME!! They’ve been in front for months without incident, but in the last minutes of us leaving for Indy some lady in a white jeep with rag doors and no top, with a smiley face on the wheel cover backed into our bikes HARD and took off. There was a witness from the Post Office across the street, unfortunately he could only see a few digits of the license plate. Terry got to see the incident on video from a camera located in the front of our apartment building with the help from our super. The damage? Well Terry’s brand new chromed tank landed on my foot peg and now has a new fist sized dent. My bike came out of the incident unscathed; once again my frame sliders did their job well. Terry went into what I call, “gorilla mode” and wanted to kill the first person that pissed him off. I push on to load up the bikes and get out of Dodge. I take a black sharpie and decide to decorate the dent with an angry face. After speaking with some police officers about whether or not to file an accident report we finally leave and start making our way out of town and out to Indy.

I drive the first 8 hours or so and get us well into Ohio, Terry drives the last 4 hours to get us to the parking lot of our hotel north of Indianapolis at about 6 AM.

Thursday, Aug 27, 2009

We take a nap in the truck and at about 9AM I can’t take being cramped laying in the backseats so I try to see if we can possibly get into our room. The receptionist at the Holiday Inn is nice enough to let us check in much earlier than normally allowed, this lets us get in some rest, though I can’t really sleep now as the excitement is building up.

In the early afternoon we head over to Ducati Indianapolis, which was hosting an open house, meet and greet with some lunch for all the Ducatisti coming into the town for the GP, as well as to pick up our all important parking passes for Ducati Island. We ran into many friends and acquaintances from all over, from previous events. Local friends from DESMO, as well as people from Ducati Monster Forum (old DML), Hoosier Hooligans and Ducati North America. We met up with “Revv Monster” (Steve Perry) an old friend from Massachusetts we met in 2006 when our Monsters were competing in the Monster Challenge in NYC. His Monster took the “People’s Choice” in that round. He continues to tell me how much he wants to marry Terry and I if we should ever do that. Yes he is a reverend, and a cool one! I assure him that if Terry ever asks, and if I accept, that he WILL be the one to do the ceremony, he tells me that he would love to do a bike wedding if we wanted, again IF that were to ever happen. ;)

That evening we go out for sushi with Steve and some more new friends, including some guys from South Carolina. I couldn’t understand about half of what one of the guys from SC was talking about because of his thick accent, but he was soo funny and exciting telling us about blowing up things (he’s has a license for demolition but was learning about making explosives as early as high school) as well as telling us about life in SC, that the laughter was infectious. We headed back to the hotel after to try to get some sleep in as it would be an early start the next day.

Friday, Aug 28, 2009

We roll into Ducati Island to start our Volunteer shift at 8AM. Terry and I agreed to volunteer for 2 shifts (Friday and Saturday mornings), in exchange for 2 tickets for the races which we gave to his dad and step mom who came down from Chicago for the weekend. I worked in the gear check which is cool because I get to meet a lot more people from the Ducati community, as well as catch more old friends.

Unfortunately the schedule of events had changed from the format from last year. Last year the Speedway was open on Thursday for spectators to come do the pit walk, and see the rider interviews, and the vendor areas were all open as well. This year this was all scheduled for Friday, as well as the free parade lap around the course. So we missed all these events while we were volunteering. BUT at least we got to do them last year. Ducati Island was bigger than last year, and definitely THE place to be. The grand stands were moved to give us not only a better, clear view of the jumbotron but also a much better view of the riders coming into Turn 1, keeping the same great views of turns 2 and 3 as well. Once again I have to say that Ducati hospitality at events like this is one of the perks of being a Ducati owner, and not throwing my monster in the Hudson when I wanted to lol. We are the only owners that get free parking near our seats, free gear checks, and the hospitality tent had free espresso, pastries, juice, bottled water, and candies ... I like candy! And it couldn’t be done with all the volunteers and clubs. I’m not aware of any other of the manufacturers offering hospitality services for their owners.

When not volunteering, I’m wearing a T-shirt I made at the hotel with iron on transfers. It’s a plain T-shirt which states “DON’T BAN MOTORCYCLES IN NYC” on the front and on the back “STOP 416A”, with a logo I made, and “DON’T BAN BIKES IN NYC”. I got a few people that asked me about the shirt, and even sometimes when I wasn’t wearing the shirt, they remembered me wearing it and asked me about it. I just figured it was another opportunity to inform the national (and global) motorcycle community about not only what is going on in NYC but the country. I also informed them how NYC has been the only city to so far successfully stand up against the growing wave of EPA label match up bills which have passed in Denver, Boston, and other cities around the country, only because we, the independent riders have come together with the patched biker clubs, as well as patched sport bike clubs to work together to fight for ourselves.

Some shots from Friday:

Carbon blinged out Streetfighter, I was told it belongs to the owner of Shift Tech... makes sense.

anxiously awaiting his dad.....

of all the blinged out 2 wheelers I saw through out the grounds.... my favorite was this Rukus!

Friday Afternoon….

Dark clouds roll over the Speedway bringing light rain/steady drizzle. Now you can add free plastic rain ponchos to the list of hospitalities. We watch Practice in the rain, and once again I’m reminded how LOUD the GP bikes are!! They sound like fighter jets as they come around Turn 1! Practice is over for all the classes and the rain looks like it’s lightening up so we take off. Did I say it looked like it was lightning up? It DUMPED on us as we rode back to the hotel. While out in Indy I was pretty much a squid with a helmet (BTW no helmet law in Indiana) mesh jacket, sometimes shorts with leg armor, and sneakers! Needless to say I had puddles in my shoes on the ride back.

We change into some dry clothes and Terry’s dad came to pick us up and head over to the Ducati dinner at a neighboring hotel. After dinner we go back to our hotel and find the washer and dryer so we can dry our soaked clothes. I decide to throw stuff in the washer, but when it was time for the dryer they were taken by other motorcyclists drying their gear. The hotel workers were nice enough to throw our stuff into their dryer for us and brought it back for us. Thumbs up!

Saturday, August 29, 2009

Once again we roll into Ducati Island to volunteer. I stay in gear check since we had a good system going, and Terry goes from parking assistant to barista at the espresso table.

We’re done with our shifts and then head out to explore the rest of the grounds.

We check out the new BMW sportbike, and a couple of other small displays, from Yamaha, Honda and KTM, we scarf down some bratwurst and fries (both are YUMMY) and head back to the Island to see Qualifying. Our bikes are parked in front of the grandstands, and as I pass mine I quickly notice a white tag on my bike. It was picked to enter the Ducati Island Showdown! Woo Hoo! There were 5 classes, Best Air cooled, Best Superbike, Best Vintage, Best Modified and Wildcard. Mine was picked to enter the Best Modified competition. The Showdown would take place on Sunday, I knew if it was a “modifications” competition that I had a very good chance of winning lol. My bike isn’t the prettiest, but modified it certainly is!

ouchie!!
we kept finding people taking photos of Terry's new artwork!

We hung out with Terry’s dad and step mom during qualifying, and then afterwards we ride over to the Indy Mile flat track races at the Fairgrounds about 3:30pm.

Saturday evening- A review of motorcycle racing history.

out in front of the fairgrounds for the Indy Mile

the crazy flag man

I got some great seats, in the the 8^th row from the track and in front of the starting grid. We watch the qualifying heats for the expert twin classes as well as the new pro singles class. Larry Pegram is racing on a Duc again, and there are a lot of Ducatisti in the house tonight. I think this was one of his best results, and just misses the cut for making the main event. He placed 4^th in his heat, but they’re only taking the top 3 from each heat.

Larry Pegram on his Duc

I was rooting for Chris Carr again, only because I did American Supercamp a few years back and he was the guest instructor, and he is a really nice down to earth guy!

After the Indy Mile he tells the spectators that he’s headed out to Bonneville with the Bubb’s streamliner for a crack at the new record.

It's Nicole.. YOU GO GRRRL!

As we get closer to the main event, I look across the track and see a Fiat team. Jorge Lorenzo is with his buddies watching, and we can tell he’s remarking at how crazy these races are!!

He’s shaking his hand, gesturing , “HOLY SHIT!!”. They’re all looking at the flag man. HE IS NUTS!! This guy is just feet away from the riders who are doing triple digits down the front straight. He has his choreographed flag dances that he does.

I see other GP teams on the other side of the track in the paddock watching as well. A few minutes after Lorenzo leaves, Rossi is up there with his entourage.

And again, you can see them all watching not only the race but the crazy flag man. Rossi and his entourage leave, and clear the platform where he was hanging out. We see some new people come out, and one is rolled out in a wheel chair. Terry quickly asks, “is that Wayne Rainey?” Holy Shit! It is!

They introduce some other famous racers from the 70’s. But when they finally announce Wayne Rainey’s presence, the entire grand stand explodes with excitement with everyone on their feet!

Afterwards there’s another race. And then again, the racing is stopped to announce someone else who is here tonight with a very special motorcycle. You can hear the distinct 2-stroke sound and Kenny Roberts comes out riding the TZ750. He goes to the end of the straight, turns around…. Is that all he’s gonna do? Is he too scared to rip on this bike? NOPE…. He’s just warming it up. He takes off and rides full throttle around for about for 3 laps!! When he goes down the straight, he is remarkably faster than any of the racers tonight!!! H O L Y S H I T!!! He was ripping!! I nearly get whip lash looking at him as he rides across us. I look at Terry and we both bust out laughing! Unbelievable! As he makes his way back to the start finish, Valentino Rossi is putting on his Yellow Yamaha jacket and jumping down from the platform and onto the track. He presented Roberts with some award from Yamaha, but none of us could see since the press photographers and people from the paddock all swarmed around them.

here's a free video from MotoGP.com

Eventually it’s time for the main event. They grid up and take off… a few bikes came together as they came up on Turn 1 and one of the bikes flew up in the air, bounced off the top of the fence and jammed itself in between the perimeter fence and the air fence. It was now 11:30pm, way past my bedtime, we got to the fairgrounds at a little before 5pm, and had seen plenty of racing as well as history. As the track workers were trying to figure out how to get the bike out from between the fences we left to get some sleep, and missed the main event.

Sunday, August 30, 2009

We roll into Ducati Island at about 7:30AM. We go and get more free goodies and giveaways. I’ve now collected 4 free T-shirts, a hat, visor, bag, kick stand plates, a Ducati towel, visor/lens cleaning cloths, and other assorted crap.

Terry goes and test rides a KTM Super Duke, which he likes. All of the KTMs are way too tall for me to feel comfortable test riding in the street. He comes back and tells me it’s ballsy everywhere.

Back at Ducati Island they call the contestants for the Showdown to bring their bikes and park them around the fashion show stage. There ends up being 24 bikes in the show down. Everyone has their cans of “Shine and Go” polishing their bikes and making them shine. I remark to some people that if I tried to clean my bike now, I would just be smearing dirt around. lol.

The judges from DNA come around and ask me a few questions, I don’t even have the chance to get into the real history of my bike. One of the judges, Rich, tells me he was the one that tagged my bike and loved it. I tell him how the only thing left stock on the bike is the plastic piece which surrounds the ignition switch. I spend the morning talking to various people eyeing my bike and answering questions, and general BSing. I’m then told we don’t have to stay by our bikes anymore and we can leave, they’ll call us over when they’re ready. So Terry and I make our way over to get some Bratwurst now, as we know we won’t have much time when the races start to eat. We’re about to sit and eat when Terry gets a call from his dad, they’re calling the owners back to their bikes on the Island. So we rush back still wrapped bratwurst in hand, and they announce the winner of the Best Air-cooled. Next they announced the winner of Best Modified which I didn’t even hear at first as I was still catching my breath from trying to get back. And they called out Michelle… and some version of my last name lol. I got up and accepted my bag of goodies! Woo hoo! I won a nice black canvas and leather Ducati backpack filled with: the 2008 Ducati Yearbook, which is an entire book dedicated to the entire racing history and life(so far) of Troy Bayliss, the 2008/2009 World Superbike book which is published by Perelli, as well as some Perelli stickers, patch, hat and sticker set, a $50 gift certificate for Puma, and a pair of Oakley – Ducati sunglasses which I quickly swap on and love!, I also got a year subscription for Motorcyclist (which I already get for free lol).

Ims da famous: http://www.ducati.com/od/ducatinorthamerica/news/detail.jhtml?newsId=30081

Before the GP race, Kevin Schwantz did a few laps on his 1993 Suzuki RGV 500. I think we were all suprised at how QUIET the bike was in comparison to any of the modern bikes running this weekend.

Here's the Red Bull.... hmmm... I don't even know what to call it. It's an industrial music making vehicle. I WANT ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The GP race was a bit boring after Dani and Valentino crashed out. Valentino crashed in front of us, and we could see that he ran Turn 1 wide trying to match Lorenzo's speed, and then lost it entering Turn 2. Though in a way I was glad that not only Lorenzo won, but that with Valentino not finishing, it makes it more interesting for the next races.

Nicky put in a valiant effort for the Ducati fans finishing on the podium, I think if the race lasted a few more laps I think he would have lost position to Dovisioso since Nicky seemed to be losing steam.

I guess Red Bull does give you wings!!!!

After the race, we said our goodbyes to Terry’s dad and step mom, made our way back to our hotel and caught up on much needed sleep.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Heading back home to NYC: We both have tomorrow off from work as well, so we’re taking our time back home and we’re stopping by the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pinkerton, Ohio. The museum is conveniently right off the highway.

So we stopped by the museum/Hall of Fame. We checked out the bikes on display.

hey it's Lorenzo's bike!!

and the view from the cockpit

Will Smith's MV Agusta and leather jacket from I, Robot.

yeah, I think my arms are just little short for Will Smith's jacket!

Right next to the museum is the AMA headquarters. I walked in and took a chance to try to speak to someone about the situation in NYC. To my surprise, Mr. Imre Szauter, who is the AMA Government Affairs Manager, quickly came down to meet me. I had read/heard his name tossed around as the person that was collecting accounts of police harassment in NYC. I knew he was somewhat involved with our fight against 416A but I didn’t know what they, the AMA were really doing for us if anything. He quickly knew who I was when I told him that I was the person that created the power point presentation. He told me that my presentation played a key role in planting a seed a doubt in Boston, and that they are in the middle of negotiations trying to get the courts to revisit the issue. I told him I’m currently working on a revision of the presentation, as well as a short video, and assured him I would send him a revised copy, which includes new models which work to our advantage. He asked me several times if there was anything that they could do to help us which was reassuring that we indeed do have their help when/ if we need it. I told him that I get the feeling that we have a forward momentum to squash 416A entirely. He told me the same as we’ve been trying to tell people in NYC, that we all need to continue to call our Council Members!!! Tell them that you are a registered voter and constituent, and that you want your Council Member to vote no to 416A!

Brand X: Aug 23 vintage motos!

2009-08-23T22:13:00.004-04:00

Rode over to Brooklyn today, to check out the Brand X: Vintage Japanese Moto event.

Very cool vibe... and very HOT and HUMID.. so for me it was a sweat fest.

and I ask myself... how come I never photograph my bike LOL.

after that I headed into Manhattan with a few others to meet about our fight against 416A.

more Red Bull madness!

2009-08-22T12:41:00.001-04:00

Thunderoil: Aug 15- Aug 17th

2009-08-18T14:28:00.006-04:00

So more trackdays at NJMP for Terry and me.

Saturday was our SVRider.com day, so Terry finished his track SV and brought it to the track.

After the first session, he came in saying the bike isn't running right. "When I have the throttle completely open the fuel is cutting out.. something is wrong.." He presumes there is a problem with the fuel delivery or something and starts taking the gas tank off and blah blah blah. I'm sitting in my chair thinking.. "sounds like he's bouncing off the rev limiter.. but he's obviously not doing that... he should know what he's doing...."....... as it turns out... some one's become a bit spoiled with his 16k RPM redline ZX-6R..DOH! What a jackass lol.

Larry aka RD350 on SVRider, came out with his buddy, Steve on a Hypermotard. I got to play with him for a session, and that was a lot of fun!

So first half of the day sort of sucked. Someone who had their oil changed before the trackday unfortunately doubled up on their washer, and blew oil from pit lane out going into turn 2.. so there was a lot of time lost first thing due to clean up.

Then right before lunch, some jackass in over his head, trying to pass multiple people at Turn 5 high sides at he exit (2 bikes in front of me) and dumps oil on the track as well! WTF!! So early lunch

It was scorchingly HOT out! Which I believe led to many accidents during the weekend. Luckily no one that I knew.

some lunchtime eye candy

after lunch someone crashes again in Intermediate, and Roy calls us into a meeting, trying to figure out what's going on. Some newcomers complain that Intermediate is too fast.... WHAT??
So Roy bumps up some people (Terry, Cru, Sam, and some others to lighten the group).

When I go back out the group is going faster anyway, I think because most of the jackasses had crashed out in the morning. And the guys saying it was too slow they should have been bumped down.
So the rest of the afternoon is a blast.

Last session someone lowsides exiting turn 2 , ending the session, I got that on video....

din din

Sunday we took a skip day to relax and recover. We went to see District 9 which I LOVED!!!

Monday to the track again.

So I participated in Absolute's I-camp, and subsequently got another coach to work with, "Jesse". He showed me some new lines to help me pass people. And overall all the feedback I got from him as well as Roy and others, was I was doing excellent, I was smooth and consistent and it looks like I've pushed my SV to it's limits and perhaps need a faster bike. ;)

shiny compromise

2009-08-13T01:35:00.002-04:00

Don't know how it's going to end up looking on my bike. I think it might be too pretty for it :(

But after polishing the tank to a chrome like finish, it was painful to matte it all out. So I reached a compromise and decided to matte the sides of the tank, and polish the rest.

It's off to the powder-coater next.

oooh shiny! I mean yuck....

2009-08-10T11:26:00.002-04:00

still working on the gas tank. I'm down to 1000 grit now, and starting to get to a mirror finish. It's starting to look like Terry's chromo at some parts of the tank.. and that just won't do. ;)

I'll continue to polish it a bit more, and then bring it down to a matte/satin finish to match my aluminum bits on the bike. Then it goes out to the powder-coater! Can't wait.

watching paint peel.........

2009-08-02T16:05:00.010-04:00

Spending the day at Brooklyn Machine Works again, this time to strip paint off a gas tank. Plans are to clear (powder) coat the raw looking tank, which will truly go with my "industrial" theme of the Monster.

Terry gave me a perfectly good gloss black Monster tank, which he originally got from the moto shop. A few years ago a customer brought a Monster in with a little cosmetic damage and it was "totaled" by the customer's insurance company. Terry ended up with the tank.

I'm using Rock Miracle to strip the paint off the gas tank.

Here's what the gas tank looked like.

Terry had sealed water bottle bosses welded into my gas tank for me so I can mount some old Ducati 250 winged badges.

watching the paint peel... note this is NOT time lapsed! This is how quick this shit works!

This is what the tank looked like after a few applications of Rock Miracle, then rinsed off.

and here's a preview of what's to come.

next step is to clean up and re-finish the surface, then clear powder coat.

Aug 3, 2009

Started cleaning up the tank with a steel wire wheel attached to a drill.

still have some paint chips left to clean up completely, then I'll work to finish the surface uniformly.

some fav videos...and the death of Rivet Riders

2009-07-29T20:05:00.007-04:00

Last year I started up an online forum, Rivet Riders. I started it up to meet fans of industrial music that also rode, in the hopes to help get me going out more again. While I met some cool people, it wasn't enough to motivate me out again LOL. One of the boards on the forum I had created was for posting moto-related and videos and photos, as well as non-moto/ adrenaline junkie videos. I'm closing down RivetRiders, and posting my favorite videos here instead. :)

Ice Racing

Christian Pfeiffer videos:

BMW promo from Erzberg Rodeo

Isle of Man TT 2007 review

BMW motorcycle safety video

urban trials riding: julien dupont

Still 2 wheels

some more adrenaline junkies...

Mountain Wingsuit

Damien Walters

Thunderbolt : July 26th, 27th

2009-07-28T20:01:00.010-04:00

So we headed down to Millville, NJ again for 2 trackdays on Thunderbolt with Absolute.

July 26th, 2009
The first day, we were accompanied by many members of SuspectsUnlimited, as well as some SVRiders and as always some DESMOites. Met some more new people, which is always the case at a trackday! Lots of good people to be found!

These photos were taken by fellow DESMOites. Big thanks to Irene and Martin!!!

Here's one of Terry:

the others of me:

Had an awesome time, even in the hot, sticky, yucky heat... BUT at least it didn't rain as predicted the whole week prior. These two trackdays, I set out to work on passing, and feeling comfortable anywhere on the track, so it was more about playing and having fun, and less about staying "on the line". I felt very comfortable, most everywhere but tired easy!

July 27, 2009

Looked like it was going to be a wet one, but once again the weather gods were good to us!! The only rain we saw was at lunch time. The track was dry by the time the first group was called to go out! The track was almost empty compared to the previous day, and there was a nice breeze which made the day much more comfortable. Too bad we were both already exhausted from the day before.

video:

It's alive!!

2009-07-05T08:10:00.010-04:00

My Monster.. reborn again.

back in March 2009 we stripped the stock wiring harness out of the bike

new mods:
2002 wiring harness ripped out and replaced with a
2000 wiring harness, with a 2001 ECU.

The regulator rectifier had to be moved from the rear of the bike to the front due to the different year wiring harness used.

we fabbed a tray for the rear electronics

Shock sock, I don't run a mud guard, so hopefully this will help my rear shock to stay a little healthier.
KOSO gauges were installed

Bit o' BMW bling! BIG THANKS to all the guys at Brooklyn Machine Works for helping!

They welded tabs for the regulator rectifier, as well as welded my relocated rear coil mount.

Also lots of suggestion, and moral support!!!!!!! Big thanks to Joe for allowing us to keep the bike in his shop for so many months and allowing full use of it!

Headers wrapped
the British gas mask was replaced with a smaller Canadian gas mask...

Tony's Trackday @ Thunderbolt Videos :June 15, 2009

2009-06-18T14:33:00.006-04:00

Monday, June 15, 2009

Tony's Trackday @ NJMP- Thunderbolt course.

Here's some video of the day.

Video of Terry showing how to pass people in the Intermediate group.
He catches Pat early in this one, and then the trains stuck behind the 2 BMWs

More of Terry riding in Intermediate and following me about 1/3 of the way into the video I easily get stuck behind people and don't have the confidence to pass people, especially with all the complaints from the riders.

Terry catching Cru, but it's the end of a session, too bad Cru's camera wasn't recording....

Last session of the day, in Intermediate w/Terry's camera mounted with rear view.

some photos