I guess it's testosterone or some deep drive inside boys to go fast. Even when they are little they dream of going fast and of modes of transportation that make them go fast. My motor-man is just a grown up boy still dreaming of his own rocket.
Yesterday he got to find out what it was like to fly. He went to an organized 'track-day' down at a local raceway and rode his Ducati like the wind. I was impressed with the safety standards they put in place, but the risk is still there (WARNING: parental types.. don't read on) as 4 people crashed yesterday. Surprisingly no-one got injured. The gear has protective padding throughout and they have air fences around so you don't usually hit anything hard but still... you are sliding at top speeds. Additionally, it's so much safer than the roads- no other cars, no gravel, no oil, etc.
They have 3 classes- Advanced, Intermediate, and Beginner. Vil was in the beginners as it was his first track day. The Advanced riders get up to speeds of 170-180 mph. I'm not sure what the intermediate or beginners speeds are, but I can tell you this- they are FAST. I couldn't believe the beginners would fly like that. I just stood there watching with my mouth hanging open- in awe. They each had to pick a number- he chose 714 (see if you can guess why) :). They had a rest between each heat, so we set up a canopy and hung out until it was his time to go again.
We've had some conversations lately about our dreams and our "bucket lists" (you know.. what we would like to do before we kick-the-bucket). This was one of his and he has been wanting to do this since he bought that bike several years ago. Since we aren't getting any younger, we whole-heartedly agreed to support each others dreams.
Trust me, I had a lump in my stomach each time he went out, but I was happy he was having so much fun. Also, I know he is safe and smart and would error on the side of caution. My job was to standby, take pictures and cheer him on. Despite my furrowed-worried brow, I have to say, it was exhilarating to watch. The day was incident free, warm and perfect for the sport.
2 comments:
Oh my! Mike would love that! He has been dreaming of the Richard Petty driving experience (Google it).:) Do you think we can go on a bear hunt with the boys when we get there? Since you know where to find them I figured you'd be the best trail guide!:)
I want to race our Porsche but I don't think Jim will ever let me. He's afraid I'll ruin the transmission. Oh well. Glad that Vil got to live out his dream. I'm a little freaked out about bikes...seen to many crashes but at least he has all the protection. I think its adorable that he chose 714. I know why ;-)
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