I chased Nate around VIR

GotRoad? · 10-02-2007, 09:33 AM

This is cross post from another thread, which I decided needed its own thread rather than piggybacking on another thoughline. Begging pardon from those who were bored the time through.

Yesterday, I was at VIR & the weather couldn’t have been better: clear skies, warm in the afternoon and very little breeze. It’s been said here before & I’ll add my voice to the observation that lots of guys on Jap iron tore by me on the straights only to get repassed headed into the corners; our R bikes are simply able to out-brake most other bikes as well as carry more speed through the corners. The highlight of my day was the personal coaching I received from Nate; it was awesome. Firstly he let me follow him around the track (at a speed I could manage) where he showed me how to set up my lines better by using more of the track than I had been. After a few laps of following we pitted for discussion and then a few more laps together. I got more benefit out of the 20 mins or so spent with Nate than the rest of the day put together. Thank you Nate! Thanks also to Morton’s BMW for organizing the day, they went to a lot of trouble to make the day extra nice like putting up two large canopies and lots of chairs to rest in between sessions and they also provided lots of snacks and beverages as well as lunch.

Meet briefy another PP'r, George in KG, as well as a couple of other guys on R1100/1200 S's.

AntonLargiader · 10-02-2007, 09:54 AM

I was there! Awesome day; just perfect weather for the track. And a great track that is, too. My first time riding it. Bike wasn't in the best form (has been out on loan for the last few months) so I just focused on lines and consistency. Next time: sport tires and a softer spring in the back (maybe the front also).

Team Promotion really runs a great event. They didn't waste any track time at all. Anyone seen photos yet? I was looking on www.racedayphoto.com and
www.fandsenterprises.com but haven't seen anything yet (OK, I'm impatient).

Another one of the great things about yesterday was that the red sessions weren't crowded at all, and the last two were almost empty. Less than ten people in the very last, I think. The sun was starting to get low over the hill in turn seven, so I think that 7~12 section would have gotten pretty tough if the sessions ran any longer, but after having done that part all day long I sort of remembered where it went well enough. Got into a nice little duel with someone on a 600 in the last two laps... not exactly what I was looking for but OK it was fun.

Bob Hancock · 10-02-2007, 10:26 AM

Glad you got to ride with The Man, Craig. Maybe I can go next time.

DanGreene · 10-02-2007, 12:04 PM

Way to go Craig! Homeboy does good. Congratulations.

GotRoad? · 10-02-2007, 12:18 PM

Hejira · 10-02-2007, 01:05 PM

Any thought of "chasing" Nate vanished when he came past me in turn 5-6, me on my R12S & he on his. This was in an afternoon session when we were free to play, this in the fast group. Anyway, he went past me like I was leaf-peeping.

He was really helpful w/ some setup ideas throughout the day.

N8Kern · 01:38 PM

Right on, yesterday was a great time and very relaxing. I realized after turning around so many times to see your body position and line, that I had mirrors! As we went down the front straight I was reaching over and peeling off the painters tape on the right mirror. Way better and tapping the right shoulder, right butt cheek, and helmet to tell youse to get off more, the mirror was great! You guys really picked up the concept well the first 3 laps, then when we went back out, it was even better seeing all of you emulating and just really understanding the usage of all of the track.
This will be an even better event next time around!

GotRoad and Hejira I really enjoyed the day and thank you guys alot for bringing out your Boxers and keeping the Conquest going!

I still stand by my feelings on side mirrors.... they make you hesitate!

See everyone at Morton's open house on the 13th!

Cheers,

Nate

AntonLargiader · 10-02-2007, 02:51 PM

Any thought of 'chasing' Nate ended for me when he came blowing by me with the rear tire smoking, braking for turn 7.

GotRoad, where'd you get the photo?

GotRoad? · 10-02-2007, 05:13 PM

Anton, I got the picture from photogiftsgalore.com

AntonLargiader · 10-02-2007, 05:35 PM

I must be missing something on their site. They say if there is no bike number (there were none) to select one from the gallery, but there is no gallery for that day under "VIR Motorcycle Galleries."

dee jones · 10-02-2007, 05:38 PM

Craig , its always better when you get tips from the pros. Looks like fun was had by all, and nice shot.

George_in_KG · 10-03-2007, 11:06 AM

I must agree with GotRoad's comments about a perfect day at VIR. The weather was just right and the size of the red (intermediate) group was manageable. I was one of two or three BMWs in the group and think that I held my own against the Jap crowd. I was happy to let folks blast by me in the straight while I held a leisurly 100 to 120 up to turn 1. I would generally gain on other riders in the corners.

The rule was no passing on the inside and I had a couple of times when someone would cut in at the last moment. I didn't cause a problem, but it really wasn't necessary on their part. This VIR track day was much better than my last ride with this group at Summit Point in WV.

Pictures are not up on the photographer's site yet, but should be there by tomorrow.

Nice to meet other PP members.

.

AntonLargiader · 10-03-2007, 04:33 PM

George, was that you with the "R1100S' or similar plate?

AntonLargiader · 10-04-2007, 09:12 AM

Pictures are up. The URL is bad for the red group on Monday, though. Use
http://www.fandsenterprises.com/galleries2007/tpm101red/index.htm

This one is cool. Three Beemers (out of I think four in that session).
http://www.fandsenterprises.com/galleries2007/tpm101red/pages/tpm930-01151.htm

The one not in the shot was riding a bit faster:
http://www.fandsenterprises.com/galleries2007/tpm101red/pages/tpm930-01647.htm

geothepencil · 10-04-2007, 12:05 PM

The title of this thread reminds me that I once chased Scotty Parker's racing bike van across I-80 up by Chicago and damn if he didn't outrun everybody on the road even in a Ford Van while on his way to the next flattrack victory. Thats what champions are made of I guess.

geo

George_in_KG · 10-04-2007, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AntonLargiader

Pictures are up.

The one not in the shot was riding a bit faster:
http://www.fandsenterprises.com/galleries2007/tpm101red/pages/tpm930-01647.htm

Anton,
Thanks for the link to the pictures. I'm the one on the black 1100S in the above picture. Yes, my plate is "R1100S".

.

George