A Couple Interesting Upcoming Events
Monday, May 30th, 2016
A previous Vets and Sidecars ride.
I don’t yet know enough about either of these events to do a full blog post on either, so I’m combining them here with what brief info I do have.
I got a note from an outfit promoting the Moto Gymkhana of Colorado. Here’s a bit about what this is.
Moto Gymkhana is a motorcycle time trial sport in which riders compete to maneuver in the shortest time through a paved course restricted by traffic cones or other obstacles. Moto Gymkhana is open to experienced riders and beginners as well, because riders need little equipment and no special license to participate.
And then this.
Generally riders only use 1st or 2nd gear as moto gymkhana is not all about speed, it is more about you the rider and your skill set. Speeds are low to moderate thus there is a higher probability of falling due to the instability of motorcycles at slow speeds, but injuries and damage to the rider/motorcycle are rare. Because of the tight course layout of gymkhana, smaller lighter motorcycles often have an advantage over larger ones. However some courses may include long, straight sections in addition to tight turns, so various size/styles of motorcycles or scooters are potential contenders.
Moto Gymkhana demands that the rider has technique, ability, knowledge and motorcycle experience. You the rider must be comfortable on your machine to show your skills of acceleration, braking, handling and weight transfer, and also how to tune your machine to maximize performance. An analytical mind to assess the course for the most efficient racing lines is essential.
So if that sounds like something you’d like to see or even to do, it will take place on Sunday, June 12.
Then I also got a call from a fellow Alan referred to me, about the 8th Annual VA Sidecar Ride set for Sunday, July 3. According to Marty, “Once we arrive there (at the VA Hospital) we load up veterans from the Nursing Home unit, a short-term rehabilitation unit, and this year we will have a few guys from the PTSD unit. With a Denver PD motor officer escort, we send short lines of bikes and sidecar rigs to City Park and back. . . . In past years we have taken 15 or so veterans for rides and this year promises to have that many or a few more riders. We all have a great time carrying out this event and the VA residents are overjoyed to see us arrive.”
Obviously this is an event for riders with sidecar rigs. Alan has one these days, so I’m sure that’s how he got tuned in to it. I imagine they wouldn’t mind if someone showed up just to cheer them on.
Biker Quote for Today
No matter how bad your day is, your bike will always make you feel better.
