A week in Vegas ....... with a twist

Back in February , I injured my back and had to cancel my Vegas weekend, attending a California Superbike course.  I eventually decided to reschedule it in Vegas, tied in with a NetApp Insight business trip, knocking out two birds with a single stone...er' .... trip?   I'd come out Monday for the work stuff, then flip hotels , staying closer to the race track for the weekend and on my own dime.

Yes I'm actually on that bike, actually grabbing throttle pulling high RPMs/wheelie

I don't leave for the airport until around 0900, I'm up around 0500 so I grab a cup of Java and sit down to watch some news.  Every channel is talking about the mass shooting in Vegas.  I'm immediately thinking " OMG" and mesmerized or in shock .... something along that line.   I soon begin wondering how this will affect air travel.   Probably won't ....  so , I continue watching for more info, wondering 'where' exactly this all happened.   You've got to be kidding me.  My conference is at the Mandalay Bay Casino.  I'm staying in the Delano, attached to it.  The POS who gunned down the innocent folks, did it from the Mandalay Bay.  Now, I'm really paying attention wondering how this is going to affect me personally.  I debate on canceling since I'm aware that folks on the grounds are 'stuck' in their rooms.  Folks can't get into the hotel.  I may not be able to check in.  But, I'm doing the math and I've got six plus hours before I get there; surely they'll be back up and running, right?  They were. All those folks that canceled, screwed up; they should have gone.


Watching it on TV is one thing, but when you roll up on the crime scene, it's another.  Police cars everywhere, the street in front of the casino is blocked off, and 32 floors up , the windows are busted out where he did the shooting from.   I'm in a rickety ol' cab with an old white guy who drives like shit, and he has no idea how to get me to my destination; our $15 cab ride soon becomes $40, but we eventually get there.  The mood is somber.  Not as busy as normal.  But, folks are professional and I'm getting checked in to the Delano which is basically the 'high end' tower on the property, and from my window I can see what's left from the night before; 'stuff' spread out everywhere. I guess if I'd pulled out a set of binoculars, I could have made out more of the carnage, but ..I'm quite a distance away.  NetApp apparently had considered canceling the event, but at this point, just day one was canceled.  I'm guessing 25-30% of the folks attending aren't here.  But I am as well as the majority of folks from FCN.   The the conference .... begin!  This conference has grown into a massive undertaking over the years and I'm blessed to be able to attend it.  Not only and I able to get up to speed on the latest technologies in the storage industry, but I'm able to connect with many of my peers in the industry; I believe that alone makes the trip worthwhile.

I'm not a big gambler , but night one I park it at a blackjack table, and after spilling my full Bourbon/Coke on the mat and getting the chips and cards wet ( hey .. it was a first!), I eventually triple up my funds and get the hell out of there.  By the time room service shows up and I call it a night ; it's 4am. Here we go; let the feeling like crap every morning, begin!  Two nights later, I hit the blackjack tables and doubled up before calling it a night; pit boss remembers me from Night #1; I think I may be making him nervous?  At least this time, he gets me a "M Life" card so I get credit for the game.  Of course, the clown didn't put any info in the system . go figure.  Payback?   Well, upon leaving the parking garage, I suddenly realize one of the perks of the M Life card; free parking.  Well, if you have the correct level. Mine is a 'sapphire' which is code-word for newbie.  Well, while deciphering the levels, I find out if have THREE different accounts over the last ten years. Twenty minutes later, I'm at 'pearl' status and ... at least I've got free parking.   I really need to pay attention to this crap in the future.  Guessing I've missed out on a LOT of points and perks over the last 15 year, staying at primarily Vegas MGM properties annually.

About mid week, I become aware of in interesting opportunity.  The Las Vegas Bikefest is this weekend while I'm doing my motorcycle training.  Score!   I quickly acquire a weekend pass for the event down on Fremont street and I'm set.  I thought I'd be in my room every night staring at the boob tube, but now I've got something to keep me busy.   Only rule is, I need to be 100% on Saturday and Sunday for riding! A quick jaunt down in a cage to park it and do some walking, has me quickly wishing I'd rent a bike for several days.  Noting like riding in and parking right in the mix.  I've never been to "east fremont" area before and I like it's vibe.  It's a notch seedier than the 'west' side which is built up a more touristy around the Golden Nugget area.  Most of the bar on this two block span open up to the street and feels like a 'biker' area for the weekend. The main part of the rally is also down here with Indian Motorcycles anchoring it.  On the opposite end is "Rally in the Alley" which is actually separate from Bikefest, but plays off it. Hogs and Heifers is the anchor bar for that one and the girls are kicking it up and the focal point.   I still can't help myself but 'snicker' at the costs.  They are basically zero to attend, but for $70 you can get the ultimate pass for all the rides, chance to win one of THREE bikes,  a few drinks, a patch, sticker, and a Shirt.  Compare that to some of the ridiculous dealer week crap that charges 7x that amount annually.

Lots of options popped up

It's Friday morning and I'm on Google Maps looking up the event I'm attending tomorrow when I see it.An opportunity to drive a NASCAR Stock Car.  I've wanted to do this for years, but for various reasons never accomplished it.  Quick look at their web page, call their phone number at 0900 hrs and I get a slot for 1100 hrs.  As soon as I hang up, I'm scrambling to get everything in the room packed up and I'm headed to the garage!  Twenty-five minutes later, I'm parked out front and I'm psyched!  They have multiple venues here that have race options from Exotics to Muscle Cars to Stock Cars.  Next trip, guess I'll have to try another option?  Anyways, I check in, we watch a video, get a quick brief , fitted up and we're off to the track.   Now, the crazy things is... for a decade I've seen how small some of the drivers are.  I've laughed seeing Michael Waltrip crawl into a car.  But for whatever reason, this issue hasn't dawned on me until I'm walking up to the car looking at the lil window area I now have to crawl through fitted up and with a helmet on. Crap.   Well, I eventually got in there, but it was cramped in there once I got in the seat.  And, I've got a problem.  My heart is pounding, and I'm breathing fast. I swear I was about to start to hyperventilate but I concentrated and got it all under control.  I kept thinking; how the hell am I going to get out of this damned thing?  A few things have spun me up like this over the last several decades.  Repelling off cliffs, skydiving, scuba dving and now . .this.   It's all just a matter of mind over matter, but those first few minutes were a bitch!   I had to wait on the track for about 6-8 minutes, and it seemed like a lifetime as I got my breathing under control and suddenly .. had a sensation to take a piss.  Are you kidding me?  Well, lets just say ...  the ride was a blast over 4 sessions and .. I didn't piss in the fire suit; it was a good day!  By the third session, I was feeling good and in the 4th session I felt I was in 100% control and could have easily gone much faster. Still, I got it up over 160, which is the fastest I've ever been on anything I've ever drove/rode.  And .. I loved it!  These cars handle awesome!

I'm beat .. Its Friday evening, I was planning on going down to the Fremont St area, but ...  maybe tomorrow.  So, I jump in the car and head North.  Don't see anything I want to check out.  I should have gone into the Cannary Casino but pressed on.  Eventually did a U turn and headed the other way.  I really want a Bar and Grill atmosphere, but the first one I roll into has a bunch of old white dudes in it and looks cheesy.  All this damned gambling crap consumes everything.  So, I pull over and do a search and "Lucy's Bar and Grill" grabs my attention"  They've got a steak and lobster special that has caught my attention.  Ten minutes away so I map it out and I'm off!   Everything seems fine until the last two miles.  Area feels 'wrong ' to me...   then there on the corner is the Lucky Casino, with Lucys' inside.  Now, if there was ever a time to listen to that lil guy whispering your ear, this would have been it.  But, I'm determined.  I park away from the area with the strewn beer bottles, lock it up and head inside.  I've passed 1/2 dozen guys 2/3 to similar size of me, giving me the look but I give 'em the look back, nod and press on.  I'm committed.  However, I'm not ready for the casino.  What a god damned shit hole.  Couple of big guys tossing water bottles onto the floor as I make my way past them, the bar is 3 deep with lushes and looks like folks are fired up and having too much fun... and down that hall ahead I see my destination.   No turning back.  Walk in and now, I've in a different group of folks... folks that are hungry and getting their game on.   I grab me a table , place my order , get a cold Corona, and ....  now .. questioning WTF was I thinking?  Well....   food wasn't bad ( wasn't great) , beer was Ice Cold, and it's time to leave.  Cost a lil' more than I thought it should ( I ordered an extra lobster tail) but .. hey .. I'm still alive?  I decide to skip the casino after that last visual and opt of the side door, near the parking lot.  Ummmm.. probably a bad idea.  Dozen guys out there that look like they are all making drug deals or waiting to mug someone to pay for their drugs?  Well, I put my game face on , looked 'em back in the eyes, nodded and proceeded to the car , paying attention to my six'.  No issues.   I was probably being over cautions?  But, that had to be the worst place I've ever eaten (environment.. food was okay ).   Hell, everyone inside was nice to me.  But, at home I'd have been packing and damned I felt naked and vulnerable.   Lets just say ... I won't be returning, anytime soon?


The true icing on the cake for this week in Vegas ... A Weekend of Superbikes! Finally, It's time for what I've been waiting a year for; California SuperBike School.  I'm psyched AND nervous! Everyone comes in at Level 1; they recommend a minimum of 2,000 miles of experience so ... I think I got this ?  LOL ... so I'm in at Level 1 ......  basically, EVERYONE starts at level 1.  I'm thinking I'm going to be the oldest guy in the room .. not even close.

Man I'm nervous.  I opt to stay in Friday night vs head down the the Bike Rally again to ensure I'm 100% for the class .  Up early, and head down to the track.  Its a beautiful sight with the sun coming up over the desert horizon and the track itself.  Pull in to the support building by the track and the 18 wheelers the school uses and .. it's time.   There are approximately 30 of us in the class and you quickly realize it's quite a mix.  I'm guessing the majority in the class are in their 40s and 50s.  There are at least two guys older, much older, than I .  Few younger guys in the 30s, and we've got a celebrity in the mix; Channing Tatum.  It was sort of funny to me when he initially walked up in the morning.  He went over to a few guys in the school and greeting them, like old friends.  I thought I was looking at some younger guy trying to look and act like " Magic Mike" . I mean , wore the hat slightly cocked to the side., low riding jeans and had the .. well.. 'look'.   Then when he came into the class and saw me looking at him ( I was thinking 'poser!") he did a double take at me sizing him up and I'm now thinking to myself "huh...no shit?"..  Anyways, he a nice guy, fanatical about riding (it's new to him )  and has attended the school multiple times.   Shook hands with him, spoke briefly... but that was it.  We soon , as a class, get divided into two groups, one with level 1 and the....others! I'm in the nub' group.

Off to the trailer to suit up.  The Fee I paid was for everything; Suit,gloves, helmet and bike.  So, I tell the guy my size and he gives me the 'sure you are' look and hands me a 56 suit, not believing I need something 'big'.  I can't get it over the first shoulder.  Not even close.   I'm back asking for an exchange so he digs out the big boy suit.  As he hands it to me he tells me the last person that wore it was a 300lb NFL linebacker.  I jokingly say "hope it fits me, I'm 315 ... "    .. barely fits.   All weekend I needed help getting that second shoulder in until the final afternoon I figured it out, but I could never get it off myself.  Turned into a tug of war that lasts five to ten seconds every-time.  Now, the icing on the cake.  That leather suit was ... RED.  Red from top to bottom, single color.   Sort of a dull faded Red.  I thought "are you f*** kidding me?" .   Well, decided right there to thicken up the skin and go with it.  I have to admit the first day, it bugged the crap out of me; by day two, I owned it.. enjoyed it.  Saturday was Santa Claus jokes.  By day two , was "Big Red". Hell, if I attend another course next season I'll be asking for that suit.  Came to enjoy it!

Throwing a leg over the BMW S1000RR, I realize quickly this is a SMALL bike for me.  Feels like I'm sitting on a Scout Bobber, size wise.But at about 400 lbs ( dry) , this bike is barely bigger than I and has about about 193HP , similar to my ZX14R Ninja.  But we've got a problem; I can barely get my feet on the pegs. The first session out, my right hip is killing me and by the end I'm beginning to get sharp pains in my back. I'm suddenly wondering if I'll even make it to lunch time, much les two whole days.  When I roll in after the initial session I'm debating on asking folks for ibuprofen , etc, when I'm asked how it was.  Well, it sort of sucked!   Turns out they have a 'tall guy ' seat. and just that lil' bit is a problem solver the whole weekend; success!   One of the wildest parts of this bike and apparently a feature on other bikes on the market is clutchless shifting.  Once moving , you simply shift while continually grabbing the throttle.   That's something I'm going to miss on my bikes when I get back to reality.

The basis of the entire school is .. cornering.  I mean, that's what you do on a track, all day long.   Even on Street bikes, it's a piece that is rarely , truly mastered.    I thought I knew what I was doing, but you soon learn you don't know shit.  Period.  Throughout each day, we had a classroom session, followed by a drill session on the track.  There was one instructor per two students, and they are on their game.  You don't have any mirrors on your bike so you never know when they are behind you watching.  After awhile, they zip around you, and have you follow them, through the curves, as they show you how it's supposed to be done, all along correcting you and refining you for each drill.

Drill after Drill they work on new options and you practice the previous lessons.   Now here is an

interesting part.  There are no speed limits on the track.  Some of the guys in the level 1 with us, had been riding for years.  Some even race.  But, EVERYONE starts at Level 1.  So, you're on the track doing say 50 or 60 in 4th gear coming up on a corner looking for your entry point when one of your classmates my roll by you doing 100mph and diving into that corner with his knees almost on the pavement.   Helluva' experience and rush!  It was all done safely, but with this mix in the group, made things interesting.

Class after class, followed by drill sessions...   allowed us to progress quickly.  By the end of day one, I felt like a completely different rider.  So many things I didn't know, had never done correctly.   So many things we do by instinct, but don't think through the reasoning for the hows and whys.  But these guys have broken it all down into manageable tasks.  After each session, the instructor would highlight the good and.... the bad, of what we did.   And, I had a LOT of bad.  You'd think you were the only one getting bitch slapped until you got back into the classroom and if you shared, suddenly the guy next to you was sharing he went through something similar. Most of us, were all in the same boat.   It was cool as hell to feel your own progress, and .. to see it with the folk you were riding with .  Faster speeds, better entry's, more lean in the corners, better acceleration out of exits.   Most of us got better and better each drill. In fact there was only one person I noticed didn't seem to make the progress as much as the rest of us; guessing he's glad that weekend is over?

I spent most of the weekend with a problem/issue that we didn't get ironed out until Sunday after lunch time frame.   I had problems with my entry speed, coming in too fast, repeatedly. But to compound the problem I was leaning waaaaay over and accelerating through the turns trying to hold

the line.  Finally, late Sunday morning my coach pulled me off the track; he thought I was going to crash and was surprised I hadn't on the my last sharp turn. . Told me I'd scared the crap out of him watching my rear tire chewing up the rubber as the bike was at max lean angle.   For the life of me, I couldn't break the habit of getting off the throttle upon entry into some of the turns. Now in all fairness, they don't want you 'off' the throttle, but they told me to get 100% OFF it , to break my bad habit.  During lunch they had another instructor double team me to get into my head the severity of the problem. It worked, but next drill out, I was a mess.  My head wasn't on straight. It feel like it's day 1, drill 1.  I'm completely frustrated.  Well......another classroom exercise.... back on the track .. and then.. it happened.  It all came together. Better entry speeds.  Correct lines via the Apex.  Correct throttle control through the turns ..  .. exit and hit the gas to the next curve.  It was as if a light bulb came on. Success.  A weekend of classroom instruction and drill after drill.. paid off.   That tuition for that weekend of schooling was worth every penny.

Everyone I talked to said they are leaps and bounds, beyond were we all were before the weekend started.  So many things we take for granted.. think are obvious... aren't.   For me, I'm interested in how this all will parlay over into my Street Bike riding.  I'm also curious if my sport bike interest will increase. I'm considering going to some track days with the Ninja.  Will I come back for another Superbike course as a Level 3 student?  I think the answer is yes, to all the above. For now, I just want to get home , throw a leg over some bikes and see how things have.........changed... improved.