This year's VIR race weekend was a smashing success. This is clearly the best racing weekend of the year for me.
Trip Highlights:
- Spending time with Ricky, Uncle Mike, and Ché talking about nothing but bikes.
- Seeing Jake Zemke and Greg White in the Texas steakhouse Saturday night.
- Watching Roger Lee Hayden recover from a huge headshake as he rode through the grass during the Superstock race.
- Watching the entire Superbike file get pw3nd by Mat Mladin.
- Riding the VIR track
- Eating lunch on Sunday with Uncle Mike and Ché with the band playing so loud under the tent that we couldn't even talk to each other.
- Watching early morning bad weather turn into a gorgeous afternoon on both days.
- Checking out all the bikes and what guys have done to them. Of particular note was the Jamie James R1. Very sweet, but it should be @$38,500. Major eye candy.
- Wathing the new on-track video monitors in order to check out the race on the rest of the track.
- Talking with the Attach Performance tech about the 2004-2005 R1 rearsets.
- Seeing a set of Termignoni cans for the 2004 R1.
- Watching Mat Mladin pass Ben Spies right in front of us all weekend.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
VIR Preparations
I prepared for the trip to the Virginia International Raceway (VIR) race weekend by buying new riding boots and a backpack. Ricky prepared by buying a new motorcycle. Sensing that it was not proper to ride in a group of sportbikes with his Harley, Ricky corrected this problem by springing for a new bike. A courtesy picture of his recently acquired (i.e. today) 2004 Honda Interceptor (VFR800 in Matte Black for the gearheads) appears above. The bike has been picked up and will be ready for the road when we pull chocks on Friday.
Monday, August 22, 2005
Saturday, August 20, 2005
First Ride on the new bike
First ride.
Update: As expected, Austin not only had his first ride today, buthe had his first wreck. The trail he was riding on had an exposed tree root and after hitting it, he caromed off a nearby tree. He wasn't going fast enough to hurt himself or the bike. I got him up, brushed him off and sent him back on his way. Fact: If you ride on the dirt, you are going to crash. Despite appearances, dirt is a lot softer than asphalt. That's how you learn.
The really good news is that the bike fits him very well and has plenty of power for him to grow into. He had a big problem shifting the gears because of the bulky MX boots, but after a quick consultation with Dad, I adjusted his gear shift lever to make it easier. We'll have to field test it to make sure.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Austin's New Bike
Austin's new motorcycle arrived yesterday. Grammy and Grandpa D. brought the bike to him in the "big red truck". The picture above shows the proud new owner. The PW50 that he borrowed from Rhonda is in the foreground. The new TT-R90 is in the back.
The shakedown ride is scheduled for Saturday.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Skeeter
Ou dog Skeeter is famous within the Clark family for having the worst dog breath on the planet. The contributing factor to her doggy halitosis is a massive plaque buildup on her teeth. Every time we have taken her to the Vet, they tell us that her teeth need to be cleaned. The only problem is that they want +$500 to clean them. All of a sudden her breath became tolerable.
The dog groomer that we use recently merged with an Animal Hospital. Two weeks ago I took the dogs in for their semiannual trim, and they told me that I really needed to get Skeeter's teeth cleaned. The only difference this time was the Animal Hospital offered to do it for $150. This seemed better that the previous quotes, so I took her yesterday for the procedure. As best I can tell, the procedure involves sedating the animal and literally chiseling the plaque off.
Before an animal can be sedated, a blood test must be taken to make sure that there are no major problems that can be complicated by the sedation. In this case, there was. The years of plaque buildup on Skeeter's teeth had caused bacteria to infect her gums and enter her bloodstream. The bacteria reached such a level that she was on the verge of kidney failure. They informed Tracy that there was a good chance that she would not come out of sedation. We told them to go ahead with the cleaning since her teeth would kill her if the problem was not taken care of.
During the surgery the Vet had to remove 6 teeth that were badly infected, but she made it. She has 2 prescriptions to take for the next 2 weeks, and she now has to eat a prescription dog food for her kidneys. She also has to eat soft food for a week.
She was a little loopy from the anesthesia last night, but seemed much better this morning. She also has a brand new set of white choppers.
The dog groomer that we use recently merged with an Animal Hospital. Two weeks ago I took the dogs in for their semiannual trim, and they told me that I really needed to get Skeeter's teeth cleaned. The only difference this time was the Animal Hospital offered to do it for $150. This seemed better that the previous quotes, so I took her yesterday for the procedure. As best I can tell, the procedure involves sedating the animal and literally chiseling the plaque off.
Before an animal can be sedated, a blood test must be taken to make sure that there are no major problems that can be complicated by the sedation. In this case, there was. The years of plaque buildup on Skeeter's teeth had caused bacteria to infect her gums and enter her bloodstream. The bacteria reached such a level that she was on the verge of kidney failure. They informed Tracy that there was a good chance that she would not come out of sedation. We told them to go ahead with the cleaning since her teeth would kill her if the problem was not taken care of.
During the surgery the Vet had to remove 6 teeth that were badly infected, but she made it. She has 2 prescriptions to take for the next 2 weeks, and she now has to eat a prescription dog food for her kidneys. She also has to eat soft food for a week.
She was a little loopy from the anesthesia last night, but seemed much better this morning. She also has a brand new set of white choppers.
Prince William County Fair
The previous post was a test to see if I could post to the blog from my cell phone. The fact that I posted that text from my phone accounts for the brevity and the lack of capitalization. I am working on the ability to post pictures.
The main event for the evening was the demolition derby in a mud soaked arena in front of the bleachers.
The highlight, or lowlight, of the evening was the drop ride. This is a ride where a seated platform is raised up a tower and dropped in free fall for a second or two before the hydraulic braking system takes over. I got in line with Jimmy Gallant and Darryl Estes, two other dads who attended the fair with us. Kara saw us get in line and decided that she too was going to ride. Her decision was bolstered by the fact that a girl younger than her had just been dropped. None of the other kids volunteered to ride and were more than happy justto watch. Kara wasn't tense and showed no fear when she was buckled in.
I was unhappily reminded of a ride on the Comet, a wooden rollercoaster ride at Hershey Park last year. On that occasion, Kara happily rode the rollercoaster and had no problem with the ride until the first drop when her glee was quickly replaced with unmitigated terror for the duration of the ride.
Sh was exhibiting the same behavior last night when the inevitable happened. The unimposing height of the tower underwent a radical change when ridden upwards. Suddenly it felt like you were sitting outside a 20 story building. I think everyone knows what happened next, but here it is anyway.
Watching the ride from the ground it was clear that there was no delay when the platform reached the top. What was not apparent until we got on was that the roof of the platform prevented us from seeing the top. This meant that you were not exactly sure when the platform was going to drop.
This also meant that the drop caught young Kara by surprise and scared the shit out of her. When we got to the bottom she was screaming and had to be led off the ride.
I don't think that she will ride anything like that in the near future, but I will acknowledge that of her siblings, she alone had the guts to ride it.
The main event for the evening was the demolition derby in a mud soaked arena in front of the bleachers.
The highlight, or lowlight, of the evening was the drop ride. This is a ride where a seated platform is raised up a tower and dropped in free fall for a second or two before the hydraulic braking system takes over. I got in line with Jimmy Gallant and Darryl Estes, two other dads who attended the fair with us. Kara saw us get in line and decided that she too was going to ride. Her decision was bolstered by the fact that a girl younger than her had just been dropped. None of the other kids volunteered to ride and were more than happy justto watch. Kara wasn't tense and showed no fear when she was buckled in.
I was unhappily reminded of a ride on the Comet, a wooden rollercoaster ride at Hershey Park last year. On that occasion, Kara happily rode the rollercoaster and had no problem with the ride until the first drop when her glee was quickly replaced with unmitigated terror for the duration of the ride.
Sh was exhibiting the same behavior last night when the inevitable happened. The unimposing height of the tower underwent a radical change when ridden upwards. Suddenly it felt like you were sitting outside a 20 story building. I think everyone knows what happened next, but here it is anyway.
Watching the ride from the ground it was clear that there was no delay when the platform reached the top. What was not apparent until we got on was that the roof of the platform prevented us from seeing the top. This meant that you were not exactly sure when the platform was going to drop.
This also meant that the drop caught young Kara by surprise and scared the shit out of her. When we got to the bottom she was screaming and had to be led off the ride.
I don't think that she will ride anything like that in the near future, but I will acknowledge that of her siblings, she alone had the guts to ride it.
Monday, August 15, 2005
Myrtle Beach
The Clark Clan just returned from our annual MB trip. This year we stayed at the plush Lowry-Goins condo in Cherry Grove. We experience bad weather for the first 2 days, but it's hard to complain about it since we have had excellent weather for many, many years. Uncle Chuck made 2 visits to see us, showing up on the first and last days of our stay.
Aunt Bonnie and Tabitha Clark joined us on Friday for the day. Note that I didn't say 'Aunt' when referring to Tabitha since I have a hard rule that 'Aunt' is reserved for people older than me. :)
Aunt Bonnie and Tabitha Clark joined us on Friday for the day. Note that I didn't say 'Aunt' when referring to Tabitha since I have a hard rule that 'Aunt' is reserved for people older than me. :)
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Atlantic City
Last Friday night, I went to Atlantic City to try my hand at real Casino poker. I went with several friends to Harrah's. I have been playing a monthly Texas Hold'em game in the neighborhood since the beginning of the year. We have been playing both tournament style (no limit) and $3 max bet poker (limit) and I have had a fair measure of success at this.
The good news is that the casino version of the game is essentally the same and I had about the same success at it (i.e. broke even, didn't lose my ass). The only difference whatsoever was the 'rake'. The rake is the percentage of each pot that the casino takes. That's how they make money on the game. Harrah's takes 10% of each pot to cover the game. It was a little strange to sit down and play poker with people you have never met before. Poker players, men and women alike, are not the friendliest lot.
Since I went to the casino, I have taught Austin, Kellie, & Kara to play and it is not unusual to see the entire family sit down for a few hands. The kids really seem to enjoy the game, provided that we play for chips only.
The good news is that the casino version of the game is essentally the same and I had about the same success at it (i.e. broke even, didn't lose my ass). The only difference whatsoever was the 'rake'. The rake is the percentage of each pot that the casino takes. That's how they make money on the game. Harrah's takes 10% of each pot to cover the game. It was a little strange to sit down and play poker with people you have never met before. Poker players, men and women alike, are not the friendliest lot.
Since I went to the casino, I have taught Austin, Kellie, & Kara to play and it is not unusual to see the entire family sit down for a few hands. The kids really seem to enjoy the game, provided that we play for chips only.
Monday, July 18, 2005
The Price of Success
To be successful or to attempt to attain success is the American way. Sometimes this works out and sometimes it doesn't. Case in point: North Carolina State University has undoubtedly become the finest public university in the southeastern Unites States. This is a result of offering the finest curriculum and making sure that all accepted students are of the highest caliber; the crème de la crème.
The bad part about NCSU's success is that is has become a school of choice for the less than ethical among us. It seems that if you want to receive the best education then you choose the best schools. The problem is, we cannot control what students do with that education.
Why am I telling you all this? A recent article on FOXnews.com really explains it all. If you read the article you will see where the chemist decided to attend graduate school in chemical engineering.
Bottom Line: If you get too good even the bad guys come looking.
The bad part about NCSU's success is that is has become a school of choice for the less than ethical among us. It seems that if you want to receive the best education then you choose the best schools. The problem is, we cannot control what students do with that education.
Why am I telling you all this? A recent article on FOXnews.com really explains it all. If you read the article you will see where the chemist decided to attend graduate school in chemical engineering.
Bottom Line: If you get too good even the bad guys come looking.
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Monday, July 11, 2005
Weekend Update
I just spent the entire weekend with my Mexican friend Manuel. If you don't know what this means, just ask my Dad. I have logged 13 hours over the last 2 days staining our deck and I am about 80% complete. You'll have to see it at the house the next time you visit.
The weekend also saw the greatest motorcycle race I have ever seen, but then again, I am biased. Nonetheless, it was agreat race weekend for the Red, White, and Blue. Americans placed 1-2 in the MotoGP US Grand Prix, and I must say that I was very impressed with Colin Edwards. Colin, of course, placed second on the rostrum, but was very gracious in defeat. It is no secret that Colin has no great admiration for Hayden because he has always felt that Nicky's Repsol Honda seat should have been his. His post-race comments have made me see him in a far different light. He was openly congratulatory to Nicky and gave him big hug during the victory celebration. A class act all the way around.
On a previous post, I mentioned that a columnist had picked Nicky to win. His name is Dennis Noyes and he is clearly a genius. It remains to be seen how the Tornadiacs will take this. A quick explanation is required here. Colin Edwards is known as the 'Texas Tornado' and his avid followers refer to themselves as Tornadiacs. To put this in perspective, look at it this way; Edwards and Hayden fans treat each other with the same admiration and respect that Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr fans give each other.
Another development to be noted is that neither Hayden or Edwards has ever beaten Valentino Rossi in a race that Rossi has finished. That's how good this Italian is. Yesterday, both accomplished this feat.
The rednecks were out in force on Saturday when Toby Keith performed at the Nissan Pavilion in Gainesville. Of course Tracy was there sitting just 10 rows back from the stage enjoying every minute of it. If you ask her, I am sure she will give you a complete report.
The weekend also saw the greatest motorcycle race I have ever seen, but then again, I am biased. Nonetheless, it was agreat race weekend for the Red, White, and Blue. Americans placed 1-2 in the MotoGP US Grand Prix, and I must say that I was very impressed with Colin Edwards. Colin, of course, placed second on the rostrum, but was very gracious in defeat. It is no secret that Colin has no great admiration for Hayden because he has always felt that Nicky's Repsol Honda seat should have been his. His post-race comments have made me see him in a far different light. He was openly congratulatory to Nicky and gave him big hug during the victory celebration. A class act all the way around.
On a previous post, I mentioned that a columnist had picked Nicky to win. His name is Dennis Noyes and he is clearly a genius. It remains to be seen how the Tornadiacs will take this. A quick explanation is required here. Colin Edwards is known as the 'Texas Tornado' and his avid followers refer to themselves as Tornadiacs. To put this in perspective, look at it this way; Edwards and Hayden fans treat each other with the same admiration and respect that Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr fans give each other.
Another development to be noted is that neither Hayden or Edwards has ever beaten Valentino Rossi in a race that Rossi has finished. That's how good this Italian is. Yesterday, both accomplished this feat.
The rednecks were out in force on Saturday when Toby Keith performed at the Nissan Pavilion in Gainesville. Of course Tracy was there sitting just 10 rows back from the stage enjoying every minute of it. If you ask her, I am sure she will give you a complete report.
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Lumbee Homecoming
We decided at the last minute to drive to Pembroke and attend Lumbee Homecoming over the fourth. Kellie went to Ocean City with the Willis' as planned and had a ball. The rest of us climbed into the Passat and drove south for the Holiday Weekend.
We went to the parade in town on Saturday, July 2 and after the parade, the guys (Me, Dad and Austin) went to the Yamaha shop to get his stuff. Later that day we went to the Locklear family reunion and from there over to the College to see the fireworks display. For a town its size, Pembroke's fireworks are very impressive and the kids really seemed to enjoy it.
We cut the trip a little short because we had to be back here on Monday to go to a neighborhood block party.
We went to the parade in town on Saturday, July 2 and after the parade, the guys (Me, Dad and Austin) went to the Yamaha shop to get his stuff. Later that day we went to the Locklear family reunion and from there over to the College to see the fireworks display. For a town its size, Pembroke's fireworks are very impressive and the kids really seemed to enjoy it.
We cut the trip a little short because we had to be back here on Monday to go to a neighborhood block party.
New Gear
We went to Lumbee Homecoming last weekend and Austin Clark made out like a bandit. Grandpa Denny set him up with all new riding gear. He now has a Yamaha blue riding shirt and pants along with new motocross boots. He did not last one day at home before he was out trying the new threads out.
Myrtle Beach
We are booked at the Lowry/Goins condo for the week of Aug 7-14. I heard that both elevators are now working, which is a huge improvement over the wait times of last year. If its any consolation, Tracy can get ill at Myrtle Beach all she wants because the medical facilities are superb.
Outer Banks Redux
Quickly becoming a favorite of the Clark family, the Outer Banks is back on the summer activities schedule. Tracy has a girls weekend scheduled at the Corolla Light resort on Aug 5-6. This means that she will make it back to Bristow just in time to leave for Myrtle Beach. It's too bad that she doesn't have much leisure time.
Let's just hope that she doesn't get sick this time because we have found that this is one place that you want to remain healthy.
Let's just hope that she doesn't get sick this time because we have found that this is one place that you want to remain healthy.
Pennington back on the schedule
I earlier reported that Kellie was leaving Pennington and enrolling in Marstellar Middle School. That announcement has proven to be immature. Tracy's last-minute school tour left a very negative impression and further discussions with Kellie revealed that the only incentive for her was the middle school cheerleading team. This proved to be a less than deciding factor for me, so back to Pennington she goes. Kellie's academic successes this year proved what she can do if she is pushed and at Marstellar, she might be just another face in the crowd.
Motorcycle Trips
I have two big trips planned this summer.
VIR (Virginia International Raceway)
The annual trek to Danville will take this year the weekend of August 26-28. As it stands right now, Ricky and I will definitely be going down for the AMA race weekend. Uncle Mike and Ché look good to attend as well. I hope to see them there.
Deals Gap
Uncle Mike, Ché, and myself have set a target date sometime in September to ride the Dragon. Deals Gap crosses between North Carolina and Tennessee and boasts 318 turns in 11 miles. These are twisties on steroids and make 211 look like a ride in a parking lot. Digression: Parking lot rides are only exciting if your name is Kellen Winslow, Jr. End Digression. This is the sportbike ride on the East Coast and I only hope that it's not too crowded.
VIR (Virginia International Raceway)
The annual trek to Danville will take this year the weekend of August 26-28. As it stands right now, Ricky and I will definitely be going down for the AMA race weekend. Uncle Mike and Ché look good to attend as well. I hope to see them there.
Deals Gap
Uncle Mike, Ché, and myself have set a target date sometime in September to ride the Dragon. Deals Gap crosses between North Carolina and Tennessee and boasts 318 turns in 11 miles. These are twisties on steroids and make 211 look like a ride in a parking lot. Digression: Parking lot rides are only exciting if your name is Kellen Winslow, Jr. End Digression. This is the sportbike ride on the East Coast and I only hope that it's not too crowded.
Grandpa Pete
Grandpa Pete went back to the Hospital for another blood transfusion but I haven't heard how it turned out. Post status if you know anything.
I saw him last weekend and he looked better than I thought he would. I was told that he was having a good day. Obviously things deteriorated somewhat because of the required blood transfusion, but let's hope that he is doing better.
I saw him last weekend and he looked better than I thought he would. I was told that he was having a good day. Obviously things deteriorated somewhat because of the required blood transfusion, but let's hope that he is doing better.
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