500, 1/12/08

Thanks to DWreck, Craig_enid, OKKX'r, and Chuck Cooper I had a great ride at the 500. Temps started out around 45 but warmed into the low 50's. Traction was the word for the day. No dust and just a few infamous red dirt mud puddles.
I haven't been on my bike for a couple of months so I was really out of shape. I've been dealing with lower back pain for months and my new Chiropractor has done me good. Not riding has left me a bit cranky so I really needed some grin factor in my life, today didn't disappoint me. One thing for sure, I will never drink a NOS energy drink again! I puked that up after about thirty minutes of riding. From that point, the day got MUCH better.
The first 3-4 miles I felt like a pinball. No rythem, arm pump and hand cramps. Chuck and DWreck were riding pretty fast and OKKX'r was doin' fairly well at keeping them within site while Craig and I brought up the rear. My riding improved as the day went on. The 80 brought in a some excitement. Chuck spotted each of us 30 secs. I went first (slowest) then Craig, then Don, then Derek, and then Chuck. Craig passed me about mile three and I kept him in site for the next 3 miles but Derek was closing on me pretty fast. Derek's racing this year gave him lots of improvement and it shows. Chuck, well is a Cooper and is always fast, even though he is still recovering from broken ribs! :yikes:
It is really nice to have good friends to ride with. Lots of laughs and big smiles at the end of the day. Chuck and Derek let me try out the 300's. Both of their bikes are really smooth. The 08 KTM with the magic button surprised me with how hard the engine pulled in the higher RPM's. Derek's GG pulled harder through the mid range and his suspension was more plush. We finished it all off with a trip to Hideaway Pizza. Can't wait for the next time. Thanks everyone.:cool:

Saturday was some of the best trail conditions I've seen in a really long time. We need to get a Spode day together, maybe even get Sawblade to come down.

The 500 is actually the Stillwater Motorcycle Park. $25 annual family pass and there are just a few dates that the park is not open (race dates and maintenance days). It has an MX track (recently reworked by Guy Cooper), GP track, and 22 mile woods loop. One way trails with every type of terrain that you can imagine. Fairly long day trip for you (3 hours one way) but well worth it. If you want to check it out some time before you join, let us know and we'll get you in as a guest. The track is typically like concrete and is fairly busy after Guy has worked it. The trails have been in really good shape as of late, a few mud holes but little dust. It the summer months, it gets pretty dusty and powdery in a lot of places but is still fun. Like I said, $25/yr/family. Best deal around.
PS, I'll be in Eufaula Thursday are Friday of this week. Post an email addy or phone number. After I read it, I'll delete the number or addy for you.
Brian