Racer Costello Knows How to Get to the Palace on Time!

What a fitting entrance racer Maria Costello made to Buckingham palace last week! She arrived just in time to accept her prestigious MBE (Member British Empire) award--by motorcycle. Maria received the MBE in recognition of her many achievements as a racer and for services to motorcycling in Britain.

Certainly when one has an appointment at Buckingham Palace, you can speak of Princes, Princesses and "knights in shining armour"--which for Maria was truly, no imaginary tale.

Maria was running late, stuck in London’s thickly staggering traffic. Fear she wasn't going to make it, she contacted a friend working at London based Virgin Limo Bikes. He was able to weave through city traffic, rescue her, and deliver her on time to the palace!

Passengers of Virgin Limo Bikes service carry everything a passenger needs. Arai SZ open faced helmets, Hein Gericke protective and weatherproof clothing (including gloves). And for ladies wearing a skirt, such was the case with Maria; Virgin Limo Bikes provide a “tablier”, French for “apron” –more like a waterproof blanket, making the skirt attire a non-issue.
When the Prince of Wales jokingly asked her if she arrived by motorbike, Maria replied "Funnily enough, I did!"

Though not piloting the motorcycle herself, chauffeured to the palace by two wheeled chariot, rescued by a “knight in shining motorcycle gear”, is without a doubt a most fitting tale for the first Lady of the woman's fastest lap record, Isle of Man(*note fastest lap is now held by Jennifer Tinmouth)

Congrats once again Maria on your well earned, and admired honour.

View interview video.

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.

THE MOST SPECTACULAR MOTORCYCLING YEAR EVER.

Another year in our riding boots is behind us.

For many women, 2007's been a year of firsts. Perhaps the mastering of a new riding skill never before managed, standing on the podium as an achiever, or finally buying that dream motorcycle and taking it for a journey through adventures' roads--and for many taking the first step by learning to ride. For others there were experiences of the harder kind—perhaps the loss of a riding friend, or our own mishaps that changed the plans we had made for ourselves—yes, those things that make you stronger.

Reflecting on the past year; reflection, a great thing because when we recollect scenes or situations and the manner we handled ourselves amidst challenges or successes—we make discoveries.
It's in this reflection we can set out our goals and aspirations for the year ahead.

So I wish you time to reflect and that the riding roads you choose to navigate in 2008 lead you through a journey of new found glories giving you your most -- spectacular motorcycling year ever!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

LEAVE LIFTING MOTORCYCLE TRAILERS TO --DOLLY.

I’ve not written for a few weeks as I’ve had an accident and it’s been truly difficult coping.Three weeks ago while preparing to depart for my first Ducati Owners Club (DOCC) track day on Mosport race circuit, I attempted to lift my single axle fully loaded trailer. I needed to lift it and move it back just a bit to manoeuvre the dolly under to move it onto my trailer hitch.

On my third and last give-it-all attempt --- “SNAP …CRACK!” in my back, down I went to my knees, to the ground. It took my breath away, couldn’t catch it, excruciating pain. I thought it must be as when you stub a toe—crazy pain for a few moments and then gone. This wasn’t the case, I could not get up—hard to breath and nauseated.

As I was in an isolated area and alone, I heard the neighbour next yard over so I started yelling for help. He ran over and called 911—within minutes the firetruck followed by an ambulance arrived. I was surrounded by 7 (rather handsome) male paramedics and firemen in wonder about why I had even imagined I could lift SUCH a heavy, too heavy even for an able weightlifting competitor, trailer. The worse part was standing up to get lifted onto their ambulance bed—I was in pain.

So there I was, waiting in emergency on Friday just before lunchtime, with only my car/house keys with me, waiting and waiting to be attended to—the pain ever present. This happened at 11.30am and I finally received an x-ray at 18.45—the entire time I lay in a hospital bed, on my side, in excruciation pain wondering what I had done to myself.

X-ray showed I fractured a bone in my back—the pressure of the trailer against my spine was too much, it actually crushed and fractured the bone on the upper right side, L2 in the Lumbar section. I had to give it 6 weeks to heal. In that moment, all changed for me. Two of my dear friends came to my rescue and took me home. I could not walk very easily so I needed their support. The days that followed found me bed-bound and could only walk with the use of a cane.

Now 3 weeks later, with a visit last week to the orthopaedic surgeon verified the crushed bone L2 and informed that a 6 week period was needed (for the average person) for the bone to heal. No lifting, jumping, running--I understood this as I had such trouble just walking, sitting and standing. I’ve had to cancel track training days, motorcycle instruction --everything.
I’m able to walk now and since last Friday, carefully, drive my car so I am doing better.

It’s very difficult. The only way I’m able to cope is by avoidance—I evade thoughts of riding. Yes, it’s called living with the blinders on. The other coping method is denial, for I believe in 3 weeks the bone will have healed. I’ve been extra focused on enhanced diet, sleep, vitamins and mental power to ensure progressive healing.

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.

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.