BLIND DATE WITH A GP RS125

I’ve now tried out a true GP Bike! A Honda RS125 two-stroke, 1996 (not so old is it?). All arranged by Dave Hughes. Its not one of Dave’s own, a friends loaner just to see how it and I get along--a blind date you could say. We were able to use John Dempsey’s on track facilities and I drove up from Toronto same day as did Dave (4am wake up for me).

Due to delays in registration I missed two morning sessions yet was able to get out there just before lunch in my masters/vintage/GP class for all of--13 minutes (as was each session that day). First time I'd ever been on Shannonville track, admittedly my track "frame of mind" was rusty—hadn’t been on the circuit since Mosport last August 2006. On top of that was the added endeavour of trying out a two stroke—captivatingly different and as I later discovered, oh so addictive.

After a few laps I started to understand Shannonville’s pro track lines as I aimed to keep the wee 125 in its ultimate power band. I had to watch its temperature gauge as if it went above 60 degrees I had to come into the pits. I struggled at trying to get a feel for the gear range/its power-band and the bikes braking, without using the engine (as in my former Husqvarna 250 two stroke off road bike) and its equipped one front disc brake. The bike was beautifully light--that took little to get use to! And yes, the RS had to be pushed to start and if you didn’t keep it idling yourself, it stalled (also out on the track when in the wrong power).With all this in my rusty basket, goes without saying-I was slow. When I came in I wasn’t displaying much "fun" factor—too many things settling around in my mind. Plus I had "sit" challenges which kept me sliding around on the bike—mostly forward. When my derriere was against the back of the seat all fitted and manoeuvred well. To fix this we folded up John’s rain suit and using race tape, attached it to the tank acting as a big cushion preventing me from sliding forward (the beer belly affect). I observed already that the classic, vintage and truly experienced motorsporters/riders think much differently than "modern machinery" riders—a mindset that’s always about adapting the motorcycle to the individual--something I've come to understand during my first racing year.

Out I went again, this time better. My fake "beer belly" kept me in the seat and I started to get a feel for managing the two stroke methods—learning, learning yes, that’s what it’s all about. I think I had a total of 5 sessions--I stole some laps in the novice sessions taking advantage of all the time I could get on the bike. I felt the novice class riders would have more patience for my starter lap times than the others (all were practicing for the regional competition this weekend). Most the bikes around me were new model 600’s.

The defining moment occurred while entering one particular corner and my speed was as high if not higher than the particular 600’s in the corner with me--BUT I WAS ON A 125cc! A great feeling. I've always understood the higher corner speed abilities of the lighter bikes, in fact on a 125cc and a 250cc you learn high speed cornering. To actually experience it, impressive! With more experience on the bike, I could very easily give the "big bikes" a run. Especially on Shannonville as from what I can see, it’s not a real fast track it’s about cornering speed, entrance and exit skills.

Another habit requiring adjusting was getting on the full throttle before the exit of a corner. No wheel spin as there's just not enough hp--the bike had maybe 60hp. I hadn't even taken this into account as I’ve been so conditioned with supersport 600 racing tactics. What a confident feeling when you realize this.

Last session progression was evolving and I was more relaxed; the smiles were big! Still slow, compared to others, I blame my lack of practise over the past 24 months, yet there was one big bike rider I was able to overtake--good for the ole' esteem.

Most certainly I'm loving the sensation of the GP HondaRS125 two stroke--what a kick, so very different from all I've experienced or know.
So Dave--may I have some more?
PS--thanks Michelle [Duff] you are the one who set this all in play.

HAPPINESS IS . . .

. . . a post-box full of National Female Ride Day photo submissions from across Canada and the United States. Each photo portrays the delight and enthusiasm enjoyed in this activity ---motorcycling.

Not only that, the photo here was one submitted on the CD by Clare’s Cycle & Sports Ltd in Fenwick Ontario, showing the T-shirt they designed and produced especially for NATIONAL FEMALE RIDE DAY. The logo is incorporated ---brilliant!
How fortunate being the recipient!

FLUSTERED BY A BUNCHA MOTORESS'ES

During National Female Ride Day, after the kick off at the beginning of our Toronto city ride—we, the females (and a few accompanying males) experienced an incident that's been supplying us with giggles ever since.

Here we are, a modest sized group of motorcycles, admittedly looking impressive. The young urban fashioned KYMCO team--the Benelli custom designed "cafe racer", Robin’s downtown film trés feminine style on her Harley Davidson and my MOTORESS DUCATI 1098S. A pack of motorcycle riders on a downtown Friday morning rush hour--a sight to draw attention amidst the usual bustle.

As we departed the Princes' Gates heading city North, passing under the downtown expressway, a fellow motorcyclist was stopped on the shoulder, curbside of the on coming traffic lane. His motorcycle had stalled and he was attempting to kick start it. He had his left foot on the ground and was leaning to the right, against the road side curb (actually sidewalk) as he attempted to steady the bike and kick-it into operation. It was some type of retro motorcycle. In the midst of kick-starting, along we came captivating his attention on the other side of the street. He kicked the bike, looked at us, looked back, looked at us, looked back at what he was doing, but is was too late—in a chaotic scramble for balance and coordination, over he fell! It was as a classic slap stick comedy routine—whoa WHOA, WHOA, over he went overcome by our approach.

We were laughing and laughing! Not intending to be cruel, it was just plain funny. The fella didn't have far to fall—the motorcycle was already leaned over somewhat against the curb while trying to kick start it. Certainly there'll be a scrape or two, nothing significant.

A priceless memento on Female Ride Day.
Still "giggling"--you too Carol Anne? (no that's not him in the picture)

National Female Ride Day-to-Remember

What a beautiful National Female Ride Day Toronto kick off last Friday May 4th under a glorious blue Friday sky at the Canadian National Exhibition entrance—the Princes’ Gates lending to a superb back drop and an easily accessed city location.

Women riders arrived from outside Toronto North, East and West to participate and share in the kick off. RTI (rider training Institute) management, also a sponsor of the campaign joined in. Then KYMCO Canada arrived with the team, the branded truck, their scooters. Bob Calwell, Kawasaki's Sales Manager arrived from Guelph en route to head office but stayed to join in the kick off as well. When I arrived at 7.15, City TV was already waiting to get this on film. Then Inside Motorcycles showed up and well we had a wonderful supportive group.

After the kick off we went on a city tour, very challenging on an early Friday morning—should have been called a city stop light tour as all we did was sit at traffic lights.
After the city riding we headed to the BEACH where we had breakfast. After, everyone dispersed going on required ways. I went riding around the city and stopped at a few dealerships. Ducati Toronto/Lamborghini who noted all the goings on this morning by Princes’ Gates. Then later by Cycle Canada where I spied the National Female Ride Day poster hanging in their entrance window. I spoke to a sales guy inside and mentioned it was National Female Ride Day today; he said, “Yes that’s right, I know all about it”.

A little later a phone call came in from Global TV saying they caught about 15 women pulling away from a stop sign and wanted more details of the day. Later I saw their TV bit on the evening news, they had captured and interviewed some members of the famous MOTOR MAIDS.

The Ottawa Citizen released an article on 4 May which enabled many females who still hadn’t’ heard about the day, to get out there on their motorcycles.

Many women riders enjoyed the day—their details including photos are arriving. Astounding to say the least. Some with a little story and many accompanying thanks for initiating such a day. I've even received a photo from Jackie, from the Ottawa area, of herself and her 1952 Harley—she had learned to ride in 1949. Brilliant!

Then there are the “VTwin Mama’s” in America who not only participated but also had members include a pink flower in their photo— terrific contrast. A delicate pink flower and the power of the motorcycle.

Yes very rewarding, the first National Female Ride Day a great success—awareness heightened, spotlight brightened as it shone on the varieties of women riders, all ages and all types.
National Female Ride Day also made obvious the numbers of women riders—those new to the activity and those who’ve been motorcyclists for most part of their lives.

One remark that's been shared in many of the emails is that next year should be international —this was always the plan so yes, International Female Ride Day 2008 May 2nd.

NATIONAL FEMALE RIDE DAY MOJO

This Friday is the first ever National Female Ride Day, an initiative of MOTORESS —something I’ve wanted to make happen for some years now. It’s going to take place every year on the first Friday of May, and will eventually be International Female Ride Day.

The response, the enthusiasm, the support from women motorcyclists throughout Canada and unpredictably, the United States has gone far beyond my expectations.
The day and I can say this based on the hundreds of emails and responses, is very well received --embraced by women riders everywhere. I consider myself fortunate as I get to view every email and comment--motivating.

Today in the postbox, I received a copy of the May/June 2007 Canadian publication called MOTORCYCLE MOJO. It was sent to me by editor Glenn Roberts to view a readers response in their ‘say what?’ section. I've scanned it and included the photo here--very nice.

Then, an associate of mine suggested I “GOOGLE” National Female Ride Day—and voila! The buzz that’s going on within forums, websites, blogs and the plans being put into place —excellent.
Even the website is busy with visitors, inquiries, viewings and today again hit over 1100 individual unique visitors—imagine outside your front door, 1100 people stand and in one click, enter your domain to look around every room. Now those numbers are ever greater!

So, Friday we ride, to work, to school, to meet friends—solo or in groups. National Female Ride Day brings all styles, forms, ages and brands together--that’s exactly the idea because at the end of the day, it’s quite simply about motorcycling and being female.