What's the hardest thing about racing motorcycles?
The expenses?
Sure.. but no.. it ain't the hardest thing. If ppl throw wads of green at jewellery and clothes, most of what makes a machine "race"able also makes it safe in it's natural environment. So it comes down to priorities. And I'll leave it there.
The effort?
Trust me.. it takes a lot. The physical energy and logistical planning required for 1 weekend of serious track riding is more than what most ppl can fathom. But then there have been endless stories of human endurance that outweigh this effort in a blink. So it's not just the effort.
Overcoming the fear?
Everytime you crash and know you just beat death by a whisker, the fear overwhelmes you. No matter how much of a super hero you think you are. But then, speed is addictive. And to be fast on the track, all it takes is, discipline and precision. Which is a lot safer than a psychotropic drug that makes you hallucinate minstrels and fairies. Also, the last time I checked both those words didn't feature in the "Bad Words" section of any vocabulary. Not to mention, those traits are transferrable to other aspects of life.
So what is it?
- Ignoring the prejudiced views of people against Motorcyclist? - For which, all I got to say is #HatersGonnaHate
- Ignoring the unsolicited advice of couch racers? - May I recommend an excellent pair of ear phones. The world is a better place with jams that make you groove.
- Managing tires - Really Bruh?😠 - ain't no business deals between Michelin & Dorna stopping you from fitting a oversized Dunlop 165/60 slicks on a 4.5inch rim. 😝
Nope .. Nope.. and Nope
The hardest thing about racing motorcycles is .... WAITING.
You see, I briefly covered this in one of my posts before, but the reality is racing or even track days are like prepping for a game of basketball(or any sport). When done right.. you train 5 days a week.. 2 times a day.. eat right.. sleep right.. study hard to clear your exams.. do you homework on time.. your don't lie to your girlfriend about practice.. or your coach about not attending it.. or your team mates about why you were sleeping when they called you.
Similarly.. I paid my bills on time to avoid late fees ..and even set up calendar reminders to prevent accidentally incurring them... cuz every penny saved can get me an ounce of 100 octane... Finished all my projects and meetings on time... cuz every minute I earn there, I could be training in the gym or changing/improving the set up on my Moto.. spoke to my partner and family on time cuz every minute I wasn't arguing with them on why I didn't call them, I could be doing research on more Moto drills that could help me be faster on track.. and the list goes on.. oh did I also tell you that you need time to save money.. not just for buying parts or kit.. but also to afford ancillary medical cover.. air ambulance... savings... 401K.. and again.. the list goes on.
Why?
When everything is in order you can score that 3 pointer peacefully... that wins the championship for the school.. or you post your fastest laptime / win the race or even the championship.
In other words you want it so bad.. you don't want to set a foot wrong.
But I digress..
Fact is, even though you are so busy keeping all the cogs in your life moving seamlessly... In harmony... There is a hurricane in the back of your mind that is trying to rip apart the roots of peace in your head. It craves that speed. It craves precision. It craves that wailing throttle blipped downshift that helps you seamlessly lean the bike over for 20mph turn at the end of the 125mph back straight.
A lot of people say it's like the high from a drug. I say you don't know 2 diddles what you are talking about.
But again I digress...
So while life happens, the tempest rages on at the back of your mind.
You are waiting to scrape that wafer thin knee puck for the nth time. You are waiting to dangle that foot while braking hard for a turn. You are waiting to take every opening you find on track. You are waiting to feel the heart race everytime you crack the throttle exiting a turn at a precise point. You are waiting for that "Adrenaline Rush".... You are waiting to Live!
I'll leave you with the great words of Mr McQueen..
"Racing is life.. Anything before or after is just waiting"
- Steve McQueen
