Back to Battle Mountain - WHPSC 2008

It's always fun to watch the bikes and riders arrive for this event. They run the gamut from 'ready'; bike complete and running smoothly, to 'kit'; various bits and parts that will at some time be a vehicle. Larry's Goliath II came in pretty much ready, so we headed out this morning to do some test rides. The special goal was to verify the proper functioning of the very ingenious starting cart that Larry had devised. The brown patches on the sides are skid protection in case of fall during testing.

Keep in mind that this is a BIG machine. Two riders, seated back-to-back, separate drive systems for each wheel, with a good deal of fiberglass enclosure. Only the pilot can see out, the stoker being entombed in the rear for the duration of the flight. Tranporting it it the bed of a standard pick-up was a feat in itself, hanging off the rear a good six feet. Having said all that, it is actually quite easy to move around, albeit in three pieces.

The loading sequence is as follows: 1) with bottom supported by side-stands, the rear rider sits in, 2) the rear fairing section is fitted and secured, 3) the launch cart is attached by shoving it tightly onto the rear, 4) the bike is now stable so the side-stands are removed, 5) pilot sits in, 6) front fairing section is fitted and secured, 7) final taping of seams. Starting is accomplished by simply peddling away. My job then is to run along behind with a wad of straps in my hand and when given the shout by Larry to sharply pull the straps and disengage the cart.

It all actually worked very well this morning - a tribute to Larry's forethought and skills. A minor mishap did occur when the rear tire blew out during the second run, caused by a fairing rub. The landing was fairly soft and no major damage was sustained. Some judicious grinding eliminated the problem.

At the riders meeting this evening all those who had attained 50 mph and above were given hats accknowledging their achievement in 5 mph increment 'clubs'. I took posession of a 60 mph Club hat, very cool. Even cooler, though, the organization presented me with a beer mug emblazoned with my having been the first person over 50 to break 60 mph. I was not expecting anything like that, at all.

Tomorrow, qualifying runs bright and early, so I need to got my beauty sleep.