Pat-13
03-04-2009, 08:21 PM
Yesterday I had the opportunity to spend about 3 hours at the new ORP track in Grass Valley with one of the principles involved in the creation of this wonderful project. I can't tell you how fortunate we are to have such a fabulous new facility so close to most all of us here in the NW. The track IMO offers such a variety of technical challenges along with a multitude of passing opportunities that one would have to visit at least 3 top notch venues to enjoy an equivalent experience. And, this applies to going in either direction ....... so in essence we are getting two great tracks.
Elevation changes, blind corners, off cambers, a half-pipe that will thrill and delight beyond any amusement park ride you've ever been on. Can't wait to experience it and I look forward to the many many days trying to figure out the best way to get around this track in both directions. I know I sound like a promoter for hire but that is not the case. I just want to encourage you all to get enthused about the close new track and share my excitement with you. Don't misunderstand me, PIR is wonderful and will continue to serve us well but now we have a broadened playground and the ability to improve and expand our skills (without having to drive hrs & hrs to do it).
Are there downsides ....... yes, of course there are, as there would be with any new operation. I think of this first year as a beta test year when we will all have some inconveniences to deal with. But I also don't think there is a more resourceful group of sportsmen and women than we as a group are. I've seen more than a few bikes trucked off the track into the pitts looking like they'd be in a shop somewhere for an extended visit only to be back out there in a matter of hours (or less). So, we dry camp and bring our food and Bar-B-Q's etc. until the local support system is adequately up to speed to manage all the new demand.
If the operators of the track at least meet the basic requirements (a clean safe track with well placed corner stations etc., etc.) in the early stages of usage we all will be winners. And as things improve with time and presuming future development plans proceed uninterrupted we will have won the lottery.
I plan to support all the track day organizations that are investing their $ to provide us with the opportunity to experience this new track. Without their support for this new venue by taking the risk of scheduling dates for us we would be missing out tremendously.
Thank you .... 2Fast .... CTT .... NESBA .... (and those of you yet to come)
Elevation changes, blind corners, off cambers, a half-pipe that will thrill and delight beyond any amusement park ride you've ever been on. Can't wait to experience it and I look forward to the many many days trying to figure out the best way to get around this track in both directions. I know I sound like a promoter for hire but that is not the case. I just want to encourage you all to get enthused about the close new track and share my excitement with you. Don't misunderstand me, PIR is wonderful and will continue to serve us well but now we have a broadened playground and the ability to improve and expand our skills (without having to drive hrs & hrs to do it).
Are there downsides ....... yes, of course there are, as there would be with any new operation. I think of this first year as a beta test year when we will all have some inconveniences to deal with. But I also don't think there is a more resourceful group of sportsmen and women than we as a group are. I've seen more than a few bikes trucked off the track into the pitts looking like they'd be in a shop somewhere for an extended visit only to be back out there in a matter of hours (or less). So, we dry camp and bring our food and Bar-B-Q's etc. until the local support system is adequately up to speed to manage all the new demand.
If the operators of the track at least meet the basic requirements (a clean safe track with well placed corner stations etc., etc.) in the early stages of usage we all will be winners. And as things improve with time and presuming future development plans proceed uninterrupted we will have won the lottery.
I plan to support all the track day organizations that are investing their $ to provide us with the opportunity to experience this new track. Without their support for this new venue by taking the risk of scheduling dates for us we would be missing out tremendously.
Thank you .... 2Fast .... CTT .... NESBA .... (and those of you yet to come)