Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Road Trip Day #7–Indianapolis

Indianapolis

I arrived in Indianapolis in the afternoon. A bit later than I wanted since I spent a fair amount of time in Cincinnati eating lots of tasty food.

Indianapolis

I arrived in time to catch one of the last practices of Moto3. A few blocks before I arrived, I could hear the bikes at the track. The sound of those 250cc engines screaming down the straights. It is a good noise.

Indianapolis

I quickly parked and took off my gear to get near the track to watch them carve the corners. They are impressive to watch. I wish I was half as talented as they are.

Indianapolis

Indianapolis

These guys have a great job. Watch the action and then ride motorcycles around in the forbidden areas. They also get to give rides to riders back to the pits if they fall off. Fun.

Indianapolis

Lots of motorcycle vendors were at the show this year. Kawasaki had a small tent away from all the rest. It was kind of sad in comparison to Suzuki or Honda.

Indianapolis

Aprillia, KTM, and Moto Guzzi were new this year.

Indianapolis

Ducati had a large presence as usual, but further in the back. They changed the layout to make room for the AMA racers in town.

Indianapolis

Yamaha had the kids try a bike setup. Its fun watching them try to go around the hay bales. Occasionally, they lose control and smack into one. Then get right back up and go again. Oh to be young and invincible again.

Indianapolis

Also new this year, was an adult “try a motorcycle” session. They had gear and small dual sports. The area was staffed by MSF instructors. This would have also been a fun job.

Indianapolis

More practice sessions running. This time it was AMA Superstock? The American racing series not really comparable to MotoGP. They were fun to watch, but slower. I wish the USA was more competitive.

Indianapolis

I hit up the Suzuki area and got some Suzuki owner’s swag. They also gave me a wrist pass to park in the middle of the motorcycle midway. Such a sweet perk and a very nice parking location. I used it on Saturday, but the Museum is a much better spot on race day. Thanks William!

Indianapolis

I checked into my hotel and then headed downtown. This is my fourth year watching MotoGP in Indianapolis, and I have never been downtown. I thought it would be boring. We have an amazing monthly motorcycle gathering in Minneapolis called “First Thursday”. Wow. This was so, so much more.

Indianapolis

Tons of motorcycles of all kinds lined the streets. The police shut down a ten block stretch of Meridian and then around the monument circle. Many of the side streets were also closed to only motorcycles. There were thousands and thousands of people and bikes. It was awesome. Seriously.

Indianapolis

Lots of cool bikes to look at. I really wanted to hear what the bike below sounded like… a 15” sub for a top case? 6x9s for side cases? A rolling concert.

Indianapolis

Motorcycles of all kinds continued in a non-stop stream from 7pm-midnight.

Indianapolis

Stretched sport bikes.

Indianapolis

Goldwing with a trailer. He had very cool bright blue lights at night.

Indianapolis

This made me laugh much harder than I think it should. I didn’t contribute. There was plenty of chrome.

Indianapolis

Bikes bikes bikes!

Indianapolis

The one and only Ural I saw on Friday night, and I happened to get this guy picking his nose. haha!

Indianapolis

Lots of custom motorcycles to gawk at.

Indianapolis

Loaded vstrom.

Indianapolis

The LEDs flashing on this one didn’t quite come through in the pic.

Indianapolis

Liked the detailed paint job on this GSXR.

Indianapolis

Supergirl!

Indianapolis

Not sure what this is, but it was really neat to look at.

Indianapolis

Loved the headlight and turn signals.

Indianapolis

Horns look painful…

Indianapolis

So. Many. Motorcycles!

Indianapolis

Fake wooden topcase. It felt like metal when I touched it. Still look really neat.

Indianapolis

Now THIS is a brake light!

Indianapolis

There was a stunt show put on by Icon with two riders. One was on a Ninja and the other on a Harley. It was quite a good show. I put some video up on youtube. I will try to put a longer one up later.

Indianapolis

I had a great time wandering around looking at the motorcycles and people watching. The stunt show and multiple DJs playing music. It was a great experience. I was looking forward to going back again on Saturday night.

Indianapolis

 

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    9 comments:

    1. Wow, that is a lot of bikes. Looks like some really interesting/customized machines though. Glad you are having fun.

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    2. What an incredible outdoor show. Lucky you with preferred parking too!

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      Replies
      1. PS video shows moto-congestion to the max. I see helmets are optional.

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      2. MotoGP is a great time in Indianapolis. A lot more than just the races. Helmets are optional in IN...

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    3. The Ural is owned by the Wilkinson Bros. They post a lot of stuff at Good Spark Garage. They work as graphic designers here in Indy, but are total motorcycle junkies. There was a cafed W650 parked next to the Ural that belongs to them as well.

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      Replies
      1. Hi Joel! Great chatting with you on Friday night.

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    4. Wow that looks like a really good day that you've had , some really well crafted machines in the pics.
      all look thrilling and action packed!

      Regards
      len

      ReplyDelete
      Replies
      1. totally action packed. It was non-stop motorcycle fun all day/night. Thus why I'm needing to write the posts after I'm already home. haha

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