World Superbike Assen Memories

This weekend Dutch TT Circuit Assen plays host to 2007 race 5 of the World Superbike series. Normally, usually, I'm witnessing the phenomenon personally, live from the pit lane, or the starting grid mingling amidst the worlds best Superbike riders. In fact when I attended in 1999, I was a guest of then Ducati Press Officer Michele Morisetti (who photographed me that year during Int. Ducati Club races, for limited edition Ducati book via Italy!) in the pit box of 'King' Carl Fogerty and Troy Corser, yes I go back that far! In years to follow, I achieved my own status and ability through my company RaceGirl Motorsport where I had access to the press rooms, corporate hospitality VIP rooms (Honda, Ducati) pit lane and press office immediate following the race. It was so special and always exciting. Hanging out with the worlds best sports writers in the press room was equally exciting--these people knew how to watch motorcycle racing, what to look for and shared their years and years of knowledge/statistics on each rider, team and manufacturer. I always learned far more than any book could divulge and in less time.

Now, in Canada, I watch the race 24 to 48 hours later from an unrealistic distance. As I observe a melancholy mood overtakes me because there is nothing comparable to being there especially when you HAVE been and in the fortunate capacity I was. By this time and date I would have already enjoyed a couple lunches in Ducati's hospitality tent and several personal paddock tours (usually on his paddock scooter) with Giancarlo Falappa "The Lion", Ducati's honorary and renowned racer. We were introduced in 1999 and every WSB from then on, he would send me SMS messages about one week prior to check on my avail and confirm my attendance. I'll never forget the time he wanted to arrive early in Amsterdam and park his RV in my very narrow Dutch parking lot--funny! Even when I was in Brands Hatch and Sachsenring, we' d meet up--wonderful times.

When I partnered with Ten Kate, I also had opportunities to hang out and observe data logging techniques with the team, chat with Karl Muggeridge and enjoy Honda hospitality with the friendly Honda Europe team--yes I know, wonderful.

The first time I experienced the official World Superbike starting grid, actually being on it, was back in 2000 when invited to assist former Dutch GP500 racer Maarten Duyzers as he competed in WSB upon winning a WILDCARD. I had no idea at that time who was who other than Foggy and Corser really. I'd never payed any attention to motorcycle racing until I started to do it myself. Walking next to Frankie Chile, Bayliss meant very little to me. Thank goodness my buddy Dave Goebertus produced a memoir photo book for us -- it was special. It did rain, it most always rains in Assen. Here two pics above on race day from the grid, the back of start/finish. Maarten did a great job and qualified which is what most Wild Card riders can but hope to do. Consider then Maarten was +/-46 years of age, a wonderful achievement when you consider the other contenders were half his age.

Now, this weekend, 2007, my very dear friend young 24 years of age Ghisbert van Ginhoven is racing on his well deserved Supersport WILD CARD -- on his Ducati 749. This is a Ducati family. His father, Ab van Ginhoven has also lived a life amidst motorcycling--my dearest of dear friends, has been sending me progress SMS messages since practise started on Thursday. He has qualified and is doing great. I know Ghis well and I know he'll save his best performance for tomorrow -- just like Rossi does.
Here's a pic of the WILD CARD riders which include Dutch Barry Veneman en Arie Vos and red arrow pointing out Ghis.

I can't find any WSB on the Canadian Speed channel, so might have to miss it all together -- bit pathetic motorcycle racing here in Canada. So tomorrow Sunday, my spirit will be in Assen. I 'll imagine the many motorcycling, manufacturer, racer, rider friends, hanging out talking racing, viewing racing -- the Assen sounds, the excitement of race finishes. Me, I'll be heading out for a ride on my Ducati 1098S and celebrate Superbikes the best way I can, from this side of the globe -- riding one.
**Special acknowledgements and thanks to Willem Lute, Press Officer TT Circuit Assen for promoting and supporting RaceGirl ensuring/assisting accreditation.

DUCATI 1098S HAS ME MESMERIZED

You do have to trust they way life works--out of nowhere, springs 21 degrees has arrived--at last! I have not shared the fact that just 7 days ago I picked up my DUCATI 1098S. WOW! -about sums it up. However, it’s been unseasonably cold here, so I'm trying to ignore the Ducati as it’s a bit of a tease in that I've not been able to ride it due to weather (cold).
This weekend, it was to be much, MUCH cooler weather. We cancelled testing on the Honda RS125 with Michelle Duff in Shannonville--no worries, because today its 20 degrees--time to RIDE THE NEW DUCATI 1098S.
I must tell you it is, yes,IT IS, a machine of mastery. I am amazed at the ease of operation, in turning. In fact I noticed immediately it feels so easy, too easy. Yet don't let that fool you, it’s not for the unskilled.
The dual disc brakes affect amazing stopping power by simply--inhaling. The torque, the power to the rear wheel simply by --twitching the wrist (no spelling mistake, not twisting, but twitching) . It's lightweight, and the sound is in the language of Ducati, arousing. As the weekend ahead remains in full sunshine, warm and 21 degrees, I'm going to ride, ride all weekend. This to learn the bike more; put some kilometres on the Pirelli's that came with it. Its the only way I can get to know him. Sunday I'll head far North to our famous Algonquin Park. It's a special place and an old favourite of mine--I've not visited for near 20 years, a beautiful ride. I might just see a black bear or moose. Next time you're here, I'll share the photos--and mesmerize you.

MY SHANNONVILLE TEST ON RS125 WITH MICHELLE DUFF, POSTPONED

Here we are in late April and the temperature hangs around 3 degrees. Due to this, we will not be testing this weekend in Shannonville. The Dave Hughes Honda RS125 or the TZ350 Yamaha will have to wait until later in May, for me. Couple reasons, its too cold--can't really get to true testing with such minimal grip.We are anticipating 10 degrees max on Saturday, if lucky. Plus Michelle has an additional opportunity to fly to Germany for an Isle of Man TT pre-training, and maybe using her original machinery from Yamaha. We've postponed training until after she returns, its a combined decision. Fact remains, if my testing goes well, I'll race on Dave's Honda or Yamaha in the vintage races. I do hope it goes well, as you can imagine how fun this would be.

Shannonville this weekend will be attended by racers putting in some pre-season laps before the first regional. Additionally, on Friday Shannonville will have its first training and licensing course.

KYMCO Scooter Received

Scooter life has begun! I received my new KYMCO Bet & Win 150cc scooter yesterday with custom MOTORESS design inclusive logo and star design--fantastic. It had but 2km showing on the odometer.

Convinced a friend of mine with his Vintage Honda 125cc scooter to join me on an urban, inner city "scoot". It was but 3 degrees Celsius, chilly--yet we explored downtown Toronto. We "scooted" and had many laughs as we cruised along downtown's' Yonge Street--its simply a fun form motorcycling. We went to the heart of Yorkville an upscale trendy area of the city. Zipping here and there, so easily done. TWIST AND GO. The scooter manner, being that you feel as though sitting on a chair with wheels. Your legs and feet snugly yet freely mobile behind the scooter front shield.

You may think in reading this that I've not ever been on a scooter before--not the case. I'd just not been on a 150cc scooter in, nor on one on the road for many years.

I tested its stopping power (emergency stop) and brakes are excellent, smooth, responsive--kind, not aggressive. A quiet ride as well, hardly hear the motor. I did however like the click sound the turn indicators made when in use. These you could hear and I felt this a bonus feature they remind you to if you've indicated or cancelled after use. Handling, turning an absolute ease.

Going to be a fun summer as a city dweller with my KYMCO scooter. Plus I filled the gas tank. The cost was $7.00CAD and gas is rather expensive right now $1.01 per litre. Parking in Toronto is free as well.
I did however keep pushing my right foot down each time I came to a stop--habitual street riding use of a rear brake :)