On election tech and the California elections first, then Iraq second, then American Exceptionalism third.
But I can't resist posting this:
(picture from Superbike Planet)
Nicky Hayden, the 2006 World Champion of Motorcycling. For those of you who don't ride, you'll note three things - he's leaned over far enough that his knee is on the pavement, he's tucked completely in so that he doesn't slow the bike down at all. And he's going sideways - drifting the motorcycle out of the corner. Ride fast, take chances, win the championship.
Congratulations, Nicky!! And to "Doctor" Rossi who crashed out after a bad start and has conducted himself with as much sportsmanship and class as he shows skill on the bike. Next Year!!
For those of you who don't ride, you'll note three things - he's leaned over far enough that his knee is on the pavement
Nice picture. Just a quick question that's probably dumb - is his knee literally touching the pavement as he travels at high speeds? That doesn't seem like a very good idea.
"Nice picture. Just a quick question that's probably dumb - is his knee literally touching the pavement as he travels at high speeds?"
Yes, it is. He has a little plastic puck on his leathers which is the point of contact with the ground. The rider can't look down, and when the puck touches he knows the lean is 'right'. After a race like this, he'll have the scuffs on the pucks to prove it.
Until you've seen someone ride who knows how, you've never seen anyone ride a bike.
Props to Loris too, one of the most decent blokes in the paddock and to Troy Baylis for an exceptional ride in his one-time return to the series.
To answer Mary - yup, it's dragging. If you look closely you'll see he has a chunk of plastic velcro'd to his leathers and this is what's making contact. As far as it being a bad idea, it serves two purposes. First, it gives the rider a tactile indication of how far he's leaned over and second, in the event of an incipient lowside crash, allows him to push the bike up. Apart from that it's just frickin cool.
If you're ever in WNY in warmer weather, drop me line & I'll be glad to demonstrate. But for the next few months, the 'Busa gets to go sleepy BoBos :(
He's ok, but he's no Ricky Carmichael.
If you're ever in WNY in warmer weather, drop me line & I'll be glad to demonstrate.
West New York? I have a cabin up near Jamestown (which is probably buried under snow right now) I guess you have to know how do those kinds of turns - there are some very winding roads up there.
That looks just like me! Thats right! ME! So what if its just a half of a split-second before my rear tire spins out and I go over the bars! With a tremendous roar from the crowd I might add! Yeah.