In their own words, “Racing at 350kmph is not something you are born to do; it is something you train for, something you fight for…” 

This is Moto GP!!!

Let’s rewind a bit, remember that feeling you had when you first peddled faster on your bicycle and won a race amongst your friends? And then the first time you were allowed to ride your dad’s motorcycle all on your own and tested it to the limits on an open straight road? And how about the first time you zipped through traffic on your brand new motorcycle just to not let the other guy win a finish-line-less race? 

Bet you remember all of it, and the only reason you remember that and will do it all over again whenever you get the chance boils down to the adrenaline rush, the feeling of winning…

Now fast forward again,

This is what MotoGP is all about but of course, multiply the intensity by 100 times as only the select few ever get the chance to experience being one with the fastest motorcycles and to compete with some of the best riders on the planet. Be it rain or sunshine, they race. Age has no barrier, they race. According to them, “There is just the metal, connecting you rubber, to asphalt”. 

A glimpse into building a MotoGP motorcycle…

MotoGP is the greatest of all road motorcycle racing events in the world. These motorcycles are built with meticulous precision based on the technical rules set in order to allow an equal playing field for all riders. These motorcycles are generally not available for purchase to the public and neither are they road legal. Building one of these magnificent machines is a fiercely technical and competitive journey that requires enough patience.  On the basic, the heart of the beast comes first and as soon as one is built, it is tested vigorously on the dynamometer. After the testing produces satisfactory results, the engine is then housed in its very own specially engineered chassis for most manufacturers use aluminium while a few others prefer steel. Once that’s done the rest of the parts like suspensions, brakes etc are mounted. Finally the shakedown test… the first time when the motorcycle is tested on a track so that the rider can provide integral feedback on how the bike handles and functions. And then the re-tuning is a repetitive process till the beast perfects its craft.

A trip down memory lane…

It all started when the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) organized the very first Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix in 1949. Initially, races were held for all categories of bikes and well as engine sizes such as 50 cc, 80 cc, 125 cc, 250 cc, 350 cc, 500 cc, and 750 cc solo machines and at some point, 350 cc and 500 cc class motorcycles with sidecars. It was not till the 1960s that all machines adopted 4 stroke engines over the 2 strokes especially in the higher capacity segments. 

Over the next decade or four, there were many changes that took place due to which several Asian Motorcycles teams like Yamaha, Suzuki and Honda pulled out and came back after a few years of re-building. While many segments of racing events were dropped, 500cc two-strokes were phased out; Manufacturers were allowed to recruit their choice of engine configuration and much more. But by 2003, the 2 strokes had no game left in the premium leagues despite the higher production costs of 4 stroke bikes. But the 125cc class along with 250cc class didn’t adopt the transition and stuck to 2 stroke engines. 

2007 was the year that the MotoGP saw a tragic shift where the maximum engine displacement a machine could have was limited to 800cc for 5 years. And that was just the beginning, the subsequent years saw many more changes to reduce financial losses to an extent where Friday practice and test sessions cut short just to prolong the lifespan of engines, switching to a single tyre manufacturer, and banning qualifying tyres, active suspension, launch control, ceramic composite brakes and carbon brake discs too.

The 2012 season finally saw a breather thanks to the increase in engine capacity that was set at 1000cc again. The newly introduced Claiming Rule Team began making further changes that put riders and manufacturers at more ease. Changes included more engines per season could be used, fuel tank capacity was increased, but all this was subjected to a factory team buying their rivals power train systems for a fixed price.  

Over the next few years more changes could be seen such as all teams had to adopt a standard ECU (Engine Control Unit) and certain exceptions could be made by allowing the factory teams to use any software as they saw fit, but the open teams had to stick to the standard ECU prescribed. A few years later the open classes were dropped and all factory racing teams were to stick to the standard ECU. 250cc 2 stroke class was phased out to accommodate the Moto2 where 600cc 4 stroke bikes were used. And the 125cc 2 stroke class too was dropped to make way for the Moto3 where 300cc 4 stroke bikes are ridden. 

How does the current day MotoGP event format look like?

Well, there are 4 main categories namely; Moto3, Moto2, MotoGP and MotoE (The newest entrant to the family which employs electric bikes for their races). The Test and practice sessions happen on a Friday, this is the time the riders are allowed to familiarize themselves with the track and racing teams can make small changes according to the track. On Saturday, all 20 racers are given a certain amount of time and tries to set the best lap time possible. This lap time determines the spot they occupy on the D-day starting line. The one to clock the fastest lap time gets the first position and so on. Come Sunday, it’s the day where just those 45 minutes is nothing but a sprint; start to finish with no pit stops for fuel or change of tires.

Earlier, the riders were allowed to change tires only when rain fell during the race and the red flag was shown only to restart or resume the race with wet tires, but lately, the rules have changed to allow a rider switching the entire bike in cases of rain after the white flag is shown. The change of bikes means a different set of tires, steel brakes rotors with different brake pads and softer suspension systems. The world championship consists of 19 races held in 15 different countries and only one of which is held during the night. And each finish position holds points that will finally add up to the highest total and the rider with the highest points is crowned the World Champion for that season. 

The MotoGP Race Circuits are listed below:

•  Qatar, Lusail, Losail International Circuit (Night/ Evening Race)
•  Argentina, Termas de Río Hondo, Autódromo Termas de Río Hondo
•  United States, Elroy, Circuit of the Americas
•  Spain, Jerez de la Frontera, Circuito de Jerez
•  France, Le Mans, Circuit Bugatti
•  Italy, Scarperia e San Piero, Mugello Circuit
•  Spain, Montmeló, Circuit de Barcelona
•  Netherlands, Assen, TT Circuit Assen
•  Germany, Hohenstein-Ernstthal, Sachsen ring
•  Czech Republic, Brno, Masaryk Circuit
•  Austria, Spielberg bei Knittelfeld, Red Bull Ring
•  United Kingdom, Silverstone, Silverstone Circuit
•  Italy, Misano Adriatico, Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli
•  Spain, Alcañiz, Motorland Aragón
•  Thailand, Buriram, Buriram International Circuit
•  Japan, Motegi, Twin Ring Motegi
•  Australia, Phillip Island, Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit
•  Malaysia, Sepang, Sepang Circuit
•  Spain, Cheste, Circuit Ricardo Tormo

There have been many lives lost in this dangerous sport but the love for it still remains the same and in fact, it seems to be growing by the millions. You will hear many inspiring stories along with the ones that shatter the heart about many brave souls that come with the will to etch their names in the stones of time but that’s just what this sport does to you. Once you have a taste of it, you cannot escape it; you will not want to escape it. 

This is MotoGP!

The post MotoGP: The Top Motorcycle Racing Championship appeared first on Roadtales.

That’s what thousands of people who indulge in the great migration came looking for just like I did… But it isn’t what you are thinking, this euphoria is ignited when you feel the combustion under your feet as each one of them fire at maximum RPM, grinning your face off, your heart racing, eyes gleaming… Oh! What a feeling! I’m talking about the scent of burning gasoline through the exhaust mixed with the scent of the coast at a distance and the symphony of live bands with engines revving.

IBW 2019 India was just all about that… Hosted in Little Vagator Goa. The tradition began in 2013, however 2019 was my first time there. Before I tell you the details of the Event, I’d like to share my experience of the migration itself.

And even before that, the prep for this ride as it was approximately 650 Kms one way and the duration was approximately 12hrs long.

Recommended Story – DIRT & METTLE: THE FUSION DEFINED BY ABHISHEK VASUDEV

Fitness:

Although I’m not the rider, sitting in a single position for 12 hrs with breaks of maximum of 15- 20 minutes does take a toll on your body; especially the spine. So I prepped by doing about 45 minutes of yoga everyday religiously 1 month prior to the ride while focusing more on stretching the back, neck, shoulders and hips. This minimises the risks of muscle catches and stiffness during the ride.

While my partner prepped by increasing his routine stretches, and focusing more on strengthening the muscles to build stamina, eliminate the possibilities of shoulders, back and arm aches during the ride and most importantly to keep the mind sharp and agile in case of unexpected situations.

Motorcycle Care:

Stormborn; The Kawasaki Ninja 650 2014 model was our chariot in green and Black for the long haul was treated by the experts at Power Plant in Kormangala, Bangalore where she underwent a full body check- up with an engine oil & oil filter change, top- up on break fluids, coolant, fork oil etc., Once motorcycle doctors gave a heads up, she was fed till she was full, the air pressure in the tyres were checked and last but not the least washed and polished.

Carrying the following is highly recommended for the basic DIY…

• Tool Kit with extra clutch, the accelerator cable and jumper cables.
• Chain cleaner and Lube.

Route Map:

• Bangalore > Dobbaspet > Tumkuru > Sira > Hiriyur > Chitradurga > Hadadi > Rannebennur > Haveri > Hubli > Dharwad > Londa > Goa

OR

• Bangalore > Dobbaspet > Tumkuru > Sira > Hiriyur > Chitradurga > Hadadi > Rannebennur > Haveri > Hubli > Dharwad > Kittur > Bidi > Goa.

When the clock struck 3:20 A. M., We began our migration and chose the 2^nd route as mentioned in the route map above. To our surprise we weren’t the only ones to cruise the roads at such an early hour.

3 hours later…

1^st stop: 0600 hours

Chitradurga

I’m not sure of the name and can’t share any pictures that I clicked as it was pretty dark and the view couldn’t be captured on the phone. Never-the –less, the view is of a hill with a tiny lake in front of it. Even with all the darkness, the hazy glow at the break of dawn was just enough to savour the view with our eyes only. And not missing the opportunity to click Stormborn and her beaming eyes…

Mind you! The roads after Chitradurga are not that great with a lot of diversions to take due to the never ending road construction.

2^nd stop: 07:00 hours

It was a small restaurant named Murty’s which had just then opened and at this point we were starving and this was the first decent place to stop for breakfast that was serving immediately. They had the usual south Indian menu with idly, dosa, khara bath etc. Keeping in mind the journey ahead we opted to settle for Idly and stay light so that we don’t start feeling drowsy on the way. And yes! The food was good, didn’t taste much like a hotel but it did taste more like home cooked food. And the tea too was really good. I’m particularly talking about tea as a lot eateries dilute the tea with water, but no! Not here. This stop was for about 45 min. Vroom! Off we go…

We had a few more stops along the way, nowhere prominent… Just as and when we needed some refreshments.

12:00 Hours, 3 stops later…

After hitting the highways for 545 Kms approx., we finally reached State High way 31 where we had a speed date with a lovely bridge and a quite river underneath before the bridge led to twisted narrow roads of the forest reservoirs.

We took a stop here, No talking, No noise of the highway, just the sound of water slowly rippling away. It was a stop to slow down the pace for a few minutes and let the serenity sink in before we cut through the roads again.

The roads through the forests are definitely beautiful with nothing but soothing green all around but due to the recent monsoon, parts of the roads are in pretty bad shape and the effects of which were made quite evident with the rear chain guard falling off and the nuts and bolts had just vanished thanks to the bumpy roads.

13:15 hours

Approximately an hour and a half later we finally made it to Goa. The change in temperature right after crossing the Karnataka border was like stepping out of a force field. The air was humid and hot, we couldn’t wait to get out of all the gear that barely shielded us from the cold earlier that morning. The next thing we searched for was an auto shop to fix up the chain guard in place.

Once that was solved, our last and final stop for the day was our ‘Casa’ for the next 3 days: Sai Coco Resorts, now taken over by flagship Oyo, a.k.a OYO Flagship 19362 Sai Coco Resort. Being right opposite to Morjim Beach, like crossing the road and voila… the beach! It was my first choice although the accommodation was about 14 kms away from Little Vagator where the event was held due to the non -availability of good, budgeted stays in the vicinity. And opting for this place definitely brought no regrets. The staff was really friendly and the attached restaurant served some really yummy food.

After a few hours of rest, we headed towards Morjim beach for the evening and just chill as we were exhausted with the ride and this beach was just a 100 meters walk away.

We sat in the shack rather than the sunbeds out front as the front row was already full…

There are a lot of shacks on the beach and all of them offer the sun bed option with full service and once the sun sets, they even offer candle light dinner option on the beach. So, we gorged on seafood… Prawns, Pomfret Fish, Tiger Prawns, all perfectly prepared in different cuisine style and served with chips and salad. Now I’m from Bangalore and I’m used to food being a little spicy as places like Goa call my taste, these shacks served exquisite dishes and they were definitely lip- smacking while lacking just a pinch of that extra spice that every Indian craves   I believe.

For the next 2 days: 6^th & 7^th DEC 2019

IBW, Little vagator, Goa

The gates were open to participants from 14:00 hours onwards and went on till 22:30 hours. And the following events were witnessed.

Timed Trail Track Events

IBW participants for the first time ever since 2013 had the chance to showcase their talents and grit by competing in any of the 4 different race tracks.  Flat Track Timed Trials by Harley-Davidson India, Hill Climb by School of Dirt, Big Rock Enduro Training Academy and Moto Mob were the track events hosted this time.

Big Trip by Motorcycle Legends

Rok Bagoros, (International Celebrity Stunter), FMX 4 EVER, (International Freestyle MotoCross Team), Aishwarya Pissay, (First Indian Athlete To Win A World Title), Rajini Krishnan, (First Indian Winner of Asian Road Racing Championship) and Simran King, (National Champion for JK Tyre 1000 CC Category), Ashish Raorane (rally rider) showcased their talents and gathered at the Big Trip for a session on careers in motorsport moderated by Sagar Sheldekar.

Global speakers:  Candida Louis, Manas Dewan, Anuradha Bhonsale Dewan, Girish Venkatraman, Deepak Kamath, Sukesh Viswanath, Debashish Ghosh,  Dharmendra Jain, Alex Chacon were also a part of the Big Trip Speakers who shared the stage with Motorcycle Nomads like Ted Simon, Nick Sanders, Horizons Unlimited, the late Hubert Kriegel, to paint a picture of their experiences in the world of two-wheel travel.

Faces of IBW

Six-time World Enduro champion and KTM Adventure Ambassador, Giovanni Sala, a.k.a.  The Master Mentor for KTM Adventure Rallies shared his valuable insights on adventure biking with the bikers. India’s very own superstars Aishwarya Pissay, Rajini Krishnan, and Simran Singh too graced the festival with their presence.

Sight & Sound for Sour Senses

SU Real & General Zooz, Ritviz, Pineapple Express, Best Kept Secret along with L.Y.D.,charmed the audience with their voices and instruments while Moto Art collective, showcased some of the various artists presenting Biker inspired art and installations by Bacon & Eggs, Prankur Rana, Mechlogue and Tilak Godwa defining the hand- built moto.

Shopping Spree Indulgence

Motorcycle enthusiasts had a wide array of products to choose from for their every biking need. From after-market parts & travel accessories to stickers, you name it, they had it! IBW 2019 saw fresh entrepreneur and the biggest brands all offering products and services at attractive prices only for the tradition to thrive with participation by well over 120 + brands to choose from. Some of the prominent brands seen were Rynox Gears, Big Bad Bikes, Performance Racing Store etc while some of the newest entrants were Creators Co & Blacklisted to name a few.

Apart from all the official offering,  we saw the major motorcycle makers showcase their big bad toys…

To sum it up, the festival of bikes is one event you shouldn’t miss if you are a motorcycle enthusiast and have to be a part of it at least once in a lifetime.

8^th DEC 2019

08:00 hours

We departed from our accommodation and began our journey back to Bangalore. Nothing new on the way back,except for the fact that we had to take a lot more breaks compared to the time we began our ride (goa from Bangalore and completed that in 11 hours) which led us to complete our journey in 14 hours on our way back, but the most fun part was that the roads were filled with a lot of bikers all returning back from IBW and a lot of other commuters indulged in conversations and appreciated the tradition.

I would also like to talk about tyremarket.com, who have been very supportive in our endeavours by helping us pick and choose the right tyres for the ride and serviced the bike with regards to tyre changing without any hassles. For this ride our chariot ran on Pirelli Diablo Rosso || with a recent DOT thanks to once again Tyremarket.com.

Until next time…

Laugh. Ride. Live!!!    

The post Being a Part of the Bikers’ Great Migration: IBW 2019 appeared first on Roadtales.

Flat Track racing began approximately 100 years ago somewhere in the United States and Australia. A century later, one of the purest forms of racing enters India courtesy Harley – Davidson India along with Rajputana Customs in 2018 with the training session held in John Singh Speedway, Jaipur. Where International Flat Track legend Marco Belli, the man who introduced nine-time MotoGP world champion Valentino Rossi to the world of flat track racing headed the training session.

A year later, IBW 2019 saw the Flat Track being opened up commercially where Harley- Davidson saw 500 + entries for a 150 slot registration for which Rajputana Customs customized the Harley- Davidson Street 750 Rod for the event.

Abhishek Vasudev, A four times national champion under the Pro- Stock Class with 6 yrs. experience as a professional motorcycle instructor and 9 yrs. experience as a professional motorcycle road racer on the race tracks sponsored by Tyremarket.com took a shot at taming the dirt tracks.

Every rider was given 4 laps around the dirt track, only top 10 riders with best lap timing were called for round 2. In the second round, Sanjay Kumar took the trophy with Abrar Bin Ayub and Dev Venkatesh secured 2nd and 3rd position.

After the event, we were able to get an insight into flat track racing from Abhishek Vasudev.

In his words, “Being a professional racer for close to a decade in the tarmacked tracks, flat-track racing was something that I’m drawn to as it is the purest form of racing as you don’t have the time to plan your strategies like one would do on the tarmac, here it’s all about how one handles the bike in the spur of the moment as the dirt track is shorter with much less grip and no front brakes.”

“From the riding technique, the bike mods, seating position, holding the handle bars to the braking and cornering is so different and the adrenalin of racing is far more superior as before you finish one corner you have to be ready to dive into the next one with the right amount of momentum because if you are too slow you are sliding off the track and if you are too fast the result is the same. Ultimately Flat track racing is just pure fun and adrenalin. You just ride, you don’t think!”

When asked if he had anything to say to the people aspiring to get into flat tracking he encouraged newer racer to pursue this form of racing as there is no age bar on it and the skills you learn from the experiences help even when you move onto the more lucrative racing segments.

In fact, He too revealed the fact that his professional racing career began after bagging the title in the Bangalore edition of Indian National Rally Championship in 2010.

So, that’s it folks… There you have it…

Flat Tracking is the basics and it is here to stay for centuries to come.

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