Inside Racing Track Days at Carmona: Sept. 7, Oct. 5 and Nov. 16

Race on the Track. Not on the Streets!
It has always been InsideRACING’s mission to discourage aggressive riding on public roads and illegal racing. For almost five years now, IR has helped open the eyes of many riders to the wonderful and exciting world of organized racing on the safety of a race track. Many have actually joined race events to satisfy their need for speed. We strongly believe that speed belongs ONLY inside a racetrack.

However, not all want to participate in an actual race because of pressure, fear of competition, or simply due to the relatively high cost of participation. Many of you still choose to test your skills and machines’ abilities on public roads and exposing yourselves to unnecessary risks and dangers. It is not a responsible act and disregards your concern for other motorists on the road.
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As the rainy season comes along and some of us spend less time on our bikes I wondered, do we really get in shape to ride?

Having recently taken up mountain biking late last year, it became obvious to me that I had reaped the benefits of a better health level in terms of riding my motorcycle. My legs were stronger, my senses were much more heightened and my balance was a whole lot better. I had often wondered what kind of exercises do we really need to help us in our day to day riding.

Make no mistake, riding a motorcycle everyday is an exercise in itself, but I’m pretty sure that there are exercises out there that can tune our body to perform better on the road.

I found this gem of an article, online, explaining the benefits of motorcycle specific exercises….

So what can we do to improve our performance in sporty street or track-day riding for a minimum amount of cash outlay? We’re a big fan of track schools, and believe that every serious sportbike rider should attend at least one - saving your money to attend a track school will make a far bigger difference in your skill, safety, and lap times than spending an equivelent amount on bike upgrades. But what if the recent holiday season has wiped out your cash reserves, and your bank account balance (or lack thereof) brings you to the brink of tears? Well, you can do what top pro riders do while not riding their motorcycle . . . develop your own body.

Read the rest of the article here.

Now I’m off to the gym!

Listening to the radio this morning gave me a chance to catch LTO Chief Alberto Suansing being interviewed on a local radio station. In the interview he stressed the need for the LTO to implement stricter guidelines for motorcycle riders as well as their backrides. The amended guidelines include”

1. Carrying of Restriction Code 1 (RC 1) on the riders’ license.
2. Keeping the headlights on at all times of the day.
3. Wearing of protective devices including helmets, protective clothing and footwear.

These are the clear cut items on the amended regulations. Though they added something that might become a flash point in the community.

For his part Donato said the LTO-MVIS is also discouraging the motorcycle owner to modify their motorcycle or scooter. from Journal Online

While this carries a bit of sense, since engine modifications and some body modifications may void a new motorcycle’s warranty and decrease the reliability of the engine, if it does transform into a binding law then the descriptions of what is considered “modified” has to be crystal clear.

Still I must commend the LTO for this action albeit a bit late. Riders need every help they can get while on the road. The recent series of accidents on the road only help to drive home the point that we are vulnerable on the streets. Drive with these guidelines and a little bit of common sense, remember the most important safety gear on a motorcycle is still your head….use it.

Additional items from the LTO Guidelines:

Drivers and back riders who fail to wear prescribed helmet will be fined P1,500 plus attending seminar for traffic safety to be conducted by LTO.

• For carrying more passenger other than the back rider or cargo, a penalty of P1,000.
• For defective accessories such as headlight, tail light, signal light, brake light, side mirror and horn a fine of P1,000 for the violators.
• For modifying any part of the original design of a motorcycle or scooter without approval of LTO and the DTI a fine of P2,000.
• Wearing flip flop, sandals, or slippers fine of P500 for the first offense, P700 for the 2nd offense and P1,000 for the 3rd offense and revocation of driver’s license.