Beck's Garage

In preparation for Gingerman in August, the race bike will get a new front break roter and a new petcock. It is currently running with a CB750 petcock that’s been a bit rigged to work. Its time for a proper NOS or a Pingle. The CB400 and CB360T have the same front end, so the old roter may end up on my street bike.

Blackhawk Farms Raceway in South Beloit, WI, is my home track. And know how thrilled I am to have enough experience to say I have a home track. Yesterdays time proved to be my best experience yet.

The 2 hour road trip north from Evanston on Saturday afternoon was reasonably uneventful. I rode shotgun as Dan May drove with the land speed bike strapped tightly to the back. Bob Burns transported my race bike as it has been carefully maintained and stored in his garage ever since it arrived as a bunch of parts back in October. There was rumor of high heat and thunderstorms which would have made camping a less enjoyable affair, yet the temps had dropped to a comfortable degree, and Saturday night was filled with laughter and stories, beer and a passed bottle of brown liquor as the track dogs of ChiVinMoto sat in their camp chairs around a makeshift fire in the pits. As I have grown accustom, I was lulled to sleep by a variety of snoring from the boys (and girls?) in the tents around me.

TRACK DAY

SESSIONS:: I actually lost count. I’m guessing our Vintage group got 4 session in the morning and another 4 in the afternoon. WEATHER :: It was hot when I crawled out of my tent at 7a, and only got hotter as the day went on. Dan May captured one of the peaks on a handheld gauge. Yes. It was hot. I opted not to remove my leathers all day for fear that I wouldn’t get them back on again. I do wear Under Amour underneath for times like this, but the amount of sweat that was happening truly wasn’t going to let me wriggle easily back into those leathers. Toward the end of the day, I was sitting in a camp chair, under neath Paul Elledge’s easy-up, with one of Kevin Hansing’s t-shirts

soaked in cooler ice water draped on my head and wrapped around my face. It was crazy. But it was dry. The weather provided a dry track where I could push my skills further without fear of slipping. It was fantastic.

SKILLS :: I was focusing on getting my butt off the seat. Said another way, hooking my leg. Yet the learning of the day with the best smooth/speed outcome was my head position and my gaze. I didn’t realize it, but I was looking at the track; look for the dots; to ensure I had the right line. A huge thanks to Doug from MotoVid who reminded me to place my chin to where my mirror would be and to look THROUGH the turn. This is something I learned long ago from Garry Bird of YMRacing, but it took a few years of track experience to apply it. I found myself riding faster through the turns than ever before. I was also pushing my butt back to the bump on the straights to get maximum speed there as well.

BIKE :: The CB400F ran great! I do need to get a new petcock because we are running with a rigged petcock for a CB750. It spewed a bit of fuel during each session, so it needs to be replaced. I trust this bike. I love this bike.

FRIENDS :: The ChiVinMoto track contingent is growing. I will try not to forget anyone, and I’m looking forward to next time — Bob Burns, Jennifer Burns, Dan May, Dan Waite, Daniela Dolak, Shellee Handley, Jonas, Kevin Hansing, Paul Elledge, Paul Hahn, Joey Haupt, Kris Bausert, Mark Hoedel, Mark Berlinski, Doctor Max, Jabu, Melissa Lynn Mangan, Jason Koschnitzke, Chad Sollomon, Rob Hicks, Norm Hogeveen, Bill, Christopher McEvoy, Rhue McEvoy,

Enjoy a bit of onboard footage compliments of Christopher McEvoy!

Bob installed new float needles, seats and a new switch on July 10th in prep for Blackhawk vintage track day. During an inspection, he also found that the nuts on all four clamps were loose. He fixed the problem and is engineering a better solution.

Ride an old bike? Consider running at the All Vintage Track Day at Blackhawk Farms Raceway on Sunday July 17th.

A great deal at $150 for the day. What you will experience  ::

• Track Walk :: the night prior to the track day, we typically walk around the track where Bob Burns points out the faded markings, explains how to hit the apex’s, and shares good stories of fond memories that are meant to entertain and put you at ease. The track walk is not to be missed; it helps build confidence and eases any fear.
• Camping :: Although there may be bugs and noise, hanging out the night prior with fellow crazy moto friends is one of my favorite parts of the event. Stories are shared, beer is consumed, laughter abounds. It’s included in the price of admission.
• Improved Skills :: The amount of fun is a side benefit to the improved skills and keen understanding you will gain about the proper mechanics of riding a motorcycle; safe & smooth which leads to fast. A number of Moto-Vid riders watch and teach both on and off the track, which is a great learning opportunity. Blackhawk has a ‘lean bike’ so you can get a physical understanding of how you body should be poised when taking a turn. My time on the track has always made me a better street rider, and this time I will push myself further to be a better road race rider. Each time I exit the track, I’m breathing heavy, jumping in excitement, and mentally replaying my line, my tuck, my twist and my passes to understand where I can improve the next time I’m unleashed.
• Proof :: There is typically someone there to take photographs and video which is available for purchase at a pretty good rate. I’ve found nothing like photographic proof to act as a learning tool to improve my body positioning (and to post on facebook and share with friends during the few days following which are usually highly unproductive.
• Sneads & Hops :: The crew typically heads to a local bar after a long day of sweat, rubber and exhaust to eat greasy food and toss back a few beers. Although I’m trying to work on my lightness so my weight best matches the 400′s suspension, I’m gonna get a Snead.
• Deeper Friendships :: The folks I’ve been sharing the track with for 4 years have become some of my closest friends. A day at the track is the best day of hookey, EVER!
• Confidence :: Off the track. I can’t explain why, but I’m a stronger more confident person in the many other areas of my life off track.
• Addiction :: Consider yourself forewarned. Track is like Crack. Before you know it, you may have an AHRMA race license in your back pocket, and will be planning your summers to and from the various racetracks around the country. As far as I know, there isn’t a 12-step program for this, which is more than fine by me.

Learn to be a better rider, watch race bikes doing their thing, and have more fun than you can possibly imagine.

Pop me an email if you are interested, and I will connect you with Big Bob; the man in charge.

The Chicago Vintage Racers traveled to Grattan Raceway for the AHRMA races on June 18 and 19 :: Dan Waite, Bob Burns, Matt Joy, Craig Chawla, and Brett Kurtz :: thanks for making the weekend educational, fun and incredibly memorable.

Chicago Vintage Racers @ Grattan 2011

Thursday, June 16
I worked extra hard to head out of town without anything on my mind. I had the luxury of working until 9:30p before Jennifer Burns fetched me and drove me to her lovely home where I crashed in the spare bedroom with an anticipated early wake up. Bob was already in bed when we arrived. I set the alarm for 3:30a, then drifted off to sleep with visions of checkered flags dancing in my head.

Friday, June 17
Although I gave up coffee in early January, I couldn’t resist a travel mug filled to the brim, tucked into a cup holder in Bob’s Big Ass Van as we rolled out of Chicago at 4:00a, heading toward Belding, Michigan.

We arrived at Grattan Raceway around 8:00a Eastern to see Dan and Matt relaxing in folding chairs like lazy sentinels outside of Garage #9. The track was wet when it went live at 10a for track day with standing water in some of the turns. I ran but was hesitant during the morning. I was thrilled when the track dried out in the afternoon, and my times showed an improvement with each run as I became more confident with the conditions and my skills. AHRMA road race referee, Will Harding, introduced me to Vanson rep, Matt Silva, who handed me a newbie vest* to replace my orange t-shirt; come evening, I felt confident and was ready for a weekend of racing. I successfully teched my bike, changed into street clothes, and was ready to relax for the night. The early evening was spent socializing at the home of Bob’s friends Mike and Carol who hosted a wonderful gathering of folks from the track. A reasonably early return to the track allowed us to welcome Brett who couldn’t make it for the track day. Craig had arrived midday to watch and play photographer since a bicycle accident earlier in the season put his motorcycle racing on hold. He camped in his car while the rest of us bunked in the garage with each of the doors cracked open about a foot. At some point Brett moved to Bob’s van because of snoring, but I’m not going to point any fingers! The breeze was cool but not strong enough to blow away the biting bugs. No worries :: it was race weekend :: nothing much could ruin my weekend.

Saturday, June 18
The weather cooperated, which was a relief considering the wet track at Road America the weekend prior. The track went live at 9a, and my first practice run felt as if I had never been on the track. I was tired and slow, but again my time steadily improved through the two practice sessions. At one point during the morning I was approached and asked to be Kevin Sexton’s monkey during the Sunday sidecar races. In my excitement I accepted, but later decline because sidecars run race #1, and my class runs race #2. I decided it was more logical to focus on the race at hand, rather than expanding into monkey business. One of the Lost Boys from Ohio, Gregory Glevicky, accepted the position and proved my logic wrong as he ran in Race 0 (160 Le Mans-style start) Race 1 (sidecars) and Race 2 (GP200). I do, however, cross my fingers that the opportunity will come up again!

Race 2
I had a great grid position in the first row of wave 2, #4; on the far right. My CB400F is a screamer in the straights, so combine that with my land speed experience I got the hole shot and took turn one with no one beside me. Only problem –> I jumped the start.

Lap 1 I was focusing on my right side peripheral vision at Kim Muhr on #x55 who was trying to pass me, so I didn’t see the meatball flag.

Lap 2 I saw ’33′ on the number board but didn’t really comprehend what it meant. I was too busy shoving my butt to the bump, pinning the throttle, and watching for the red line.

Lap 3 My concentration was finally broken by the frantic jumping men at the left side of the track pointing directly at ME! Not comprehending the message that the meatball flag delivered, I got flustered and thought I might be spewing oil. I had been experiencing issues with my fuel cap that caused it to mist my face shield with fuel when I rolled off the throttle to engine break at turn one.

Confused, I threw up my left arm, slowed down and exited in turn three. Oh, what a fatal error and bone-head maneuver that was! The meatball flag means a stop-and-go. I was supposed to ride at race speed into the hot pit for a stop-and-go, but instead I disqualified myself by riding into the pits. I coasted up to Will Harding who explained to me my errors, and Garry Bird met me to do the same. While all of this was happening the bike blew a fuse (which wasn’t repeated for the rest of the weekend) and my first Grattan race ended with me pushing the bike to the garage.

Now I’m trying to shake the nickname ‘meatball’ which I suppose I deserve. Good thing I have no problem laughing at myself!

A HUGE congratulations goes out to fellow racer, Dan Waite, who took FIRST in our class riding Wheezy, a tired old CB400F who has been abused over the years by various Chicago racers. Dan’s bike was a mess at Road America, learning later that three of the four compression rings were broken which caused is massive blow by issues. After swapping out a few parts like tank, shocks, and seat, Wheezy was his ride at Grattan. Thankful that my bike was running great on Friday, Big Bob was able to wrench on Wheezy to improve her performance. He changed the fork oil, shoved in some 1-1/2 pre-load spacers, adjusted the points gap then set and advanced the timing. Although she never made it above 9 grand, Dan’s skill gave him his first win in Novice Historic Production Lightweight! A fantastic accomplishment!

Matt took 11 of 14 in Sportsman 350, and Brett went off-track when he took a turn too close; it landed him a disqualification in Vintage Superbike Heavyweight.

Garry Bird of YMRacing joined us for a celebratory dinner at the Grattan Irish Pub, then returned to the pits to enjoy some live music, a bit of socializing, and a second night of air mattresses, some of which weren’t so cooperative in the inflation department. I’m not sure how much self-diagnosing I should do about the joy I felt waking up next to my motorcycle, but it was wonderful. In my morning stretch I reached out my arms and touched the BT45 that I’m working to make sticky. Good morning race day #2.

Sunday, June 19
Although the morning was beautiful and the track was dry for the two morning practices, I was surprised to learn my times were slower than the day prior. I felt my concentration to be more keen, I was physically feeling strong, and my flexibility was fantastic. Once the practice sessions were over, I had to rely on the adrenaline of the race to pop those times up to where they should be. Although my DQ (disqualification) negatively impacted my points, I had the same grid position as the day prior. I am happy to report that I redeemed myself and the CB400F. Because I was meatball-shy, I had slow start, yet I had the hole shot again with a nice tuck and one twist of the wrist. Now that I have command of the race bike in the straights I really need practice to increase my speed in the turns. Grattan is so technical that my front straight speed can’t carry me; I can’t hold my lead. I was also riding a bit cautiously because three racers went off track during the 6 lap race :: that is distracting and fear inducing :: it messes with my head to see people/bikes in the grass, or tire tracks on the asphalt. Regardless, I took 7 of 10 in Novice Historic Production Lightweight with Dan once again taking first!

I devoted this race to improving my body position; I pushed myself to get my butt off the seat, crowd the tank, and open/push my knee down. I consider this race a success in that I rode better than I’ve ever rode before. The speed will come in time when I am smooth and can dance with the bike all the way around the track. I can’t wait!

I changed out of my leathers and watched the rest of the team run. Matt took 9 of 13 in Sportsman 350, and Brett took 5 of 8 in Vintage Superbike Heavyweight. Late in the afternoon we packed up the van and headed back toward Chicago. I was able to doze a bit with Big Bob at the wheel; I don’t think I snored, but I’m pretty sure I drooled. We unpacked the load of bikes at the Bunker, and sipped the last beer of the night already reminiscing about the weekend and planning for Gingerman.

Photos of and Video by Chicago Vintage Racers
(plus a few more thrown in for good measure)

Rebecca Berneck #R33
Class :: Novice Historic Production Lightweight
Bike :: 1975 Honda CB400F

*I was given the OK from an AHRMA official that I am no longer required to wear an orange t-shirt or safety vest.

Dan Waite #R82
WINNER in Class :: Novice Historic Production Lightweight
Bike :: “Wheezy” 1974 Honda CB400F Bone stock chassis and motor, aftermarket suspension, disk brake

Matt Joy #469
Class :: Sportsman 350
Bike :: high compression Honda SL350 motor in a Trackmaster frame w/4ls drum brake

Brett Kurtz #x50
Class :: Vintage Superbike Heavyweight
Bike :: 1982 Honda CB900F, stock motor in a modified chassis, modern wheels and brakes

Joey Haupt #241
Classes :: CB160 & 200 GP
Bike :: CB160

Gregory Glevicky #R73
Classes :: 250 GP, 200 GP & Sidecars
Bike :: 1965 CB160

Karsten Illg #19x
Classes :: Formula 500, Formula 750 & Sound of Singles 2

Tony Read #176
Classes :: Formula 750 & BEARS

Stan Miller #320
Classes :: Formula 750 & BEARS
Bike :: 1973 BMW

Sidecar Vintage

It was a fantastic weekend at The Road America Vintage Motorcycle Classic, yet the time did not pass without its hiccups :: so goes it with the beautiful vintage stock!

The weather didn’t quite cooperate for Friday’s practice session.  I opted not to run during the morning session as there was water on the track and it didn’t seem worth it to run hesitant session.  The afternoon session was damp, cold, and riddled with mechanical issues.  I came out of the first practice session with one good lap; as soon as I braked from what felt like a tight-tucked SCORCHING run down the front stretch, I took corner 1 and the engine started to sputter, pop and lose power.  Big Bob beat into my head the importance of staying in the power band, so I thought I just screwed up my shifting.  I made it round the track without the ability to get above 7,000 RPMs, entered the pits and said, “something isn’t right.”  Bob rode it around the pits for awhile without duplicating the issue. He patted me on the head, sent me back out and repeated, “6k-10k :: stay there!”

Frustrated with the choppy acceleration, I made it to turn 2 when the engine died and I coasted into the grass near a corner worker. After multiple attempts I got it to start. I entered the track and got back off within 30 seconds when it died again. We got a ride back to the ChiVinMoto Racer’s tent in the crash vehicle.

The only thing that was changed since the successful run at Blackhawk a few weeks earlier was the Power Arc electronic ignition.  Smart mechanics travel with stock parts. After a fair amount of grumbling, head scratching and wrenching, the bike was successfully tested in the pits with the stock ignition system before the gang headed out to dinner at Seibkens Stop Inn Tavern where a party our size had to sit in the porch…Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Saturday’s weather wasn’t much better, but it was race day, so what are you going to do?  We were blessed with three practice sessions in the morning, and the 400 ran like a DREAM!  I was a hesitant rider due to the less than perfect track condition, but felt more and more confident with each run, and doubly ready for my first race.  I ran in Race 2 which shared the track with 200 GP and Pre-40s.  The CB160s are making a huge come-back, and with only one Wave and nearly 30 of those speedy little gnats taking up the front rows, it was a crazy mad dash to turn 1.  Bottom line, I met both of my goals for the event, (1) to finish, and (2) to NOT finish last!  I placed 8 out of 13* in Novice Vintage Production Lightweight, and returned to the pits a happy, HAPPY woman!

Although my tent lulled me to sleep with the soft on-again-off-again rain on Saturday night, the mist burned off to a glorious racing Sunday!  Two practice sessions in the morning lead to more confidence and I bumped my position in Race 2 Day 2 to 7 out of 10 with much improved times.

Saturday Race 2 :: 13:13:369 w/best speed = 58.030
Saturday Race 2 :: 13:38:446 w/best speed = 61.417

Again, the weekend was FANTASTIC!  The bike is now being prepped for Grattan Raceway next weekend.

Such is my life filled with adrenalin, exhaust, and socializing with my like-minded crazy comrades :: Kris Bausert (#R78), Matt Joy (#469), Jason Koschnitzke (#R16), Brett Kurtz (#R16), Ben Lamkin (#R46), Daniel May (#934), and Dan Waite (#r82).

* Dan Waite took home the 3rd place plaque, but the results show him as a DNS (Did Not Start)

I’m excited to have a bike to make this technique necessary. I’m practicing.

I spent some time in Bob’s garage today where the bike was officially completed. I ooo’d and awe’d about the belly pan and race plate brackets that were expertly crafted by Rouge Kustoms, then I applied my race numbers to the plates. Bob attached the newly painted covers, and I took this baby up and down the alley before moving it into the van for transport.

Holy Moley, may I just say that this is one powerful bike! The rest is up to me at Road America.

This morning I am ecstatic to announce that a new Power Arc ignition was expertly installed in the race bike by our friends at Ace Motorcycle and Scooter. This amazing bad ass high tech ignition system has four programmable advance curves that can be toggled by a switch installed by the rider’s thumb. Switching of course isn’t AHRMA legal and therefore won’t be used, but I will feel the advantage of getting a more complete burn from each power stroke with it’s design to fire three smaller sparks versus the one giant fat spark produced by other ignitions. The test run will happen at Road America next weekend during the Road America Vintage Motorcycle Classic. Keep an eye out for a complete review in an upcoming issue of Cafe Racer magazine.

When it comes to vintage motorcycles and the hard work required to prepare for a race, smooth as silk isn’t really in a mechanic or a riders vernacular.  Although all pre-race adjustments were progressing wonderfully, a mishap in a garage caused the race bike to lay down.  It wasn’t so much the handlebars that caused the damage to the tank, but the switches.  Good thing the folks who watched it tip and fall in the slowest of motions also have the skills to make it all better.  Take a look.