We had a track session in the afternoon, so it’s a sneaky run. The weather is amazing and it’s perfect!
But the cops are hanging around, so we’re taking it easy. At a red light I check for forgotten items…
Let’s see, that and this, oh no—I forgot the infrared thermometer! Dashing back home to grab it!
All right, got it. Thanks to that detour, we finally arrived.
First session—about five bikes, totally empty! Awesome! I’m warming up my mind and body to the speed.
Yeah! So far so good!
After lunch, second session—”Hey, is nobody here?” Well, perfect for a time attack!
After a few laps there are a few riders. There’s a Ducati 999, so I’ll follow that one.
I almost pass but can’t quite do it. We’re two bikes for about six laps. We separate on the straight, turn one, and the 300R.
He seems weak on the uphill section in the second half, so if I’m going to make a move, I think it’s at the Nets Corner—at turn 13 I
tuck right on his tail! The rear spins out hard on the exit, but I don’t mind and keep the throttle open while bringing the bike
upright… and suddenly it goes full lock-to-lock! What the—!
In about two seconds I’m thrown off and sliding with sparks flying. I’m sliding pretty hard too—
Oh man… “WHOOOOSH!” It caught fire! The GSF is burning up…
The guy at the post hasn’t noticed! “Fire extinguisher—hurry!” It’s burning more and more intensely.
This is bad. I take off my gloves and throw dirt on it! Pretty effective! Fire extinguisher deployed! WHOOOOSH!
Everything’s white… oh no no no…
And everything is smashed. Hmm, what a mess. Anyway, I borrow tools from a stranger, straighten the handlebars, and
head home.
The aftermath of dirt and fire extinguisher…
At least I didn’t get hurt.
