While strolling the tented areas on the MotoAmerica Superbikes at Brainerd race weekend in Minnesota, I found the Roadracing World Motion Fund was providing fundraising two-up superbike rides round Brainerd Worldwide Raceway. This piqued my curiosity, not that I fancied being on the again notably. Nonetheless, I did like the thought of being on a bone fide superbike at velocity round a famed racetrack. Plus, I’m at all times up for attempting a brand new expertise.
The Roadracing World Motion Fund’s mission is to assist forestall racetrack accidents. The group raises funds to advertise bike racing security and schooling. The RWAF encourages and facilitates utilizing Air Fence and Alpina comfortable air obstacles at bike racing venues, lowering harm when a racer comes off the observe the place adequate run-off is unavailable.
Again to my day at Brainerd Worldwide Raceway, the place a donation secured me a seat for the two-up experience. The experience is fashionable and observe time is proscribed, so as soon as the chance introduced itself, I booked instantly. Chris Ulrich and David Swarts from RWAF had been out there and completely happy to speak by means of any queries or anticipated fears I expressed.
We might be on a race-prepped Suzuki GSX-R1000R, with some modifications to securely accommodate a passenger in consolation. These Gixxer had barely lowered passenger footpegs and a seize deal with mounted on the tank to carry. I used to be to place my arms loosely round Chris and maintain on simply.
On the appointed time, the six passengers gathered with an air of anticipation. David fastidiously questioned us on sizes after which equipped one-piece race leathers, boots, gloves, helmets, and earplugs—all meticulously checked for match. The group consisted of 5 women, and a man who’d by no means ridden or been on a bike earlier than!
Chris and David took us to the Suzuki and talked us by means of what the experience would entail with loads of question-time. We then gathered in pit lane, with family and friends welcome to take images and provides unsolicited recommendation.
I then launched into the pillion experience of a lifetime. Thoughtfully, a step was supplied so I might gracefully mount the brightly coloured metallic steed. I slung my leg over and, with Chris up entrance captaining the roaring machine, I used to be perched on the again of the formidable superbike, taking the second in.
We gracefully glided out of the pits to encouraging applause and whoops of enthusiasm from onlookers. Inside what appeared moments, we slipped easily tipped into the primary flip. I crooked my head again barely for a greater look forward after which glanced down to seek out our superbike seemingly devouring the pavement. The moment velocity, coupled with the mighty roar from the exhausts, was a heady combine.
I had been watching the racing all through the day and tried to focus on the place we had been on the observe and to memorize the turns, imagining I used to be driving. I caught a glimpse of our RV, which was parked beside the beginning/end. The surroundings round Brainerd Worldwide Raceway whizzed by in a blur of vibrant colours. I couldn’t imagine how immediately issues appeared to occur; it was like what I think about a time traveler feels. Issues in my periphery imaginative and prescient had been quick and but sluggish.
Then, inside moments, a relaxed came visiting me. I used to be drawn to how slowly and gently Chris’s gloved fingers butterflied on the grips; our stream was like poetry. As we conquered every nook, I used to be proper in there with the rider feeling an exhilarating rush by means of my veins.
I relished the velocity of the straightaways and the surprisingly easy, virtually mild braking by Chris to his predetermined velocity, after which the pull ahead as we maintained tempo by means of every curve. We didn’t waver; it was like Chris was spreading butter throughout toast in a single easy knife sweep—and this was his sluggish lap!
By the point we had been again to the beginning/end line, Chris had gauged my worry issue—it was zero by then. I used to be eager as mustard and saved an eagle eye on the speedo. Chris expertly maneuvered the smooth machine, making my adrenaline pump. I instinctively cocked my head again to look forward to the place we had been going, making use of a little bit strain on the within footpeg, permitting my physique place to soften into the velocity, and went with the lean of the turns.
The Suzuki’s tires gripped the asphalt with unwavering willpower. Not a single dodgy feeling got here to thoughts or physique as I embraced the sheer pleasure that solely a high-speed journey can present. My foremost thought was, “I want I might experience like this.”
Although Chris was being measured together with his experience, the straights had been extremely exhilarating, because the GSX-R1000R confirmed me a few of its acceleration energy. Though I famous 155 mph on the clock at one stage, I targeted on the forthcoming really feel of every subsequent bend, the place I’d once more really feel the superbike’s tires gripping the asphalt with unwavering willpower.
The time handed in a blink of a watch. Earlier than I knew it, we returned to the pits, and I reluctantly alighted. As I eliminated my Arai helmet, it was apparent that no person might resist my infectious smile as a result of I noticed it unfold throughout the faces of those that’d already been out on observe and people awaiting the creation of a reminiscence that will final a lifetime. I had a newfound appreciation for the indescribable thrill of driving on the again of a superbike, and underneath the most secure attainable circumstances.
Having been anxious all morning earlier than the two-up experience, this unforgettable expertise confirmed what I already know—life’s best adventures usually lie on the opposite facet of worry. My pillion experience round Brainerd Worldwide Raceway grew to become greater than only a thrilling expertise; it grew to become a metaphor for dwelling life to the fullest and a reminder that generally your finest reminiscences are born from pushing the boundaries and embracing the unknown.
Images by Arthur Coldwells
