The Geezer Gears Racing Team is basically a couple of old guys who have a lot of fun at the track. We are not the fastest on the track, or have the most bad-ass rig & trailer, nor do we have a lot of sponsors helping us out on weekends. We really enjoy hanging out with folks that enjoy life like we do, which is pretty much everyone that we've met at the track!
We have families and day jobs and are really just out racing on the weekends so we don't have to spend time at home doing "honey-do's". At our age, both of us having raised 2 kids and releasing them onto the world, we deserve a little bit if 'me time' - especially since we're married to twin sisters!
We have day jobs that keep us busy too, I'm sure just like all of you do too. I'm the only non-medical person when the 2 families get together, but I have a great appreciation for what they do. Now I get to brag a little bit about our team rider, Roger. Last weekend Roger and a team from his hospital took a 300+ mile round trip in a snowstorm and up over the mountains to save not one but two preemie babies.
Here's a link to the story from the Colorado Springs Gazette:
http://tinyurl.com/o6oce6x
Racing is just a small part of who we are and what we do. We risk crashes and injuries at the track doing what we love, but let's not forget those who put it on the line everyday as just another day at the office - the medical professionals, fire professionals, police officers and the military folks too.
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Friday, January 23, 2015
Winter in Colorado
As a former Chicago boy that came to Colorado almost 30 years ago, I've really grown to love winters here. Admittedly, I've told some folks from Texas and California that it snows pretty much every day from Halloween to Easter and the pictures they've seen of the mountain snow is what we get all winter long here along the front range. Ok so maybe that wasn't a good idea but it does keep the congestion on the roads down a bit.
There is something invigorating about being on a motorcycle in January with the temperature around freezing and the air a little crisp on your skin. You are more immersed in the landscape on a bike that you miss when you are in a car or truck.
Now that the big holidays are out of the way and the Christmas tree and lights are packed away for another year, it's time to start thinking about racing. If you've followed the blog you know that the Geezer Gears Racing Team is in the process of looking for a new trailer for the upcoming season.
There's a fine art to looking for a trailer - getting the features you need at a price that stays under our wive's radar. Roger, our team rider, and I went to the RV show in Denver earlier this month to see what's out there. I gotta say that trailers have come a long way in the past few years - slide out porches, flat screen TV's on the outside, solar panels, LED lighting, backup cameras, and the list goes on and on.
We talked with several vendors about trailers to get a sense as to where the industry is headed in the years to come. The bulk of the toy haulers we saw were for fifth wheelers but there were several smaller tow behind trailers with fewer options than their larger counterparts.
While we're still not sure which direction to go we know we'll have to make a decision soon if we want to have something for this season. The hunt goes on!
The new racing plastic has been ordered for this season - can't wait to see that on the bike. It's time to start a list of 'to-do's to get ready for this season. What's on your 'to-do' list?
See ya at the track!
Pops
There is something invigorating about being on a motorcycle in January with the temperature around freezing and the air a little crisp on your skin. You are more immersed in the landscape on a bike that you miss when you are in a car or truck.
Now that the big holidays are out of the way and the Christmas tree and lights are packed away for another year, it's time to start thinking about racing. If you've followed the blog you know that the Geezer Gears Racing Team is in the process of looking for a new trailer for the upcoming season.
There's a fine art to looking for a trailer - getting the features you need at a price that stays under our wive's radar. Roger, our team rider, and I went to the RV show in Denver earlier this month to see what's out there. I gotta say that trailers have come a long way in the past few years - slide out porches, flat screen TV's on the outside, solar panels, LED lighting, backup cameras, and the list goes on and on.
We talked with several vendors about trailers to get a sense as to where the industry is headed in the years to come. The bulk of the toy haulers we saw were for fifth wheelers but there were several smaller tow behind trailers with fewer options than their larger counterparts.
While we're still not sure which direction to go we know we'll have to make a decision soon if we want to have something for this season. The hunt goes on!
The new racing plastic has been ordered for this season - can't wait to see that on the bike. It's time to start a list of 'to-do's to get ready for this season. What's on your 'to-do' list?
See ya at the track!
Pops
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
It's Time for the Year End Review...
As we bid farewell to 2014 and await 2015, it's time for the obligatory year-end lists....
I am reviewing the racing video from this year as I sit in my nice warm house while outside it's freeking sub-zero outside! I almost wish it was August and we were back at the hot & dry Pueblo Motorsports Park.
Although we were late-comers to racing this year I think our rider Roger did his best racing at Pikes Peak International Raceway. He seemed to be really comfortable with those large banked corners. That does seem a bit surprising given his background in motocross and enduro and all of the times we used to ride dirt bikes down in Pueblo. Granted the dirt is different than the pavement but Roger does have a collection of trophies from drag racing his motorcycle in Pueblo so he's used to the long straight-away.
Next year we plan on traveling a bit more (see previous blog entries regarding our trailer search). We're talking about racing all along the front range from Wyoming to New Mexico, and we're thinking about racing in Kansas, Nebraska and maybe a trip to the Miller Motorsports Park in Utah. So for our first category - "Favorite Track of 2014" I would say it was by far PPIR. We raced better there, we had great pit locations, and the women were much prettier there (hey - we're old but we're not dead!).
Next category - "Favorite Pit Food of 2014". Ok I know it seems like it's a rather strange award category but I get hungry watching Roger work so hard out on the track. I'm a rather simple kind of guy - I like my beer and brats, but I've been known not to pass up a good burrito or enchilada or two. I've got to give the award to the Colorado Motorcycle Racing Association's year-end barbecue.
Next up - "Favorite Walk-Up Song of 2014". Ok so I know that walk-up songs are more of a baseball thing but I can really get jumping when I hear a great tune. While Roger gets all of the glory it's us grunts in the pits that really have it rough. He goes through his pre-race routine mapping out the turns in his head and clearing his thoughts of everything else. I have my own pre-race routine in prepping the bike, prepping the rider, and most importantly, prepping the race time drinks and snacks. Talk about hard work and incredible pressure - imagine the stress of mistakenly grabbing the Doritos and salsa thinking you got the Ruffles and root beer. I find that having pre-race music helps me think clearer so I won't make the Doritos / salsa mistake again.
Here are my top tunes leading up to race time: "Hells Bells", "Stranglehold", "Rock & Roll", and "Are You Ready". I like how it builds in tempo up from the slow start of "Hells Bells" to the balls out pace of "Rock & Roll", and then it gets highly cerebral with "Are You Ready". My "Favorite Walk-Up Song of 2014" goes to Creed's "Are You Ready".
I'll come up with more awards and lists in the coming days. Until then, have a safe New Years and we'll all be back at it before you know it!
See ya at the track!
Pops
I am reviewing the racing video from this year as I sit in my nice warm house while outside it's freeking sub-zero outside! I almost wish it was August and we were back at the hot & dry Pueblo Motorsports Park.
Although we were late-comers to racing this year I think our rider Roger did his best racing at Pikes Peak International Raceway. He seemed to be really comfortable with those large banked corners. That does seem a bit surprising given his background in motocross and enduro and all of the times we used to ride dirt bikes down in Pueblo. Granted the dirt is different than the pavement but Roger does have a collection of trophies from drag racing his motorcycle in Pueblo so he's used to the long straight-away.
Next year we plan on traveling a bit more (see previous blog entries regarding our trailer search). We're talking about racing all along the front range from Wyoming to New Mexico, and we're thinking about racing in Kansas, Nebraska and maybe a trip to the Miller Motorsports Park in Utah. So for our first category - "Favorite Track of 2014" I would say it was by far PPIR. We raced better there, we had great pit locations, and the women were much prettier there (hey - we're old but we're not dead!).
Next category - "Favorite Pit Food of 2014". Ok I know it seems like it's a rather strange award category but I get hungry watching Roger work so hard out on the track. I'm a rather simple kind of guy - I like my beer and brats, but I've been known not to pass up a good burrito or enchilada or two. I've got to give the award to the Colorado Motorcycle Racing Association's year-end barbecue.
Next up - "Favorite Walk-Up Song of 2014". Ok so I know that walk-up songs are more of a baseball thing but I can really get jumping when I hear a great tune. While Roger gets all of the glory it's us grunts in the pits that really have it rough. He goes through his pre-race routine mapping out the turns in his head and clearing his thoughts of everything else. I have my own pre-race routine in prepping the bike, prepping the rider, and most importantly, prepping the race time drinks and snacks. Talk about hard work and incredible pressure - imagine the stress of mistakenly grabbing the Doritos and salsa thinking you got the Ruffles and root beer. I find that having pre-race music helps me think clearer so I won't make the Doritos / salsa mistake again.
Here are my top tunes leading up to race time: "Hells Bells", "Stranglehold", "Rock & Roll", and "Are You Ready". I like how it builds in tempo up from the slow start of "Hells Bells" to the balls out pace of "Rock & Roll", and then it gets highly cerebral with "Are You Ready". My "Favorite Walk-Up Song of 2014" goes to Creed's "Are You Ready".
I'll come up with more awards and lists in the coming days. Until then, have a safe New Years and we'll all be back at it before you know it!
See ya at the track!
Pops
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Merry Christmas!
Well the Christmas tree finally went up and the house got decorated. Funny how some people are particular with what goes in the tree as decorations - ornaments yes but spark plugs no. Who knew?
We've been looking at trailers for next season and we've got a few that we like. First you start with the trailer necessities like AC, fridge, microwave, a place for my tool boxes, my easy chair, and, as Roger (our team rider) likes to point out, the ability to store motorcycles. Then you move into the next level of 'would be cool to have' like hot tubs, sun deck, plasma TV, satellite dish, Wi-Fi, etc. To get to the next level beyond the necessities takes mad negotiation skills, or a bunch of incriminating pictures! Stay tuned - negotiations are about to get interesting!!
New racing plastic has been ordered and that will be a project for next month. I'm still trying to convince Roger that a turn signal that is always blinking is a good tactical option for racing. How many times have you come up on an old man with a hat driving on the highway with his blinker on and you slow down because you aren't too sure if he's coming into your lane or not!
We're trying to come up with colors for the bikes. Roger likes white but I'm thinking something more like the orange-yellow color of Preparation H. Now stay with me on this one - if you are riding a motorcycle on the track and it's hot and you start sweating chances are your roids might start acting up. If you roids start acting up you lose focus on the track and all you can think about is.... Preparation H! If your riding a bike that is the same color as Preparation H your mind convinces your roids that they've been treated so they don't become a distraction anymore. Now doesn't that make a lot of sense? If you like that idea you should see what colors I've come up with for his leathers next season!
Well the kiddos are here - someone told them that Santa dropped off some presents for them so they are waiting for me to come so that they can open them. From our pit crew to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
See ya at the track!
Pops
We've been looking at trailers for next season and we've got a few that we like. First you start with the trailer necessities like AC, fridge, microwave, a place for my tool boxes, my easy chair, and, as Roger (our team rider) likes to point out, the ability to store motorcycles. Then you move into the next level of 'would be cool to have' like hot tubs, sun deck, plasma TV, satellite dish, Wi-Fi, etc. To get to the next level beyond the necessities takes mad negotiation skills, or a bunch of incriminating pictures! Stay tuned - negotiations are about to get interesting!!
New racing plastic has been ordered and that will be a project for next month. I'm still trying to convince Roger that a turn signal that is always blinking is a good tactical option for racing. How many times have you come up on an old man with a hat driving on the highway with his blinker on and you slow down because you aren't too sure if he's coming into your lane or not!
We're trying to come up with colors for the bikes. Roger likes white but I'm thinking something more like the orange-yellow color of Preparation H. Now stay with me on this one - if you are riding a motorcycle on the track and it's hot and you start sweating chances are your roids might start acting up. If you roids start acting up you lose focus on the track and all you can think about is.... Preparation H! If your riding a bike that is the same color as Preparation H your mind convinces your roids that they've been treated so they don't become a distraction anymore. Now doesn't that make a lot of sense? If you like that idea you should see what colors I've come up with for his leathers next season!
Well the kiddos are here - someone told them that Santa dropped off some presents for them so they are waiting for me to come so that they can open them. From our pit crew to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
See ya at the track!
Pops
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
And So Begins The Holiday Season....
The bikes have been washed and put away for another season. The leathers are a bit worn and are hanging up waiting for next year. As families gather for the Holidays tales of this year's races - the spills, the close shaves, the narrow victories, will be told over and over.
Then there's us old Geezers! As winter approaches we give up our bikes and our wrenches and we pick up our tool belts to start on the 'honey-do' list that has been waiting since spring! The whine of the two-stroke engine has been replaced by the nagging of the spouse. Now that we're not tinkering on bikes we're expected to keep our finger nails clean and wear deodorant!
I have given up my cargo shorts and tool belt for plaid pants, a wide white belt, and the wife's purse hanging off my arm as we shop in Kohl's. She shops for Holiday nicknack with as much enthusiasm as I do chain lube. Needless to say, my leash is much much shorter in the winter time!
So what's an old fart supposed to do? Luckily I keep motorcycle magazines hidden away around the house just like I used to do with Playboy magazines in my youth. This is my off-season, where I get to study up on the latest steering dampers, chain adjusters, and racing plastic. I fret over shaving ounces off the bike like my wife does pounds off my gut!
On the bright side, the shortest day of the year is only 4 weeks away. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving which kicks-off the Holiday season. From all of us here at the Geezer Gears Racing Team have a Happy Thanksgiving!
See ya at the track!
Pops
Then there's us old Geezers! As winter approaches we give up our bikes and our wrenches and we pick up our tool belts to start on the 'honey-do' list that has been waiting since spring! The whine of the two-stroke engine has been replaced by the nagging of the spouse. Now that we're not tinkering on bikes we're expected to keep our finger nails clean and wear deodorant!
I have given up my cargo shorts and tool belt for plaid pants, a wide white belt, and the wife's purse hanging off my arm as we shop in Kohl's. She shops for Holiday nicknack with as much enthusiasm as I do chain lube. Needless to say, my leash is much much shorter in the winter time!
So what's an old fart supposed to do? Luckily I keep motorcycle magazines hidden away around the house just like I used to do with Playboy magazines in my youth. This is my off-season, where I get to study up on the latest steering dampers, chain adjusters, and racing plastic. I fret over shaving ounces off the bike like my wife does pounds off my gut!
On the bright side, the shortest day of the year is only 4 weeks away. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving which kicks-off the Holiday season. From all of us here at the Geezer Gears Racing Team have a Happy Thanksgiving!
See ya at the track!
Pops
Friday, October 24, 2014
PPIR Race Pics From The 2014 Season
I have been going through some of the videos I shot this past season and have clipped out a few pictures to share:
I shot a lot of video this past season so it will take me a while to get through it. I managed to video tape several races and practice sessions, so when I get see a few great images from the video's I'll post them here. You might see yourself or your favorite racer so stay tuned!
I can't believe the season is over - especially with how nice the weather has been lately. We're expecting another warm day today and on into the weekend. Still plenty warm for a few more weekends of racing!
Enjoy the pics and I'll be taking more as we work on getting the Ninja race ready for next season!
See ya at the track!
Pops
The bottom two pictures shows our team rider, Roger, in the thick of a race. Here's some more of Roger:
I shot a lot of video this past season so it will take me a while to get through it. I managed to video tape several races and practice sessions, so when I get see a few great images from the video's I'll post them here. You might see yourself or your favorite racer so stay tuned!
I can't believe the season is over - especially with how nice the weather has been lately. We're expecting another warm day today and on into the weekend. Still plenty warm for a few more weekends of racing!
Enjoy the pics and I'll be taking more as we work on getting the Ninja race ready for next season!
See ya at the track!
Pops
Sunday, October 19, 2014
A Few Trailing Thoughts About A Trailer......
I'm back to writing the blog - I spent yesterday hunting and I've got squirrels in my freezer again!
We've picked up a new motorcycle for next year:
It's a 2014 Ninja 300. With a ride like that I think this should be Roger's leathers & helmet for next season:
I'm sure the cape flapping in the wind would be cool as he's racing around the track, and I don't think I saw anything in the rules against wearing a cape......
We've been looking at options for the trailer so if you have any ideas or preferences let me know. We're thinking something around 6' or 7' wide (our current trailer is 8' wide) and probably 16' to 18' long - big enough to carry up to 4 bikes.
Since I handle the pit logistics I started thinking about things that could help me out - cabinets for parts, built in tool boxes, flat space for working that folds up against the sides of the trailer when not in use, yet could double as a bed, A/C, a place to hang and dry leathers, etc.
We've also thinking how the bikes will be stored and am open to suggestions as to how to get that done. I've seen some pretty cool floor systems that have built in wheel chocks.
There are some necessities too - side door, canopy, generator, air compressor, etc. I think what will really take our team to the next level is this:
Yep, a leather massage chair that is wi-fi compatible - and it reclines too! Don't know if that's in the budget but it would be cool!
I'm still working on pictures and videos from last season. I've got squirrels swimming in bar-b-que sauce that need a some attention and grillin' before tonight's Bronco's game.
See ya at the track!
Pops
We've picked up a new motorcycle for next year:
It's a 2014 Ninja 300. With a ride like that I think this should be Roger's leathers & helmet for next season:
I'm sure the cape flapping in the wind would be cool as he's racing around the track, and I don't think I saw anything in the rules against wearing a cape......
We've been looking at options for the trailer so if you have any ideas or preferences let me know. We're thinking something around 6' or 7' wide (our current trailer is 8' wide) and probably 16' to 18' long - big enough to carry up to 4 bikes.
Since I handle the pit logistics I started thinking about things that could help me out - cabinets for parts, built in tool boxes, flat space for working that folds up against the sides of the trailer when not in use, yet could double as a bed, A/C, a place to hang and dry leathers, etc.
We've also thinking how the bikes will be stored and am open to suggestions as to how to get that done. I've seen some pretty cool floor systems that have built in wheel chocks.
There are some necessities too - side door, canopy, generator, air compressor, etc. I think what will really take our team to the next level is this:
Yep, a leather massage chair that is wi-fi compatible - and it reclines too! Don't know if that's in the budget but it would be cool!
I'm still working on pictures and videos from last season. I've got squirrels swimming in bar-b-que sauce that need a some attention and grillin' before tonight's Bronco's game.
See ya at the track!
Pops
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)