Been a while

Well after spending a week and a half in Alabama, I figured it was time to get back on the bicycle. I went to Refo on Sunday for a good lap to get back into the groove (48'30"). I felt pretty good about that lap time. My goal was under 48, but didn't feel like killing myself. To continue my transition back I went to the Bike Hub ride last night. It was a pretty small turnout initially with Schindle, Mark, and I. Eventually we had eight show up. The first fifteen miles were pretty rough, because the group split in half quite a few times. I'd always end up being the bridge between groups, as I really didn't have the lungs back yet to stay on. We stayed together for a while, but two guys just had to mash it up front and break us apart. The rain did luckily stay away and weatherwise it was very pleasant, although be it a little windy.

Otherwise got Ashlyn a Motorcycle helmet and we've been going for a couple rides. We tried the BMW first and the R6 after. The R6 was definitely a lot more work for both of us, but still fun. I havent had a passager on a motor cycle very much in the past, so I'm still getting used to it. Making good headway with it though and Ashlyn seems to be enjoying it.

Good ol Alterra

I'd really consider the results of last weekend as quite successfull. I'm back in 4th place overall, so a call up was in order. I'm really glad I had it too. I practiced the start 4 or 5 times, and the results were great. I had an awsome start(top 5 at the top of the hill). Shifting worked really well luckily. I remeber shifting up at least 3 times before the top of the hill. I was also very lucky at the start as well. At the first corner two or three guys crashed. It was the first time I had ever seen bikes and people in the air. It looked very nasty and just missed them myself. So I got a good position into the single track and held my position pretty well. Had to get used to the singletrack (Did crash once first lap).I felt pretty good on the switch backs. Icouldn't have gone much faster because of traffic, but I was steadily passing people.

Andy W busted a spoke that morning. Tried to find a wheel, but I didn't see him get one. So second lap half way through, I hear some smart comments from behind and to my surprise there he was. I led him for a while and we were going good.We caught up with traffic and didn't have much trouble. I did go to pass a guy on the right, and then he moved to the right and I was stuck. Andy took the advantage and flew by. Eventually I got back to Andy, and passed several more groups of people. Right before the switchbacks we went to pass and I hooked handlebars and took someone out. So I stopped made sure he was ok because it was my fault. I was still standing after the crash and proceeded to catch Andy again. He was within reach on the switchbacks, but there was too much traffic. So that second crash gave him the thirty second lead. I really tip my hat to him thoigh for quick tactics.

So after some risky and dirty racing I ended up 7th about 30seconds behind Andy. Really I did enjoy the race. Yes, some of the traffic sucked, but I consider myself one of the lucky ones.

EAA AirVenture

I had a pretty sweet week last week. After yet another successful checkout of a machine last week, I had two awesome days at EAA. I went on Thursday with Ashlyn who I've been seeing for a week and a half now. We looked at all the cool stuff and watched the whole air show and demonstrations. I evan got to do a test drive of a ford fiesta, since ford is a major EAA Sponsor. One of the main attractions of the show was two Mustange GT500's and two airplanes racing from opposite ends of the runway. It really was pretty sweet, and boy those GT500's sound awsome.

Check out the Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ON_2o7TpwXo

On Friday I went with my Dad two look at all the vendors and exibits. I like looking at all the new tech and gadgetry. I finally got to see my dream airplane, that has been in development for a number of years. It's called the Icon A5. An anphibious aircraft with internal landing gear. It looks like it would be a blast. The wings fold up and you can trailer it. Oh yeah me want, maybe I'll split the coast of a used one with my dad someday.

I'm sure that most of you have heard of the Airbus A380. I got to see it take off and leave for France yesterday. It really is a big freak'n airplane. It looks kind of normal in the air, but up close the engines are bigger than a semi cab. Cool slow speed demonstrations and very fast take off.

Check out the video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yw5bAqvRDpE

So tommorro is the Alterra Coffee Bean Classic. Planning on being their, did manage to preregister. Only rode last Sunday, so we'll see how I do.