So yes, I did race the weekend before my wedding. Yes motorcycles are dangerous and there's always a risk of injury, but as Dave Potter says, "it's what I do." Tati was nothing but supportive. Her mom was too, in fact she told me , "don't think about anything. No negative thoughts, just concentrate on what you have to do, and go out and win!!!
In my first qualifier I got my typically bad start. Said to myself, "here we go again" and just put my head down and passed as many guys as possible. On the last lap alone I passed 5 guys. When I came around the last corner I saw the checkered flag, but no one in front of me. I figured that the lead pack got away and I probably didn't even qualify. (Top 8 go to the main). When I pulled off the track my buddy Rich told me, "impressive ride." When I got back to the truck and pulled my helmet off, Rich told me again, "impressive ride ... you went from around 20th to 1st." 1st!?!?!? I won? I didn't even know I actually won my qualifier!
In the main event I got another mid pack start, but rode aggressively and made it all the way to 4th. My buddy Jeff Tigert finished 3rd, we joked "Shake-n-bake".
4th place trophy. "Trophy The Bear".
Doug, Jeff, Tati, and I did the Mammoth Rock Trail.
And then I took John and Ivan on the same trail. Check out the difference in the sky. Smoke from all the wildfires in California had blown in.
With Mammoth Rock in the background we head out through the meadow to Hidden Lake.
Then later in the week, my sisters Leslie and Laura (and her family of course) showed up.
We had a wonderful week with our families. It was so nice to have everyone up in Mammoth with us.
The Forest Chapel was founded by Lloyd B. Austin, August 3, 1947.
Pre-run of our wedding kiss. (Self portrait via timer on our digital camera & "joby" our little tripod).
By the way, I got second in my qualifier, but in the main event I tangled with another rider on the first lap and went down. I remounted, counted my blessings, and finished off the weekend safely... I do have a wedding to go to!
In my first qualifier I got my typically bad start. Said to myself, "here we go again" and just put my head down and passed as many guys as possible. On the last lap alone I passed 5 guys. When I came around the last corner I saw the checkered flag, but no one in front of me. I figured that the lead pack got away and I probably didn't even qualify. (Top 8 go to the main). When I pulled off the track my buddy Rich told me, "impressive ride." When I got back to the truck and pulled my helmet off, Rich told me again, "impressive ride ... you went from around 20th to 1st." 1st!?!?!? I won? I didn't even know I actually won my qualifier!
In the main event I got another mid pack start, but rode aggressively and made it all the way to 4th. My buddy Jeff Tigert finished 3rd, we joked "Shake-n-bake".
4th place trophy. "Trophy The Bear".
For the Double D Death Ride (Doug & my bachelor party) Dax had his mom sew up these "flight suits" for the Mag 5. (The Mag 5 is a revolving crew of riding buddies). Doug, Ed, and I represented the Mag 5 by rockin' the suits.
3 of the Magnificent 5 head out in formation for moto-battle.
We took delivery of Tatiana's new Honda Ridgeline just in time to use it for our Wedding trip!
