When did you first start riding a motorcycle? What got you involved?

Do you also ride on the street, or track only?

Describe your experience at the track for the very first time.

What do you currently ride, and why did you pick that model bike?

Craziest track moment?

Do you think track days affects the way you ride on the streets?

What racing series do you follow?

If you could hit the track with any racer past or present, who would it be? Why?

If you can ride any track in the world, which would it be?

We are seeing more women involved in the racing and motorcycle industry, what are your thoughts on this?

Are you noticing more women interested in doing track days?

What advice would you give to anyone just starting out on the track or considering it?

For more GirlClutch information , check out the links below:
GirlClutch.com
Youtube.com/GirlClutch
Twitter/GirlClutch
Youtube/OkiHondaGirl

How long have you followed motorcycle racing?

Laura: Since 2008.

Have you ever attended races at any level?

What got you into motorcycle racing?

Do you ride yourself?

Most memorable experience on a motorcycle or watching bikes?

Dorna for the day! You control Grand Prix racing the highest level, what would you do or change?

If you could spend the day on the track with any racer (past or present) , who would it be?

How and where do you normally watch races?

Anything you would like to share with the MRR community?

First motorcycle?

Ian McAdam: 1969 suzuki tc120.
Do you also ride on the street, or track only?

IM: Track only .
How did you first get into track days? Do you also race?

IM: I stopped racing in 1991 . I have been racing karts for about 6 years , winning the Rotax Masters California State Championship in 2009 but have given that up also . My first track day was the result of one of my good customers and friend continually badgering me to go out and do a track day with him . I own a small independant shop in Bellflower , CA called Prospeed Motorcycles and one day i traded in a bone stock Ducati 748 . He declared I needed to take it out to Fontana so I picked up some leathers and bought some safety gear and out we went . I should tell you he brought his brother mother and father – he was going to school the old guy, I’m 54 . Long story short it’s like riding a bike, you just do not forget how to do it . He could’nt get within 6 seconds of me! Now I’m hooked and have just sent off my WERA license application . I’ve done 5 track days now and I am loving it . I can not get enough .
Describe how it felt for you to put your bike on the track the very first time.

IM: Pretty nervous pulling out of the pits – was worried I was going to be in peoples way . From the second session on , after I got my knee down for the first time in 20 years I was totally relaxed . I run times that would put me in the middle of the fast group now on a 6 year old GSXR600 beater so I’m happy .

Current track bike?

IM: ‘05 GSXR600, Ducati 916 SPS being built as we speak . I have a ‘85 FZ750 superbike going together slowly because I like old school speed .
If you could hit the track with any racer past or present, who would it be? Why?

IM: Jarno Saarinen – pure genious who died way before his time . For local American talent I’d say Danny Eslick,  the way he wrestles a bike into submission and forces it to do his bidding reminds me of the old school superbike racers like Graeme Crosby , Wayne Gardner and Kevin Schwantz before they went to G.P.’s . plus win , lose or draw he just flat out has fun doing what he does!
Craziest track moment?

IM: I remember years ago in a galaxy far away ( New Zealand ) I wanted to buy a TZ350 . The owner brought it out and we agreed I would ride it at the back in a F1 race , unlimited superbike , to see if I wanted it . Damn thing was a bullet and after a couple of laps I was flat out in top down the back straight of Bay Park Raceway . I waited til the last moment then chopped the throttle and hammered the brakes at about 165mph and the damn thing siezed and went sideways! That was scary, going into a 180 degree hairpin . Anyway,  the owner was super upset and told me I had wrecked his bike and  had to buy it,  until a top 2 stroke engine builder pulled it apart in the pits and asked, ” who’s the clown that rebuilt this engine with used wristpin circlips ? ” . Nope – did’nt buy it . Scary though.
Do you think doing track days affects the way you ride on the streets?

IM: Yes absolutely . Every single rider I know that has converted to track days is a better street rider becuase of it . You learn to concentrate to a much greater degree and feel with so much more precision when you ride at speed and close to the edge on the track and those feelings and understanding allows you a greater degree of control and confidence in street riding . A lot of riders also ride slower and more calmly after they do track days, confident in both their and their bikes abilities.

If you can ride any track in the world, which would it be?
IM: The old Spa in Belgium , or maybe Saltzburgring and Nurburgring . The old tracks that Rainey , Lawson et al raced in the 500 heyday .

What advice would you give someone just starting out on the track or considering it?

IM: Buy the absolute best safety equipment you can afford, do not scrimp! Concentrate on understanding your suspension, adjust it systematically and take notes, lots of notes . Buy good Tyres . Be honest about your abilities for your safety as well as other riders . In the short period of time I’ve been doing this I see so many riders riding in the wrong group, riders that just do not have the pace yet their ego dictates they ride in a group they do not have the pace for . This is dangerous for those that do have the pace – they take strange lines and look back for their friends then fall off in strange places . You learn nothing this way and endanger others . This gets worse the faster the group you are in . Ride in the group that has a pace you can ride at comfortably – you will gain confidence and develop pace in safety – and before you know it you’ll be railing thru turn 4 in the fast group and having a ton of fun – which is what its all about!

www.prospeedmc.com

How long have you followed motorcycle racing?

Have you ever attended races at any level?

What got you into motorcycle racing?

Do you ride yourself?

Most memorable experience on a motorcycle or watching bikes?

Is there a track that you would like to see MotoGP race at that is currently not on the calender?

Dorna for the day! You control Grand Prix racing the highest level, what would you do or change?

If you could spend the day on the track with any racer (past or present) , who would it be?

How and where do you normally watch races?

Anything you would like to share with the MRR community?

www.facebook.com/gearchic

First motorcycle?

BH: Wow, first motorcycle, that takes me back, I rode a Bultaco 250 trials bike when I was 12 (off road) but legal riding on road would have been a Honda CBR 125. This bike saw me through my bike test before moving on to the faster stuff. I also had a little 50cc Honda when I was 16 but I wouldn’t describe that as a bike!

Do you also ride on the street, or track only?

BH: I love riding both. I like point to point riding on the roads with a group of mates both in the UK and Europe. It’s just good to get out and go somewhere far away for breakfast early on a summer’s morning.
Track riding though is something else; having the freedom to ride and develop your skills on the same tarmac as the best riders in the world is one of the best things to do in life.

How did you first get into track days? Do you also race?

BH: I first got into track days when I had my motorcycle business. Three of us were in partnership in the business and as a way of testing the bikes we were building we took them to the track.
We also did it purely for fun too and maybe the testing aspect was more of an excuse just to get back to the track. I do not race but it is something I would love to do given more time and money.

Describe how it felt for you to put your bike on the track the very first time.

BH: In the early morning sun, driving a van through the gates of the track at 7a.m. delivers a mixture of pure excitement, adrenaline and nerves.
I have to say from the first pit exit I felt entirely at home, I knew my bike inside out and given the expanse of a track which seemed so big it just all seemed right. It felt like all the talking was over and now was the chance to really step up. I was hooked.

Current track bike?

BH: Yamaha YZF R1 2004, full ohlins, full arrows, fully mapped and upgraded to superstock specification Yum!

If you could hit the track with any racer past or present, who would it be? Why?

BH: There are two, it would have to Valentino Rossi. Valentino to me is an inspiration in both the way he can develop a machine but also to understand his mental approach to racing and his strategy, and focus. I would just love to get inside his head.
Secondly my Dad who is longer here, he was a racer in his time and a massive influence on my life. I would love to have raced him when he was a young man.

Craziest track moment?

BH: I was in the fast group and this group was made up of pro racers testing and also the usual random fast blokes on very fast kit. Unplanned and stupidly I left the garage first and found myself at pole with 30+ racers and general lunatics behind me. I looked back down the line behind me and knew I was in for a right duffing up and was extremely nervous. Green light and out we went, I got my head down and warmed the tyres on the first two laps, so far so good, I carried on making good pace and just kept my head down. This kept going lap after lap until I looked behind me thinking the session had been flagged as no one was there! To my amusement I had managed to pull half a lap on the entire field. This really was crazy as my home built R1 was kicking the pro boys!! I was visited in my garage by a stream of riders wondering who I was. Just goes to show what nerves can do for you.

Do you think doing track days affects the way you ride on the streets?

BH: Yes, definitely. Track days are the best way to learn what your bike can do and also what you can do on your bike. Track days will give you better braking, better cornering and make you more in tune with the machine you are on. What you learn in one track day is worth months of road riding.

If you can ride any track in the world, which would it be?

BH: Laguna Seca – the drop on the cork screw – I like to be scared.

What advice would you give to anyone just starting out on the track or considering it?

BH: It would have to be, DO IT. I think that a lot of riders have a fear of crashing at track days. This is just not the case – pick the group, start as a novice and you will receive excellent tuition and can ride at your own pace. In my experience, all of the track day companies offer excellent first timer tuition and it is a great place to begin. Get your first one under your belt and I can guarantee you will be back again and again.

When did you first start riding a motorcycle? What got you involved?

RW: Both my parents rode motorcycles when I was kid. I rode with my Dad on his VMax for the first time when I was 4 years old and got my first dirt bike when I was 9 years old. My Dad was a little more hesitant than my mom when I decided I wanted a street bike though. Mom just said, “Make sure you put 3,000 miles on something small and take the MSF class, then you can get the sport bike you want.” My mom was an MSF instructor, so naturally that’s the advice she gave. So that’s what I did. I started on a Buell Blast, then bought a 2000 Yamaha R6 as soon my odometer hit 3K.

Do you also ride on the street, or track only?

RW: I work for Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., so I get to borrow bikes and do some testing here and there for work. As a result, I keep riding on the street. Otherwise, I ride on the track a lot (about twice a month). If I didn’t have bikes to borrow, I probably wouldn’t ride on the street anymore.

Describe your experience at the track for the very first time.
RW: My first time at the track was at Willow Springs with Fastrak Riders back in 2002. It was scary. I was so inimidated with all those guys in full leather suits sitting out in the hot pit lane with their game faces and loud exhausts. I looked at the instructors wearily when they motioned for me to ride out there with them. I was a canyon squid back then and thought I was hot stuff. But riding out there on that black serpentine ribbon of uninhibited tarmac taught me that I didn’t know as much as I thought I did. I don’t think I started to grow as a rider until I finally did my first track day.

What do you currently ride, and why did you pick that model bike?

RW: I currently own a Kawasaki ZX-10R, which is track-only. I’ve always loved one liters for their power and ability to make me giggle like a five-year-old girl. Yes, they’re ridiculous machines that are unecessary and more than any one person can master. But schnikes, they are so much fun! It’s such a blast to pass people on the straight at the track and to scare myself senseless while braking into turn 1. It’s the ultimate rush. My Kawi is really a handful though. I’m just hanging on most of the time and it takes a quite a bit of upper body strength to pull that beast up out of the corners. I originally chose that model because it happened to the be the one I spent the most time on for work and I was most familiar with it’s handling, braking characteristics and power. I love it. It’s a job to ride it, but it makes me love to work.

Craziest track moment?

RW: I had the chance to ride at Road America for an endurance race in 2007. I was on a bone stock borrowed Suzuki SV650. I struggled with that thing because I was only used to riding inline 4’s. I was hitting false neutrals and sliding the back tire coming out of every turn. I had a hard time with that bike. lol Well, during the race, this bloke on a yellow R6 pulls in front of me, slows down, turns around and gives me ‘The Matrix’ wave, as if to say, “You can’t catch me,” then he takes off. I was furious because I had that SV pinned in top gear and couldn’t so much as breathe his dust. If I ever catch that bastard…

Do you think track days affects the way you ride on the streets?

RW: Yes, definitely. But how it affects you is entirely up to you. It either makes you more agressive by teaching you to ride close to other riders and stay on the gas longer, or it makes you less agressive because you see the street as not a worthy place to ride like an idiot. For me, riding at the track has taken a lot of the steam out of my street riding. These days, I only ride in the canyons every once in a blue moon and if I do, I’m usually riding at a comfortable pace. I’m too old to dive bomb into blinde, shaded corners these days.

What racing series do you follow?

RW: I don’t have a T.V. so I don’t really ‘follow’ any racing. But I do love to sit and watch the races with my buddies at viewing parties every once in a while. It’s always a treat to catch a Moto GP or World Superbike round. Rossi’s victory interviews always make me laugh.

If you could hit the track with any racer past or present, who would it be? Why?

RW: This is a great question! So many to choose from, but I’ll be honest. I’m a die hard Nicky Hayden fan. What moto chick in her 20’s isn’t? The man is adorable and he has so much heart, which shows when he races. He’s motivated me to try and be a better rider. If I could just follow him around the track for a few laps, I’d die one happy lady.

If you can ride any track in the world, which would it be?

RW: I’d ride Isle of Man. It’s sort of a track right? Isle of Man is a mystic place and I think I’m more in awe of those crazy riders than any other rider in the world. It takes a special person to take the chances they do, to trust your machine like they do and to memorize such a labyrinth of crowded streets and alleys in just a few days before the race. I have to try it.

We are seeing more women involved in the racing and motorcycle industry, what are your thoughts on this?

RW: I think it’s awesome. The coolest thing about this is not only that there are more women, but the fact that we’re all open and supportive of one another. When I first started riding, it was so much about proving yourself to the boys, most women riders were snotty and unapproachable. This isn’t the case anymore. You can walk up to any girl in the pits and ask for advice or just shoot the breeze. Chances are you’ll leave with a new friend. To see this interaction almost brings tears to my ears sometimes, just because I know how far we’ve come. Just look at Elena and Melissa, to name a few. Wow!

Are you noticing more women interested in doing track days?

RW: Yes! I’ve noticed a lot more ladies at track days. In the old days, you were lucky if you saw 2 or 3 girls at a track day. Now? There are at least 15-20. Amazing!

What advice would you give to anyone just starting out on the track or considering it?

RW: Don’t be scared. Take a new rider school and please, ask questions. The instructors are more than willing to help, whether it be finding you a tool to change your tire or showing you around the track. We’re all more than happy to help because we’re one big riding family!

When did you first start riding a motorcycle?  What got you involved?

Darius Khashabi: I started riding when I was 12 on a yz 80. I didn’t get to ride much back then and didn’t get my 1st streetbike till I was 24, a 1998 Ducati 748.

Do you ride street also or track only?

DK: I used to ride on the street a lot but rarely do anymore. It’s much more fun on the track and way safer. Occasionally I’ll take a rip up to the Berkeley Hills.

Describe your experience at the track for the very first time.

DK: My 1st track day was in 2000 when I had 1st bought my 00 R1. It was pretty scary, I hadn’t been riding a street bike for long at that point. I was used to going around the track in a car or go kart and I didn’t have much confidence on the bike. I ended up getting more interested in stunt riding and didn’t get back on the track till late 2010.

What do you currently ride, and why did you pick that model bike?

DK: I’ve been riding my 2009 R1 the most. I’ve always liked the R1’s and this new model is bad ass! It may not make the most HP but the motor is awesome and has tons of torque and personality.

Craziest track moment?

DK: I went off the track turn 9 at T Hill going pretty damn fast, luckily it was fairly smooth and I steered it back on track.

If you walked into your dream garage, what would you see?

DK: A formula 1 car, moto gp bike, lots of dirtbikes, supermoto bikes, stunt bikes, Viper ACR, Corvette Zr1, a couple Ferrari’s FXX’s I could go on and on.

What racing series do you follow?

DK: WSB, MotoGP, XDL

If you could hit the track with any racer past or present, who would it be? Why?

DK: I’d hit the track with Rossi. He’s got a lot of experience over the years and could teach me a lot.

If you can ride any track in the world, which would it be?

DK: Id’ like to ride or drive the Nuremberg Ring in Germany, or Phillip Island in Australia.

How do you prep yourself before a track day?

DK: I run during the week, do some cycling and hit the gym.

Do you prefer doing stunts or track days?

DK: I’ve always been a track rat since I did my 1st track day in a car when I was 17. I’ve been stunt riding a lot for the last 12 years so it’s fun to get back on the track and do a new style of riding again.

What advice would you give to anyone just starting out on the track or considering it?

DK: Get yourself a good set of Alpinestars leathers and be safe.

http://Alpinestars.com/
http://Gprstabilizer.com/
http://Servinitup.com/
http://Ctracetires.com/
http://Sikindustries.com/
http://Mach1motorsports.com/
http://zoomzoomtrackdays.com/

I had the chance to interview James about his upcoming trip.

How long have you been involved with motorcycles?

James Heaney: I’ve actually only been riding properly for 18 months, and for 6 months of that I was off with a broken leg. Before that the only time I’d ever ridden was when I was on holiday in France, where I rode a 1976  Honda 50. It was great! Had to pedal along to start the bike, which I think I’d struggle to do with mine which weighs a little more than a Honda 50!

What inspired the idea of riding around the world as a fundraiser?

JH: It was actually after breaking my leg. I was nervous about getting on a bike again. I mean, I’d only been riding for a month before getting knocked off and I didn’t want to have to go through that pain again. But being sat at home watching Long Way Round and reading Ted Simon’s Jupiters Travels I started to get inspired, and it just escalated from there.

How did you plan the route?  When did the planning start?

JH: I started planning about a year ago. I began by researching into each country, seeing the ins and outs of going there with a motorcycle and seeing what the general advice was from the foreign country, and gradually a route started to become apparent.

Tell us about your charity. Why is it important to you?

JH: War Child are a fairly small charity but they have big ideas and do fantastic work. They work in really tough environments like all of our soldiers do at the moment, and with children which I think everyone cares about.

How will the money that is being raised benefit War Child?

JH: The money I raise will help keep the projects on going that they are doing in Afghanistan, Iraq, the Congo, and Uganda. They do lush things with the children too, like music and sports which I believe they’ll value much more.

Are you looking forward to any specific stop during your 24,000 ride?

JH: Every little part is going to be exciting to me, because it’s all new. What I’m looking forward to most is Kazakhstan because so many people know so little about the country, Russia because it’s such a vast and fascinating place, and also Route 66 in USA, but I don’t think that needs ant reason!

How have you prepared for unfavorable weather conditions and breakdowns?

JH: Weather I haven’t done a lot for, I’m an all weather biker anyway so I’m not too fussed. For breakdowns I’ve got the basic cables, fuses, bulbs, brake pads etc, just enough to limp it to a garage if necessary.

Wishing you a safe and successful trip, James! Is there anything else you would like to share with the MRR community?

JH: Just like to say thanks to everybody’s support. It’s really going to make all the difference. And let’s keep spreading the word around!

Here are some links to follow James’s progress:

One Route

Twitter: @One_Route

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/oneroute

Donate by clicking here!

When did you first start riding a motorcycle?  What got you involved?

Monica Lee Paige: My first bike was an old Suzuki RGV250 which I bought when I was 17. I had the Suzuki a couple of years before I upgraded to an Aprilia RS250. I was introduced to motorcycles growing up in rural Australia. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to ride quads bikes (Yamaha Big Bears) on our property from quite a young age, before I could even reach the foot pegs! I am now married to American stunt rider – Darius Khashabi (www.servinitup.com) and bikes are continue to be a huge part of my life today.

Do you also ride on the street, or track only?

MLP: Yes I ride street. Although I have been riding on the streets for over 9 years, I only just recently attended my first track day in late 2010. I have been addicted ever since!

Describe your experience at the track for the very first time.

MLP: My first track day was last year through Zoom Zoom Trackdays (www.zoomzoomtrackdays.com) at Thunderhill Raceway CA. I was so excited I couldn’t sleep the night before. The Novice classroom sessions were extremely helpful with everything including- track overview, lines, brake markers, body positioning & bike setup. The staff and instructors were all extremely helpful which helped ease the nerves. After the first lap of the second session (the first session was spent following an instructor) I was hooked! I rode every session and couldn’t wait to get back out there each time. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t done this sooner! Trackdays in Australia aren’t as easily accessible with racetracks few and far between.

What do you currently ride, and why did you pick that model bike?

MLP: I ride an 05 Suzuki GSXR 600. It has a few small mods including full titanium Akrapovic exhaust system & Power Commander mapping. I didn’t actually have my heart set on a Suzuki, however Darius told me about a friend who was selling his mint 05 GSXR 600 with very low mileage for great price. I was still not really keen on the idea of a Suzuki, however as soon as I layed eyes on and rode it – I was sold, my first 4 stroke! I have had it for 3 years now and considering an upgrade in the near future.

Craziest track moment?

MLP: Getting my knee down for the first time would have to be my craziest track moment. It was at Buttonwillow Raceway CA at a Letsride Trackday (www.letsridetrackdays.com) I was so happy when it finally happened, I had to remind myself to focus on the track ahead. I was smiling for days afterward. As for crazy-hairy situations, I have come pretty close to coming off the track once or twice but nothing major to date.

Do you think track days affects the way you ride on the streets?

MLP: It certainly has in the form of confidence, however I find my desire to ride on the street is becoming less and less the more I attend track days. It just hardly seems worth battling with the dangers of traffic and law enforcement when trackdays offer an environment free of both.

What racing series do you follow?

MLP: MotoGP, World Superbike, Australian Superbike, Brittish Superbike, Isle of Man TT

If you could hit the track with any racer past or present, who would it be? Why?

MLP: Mick Doohan. Because he is a legend!

If you can ride any track in the world, which would it be?

MLP: Phillip Island in my homeland of Australia. I only started riding track days here in America and never had the chance to ride Phillip Island while living in Australia. It’s certainly a goal of mine in the future one day when I return for vacation.

We are seeing more women involved in the racing and motorcycle industry, what are your thoughts on this?

MLP: I think it is fantastic! Seeing the likes of WERA Superstock Champion Krystyna Kubran and talented young female AMA SS Racer, Elena Myers racing (& winning) against the guys in the sport is certainly an inspiration to me on the track. I am also involved in the stunt riding scene which currently features some extremely talented female riders. The XDL Show www.xdlshow.com have the Sartso Women’s Cup as a part of the touring stunt riding series and the female competitors are killing out there, holding their own and earning major respect.

Are you noticing more women interested in doing track days?

MLP: Yes definitely. The last track day I attended at Infineon Raceway CA, not only were there several women riding in B & A group but there was also a couple of ladies in C who were attending their very first track day!

What advice would you give to anyone just starting out on the track or considering it?

MLP: Do it, but be prepared – you will be addicted! I highly recommend attending any of the classroom sessions offered for C group. They are usually complimentary and offer valuable information about the track, cornering, braking, body positioning and more. Instructors are there to help you so if you are unsure about anything or simply want to improve on your riding style, they are often a great help so don’t be afraid to ask! See you on the track!

Addtiional info:

http://www.monicaleepaige.com

http://www.facebook.com/mlpfanpage

http://www.ctracetires.com/

How long have you followed motorcycle racing?

Matthew Duffin :11 Years.

Have you ever attended races at any level?

MD: Just local club racing. 2013 is a different story. If we have 3 races in the US, i’m going to them all!

What got you into motorcycle racing?

MD: My Dad. After watching Rossi win the 2001 South African GP. I remember my Dad telling me “This Rossi guy is special and will set the world on fire.” and he was right.

Do you ride yourself?

MD: Not currently, umm Can I say “in talks” with the Wife/Boss on this?

Most memorable experience on a motorcycle or watching bikes?

MD: Watching the 2004 Donnigton Park GP in the pouring rain with my Mum with our fingers crossed, biting our fingernails as Rossi was saving High sides left and right and to finish 1st! Epic.

With the announcement of MotoGP going to Texas, this opens up the possibility of there being three US rounds, what are your thoughts as a US based fan?

MD: Having 3 rounds in the U.S will be huge success for the sport but a huge fail on my bank account

Dorna for the day! You control Grand Prix racing the highest level, what would you do or change?

MD: GP would have 2 races at each round just like WSBK and a global MotoGP TV channel.

If you could spend the day on the track with any racer (past or present) , who would it be?

MD: Mat Mladin. Love or Hate Mladin, he was just that damn good. (and still is)

How and where do you normally watch races?

MD: At home on my computer with my family.

Anything you would like to share with the MRR community?

MD: I’ve have been lucky to of had the opportunity to meet some really cool people thanks to MotoGP, people that I now consider friends and have helped me in the high of times and the low of times of life but are always there if ever needed. A huge thanks to MRR! Shout out to MotoGpJunkies, you guys are awesome!