Mid-Ohio v5 2016

[Sirref]

Guess I gotsta git t'werk on dem talkin skeels den

[Ducati999]

So.........I finally got the 748 all back together and took a Test ride down the street. She started right up and was ideling nicely as I started off. I could feel a nice strong pull from the motor and the exhaust sounded plenty deep even through stock cans. I brought the revs up to about 7000 and started to hear a noise. I pulled in the clutch and headed back home. I found the belt for the front cam was not as tight as it should be. I believe I might have set the exhaust cam a tooth off from where it should be. I need to get time to pull the tank and airbox so I can recheck the timing on both heads. I hope I did not damage the exhaust valves with this stupid mistake! I will take Thursday and Friday off to assure this bike is ready for its trial at Palmer. I want to use the Palmer track, which I am familiar with, to set the bike up for Ohio. Worst case I will just have to run the 999 at Ohio!

[adouglas]

So.... I pulled the R6 out into the driveway, wiped the dirt from my last track day off of it so it looks all purdy, switched it on to make sure the battery is alive and wheeled it back into the garage. I'm ready for Palmer....

[Bigballsofpaint]

Originally Posted by adouglas

So.... I pulled the R6 out into the driveway, wiped the dirt from my last track day off of it so it looks all purdy, switched it on to make sure the battery is alive and wheeled it back into the garage. I'm ready for Palmer....

Im pulling the usual last minute deal. Ive been sanding and priming my bodywork, hopefully have it painted by the weekend and I need to do my oil change and swap the bodywork over this weekend. Nothing too crazy.

[adouglas]

Originally Posted by Bigballsofpaint

Im pulling the usual last minute deal. Ive been sanding and priming my bodywork, hopefully have it painted by the weekend and I need to do my oil change and swap the bodywork over this weekend. Nothing too crazy.

When I was talking to Todd on Sunday I said

"If you're going with Jay, a heads-up... you'll be arriving at the last minute. No biggie. That's just Jay...."

PS: He's got a fresh oil change so I gave him a hose clamp and advised him to just secure his existing filter that way. No point in wasting oil and filter just to get the K&N on there.

[Bigballsofpaint]

Originally Posted by adouglas

When I was talking to Todd on Sunday I said

"If you're going with Jay, a heads-up... you'll be arriving at the last minute. No biggie. That's just Jay...."

PS: He's got a fresh oil change so I gave him a hose clamp and advised him to just secure his existing filter that way. No point in wasting oil and filter just to get the K&N on there.

Ya he text me on the oil change, if he didn't safety wire the clamp then we will on Sunday. Hes staying over sun night, my PLAN is to wake up at 530, leave at 6, but we shall see . We will need to safety wire his cam if he got it in as well.

[adouglas]

Originally Posted by Bigballsofpaint

Ya he text me on the oil change, if he didn't safety wire the clamp then we will on Sunday. Hes staying over sun night, my PLAN is to wake up at 530, leave at 6, but we shall see . We will need to safety wire his cam if he got it in as well.

You're an hour and a half away....

FYI, from the TTD website

7:00 AM Arrive at track- unpack bike, gear, etc. (or arrive night before)
7 - 8:15 AM TECH INSPECTION - MAIN GARAGE
8:15 AM RIDERS MEETING

[Bigballsofpaint]

Meh, ive never been late enough to miss the riders meeting. Don't you worry! PS This is the wrong thread for Palmer, this is for our Ohio trip!

[Sirref]

I've missed so many riders meetings it's becoming a noticed trend hahaha (there's one other who's notorious for it as well and we basically have the same mentality towards it...we are not morning people)

depending on the track, they don't care as much since I can recite everything they say. There are benefits to riding as much as the coaches

[adouglas]

Originally Posted by Sirref

I've missed so many riders meetings it's becoming a noticed trend hahaha (there's one other who's notorious for it as well and we basically have the same mentality towards it...we are not morning people)

depending on the track, they don't care as much since I can recite everything they say. There are benefits to riding as much as the coaches

There's going to be a new guy accompanying Jay.... Another doomed soul. Eeexxxxcelennnntttt.

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by Ducati999

So.........I finally got the 748 all back together and took a Test ride down the street. She started right up and was ideling nicely as I started off. I could feel a nice strong pull from the motor and the exhaust sounded plenty deep even through stock cans. I brought the revs up to about 7000 and started to hear a noise. I pulled in the clutch and headed back home. I found the belt for the front cam was not as tight as it should be. I believe I might have set the exhaust cam a tooth off from where it should be. I need to get time to pull the tank and airbox so I can recheck the timing on both heads. I hope I did not damage the exhaust valves with this stupid mistake! I will take Thursday and Friday off to assure this bike is ready for its trial at Palmer. I want to use the Palmer track, which I am familiar with, to set the bike up for Ohio. Worst case I will just have to run the 999 at Ohio!

Wise move sir! You can count on having an extra bike for you guys to ride, but it's really long haul to have a mechanical issue. Vetting your stuff before making the trip will serve you well. Looking forward!!!!!

[csmith12]

Update! Gentlemen... Here is the deal thus far;

Jay, you should be forced to sign up for Novice. That is ok, take a few sessions to learn the track layout and then... if you see fit, we will bump you to I as it works out for your best day possible.

Everyone (including Jay)... Put yourself in my group. Novice coaching has changed from a "classroom" setting to a per coach group setting. So I can directly address any questions you guys have or work on any skills you guys want. Ie... the day will go as "you" want it to go vs a predetermined content structure. Just like Jay, if you need to be bumped to the I group, we should be able to make that happen. However, if I get assigned to the N group, then I will have to stay there the entire day but can double up on sessions to ride with you guys. Which, you know will be happening. Just so you know, we can run "I" group pace in "N" as long as our passes are super clean. I will lead the way and make a clear path as best I can within the rules of the track.

And.... We are set for garage 12, look for "Reserved for Smith" on the yellow sign posted at the garage, Kevin and myself should already be setup there upon your arrival. Cost.... $0 doll hairs and no need to thank me either.

Ya'lls have a great time at palmer!

[Bigballsofpaint]

Ya I signed up for Novice, im sure you wont steer me wrong! I got my confirmation email last week. Man I cant wait for the next 3 weeks! Palmer track this Monday, then a trip to the dragon next thurs-sun, then work a week and off to ohio!!

[adouglas]

Originally Posted by csmith12

Update! Gentlemen... Here is the deal thus far;

Jay, you should be forced to sign up for Novice. That is ok, take a few sessions to learn the track layout and then... if you see fit, we will bump you to I as it works out for your best day possible.

Everyone (including Jay)... Put yourself in my group. Novice coaching has changed from a "classroom" setting to a per coach group setting. So I can directly address any questions you guys have or work on any skills you guys want. Ie... the day will go as "you" want it to go vs a predetermined content structure. Just like Jay, if you need to be bumped to the I group, we should be able to make that happen. However, if I get assigned to the N group, then I will have to stay there the entire day but can double up on sessions to ride with you guys. Which, you know will be happening. Just so you know, we can run "I" group pace in "N" as long as our passes are super clean. I will lead the way and make a clear path as best I can within the rules of the track.

And.... We are set for garage 12, look for "Reserved for Smith" on the yellow sign posted at the garage, Kevin and myself should already be setup there upon your arrival. Cost.... $0 doll hairs and no need to thank me either.

Ya'lls have a great time at palmer!

Awesome.

Is there room in your garage for all of us?

How do we ask to be in your group?

[csmith12]

4 bikes fit super easy in the garages, but we have done up to 6 before. I will be parking my bike under the ezup just outside the garage to give you guys more room. I will only need a little bench space for my helmet fan, phone and laptop. We will move the chairs about as the shade moves, you will understand when you get there.

As far as getting to be in my group. You guys don't need to do anything special. Just stand together during the novice portion of the morning riders meeting and I will handle the rest.

[Sirref]

I assume the garage has power for tire warmers?

If ya'll come down to NJMP for a TPM day I'll get garage space for all of us, normally it's just me and it's not worth it for one person

[csmith12]

Yep, power and air included at no extra charge!

[adouglas]

Originally Posted by csmith12

air included at no extra charge!

That's great! Because, you know, this whole breathing thing is greatly under-appreciated.

[snot]

Chris will you be at vintage days?

[choneofakind]

What's the dates? I'm underemployed, so I'll probably be free, but I've yet to bring the girl out from storage and won't for at least another week... Might be able to come say hi and be pit buddy though.

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by snot

Chris will you be at vintage days?

I don't think so unless something changes. I love bikes, mid-o and all, but I kinda need time to do the work on my own for the 13-14 when they guys make the long haul down. Not to mention balance things out with some family time. Gunna try to go camping or maybe down to Mammoth Cave or something like that.

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

What's the dates? I'm underemployed, so I'll probably be free, but I've yet to bring the girl out from storage and won't for at least another week... Might be able to come say hi and be pit buddy though.

July 8-10

[Sirref]

Would my old 250 be good for vintage days?

Originally Posted by adouglas

That's great! Because, you know, this whole breathing thing is greatly under-appreciated.

I was trained in the art of stealing air, to have it freely given is an odd feeling

[csmith12]

I am thinking not Ben, at least anything that the bike could be competitive in. WERA has some lightweight racing later in the year though.

[Ducati999]

Here is a question I would guess many have asked: What is wrong with me? I just finally registered for Mid Ohio! Nothing like waiting till the last minute! I ordered the parts for my bike today also, they should be here by Thursday. That should leave plenty of time to install and begin the baseline setup--or prove out the track worthiness of the bike. Well since we are all taking my truck and trailer from Ct to Ohio I thought you would all feel better to know I am paid in full finally! Now I have a couple of day of reading from all of the private messages I got after Palmer.

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by choneofakind

What's the dates? I'm underemployed, so I'll probably be free, but I've yet to bring the girl out from storage and won't for at least another week... Might be able to come say hi and be pit buddy though.

OMG... Soooooo sorry Chris, I told you the wrong dates. This event with everyone is going down in 6 days. June 13/14th. You are more than welcome to come and ride or just hang out. In fact, please do. I will have extra food and drink for you just in case. Your girl & dad are more than welcome as well. It would be my pleasure to have a seat with them and catch up.

@everyone - Garage 12 is NOW full (5 bikes). AND the paddock spot behind the garage is now full but we still have in front of the garage to use as we need. Kevin and I will park our bikes under the ezup just outside the garage, so you long haulers will have the space you need.

Here is the current list right now;
me
Kevin
Ant
Andrew
Jay
Drew
Bing
Randl
Adam

Possibles
Chone
Chone's girl
Chone's dad

Expect a couple of days of chaos with me but after 5pm, things should be calm and right. I have to work tech in the mornings. DO NOT go to tech, I will tech your bikes right in the garage.

Kevin and I will have the garage and paddock all set up around 7pm on Sunday night, be grilling up some grub and putting the track fairings on #511.

[csmith12]

Also, I have alerted track control and the mid-o staff. Since you ALL are paying clients coming to have a good time. I am your personal concierge for the day. So your free to use and abuse me as you see fit. lol

[Sirref]

put me under possibles

whether or not I make it depends entirely on whether or not I am able to get my motor in good shape by thursday night (I believe it to be possible). I'll be a walk in signup (I'm assuming a tues will have room) post to follow on thurs/fri confirming or denying my participation. I'm doing everything possible to be ready on time, and it's definitely possible

[csmith12]

Your on my list Ben. Good luck and hope to see ya there.

[adouglas]

Achievement unlocked:
Platinum service level

[csmith12]

@Sirref, Let me offer you this. If I can figger out a way to get the 4th bike in the trailer, I will bring one for you. Just show up. How does that sound? The 4th bike will be my blue r6 that you have ridden before.

EDIT: nm... I have a truck, I can load it in the back. Duh...

You in or out?

[Sirref]

I'm in no matter what for good times on tuesday the 14th!

[csmith12]

So that means I need to bring the bike or nah?

[Sirref]

It means bring it just in case, I'll be in either on my bike or yours

[csmith12]

Deal! See ya there and safe travels my good man.

[choneofakind]

I know my fiance can't get the days off this short notice, but I think my father might be able to! I am really feeling a visit/social time. I miss the track and I wanna meet the east coast crew.

[Koala]

Does it cost anything to just come to hang out and watch? Need to get out of the house and get my mind off a few things and that would be a way to do it.

[csmith12]

Nope, it's always free of charge to come watch and have a good time.

ps.. bring a camera!

[Koala]

Sweet....I'll most likely be by on the 14 then.

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by Koala

Sweet....I'll most likely be by on the 14 then.

Cool!
Between all the riders in our little group, there should be someone hanging out in garage 12. If you don't see anyone just look for my red/black #511 near a white enclosed trailer. Don't be shy come over and introduce yourself, shake hands and have a drink. You're free to hang out after hours too. Once the gate opens at 7pm on Sunday, they remain open until Tues. 6:30pm

I am trying to put together a track walk Mon. night, even if we do it by riding around in the vans. Who is interested?