It was a successful, fun, and exhausting day of practice at El Mirage!
Smitty and I were “back home” at El Mirage Dry Lake with The Red Baron today! We had the nearly-pristine lakebed to ourselves, and there was a gusty cross-wind that rose with the heat. It was above 90-F by the time we arrived at 10:00 AM.
The goals of the day were to (1) gain more seat time, (2) practice the launch, and (3) evaluate the seating position for potential adjustments for me.
We marked a 1.3-mile course with cones which, except for the larges ones at the start and finish, tipped over and blew around. It became important to pick visual reference points using landmarks instead: (1) aim for a distinct peak in the surrounding hills, and (2) use the permanent windsock pole as the 1.0-marker (and use the odometer readings).
The Red Baron started beautifully with fresh oil, a clean air filter, and all gauges working again. Bonneville salt had rusted and rattled the blade connector to the front cylinder head temperature (CHT) gauge on the instrument panel until it broke during the rookie run.
I made four passes (up-and-down the course twice) and practiced the launch another three times. It may not sound like much, but there is quite an elaborate procedure for starting The Red Baron… and I stalled it… twice. I was releasing the clutch too quickly off-the-line. Success on the third attempt!
I struggled to lift my right foot onto the peg initially, and didn’t tuck completely for the exploratory first pass. I reached 85 MPH, then looped back to the starting line, accelerating again and tucking further.
I reached 101 MPH in 5th gear on my third pass, but decided not to push my limits in the cross-wind. The wind was noticeable. We guesstimated it to be around 20 MPH, mostly across the course, based on the 1.0-mile marker windsock. At times, the wind swept up dust clouds and created dust devils. I leaned The Red Baron into the cross-wind to keep my line, and felt gusts push the motorcycle around too, particularly during the turn-around.
By my final practice launch of the day, the starting motor procedure was routine, my launches were smooth and straight, and I tucked easily in time for the 1st-to-2nd gear change at around 30 MPH. It was 1:30 PM and 98-F, so we decided it was time to head to Denny’s — our usual.
Debrief Notes
For a clean launch, bring the RPM to around 5000 and SLOWLY engage the clutch. Full engagement takes two to three seconds, which feels like forever in the adrenaline of the moment.
The tuck position would be easier and more comfortable if the foot pegs were moved slightly down and rear.
It is easier and more efficient to select 1st gear, after starting the engine using 3rd gear, while still on the starting motor.