Re-activating my racing career

Bikerboy1974 · 12-21-2006, 10:46 AM

After a 3 1/2 year lull, I'm getting back into roadracing for the 2007 season. I've put up a couple of posts asking questions as I've not raced a Honda as of yet. I'll be running my 06 600RR during next season, or at least running it to see if I still have what it takes.

I dropped out of roadracing after a highspeed highside that took me out mid season in 2003. I had a massive range of injuries, and all could have been avoided if someone had not jumped into my line mid turn. That crash (what I can remember of it) has haunted me, and I have been unable to get myself to get back on the track. But I have to see if I still have what it takes, as I'm sure you all would want to do.

I have all the basics:stands, tire warmers, I'm picking up spare parts as I go, I've purchased a few different sprockets for gearing changes, and I have the bike going to my mechanic(and very good friend) to be set up as far as the mechanics aspect goes. He is having the frame checked as the bike was recently crashed (thus the opportunity for a racebike again).

Through the winter months I will be training to get back into shape, but I'm wondering if I can actually mentally handle going back out, but I think only time will tell that one. I have kept up my credentials, as I have wanted to go back out but haven't had the opportunity knock on my door like it has now. I will have minimal sponsorship, mainly all my mechanical done for a greatly reduced cost at my friend's shop, my tatt artist is going to throw in some cash for tires(and I'll advertise on my ride), and my buddy that does siding is throwing in for entrance fees and tires as well. I hope I can make it because I love the sport of roadracing, I need the adrenaline rush and it makes me feel like a god, even if I'm not doing the best, just to be out there and have people watching.

I will keep up to date as progress continues, will have pics from the shop sometime after christmas, as right now it just looks like a horrible crashed mess.

Hammer · 12-21-2006, 10:54 AM

You can do it, with a little time you can jump the hurdle. I had a similar incodent in August of 2005.

Bikerboy1974 · 12-21-2006, 11:35 AM

Kids and I are going out to my local source, Cycle Pro's, to get some supplies for the bike, I got a laundry list E-mailed to me from my mechanic as far as fluids, gaskets, and all sorts of goodies that he's going to need to work for the next month or so. This bill ought to be an interesting one! Wow how I missed roadracing! My Visa has been so lonely!

smoothrideronli · 12-21-2006, 11:39 AM

Do you have an idea of how much it will cost you to race. That may be something I want to do in the next few years. What racing series will you compete in?

Bikerboy1974 · 12-21-2006, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smoothrideronli

Do you have an idea of how much it will cost you to race. That may be something I want to do in the next few years. What racing series will you compete in?

I will be in the CRA(Central Roadracing Association). Possibly a few CCS races if I do any good here. The price tag will be posted pretty soon, I'm tallying it all up tonight, after the trip for the basics. I already have the $ invested in the SharkSkinz, sprockets, windscreen, and some of the other piddly stuff (safety wire, loktite, drill bits). The little things will get you if anything. A lot goes into prep work, where I get lucky. My good friend is a mechanic and a racer, and he's friends with the CRA techs, so they usually point stuff out before I get to the track. The cost of tires and the cost of entry is a big chunk (after the initial shock of building the bike). That you can check with your local organizations to find out what those bills will be.

I will post up a price list as soon as I get it set up!

quick26 · 12-21-2006, 12:32 PM

sounds like you are heading in the right direction. keep us posted so that some of us my make that leap as well.

Bikerboy1974 · 12-21-2006, 12:46 PM

For starters, between what I already have, and what I have bought already, there's about $2k invested, but that's not even the total bill. I get lucky with the fact that my shop charges are free or greatly reduced. I order a lot of my stuff from Parts Unlimited, and have friends that work at a few shops to get some stuff for a discount.

First time racers have extra expenses to think about. I'm not in any way speaking negatively about it or trying to talk anyone out as you have never felt a rush like being on the track, but the initial investment can get up there. You need 1 piece leathers, boots, gloves, approved helmets, and I'd also suggest a back protector, and you need to take the classes.

Tires are by far MY biggest expense(when I keep the bike right side up). Tires are your biggest issue, they only last at MOST a weekend. Only bike I've ever had last more than a weekend was my GS500. Fuel has become another expense that has gotten a lot greater in the past few years. Regular maintenance items such as oil, oil filters, antifreeze, chain lube, chains, safety wire, and stupid stuff like cleaners also have to be kept in mind.

I look at every expense in the sport like medication, because I need to be in the sport to survive. Whatever you do, don't do it if you can't afford it, because half-assing something can have severe consequences for you as well as other riders on the track.

I'm off to buy some fluids and gaskets and filters now. I'll be back on in an hour or two!

bwhip · 12-21-2006, 01:31 PM

I wish you all the best as you return to the sport you love.

It has a familiar sound to it, as I plan to do some racing next year. I got back out on the track this year in a big way after a nasty crash in the summer of 2005. It was a little weird at first, but trips to Freddie Spencer's school really helped a ton with my confidence, and feeling of riding smarter and safer while faster.

Again, best wishes for a great season!

Bikerboy1974 · 12-21-2006, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwhip

I wish you all the best as you return to the sport you love.

It has a familiar sound to it, as I plan to do some racing next year. I got back out on the track this year in a big way after a nasty crash in the summer of 2005. It was a little weird at first, but trips to Freddie Spencer's school really helped a ton with my confidence, and feeling of riding smarter and safer while faster.

Again, best wishes for a great season!

Thank you! I have been debating taking a trip to one of his classes. I really want to get my confidence back, and I'd like to learn an agressive but more safety conscious approach. I was always balls to the wall, and it bit me big time!

Heavy-Dee · 12-21-2006, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bikerboy1974

Tires are your biggest issue, they only last at MOST a weekend.

If you are slow like me you can make a set of Dunlop 208gp's last 4 weekends.

Bikerboy1974 · 12-21-2006, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heavy-Dee

If you are slow like me you can make a set of Dunlop 208gp's last 4 weekends.

Wow! That's what I get for running Pilot's I guess!

Bikerboy1974 · 01-03-2007, 11:21 AM

I have been given the ok (not really a happy one though) by my doctors to go out and give it a shot. They have me on a training regiment, I have quit smoking (11 days now), and I'm doing a lot of weight training, strengthening, and I've been doing a lot of cardio stuff as well. I am feeling in the best shape in years after a visit to the chiropractor, I can move fairly freely. I need to go back every couple of weeks just to be realigned. No more cracking every time I move. Still have to use the cane, but not as much.

The bike has been getting some work done, but the good thing is the frame was not damaged. I'm traveling up to Minneapolis this weekend to do some more work with my mechanic. I'm going to shave the weight and bring the pipe (full Leo Vince I purchased off Craigslist for $550!). I can't wait to get dirty working on another race bike again! I was skeptical until I was cleared by the doctors, I thought I might have to sell. Now my investment is sound. I'm going to be talking the rest of this week with possible sponsors, as I can always use more.We'll be running the bike on the dyno this weekend, just for giggles, and see where we can improve. Still waiting on Power Commander so we can start up a custom map and make her scream! Just wanted to update, things are looking up for the season!

quick26 · 01-03-2007, 11:44 AM

goodluck, keep us posted

Heavy-Dee · 01-03-2007, 01:14 PM

Cane? To walk? At 32?!

Bikerboy1974 · 01-03-2007, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heavy-Dee

Cane? To walk? At 32?!

Yep, had a Gixxer 750 bounce off my hip about 5 years ago, haven't been the same since. Few surgeries later, and I'm on the cane. Don't need it all the time, but when I'm tucked for long periods of time it stiffens up and use the cane for support.

It's a hella nice cane, I'm rollin' like a pimp!

bda116 · 01-03-2007, 01:31 PM

I've completely de-activated my "racing career". Only track days from here forward for me.

But good luck.

Bikerboy1974 · 01-03-2007, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bda116

I've completely de-activated my "racing career". Only track days from here forward for me.

But good luck.

Thanks BDA. I can't give it up. I tried, but I just keep getting drawn back. Have a couple other "younger" friends that might join up with me and we'll start a team, so if I can't continue to race I can at least help them and possibly be the "slow" guy in some endurance races yet. I love racing so much I can't give it up.

I'm going to be a busy guy too, as my oldest son is going to be starting some motocross racing this year. This could get interesting, thank God I'm getting a better insurance plan with my new job!

bda116 · 01-03-2007, 01:45 PM

I keep getting drawn back as well, and had a pretty strong desire to get back to my previous level this year (as well as some pushing from old sponsors), but things change.
Racing itself is easy to give up. Riding on the track is a different story.

clutchslip · 01-05-2007, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bikerboy1974

I have been given the ok (not really a happy one though) by my doctors to go out and give it a shot. They have me on a training regiment, I have quit smoking (11 days now), .......

Thank you so much. I will remind everyone that I have NOT quit smoking and that is why I am so slow. "That's my story and I'm sticking to it."

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heavy-Dee

Cane? To walk? At 32?!

Hey H.D..... Ah, bikes can be detrimental to your health. I guess you forgot.

Don't make yourself nuts, BB. Give yourself plenty of time. There is a year after this one, too. Don't forget it.
I hope you have a great time.

Heavy-Dee · 01-05-2007, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clutchslip

Hey H.D..... Ah, bikes can be detrimental to your health. I guess you forgot.

Well as my wife says "Rule #1 is NO CRASHING!". So if I wanna keep at it, then I must oblidge. Besides, if I mess myself up and can't exercise I'd get really fat, really fast.

HD

Bikerboy1974 · 01-05-2007, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heavy-Dee

Well as my wife says "Rule #1 is NO CRASHING!". So if I wanna keep at it, then I must oblidge. Besides, if I mess myself up and can't exercise I'd get really fat, really fast.

HD

I broke rule #1 with wife #1, so wife #2 is totally understanding that the rule has already been broken. She just says I need to stay alive, and I reminded her that I'm going to be a lot slower these days. I'm in it more for fun than a win, but a win is always nice too!

Heavy-Dee · 01-05-2007, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bikerboy1974

I broke rule #1 with wife #1, so wife #2 is totally understanding that the rule has already been broken. She just says I need to stay alive, and I reminded her that I'm going to be a lot slower these days. I'm in it more for fun than a win, but a win is always nice too!

Yea, we'll see how that goes when the flag drops. I've got a feeling about you BikerBoy.....

Bikerboy1974 · 01-05-2007, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heavy-Dee

Yea, we'll see how that goes when the flag drops. I've got a feeling about you BikerBoy.....

I'm that kid that you tell over and over again to not do something and he says ok, until you're not looking!

I'm going to take a new approach this year though, more finesse and less balls out. I've found talking to some of the guys in the club, that it's all about finesse, not all about power. I had finesse, but chose not to use it over power! My buddy won the overall championship two years ago on one bike, a Yami R6! He ran everything he could, unlimited and all. He said it's all about the control, and I'm a bit more matured now than I was when last I raced. It's going to be a fun season. I am heading up to the Twin Cities for the weekend, and I'm meeting with a team that might possibly add me on to their roster. That would be a nice thing to have the added support, as they are veteran riders. I'm looking forward to getting back into it. I love the comradery of all the riders, everyone helping everyone else as well as themselves. Don't see that in enough other sports. I guess that's why riders all seem to get along for the most part.

JH41 · 01-06-2007, 03:16 AM

Good luck man. Good to see you getting back into something you love so much.

If/when I ever get fast. Racing would be something to consider.

-jh

12-21-2006, 11:35 AM	#3
Bikerboy1974 Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Med City, MN Age: 34 Bike(s): Both sold, lookin 4 new 1 Posts: 575	Re: Re-activating my racing career Kids and I are going out to my local source, Cycle Pro's, to get some supplies for the bike, I got a laundry list E-mailed to me from my mechanic as far as fluids, gaskets, and all sorts of goodies that he's going to need to work for the next month or so. This bill ought to be an interesting one! Wow how I missed roadracing! My Visa has been so lonely! __________________ There is no 12 step program or counseling available for my addiction...thank God!

12-21-2006, 11:39 AM	#4
smoothrideronli www.calendartreats.com Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: New York Age: 34 Bike(s): 2004 1000RR, 2008 1000RR Posts: 1,400	Re: Re-activating my racing career Do you have an idea of how much it will cost you to race. That may be something I want to do in the next few years. What racing series will you compete in?

12-21-2006, 12:32 PM	#6
quick26 Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Elizabeth City, NC Age: 25 Bike(s): 06 TRX 450r Posts: 1,613	Re: Re-activating my racing career sounds like you are heading in the right direction. keep us posted so that some of us my make that leap as well. __________________ I am not post whoring, I am providing an abundance of useless opinion.

12-21-2006, 12:46 PM	#7
Bikerboy1974 Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Med City, MN Age: 34 Bike(s): Both sold, lookin 4 new 1 Posts: 575	Re: Re-activating my racing career For starters, between what I already have, and what I have bought already, there's about $2k invested, but that's not even the total bill. I get lucky with the fact that my shop charges are free or greatly reduced. I order a lot of my stuff from Parts Unlimited, and have friends that work at a few shops to get some stuff for a discount. First time racers have extra expenses to think about. I'm not in any way speaking negatively about it or trying to talk anyone out as you have never felt a rush like being on the track, but the initial investment can get up there. You need 1 piece leathers, boots, gloves, approved helmets, and I'd also suggest a back protector, and you need to take the classes. Tires are by far MY biggest expense(when I keep the bike right side up). Tires are your biggest issue, they only last at MOST a weekend. Only bike I've ever had last more than a weekend was my GS500. Fuel has become another expense that has gotten a lot greater in the past few years. Regular maintenance items such as oil, oil filters, antifreeze, chain lube, chains, safety wire, and stupid stuff like cleaners also have to be kept in mind. I look at every expense in the sport like medication, because I need to be in the sport to survive. Whatever you do, don't do it if you can't afford it, because half-assing something can have severe consequences for you as well as other riders on the track. I'm off to buy some fluids and gaskets and filters now. I'll be back on in an hour or two! __________________ There is no 12 step program or counseling available for my addiction...thank God!

12-21-2006, 01:31 PM	#8
bwhip Every ride a gift... Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Idaho, USA Bike(s): 1098S-SXV550-849-Ruckus Posts: 4,087	Re: Re-activating my racing career I wish you all the best as you return to the sport you love. It has a familiar sound to it, as I plan to do some racing next year. I got back out on the track this year in a big way after a nasty crash in the summer of 2005. It was a little weird at first, but trips to Freddie Spencer's school really helped a ton with my confidence, and feeling of riding smarter and safer while faster. Again, best wishes for a great season! __________________ My Gallery

12-21-2006, 10:46 AM	#1
Bikerboy1974 Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Med City, MN Age: 34 Bike(s): Both sold, lookin 4 new 1 Posts: 575	Re-activating my racing career After a 3 1/2 year lull, I'm getting back into roadracing for the 2007 season. I've put up a couple of posts asking questions as I've not raced a Honda as of yet. I'll be running my 06 600RR during next season, or at least running it to see if I still have what it takes. I dropped out of roadracing after a highspeed highside that took me out mid season in 2003. I had a massive range of injuries, and all could have been avoided if someone had not jumped into my line mid turn. That crash (what I can remember of it) has haunted me, and I have been unable to get myself to get back on the track. But I have to see if I still have what it takes, as I'm sure you all would want to do. I have all the basics:stands, tire warmers, I'm picking up spare parts as I go, I've purchased a few different sprockets for gearing changes, and I have the bike going to my mechanic(and very good friend) to be set up as far as the mechanics aspect goes. He is having the frame checked as the bike was recently crashed (thus the opportunity for a racebike again). Through the winter months I will be training to get back into shape, but I'm wondering if I can actually mentally handle going back out, but I think only time will tell that one. I have kept up my credentials, as I have wanted to go back out but haven't had the opportunity knock on my door like it has now. I will have minimal sponsorship, mainly all my mechanical done for a greatly reduced cost at my friend's shop, my tatt artist is going to throw in some cash for tires(and I'll advertise on my ride), and my buddy that does siding is throwing in for entrance fees and tires as well. I hope I can make it because I love the sport of roadracing, I need the adrenaline rush and it makes me feel like a god, even if I'm not doing the best, just to be out there and have people watching. I will keep up to date as progress continues, will have pics from the shop sometime after christmas, as right now it just looks like a horrible crashed mess. __________________ There is no 12 step program or counseling available for my addiction...thank God!

12-21-2006, 10:54 AM	#2
Hammer Merry Christmas Join Date: 12-17-2006 Location: Indiana Age: 39 Bike(s): 05 Suzuki 600 Posts: 5,286 Images: 12	Re: Re-activating my racing career You can do it, with a little time you can jump the hurdle. I had a similar incodent in August of 2005.

01-03-2007, 11:21 AM	#12
Bikerboy1974 Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Med City, MN Age: 34 Bike(s): Both sold, lookin 4 new 1 Posts: 575	Re: Re-activating my racing career I have been given the ok (not really a happy one though) by my doctors to go out and give it a shot. They have me on a training regiment, I have quit smoking (11 days now), and I'm doing a lot of weight training, strengthening, and I've been doing a lot of cardio stuff as well. I am feeling in the best shape in years after a visit to the chiropractor, I can move fairly freely. I need to go back every couple of weeks just to be realigned. No more cracking every time I move. Still have to use the cane, but not as much. The bike has been getting some work done, but the good thing is the frame was not damaged. I'm traveling up to Minneapolis this weekend to do some more work with my mechanic. I'm going to shave the weight and bring the pipe (full Leo Vince I purchased off Craigslist for $550!). I can't wait to get dirty working on another race bike again! I was skeptical until I was cleared by the doctors, I thought I might have to sell. Now my investment is sound. I'm going to be talking the rest of this week with possible sponsors, as I can always use more.We'll be running the bike on the dyno this weekend, just for giggles, and see where we can improve. Still waiting on Power Commander so we can start up a custom map and make her scream! Just wanted to update, things are looking up for the season! __________________ There is no 12 step program or counseling available for my addiction...thank God!

01-03-2007, 11:44 AM	#13
quick26 Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Elizabeth City, NC Age: 25 Bike(s): 06 TRX 450r Posts: 1,613	Re: Re-activating my racing career goodluck, keep us posted __________________ I am not post whoring, I am providing an abundance of useless opinion.

01-03-2007, 01:14 PM	#14
Heavy-Dee The Murph Join Date: 12-17-2006 Age: 31 Bike(s): 2004 GSXR 600 Posts: 2,776	Re: Re-activating my racing career Cane? To walk? At 32?! __________________

01-03-2007, 01:31 PM	#16
bda116 Done. Join Date: 12-17-2006 Bike(s): . Posts: 2,113	Re: Re-activating my racing career I've completely de-activated my "racing career". Only track days from here forward for me. But good luck. __________________ "Islam isn't in America to be equal to any other faith, but to become dominant. The Koran should be the highest authority in America, and Islam the only accepted religion on Earth." - Omar M. Ahmad, founding chairman of CAIR.

01-03-2007, 01:45 PM	#18
bda116 Done. Join Date: 12-17-2006 Bike(s): . Posts: 2,113	Re: Re-activating my racing career I keep getting drawn back as well, and had a pretty strong desire to get back to my previous level this year (as well as some pushing from old sponsors), but things change. Racing itself is easy to give up. Riding on the track is a different story. __________________ "Islam isn't in America to be equal to any other faith, but to become dominant. The Koran should be the highest authority in America, and Islam the only accepted religion on Earth." - Omar M. Ahmad, founding chairman of CAIR.

01-06-2007, 03:16 AM	#24
JH41 Team Whale Watch Join Date: 12-27-2006 Bike(s): 01 XR400 Posts: 479	Re: Re-activating my racing career Good luck man. Good to see you getting back into something you love so much. If/when I ever get fast. Racing would be something to consider. -jh __________________ *- I told my wife: 4 bikes or 4 girlfriends.... she's letting me keep the bikes* - Cars lean the wrong way in turns.