Still I'm not a racer...

[jasnmar]

In another thread I mentioned being too old and too fat to be a racer. Chuck and Adam both quoted some "statistics" on their backgrounds in getting into racing.

I think the part I left out is I think I also lack the huevos to be a racer.

Sweet baby hesus (yes, I know that's not how it's spelled).

[Chippertheripper]

Lrrs is NOT iommtt.
If you feel like its an activity you might enjoy, you will. You'll LOVE it, in fact.

Ask around about Rick doucette. He wasn't your textbook racer either.

[k_cotter]

"old" "fat" guys can, and do, do great at loudon. road racing a closed course designed for racing doesnt come close to requiring the insanity necessary to tt race on ancient roads in Europe.

[The Snowman]

So, you've started a progression...

Street riding on Gold Wing
Track riding on Gold Wing

Now you have a track bike for the track to take things up a notch.

Some people never find the comfort level to be able to get in close quarters with other riders. Others it becomes second nature.

Only you will know your own comfort level. Do some more track days on the CBR and see how you feel.

C'mon up to the races in 2013 and see what it's all about. Watch different levels of racing, novice, amateur, and expert and see the differences in how close racing gets between all levels.

You'll notice that riders get closer together with each level increase. It just happens as you get comfortable with the speeds for a given level of racing.

For now, don't put the cart before the horse. Get some more track time in. If you feel comfortable, do the Penguin Basic course and see what the basics are for racing. The basic course also qualifies you for your CCS|LRRS license.

My $.02

[sdog30]

So, you've started a progression...

Street riding on Gold Wing
Track riding on Gold Wing

Now you have a track bike for the track to take things up a notch.

Some people never find the comfort level to be able to get in close quarters with other riders. Others it becomes second nature.

Only you will know your own comfort level. Do some more track days on the CBR and see how you feel.

C'mon up to the races in 2013 and see what it's all about. Watch different levels of racing, novice, amateur, and expert and see the differences in how close racing gets between all levels.

You'll notice that riders get closer together with each level increase. It just happens as you get comfortable with the speeds for a given level of racing.

For now, don't put the cart before the horse. Get some more track time in. If you feel comfortable, do the Penguin Basic course and see what the basics are for racing. The basic course also qualifies you for your CCS|LRRS license.

My $.02

[Chippertheripper]

Me too.
Good post, chuckles.
The only thing I would add to your progression is:
Outrun your budget.
Retire.
Start racing dirtbikes to get a cheap competition fix, and force you to get/maintain some fitness.

[OreoGaborio]

When I started street riding at age 23, never in a million years did I ever think I'd ride on a race track.
Three months later I started doing track days...

When I started doing track days, never in a million years did I ever think I would make it to the advanced group.
A few track days later I was in Blue group...

When I got to blue group, never in a million years did I ever think I'd get a race bike and start racing & instructing
2 years later I had a race bike, was racing & instructing for TTD.

When I started racing, never in a million years did I ever think I'd progress to Expert and eventually chase down front runners & LRRS Legends like Rick Doucette.
Three years later I had white plates again & had Ricky in my sights.... Another two years and, well... I beat him.




Not saying this to brag or puff my chest... Just sharing how, little by little, things can progress when you work at it... and eventually you can find yourself doing something you never EVER could have dreamed of.

[Mustang]

HOT RAINS!! Vindication, finally...take THAT Heath

[csmutty]

Me too.
Good post, chuckles.
The only thing I would add to your progression is:
Outrun your budget.
Retire.
Start racing dirtbikes to get a cheap competition fix, and force you to get/maintain some fitness.

I could never get the same fix on a dirty bike that I get on a road bike.

Good post Chuck.

[Rambunctous]

What's old?

[carsick]

Thanks for the vid jasnmar, made my day! Probably not going to show it to my wife though. And the rest of you enablers should just stop, terrible how you try to hook us innocents

[breakdirt916]

got any money??

[nhbubba]

I can't wait to see you grid up man.

[DucDave]

Whether you're fat or old has little to do with whether you'd enjoy 'racing'. I think it has more to do with how 'competitive' you happen to be. In my very limited experience I discovered that I apparently lacked the 'competition' gene. I love going fast and learning to ride my old 2 valve as well as I can. I prefer competing against myself than against others. It took trying it however, for me to be honest with myself!

[Pigman]

Do track days and get you fast on.......and at any age there is room to race

[Falko]

I've thought about it myself for several reasons. Then the wife crushed my hopes and dreams, for only one reason. Oh well....

And Guy Martin for President.... I mean KING!!!.... of the Universe!!!!!!!

-Rolling Chicane Falko

[nt650hawk]

I've thought about it myself for several reasons. Then the wife crushed my hopes and dreams

time for a new wife. Find one that lets you do what makes you happy!!!!!!!!!!

[Stoneman]

I don't think 'competitiveness' is even remotely the defining factor. I'm ultra competitive and can & will turn just about anything into a contest. When I was younger and riding on the street, I always knew I'd end up on the track. That was, until I DID end up on the track. It didn't take long to learn it simply wasn't my cup of tea. I LOVED the competition aspect of it, but in no way could justify the means. I found it utterly rediculous the amount of time & money it took and I only actually did a handful of actual races because of that...

Between my failed attempt at racing and doing a bazillion-and-one track days at that time, I ended up with absolutely ZERO desire to ever ride on a track again. And that feeling carries still to this day...

[Falko]

No, no, I'm happy, she told me so yesterday...

[Garandman]

I'd love to race bikes, but my knee can't bend enough anymore to ride a sport bike: I can only bend it to 110 degrees.

Look at all the middle-aged guys who wonder if they had what it takes to succeed in the military, or race motorcycles, or ski race or whatever.

So if you are physically able, don't wait. The choice may not always be available.

[Mr. Kurtz]

Meh, racing is okay.

[Rambunctous]

Hey I didnt race till 50 years old and got 2 Novice Championships and 3 Amatuer ones. And I ski everyday. My johnson goes boing just at the sight of a booty. Am I too old?

[SVRACER01]

that video isnt even IOM, thats plain ole roadracing. gridded up and go. those videos are amazing to watch.

[Stoneman]

Am I too old?

For a head of lettuce, yes. But for a mountain, you have just begun in years...

[The Snowman]

I've thought about it myself for several reasons. Then the wife crushed my hopes and dreams, for only one reason. Oh well....

time for a new wife. Find one that lets you do what makes you happy!!!!!!!!!!

This is one of the biggest reasons I still do it. As those who are up at the track know, Annalisa is there supporting me at almost every event and track day I work. (this coming season may be different, as the TTD schedule is huge and doesn't match up to too many LRRS weekends, and she's hoping to become the regional Arabian Sport Horse Champion)

But she loves coming up and being part of the track family and experience. This is definitely important.