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2006 Triumph Thruxton

Monday, 21 August 2006

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An almost perfect start saw me bounding away like the proverbial hare, in the much fabled tale of the Tortoise and the Hare. However, instead of being beaten by a meek little tortoise at the finish line, I was positively devoured by a bunch of maniacal Thruxton 900 mounted fast guys. The first wet corner saw me sliding both wheels in a very graceful arc and even before it was over, three or four bikes passed me. Going up the hill to the chicane saw me nab a place back, but I was immediately repassed by two or more around the keyhole, due to my teetering on the concrete. I steadily went backwards and was finally lapped by Mr. Mooney and Jay Springsteen (yes, that Jay Springsteen). To show you how competitive this race was, Gary Nixon finished 4th ... I finished 11th out of 14.

If you’ve even been the victim of me and my crazy Supermoto, then go ahead and rejoice, because today I had my arse handed to me quite handily - I’ve never been smoked so badly - ever (all this in front of my lovely girlfriend too). I must admit, I still loved every minute of it though. I’d like to go back to Mid-Ohio - It’s a very technical and challenging track and I certainly have some unfinished business there and I also can’t help but think I left some mojo at the place - I’ll be looking for some sun and some extra time on a Thruxton next time though.

AHRMA seemed to be really happy with Triumph’s participation in this series. However, both sides are looking to increase the grid for this spec series. There are currently two trains of thought here, either keep it as is, minor mod's, cheap thrills and close racing or open it out to the fastest rider/engine builder in a run what yer’ brung format. Personally I’d love to see it maintain its present format. It gives the average guy a chance to buy a Trumpet, chuck a couple of grand at it and then proceed to beat up an old duffer like me. It’s a win win situation. However we (they) need to let more people know about it, big fun on a budget is the best fun I can think of.

Admission is easy; go buy a Thruxton 900 then trot off and get an AHRMA license. Triumph will then present you with an $800 rebate check, which can go towards the various and easy mod's (to be competitive). That’s it really. Buy it Friday, win on Saturday/Sunday, ride to work on Monday.

A big thanks to Jim Callahan for the opportunity and to Paul Runion for prepping and adjusting the bike to my satisfaction.

MikeE

The Factory Bike #23 - Sponsor List:

AxlJak racing - Jack Aksel - (978) 422-8790 - www.axljak.com

GMD Computrack Atlanta - (877) 297-8464 - This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Öhlins - Through GMD ~ Race Tech - Through GMD

Avon Tyres - John Leach - 1-800-624-7470 www.avonmotorcycle.com

EBC Brakes

Sharkskinz - 727-388-9621

Buchanan Spokes

Triumph Dealership Sponsors:

South Bay Triumph - (310) 784-7690 - www.southbaytriumph.com
D&D Cycles
Ma’s Cycles

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