Thanks to Justino, SSA Instructors, and and RFR staff

[ChrisM]

A month ago I asked a question (http://www.sierrasportbike.com/smf/index.php?topic=2602.msg23849#msg23849) and was assured of a friendly environment for my wife on her bike on her first track day.

She was very nervous the night before and on the drive out there.  As it unfolded with the track being closed for several months, fear of not opening up, etc.. etc... the club called for the sighting laps to start sat morning and behind Justino, she was the first non instructor to be on the newly modified racetrack. 

Her bike presents some challenges for both the other riders and the instructors being a ninja 250 with a first time track rider on it.

She had buckets of fun but came in the last session of Saturday with some concern, she feared she may have played a part in an accident behind her.  I assured her that if she was holding her line then it may have been due to some other misfortune.  She finished the evening with praise for Justino's instruction, how wonderful his wife was to talk to, how nice the other riders were (she met pixie and kevin at the close of the day, they were very courteous and welcoming as was everybody).  Today upon visiting the track she learned the rest of the story about what had unfolded right behind her rear tire and it broke her heart but she wants to pass on a resounding thank you to all who assisted. We are indebted to all the volunteers, especially Justino, especially in light of the outcome of saturday's incident. 

Thank you very much for helping her first day be a positive one.

Also thanks to Yard Sale for helping Ethan today when we had a front fork question, the little things go along ways into making this addiction a healthy one. 

Justino, if we can be of any assistance to you or your wife please let us know.

Chris & Paige McKinnon
636-8371.

[Justin]

When my son asked what happened I replied quite frankly,
"Paige broke my collar bone"
He was bummed because the boy scout cub-mobile derby is coming up and now his chances of even attending are questionable.




Also visible is Dr Joseph Billotti's repair work.  Notice the two pins in the right shoulder placed after Paige continually dislocated my right shoulder in the early and mid 1990's
That girl is nothing but trouble
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LOL!
My incident was 100% my fault.  I re-learned some lessons that I'm happy to share with everyone.
First the scenario.
I was following Paige and I was able to see HUGE leaps in skill throughout the day.  Her maintenance throttle was excellent (something she just knew inherently) and her ability to master smooth transitions from apex to apex was AWESOME.  I was absolutely impressed with her riding and her pace as well as just how smooth she became throughout the day.   This is the joy of putting on the 'Bib' and going out there. I love to share motorcycling with people.  I love to watch people get better and better and have a blast doing it!
We were coming past the kink (downhill towards the bowl) when I looked backwards for Justin M. to see which side he was going to pass (mistake #2)
I looked over the left shoulder and he wasn't there.
I looked over the right shoulder and saw him.
**The second mistake is taking focus off of what's in front of me. It should never matter what's going behind us at the track.  Passing is their responsibility.  Our responsibility is to stay as consistent as possible and let them worry about their part.  
So, what was mistake #1?

**I was following Paige to closely.
When I turned my head to where it should have been, I saw that the distance between us had closed considerably and I was very close to her rear wheel.
I grabbed a fistful of brake and left an 8 foot DARK skid mark from my front tire and went over the bike. I came down in a break-dance move from 1984 (I believe it's called the Windmill)
 Apparently, I am too old to do the windmill.

Mistake 3
**Don't follow directly behind anyone.  It's bad for your fork sliders (debris will damage the seals) and reduces your escape routes.

I had such a great time this weekend.
Thanks and HUGE props to the other monitors and mentors riding around with the vests.  I heard so much positive feedback in the pits, yesterday AND today.  

Paige. . . you totally rock, and you are a 'natural' in so many ways (maintenance throttle and hitting ALL the apexes perfectly)
I am glad you found riding with me helpful,  and hopefully we can all learn by analyzing our mistakes and crashes together.
The track is the ONLY place to learn this stuff!

Justino

[dmh2000]

despite the challenging weather, it was a great start to the season. Riding in a snowstorm was something new. thanks to the SSA leadership for making this happen.

[bkrblood]

When my son asked what happened I replied quite frankly, "Paige broke my collar bone"

He was bummed because the boy scout cub-mobile derby is coming up and now his chances of even attending are questionable.



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.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
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.
LOL!
My accident was 100% my fault.  I re-learned some lessons that I'm happy to share with everyone.
First the scenario.
I was following Paige and I was able to see HUGE leaps in skill throughout the day.  Her maintenance throttle was excellent (something she just knew inherently) and her ability to master smooth transitions from apex to apex was AWESOME.  I was absolutely impressed with her riding and her pace as well as just how smooth she became throughout the day.   This is the joy of putting on the 'Bib' and going out there. I love to share motorcycling with people.  I love to watch people get better and better and have a blast doing it!
We were coming past the kink (downhill towards the bowl) when I looked backwards for Justin M. to see which side he was going to pass (mistake #2)
I looked over the left shoulder and he wasn't there.
I looked over the right shoulder and saw him.
The second mistake is taking focus off of what's in front of me. It should never matter what's going behind us at the track.  Passing is their responsibility.  Our responsibility is to stay as consistent as possible and let them worry about there part.  
So, what was mistake #1?

I was following Paige to closely.
When I turned my head to where it should have been, I saw that the distance between us had closed considerably and I was very close to hear rear wheel.
I grabbed a fistful of brake.  Left an 8 foot DARK skid mark from my front tire and went over the bike. I came down in a break-dance move from 1984 (I believe it's called the Windmill)
 Apparently, I am too old to do the windmill.

Lesson 3-
Don't follow directly behind anyone.  It's bad for your fork sliders (debris) and reduces your escape routes.

I had such a great time this weekend.
Thanks and HUGE props to the other monitors and mentors riding around with the vests.  I heard so much positive feedback in the pits, yesterday AND today.  

Paige. . . you totally rock, and you are a 'natural' in so many ways (maintenance throttle and hitting ALL the apexes perfectly)
I am glad you found riding with me helpful,  and hopefully we can all learn by analyzing our mistakes and crashes together.
The track is the ONLY place to learn this stuff!

Justino

[GreenMachine]

I've heard a lot of positive feedback from other riders you've helped.  You guys really braved the chilly conditions this weekend.  I didn't even open my garage. 

Sorry about your unfortunate incident.  Heal up quickly. 

[Rick Bay (BRA)]

I hope see you back on the track soon Buddy. Get well fast please!!

[MotoPutz]

I know I tried to keep an eye on Paige every time I came around, I could see awesome marked improvement as the day went on. She was looking great out there.

GREAT JOB!!!

btw I was the kid in black leather and orange vest...

[paigem]

Thanks to great teachers!  I had such a great time and learned so much. Justino:  thanks for making me feel better about what happened.  I am definitely coming back to learn more from people like you.  There's nothing better than knowing there are awesome instructors who are there to help.  Thanks again.

[Justin]

Paige,
I look forward to riding with you again.  We all learn every time we go out there.
Watching your huge improvements in that last session was AWESOME.
I was actually cheering in my helmet at how easily you used the cones a reference points, and looking through the turns at where you wanted to go.  It definitely was more 'you' than any mentor
You are an ideal person to work with, and have tons of natural ability.

[Justin]

New helmet on order, ortho appt tomorrow

[scotinexcile]

New helmet on order, ortho appt tomorrow

Interesting. Every rider I know that has had that Red and White Scorpion helmet, including me, has wrecked while wearing it. Co-incidence?

[Justin]

i actually cracked my helmet.  that's a first for me.  Right occipital region, which explains the visual disturbances.
It doesn't explain the cognitive changes, however.
I sing and speak everything as if i were Isaac Hayes.
Strange, but better than Judy Garland!

[Team Gorgonzola]

And you looked somewhat prettier too on Sunday...hmmm?

[Justin]

And you looked somewhat prettier too on Sunday...hmmm?

Alberto!  You noticed!!!
I did use a little mascara.

my wife didn't realize i had done something different.
TYPICAL  :

[Team Gorgonzola]

And you looked somewhat prettier too on Sunday...hmmm?

Alberto!  You noticed!!!
I did use a little mascara.

my wife didn't realize i had done something different.
TYPICAL  :

LOL