Gastronomica #42
In Episode 42 of Deep Thinking, the motorcycle road racing podcast, racers Ed Sorbo and Michael Gougis discuss the changed dynamic of the 2015 MotoGP title chase, the 2016 World Superbike lineup and the re-entry of Yamaha into the WSBK field. They do so while shamelessly pimping the people who have sent them box after box of Hickory Farms deliciousness. Gougis ponders why Sorbo is attempting to use the word “slut” as an insult, while Sorbo defends NASCAR.
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The First Rule Of Racing … #41
In Episode 41 of Deep Thinking, the only motorcycle road racing podcast that matters to people of taste and class, racers Ed Sorbo and Michael Gougis analyze the MotoGP race at Silverstone, with each admiring the efforts of a couple of racers who don’t get a lot of the spotlight. A discussion does not ensue about engine braking, as the two start talking about the WERA West event at Auto Club Speedway. Gougis offers a shout-out to a friend who took his first class championship and another guy who loves Deep Thinking, then talks about his own stunning success as a literbike racer.
Photo Caption: 781, MG leads 6, Gill Barnett and 40 in T-3 at ACS this past weekend with WERA. Photo by Caliphotography.com
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Another Good Weekend
I was at Auto Club Speedway this weekend with Fastrack & WERA. I worked with some LE customers who were riding in the track day and I work for WERA as an official as well as racing. On Friday I gave a pit neighbor, Jeff, a few pointers. He left a tool behind so I sent him an email, this is what I got back:
“Hello Ed:
Yes- I am likely missing a few allen’s used to keep those doors open. Just add it to your set as a token of appreciation for your time.
You really are a wealth of quality information backed up with sound logic.
I am just a daily commuter that enjoys the track, lessons and theory of riding. With the right gear and ongoing training I hope to improve my safe riding statistics.
Breathing through the turns and accelerating through the bump/ elevation change really turned on a light. I have lots to work on.
We appreciate all of your time and the world just plain needs more guys like you. I know you will have a great ride this weekend. You are really passionate about your work.
Had to be at work at 3 AM today and that was no small feat after a track day.
Enjoy the weekend.
Jeff”
Thank you, I did enjoy my weekend, especially seeing the improvement in the riders I help, I look forward to our next track day. The photo is of another clients bike with LE suspension. That’s me smiling in the background just after one of my races.
The Works
Powder coated spring, shock body and res cap. Anodized res body and spring spacer with polished rim. Rebuilt, re-valved and re-sprung. Not only will it work great, I think it looks good too.
What A Tangle Web We Weave #40
In Episode 40 of Deep Thinking, the one, the only motorcycle road racing podcast that matters, racers Ed Sorbo and Michael Gougis discuss motorcycle road racing electronics and some of the advantages of carburetors. Gougis reveals that he is arachnophobic, and Sorbo proceeds to describe in great detail the time a tarantula showed up mere feet from where Gougis is sitting in Sorbo’s shop.
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Whatsa Matta You?
In Episode 39 of Deep Thinking, the motorcycle road racing podcast, racers Ed Sorbo and Michael Gougis talk about Aprilia, Ducati and MotoGP. A listener raises hope of a Hickory Farms score and then dashes them mercilessly. Sticking with the all-Italian theme, a discussion ensues about the use of marinara sauce as a suspension fluid. Sorbo and Gougis confess a deep desire to do a track day at Brno, because the track looks so freaking cool. Gougis confesses a disturbingly intimate relationship with a hardwood floor and voices suspicion that his emails to WERA officials wind up unread in the spam filter.
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Foxy
It’s not everyday I get to work on a Fox Shox in this good of shape. This one got a new hose and a rebuild.
Update:
I sent this photo to Shannon to confirm that I had the reservoir installed correctly. It was just another email like others keeping him informed of what was going on with his shock. Got this cool response:
“Hi Ed.
Yes that sounds correct. So it would be. Sub-frame, hose, then comp adjuster knob. So sounds good. And wanted to say thanks for such great communication. Very unusual to have such good business ethics. So thank you for the old school motorcycle code of business ethics ….hard to come by.
Shannon”
Tire Balls
Time to get the Iceman Ninja ready for the next WERA race. You see the number one plates on the wall? You can’t get that many with a dirty bike. I had the carbs out to change the jetting so it was only two more bolts to remove the starter motor and vacuum up all the rubber tire balls that like to hide under there.
Note the stock shock with Penske reservoir. I took the fender off to get the tire balls that were under the battery box.
We’re Both Geniuses! #38
In Episode 38 of Deep Thinking, the motorcycle road racing podcast, racers Michael Gougis and Ed Sorbo pat themselves on the back as their predictions of dire financial straits for GP racing – caused by pay-per-view TV packages – come true. Sorbo’s shop is knee-deep in smug self-righteousness by the time the episode concludes. Sorbo points out that any real fan of this sport can read Roadracing World magazine and know enough to win bar bets. Gougis is still so traumatized by Sorbo singing the hippo song that he still believes Marquez will be MotoGP champion this year.
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It’s All Just Shadows On A Cave Wall #37
In Episode 37 of Deep Thinking, the motorcycle road racing podcast, racers Ed Sorbo and Michael Gougis continue their debate as to what role the team plays in professional road racing. A discussion ensues as to the philosophy of Marc Marquez, the true job of the professional road racer, and the musings of Plato. In a disturbing new low for Deep Thinking, Sorbo sings a song that involves a hippopotamus.
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