What’s that hump on your back?
I was over at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum offices last week to pick up some forms for the new Indiana special-recognition Hall of Fame Museum motorcycle license plates. I figured if I was going to get special plates for the bikes, I might as well support the folks out on West 16th Street with the group fees.
After Greta took care of all the paperwork, her curiosity got the best of her and she had to ask what the hump was on the back of my leathers. Oh, yes, I do suit up with all the protective gear whenever I’m on two wheels as I was this day. After she had broken the ice, several other gals in the office also added their inquiry about “the hump,” to Greta’s curiosity.
In past editions of “The Experience,” I’ve shared with you my position on always wearing the right riding gear whenever I swing a leg over a motorcycle seat. Yes, I do get a lot of curious looks, but it’s also amazing how many people appreciate the purpose of the right gear. Remember my soap box?
Well, Greta’s inquiry about “the hump” on the back of my leathers is probably the most asked question I get from people.
In just over two weeks, the Red Bull Indianapolis GP will be making its debut at the Brickyard. For only the second time in 100 years, motorcycles will be laying down rubber across that Yard of Bricks on the new GP course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Rider equipment has changed significantly over the past 100 years. Back in 1909, rider safety gear consisted of a leather jacket, leather pants, gloves, lace-up boots and a leather “helmet” with goggles. At 80 mph, even the thought of bailing off must have been pretty painful.
The advancements in motorcycle technology have been equally matched in rider safety equipment. A bail-off at 150 mph speeds or more with today’s protective gear usually results in not much more than a few bumps and bruises. Today’s leather road race suits are chock full of protective padding, armor, ventilation, hydration and aerodynamics. Several manufacturers are even working to integrate airbag technology into the suits to protect today’s racers.
So then, what is that “hump” on the back of my riding suit that so many people ask about?
The “hump” actually serves several purposes. First and foremost, it provides a lot of upper spine protection to the rider in the event of a fall. It also limits how far the rider’s helmeted head can snap back in a tumble. From a performance standpoint, the “hump” acts as an extension of the rider’s helmet to smooth out the airflow over his back, reducing air drag and helmet buffeting. A more recent innovation has added a water bladder inside the hump with a sipper tube for rider hydration during endurance events. 1993 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz talks about rider gear in his “MotoGP 101” video from the MotoGP test this July at the Brickyard. Kevin also addresses a question from the press group about the “hump.”
Greta, I hope this answers your question about the “hump,” and I look forward to seeing you all next week at redbullindianapolisgp.com.
Greg
Lets go racing…
When Mari Hulman George, chairman of the board of Indianapolis Motor Speedway, gave the most famous command in racing for the 91st Indianapolis 500, she said, “Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines!” For the first time in the history of this event, “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” three women were among the 33 starters of this traditionally male-dominated race.
Several weeks ago I shared with you the track day experiences of Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) executive Mel Harder and the opportunity these types of events provide for many weekend warriors across the country. A motorcycle track day is a great opportunity for anyone who rides a bike, male or female, young or old, to get out on a closed course and experience a little taste of the competitive spirit of racing and the thrill of speed.
I’ve had several people ask me how to get involved in a track day event. Really all you need is a bike, a good full-face helmet, a set of one or two-piece leathers, a back protector, some over-the-ankle boots and some sturdy, gauntlet-style motorcycle gloves. A typical track day is set up with three different rider skill groups, beginner, intermediate and advanced. Most organizations will offer instruction and training sessions for track day beginners to help make your day an enjoyable learning experience.
If you are located in the Indianapolis area or anywhere in the mid-Great Lakes area, we have a great track located in Mount Meridian, Ind., Putnam Park Road Course. Check out their Web site and schedule for upcoming motorcycle track day events: www.putnampark.com.
A quick check shows an event coming up the weekend of July 26-27, sponsored by Sportbike Track Time. Our local Ducati dealership, Ducati Indianapolis, is co-sponsoring a track day on Monday, July 28. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend a Monday than skipping out of work and experiencing the thrill of speed at the Putnam Park road course! I’m sure your boss would understand.
So, ladies and gentlemen, start your own engines and let’s get geared up and go racing at the next motorcycle track day in your neck of the woods.
See you all next week at redbullindianapolisgp.com.
Greg