STT > Gratten Michigan, July 3

[Buffalo Bill]

Going back to funky Grattan. Lumpy and funky, way out in farmland.

[Dogma]

You have too many cool tracks in your part of the world.

[Buffalo Bill]

Ha!, yeah within one day trailer distance: Road America, Blackhawk Farms, Autobahn, Putnam, Gingerman, Grattan, Mid-Ohio.
I definitely don't have the money to do all those in one year or even 2 years, but many people do.

[Buffalo Bill]

Egads, why did I sign up for this?: 8 hours of 92º with no shade…
Did a track day last year on the 4th weekend at Autobahn Country Club Il, spent an hour and a half in my car with the AC running.
Not sure it's getting any easier with age.

[Dogma]

I've been bringing a 10' x 10' canopy to the Motoworks events at Gingerman. We usually have two or three. I sort of bought it for that purpose, but occasionally find other uses for it.

[Buffalo Bill]

I have a 10 x 10 EZ-UP tent from my art fair days in the 90s, but have been going minimum gear for minimal work.
It was really hot, close to 100º. Everybody was suffering in the afternoon, lots of riders quit early. I sat in my car with the A/C blasting and wiping my face with a wet towel.
Soaked my Cortex jersey in water before each session, poured water into my helmet and rode with water running down the inside of the visor. LOL!!!
I was in the #1 novice group, only 3 of us, but I was the last remaining rider the final 2 session. I am seriously trying to graduate out of novice.
I bailed halfway thru the final sessions as my legs got too weak to move my butt side to side.
The coach was leading me closer to touching a knee down in each corner, showing me where to do it. I was there but as my legs gave out it was getting dangerous.
I'm strong in the morning but as the day goes on, the legs get weak.
Topped off at 140+ MPH on the straight many times.
Again peeps would comment how cool my engine sounded.
This was just the 1st day of a 3 day event. I have no idea how anybody could endure 3 days in a furnace.

[Redman]

Impressive that you go to so many track days.

A few weeks ago the website for Grattan indicated the place was for sale.
Did you put in an offer while you were there...?

.

[Buffalo Bill]

Impressive that you go to so many track days.

A few weeks ago the website for Grattan indicated the place was for sale.
Did you put in an offer while you were there...?

.

I did not know, but I'm sure it will be sold and developed, improved as a racing facility. It's a legend in our region, on the level of the old Laguna Seca in Cal.

[Redman]

http://www.grattanracewaypark.com/

/////////////QUOTE

The Raceway Is For Sale ! Serious Inquiries Only

Family owned and operatedfor over 50 Yrs

Grattan Raceway is considered one of the finest road courses in the United States and is located just 25 miles NE of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Motocross Track is always an exciting new challange with the constant improvements being made by the Faasen family. This track is undoubtly one of Michigan's best kept secrets and is sure to become one of your favorites.

[Buffalo Bill]

Another video from the same man, taken the next day on July 4:
Really has a lot of useful info on the screen readout.

[tomp]

thought about going to gratten 8/1-2, but 10+ hours is just too far. did last rounds at nelson and summit. a few of the vintage bikes . https://i.postimg.cc/BQqKRhhf/IMG_8317.jpg . https://i.postimg.cc/W3B7MMjb/IMG_8319.jpg . .https://i.postimg.cc/g05yWvxq/IMG_8320.jpg . https://i.postimg.cc/mDf3hpFq/IMG_E8334.jpg

[Buffalo Bill]

thought about going to gratten 8/1-2, but 10+ hours is just too far. did last rounds at nelson and summit. a few of the vintage bikes . https://i.postimg.cc/BQqKRhhf/IMG_8317.jpg . https://i.postimg.cc/W3B7MMjb/IMG_8319.jpg . .https://i.postimg.cc/g05yWvxq/IMG_8320.jpg . https://i.postimg.cc/mDf3hpFq/IMG_E8334.jpg

Lovely bikes!

[Carter Turk]

While taking the usual multiple morning "digger" today, I was perusing a circa 1985 Motorcyclist magazine, May actually, where Eddie Lawson is coaching Nick Ienatsch at Laguna Seca,

He quotes "you're doing everything well, except turning, braking & accelerating"...I had a laugh at those comments.

Agree tomp bike pictures are excellent, cool how the pits are on the grass.

When's the next trackday Bill?

Looking forward to the next time @ the Ridge on the 27th of this month.

[Buffalo Bill]

My next track day will be at Gingerman, Friday July 24, 5:PM 'til dusk.
It's a half price track night, 4 maybe 5 sessions depending on delays and daylight.
Usually lightly attended, and mostly free riding.