Jennings, Day 9

I wake up with Steve driving the RV to the track at 6:30am. Actually it was 7:30..the time had changed the night before. We arrive at the track and plug into some power, unload the bikes and sign all our forms. It was cold!

Before we knowit, we hear an announcement for a riders meeting. Steve films it and Mike takes some photos.

A few of the guys offered at dinner last night to change my tires with tire irons, since there would be no trackside tire service today. They put the bike on tire warmers and the new tires on warmers as well, to make the rubber more pliable. Here are my tires on their handlebars:

I help remove the wheels and Steve films the tire change:

Before getting on the track, we had to film several interviews. It was too bloody cold to ride in the morning anyway.

Me interviewing Pete, my voice is off camera

More of Pete’s interview

We also interview a guy named Tom. He is 70 years young and the nicest guy ever you could ever wish to meet. He has friends everywhere and is manic about riding, racing and motorcycles in general.

We rig a bike up and I film Tom and Pete for a session. Tom is just ripping! He is just an awesome guy.

Gary from BMW arrives and rides the 2nd Honda. I film him for a while. Then Pete films the both of us riding together (footage didn’t turn out, Pete’s suspension was so stiff the camera shook too much). Finally I get cut loose and can ride a few sessions. I have a blast running around with everyone.

Steve gets to ride later in the day, it’s his first time on a 600 and second time at the track. He does pretty darn good considering. Pete leads him around and I film him for 4 or 5 laps, just so he can see himself and critic his own riding. In the last session of the day, he gets his knee down for the first time ever. He is ecstatic for the rest of the trip.

We ride until the very last session, then pack up and hit the road for home.