Ducati Monster Forum

OK, just kidding... I've got nothing against our little Jewish friends, but I was thinking of doing a North Bay ride on the morning of the 19th which happens to be Rosh Hashana, according to my calendar.  I figure our cap wearing buddies are going to be at temple or something.   [cheeky]  Hopefully they decide to join us instead.  This is the official reinstatement of my annual "mellow ride".  

I generally don't have these kinds of rules except on larger rides or when I ride with folks I don't know, so forgive the strictness of it.  It's meant for the safety of all.  Here goes:

WHO:  All skill levels welcome, especially newbies, ladies, and two-ups.  All bike makes and models welcome, including scooters (but we're going to be on freeways, so it must be freeway legal).  Groups will be formed accordingly and will probably be limited to 6-8 people.  Leads and sweeps will be provided for the mellow-paced riders (hopefully a few folks will step up as needed).  Asshattery will be generally discouraged.  Ride like a d_ck and you will be asked to leave--politely--but you will be asked to leave.  If your bike is not in good working order you will be asked to go home and put out the fire that's coming out from under your seat--yes, this has actually happened.  If your papers are not in order you will be left alone to explain it to the officer--yeah, that's happened too.  If your gear is not to my satisfaction (and I'm not talking about whether or not your Puma's are color coordinated with your gloves) you will be asked to join us at another time.  If I smell alcohol on your breath I'll give you a 10 second head start before I come to give you a beat down...and sadly...this has also happened.  

WHAT: Speeding, stunting, following too closely, passing, etc. will be frowned upon in the slower groups.  If no one has ridden with you or your riding has been proven to be sorta-kinda-weird or erratic in the past you will be asked to hang out in one of the slower groups.  It's nothing personal, but if you have a problem with that, then it's probably best that you sit this one out.  Egos, lap-timers, the urge to keep up and/or show off should be left at home.  Full gear, a full tank of gas, and smiles are encouraged.  I haven't had a dirt excursion on one of my rides yet (knock on wood) and I plan to keep it that way.   [thumbsup]  Safety speech will be reiterated at start of ride.

WHERE: click on map here -----> North Bay Loop (http://tinyurl.com/mabd6t)


We start at Starbucks in Tam Junction (food, toilets, gas right there.)  Bathroom/coffee/cigarette/gas stops will be Pt. Reyes Station and maybe the Cheese Factory in Nicasio.  The entire loop is about 100 miles.  It starts off pretty technical and straightens out a bit after the first half.  Faster groups can alter the route a bit if they like.  Slower people can cruise at whatever leisurely pace they choose--this is a "no drop" ride.   [thumbsup] I was thinking that we might want to stop for lunch in the City for a bite/drink after the ride.

::::SF Meet spot: Dainese store off of Van Ness at 8:15.  The Duc train leaves at 8:25 to Marin, leaving 15 minutes to drink a poser beverage of choice, gas-up, and shoot the breeze before the 9:03 departure time.

::::E Bay Meet spot: The Posh Bagel on Piedmont Ave. in Oakland (or Peet's...it's across the street).  I'm going to be taking off from there at 7:45 to have my drinkie-poo in Mill Valley.  

Sign up:

1.   Mostrobelle (lead/sweep)
2.   Enzo (lead/sweep)
3.   MichaelMoore
4.   JohnC (in spirit only probably...never actually been on a ride with the man.)
5.   DrunkenMonkey (mebbe)
6.   Jaman
7.   smducman
8. Grendelstwin
9. Maillotpois
10. b.
11. Thunderpuppy (maybe)
12. Rafa
13. Sidm
14. Bikergoddess
15. DarkStar

Kickstands up at 9:03 a.m.

Here's a better link:

North Bay Loop (http://tinyurl.com/mabd6t)

Oh geez...did I mess up the link?  I tested it n everything.   [roll]  I'll fix it.  Thanks for catching that. 

i'll be wearing my AGV rossi face yamaka that day.

I'm prolly in. Let me know if you need an extra lead or sweep.

I'll speak all the rules in Yiddish for you.



You're at the bottom of the list for that duty--you've done it too much. 

Out, no bike. :'(

I'll be in Bologna anyways.

Trying to convince my g/f to go on this with me. She's been riding for a while now but never does group rides, though she's been wanting to meet more riders. We leave for a week trip to Mt. Shasta and the surrounding lands soon after the ride date so we may be scrambling at work and readying our gear instead of riding that weekend, but we'll see.

Thanks for posting this, Mostrobelle.

Hopefully I can cancel my plans (sacrificing a Christian baby with the Elders of Zion) and make the ride.

Unfortunately for me, I have a work related "ride" function that day. :(

Damn, I've got relatives in town that day. Otherwise I'd love to.

Sorry, can't make it.  I gotta sit in my pile of gold, drink Christian blood, sacrifice some Muslim babies, have drinks with the international finance/banking kaballah, and keep blacks out of Hollywood while pushing a radical, gay communist agenda.  Somewhere in that hectic schedule, I've gotta make up some more Holocaust myths.  I'm sure I have some other duties ala black helicopters and hte UN, but I've forgotten what it is I'm supposed to have done.  

If I didn't have all that going on, I would love to join your ride, MB.

bastardo!!!!

i ordered a full cavity search for you @ the airport, from the big dude with extra large fingers.

Here ya go...
(http://www.myteespot.com/images/Images_d/d_7228.jpg)

I may actually crawl out of my cave for this one... I need some throttle therapy badly!  [moto]

And, I'm pleased to announce, Maria will be getting acquainted with her new 996!! [clap] [clap] [clap] It's a 2000 w/ Termi slip ons & chip, and only 4500 miles! Red of course. There were tons of screaming deals out there, on 996's, but she didn't want a yellow one. Wonder why? [laugh]

(http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs190.snc1/6387_1213355807552_1038484140_661114_3769901_n.jpg)

In!

I probably won't be able to keep up in the slowest groups, so I'm out.  :)

In a past ride an ex-mobster (or was that pre-mob?) did this route at a blistering 10-15mph the entire way... sooooo.... I wouldn't worry about it. :D

SWEET!     [thumbsup] [thumbsup] [thumbsup]  Congrats! 
Is she joining the board as well, now a Duc rider?

You're in.  There's a group for everyone on this ride, even if the group is just you and me.  Your name is on the list.  You may bow out for any other reason, but speed can't be it. 

I've ridden with you before and I think you'll be just fine. [thumbsup]

I'm camping that day, and I already have another forum picnic to attend...

So I'm probably in (for at least part of the ride). 

traitor.

Slot me in as well, it would be nice to go for a jaunt with the "crew,"  and I'll be on my best behavior  ;D [roll]

Added to Calendar. 

Awwww shucks... you shouldn't have!  And I didn't do anything for you.   [cheeky]

Do you do wake up calls?

I'd like to come along.  My husband will be out of town for the weekend, so it'll be just me.  I suspect our teenage daughter will still be asleep....   [roll]

Sarah

I'm in.  Primarily a Peninsula rider, so I'll chill in the back.

I'm in. Oh be warned, I might make you all look bad with my big tank dent and mismatched levers. Oh and my Jacket is faded and not very new looking. And I have a bug on my visor that I don't plan to wipe off...



Why is my dog laying next to your toilet?

Maybe waiting for the room to stop spinning?

Or I guess I'm not in, because on the 19th I will be in Yuba City. Oh well...you all have a nice time.

Those yellow dogs are interchangeable.

If I'm not out on my annual fall 2000 mile tour - I'm in.

That said I haven't set a tour departure date - sposed to be around the 17th? It as usual depends on when I finish my current project(s).

Yeah, but they're faster than all the other dog colors.

 [laugh] [laugh]

 [clap]

I know I have bee away for a long time, but I am back..! And I think I will be riding this one..!!   :D and many more I hope..!! 

In!

Holy crap!  Juan's back!   [thumbsup] 

Glad to have all the replies...been out of town for a few days, so I apologize for not getting to this.  Looks like we're going to have at least two and maybe three groups.  If folks are willing to be leads/sweeps please reply here or send me a PM. 

Grazie. 

I'm going to try and convince the Wife that we need to do this ;)
At the very least I'm going to make it, I need to cruise with some Ducati's to make myself look cool  [cheeky]

 :'( I am out..  I have to go to a funeral..!! Will catch you guys in the next one I hope..!!

Sorry to hear that on both counts, Juan.   :'(

I'm probably in - will know by middle of next week, but am optimistic.

I'm a maybe. I have to prep for a trip to NY for my parents' 50th wedding anniversary.

I don't see any slowpokes on the list of attendees yet, so I'm hesitant to join in. I got passed by a Prius on my last ride. Is going at or around the speed limit too slow? [laugh]

Maria will be taking the 996 out for it's first real ride, so she'll be taking it easy. I'll probably just motor along easy too.

This ride is geared towards the slowpokes.  The faster folks are not the target audience here, although whenever someone posts up a "chill ride" the wannabes all seem to come out of the woodwork.   [cheeky]

BG, you're on the list.  I'll lead or sweep the 'pokes if needed and I'm happy to do it. 

Yeah, much better in a big group ride if everybody just calms down and treats it like a social event rather than an opportunity to prove you're (not) Rossi.

The big day is coming up... any questions on where we're meeting?  Do folks have or need to have mini-groups lined up for arrivals from S. Bay, SF or E. Bay to Tambux? 

My safety speech will be given the day of the ride and will cover speed, passing, following distance, scheduled and unscheduled stops, peeling off from the group plans, hand signals, route, etc.  Please make sure to have your bike, papers and gear in order prior to the ride. 

Guess I'm out... lol

Fraking freakin state hold on registration... grumble grumble

Sorry, bud... if this were a different kind of ride and not quite so big or public I would have a "don't ask, don't tell" policy.   :-*

I will have to ridicule you publicly for this, however.

If I will bring  the Buffalo Horn , can I join this ride  ;)

Meet-up in SF at 8:00 at Temple Beth Shalom Israel Ben Canaan Hatikvah Mordechai.  Yamulkas up at 8:15 (jewish mean time, which in real time is 9:30ish). 

Only if you bring the buffalo horn can you ride.   [thumbsup]


<insert inappropriate religious joke here>  [laugh]

Despite Paula's (completely unjustified :) ) confidence in my abilities, I'm going to sit this one out.

OK, I'm not going to pressure you.  There's a place for you if you change your mind.   :)

And people heading back to SF and S. Bay know to bring $5 for the bridge, right?  That or have your bike registered on your Fastrak. 

i think what our good friend means is SF meet is the Dainese store off of Van Ness at 8:15.  The Duc train leaves at 8:25 to Marin, leaving 15 minutes to drink a poser beverage of choice, gas-up, and shoot the breeze before the 9:03 departure time.

Giddy-up.

SF and E Bay meet points and departure times added to first post.   [thumbsup]

Does this translate into "I'm going on the ride"?  :P

I was going to suggest our house for the SF meet-up so DQ can pull espresso shots for everyone, but the D Store is much easier to find anyway so see y'all there. Since this ride is too slow by DQ's standards, he won't be joining in. ;D

Want to go, but kid has 1 year old birfday party.. Just 17 short ones to go!  :P

Darned parental responsibilities.

Hey Belle,are you sure the bridge toll is fie dola?

It's $5 if you use FasTrak or $6 without it, so get yer shite together and register. ;D

And we all know Joe has a tendency to tip over at slow speeds. [cheeky] [laugh]

Like anything under 3mph, especially when there's gravel involved. ;D  Oh wait--that goes for me too, but it's usually sand.

I believe the D-Store has one uh dem espresso machines...and someone should have keys, right?  [evil]

No idea...I don't stop for toll plazas.  (no, really, I don't) I'm just giving you suckers a heads up.  [cheeky] I'm probably not heading back through SF and will instead go home over the Richmond Bridge--where it's free--because I have a dinner that I need to do some cooking for.  I suggest GG Fastrakkers and $$'s divide up into two groups with a lead and sweep, ideally.  If there's a common destination (like Zeitgeist or Dainese store or S. Bay) y'all can re-group as necessary.  I'll try to get this somewhat organized for you guys before we leave Mill Valley and will try to make sure you have it pulled together before I  peel off.  

D Store doesn't open until 10...unless you can sweet-talk Shelli or Mike into opening early. ;)

Bumpage.   [beer]

Yay!

I think I might go wash the bike now...

I need to check the tire pressure and top off the tank. That goes for everyone!

I might be bothered to flick that half a smooshed grasshopper offa my visor before we head out.   [coffee]








[cheeky]

(Tire pressures, chain tension, lights all working...that'd all be really nice to have sorted out before tomorrow.)

Might I also advise - don't wait to fill up at the nearest station until we're all ready to go. Waiting for some *&^#% to fill up when you've got all your gear on and it's hot is not the way to ensure good ride Karma.

Gas up as soon as you get there, *then* grab a coffee, smoke, wizz, whatever.

Happy New Year 5769 everyone Jewish!

Looks like I'll be missing this one.  :'( Sorry to miss you all. Too much going on this weekend.


According to the Jewish calendar, the year is 5769.
  According to the Chinese calendar, the year is 4706.
  This means Jews went without Chinese food for 1,063 years.
  This period was known as the Dark Ages.

Bummer, Eric.  Should be a gorgeous day.  Hope you spend yours well.   [beer]

 :'( I'm out for tomorrow, looks like I won't get my baby back til tomorrow.  But its worth the wait.  15K tune up, new clutch, new rear tire.  Its a whole new bike!  So excited!!!

Maria & I are out. I'm pretty much out of town until mid Oct, starting Tues, so I really need all the time I can get to get all my crap organized. Ugh... I'm the busiest unemployed guy I know!

Too bad, Dan....but the number of people is starting to get down to a more comfortable number for me.   [thumbsup]  We'll have two nice-sized groups now. 

'belle, at the pre-ride briefing can you plug the LDD ride-in?  Thanks.   [thumbsup]

johnc must've hacked Spidey's account...

Ya, definitely.  Got any info other than a day?  Since I can't attend it myself I haven't been following any planning...and I don't see anything on your calendar. 

I'll post something up this weekend here and on BARF.  Basically it'll be the same as other years--meet at Alice's and take the short jaunt to La Honda, arriving at noon.  We'll have various pre-meeting points (SF, East Bay, South Bay, North Bay) to head to Alice's. 

No problem...just wanted to make sure it wasn't radically different than what I had in mind. 

I'm In!!!  [thumbsup]

You're on the list...

Just so everyone knows, the schedule isn't carved in stone, but we're not going to hang out and wait around for ya for 45 minutes either.  ;D Once I get what looks to be about the right number of people and the clock starts chiming, we're going to take off regardless of whether or not your name is on the list.  I don't enjoy ditching people, but you can't expect everyone to wait around for you either. 

My number is five-1-oh, five 9 5, three-8-3-six if you are going to be a few minutes late or are having trouble finding any of the rendezvous points, etc. 

See you all tomorrow!   [moto]

Don't know if anyone will see this but I have to back out - family crisis.  (Not serious but everything w/a 13 year old girl is a crisis....)  Hope to see you next time.

Out.

Good ride, but I think the initial fog and cold kept a few people home.  We had about 9 people to start out with and a few of those had planned on peeling off at different locations.  I broke my several year streak of organizing rides with no incidents, unfortunately.  Rider is good, but bike needs a little TLC.  It happened on "that one corner" where it doubles back on itself and (on a nice day) you get an amazing view of the Pacific just as you're coming down Tam.  It's siren song has lured more than a few riders into her guardrail, and despite easing into it at 15 mph and giving a hand signal to slow down, we fed the Sausage Creature an hors d'oeuvre this morning.  I got a report that rider + generous friend spent a long while waiting for a tow truck which finally came a few hours later.  In the meanwhile, to add insult to injury, I called to check on our guys mid-ride to hear that two bicycles had wadded themselves into the back of the disabled bike!  Hope the bike gets fixed up soon and relieved to know that the rider suffered nothing but a bruised ego.   :) 

Three of us ultimately ended up doing the entire loop and we decided to stop at the Nicasio Cheese Factory for a picnic lunch.  I must admit that was one of the best last minute decisions I've made in a long time.  Had a lovely visit with my hubby and BikerGoddess and a gorgeous ride.  This time of year is my favorite and it was fantastic to be able to take it all in at a pace that motos and scooters alike could enjoy.   [thumbsup]

Thanks for coming out everyone!   [beer]

I love the Cheese factory!  So sorry I had to miss this ride - hope bike and rider are going to be ok.  (I always take it CRAZY slow on that corner - there are 2 similar ones there between Stinson and Pantoll - in either bicycle or moto).  I really hope I can do a ride with you all sometime soon.

+1 on all that. Gorgeous day and really good seeing you guys that I don't get to see often.  [thumbsup]

I went back and found a grassy hill and watched an eagles teach some young ones to kite on the breeze while I organized some notes I had to get to and did a little super inspired brain storming. -bliss-  After a burger and a soft serve back at Stinson, I hit one of my favorite spots to ride in the world that we never seem to get to. Hwy 1 all the way back to Mill Valley.  ;D ;D ;D


Dude, sorry it was your turn today.  :-\ That curve gets a lot good riders.

The thought occurred to me to dub that corner "GET A GRIP CORNER." I just can't believe what a perfect storm that thing is. 
A breathtaking elevation drop, 300degree hairpin, wicked bump with a 6" cliff off the back at the apex, and nothing but air for 2000 feet below on the other side of the guardrail. Add fog & gravel that you can count on, and its down right ridiculous.
New sign project  [cheeky] !!!



That thing get bicyclists as well - all the time. That's pretty funny they hit the bike. Glad everyone is ok though.

Yeah, but that first left as you come out of the trees is particularly nasty. Downhill, decreasing radius, off-camber, poor surface, gnarly-ugly guardrail and a big scenic distraction - it's got it all!

It was a nice ride despite the morning fog and mishap. After I peeled away from you guys in Tomales, I ended up going up to Bodega, then through Sebastopol and into Santa Rosa. From there I took the Calistoga road and hung a right on the St. Helena Rd/Spring Mtn. road. Wow, what a lovely way to get into the Napa Valley. Completely traffic free and, at least on the Napa side of the county line, great pavement and road.  Taylor's Refresher had a line of about 50 people (no lie) so I settled for a sando at Dean & Deluca, then grabbed the Oakville Grade road to Glen Ellen, and back the normal way from there.  A truly splendid day.  I took a little video of that St. Helena/Spring Mtn. road, which I'll post in a bit.

Just to clarify for those that were not there, the monster was against the guard rail in the ditch when the bikers hit it, so they were pretty much make the beast with two backsed anyway.

In spite of the situation, and after we went to make sure the (1st) biker was not seriously hurt from flipping over the bars and landing on his head, I did have one of those WTF is going on today giggles.

As for the second biker, he went in the ditch, but managed to just barely tap the monster.

I was a bit shocked to see a few bikers without helmets out there... e.g., the second biker.

That sucks.  That corner is so viscious.  I crawl through it at like 5 mph and still almost ride off the side of the mountain.  Every damn time. 

Yep, it was my turn today.  4.5 years of pretty successful riding and I'm glad my first get off was in full gear and low speed--thank you God for only a bruised shin.

Unfortunately, my little lady did not fare so well.  I was focused on the corner exit until that bump near the apex--but excuses are just excuses and target fixation was entirely my fault.  Ya live, ya learn.

My apologies to all for make the beast with two backsin' up the chi of the ride and BIG thanks to everyone for their assistance.

I'll post up pics of the damage a little later--right now I need some alcohol. 

Oh, and 'belle, please add one to the ticker.   :'(

Sorry b :-\, glad you are ok though, that's the important thing. [thumbsup]

Let us know if you need help getting your bike fixed up.

Thanks MB for organizing the ride! I really enjoyed riding with you and Enzo for the latter part--thanks for towing me along. My riding ease and confidence really got a boost today. [thumbsup]

I know "that corner" well, having dumped the Scarabeo there while pulling over to let--of all vehicles--a Prius pass. [bang] Linked brakes didn't help either. Gravel is the rider's Achilles Heel sometimes. Glad to know the rider is injury-free! Remember, bikes are easier to fix than busted limbs.

The turn.

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/_beyYkNn5r7A/SrWIOu79fEI/AAAAAAAAEVA/z3Koc_0HikY/s800/DSCN2715.JPG)

The damage.

(https://lh5.ggpht.com/_beyYkNn5r7A/SrWH5cSeMbI/AAAAAAAAET8/poe48StZ1gw/s800/DSCN2697.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_beyYkNn5r7A/SrWIKFKaIoI/AAAAAAAAEU0/PX2wmYkDPdA/s800/DSCN2712.JPG)

Hopefully it's only as bad as it looks.

Who was your towing service? Was it Steven the Bike Guy? Where are you taking it for repairs?

Mark from CC Tow.  It's at Munroe's right now--not my first choice, but it was the most convenient yesterday.  I'm having an estimate done in case I decide to make a claim with insurance, but either way, I want to try and do the repairs myself.

Belle, Thanks for organizing.

B, Glad you're well otherwise.

After looking at people drive over, around, and through that bump for a good chunk of time, I notice it almost acts like a launch pad to unsettle the bike/car and pushes people instantly wider than expected.  The decreasing radius only adds insult to injury at that point. 

Sorry 'bout the get off B.  Glad that you walked away with only bruises and experience.  Guardrails can be very unforgiving to a motorcyclist, even at low speed.  Hopefully the diagnosis on you bike is only the obvious stuff, and not too expensive.

Thanks for organizin 'Belle!  Glad to see some peeps I haven't ridden with in while. We're gonna hafta do it again sooner.

On the way back to Olema I stopped in Tomales and what did I happen to see...  Desmosedici RR.  Purty.

I had a good time--always do when riding.  [thumbsup]  Crashes always put a damper on the day though.  I'm just glad that it wasn't worse.  I know of at least two people who have bit it at that spot in the past several years.  I'm sure there are plenty more that I don't know about.  I did everything I could at the beginning of the ride to make sure that we all got through unscathed--I thought.  However, I do remember that on several rides in the past that we have made specific mention of that turn.  I didn't do it this time.  I will do it from here on out. 

I hope we all come away from this realizing how lucky we were to be going slow.  I got a report from someone in the rear that a little bunching up was happening before we got to that turn.  2 seconds is a minimum especially when the conditions are like they were yesterday.  2 seconds is a lot of space--watch the rider in front of you pass something, count one watermelon, two watermelon...that's two seconds...if you pass that same thing before "two watermelon" you're too close.  I'm as guilty of it as anyone, and it's nothing but dumb luck that has spared me up till this point.  I fell off my bike one time and I believe Michael Moore was behind me.  I was all over the road and had he been riding up my tailpipe he might have run me over and probably would have hurt himself in the process.  I was fortunate to have someone riding behind me that knew what they were doing. 

Hey B. can you tell us in detail what you think happened?  If you don't mind I'd like to do some crash analysis of your get-off so that we can take something away from this as a group that might help us to avoid this happening in the future.   This ride was devoted to the newer riders out there, so if they weren't able to come on the ride, then perhaps we can make this an educational dialogue.  With your permission I'll start another thread devoted to respectful discussion about what occurred and I'll lock this thread and redirect folks to the new one. 

must. not. make. riding. up. belle's. tailpipe. joke...   ;D

Sure, I don't mind sharing at all...just let me know where to post up.

And regarding the 2 second rule, I completely forgot to thank you for making that explicit at the beginning of the ride.  I definitely spilled out onto the road after hitting the guardrail and if sidm wasn't obeying the rule, this accident could have been worse.

Cool, B.  If you wouldn't mind starting with how long you've been riding, how long you've been on the Monster, and then tell us what went through your mind step-by-step in the moments leading up to the crash... you can do that here.  I'll copy/paste into a new thread and lock this one.  I'll bring over your photos, too.  Thanks, man.  You have a great attitude about this.   :)


MM, you're a turd.   [cheeky]

 [laugh]

probably would have hurt yourself in the process  [roll]

To start, my Monster is my first bike, which I've had for just over four years.  In those four years, I've put on 14.5K miles, with 5,500 of them within the last 17 months of me moving to The Bay and enjoying the twisty Peninsula roads.  This group ride would be only my second time up in the Marin roads and so I thought the slower pace would be a nice way to begin to learn them better. 

Leading up to the turn, I was in second gear and letting the engine do most of the braking as we were already traveling at a slow pace.  Third in the group, I could see the hairpin we were descending on and noticed Desmostro gesturing with his left hand to "take it easy" on this one.  I tapped the front brake to keep the gap and scrub a little more speed and proceeded to enter the turn coasting in second. 

Half way through the turn, I was looking ahead at the corner exit and began to apply a little throttle.  This is when I believe I hit the "bump" or off-camber portion of the turn, which startled me as I realized I was going wide.  At this point, all I saw was guardrail and I did not re-focus and look where I wanted to go.  I'm really not sure how much the bump was a factor to the situation, but I am still wondering why I lost my focus from the corner exit--perhaps I just misjudged how decreasing the radius of the turn was.  A rookie mistake on my part by target-fixating and it's upsetting because I knew better.  Regardless of a bump in the road or some other distraction, I should have kept looking where I wanted to go until I exited the turn.

There are many experienced riders on this board, and the MOB in particular, so I look forward to everyone's input.  Feel free to ask additional questions.

Here's one more picture showing the hairpin from the direction we rode into it:

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_beyYkNn5r7A/SrWIYGdx8FI/AAAAAAAAEVg/6kjkY__lN1I/s800/DSCN2722.JPG)

Thanks for riding, everyone!  Gonna lock this guy and request that further discussion about the crash happen here. 

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=29742.new#new (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=29742.new#new)

Thanks!