Getting some track time before we get more snow

Top end was rebuilt and breaking in the new boots. Less than 3 weeks until the race season starts!

Winter practice

For his birthday we surprised Cade with a day of training with Dan Callahan at his track in New Jersey. He worked hard on cornering and keeping the throttle smooth. Cade said it was a lot of fun and we wants to learn more from Dan.

 

Happiness has arrived!

And it fits perfectly! Slowly switching everything over to O'Neal. This is the O'Neal 7 Series Ultra-Lite 83. Ever since he was Evel Knievel for Halloween Cade has been liking the old school red white and blue look. He says he can tell it is lighter than his Fulmer Helmet was but just holding them in our hands we couldn't really tell a difference.  The O'Neal is a size larger though.
His biggest and littlest fan was super excited about the new lid protector. I was excited that the helmet meets or exceeds DOT, Snell and AS standards. It also has washable pads, which I am sure any rider or person who is lucky enough to help gear up, haul bags, or wash gear knows that washable is better. We also found this on a super sale at Motorcycle Superstore.

And so it starts

The season hasn't started but the schedules are coming out, the memberships are being paid for, engine and clutch parts are on the way, new boots, jerseys, roost guard and helmet have been purchased. We are going over the things we will do this year to be better than last. I hope we will see some of the same faces as last year. Even after a bad race it was nice to have the reassurance that everything was fresh the next time out. And it was only his first year. It has been almost 12 months since his first time on a track and we are as ready as ever.

Wheelie-time

When Cade came to me earlier saying he had learned how to pop a wheelie, I wasn't sure what he was talking about because I had been watching him ride for a half hour and hadn't noticed anything out of the ordinary. He told me where he had been doing these so called wheelies. He was getting the front tire off the ground a few inches.
So as any mom cheerleader mom would I got my camera out and Cade performed by doing wheelies like this over and over. I am happy that he is getting this comfortable with the bike but at the same time I think we need to look into knee guards and maybe a kidney belt.

-moto Mom

Videos of practice at Tomahawk

     Fun times were had at Tomahawk. We went with out Moto Mom, Moto Sister, and Moto Brother. Just the two of us hanging around between all the activities. We decided to add an extra practice, one with the Junior Minis. The extra practice seemed to help. Enthusiasm increased, confidence boosted, more seat time and more gas was burned! We were ready for Race Day on Sunday.
    Trying a new launch technique for the first moto proved more practice was needed. Going sideways out of the gate is not good! Ended up third to last to the first turn. Moved up to mid pack before wiping out. Not remembering to pinch the bike was the answer to why the wreck happened, finished 15th. Moto two went better. Good start with good performance yielded a ninth place finish. With 16 riders, a good finish for this season.  Spirits were high when we packed up to head home.
     The new chain made it on before first practice and the RK Racing Chain performed flawlessly. No problems with the bike or the truck to report. Everything made it home in one piece without drama!

     The weather was good for the track, but hot and humid during the peak of the day. Wanting some a/c was on everyone's mind. Glad to have snowballs on hand at the concession stands. This provided some needed relief. Our water cooler packed with ice worked wonders even sitting in direct sun. A camper with working a/c would be nice! Tents do not provide relief from sun and humidity.

Tomahawk again

I was glad that I was able to go to the same track twice in a row. This time the track was a lot more firm. I definitely felt more comfortable. I practiced with the Junior Minis this time too. I wanted to race with them too but my Dad said not this weekend.
Moto 1 - I came in 15 out of 16 because on the 2nd lap because I pushed too hard when I jumped the step up and I landed wrong. Before that I was running in 7th or 8th.
Moto 2 - I was 2nd into the hole shot and I came in 9 out of 16 to finish.

When I came home I asked my mom if we really could make some whoops in our yard. I wish I could ride all day, every single day.