I slept wrong or something a few nights ago and have had a crick I my neck for nearly two days and it just won't let. Up but I said f*ck it and went out to practice despite I can hardly turn my head to the right.
Funny thing was when I was out there I have no clue if I was turning my head or not but I was not feeling any pain. I was totally focused on the task at hand. Practice in the open setting sucks as anyone on 2 wheels can join in al in one session no matter what the skill level.
It’s pretty dangerous to tell the truth. Any one that complains about track days and being in groups back home needs to see the alternative and then go home and shut up about it.
Anyway, as focused as I was, the bike was running great but I felt like shit after about ½ a session. The heat is still about 93 degrees I am guessing and the humidity is still up there.
I came in happy the bike was running so well but worried the lack of exercise and tons of red meat and potato I gorged myself with when I was in the states was taking effect.
Second session came and after nearly puking form taking I too much water too quick after the first session (only a 5 minute dry heave session) I got back out there and was determined to get my gear change reference points down and work on my body language.
![Image](http://i36.tinypic.com/2dc60qc.jpg)
cleaned up a bit and ready to go at it.
The second session was great I was really starting to get a fee for the bike. A little back end drift here and there with some rear wheel spin. The handling was spot on. All I needed to do was increase speed now and adjust a few reference points.
Then I went past a downed bike that caught fire just as I passed it…oh those silly early model R-6’s how they do burn!
So session cut short and we got nicked out of our 3rd session because it to a while to clean the track and time ran out.
One cool thing that happened to me was I changed my line through turn #1 which is end of a straight and a bit of a hairpin. I was going a bit too far inside and Uli told me to go deeper make a quicker turn and get the bike up fast so I have a straight drive out. It’s much fast than the way most everyone does it.
![Image](http://i36.tinypic.com/73ov1g.jpg)
Front end of the bike.
So I tried it a bit one lap. Hmm seemed to get a good rive. I think this is better… I better try it again and this time really get on the throttle and get a kick as drive out.
So I did just that. However it went like this. I got the bike turned I was still leaned over pretty good. I though wow I have a lot of room, may 3 meters, before I cross the path of the bikes exiting that are using the inside line. This is great, I can really get on it from way back her and be full speed just as they exit. What a great advantage.
So I wicked open the throttle. Never had a front end come up so quick out of a corner. I was leaned over about 65 degrees (Guessing) the bars crossed full till sliding just a bit as I had not quite finished the turn and all I could think of was. “f*ck! I hope someone is getting g a picture of this.” I will ask around tomorrow to see.
What a f*ck balst! This bike handles so well and is so forgiving it’s just great. The engine is not only fast but it sounds outstanding. I had a few people come up to me and tell me my bike sounded great out there. Even form a guy that does not like me told me my bike sounded rally good. Ha ha
![Image](http://i38.tinypic.com/9i7jpd.jpg)
A bit of a promo pic I took for Oya Carbon.
I think you can see the Shanghai Sideways logo as well. They sponsored me for this race. They give tours on sidecars of shanghais downtown area. pretty cool tour really. (Shameless plug) They also set me up for a news paper interview to promote myself as well as them. So thats cool as well.
My Scottish buddy was on my tail and told me later that he was going to pass but he wanted to stay behind me a few more turns as the bike was cool sounding and he wanted to dig on the sound through the “S” turns. He also said I had in sane drive out of the corners with it. He is about 2 seconds a lap faster than I am but I think I will try my damndest to stay with him come race day.
I took a few pics of the bike with all its race trim on it I go into battle tomorrow at 1:00pm for qualifying.