MISSING ASSEN

Me, here in Toronto and my motor sport friends, racers, riders, instructors, manufacturers, press officers, all enjoying the 9th MotoGP this year, TT Circuit ASSEN—just over one week ago.

It’s a different sphere in Assen than World Super Bike, for some reason the MotoGP attracts the real “die hard” fans. Only once did I have to watch the GP from outside the track parameters—quite a wildness. The years that followed, never again. I was either assisting wild card rider friends or interviewing riders like Katja Poensgen—I never had to see the “other side” as I liked to call it.

Now to be on this side of the ocean, when all but 90 minutes once put me in the Assen paddock. Here where I can’t yet manage to catch a live sending of the race--maddening! Living in a country where most have no idea of what top level motor sport is all about-such a contrast to what I've been use to. But I have many fascinating memories and friends who send me personal reports--I manage to ignite the feelings of being there, from afar.

Here’s a pic of Valle in his early HONDA days—my girlfriend got his attention and then snap! I had spoken with him earlier (PS--note the Ducati Corse jacket--I was part of the MCT Ducati team). The big screen in the background showing the many umbrellas—it rained often in Assen. Ah the ambiance, the noise, the cheering, the mud in the parking lot, the amazing sounds of the GP bikes when they passed start/finish...OH–MY-GOD! Totally out of this world.

Usually I had a race of mine own shortly after the GP had been to town and all the lines and curb stones on the track had been repainted-- a vivid reminder of the talents that had been through the very same corners not so many days ago.

Rossi won again. He loves Assen its been quoted often. A track designed just for motorcycle racing. Then to see Chris Vermeulen on pole! I thought, this made sense, he knows Assen from his former years with Ten Kate. He spent much time and many laps on the circuit during non racing events etc. I recall one, I was working at the time with Ten Kate/Honda, where they hosted a family fun weekend. Chris along with Karl Muggeridge took passengers on the new CBR-RR’s pillion for a lap or two round the track. Chris showed off the 1000RR where top speeds went to 300kms.

And yes that’s Capirossi during a tour of Amsterdam’s diamond district (courtesy Press Assen/W.Lute). I'd say "I do" to his GPDucati any day in place of that big ole' diamond.

Rossi looked fantastic in his new colour scheme. (photo courtesy Press Assen/W.Lute) Did you notice the top of his helmet was an old 45 record and the back seems to have some kind of Elvis figure—rock and roll, yes he’s the king.

BLISS IN FEMALE RIDERS SMILES

Have you ever noticed how anytime a woman is photographed aside, on, or with her motorcycle bliss radiates through her smile? You sense the happiness, you feel it. The emotion comes directly through the camera's lens portraying excitement, pleasure, pride, and her love of the activity. Just have a look at the National Female Ride Day photos!

Here's one photo in particular, a recent favourite I captured of fellow rider friend Andrea Goodman. In the mirror is a happy, enthusiastic face. Even though Andrea is always positive and an incredibly good natured person with a contagious laugh, I caught her "havin' fun feeling" reflection in her own motorcycle mirror. This was just prior to moving off for the yearly WROAR ride (Women Ride Out Against Rape), 10 June Toronto. The photo also shows the background image of another female participant as she heads out to join the main group.

I’m reminded of one of my own photo moments while exiting famed seaside Dutch Zandvoort Circuit spring 1999 —after my very first race!

I had a Ducati 750ssc at the time and this picture taken on 2 May 1999 captured the true "high" I was on. Now so many racing years later, I recollect those 12 laps of sheer adrenaline induced motorsport pleasure!

The smile you see under my helmet was an uncontrolled product of numerous genuine feelings, not a pose for the camera -- the very day I became hooked on racing.

KYMCO Scooter Received

Scooter life has begun! I received my new KYMCO Bet & Win 150cc scooter yesterday with custom MOTORESS design inclusive logo and star design--fantastic. It had but 2km showing on the odometer.

Convinced a friend of mine with his Vintage Honda 125cc scooter to join me on an urban, inner city "scoot". It was but 3 degrees Celsius, chilly--yet we explored downtown Toronto. We "scooted" and had many laughs as we cruised along downtown's' Yonge Street--its simply a fun form motorcycling. We went to the heart of Yorkville an upscale trendy area of the city. Zipping here and there, so easily done. TWIST AND GO. The scooter manner, being that you feel as though sitting on a chair with wheels. Your legs and feet snugly yet freely mobile behind the scooter front shield.

You may think in reading this that I've not ever been on a scooter before--not the case. I'd just not been on a 150cc scooter in, nor on one on the road for many years.

I tested its stopping power (emergency stop) and brakes are excellent, smooth, responsive--kind, not aggressive. A quiet ride as well, hardly hear the motor. I did however like the click sound the turn indicators made when in use. These you could hear and I felt this a bonus feature they remind you to if you've indicated or cancelled after use. Handling, turning an absolute ease.

Going to be a fun summer as a city dweller with my KYMCO scooter. Plus I filled the gas tank. The cost was $7.00CAD and gas is rather expensive right now $1.01 per litre. Parking in Toronto is free as well.
I did however keep pushing my right foot down each time I came to a stop--habitual street riding use of a rear brake :)

Testing Vintage with Michelle Duff

Fun ahead as I finished a telephone conversation with Mr. Hughes regarding testing his classic GP motorcycles on Shannonville Race Track tentatively 29/30 April—along with Michelle Duff!

Michelle has a busy year ahead—with one her highlights being returning to the Isle of Man for their 100th anniversary celebration! How exciting for her! Michelle of course wants to get some practise and training in. I feel so excited to think, to imagine, to anticipate that possibly I will share a track, do some rounds with the famous Michelle Duff--! And conceivably have the ability to follow her lines, to ride with such a truly amazing Canadian International GP racer! Wow! A happening I never thought would occur in my racing life—delirious I feel! Plus this will be my first time on a vintage racer. What an opportunity! Dave has two GP Yamaha’s -- a 1972 TR3 350 and the other a 1980 TZ350. We will also try his Honda RS125. Dave is known to the community for his restoration talents and mechanical skills —yes he too is a former racer. If the testing goes well and I’m able to fit with one of the bikes we intend to partner this year to race a few Vintage events! Exciting! Additionally, if you wish to see Michelle Duff riding—real time--in classic style I suggest you stay in touch here but plan now if logistics allow and get on up to Shannonville. This is something NOT to miss!