In 1980 I decided I wanted to be a motorcycle road racer. I had been going to and watching races at Ontario, Riverside and such, and knew I could do that. I was full of ego since I was so fast in the twisties on my Honda CBX that few could hang with me. Or so I thought I was fast. I was working at American Honda at the time, and I snagged an old press 400 and took off to Willow springs to go racing. I went through the new rider school, taught by my friend and instructor guru Keith Code, and I was ready to go.
Now my ego was such that I felt I might even podium my first race. But when I got onto the track it was a whole different world. These guys really knew how to ride! Needless to say, my first race brought my ego down to bottom level. From the start the other bikes were passing me in the corners so fast that I thought I was going backwards. I kinda was! I finished last place and was lapped by almost all of the riders. I went home with my tail between my legs, but with the passion and determination to become a better racer. I eventually did that, and starting winning some trophies.
Moral? It hurts the ego a lot when you first start out in almost any competition, but if you stick to it and give it your all, it becomes worth a lifetime of great memories. Road racing is incredible, and the value of doing track days can help you achieve your dream to become a racer faster and safer than in my day. DON’T try learning in the twisties!
