for those of you who concerned about the ethical treatment of engines (ETE), the engine has been bathed and restraints removed, cylinders dryed and covered and cam followers covered and taped.

we started out near the front of the pack leaving the fair grounds, but missed a turn and ended up dead last in the bike parade. we had road guards to go through traffic lights as a group. the trip was about 225 miles there and back, counting of course the five miles ON THE TRACK AT 90+. when we pulled into the track area, last, they discovered the the group was facing the wrong way and when we turned around, we were in front again. first group of 25 on the track, yes bumps and all @90+ way slower in the corners.

this is the missing picture of the frame takedown.

motorcycles being staged for the track in group of 25. iwas going to take some video or pictures as i was going around, but i squeezed the handlebar grips so tightly that i couldn't pry my fingers loose even after ten miniutes OFF the track.

wednesday i went to the darlington race track, and with about two hundred other bikes was allowed to hit the track. we went in groups of twenty-five, and were led by a pace car. the pace car sped to about sixty mph. then the fun began. as the pace car zoomed out in the lead, the bikes were allowed to try and catch up. it was fact, the track was bumpy and the walls were steep. i only managed 90+ ' cause the corners come up real fast and i had no intention of going up the wall in the turns.

her is the frame being readied for strip and paint. i took apart the swing arm(rear forks) and found that the bearings were indeed frozen. they probably would not have lasted another 100,000 miles. given the arc of travel, by replacing the bearings i'll not notice any ride differance. but, i'll be able to spend another $130 to replace bearings, races and bolts and spscers.