tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20556881Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:02:36 +0000startriding.com's archives from 2008 and earlier. Visit the www.startriding.com home page for the updated blog.http://www.startriding.com/blog/ray/index.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Ray)Blogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20556881.post-1531983914062548318Mon, 08 Dec 2008 22:55:00 +00002008-12-09T13:06:14.300-08:00hypermotardducati hypermotard.Ducati had its own campaign in full swing this year, promoting the Hypermotard with a nationwide test ride tour. I had the good fortune of attending the test ride on Southern California's famed Angeles Crest Highway. Ducati had set up camp at Newcomb's Ranch (the official Angeles Crest Highway restaurant/bar/hang out) and all that was needed was a valid CA driver's license with an M1 motorcycle http://www.startriding.com/blog/ray/2008/12/test-ride-ducati-hypermotard-1100s.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ray)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20556881.post-3693367605612079557Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:15:00 +00002008-11-20T10:37:11.238-08:00motorcycle tirespilot power2ct.You know that chant you hear at college basketball games sometimes, when the visiting team's star player is having a bad game and the home crowd is chanting in unison, "OVER-RATED... OVER-RATED..."? Unfortunately that's how I feel about the Michelin Pilot Power 2CTs.When I first ditched the stock tires on my 2005 R6, I got a set of the original Pilot Powers. I liked them a lot and did my firsthttp://www.startriding.com/blog/ray/2008/11/michelin-pilot-power-2ct-overrated.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ray)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20556881.post-289443720008647316Wed, 29 Oct 2008 20:39:00 +00002008-10-29T16:09:20.678-07:00Keith CodetrackdayCalifornia Superbike School.Wow, has it really been that long since I posted? Yikes. In any case I wanted to write about my experience with Keith Code's California Superbike School, which I attended last weekend as a level 1 student. I've been riding now for 4 1/2 years and prior to the class had done nine track days (I think). Keith has an impressive list of motorcycle racers that he and his staff have coached, so when http://www.startriding.com/blog/ray/2008/10/keith-codes-california-superbike-school.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ray)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20556881.post-4335001634715299982Fri, 30 Mar 2007 05:57:00 +00002007-03-29T23:21:47.079-07:00Right before my last track day I bought a new set of Dunlop Qualifier tires for my 2005 Yamaha R6. The set of Qualifiers I had on there before were worn down and rock hard, courtesy of three track days and a few thousand miles. They had survived two track days at Willow Springs with good performance, but their third track day at Pahrump, NV was too much to ask and my speed suffered. Riding thehttp://www.startriding.com/blog/ray/2007/03/dunlop-qualifiers-2nd-try.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ray)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20556881.post-5954813716858811166Wed, 28 Mar 2007 04:26:00 +00002007-03-27T22:33:06.001-07:00brakesmotorcycleThe $$$ brakes on Valentino Rossi's 2006 Yamaha M1During my last ride I was able to practice braking on a deserted strip of desert road. It's something I don't practice often enough, but after re-reading Sport Riding Techniques by Nick Ienatsch I was reminded how important it is. I did multiple passes from two speeds; 50 MPH and 80 MPH (I picked 80 MPH because that's a speed I often find myselfhttp://www.startriding.com/blog/ray/2007/03/braking-practice.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ray)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20556881.post-1246915535436527443Mon, 19 Mar 2007 06:23:00 +00002007-03-27T22:29:12.951-07:00trackdaywillow springsmotorcycleI was starting to go through crackday, I mean trackday, withdrawals lately and finally got my butt and trusty R6 out to Willow Springs (the big track) for the 3rd time and my 6th track outing overall. This was also my 3rd trackday with Cal-Sportbike, whom I strongly recommend to those who enjoy a more relaxed experience.For those of you who've never done a trackday, they run a good trackday http://www.startriding.com/blog/ray/2007/03/willow-springs-trackday-3.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ray)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20556881.post-8135674309312593593Sun, 25 Feb 2007 19:53:00 +00002007-03-27T22:31:15.962-07:00ojaihighway 33motorcycleI do a lot of solo rides on my R6 to unwind, rarely less than 100 miles even though a supersport 600 is one of the least comfortable rides around. Yesterday was one of those days that required a lot of unwinding, so I hopped on the bike and just started heading north without any real destination in mind. The weather was good and I was looking forward to the fresh air.Somehow I ended up http://www.startriding.com/blog/ray/2007/02/highway-33-my-2nd-favorite-motorcycle.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ray)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20556881.post-116157113250290510Mon, 23 Oct 2006 01:24:00 +00002006-10-22T19:42:54.266-07:00I had read many good things about the Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch track in Pahrump, Nevada, and this past weekend I finally got a chance to ride the track for myself. Four of us from the SCLR group spent the weekend in Pahrump so we could ride the track on Saturday with Cal Sportbike (TrackXperience). The verdict - it's a decent track but we've ridden better.Heading into turn 9If you http://www.startriding.com/blog/ray/2006/10/spring-mountain-track-day-pahrump.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ray)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20556881.post-115855802989568979Mon, 18 Sep 2006 04:47:00 +00002006-10-01T22:03:55.123-07:00On Labor Day I found myself at Willow Springs International Raceway again, this time with Cal Sport Bike for one of their TrackXperience school/trackdays. This was my second time at the big track at WSIR, my first trackday with Cal Sport Bike and my fourth trackday overall. CSB is a little pricier than some of the other trackday organizers, but they offer a school along with food and drinks (http://www.startriding.com/blog/ray/2006/09/willow-springs-trackday-with-cal-sport.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ray)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20556881.post-115821122776243217Thu, 14 Sep 2006 04:55:00 +00002006-09-13T22:30:59.346-07:00After going to Willow Springs with a Zero Gravity Double Bubble windscreen installed, I have to say I'm very satisfied. Aside from its lack of DOT approval its performance was stellar at "the fastest track in the west." I hit 145 MPH on the front straightaway and had noticeably less wind buffeting than the last time I was at Willow Springs with the stock windscreen. It creates a slightly http://www.startriding.com/blog/ray/2006/09/zero-gravity-double-bubble-follow-up.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ray)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20556881.post-115552031489628119Mon, 14 Aug 2006 01:28:00 +00002006-08-13T18:53:43.086-07:00A few months ago I installed a set of Shogun swingarm sliders:I needed spools to use a rearstand, so I figured I might as well get the combination spool/slider things to protect my swingarm in case of an accident. What I failed to realize is that the relatively thin 6mm spool bolt combined with the large Shogun spool is not ideal for withstanding impact.When my bike went down during a 10 MPH http://www.startriding.com/blog/ray/2006/08/swingarm-spools-vs-sliders.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ray)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20556881.post-115527891891359509Fri, 11 Aug 2006 06:10:00 +00002006-08-10T23:48:38.956-07:00I see tons of sport bikes with racing screens from Zero Gravity and other makers, and a lot of that has to do with looks as well as extra wind protection. I wanted a little better wind protection at track days so I decided to order a Zero Gravity Double Bubble windscreen for myself. I ordered a clear one to have one less potential thing to be written a ticket for, but was a little surprised to http://www.startriding.com/blog/ray/2006/08/zero-gravity-double-bubble-what-nobody.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ray)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20556881.post-115483019029184168Sun, 06 Aug 2006 01:07:00 +00002006-08-05T19:31:22.033-07:00I can't say for sure that Willow Springs is "The Fastest Road in the West" as it so claims, but it's sure as hell the fastest track I've ever been on. When looking at the track map it doesn't really look like much:But when looking at the track in person, the elevation changes certainly make things a little more interesting:That visible horseshoe section is turns 3, 4 and 5. The ups and downs in http://www.startriding.com/blog/ray/2006/08/first-trackday-at-willow-springs.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ray)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20556881.post-115423464470946832Sun, 30 Jul 2006 04:39:00 +00002006-07-29T21:44:04.720-07:00This is just a quick post 'cause I'm on my way to Costa Rica for a week, but I just got back from a trackday at Willow Springs Raceway. This is definitely the fastest track in the Southern California area and quite an experience. I'll put up a more detailed post when I get back from my trip. The skinny:Willow Springs = lots of fun but windyDunlop Qualifiers = as good as or better than Michelinhttp://www.startriding.com/blog/ray/2006/07/willow-springs-trackday.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ray)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20556881.post-115299522246792592Sat, 15 Jul 2006 19:49:00 +00002006-07-15T13:27:02.706-07:00It's been so hot lately I haven't been riding nearly as much as I usually do. A couple of weekends ago I was riding back from Hangtime Motorycles in Frazier Park (they fixed my bike after that little spill I had) and rode through 100+ degree temps once I hit the San Fernando Valley. It was a little shocking after having zipped past the beach in Ventura where it was about 73 degrees. 100+ http://www.startriding.com/blog/ray/2006/07/damn-its-hot-outside.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ray)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20556881.post-115086248562775214Wed, 21 Jun 2006 03:22:00 +00002006-06-28T23:29:38.080-07:00"Yeah yeah yeah," I thought to myself as we approached this sign. There's a stream that's always trickling across this road but I've made the crossing probably four times before without incident. I was riding w/ my buddy Louie and a co-worker. We were in the Cuyama valley to ride the incredible roads out there and we had just gotten a mile or two into Lockwood Valley Road.This is what the http://www.startriding.com/blog/ray/2006/06/my-first-motorcycle-crash.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ray)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20556881.post-114975336835988789Thu, 08 Jun 2006 07:28:00 +00002006-06-08T00:56:08.376-07:00Lately I've been thinking about how lucky I am to live in an area with decent access to so many great motorcycle roads. There have been days where I've taken in the ocean air while riding Pacific Coast Highway in the morning, then later in the afternoon found myself smelling the sweet pines riding Angeles Crest Highway in the Angeles National Forest. To the south are the incredible roads of http://www.startriding.com/blog/ray/2006/06/so-many-good-motorcycle-roads-near-la.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ray)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20556881.post-114897511422245928Tue, 30 May 2006 07:28:00 +00002006-05-30T00:46:31.273-07:00I hate seeing motorcycle accidents, especially when it's due to rider stupidity. It reminds me of the risks of motorcycling and makes us all look bad.I came up on an accident scene today on the lower section of Angeles Crest Highway. The fire department guys had traffic stopped on both sides and I happened to be the first one to arrive heading uphill. Fortunately it didn't look major; the rider http://www.startriding.com/blog/ray/2006/05/stay-safe-out-there.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ray)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20556881.post-114897407284624799Tue, 30 May 2006 06:50:00 +00002006-05-30T00:46:17.370-07:00I had a really good ride today on one of my favorite roads, going a bit quick through the turns but taking it easy on the straights like I always do. I was in a straight section of the road cruising along around 60 mph (the speed limit there is 55 mph) when I noticed a gixxer (Suzuki GSX-R) coming up fast behind me. I stayed in front of him for a couple of turns and noticed he fell behind, but hehttp://www.startriding.com/blog/ray/2006/05/spanked-squid-today.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ray)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20556881.post-114827971037074770Mon, 22 May 2006 06:07:00 +00002006-05-21T23:35:10.383-07:00Yesterday was probably the fifth or sixth time I've done 300+ miles in a day on my 2005 R6. Make no mistake; it's not meant to be ridden those distances. My hands, arms, knees and butt (in that order) are definitely in pain by the end. For those of you who are thinking about getting a true sportbike and enduring days like these once in a while, here are some survival tips. Not that I think I'm anhttp://www.startriding.com/blog/ray/2006/05/sportbike-distance-riding.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ray)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20556881.post-114827794724111066Mon, 22 May 2006 05:40:00 +00002006-05-21T23:05:47.253-07:00Yesterday was motorcycle heaven (or at least sportbike heaven) as far as I was concerned. A few members of my riding club and I went on an incredible 300+ mile journey covering four counties and three of the best roads I've ever ridden. Riding a great road in perfect weather is every biker's dream day, so imagine riding three great roads back to back to back in perfect weather. We started in http://www.startriding.com/blog/ray/2006/05/best-ride-yet.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ray)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20556881.post-114767795712930433Mon, 15 May 2006 07:14:00 +00002006-05-15T00:27:19.110-07:00This picture is some random squid I saw last Friday. I'm sure it feels great to ride in a tank top, but it's a huge risk. The day after I took this photo I went on a group ride on Angeles Crest Highway. An emergency medical technician started talking to me at the gas station, imploring me to ride safely that day. Another lady chimed in, "Well, look at all that protection he's got on," http://www.startriding.com/blog/ray/2006/05/ambulance-guy-said-leather-is-good.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ray)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20556881.post-114707658859009720Mon, 08 May 2006 07:19:00 +00002006-05-08T01:27:45.836-07:00I rode w/ my buddy Doug up and down Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu today. Perfect weather - sunny, cool and a slight breeze. One of those days that reminds me why I love living here so much.In any case I like riding with Doug a lot even though we have the most oddly paired bikes of any riding buddies. He's got a big ol' Kawasaki Vulcan Drifter 1500, not something you'd expect to see riding with http://www.startriding.com/blog/ray/2006/05/another-perfect-sunday.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ray)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20556881.post-114664145973424225Wed, 03 May 2006 07:19:00 +00002006-05-03T00:30:59.746-07:00Two people in my riding club have gone down due to target fixation within the last few weeks. For any of you unfamiliar with the term, target fixation is a nasty habit that's hard to break. It's the tendency to lock your vision on either a stationary or moving object, like the rocks on the side of the road or the car in front of you. Your bike tends to follow your eyes, so target fixation http://www.startriding.com/blog/ray/2006/05/target-fixation-is-bitch.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ray)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20556881.post-114612311390822370Thu, 27 Apr 2006 07:14:00 +00002006-04-27T00:34:18.616-07:00This past weekend I dragged two friends along (one on his motorcycle, the other in his Mini Cooper S) for a 300-mile, all-day adventure through Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. One road in particular has been calling my name for months - California highway 33 between Ojai and the Lockwood Valley Road junction.Downtown OjaiIt was one of those weird weather days when the coast was sunny but http://www.startriding.com/blog/ray/2006/04/300-miles-in-one-day-on-r6-ouch.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Ray)2