Although track days have really become my favorite type of riding, I still do enjoy street riding. I have no desire to ride modern sportbikes on the street; they're really out of their element on the roads with so little of their capabilities actually being safely and legally usable (not to mention the uncomfortable riding position). I've been riding the street on and off since 1979, starting with a '75 RD250 then buying a '79 KE100 DP bike to teach my brother how to ride. Bought a brand new RZ350 while I was in college then sold it a few years later to buy my fiancée an engagement ring. (Marrying her turned out to be greatest thing I've ever done - not only is she the love of my life, she is incredibly supportive of my 2-wheel habits both powered and pedaled. She goes to every track day she can with me, buys me gear for gifts, is a great passenger on street rides, and we even rode some mx and trails together for a while on a pair of TTR125's.) Also went through a Harley phase from 2001 up until I started to ride track days, then sold it because I realized I was having difficulty adapting back Harley brakes on the street after riding my ZX6R on the track.
These days I enjoy riding sporty standards on the road, and have recently been bitten by the vintage bike bug courtesy of one of my wife's friends who restores and sells vintage Japanese rides. I've really gotten into the Japanese sport bikes of the '80's, back before they were so track-oriented. And I've always wanted a Ducati Monster so when the opportunity to buy completely original early example for a great price came up I couldn't resist.
I don't necessarily feel any safer on the track than I do on the street - there is risk in both but the risks are different. On the road I ride with the belief that I am invisible, and that every driver is out to kill me. I don't ride aggressively on the road in terms of speeds or corner-carving, so the biggest risks I face are those presented by inattentive and/or incompetent car/SUV/truck drivers. As an avid road cyclist, I feel much more vulnerable on my bike than on my motorcycles. While the track is very controlled environment, and I am a cautious learner (some would say slow to progress) and rider, I have a great fear of being taken out by another rider as it seems some folks believe the rules don't apply to them and/or haven't quite figured out that motorcycles can seriously injure or kill someone. Just as I was starting to get over this I saw one of NESBA's most consistent, proficient and respected riders taken out through no fault of her own. (I get to thinking, if it can happen to her, it can happen to anyone myself included.)
Wow, this must be the longest forum post I've ever written! Sorry, just rambling, still enjoying the post-track day high from a great weekend at my two favorite tracks.
In closing, I'd like to thank NESBA's management for running a safety-focused organization in a fun and educational manner; all of the CR's who have helped me become a better rider; and all of those I've ridden with in both the B and the I groups who ride with safety in mind. It's always a pleasure being passed by and/or chasing you around the tracks!
@ 2:35
