Mike, you rode really well in the 50+ class on Sunday! I was surprised to see that with 12 riders that there was about half the normal number of guys in the class...maybe the other half went to Red Bud? Seems the half of the 50+ that were there, were faster than me
I considered riding the 60+ class this year, maybe next year? I even put a new piston/ring and clutch in the 250 this year, which probably wasn't necessary because as usual it was capable of going a lot faster than I can go
Two straight years of great weather for post vintage Sunday!
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Thanks Mooch.
This was a different year for Nancy and I coming into Vintage Days 2018. With having almost no time to prepare, mentally, physically, or in many other ways, we hastily put our weekend trip together.
With the only available time that I could scratch up to work on bikes, the KDX got all of the focus. I had July 4th Holiday off, and a vacation day for Thursday to work on bikes. I pulled the YZ250 out of the barn, dumped out last years gas, cleaned the filter, aired tires, and gave it the once over with wrench's and screwdrivers. I knew it was
"it'll make it, or break it".
With complete honesty, I can even say that I was even a bit bothered because I was feeling some pressure on myself to perform and I just didn't have my head into it.
In my E3-Open class, (race #6) I had real good starts in both moto's and felt like a rode really well and held my own out there. With 14 racers, I pulled off a 7th and an 8th, for 8th overall.
BUT.....In my E3-50+ (race #13)..... it was a whole other story.
It's regretful to admit this but I've become a little conditioned to mid pack finish's in our "Seniors" vet class. These guys are fast, and very experienced racers. Simple as that.
In our first moto, again, I got a start that I was pleased with, being toward the front of the pack. Made it through the first two turns well enough, I just decided to buckle down and get busy racing.
Trying to make lap time gains, hold off those behind me, and focusing on fast cornering it was time to see if I could catch somebody and do some passing.
I was working my way around, had a challenge or two, and then, when I reached the point that I could make out the number plate of the next rider up ahead, I was immediately excited when I realized it was
"Good-ole Mooch". Now I have motivation ! ! !
I was thrilled that I was able to catch and pace you and finish behind you. You've always finished very well in our races in the past, and with a long list of holeshot's.
Nancy spotted that I had a good battle on my hands and got busy with the camera. She got some decent shots of us.
These 50+ race's ended up being my Weekend Highlight. Loved it!
This was moto 2, at the exact moment you killed your engine going into the turn.
I felt bad that passing you had to happen that way, but I wasn't going to stop and help you get it started either.
I told Nancy that's what happens when two riders are going at it and riding their hearts out. You step up your game, push the limit's, and try to ride smooth and not make mistakes. And I could tell we were both riding on the edge.
But I was determined, even if we had to cross the checkers side by side, Mooch is getting a race today!