I was flying up the freeway, minding my own business, when I noticed the RC was experiencing a slight wiggle when making directional changes. It was nothing major, but noticeable. It felt like the wind was buffeting the bike around a bit. I observed the trees and didn't see the branches moving that much. I didn't feel anything against my helmet either to indicate that there was much of a breeze at all. I had felt that feeling before and was dreading my conclusion. Thoughts of having the bike hauled back in the back of a truck came storming distastefully into my mind. I eased over to the side of the road disappointed that my 110 mph cruise was interrupted so rudely.

Mat Mladin says he will race at Daytona this year. He said his priority will be to stay safe.

"I'll be at Daytona, whether I'll be competitive or not is another story. I'll certainly stay safe, let's put it that way."

According to a press release by the AMA http://www.AMADirectlink.com/ the EPA is going to be cracking down on motorcycles. Not only are motorcycles currently the nations smallest producer of pollution, they are currently some of the most fuel efficient means of reliable transportation in this country. Leave it to big government. So how do they get away with it? They find a job that doesn't need doing and then convince the public that it's necessary. Divide and conquer. Take shots at smaller groups, clamp down on the little people, all in the name of the greater good. When will people learn.. ok.. rant over... onto the news.

Tire tests at Daytona for the super bikes were cut short by Dunlop due to a bout of tire failures. Mat Mladin has reportedly been considering a boycott of Daytona until something can be done to remedy the problems. After several others have crashed at over 170mph who can blame him. There have been an increasing number of failures in the past few years.

It seems that most modern race bikes are being equipped with slipper clutches. Slipper clutches make the bikes easier to ride fast. You can bang downshifts without paying attention to the throttle position which leaves your right hand free for modulating the front brake. This cuts fatigue which improves endurance and the more controllable braking allows riders to shave their times.