|
Events & Rides
Major Rallys
Overnighters
Day Rides
Wrench Sessions
Related Links
West Coast Magnas
| | |
| |
Honda Superbike Classic
Fri, 7/9/2004 - Sun, 7/11/2004
|
It turns out July 11th was a beautiful day for riding - and we were off to the races. The Honda Superbike Classic to be exact. Every year the worlds fastest show up at Laguna Seca to prove their supremecy.We we're going for the final day to see the culmination of the weekends racing.
The Trip Over
We headed of across the "Big" valley towards the coast. Took a wide easy two lanes including HWY33 to avoid Interstate 5.At Santa Nella we Magna fuel stopped and switched to HWY152 over Pacheco Pass. The traffic was lite and this minor four lane was a fast, easy cruise to CA156 that allowed us to wave at the motorcycle mecca of Hollister.
CA156 led to a quick sprint down the realtively scenic and twisty HWY101. Got to watch that ugly cross traffic on this major CA four lane. We decided to go the long way into Laguna Seca and continued to south Salinas to take CA68 west. We took the early exit, which ultimately leads into LS a backway, through the abandoned Army base. It adds a very rustic and almost spooky flavor to the entrance riding past all those quiet, unused buildings down a old narrow to lane leading to seemingly no where.
So we get to the "Ticket Checkpoint" half way between the base and the actual track. This is where you gota have one or you got to buy one to get any farther. We pull in the short line, unglove, dismount, wallets out, buy ticket, wait for change, put away wallet, stash ticket in pokect, mount, glove, move on. Around the corner of the exit, stands a kid on a 15 degree upward incline holding his hand out saying, "I gotta see your ticket" Wha, Huh, we jus, why, sigh. Shut off, in gear, unglove....
The Track
As we round the final corner onto a view of Laguna Seca - it's a sea of motorcycles. The burst of colors would put an exotic parrot convention to shame. Parking is everywhere. We were within 75 yards of the straightaway and Turn 11 (Track Map). As we walk to the entrance gates to trackside we walked through the worlds largest collections of motorcycles types, styles, brands and models. You name it, we saw it (and maybe admired it) within that first 75 yards. Amazing sight. Not to mention every accessory know to man.
We met up with QuietRider from the Delphi forum at the entrance to the paddock area. We had thought about getting paddock tickects for the extra $15, but there was to much to see without adding the paddock to it. After a some brief introductions and chit chat, we headed over to turn 4 to watch some awesome stunt riding by Craig Jones. Didn't know some of his stuff was eavn possible with the rules of physics and all. The control and skill is beyond amazing. If you get a chance check his show out somewhere.
The Stuff
On our trek over to the hill above turn 5 (on the "outside" of the complex by camping), we had a brief chance to wander through the "Motorcycle Mall" and get out the myriad of vendors botths and wares. From insurance to gel pads, cruiser parts to sport bike performence additions, luggage to apparel, naked girl t-shirts for guys to 5 different manufactures of race/casual clothing specifically designed for women - the mall had everything. We would definitly need to come back.
Race #2 (our #1)
The first race we saw (QuietRider was in time for WSBK#1) was the Chevrolet Superbike Race. OK, I admit, I haven't watched a lot of motorcycle racing on TV (I don't have Speed channel) and never a live race, but, "HOLY SCRAPED KNEES BATMAN - THESE GUYS ARE FAST AND CRAZY". It was simply amazing to me. The sound alone was impressive. QuietRider helped the more clueless (myself included) up to speed on the racers and standings. The first three images are from this race. The Andretti Hairpin was a major passing spot. These guys would pass, then pass back & then pass again in this one tight hairpin. Way cool.
It was quite the disappointment when on about the fourth lap, Zemke's bike started sputtering while climibing the hill after turn 5. He tried to hold on, but we watched him fall back to sixth by the end of the race. He was obviously a track favorite.
Fuel Break (for us) and Race #3 & #4
After a quick trip to the food courts for a Tri-Tip sandwich ($7) and a coke ($3), we started the climb up the BIG hill to the Corkscrew (#8). The next race, World Super Bike #2 started during the dusty hike. We were able to watch half the from the front side of the hill that has a great view of the track, Turns 11 back to Turn 5. This giant hill provides probaly the best wide angle view of the race. You can see more of the track from here than anywhere else. Granted at a distance though. The second half of race 3 we watched on the hill's backside with close quarter race action on the Corkscrew (pics 10 - 20).
The Corkscrew (Turns 8) is an amazing place (for cars and motorcycles alike). The speed, action and skill is non-stop. You could watch those pro riders manhandle the bikes through the quick direction changes. We stayed here for the first half of the 4th race, the 17 lap "Pro Honda Oils Supersport Race". The action and sound from the 600's was very different, but just as exciting. And many of the names were familiar from the previous races - go figure.
We saw the race 4 conclusion on the hill's front side, with the wide view of the track, including the the photos in turns 10 and 11 (the last four pics). And with that the racing was over and it was time for the ride home. QuietRider hiked of in his direction and we took our time getting back to our turn 11 parking area. There was plenty of outbound traffic and waiting (even with the high percentage of motorcycles).
The End
We retraced our route for the ride home. The only real difference, the coast fog and cold rolled in. And me, once again, with nothing other than my freakin' mesh jacket. You'ld think I'd learn. Well, and the night time bugs weren't so much fun in the valley's farmland floor with no windshields.
All in all a great ride, an awesome experience and a good time. QuietRider, it was great to meet you. Hope we can actually get in some riding time in the future. I would recommend a trip to the motorcycles races for every rider.
PokeyV65
We didn't include race results incase there are fans waiting to watch a replay or tape.
| |
&[msg]
| |
&[msg]
|
|
&[msg]
| |
&[msg]
|
|
&[msg]
| |
&[msg]
|
|
&[msg]
| |
&[msg]
|
|
&[msg]
| |
&[msg]
|
|
&[msg]
| |
&[msg]
|
|
&[msg]
| |
&[msg]
|
|
&[msg]
| |
&[msg]
|
|
&[msg]
| |
&[msg]
|
|
&[msg]
| |
&[msg]
|
|
&[msg]
| |
&[msg]
|
|
&[msg]
| |
&[msg]
|
|
|
|
www.WestCoastMagnas.com
© 2004 kewpro.com
| | |