Cold! That is the key word today down here, with temperature at 6 degrees C when we rode the two Harley-Davidson machines back to the track this morning.
As I had expected, Pascal loved the V-Rod, with a happy combination of torque and generous power at higher rpm. This bike is a combination of power cruiser and high performance standard. The big rear tire does however settle that argument, as the ‘Rod does not really like to bend into a curve as a standard should.
I stuck to the
Fat Boy Lo, and low it is, while still riding well over what passes for bumps on the roads down here. I also rode that machine last fall in Montreal, where the bumps did overwhelm the rear suspension. But the bike looks nice and wide, and is comfortable to ride.
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Photo: Philippe Champoux/Moto123.com |
Pascal discovered a great little riding area just minutes North of Daytona, a series of salt marshes that are part of a State Park area. The twisty roads are smooth and strewn with branches and other slippery stuff, but remain a pleasure to ride – slowly, as the Lo was dragging floorboards in the corners.
I am at Daytona International Speedway, where the teams are out on a very cold and slippery track, in preparation of the Superbike races on tomorrow and Friday, and the Daytona 200, run in the twilight and night on Friday.
It took the combined efforts of the McCormick family and the people and resources of Picotte Racing to put a volunteer team together for this week end. They may run more AMA week ends based on finances.
Meanwhile, the sun is out and the temperature breaking into the two digits, so I am off on my Yamaha VMax, while Pascal is beating up on a Zuma 125cc scooter.
See y’all tomorrow.
Quick Flash: McCormick sixth quickest in the Daytona 200 practice session.