Measuring Up the New Motorcycling Year – Tiny Changes Make For Powerful Outcomes!

Frequently during interviews I'm asked if motorcycling has influenced or changed my life. Questions asked to me namely by women, not men. Women aiming to link or underline the psychological benefits motorcycling may affect; defining this empowerment many women experience after learning to ride.

But it never was “empowerment” for me I always had a “no limits” approach to life right from a very early age. And as a young girl I think this propelled me outside so called gender boundaries. I enjoyed sports, building rafts, climbing trees – all that fearless stuff that the boys seemed to embrace! On top of that, I'm a pilot's daughter. I’d been speeding down farm field runways lifting off to the pleasures of being airborne in two or four seater aircrafts since I can remember!

Motorcycling for me was out-and-out “the” answer for my need to be thrilled, an activity providing me an outlet from my corporate life and one that equally challenged me. And getting back to this frequently asked question if "motorcycling has influenced or changed my life"-there is something that motorcycle racing opened my mind to. Something that I've been able to bring to daily life – and that is the understanding that just about everything in life can be altered or adjusted to make it fit for you; make it work for you!

It was racing which enlightened me to the fact that slight changes affected better performance. Just tiny transformations made for hugely powerful outcomes! Perhaps this sounds ridiculously simple. But trust me if you’re like me, one that’s never dabbled in custom bike or car building, or building wooden cabinets for that fact –this common sense is the furthest from your understanding.

It wasn’t until the end of my first supersport race season, I started to alter, fit and adjust not only my motorcycle, but my riding style. I had great resources within the race community to help me (and later years the full Ten Kate Honda team). I recall the success of simply repositioning my motorcycle rear-sets (foot pegs) -a few centimetres higher and forward resulting in a better body position to manoeuvre control. Then there was my decision to add a “quick throttle” to reduce the amount of travel my small female hand needed. I accelerated quicker with less wrist movement-this worked like a charm! Of course adjustments in racing are eternal and take into account the unique characteristics of each different circuit you're racing on. You can understand why it's so tough to become good at this sport-the constant adjusting is much about trial and error, experiments using up many dollars, on limited track time.

Sounds so simple doesn’t it?

So it’s thanks to motorcycle racing I'm a much better solution seeker. No matter if I'm loading up my trailer, finding extra space in my kitchen cupboards, improving students circuit riding techniques or working on personal relationships-I seek out the small alterations. Nearly 100% of the time I get huge results needed!

As you look forward to the year ahead and contemplate your plans and goals-try focusing on the simple and minute changes/alterations. These are easy and I’m certain you’ll find just as I have-  a little goes a long long way!

Cheers to the small stuff in 2011!

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Edelweiss/ MOTORESS Womens Motorcycle Tour a Fantastic Ride!

Everywhere we went, bystanders and other riders exclaimed with surprise - “all women riders!?” Folks couldn’t believe that the fourteen motorcycles (fifteen including tour guide) pulling into tank stations and roadside stops were piloted entirely by women! We were an admired spectacle to local communities visited during the recently completed Edelweiss Alps and Lakes women’s only tour with MOTORESS!

Sauerkraut, Apfelstrudel, Chiemsee- King Ludwig’s castle, Salzburg truffles- beer gardens, full moon evenings on roof top terraces, historic spots and so much more. All of this accented days filled with superbly ridden roads through German and Austrian picturesque countrysides! We were a group of women who really hadn’t met each other prior to this holiday. Canadians plus one American, Diane from Miami!

Each day started with a typical European breakfast buffet followed by a riders meeting discussing our route and its high points through the area’s we’d visit. For me and as host of the tour, it was a pleasure to observe first hand the enthusiasm of women that had not yet explored EU roads or mountain hair-pins, characteristic of Alpine roads!

We were not without challenges as is often the case when travelling-particularly more so by motorcycle. Kate’s Ducati Monster stopped working so she rode the rest of the day on the BMW with me. I sure enjoyed having her as a passenger! —her laughter and fun loving spirit so infectious. She kept her helmet camera rolling so I’m sure she captured great footage! She ended up getting the BMW F650GS for the remainder of the tour and thoroughly enjoyed it!

Then the weather gave us days of damp downpour rain. And in Italy (while I was at hospital with our fallen rider) the group encountered not just thunderstorms but hail! But it was Laura who by exclaiming she’d rather be riding in the rain on these fantastic adventurous European roads than on a dry one in Canada; moved dampened attitudes to an appreciative light.

Yes the unfortunate mishap of one of our riders-second last day of the tour where she had a hair-pin encounter. It resulted in a couple of broken fingers. The hospital in Jossnitz performed surgery right away and with the support of the group she arrived back in Canada and looks to be on the road to riding again very soon!

We were a group of passionate motorcycle enthusiasts -women of ideas, abilities, resolve and determination- and yes camaraderie! We enjoyed supporting each other, sharing great roads, tales, laughs, tips and support. It was a fine experience, yes a fine one indeed!

We’ll be offering another womens only group next year-not sure where but will let you know when!

PS: greetings from The Netherlands!

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.

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.

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)

MY SHANNONVILLE TEST ON RS125 WITH MICHELLE DUFF, POSTPONED

Here we are in late April and the temperature hangs around 3 degrees. Due to this, we will not be testing this weekend in Shannonville. The Dave Hughes Honda RS125 or the TZ350 Yamaha will have to wait until later in May, for me. Couple reasons, its too cold--can't really get to true testing with such minimal grip.We are anticipating 10 degrees max on Saturday, if lucky. Plus Michelle has an additional opportunity to fly to Germany for an Isle of Man TT pre-training, and maybe using her original machinery from Yamaha. We've postponed training until after she returns, its a combined decision. Fact remains, if my testing goes well, I'll race on Dave's Honda or Yamaha in the vintage races. I do hope it goes well, as you can imagine how fun this would be.

Shannonville this weekend will be attended by racers putting in some pre-season laps before the first regional. Additionally, on Friday Shannonville will have its first training and licensing course.

Harley Davidson Questionable

Came across this Harley Davidson advert. What do I say about this? Well ...its' implications leave me rather puzzled —you? There's no need to point out or underline the meaning --rather obvious ja? I wonder what is going on at HD — they've been running such great pro-female campaigns this one seems to come out of nowhere. Yes the prevailing market is male focused is it necessary to go to this extent? What are your feelings /views?

Montreal Moto Show

Last week at this time, I departed for home from the 3 day Montréal Moto Show. What a delight to experience the moto culture of Canada’s French city from the very busy Ducati stand. Not much different from the Toronto shows—I did sense a greater attendance and appeared, to me, there were far more females—female riders. I did expect this as Montréal has a greater rider populace.

One of the major highlights for me was meeting my Ducati 1098S for the first time—to actually climb on board. Exciting! He has that Ducati fit and feel and now, most anxiously I want to ride! A few more weeks and I’ll have delivery.

The show shared three days of great atmosphere, super pleasant people who spoke English most willingly (I did do my best to speak French) --familiar industry faces and a Sushi restaurant in the congress centre for lunch each day!
Yet one thing that’s left me puzzled — during Saturday breakfast, I was reading the Montreal Gazette newspaper (English) I came across the advert for the very moto show I was working. Within this advert, within the ad itself, bottom right hand section, a notation, stating that there will be two blood donor clinics so please donate. How strange. In the midst of promoting motorcycling, the start of season 2007 —spring around the corner and here an ad, a plea for blood donors. I think you’re with me on this one—odd ja? How can we affect the image of motorcycling while we have Canada’s show leaders / organisations allowing such an association with the activity we are so passionate about? What’s next? Funeral service promotions? I understand the logic and admittedly, I’m a realist so I get it—but come on-- is this appropriate? Picture this, family breakfast “hey honey lets go to the motorcycle show---oh, but wait a minute, give blood? Hmm, let’s go to the movie matinee with the kids instead”. Motorcyclists accept higher risk factors that go with riding—we do pay attention when we hear of bike accidents--learn from others theory. Perhaps we are more sympathetic, hence quicker to part with our haemoglobin. Was that the intent of this association? Are they playing on our empathy—our camaraderie? I sit on the fence on this one. Nonetheless, the show hosted happy, energetic attendees awaiting the end of winter to roll out on to the streets and ride.