TREMBLANT TERRIFIC

Last weekend (25-26 August) as a member of Ducati Owners Club Canada (DOCC) I decided to join in and visit the rally weekend at Quebec's Mont Tremblant even though I'm not able to ride (as you might know I've a fractured back) a circuit is a great place to hang out. There's never a lack of chat about riding, mechanics, the components of some of the old/new machines and just mingle with like-minded enthusiasts--which I did with total pleasure. I had not been able to hang out with my fellow Ducatisti this year, nor have I ever been to Circuit Mont Tremblant so I took this venue's opportunity to indulge,

It took me 7 hours to drive from Toronto to the circuit (when living in The Netherlands, I'd have already been to Paris and on!), all of which went by rather quickly. The drive North from Montreal to Mont Tremblant Saturday was accompanied by very low cloud ceiling, fog and rain. I couldn't really see the surroundings until Sunday morning—and what a welcomed sight! Beautiful hills and trees and the circuit faultless, challenging--4.26 kms of pleasure riding!

One of the Ducati board members, also working in the paddock volunteering for the weekend, told me of the tracks owner. It’s just an interest for him, not a profit venture--owning this circuit was no different than having a swimming pool in your backyard. If he decided during the DOCC event that he wanted to take his Ferrari out for a test run, he could very well arrive and tell everyone to go home. If someone would dispute him while pointing out “we’ve paid for the weekend” they’d receive a response such as “well, I’ll give you your money back”—and he would proceed to test his Ferrari closing down access to everyone else. Funny, yet I thought to myself why not—if you owned a track this would be your prerogative non?

Once home and viewing photos I collected in my camera, I decided to publish even those not quite in focus--still fun to view. Note to self: take more photos next time! Some of our group at dinner (in an old train station) would have been fun to share.

As for next year, oh yes I’ll be exploring from my sport bike seat!

I think out of the 3 tracks I’ve seen in Canada, Mont Tremblant looks to be my favourite so far.

Check out my PHOTOGALLERY where many shots gave me a smile as I related to the thrills riders enjoyed as they cornered their way 'round Quebec's terrific Mont Tremblant. Enjoy!

BRING ON THE FROST

It’s been a quick long summer. This weekend, Canada's long weekend (Monday is a holiday) marks the unofficial end of it—back to school and so forth. It also means riding season is coming to a close. I must honestly say I''ll be relieved--it's been so difficult not being able to ride this year--yes it sounds selfish, honestly however, it means for me I'm getting closer to riding again.

Fourteen weeks ago I fractured my back and could no longer ride–heavens I could hardly walk. At the six week mark x-ray I was told the fracture had enlarged and the bone had collapsed more! I was told I might need surgery and the news I dreaded most, that I would not be riding again this season. I returned my sponsored Ducati 1098S and my KYMCO Bet & Win 150cc scooter—-you can imagine how this hurt more than the actual injury. At the same time, I understood, it’s logical, no possibility of me being able to ride.

Two weeks ago I had another x-ray, I felt I had improved, and sure enough the news was good; the fracture had not changed. This meant it was no longer getting worse but starting to mature. Thank goodness. But still no running, no lifting, roller blading, just minimal activity. The pains' been indicating this to me.

Yes, bring on the frost then I’ll be in the same dilemma as any other rider--unable to ride due to road conditions, not because of an injury (because it will have healed) impatient for the arrival of spring.

TRACK DAY GALLERY ONLINE :)

I've succeeded in getting up a user friendly photo gallery -- even with slide show if you wish! There are about 65 pictures ready for your viewing of the recent track day at Mosport!

I was able to get inside the circuit and try my hand at a few action photos. The marshals approved as long as I avoided the "impact zones" (North American term?). I'm pleased with the results! I couldn't walk too far into the track as my injury still makes [too much] walking difficult. I settled in the entrance cornering area which had me shooting mostly against the sun (no SLR camera). I'm real pleased at the ride-by shots--my new camera isn't too bad at all.

Just click the rider image (participant Shana) to go to the gallery.
Enjoy!

TRACK DAY GROOVE

Can’t believe its one month since the last time I’ve written in my blog. I could use the ole' "time flies when you’re having fun" cliché because the past weeks I've spent planning some great stuff for the track day (this past Sunday) which has been, yes, enjoying near all my attention.

It was a superb day--rewarding for me to see so many people, riders of various styles having a blast on the track. The first component is weather, and we had it—on the warm side in the afternoon, yet heat, dry, sun equals track day fun, warm tyres and grip. There were those who were more expert such as Peter Marcelli from Team Suzuki OTSFF Pro Supermoto competitor and those such as Shana and Lis who had not yet experienced track life. Even though I was not able to ride my Ducati 1098S—I fed off the exhilaration and excitement of those who were able to. In addition, my focus was to assist, aid, and in any manner possible add to riding experiences.

It's amazing how much can be seen by observing. In fact when I took the California Superbike School, 3 day camp in Almeria Spain, I’d already been racing for 5 years. Their video camera pointed out quite some sit position and body input factors that needed adjusting. Once known I could address it and boy were there improvements!

As an instructor there are many things I can see by watching riders. When they roll off before a corner, when they apply braking, at what point they turn in, what line, body positioning in a corner, where they look, elbows, steering inputs acceleration points, shift points, how the suspension reacts, much to examine. So even though I wasn’t out there myself I was able to coach. Riding on the track is fun; more fun however is leaving it a better rider, an improved rider than when you arrived.

No matter the level, there’s always something to work on, something to challenge yourself to. I like to get riders focused on a goal and am renowned for this even during my European race weekends. I’d ask my race colleagues what their plan was for this race—I think the guys (90% of my competitors were men) really didn’t being prompted--I caused them to think! Those that didn’t have a plan always replied “to go fast and win” whereas I worked on the entire week prior on specific corners that I had challenges with where with different tactics I could reduce seconds in; thought about suspension changes that might affect handling in specific areas. How could I knock off seconds and where.

When a rider goes to a track day (first timers excluded), having a plan or an idea of what needs work, improving, is a good thing. Track time is expensive and limited. Sure, you might say it’s a day to play, yet isn’t part of the fun the new stuff you learn taking you to yet another level of skill meaning more pleasure?!

We all had a blast! I personally enjoyed making the acquaintance of many wonderful riders and personalities--sharing the fun with TEAM KYMCO CANADA and having an exceptional bunch of people around me helping out. I’ll get the photos on the website shortly.