Splash
Race Dog
Back from my first GNCC race. Left speechless. Something that one has to experience oneself. Everything is bigger, more impressive and unfortunately also harder. I cannot imagine doing this every second week or even wanting to do this for a living.
I have seen a little of Kenny's life and I think that I would not last long. My next race already feels too soon, let alone trying to ride these things competitively.
We arrived on Friday night at Steele Creek, Morganton to a traffic jam. Motorhomes as far as the eye can see. They are really easy to set up. Park, level and start the generator. Luxury in motion. The weather was cold but the RV was heated. Had pizzas which we picked up on the way.
It was freezing the next morning. Dressed up like an Eskimo. Quads raced on the Saturday. Had a chance to walk the course which was a mission in itself. The climbs steep and decents suicidal. What had I let myself into? This was not going to be much fun. Doing one lap looked like an achievement in itself. Was told that I had to do three laps. Well, all I could do was try.
Saturday night was spaghetti provided by one of the competitors mothers. Made for some interesting conversation. Was told how dangerous bull riding is. No kiding. Dirt bike riding seemed prity dangerous to me.
Sunday morning arrive too soon and I was on the start line ready to "go GNCC racing". Kenny helped me with the dead engine start. The announcer yelled - "ten seconds" and my heart was pounding. The flag dropped and off I was. Was last through the holeshot - managed to keep my position throught the race at least!
The track changed dramatically thoughout the race. Ruts became canyons, tracks became woops and hill climbs a parking lot. Bottle necks were minimal except for on my last lap, the climb became so cut up it was just about impossible to get up.
Dave looked after the pits and look a few pictures. I did refuel and get some additional water, otherwise it was race, race and race. Did manage to get thrown off by missjudging a woop - some low flying. Nothing broken but a serious close call. Slowed down and concentrated on the terrain.
Did do three laps which was a surprise. Not sure what I am going to do the next race. It was a long way. May not be that brave again. Need to get some more riding time in. Should help.
Steph did well with a nineth place in his class on four laps. More enthuisatic about the next race, maybe even doing the afternoon class.
Kenny was amazing to watch and to see the pits in operation. The pros are just insane. They have no sense or fear of danger. They rode down decents on the gas flying the woops. Just cannot fathom how they do it. Kenny got a twelth place in his class.
Cleaning up bikes and kit today. Two days preperation for a two hour race.
My admiration and respect to all competitive racers. I have been at this for a week and just cannot imagine how I am going to survive another two weeks of this.
I have seen a little of Kenny's life and I think that I would not last long. My next race already feels too soon, let alone trying to ride these things competitively.
We arrived on Friday night at Steele Creek, Morganton to a traffic jam. Motorhomes as far as the eye can see. They are really easy to set up. Park, level and start the generator. Luxury in motion. The weather was cold but the RV was heated. Had pizzas which we picked up on the way.
It was freezing the next morning. Dressed up like an Eskimo. Quads raced on the Saturday. Had a chance to walk the course which was a mission in itself. The climbs steep and decents suicidal. What had I let myself into? This was not going to be much fun. Doing one lap looked like an achievement in itself. Was told that I had to do three laps. Well, all I could do was try.
Saturday night was spaghetti provided by one of the competitors mothers. Made for some interesting conversation. Was told how dangerous bull riding is. No kiding. Dirt bike riding seemed prity dangerous to me.
Sunday morning arrive too soon and I was on the start line ready to "go GNCC racing". Kenny helped me with the dead engine start. The announcer yelled - "ten seconds" and my heart was pounding. The flag dropped and off I was. Was last through the holeshot - managed to keep my position throught the race at least!
The track changed dramatically thoughout the race. Ruts became canyons, tracks became woops and hill climbs a parking lot. Bottle necks were minimal except for on my last lap, the climb became so cut up it was just about impossible to get up.
Dave looked after the pits and look a few pictures. I did refuel and get some additional water, otherwise it was race, race and race. Did manage to get thrown off by missjudging a woop - some low flying. Nothing broken but a serious close call. Slowed down and concentrated on the terrain.
Did do three laps which was a surprise. Not sure what I am going to do the next race. It was a long way. May not be that brave again. Need to get some more riding time in. Should help.
Steph did well with a nineth place in his class on four laps. More enthuisatic about the next race, maybe even doing the afternoon class.
Kenny was amazing to watch and to see the pits in operation. The pros are just insane. They have no sense or fear of danger. They rode down decents on the gas flying the woops. Just cannot fathom how they do it. Kenny got a twelth place in his class.
Cleaning up bikes and kit today. Two days preperation for a two hour race.
My admiration and respect to all competitive racers. I have been at this for a week and just cannot imagine how I am going to survive another two weeks of this.
eepwall:
