Me and my babe did two classes with California Superbike School this year. They were incredibly effective for me overall. I learned SO MUCH in two days; far more than the two other track days I did before. Read my review of their school here.
Oooooo Rizoma Farkles
A snapshot of my friend's Street Triple R with Rizoma goodies like these lovely axle frame sliders. Goldie is dying for some upgrades next season.
For those of you who have been lusting after Rizoma farkles (okay I've been lusting after Rizoma farkles) an exciting announcement from our friends at Rev'it. whoop!
Rizoma USA and REV'IT! USA form exclusive North American partnership
Ferno, Italy and Oss, Netherlands, October 3, 2017. Rizoma USA and REV’IT! USA have formed a partnership that gives REV’IT! USA exclusive distribution rights for the premium Italian parts and accessories brand in the United States and Canada, effective October 1, 2017. The alliance will create a position for Rizoma to more deeply penetrate the US and Canadian markets, and to deliver the highest level of service and support to its dealers.
REV'IT!, a global leader in protective motorcycle apparel, will migrate all operations for Rizoma US to its East Coast headquarters in Brooklyn, as of October 1. Strategic sales and marketing synergies are expected to help broaden both brands’ growing dealer networks across the North American motorcycle parts and accessories markets.
Of the deal, Managing Director at REV'IT! Sport International Ivan Vos says, "This partnership highlights a shared passion for design, performance and innovation, and pushes forward our mission of delivering premium products to our retail partners in North America. We feel that there is excellent potential for both brands via this partnership.”
Fabrizio Rigolio, CEO of Rizoma, says “For some time we have wanted stronger market penetration in the US and Canada, with the aim of optimizing both our presence and service for our dealers. As with all our projects, we want to achieve the best possible result without compromising on our core values, and to do so, we must align with the best partners. This partnership was born through the sharing of this vision, with the aim of bringing Rizoma USA a new step towards the future.”
Paolo Bacchiarello, REV’IT! Sport USA VP of Operations adds, “We are happy that Rizoma has trusted us to develop both markets further. Our organization continues to grow strongly in the USA and Canada and Rizoma’s excellent brand recognition and quality focus are assets to the current portfolio."
Dealers looking for more information on Rizoma retail opportunities may contact the new Rizoma US office at 718.624.2162.
Download the press release in a Word file.
PRESS CONTACTS
The Americas: Tracy Motz / E: tracy.motz@rizoma.com / T: +1 718 624 2162, ext 3
Europe: Thomas Bagnaschi / E: Thomas.bagnaschi@rizoma.com / T: +39 0331 242020
ABOUT RIZOMA
Driven by the visionary enthusiasm of its founders, in just over 15 years Rizoma has come a long way. Founded in 2001 as a small workshop near Milan, it is now recognized globally as a leading brand producing cutting-edge technological solutions in the bike and motorcycle industries, with products that stand out for their unique style. Rizoma is distributed worldwide. www.rizoma.com
ABOUT REV’IT!
Since 1995, REV'IT! has redefined industry standards, with a mission to create the most innovative, functional and stylish motorcycle apparel on the market. Countless hours of research and development have resulted in gear perfect for riders’ diverse needs, from finding the perfect line on the track, to tackling the city streets, to braving the paths less traveled. REV’IT! is headquartered in Oss, The Netherlands, with its North American operations in Brooklyn, New York. www.revitsport.com
Another Day with California Superbike School
In July we signed up for our first track day with California Superbike School.
We had such a great time the first time around, we squeezed in another one before the riding season starts to freeze us out. I learned so much from them the first time, I knew going back for a second round at Level 2 would be well worth it.
As you can see, there is no knee dragging! Ha. I'm too scared to drop my knee down at this point. But it had nothing to do with that. It all had to do with riding smoother, more consistently and with better focus. For me, it was all about figuring out how to ride more effectively so I could go exactly where I needed to without going too wide, or missing the next corner. But I think as I start to get closer to the edge of my tires that I'll need to start shifting my weight over. And I hope that with more practice next Spring I'll get there.
When we went to our first day in July, we decided to get more track specific tires that we could still use on the street. We went with Michelin Power RS's and they performed quite well. No tire warmers necessary! But who am I kidding? I'm not going that fast and my bike isn't a track only bike. So I opted for something that could be ridden on the street too, just with a lower tread life than say the Pilot Power 3s. They were ridiculously sticky and it showed.
One thing I was able to add for this track day was a track helmet! I borrowed the Bell Race Star, their carbon fiber track helmet (just below the Pro Star). Well conveniently borrowed from work of course. I really enjoyed this helmet on the track. I didn't have the chance to wear it on the street but I have a feeling I would enjoy it there as well. :) Check out my review here.
But by the time my next track day rolls around (likely Spring, ~April) I'm going to have to start improving my body position where my butt is concerned. I struggled with trying to lean more while having my hands much higher than a traditional track bike like the rider behind me. But I feel like I learned so much more about how to manage all the excess real estate of the race track. The corners can be so spread out, figuring out how to focus where you need to without missing the corners can be daunting.
I feel like they gave me the tools and techniques I would need to ride that track again more consistently and smoothly. But that translates to the street as well, since focusing on where you need to be while keeping track of everything around you is extremely to difficult to juggle especially with all the excess distractions. Riding on the track seems so much easier at this point.
I'm excited to go to the track and practice what I've learned so far before heading back again for Levels 3 and possibly 4. (They have 4 levels of instruction).
If you've never done a track day ever, I highly recommend doing one with CSS as your first. You'll learn more than you ever knew possible and it'll be one of the best track day experiences you've ever had.
Motorcycle Men Podcast
Earlier this week I was a guest on another podcast called the Motorcycle Men.
Ted, Tim and Chris were absolute gentlemen and such a pleasure to talk to. They let me go and on about riding motorcycles and asked some really great questions about women in motorcycling. They hail from New Jersey and are cruiser heads who I think, had a blast talking to little old me about sportbikes. :D
THANK YOU for having me on Guys! Take a listen:
http://www.motorcyclemen.us/episodes/blog/episode-52-a-monkey-a-woody-and-joanne
And then don't forget to visit my podcast, Moterrific and listen to our latest episode 85 where Cristi and I get caught up after a month long break.
http://www.moterrific.com/blog/2016/9/18/episode-85-birthday-adventures-in-pillion-and-just-jeeping
