motogp and me (and Kate and 145,000 others)

Back from the Indy vaction. Included a trip to a Cubs game (which they won vs Washington Nationals), Chicago sightseeing and culture, and some crazy driving on the way home. You all have heard the results of the race, but it was pretty neat to watch, and nice to see 250s for the first and last time in the USA. The Moto2 bikes looked interesting, but I didn't get to see them up close.... just circulating the track. From what I can remember, the 800s sound far more nasty than the 990s from Laguna back in '05.

Some pics from the pits and the seats:

Roland Sands' new KTM 450 450moto bike. Nice. Spent more on the paintjob than I have with my machine (almost...). Took a pretty close look at the Racetech modified forks, and the shortened rear shock. Reminds me about what Dave Pearce said about the poor geometry with slapping on a set of 600 forks. Woulda liked to hear it run. Some passing interest from the others fans I saw, but most of the Yanks were looking at the RC8s.

Ran into Eric Bostrom. Was walking around near the Yamaha and Speedvision tents pretty incognito. I think he was touched that a few people recognized him. Wanted to ask when he was coming back, but why would anyone come back to the AMA at this point. He was always a good 600 rider; maybe he should head to Moto2? Just said, thanks, shook his hand, and walked away. Seemed like the "nice guy" we all saw on TV. Guess he's headed back to Brazil to work on his Coffee plantation or whatever...

Our seat location was based on advice from Wilson and Cherie, and it was good! We sat together on Sat and Kate joined us for the races on Sunday. Good weather! I'm not trying to avoid them -- the "gap" in the stands was where Kate was sitting... Note the bedouin fashion statement by yours truly -- trying to avoid a sunburn... success!

One of the photos we snapped with the digital camera. Brought mom's Canon and huge zoom lenses to Laguna, but stuck with the wee one this time. Not bad, considering. Photo courtesy of Kate, I had the video camera.

I think I took this one. After Rossi and Dani P crashed, it was a bit of a processional for Jorge. However, like Laguna in 05, the entire contingent was willing Nicky H to hold onto 3rd and get a podium, which he did.

This is what 15 hours of driving in 1 day does to you.

As for things on the home front, I will be installing the PCIII for the 999 when it gets in (shortly). Inspired by the NCR tent on Ducati Island, I also moved the battery for the mono from the tailsection to just fore of the engine for weight distribution and general "cleaning up". Took most of a day figuring out where to put things like the regulator and ecu, but I've found a spot. This also gives me some more flexibility in regard to tail sections, so in order to lower the seat height further, I am going to give the tyga tail a try. It's been painted and cleared, and is just awaiting some seat foam. Next race weekend is a week from today. Wish me luck that I get it out on the track for awhile! Setting the DVR for the weekend -- motoGP, WSBK, and AMA....