The Road Was All Mine!

What a lonely road this is - isn't it? It's really the motorcyclists dream. No cars, no traffic lights, no interference - just the road and the ride!

Recently I took a fabulous road trip on the bike. It seemed to really unfold its adventure a few hours north of Toronto, once I crossed onto the Bruce Peninsula. I was off to explore the Georgian Bay Coastal Route. I couldn’t believe I’d not been on these roads until now! The nature and superb riding conditions could not have been better! Oddly, and I believe I'm timing this perfectly -on the anniversary of the classic film "The Wizard of OZ" (12 August 1939) - one of the films many and special messages kept rolling over in my mind ..."you need never look further than your own back yard". True enough Dorothy!

Here's the full story - "Make Your own Discoveries- Ride Georgian Bay" - I hope you'll enjoy it and venture to the area to make a few of your own. And be sure to give me a call so I can join you. ;-)

Making A Female Statement @ MOTO GP INDIANAPOLIS

If you know me, you’ll recall the teasing I did last season with regard to the MotoGP venue Indy. I had achieved full media accreditation for this American race venue in August and was so excited about attending! Plus, BMW Motorrad Canada given me a F800ST inclusive panniers to ride to Indianapolis on. I went alone, but was meeting up with Dutch friends (Frank pictured announcing live to NL in the broadcasting room Indy --what a great view!). It took one day (in the rain) from Toronto to Indianapolis. It was the same back from Indy, one day where at least the weather was superb!

Well, I had the best time! Hung out with good and very much missed Dutch friends, and enjoyed a dinner with the Dutch 125cc race team—what fun! There were so many others I knew. My access allowed me to be upfront with Rossi, Hayden, Mamola, Lorenzo and more as you might imagine. Note the pic of Rossi, I took while standing right in front of the bike!

After returning home I discovered the local columnist, Tim Rivers whom I had spoken to published a pretty good article in local Kokomotribune. Even though this happened last summer (I must find a way to get these things more promptly posted) I thought I’d share it in my blog. I hope you enjoy the read and the pics too!

::: In its 61st season, MotoGP is growing Interest of women cyclists can’t be ignored The International spectacle of motorcycle racing attracts fans from many walks of life. The globetrotting league known as the FIM (Federation Internationale de Motorcyclisme) was founded in 1949. In 2008, MotoGP celebrated its 60th season. It is the oldest motorsports championship in the world. More than 2.4 million fans watched 18 MotoGP events in 14 countries in 2008. MotoGP earns its international status naturally by starting the season off in Qatar and then jetting to Spain, Portugal, China, France, Italy, back to Spain, England, the Netherlands, Germany, the United States, the Czech Republic, back to Italy, back to the United States, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, and finishing up in Spain.

Even the 2008 Indianapolis MotoGP event, which was pounded with bad weather, was fairly successful. The 28-lap race was stopped at lap 20 amidst winds of up to 60 miles per hour and the pounding rain. The riders were disappointed that the race did not run its full course. One has to question their sanity, running at high speeds in those conditions. It certainly illustrates their commitment to the sport. Fans still showed up to eventually see Valentino Rossi of Italy win the 2008 Indianapolis GP at an average speed of 84.201 mph. By comparison, this year’s winner, Jorge Lorenzo of Spain, completed the race with an average speed of 192.75 miles per hour. Alex de Angelis of Italy became the first rider to break the 200 miles per hour barrier with a speed of 201.3 miles per hour. Each race was exciting but for different reasons. The 2008 race was a daring display of skill in the face of disaster brought on by the foul weather.

This year, with good weather, the race was more characteristic of a normal MotoGP event with higher speeds and fierce competition providing the excitement. Much like Formula One, fans are loyal and devoted to their rider or motorcycle manufacturer. Often wearing team colors or waving their favorite rider’s national flag, it takes little imagination to figure out their favorites. In a sport dominated by men, inevitably, the question arises as to how many women have graced the MotoGP circuit.

There have been only four women in the last 20 years to compete in FIM events and of those, only one (Gina Bovaird of the U.S.) has ever taken to the 500cc MotoGP class. According to Vicki Gray, Director of Motoress.com, more women are getting involved in motorcycling of all types. A quick visit to her website explains the mindset: “Our philosophy is inspired by free-spirited, positive thinking individuals who are optimistic, sympathetic, determined, open-minded, inspiring, non-conformist and fun. Simply said — Motoress is an attitude, a lifestyle, a woman, a ride.” Indeed, there is a growing number of women interested in motorcycling and they have a qualified voice in Motoress.com. Gray is quite the accomplished motorcyclist, having ridden her BMW to the race from Toronto. She’s also a motorcycle racer, instructor, coach, and columnist who has been riding since 1983.

According to Motoress.com, a recent press release from the American Motorcycle Industry Council with regard to their current Owner Survey and though not complete preliminary findings verify the increase of women riders. Through the first three quarters of 2008 the survey was finding a 29 percent increase in the percentage of female owners, compared to 2003. That last survey found that 9.6 percent of owners were women. Over the first nine months of 2008, the number had grown to 12.4 percent. This is likely the most substantial rider segment of growth in their findings which is logical if you compare the growth of women in other segments such as single home owners and business operators. One thing is for certain, whether it’s NASCAR, IRL, F1 or MotoGP, eventually a woman is going to appear on the scene and school all of the “good ol’ boys” at their own sport. I’m looking forward to this, it should be entertaining.

MOTORCYCLE NEW YEAR WISHES 2009

Someone once said-- the New Year is another chance to “get right” all the stuff you didn’t last year! Lucky us!
Looking forward at this new year, the fact that we're starting off economically challenged, observing more evidence of the not-so-positive reality causes me to recall a true Dutch and practiced value-- “less is more”. I think this “less is more” philosophy just might be the ticket to getting us through the concerns that surround us; prepare us for challenging times ahead. With Ducati not participating in the Canadian Thunder race series this year and cancelling out of BSB (British Superbikes)—Kawasaki announcing its discontinuance in MotoGP (can’t believe that one!) its proving to be a crazy year ahead in motorsport.

There’s such a buzz in the motorcycling industry, among others, reflecting concerns for motorcycling—some say it’s a luxury and will suffer, where others state motorcycling excels in tough times. These questions were put to me during a recent interview for a Clutch and Chrome podcast—how I personally felt it may affect the activity.

Well, we need it. Certainly we’ll elect common sense, caution and may not opt for that 2009 model upgrade or the new Akrapovic exhaust (darn!). Perhaps try to get another year out of our riding suit, even though we’d love a gear fashion upgrade. It’s my opinion we'll continue to enjoy our riding—its really our survival outlet and there’s no better way to get away from it all than when riding, absorbed, focused by the road.

Indeed a ride costs a bit of gas expense (thank goodness for the drop in gas prices!) and even if our rides might need to be shorter, our track days fewer, knowing that motorcycling is part of our life, seeing our bike standing in the garage or the driveway is a great inspiration of escape.

I’m sure you’ll agree, it’s the simple sensation--
the “less” that gives us all that “more”.

Best wishes to you and yours for a most joyful and healthy New Year!
May you continue to ride along the road of your dreams in 2009!
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And remember you’re the one steering!

WOMEN BLAZING TRAILS FOR A CAUSE

Already a few weeks ago, 4 October (I really don’t know where time goes), early Ontario Saturday morning—I joined up with about twenty other enthusiastic women trail riders and their motorcycles. We gathered for our riders meeting which would set off the fifth annual fundraiser--“Megs Ride”.

THANK YOU MOTORESS SUPPORTERS —your contributions helped MEGS RIDE exceed goals! This “women’s only” event is hosted by Ontario’s Northumberland Trail Riders Club (NTR) with the purpose of raising funds for the Northumberland Chemo Clinic in honour of their member, Meg Thorburn. Meg’s been battling a rare form of cancer called leiomyosarcoma (currently in remission). This year the club had to finance the ride themselves as previous sponsors couldn't assist—but still succeeded in doubling the amount raised in 2007, exceeding their grand total goal of $35,000.

The trails were laid out by NTR members throughout the Northumberland Forest just outside of Centreton Ontario—the men are usually busy with the logistics supporting the women for this ride. A big “shout out” to the fine fellows in attendance (though not allowed to ride) —great to make your acquaintance! The route took us through nearly 90 kilometres, a full morning and afternoon of terrain that off road riders dream about. The routes were shown by either orange (basic experience level) or pink (more challenging level) arrows, taking riders up hills, and down again, through open space bush lined gravel trails. We rode over fallen trees, stacked logs, rocks and washed out ground as a result of this season’s record breaking rainfall. Lunch was served mid day at a clearing halfway through the woods—indeed that warm soup went down well, it was only 13 degrees, only felt when stopped of course.

BMW Motorrad Canada provided me with a 2009 “just out of the crate” BMW G450X—their enduro /motocross model which was awesome to ride. Light handling, smooth and plenty torque---"oh la la" reminding me it had been two seasons since my last true off road adventure. The G450X was a wee bit on the high side for me, some management required to climb aboard, but really a non-issue especially after making suspension adjustments. And you know, off-road riding has really no traffic pressure worries, so having both feet on the ground isn't so relevant to your riding control. You don’t have to remain between lines or stop at designated markings--your usual road riding concerns disappear. It’s just you, the woods--oh yes, and scurrying chipmunks along with the occasional rabbit and fellow riders. Initially I thought the bikes weight to be no trouble, its only 120 kg (dry weight) or 265 lbs. But later discovered I did need help getting out of a few falls especially the manner in which the bike ended up on the ground-super fun-ny! Admittedly, I’m still taking care of the broken back that occurred last year, so wasn’t going to take any chances where’s that concerned.

We could not have asked for a better day--a perfect sunny Canadian Autumn ride staged amidst a colourful forest backdrop; accompanied by the fabulous camaraderie of the NTR club riders/members. Hope you’ll join us next year!

Special thanks to Kevin Virag for being there and capturing us in his lens.

WOMEN ATTACK TARMAC AT MOSPORT RACE VENUE

Saturday 20 July 2008: Yesterday I enjoyed the historic Mosport track race day where the Canadian National Race series staged the first races of the "double header" weekend, race 3 & 4 in the series of 7. Unfortunately I had to pick between Saturday or Sunday due to work commitments so I attended Saturday’s venue namely due to a rainy and wet Sunday prediction, which held true. Always exciting thrills in Canadian racing—some real talent and the organizers PMP put on a terrific event. Along side the action, I always enjoy meeting up with many familiar faces-- Deeley Harley-Davidson, BMW, Kawasaki (enjoyed the day with a good and long time friend of Canadian Kawasaki Motors Canada) Pirelli, my colleagues at Inside Motorcycles, Suzuki and even Ducati Owners Club. At the same event BMW held their 2nd "SummerFest" hosting test rides/demos, rider training, live music and just plan 'ole Bavarian socializing.

It was terrific to be entertained with some exciting race battles and to see the BMW HP Sport racebikes in action along with the Buell 1125R--magnificent!


There were also the NCR Ducati’s—exciting stuff in a Canadian racing arena and observing Ducati's Italian rider import, Valter Bartolini (arranged through Ducati North America). At first sighting him, on track, his small build and blondish long hair in pony tail could have been mistaken for a woman, if one didn’t know any better—yes, one day eventually it will be a woman on an NCR Ducati!

The Women's Cup Challenge race had a total of 9 contenders (2 DNS) of the combined expert and novice class where Genevieve Lesieur placed first in the expert division, yet I can’t determine who won for the Novice class yet. The picture below shows the first row start with Kahuna Kawasaki's Vicki Schouten in pole position. See our MOTORESS news article for the rest of the Women's Cup challenge results.


Mosport main track is exciting—we watched mostly from the back fast straight that comes into corner 8 —exciting maneuvers happening just before the corner especially in the Superbike and 600 class. The tracks' lap record was made in 2005 at 1:21.160 and is still held by Pascal Picotte which he achieved on his 2005 Yamaha YZF-R6. Mosport Road Racing track is 3.9 kms in length, with 10 turns running, as most circuits do, clockwise.