So I finally got a chance to ride my new track toy, Ducati 749R. The bike is phenomenal. I am not. Let’s start with the list of excuses:

• I haven’t been on the track or a proper sport bike in 5 years
• Brand spanking new leathers that I got before I gained 20 lbs
• Brand new boots
• Extremely cold and foggy conditions, resulting in slippery pavement
• New bike
• New gloves
• New socks
• New back protector
• New everything else
• Old me

It was really cold and wet in the morning, very few people got out for the first session. When I finally got myself together and decided to suit up, it was almost noon. To my surprise the leathers didn’t go on as smoothly as I planned. After some struggling somehow I managed to squeeze in. Boots took another 30 minutes because I wasn’t exactly flexible, every time I would bend I had to hold my breath. When they called my group (intermediate) I tried to throw my leg over the bike, without much luck. When I finally got on the Duck and rode onto the track, I felt like I’m riding with full cast. I couldn’t move at all, feeling frozen at every corner. Bikes that cost 1/10th of my 749R were lapping me with ease and I was blushing with embarrassment. By the end of the day it got a little better, but I still had problems, the bike kept running wide. I assumed it was preload problem but when I got off the bike and looked at my rear tire it became clear that I simply wasn’t leaning it enough. Hey, I’m having the same problems Nicky Hayden was having at recent Jerez test I doubt he has chicken strips though.

It is clear that I need to get back into shape. If I’m able to move freely on the bike my mojo will come back quick as I used to run in the fast group all the time. Since starting my business several months, I spend most of my time sitting in front of a computer, and it takes toll on my body. I think I already found possible solution if not inspiration: http://journal.drfaulken.com/beachbodycom-p90-6-day-fat-burning-express-home-workout-review/

This entry was posted on Monday, December 15th, 2008 at 4:41 pm and is filed under Racing, Motorcycles, Street, Riding, Gear, Life, Learning. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.