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Eboos
| | Posted on Monday, January 01, 2007 - 12:46 pm: | 
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My prediction is that Pedrosa will become the next Biaggi. He will not win another championship within the GP classes. I think his arrogance and his lack of maturety will prevent him from fully realizing his skill. He may continue to place high in the championships, but he will never be a MotoGP world champion. At this point, I think that Hopkins has a better chance (even though I don't like him much either).
This coming year, either Rossi will take back the championship, or someone unexpected will snatch it out of nowhere. Pedrosa will place no better then third. |
Liquorwhere
| | Posted on Monday, January 01, 2007 - 02:00 pm: |
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Scott and Rocket I have read this thread from the beginning and I can write this with no hesitation. I am not an expert. There ya go, it was an observation, but I feel that Pedrosa is a rare talent that has as much opportunity to win as any other GP racer that lines up...ok some more than others..but rare talent has to have the stars align as well..John Hopkins is a testament to that..I think if Pedrosa stays with HRC he will be a world champion. Especially on the new 800cc bikes. I am just happy for Nicky to have won the last 990cc world title and have a spot in history. World Superbike has no American Riders, MotoGP has a slight handful, and while it may sound like a homer so be it, I pull for American Riders first on average. What makes me crazy is the fact that Valentino Rossi has been Michael Jordan like in the last few years, Nicky had one of the best races for a title I have seen in quite a few years of watching Motorcycle racing and we can't get a snippet on ESPN, but if Dale Jr or Tony Steward are unhappy about the lunch that was served....we know about it...here is a testament, I don't watch ANY NASCAR..and I know about as many drivers as bike racers. I just want to be able to see more than the two or three hours a week that SPEED gives me. Ok I'm done. |
Eboos
| | Posted on Monday, January 01, 2007 - 02:56 pm: |
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Ratings is where it is at. I myself am not contributing to the solution, due to the fact that I don't get speed channel. Attending more races and watching them on TV every time there is one on will ensure that there is more race coverage. The MOTO ST race was a pretty good example of why there is hardly any race coverage on TV. Apparently the stands were near empty. If I were the owner of a TV station, that wouldn't be on the top of my list for a prime time slot. Aside from a few of us, Americans don't give a damn about motorcycle racing. It just isn't rednecky enough. |
Liquorwhere
| | Posted on Monday, January 01, 2007 - 03:03 pm: |
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Ok...lol...Eboos...rednecky enough..your killing me. I guess you are right, I have never understood how in the states we cannot pack the house and in Europe they cannot seem to have enough seats for the show. I used to go to the Pikes Peak AMA race, good race, horrible venue, but overall good racing. Man it would be considered packed in 5000 people showed..I see those MOTOGP and WSBK races and there are close to 100,000 in some cases..and I just shake my head. No wonder there is only one American Sportbike, but it wasn't always this way ya know..look back to the board racers..it was the superbowl at one time. The US just needs marketing to make it an event. The USGP packs the house...I would just love to have one close again, Florida doesn't have an AMA race other than Daytona and that sucks to get to....I am done bitchin...sorry.. |
Eboos
| | Posted on Monday, January 01, 2007 - 03:11 pm: |
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Sorry to say, it is even among sportbike riders here. Ask a random GSXR or CBR owner what they think of the Pedrosa/Hayden incident and they will just have a blank stare because they don't know who you are talking about. They will brag all day long about hiting the top speed of their bikes, but don't even know that there is a local track let alone having ridden it. Fortunatly some of us have seen the light. |
Jackbequick
| | Posted on Monday, January 01, 2007 - 03:34 pm: |
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I'm with you guys on how poor the racing coverage is on TV here (and how stupid the NASCAR thing is too!). But keep an eye on the Speed Channel listings and you'll see a little more motorcycle racing, both national and international. One of the issues is that some of the stuff is not aired live and not in primetime.
The Speed Channel does a "Two Wheeled Tuesdays" thing that brings some nice postfacto coverage on MotoGP, World SuperBike, MotoST, and some of the lower classes and supporting racing that is run in conjunction with those events.
I'm retired so I can catch a lot of it during the day (noon on Tuesday typically) but checking the schedule occasionally and using a DVR will get some of it for you if your not around.
Jack |
Liquorwhere
| | Posted on Monday, January 01, 2007 - 03:41 pm: |
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I have stopped watching that as well as the Superbikes! show..I don't know why, I know I should be interested in that show, but it is terrible, so was Greg's garage...I know they tried so I watched as long as I could, then it just became so terrible I couldn't do it anymore. I need to move to Europe and all will be right in the world. |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Monday, January 01, 2007 - 10:34 pm: |
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Liquor, you're confusing me. I'm the one who was in support of Pedrosa's move on Hayden. I just don't agree with the last part of your statement in the post I was commenting on.
Rossi wasn't the only guy that gained anything after the Pedrosa - Hayden incident in my book. Pedrosa for me showed that he was prepared to dive down the inside much the same way Rossi does, often and sometimes controversially, and race hard. Had the overtake succeeded this thread would be full of Hayden fans with their jaws dropped on the floor in disbelief. That is what I've said here before, which is what I meant be reading back. And Pedrosa's gain? He showed his calling card to the rest.
Pedrosa will be champ and I might put twenty quid on him doing it this year.
Rocket |
Eboos
| | Posted on Monday, January 01, 2007 - 10:42 pm: |
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Rocketman, I am a person of little wealth, but if Pedrosa wins the championship this year, I will gladly send to you a case of Boddingtons (or at least the money to buy one if the shipping proves to be too problematic).
However, if Hayden wins, I prefer Samual Adams. |
Liquorwhere
| | Posted on Monday, January 01, 2007 - 11:22 pm: |
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Rocket...I will take that bet. And I know your point, I just think it is crap that is all. The diving inside like Rossi does..Rossi may do that, but he manages to finish races more often than he doesn't, and that means he doesn't wreck, granted a couple years back I saw him hammer Sete in the last corner of the first race of the year, Sete said his shoulder was hurt and Rossi said in the news conference "that is racing". Dani can win a title, but he will never, ever, ever be as good as Rossi, therefore I believe he won't win one until Rossi is in Formula One. So, how are you gonna send my money bro?? Certified funds? We will worry about exchange rate when it is time to pay me. thanks.
D
Don't be angry dood..I am not attacking you, just taking your bet. |
Blake
| | Posted on Monday, January 01, 2007 - 11:46 pm: |
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I'll take that bet too! How much is 20 quid anyway? Pedro will likely never be MotoGP champ.
"Had the overtake succeeded this thread would be full of Hayden fans with their jaws dropped on the floor in disbelief. "
Bullshit. Nick Hayden would have simply got back by and in no where near so dramatic a fashion. |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 02, 2007 - 02:11 am: |
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Liquor, you're talking gibberish man.
One minute you're saying "you think if Pedrosa stays with HRC he will be a world champion. Especially on the new 800cc bikes". The next minute you're saying Dani can win a title, but he will never, ever, ever be as good as Rossi, therefore I believe he won't win one until Rossi is in Formula One".
Like you also said, you're no expert.
2007 Pedrosa will be on an 800cc bike which will be a Honda, and Rossi isn't going to F1, ever. It seems you have a problem actually understanding what exactly I've said judging by your implications. So please don't imply I said Pedrosa was as good as Rossi.
As for the wager gents. I walk into the 'bookies' and place money on Pedrosa to win the title. The 'bookie' gives me odds. If I win I come out with more money than when I went in with several months earlier. If Pedrosa doesn't win I don't return, and I lose my stake. Your beer bets are unfavourable odds.
Rocket |
Liquorwhere
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 02, 2007 - 01:18 pm: |
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Rocket my friend, don't be angry man. It is true Rossi will leave bikes for a big money F1 contract and then Dani will be a dominant force with HRC. It is not gibberish..but dood, first you want to bet 20 quid...I assume that is pounds..then you want odds? Man I like you, I do, reading your posts are entertaining, but I mapped your B1257 and couldn't find it on the map anywhere in the United Kingdom...seems a bit hard to school anyone on a phantom road..it could be some special map that has it and I am sure you will come up with one...and now you want some odds on a bet YOU came up with that Blake and I took you up on. Saying Rossi is never going to move to F1...dood (I know I am spelling it incorrectly..it is for you..phonics..get hooked) he would be in F1 NOW if he could be..with Ferrari. Alright I am done..you crack me up..I will read all your posts just for the entertainment if nothing else. Happy New Year man. |
Jimidan
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 02, 2007 - 07:50 pm: |
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Why is this thread on the XB board? It doesn't belong here...
jimidan |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 02, 2007 - 07:51 pm: |
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I take offense at you saying I'm getting angry. Such comments plant seeds in peoples minds, then they start agreeing with you. Quit such stuff please. I love the BadWeB for most any emotion but anger isn't one of them.
As for the 'bet'. What I explained is standard betting shop procedure. If I go to a William Hill Bookmakers found on most UK high streets and get odds of 10 to 1 for £20 (plus tax paid up front) on Ped winning the title I get £220 in winnings if he wins. I never said I would take Blake's, yours or anyone else's bet. Besides, Willy Hills are better odds than a crate of ale. Again you're lost in translation dude.
Now about Rossi and F1 and Rossi in a Ferrari. In November Rossi won the Monza Rally, including winning 5 stages. This win came after an 11th place finish in the Rally of New Zealand, which he competed in a privately entered 2005 Subaru.
After the Monza win Rossi was asked about his future in four wheels. Rossi explained, "It is possible that this will be my future after motorcycles. I had a chance with Formula One - maybe there is still a chance there but anyway I made another choice."
There are many other stories surrounding Rossi's Ferrari offer, but I think you'll find Ferrari are not looking towards Rossi any longer.
Just so you get a clear picture of the B1257 road from Helmsley to Stokesley - otherwise known as the Helmsley TT
This from the UK Newsquest Regional Press - This is The North East might help shed a little more light on the phantom B1257 too.
Enjoy
Rocket
(Message edited by rocketman on January 02, 2007) |
Liquorwhere
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 02, 2007 - 08:40 pm: |
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Rocket,
The northern echo link doesn't work, but good enough. Nice chatting with ya. |
Diablobrian
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 02, 2007 - 08:43 pm: |
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roads like that are doomed once the locals get up in arms about the loonies riding
too fast on the road. If the police don't take measures they feel satisfied with they
(the locals) will take to spreading oil and antifreeze on corner exits/entrances.
I've seen it happen on a few of my old favorite roads back in Southern California.
Riders have to be aware of their image among the locals and be courteous to them or
things can get really nasty. We are really vulnerable on the road and car drivers know it.
From what I can see Rocket you guys need to cool it a bit on "your racetrack" and take
it to a real racetrack before things get worse ie.. tickets, fatalities, sabotage.
There is no reason for you to be more prone to "the red mist" on a real track than
on a pseudo-track. These are public roads you are talking about, with families trying
to enjoy a park. eventually the public outcry will ruin your fun in favor of
the public at large's fun and enjoyment.
The writing is on the wall. If you and your compatriots can cool it a bit, learn
to use a little restraint and ride "the pace" http://www.ridehsta.com/html/safety.htm
you might be able to preserve one of your favorite roads. If not, kiss it goodbye. |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 02, 2007 - 11:06 pm: |
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Liquor, I fixed the other link once (just for you, lol), but they both work for me anyway??? The link was a little unsavoury but I put it up to show what can happen when it goes wrong. Here's the copy.
Tributes paid to biker victim
From the Northern Echo, first published Tuesday 31st May 2005.
FLORAL tributes have been left for a motorcyclist killed in a hit-and-run accident with another biker.
The 66-year-old man, from Riccall, near York, died in the collision on the notorious B1257 Helmsley to Stokesley road on Saturday afternoon.
He was one of three motorcyclists travelling towards Stokesley when the accident happened as they were overtaking a Volkswagen car, about a quarter-of-a-mile from the village of Chop Gate.
The crash involved a fourth motorcyclist who was travelling in the opposite direction, towards Helmsley.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said this rider did not stop following the collision.
Flowers were left at the spot where the accident happened, with fellow bikers Steve and Shaz leaving a message which said: "Rest in peace. Ride safe in heaven".
Another motorcyclist in the group suffered serious injuries after he was in collision with a blue Volkswagen car at about the same time as the accident.
He was taken to James Cook Hospital, in Middlesbrough, where his injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.
Saturday's accident was the second major crash this month on the B1257 road.
The road has been dubbed the Helmsley TT because of the numbers of bikers who die on the route.
North Yorkshire Police are appealing for anyone with information about Saturday's accident to phone Sergeant Neil Campbell or Traffic Constable Andy Woodburn, of the eastern area road policing group, on (01723) 509555.
Archive Home
From the Northern Echo
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
© Newsquest Media Group 2005
The problem is the B1257 is a road to nowhere really, except on any summer Sunday it becomes popular with bikes, and helps for its lack of traffic too. Yes there are two or three small hamlet type villages along its route but they're not inhabited by busy young folks with families. More the wealthy elderly who you don't much ever see the likes of.
Rocket |
Diablobrian
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 03, 2007 - 12:03 am: |
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I wonder how much political clout those wealthy elderly folks could bring to bear
if they got aggravated enough? |
Liquorwhere
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 03, 2007 - 12:23 am: |
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Well Rocket that is quite an article. I am not gonna say I don't ride beyond the speed limit often, I do. I don't think you should be a criminal for speeding, honestly it doesn't seem to me law enforcement nor the people around really care if you live or die, they are just after the fine money...revenues. Anyway, be careful on that thing, I will make it over there one day to ride the Isle of Man...I am not good enough for the race, I just wanna ride the route, see it first hand....Old political clout...just look at most florida towns..they can change what they want...but one day they will be dead and we can change it back I would suppose...if I see ya I'll collect my 20 quid then...hehe |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 03, 2007 - 09:24 am: |
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I wonder how much political clout those wealthy elderly folks could bring to bear
if they got aggravated enough?
They already did that.
Increased police presence.
Mobile speed camera units on popular bike days.
Reduced speed limits.
The UK is about to get new speed camera directives. Previously public outcry has seen cameras installed at accident black spots only (though their placing has been widely abused in an effort to collect revenue - which has worked) and those that were not were removed.
New laws set by government are about to allow cameras of any type to be operated on twisty road. Near blind brows. Basically wherever the open road could be hazardous to a speeding vehicle. Such ambiguity is hard to argue against.
A British manufacturer has just developed a new type of camera system too. One where a camera can be placed at either end of a section of road, no matter how twisting and turning and up and down Dale it goes, and it will calculate your average speed across several miles and bust you if you cover the distance too soon.
Time to jump to foreign shores me thinks.
Rocket |
12r
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 03, 2007 - 10:31 am: |
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I wouldn't go just yet Sean. We have had average speed cameras in the Midlands for some time and they only bust white vans 
Away from the main roads everything is as it was 20 years ago. You may have heard of the Cat & Fiddle Pass in Derbyshire which has a heavy police presence at the weekends (bikes, cars, helicopters, cameras, lasers) but on a Tuesday evening in Summer you won't find a soul (only me).
A stealthy Buell is the perfect tool for back road bend-swinging. |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 03, 2007 - 12:50 pm: |
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Those Midland average speed cameras are on measured Motorway sections only. These new ones are mobile and can be placed on any length of twisting road where pre set distances between the cameras, like on those fixed Motorway ones, is calculated when the mobile units arrive for business no matter where they are.
Will do the Cat and Fiddle this year hopefully. See you there 12.
Rocket |
Diablobrian
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 03, 2007 - 01:09 pm: |
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I absolutely agree that a Buell is a great tool for back road scratching, and I myself
have been known to exceed the limit once or twice.
I do, however, have a negative opinion of "racing" and stunting on public roads with
other traffic on them. The benefits (bragging rights, and ego trips) are outweighed
by the cost in pain and suffering paid each year by those that ride beyond their skill
level whether they get suckered into braking too late by a "local" with greater knowledge
of the road in question, or tuck the front, cross the yellow into the path of an oncoming
vehicle, or even just the increased insurance premiums we all pay because of these
sensless accidents and the increased societal and police pressure against all sport riders.
There are times and places for all things. If you "have to know who's faster" then
take it to the track not the street. Or better yet do a battletrax style timed parking
lot course and see who has the real mojo.
If you want to stunt, do so on a road that you can close down, or a private parking lot
of a place that is ok with it (liability waivers will probably be involved if it's not
your parking lot)
Under those conditions (with proper gear) I can get behind stunting or racing, otherwise
I for some reason picture a driver with only 300 miles driving experience turning left
directly into an oncoming bike. I know for a fact that this kind of thing happens,
and it can change your whole life, and NOT for the better.
BTW Sean you know anyone that has a blackthorn shillelagh they'd part with for a reasonable
price? If I have to have a cane I like to have cool ones  |
Rocketman
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 03, 2007 - 07:50 pm: |
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To be clear, no one is racing on the open road.
No one sits at an imaginary line or a chalk one drawn across the road in Stokesley, then drops a piece of cloth for everyone to drop the clutch.
What happens on arrival in Helmsley is someone will say 'hey I got you on the outside of the tight left' to which someone else will shout 'yeah but I got you on the next right'. 9999 TIMES OUT OF 10000 EVERYONE MAKES IT FROM ONE END TO THE OTHER. When they get there they are wearing a huge smile and are looking forward to a drink of some description, the chat and the camaraderie of fellow bikers and an overwhelming feeling of two wheeled excitement and achievement. It's know as having fun. Sadly on the odd occasion it goes horribly wrong and the scare mongers and do gooders jump in and try to spoil the party. Fact is, more people every single weekend of the year break limbs from playing football and rugby than they do from riding motorcycles, but no one calls for safety clothing mandates or legislation or banning of those sports do they.
Rocket
(Message edited by rocketman on January 03, 2007) |
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