Take a Ride With a Superbike Champion

Click on an image thumbnail for a larger view. Once enlarged, clicking on the right side of the picture will advance to the next image (if available). Clicking on the left side of the picture will retreat to the previous image (if available).

Because you don't want them to see you with a wonky wrist, you must remove your support bandage back at the van. Oh yes, it's all laughs as everyone just talks about doing this. That's rider Scott Rupert, and me needing a stool to get up on the bike. I hadn't yet realized it would take much effort to get on the bike, while I could be blown off it in a nanosecond. That's the handlebar I'm reaching for. Yeah, just casually walking around the pits in my leathers, keepin' hydrated...it's bloody hot. I was handing out water bottles and sunscreen like the mommy that I am.
Discussing details with Ken McAdams, founder of SOAR (Southern Ontario Association of Racing). Welcome to my planet. 'Now, if there's any problem, just tap my chest and I'll slow down. I want to make sure you feel totally safe,' said Scott Rupert. 'If I feel scared, I will be breaking your ribs with my arms. You'll know. Trust me,' said Lorraine 'Bikerat' Sommerfeld. I am screaming here. Really loudly. In the straights, we got to 230 km/hr. We were doing wheelies at over 160 km/hr. The track features a series of hairpin turns one after the other. It's a 3km track, and our time was about 1:19. Give those numbers a think.
About 160km/hr, heading into turn one. Photo: John Turner. I went first. This is me, triumphant as hell, explaining to everyone else how to do it. My hands were shaking so badly, I can't believe they aren't out of focus. I really need to thank Liz Jansen, my motorcycle instructor from Humber college (yeah, I know, I flunked my licence) because the whole time, I could hear her voice in my ear, 'look where you need to go.' Even though I wasn't steering, you have to keep your body aligned properly. This just might be the most terrifying thing I've ever done.