ProudPops

Almost forgot. Thanks Ownedjoo for the directions up there. I missed 80 on the way up, the 77 thing confused me, so we took the long s l o w way in, school buses included. Got it on the way home though. Pops

The other rider with Clutch took that class and had nothing but good things to say of it. I'm not sure what he rode like before the class, but he rode well on the track, he was faster than Clutch that day. Pops

Fasttrax Roadrace license, session one, Nelson Ledges. I've been watching the weather for the Warren, OH area for a few days. It's been calling for rain so we wanted to make sure he had the right tires on his R6 for his first of two license testing sessions. BTW, if anyone wants to donate a set of wheels and rotors for an '05 R6 please contact me. I have a Sharpie, we'll write your name on his bike. We opted to take the Michelins off and put on the other brand, Pick up Clutch and his friend, Kyle, load up, eat, and hit the road. No rain so far, just overcast. A little over three hours later, we pull into Nelson Ledges. First words out of Clutch's mouth (with a smile), "Look at the patches on that track! Yeah!" Now understand, the last time we were there was when he was eight or nine, so neither one of us remembered much of the track. Signed in, asked the whereabouts of Todd Stanley, great guy more about him later, and was directed to the Tech Center. Made the loop, crossed the Costa Rica Bridge, and we're in. Clutch finds Todd while I'm opening up the trailer and getting set up. Todd Stanley, along with his family, own and operate Fasttrax. Clutch hit the nail on the head with this quote on the way home last night. "Todd is one of those guys with a permanent smile on his face." He's one of those people you're already comfortable with before you even shake his hand. If any of you are looking for some track time, or just want to improve your street riding skills, check him out at www.fastone.com he gets my vote. Todd introduces us to Lee, sorry I forget the last name, who will be with Clutch and one other rider, Chuck, on the track amidst an open practice session. Lee and Clutch go over his bike. Lee gives him some tips and pointers and says, "Lets get out on the track. Follow me, I'll show you some lines, nothing out of fourth gear." Three or four laps, red flag comes out. Lee stops to make sure all are OK (they were), Clutch pulls into the pits. I asked him what he thought. "Damn, this track is bumpy as shit and I have no confidence in these tires at all." "How's your suspension?" "Honestly, I wouldn't change a thing. My only problem is I can't tell the difference between a wet part of the track and the sealer, they both look the same to me." "Can you go fast here?" "Yeah." This is a two mile road course that is supposedly the fastest road course in the country. The track record for cars is just under a minute and the new bike record was recently set three weeks ago around 1:06, you do the math, they're flying! During the down time, Lee goes over the course map with Clutch and Chuck until the track goes green again. Back on the track again. This time Lee lets them lead so he can watch from behind. Several laps into it, it starts to rain. They stayed out for about three laps until it got heavier and came in. Lee looked at Clutch and Chuck and said, "It's up to you guys, I'll go out there for five or six more if you want to, practice is practice." Clutch says, "I'll go." and the three of them went back out as more came in. Jeff and I looked at each other, smiled and said "No friggin way would I go out there." We watched from the tech center as all three circulated the track with rooster tails in tow. I could tell Clutch was getting comfortable as he accelerated harder on the front straight each time. I have no idea how he was doing on the reported river crossing in the carousel. Next lap around, he nails it. The rear end steps out, he backs off, straightens it out, hits it again and keeps right on going. Jeff and I look at each other and go, "Uh uh, no way." A lap later Clutch pulls in, another lap, Chuck pulls in, and about four more laps later Lee pulls in. They get out of their wet leathers, pow wow, and it's time to load up and head south. All in all, we had a great time! Personal opinion that Clutch and I both share after yesterday. Todd runs a very relaxed event, you will feel comfortable. Everyone there was very considerate and if they did something on the track they thought may have been wrong, they approached you afterwards and let you know it was not intentional. There is a comfort level with Fasttrax that is easy to feel. The other thing, most of the riders are local to that area, and they all love that track. Why not? It's the best neighborhood playground you could ever imagine. Clutch and I will be up there for his last test session on Oct. fourth.There's no doubt in my mind, he'll pass his licensing test just in time to make their last race of the season on October eighth. He'll be able to race in three different classes that day so we're going for it. Come on up and root for #604, the new kid in town. ProudPops

Don't say I didn't warn you. This guy's a Jackass with the teeth to match! Pops

That's funny stuff. I was talking about Red Robin here at Ohioriders, she's my daughter

Speaking of gas. On a recent road trip to Pittsburgh we all stopped for fuel just before the W Virginia line. There was a fuel truck about to fill up the tanks. He came over and checked out our bikes and said he'd wait until we topped off before dumping. He told us that if you fill up while they're dumping it stirs up the tanks and you stand a better chance of getting sediment in your tank. And I thought you only got bad gas from Red Robin's burritos. Pops

Have to agree with you there. The best way to keep a job is to abide by the owner's rules, you can only do what you are allowed to. All of the complaints that I have heard of, including the building inspector who did him a favor, are about the owner not the employees. Be careful of the toes you step on today. They may be attached to the ass you kiss tomorrow. Pops

Forget the 10R, they'll just be chasing you down on the straights because the can't keep up in the twisties, sorry Farva, that was for you > My son, Clutch, rides an 05 R6, he may be able to help you there, try him. The only problem may be getting a hold of him. He gets online about as much as kawboy flosses with cothes line. PM me I'll give you his number. Pops

Jerk This, Dumbass! At least I don't have to use my Mother's clothes line for dental floss. I will give you this. First place to kawboy for suckin' down that ear of corn through a picket fence. You don't even want to see the way he assaulted that bratt last week. Kinda like Linda Lovelace with a Jackass face. Heee Hawww. Pops

Ya know, Hopalong Cassady's son is a friend of mine and he rides regularly. Got drafted by the Saints and played NFL for a while, obviously a Buckeye. One thing he has told me about "The Game". "It's not that the team doesn't get wound up for it, it's the level the fans and the media of both sides, take it to. Yeah, we're wound for it, but nothing like the fans and media play it out to be." Craig's a great guy and I've seen him in films, it's just good to hear that kind of talk from the player's side. Kind of like Troy Smith's comment when asked if he was looking for revenge after last years Texas game here at The Shoe. Pops

I lost you in Harrietsville, I need a better map. By the looks of it, this ride it's nothing but skinny gray squigglies with a few red liners in between. Nice Route. Pops

Obviously my theory proved right again, we had no rain, just good times. Thank you all for showing up. That is a squeegee Yota. These eyes must be taking my aging, 'cause my brain ain't! Pops

Yeah, but it sure is fun, isn't it? So long as we all keep it that way. Pops

Here's a good one! I found this by missing a turn and part of it is not on all maps. The first part sucks, deal with it, it's worth the ride! 33 through Lancaster Proper. As soon as you get through town look for 793 and exit right, I think it's right before the bridge as you leave the city. It might be after, I forget. Follow 793 through the prison, you actually drive right through the prison down there, and stay on that road. Eventually you will crest a hill that overlooks an awesome valley, park on the right and take pictures it's worth it. The downhill from there is someting you may want to turn around and do once or twice, it rocks! Stay on that road until it ends. Turn right and make the first left. Follow it to 180 and turn left to Laurelville. Pick up 56, stopping at Jimbo's. to 664. If it's the weekend you'll have to deal with Old Man's Cave traffic and pedestrians, hitting one of them is as bad as hitting a deer, it hurts. Stay on 664 past 33 to Rushville. Turn right, go through Somerset and take 668 north. It's a great ride, check it out. Old and slow. Pretty sure Kawboy can eat an ear of corn through a picket fence too. Pops

Read her her rights? Just keep that new DA, Kawboy, away from her. Although if she's on an R6, yain't gonna catch her anyway. Pops

Mornin' Ms. R6. Welcome aboard. Pops

Haha. He came in from my home town. Whadja expect? The blue be going down just like an airline shitter. Wanna get in on the Pink Helmet bet? Loser wears it. Pops

Grab a map my friend. I can show you some good ones. Here's one for starters. Take 13 south past Buckeye Lake to 256. Turn right on 256 then left on 664 and enjoy, it will take you into Logan. The choice from there is yours. You can either stay on 664 into Hocking Hills or turn Left in Logan and pick up 668 north. I gots lots more. Pops

Yes you are! 'Specially after the ASS WHUPPIN we put on tejas last night. Sorry 'bout your luck again this year. "Don't Mess With Tress!" Pops

Run with my theory. It never rains on a smiling biker! How do I know that, you ask? Because you never see a smiling biker in the rain! Pops

There's going to be a III, IV, and V, I promised 'em the month of September. Pops

Pretty much the same? Are you kidding me? Looks like they're ready to go to battle with the Yamahas. Once Roger Lee heals up this is going to be the class to watch. Yamaha is finding their niche in World SuperSport. AMA, Uh Jamie, what are you riding? The new Honda looks Killer! 07 gonna be a great year to watch! Pops

You sure that's directions? I'm thinking Direction. JJ dude. Is that a gun in your pocket or are you still thinking about mznewbooty? If ya don't know me, ya betta find someone who does. I'll be cooking at the Kickstand for the next few Sundays. That's the best way I know to get direction(s)! Pops

I'm in for Saturday, cookin' on Subday. Pops

Dude! I loved it!!! No slams involved, showed nothing but good of Columbus, that would be O H I O! Born in the 50's, survived the 60's and 70's in Youngstown, spent thirteen years out west and have been here in Columbus O H I O for nineteen years and LOVE it here. In my opinion, that was no where near a kick in the teeth 8) You have to have an open mind if you ever expect to move forward in life. Look for the good and make sure your glass is half full, it makes life a lot easier. Pops