Grattan 2008 Slick's Thank You Thread

slickwill · 07-05-2008, 06:39 PM

I had an absolute blast at Grattan. I had the best first and second trackday that anyone could ever hope for. However, it never would have happened without A LOT of help from many different people. I had no idea what I was getting myself into and without the help it never would have happened. Now you all will know just how much of a mooch I really was, so here goes.

Thanks to:

MrsSlick - for letting me leave her home (pregnant and working) while I played and spent way too much money.

TogaTim - for the ride there for my bike and I, for the ride back for my bike (it's touring Ohio without me right now), for putting up with a lot of questions, for help on and off of stands, for the use of all the tools that I thought I brough but didn't, for the use of a gas can (never would've dreamed a race track wouldn't have gas), for letting me share cooler space, for helping me load my bike even though he had a bad back, for letting me drink his water, for letting me use shop towels.

bwhip - for the ride home (8 hours) when I realized that riding my bike home was a terrible idea (we all know he was the real 'iron butt' of this event), for the great instruction, for putting up with lots of questions, for giving me an awesome two-up ride and showing me what my bike is actually capable of, for keeping me alive through the worst storm I've ever been in while on the road, for letting me rub the hind end of the Ducati (actually I did that while he wasn't looking), for a bowl of raising bran crunch, a bananna, trail mix, for letting me know that children are way better than bikes.

DrHall - for providing me a rear tire that allowed me to wait until I got to the track to mount fresh rubber (the new 208's were awesome), for providing me with an extra day on the track.

Hammer - for telling me to quit worrying and just show-up and that everything would be taken care of, he was right.

FlipF4iPilot - for the use of a rear stand while I changed tires, for picking up an order from STG so that I didn't have to pay shipping and made it so that I got my tinted visor in time to hide from the camera

CBRVFR - for sharing a garage, for putting up with questions, for giving some great advice, for the use of a Baxley (wow I want one now), for letting me push start the TZ

GT-702 - for straightening me out on a couple things (I did quit looking behind me)

tm_dearborn - for a ride to the store for groceries, for easily cutting a few seconds off my lap time just by letting me follow him around, for the use of some Honda Spray Polish, for help with stands, bikes, tools, etc., for some good conversation (I have new hope for Ford)

NorthernRR - for the use of the ramp to un-load and load my bike, for providing some great comic relief, for showing me how to build a killer motard (I'm not sure my wife thanks you for that), I'm sure there's something here I'm forgetting

JetBDude - for showing me how awesome members of this board are last year (that convinced me I should hang around), for the use of safety wire pliers, cutters, flashlight, hanging light. For showing me how one person (with arms longer than mine) can load a sport bike into the back of a pick-up (I would have helped, it was my bike), for showing me that a stock 600RR can run with some bikes that on paper should be much faster, for teaching me that Canadians are nuts (in a good way).

Shenders1 - for the use of a back protector, for some general encouragement.

Seamus - for some great dinner conversation, for some definite comic relief (who would have guessed that pocket bike would hold his weight), for helping me decide that I do not need a size 2XL back protector.

MaxiB - for blue painters tape and zip ties, for a reality check, for allowing a little medical talk while he was on vacation.

DoubleDan - for more comic relief, for showing me how to go a little faster (especially through turn one), for letting me try on his back protector.

Evl twn - for taking me out for my first session and showing me the lines, for continuing words of encouragement, for convincing me that I NEED a motard.

DaveF - for the use of front stand while I changed my tires, for showing me how to remove kickstand.

abtech - for putting on what has to be the best event ever, there's no way someone could top it.

SheepOfBlue - for the use of rear footpegs so that I could do an epic two-up session, for some great conversation (he isn't nearly as anti-social as he tries to claim), for an all around reality check about what's important (and who), for help with back protector fitting (I tried on a lot of them)

HondaGal and HondaGalToo - for an awsome BBQ monday night, (I promise by next year I'll figure out who is who, and really, I have NOTHING against GSX-R's or their owners).

ONEvcs - for some great conversation, for showing me that I do want to turn at the top of the hill (sorry about the bike man, good luck), for help in the pits with the bike.

Decker - for hanging out with me on Monday while everyone was riding, for showing me that there are some way cool dudes on Harley's out there, even if the do have to come all the way from Canada.

Depo - for a ride home from the Timbers after the best dinner I've ever had, for some great words of encouragement after almost every session (it made me feel like a stud to hear that I was "looking good.")

CBR929RE - for following me around so that I could see video of myself, for letting me try on gloves.

JH41 - for showing me what an F4i can do, for more good conversation, for some good words of advice about surviving on the track while getting buzzed by fast guys.

NH_firefighter - for trying to make me look fast.

Taz - more trying to make me look fast (and telling me to go 20mph faster through turn one, I think I made it up to about 12 faster).

Firefly - for words of encouragement, for helping out with a lot of different things, for continually offering more and more help with everything she could think of.

FireflyJrette - for the use her phone so I could call my wife and let her know that I survived (t-mobile sucks in Michigan), I'm sure that I kept her from sending a few text messages.

Tom (Race Tire Service) - for mounting up what was the first set of new tires I've ever had and then providing support afterward, for some great stories, for some great lessons on child rearing.

I'm sure I'm forgetting some things and some people. Thanks again to everyone who helped out. Hopefully someday I can return all the favors and 'pay it forward'. This event truly was all about the people. Since I already have my schedule for next year I know I won't be able to attend but hopefully in the future I'll see all of you again.

Thanks

Will aka slickwill

DUX · 07-05-2008, 06:48 PM

Nice post. Someday I hope to meet everyone in person.

NOW....where's the countdown clock to next year? I can carry two additional bikes from the Delaware area!!!!!!

SheepOfBlue · 07-05-2008, 07:03 PM

Glad you had the time I figured you would

And yes it was better in sheep corner with out a lot of walls and people

Shenders1 · 07-05-2008, 07:14 PM

Will - It was great meeting you. Really glad you made it.

maxib · 07-05-2008, 07:16 PM

I think I can speak for anyone who has BTDT that we are all happy that you had a great time. I am saddened to hear you cannot be there next year, but I fully understand.

You have captured the essence of the Grattan experience well. No doubt you are hooked. Looking forward to the next time!

Jetbdude · 07-05-2008, 08:27 PM

Nice post Will, Your nick name is right on the money, you're a slick guy! Thank for letting me use your bike for the 2 up! Those stock 600 are fun eh?

Hopefully will get to see you again next year, keep up the hard work on your study, I really have a great deal of respect for what you're doing.

Ho, and BTW, those pliers were yours after all

bwhip · 07-05-2008, 09:22 PM

Glad you were able to make it to the best event of the year, and I hope you can make it to Miller in August.

ONEvcs · 07-05-2008, 10:00 PM

You're going to be a great doctor soon, you're already a great guy.

flipf4ipilot · 07-05-2008, 10:01 PM

i made the list!!! LOL

You are welcome!

ONEvcs · 07-05-2008, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flipf4ipilot

i made the list!!! LOL

You are welcome!

That's only cause he doesn't know you well enough to know better...

slickwill · 07-05-2008, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flipf4ipilot

i made the list!!! LOL

You are welcome!

Of course you did. If it wasn't for that tinted shield all the pics would show me staring at the photograper

Hammer · 07-05-2008, 10:10 PM

See, I told you so.

Glad you had a good time. Great to meet you in person.

CBRVFR · 07-05-2008, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slickwill

CBRVFR - for sharing a garage, for putting up with questions, for giving some great advice, for the use of a Baxley (wow I want one now), for letting me push start the TZ

Hey, any time, Will!

I very much enjoyed meeting you as well.

JH41 · 07-06-2008, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slickwill

JH41 - for showing me what an F4i can do, for more good conversation, for some good words of advice about surviving on the track while getting buzzed by fast guys.

Thanks

Will aka slickwill

Not sure if I actually know what an F4i can do either but I am pretty good at getting buzzed by the fast guys

and video to prove it

I feel guilty now. I was fondling Bwhip's 1098

when he wasnt looking.

-jh

tm_dearborn · 07-06-2008, 05:47 PM

Slickwill -- it was great meeting you. You're going to make an excellent doctor. I really enjoyed the sessions with you.

DEPO · 07-06-2008, 05:51 PM

Will,

Everytime I said what I said was in pure honesty. It was neat to see you progress through the sessions.

Job well done, neat to get to know you.

NorthernRR · 07-06-2008, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slickwill

NorthernRR - for the use of the ramp to un-load and load my bike, for providing some great comic relief, for showing me how to build a killer motard (I'm not sure my wife thanks you for that), I'm sure there's something here I'm forgetting

Will, no worries about the ramp, I normally bring 2 but the motard is so light and well you've seen how JBD does it, so I didn't think that we needed to worry about the other...

You think that my motard is nice, wait until you ride EVL_TWNS or Bwhips

Glad that you had fun with the canadians. My dads a sportbiker stuck in a harley guys body

evl_twn · 07-06-2008, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slickwill

Evl twn - for taking me out for my first session and showing me the lines, for continuing words of encouragement, for convincing me that I NEED a motard.

I wish I could have gone out for a few more that morning, but my XR didn't take its anti-rejection medications for the new brakes, and was dropping brake parts on the track

I was able to get behind you a couple more times on Wednesday, and you definitely were getting around there well

Oh, and EVERYONE needs a motard

Hammer · 07-06-2008, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evl_twn

Oh, and EVERYONE needs a motard

Damn straight!

DEPO · 07-06-2008, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evl_twn

Oh, and EVERYONE needs a MOtard

Everyone one on this site has a MO tard..... we have TornadoB8

SheepOfBlue · 07-06-2008, 07:38 PM

Thought I would through a leg over the tard in my garage, cannot even get on it. Motards need to be lower.... maybe a flat tracker for the pavement...

Hammer · 07-06-2008, 07:47 PM

Get 2 milk crates

JH41 · 07-06-2008, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SheepOfBlue

Thought I would through a leg over the tard in my garage, cannot even get on it. Motards need to be lower.... maybe a flat tracker for the pavement...

I have the same problem with my dirtbike, but once my fat ass is on it, I can touch the ground just fine

CBR929RE · 07-07-2008, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DEPO

Will,

Everytime I said what I said was in pure honesty. It was neat to see you progress through the sessions.

Job well done, neat to get to know you.

and if I can ever get this damn video shit going I have proof of him getting better after filming him on 2 consecutive sessions.

SheepOfBlue · 07-07-2008, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JH41

I have the same problem with my dirtbike, but once my fat ass is on it, I can touch the ground just fine

With the taller tire and Ohlins I can barely touch on the RC

No motard for me. Besides I don't bend as well as I used to

07-05-2008, 06:39 PM	#1
slickwill 67 Kg Join Date: 08-31-2007 Location: Idaho/Iowa Age: 29 Bike(s): Western Flyer Posts: 2,144	Slick's Thank You Thread I had an absolute blast at Grattan. I had the best first and second trackday that anyone could ever hope for. However, it never would have happened without A LOT of help from many different people. I had no idea what I was getting myself into and without the help it never would have happened. Now you all will know just how much of a mooch I really was, so here goes. Thanks to: MrsSlick - for letting me leave her home (pregnant and working) while I played and spent way too much money. TogaTim - for the ride there for my bike and I, for the ride back for my bike (it's touring Ohio without me right now), for putting up with a lot of questions, for help on and off of stands, for the use of all the tools that I thought I brough but didn't, for the use of a gas can (never would've dreamed a race track wouldn't have gas), for letting me share cooler space, for helping me load my bike even though he had a bad back, for letting me drink his water, for letting me use shop towels. bwhip - for the ride home (8 hours) when I realized that riding my bike home was a terrible idea (we all know he was the real 'iron butt' of this event), for the great instruction, for putting up with lots of questions, for giving me an awesome two-up ride and showing me what my bike is actually capable of, for keeping me alive through the worst storm I've ever been in while on the road, for letting me rub the hind end of the Ducati (actually I did that while he wasn't looking), for a bowl of raising bran crunch, a bananna, trail mix, for letting me know that children are way better than bikes. DrHall - for providing me a rear tire that allowed me to wait until I got to the track to mount fresh rubber (the new 208's were awesome), for providing me with an extra day on the track. Hammer - for telling me to quit worrying and just show-up and that everything would be taken care of, he was right. FlipF4iPilot - for the use of a rear stand while I changed tires, for picking up an order from STG so that I didn't have to pay shipping and made it so that I got my tinted visor in time to hide from the camera CBRVFR - for sharing a garage, for putting up with questions, for giving some great advice, for the use of a Baxley (wow I want one now), for letting me push start the TZ GT-702 - for straightening me out on a couple things (I did quit looking behind me) tm_dearborn - for a ride to the store for groceries, for easily cutting a few seconds off my lap time just by letting me follow him around, for the use of some Honda Spray Polish, for help with stands, bikes, tools, etc., for some good conversation (I have new hope for Ford) NorthernRR - for the use of the ramp to un-load and load my bike, for providing some great comic relief, for showing me how to build a killer motard (I'm not sure my wife thanks you for that), I'm sure there's something here I'm forgetting JetBDude - for showing me how awesome members of this board are last year (that convinced me I should hang around), for the use of safety wire pliers, cutters, flashlight, hanging light. For showing me how one person (with arms longer than mine) can load a sport bike into the back of a pick-up (I would have helped, it was my bike), for showing me that a stock 600RR can run with some bikes that on paper should be much faster, for teaching me that Canadians are nuts (in a good way). Shenders1 - for the use of a back protector, for some general encouragement. Seamus - for some great dinner conversation, for some definite comic relief (who would have guessed that pocket bike would hold his weight), for helping me decide that I do not need a size 2XL back protector. MaxiB - for blue painters tape and zip ties, for a reality check, for allowing a little medical talk while he was on vacation. DoubleDan - for more comic relief, for showing me how to go a little faster (especially through turn one), for letting me try on his back protector. Evl twn - for taking me out for my first session and showing me the lines, for continuing words of encouragement, for convincing me that I NEED a motard. DaveF - for the use of front stand while I changed my tires, for showing me how to remove kickstand. abtech - for putting on what has to be the best event ever, there's no way someone could top it. SheepOfBlue - for the use of rear footpegs so that I could do an epic two-up session, for some great conversation (he isn't nearly as anti-social as he tries to claim), for an all around reality check about what's important (and who), for help with back protector fitting (I tried on a lot of them) HondaGal and HondaGalToo - for an awsome BBQ monday night, (I promise by next year I'll figure out who is who, and really, I have NOTHING against GSX-R's or their owners). ONEvcs - for some great conversation, for showing me that I do want to turn at the top of the hill (sorry about the bike man, good luck), for help in the pits with the bike. Decker - for hanging out with me on Monday while everyone was riding, for showing me that there are some way cool dudes on Harley's out there, even if the do have to come all the way from Canada. Depo - for a ride home from the Timbers after the best dinner I've ever had, for some great words of encouragement after almost every session (it made me feel like a stud to hear that I was "looking good.") CBR929RE - for following me around so that I could see video of myself, for letting me try on gloves. JH41 - for showing me what an F4i can do, for more good conversation, for some good words of advice about surviving on the track while getting buzzed by fast guys. NH_firefighter - for trying to make me look fast. Taz - more trying to make me look fast (and telling me to go 20mph faster through turn one, I think I made it up to about 12 faster). Firefly - for words of encouragement, for helping out with a lot of different things, for continually offering more and more help with everything she could think of. FireflyJrette - for the use her phone so I could call my wife and let her know that I survived (t-mobile sucks in Michigan), I'm sure that I kept her from sending a few text messages. Tom (Race Tire Service) - for mounting up what was the first set of new tires I've ever had and then providing support afterward, for some great stories, for some great lessons on child rearing. I'm sure I'm forgetting some things and some people. Thanks again to everyone who helped out. Hopefully someday I can return all the favors and 'pay it forward'. This event truly was all about the people. Since I already have my schedule for next year I know I won't be able to attend but hopefully in the future I'll see all of you again. Thanks Will aka slickwill __________________ If it has wheels, I've crashed it, and some things that don't skis, snowmobile, card board box, giant tube, sentra, dirtbike, lawn tractor, grandmas bread tray, kayak, canoe, raft, bicycle, waterskis, tobaggan, horse, ATV, Now my CBR (women) Last edited by slickwill; 07-05-2008 at 10:11 PM.

07-05-2008, 06:48 PM	#2
DUX Join Date: 12-28-2006 Age: 37 Bike(s): '07 R1200 GSadv,'04 RC-51 Posts: 661	Nice post. Someday I hope to meet everyone in person. NOW....where's the countdown clock to next year? I can carry two additional bikes from the Delaware area!!!!!! __________________ Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire. -Reggie Leach

07-05-2008, 07:03 PM	#3
SheepOfBlue SRA President Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Huntsville, AL Age: 46 Bike(s): CBR1000RR, RC51, VT500FT Posts: 6,410	Glad you had the time I figured you would And yes it was better in sheep corner with out a lot of walls and people __________________ A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way

07-05-2008, 08:27 PM	#6
Jetbdude Every man's dream Join Date: 12-13-2006 Age: 34 Bike(s): 07 600RR Posts: 2,482	Nice post Will, Your nick name is right on the money, you're a slick guy! Thank for letting me use your bike for the 2 up! Those stock 600 are fun eh? Hopefully will get to see you again next year, keep up the hard work on your study, I really have a great deal of respect for what you're doing. Ho, and BTW, those pliers were yours after all __________________ #20

07-05-2008, 09:22 PM	#7
bwhip Every ride a gift... Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Idaho, USA Bike(s): 1098S-SXV550-849-Ruckus Posts: 3,906	Glad you were able to make it to the best event of the year, and I hope you can make it to Miller in August. __________________ Seamus is awesome. Seriously. My Gallery

07-05-2008, 07:14 PM	#4
Shenders1 2 Cylinders, 4 Valves, No Waiting Join Date: 01-14-2007 Location: South Lyon, MI Age: 43 Bike(s): Ducati HM Posts: 968	Will - It was great meeting you. Really glad you made it.

07-05-2008, 07:16 PM	#5
maxib Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: MN Age: 57 Bike(s): 02 CBR954RR 05 ST1300 Posts: 1,021	I think I can speak for anyone who has BTDT that we are all happy that you had a great time. I am saddened to hear you cannot be there next year, but I fully understand. You have captured the essence of the Grattan experience well. No doubt you are hooked. Looking forward to the next time!

07-05-2008, 10:00 PM	#8
ONEvcs Bull Fighter Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Ft. Worth Age: 40 Bike(s): '05CBR1000RR. Posts: 2,466 Images: 99	You're going to be a great doctor soon, you're already a great guy.

07-05-2008, 10:01 PM	#9
flipf4ipilot Join Date: 01-02-2007 Bike(s): CBR 600 F4i Posts: 121	i made the list!!! LOL You are welcome!

07-05-2008, 10:10 PM	#12
Hammer For Sale Join Date: 12-17-2006 Location: Indiana Age: 39 Bike(s): 05 Suzuki 600 Posts: 4,922 Images: 1	See, I told you so. Glad you had a good time. Great to meet you in person. __________________ SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES. NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS

07-06-2008, 05:47 PM	#15
tm_dearborn Join Date: 01-14-2007 Bike(s): 07 GSX-R750, 04 GS500F Posts: 41	Slickwill -- it was great meeting you. You're going to make an excellent doctor. I really enjoyed the sessions with you.

07-06-2008, 05:51 PM	#16
DEPO Godspeed, #20 Join Date: 12-18-2006 Age: 33 Bike(s): Track 954 and Uly Bagger Posts: 705	Will, Everytime I said what I said was in pure honesty. It was neat to see you progress through the sessions. Job well done, neat to get to know you. __________________ Welcome to the Dance!

07-06-2008, 07:38 PM	#21
SheepOfBlue SRA President Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Huntsville, AL Age: 46 Bike(s): CBR1000RR, RC51, VT500FT Posts: 6,410	Thought I would through a leg over the tard in my garage, cannot even get on it. Motards need to be lower.... maybe a flat tracker for the pavement... __________________ A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way

07-06-2008, 07:47 PM	#22
Hammer For Sale Join Date: 12-17-2006 Location: Indiana Age: 39 Bike(s): 05 Suzuki 600 Posts: 4,922 Images: 1	Get 2 milk crates __________________ SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES. NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS