Moto-Brian

I understand the fun factor, the comroddery (I've NEVER bashed FT for anything of that nature or lack thereof), the ability to hang with fellow racers that want to win, etc. However, I've seen a LOT of friends get seriously hurt there. You're right. I went last year at the beginning of the season and although I finished second behind Doug, I wasn't going to push to keep up with him and was far enough ahead of third, I could cruise around. The thing is that the track was so bad that I literally decided after the mid point of race one that I wasn't coming back. I went up to help some friends at the National and I was in consensus that it was too dangerous for racing there. I talked to Tripp Nobles and in a side bar, he told me and Reuben that he couldn't believe anyone raced there that had any sense. It has nothing to do with friends, comradery, etc. It shouldn't be used as a track to go to just because it is 20 minutes away. We all can make decisions on our own and I agree to that, but saying you're not going to be an AMA Pro is stupid reasoning. Sorry to be blunt. They airlifted a novice out of there last year that almost died. He wasn't AMA Pro caliber. There are too many issues like poor run off, ruts in the grass areas that I have seen take a rider down and break his collar bone after getting down to school zone speed. The tire walls almost ended the career of a really goo friend of mine. It can hurt anyone. It's all a moot point anyways as the track is going to be redone and hopefully well. It's official as it was topic of discussion at the dinner table tonight and it was talked about from some people who would be in the know. It may not be 100% official in press or whatnot, but it isn't going to be an issue from here on. The thing about Nelson is that the locals love it there. They're passionate about the track and that's cool, but they need to be honest with themselves instead of making up reasons it is good. "If you can ride Nelson, you can ride anywhere..." WHAT?!?!? Seriously, is safety no a consideration in what you do? Be safe up there. Have a ton of fun. But, don't sugar coat it with tales of fun and excitement to stray away from the topic of safety... I like you, Pretty Eye. We've met and I thought you were really cool. Answer me this... Is Nelson safe?

It's unsafe. Period. Run off is rutted and poorly maintained. The run-off for riders at the 1:10 and lower mark is absolutely piss poor and ultra dangerous. They have needed improvements for YEARS and simply ignore the comments stated by riders. Even the WERA National protests and eventual cancelling for future races hasn't caused them to act. Racer Eddie Kraft even organized an effort to get some money gathered in an effort to show racers cared. Guess what? Nothing has been done. It's a fun layout, a fun track, but dangerous and a place where you are more likely to get injured or worse compared to being able to walk away isn't a place I will race or ride anymore... Their "schools" cost more or are equal to those at other safer facilities and their track days cost as much as going to Mid-Ohio... The racing via Fastraxx costs as much as any WERA regionals. If you live within 20-45 minutes, it maybe makes sense budget wise, but honestly, what's your health and life worth? Harsh comments, but reality sucks sometimes...

Better double check if everything is still on. They sold the track and from what I've heard, the end of the season events have been cancelled. Thank god they sold it. It was a shit hole... Maybe it can be saved...

Uh, I travel all over for work. There's a lot of area outside cities that have almost zero coverage for certain cell providers. T-Mobile is the worst of the group and it is mainly due to not being able to piggy back certain carriers' towers for better coverage.

Ouch...

How was it going down 314 between STeam Corners turn off and the 42 junction? That's ALWAYS a dead spot for both VZW and my AT&T... Was Sprint pretty good or weak, too?

But T-mobile's coverage is total shit unless within a bigger city. For example, where I am from (Upper Sandusky), all of Wynadot County is dead space for T-Mobile. Again, I drive a lot and there were WAY too many dead spots. So far, VERY few with AT&T and even with a buddy who I've traveled with that has VZW, he gets the same dead spots...

I like AT&T because so far for work, they have the best coverage and dependability out there... I've had T-Mobile, Verizon and now AT&T (Even the old Cingular). I have had interest in going to Sprint, but am fearful due to the fact that many guys I know have coverage issues. I think due to me driving all over Ohio and Northern KY plus the over the country traveling I do, I cannot "hope" service is available... Of course, the guys I know that stay in town and don't drive like I do nor depend on their phones like I do, LOVE Sprint... Anyone travel about 30K or more a year for work have any input on Sprint? Also, how's this an iPhone thread? You guys suck at titles... The iPhone is cool. I am getting Dweezel's and hopefully FastDuc's (for my wife). I am waiting for the BB Bold, but thought the iPhone would be cool as I use my iPod all the time and have a need for a media playing device and phone with internet and such... Might be fun to play with for a while...

HAHAHAHAHA! You're a funny guy... Gonna make the 12th at Mid-Ohio? Oh, that's right... You're bike's not doing very well!!

It's more due to the insurance than the neighbors...

If you need the diaper pins, I have a few. Just swing by the trailer or ask an instructor to see if I have any and I will get you one or two. They're stupid cheap. Like $.99 for two...

Often times, it is due to too little. Some guys read the max cold PSI and think that's the amount they need. In fact, it is simply the max it can handle. Often, you really shouldn't need more than 35-38, but it depends on how you ride, what your level is, etc. Just running the freeway? Run higher PSI for fuel savings. Carving corners? Run lower to heat the tires to temp and add grip... It all boils down to what you're doing, but 22 on the front no matter what is WAY too low. I don't think anywhere below 30 is good...

That's max cold PSI, no? That's aweful high pressure...

Classic sign or inproper tire PSI. If you only knew how many riders have cupped tires out there...

Probably a toss up between Mid-Ohio, Putnam and Road Atlanta... It's too tough to choose a top track...

Hmmmmm.... Portland Willow Texas VIR Memphis Barber Jennings Road Atlanta Mid-Ohio Gingerman Grattan (both directions) Nelson Summit Point Roebling Road IRP Putnam Joliet I think that's it... OH! Forgot Talladega, too...

Gotcha... I thought maybe you were implying it wasn't worth the $20k price tag... No harm, no foul. I wouldn't pay $20k for a street machine, either. Well, if I can get that money tree to start blooming, maybe... Yeah, Hotbodies is top shelf alright. Top shelf of the shit pile aisle!