This was my first time out to Streets of Willows and I was just trying to 
learn which way round the track goes before my first CCS race next weekend. 
I had been planning on taking the Ninja out but, tires were still MIA so, I 
loaded up my new (used) CB-1.

It took me about 5.5 hours to get down there Saturday and I spent a cold 
night sleeping in the back of the truck and pulled in when the gates opened 
at 7:00 AM.

Streets of Willows has a long skinny pit running down the front straight and 
a noticeable lack of facilities (like running water) which was a little 
disappointing. When the TrackDaz posse showed up they opened the lone garage 
at the end which contained a bathroom so, I was able to brush my teeth. Note 
to self: Bring lots of water to Streets of Willow

I started to setup up my pit and was sad when I noticed the several bolts 
had fallen out of my Quik Shade at some point, but I manged to safety wire 
it into something serviceable. Note to self: Get a bunch of those bolts.

I unloaded the bike and saw that I had lost the clip from the master link  
on the chain. I thought that this had just ruined my day but the plate 
didn't seem to be showing any inclination to come off so, I safety wired it, 
gooped some RTV on it and kept my fingers crossed. Note to self: Get spare 
master links.

Anyway, tape up the bike, go through tech, rider's meeting and head out for 
the first session. I didn't have any real goals for the day, just to learn 
the course. I was still a little unsteady on the CB-1 and I didn't want to 
really develop my shift points and braking markers too much because they'd 
just interfere with putting together my Ninja solution next week.

First time around the track I noticed that the pavement reminded me of 
Tunitas Creek Rd. - It was that bad. The pavement in all the tightest 
corners was broken, buckled and, in one in particular, pot holed! I guess 
that it was supposed to emulate a street course after all!

I never really figured out a pot-hole/crappy pavement free line in two of 
the corners but, I had alot of fun! I was also feeling like I was doing a 
good job of body positioning (we'll see later - if there's any pics) and by 
the end of the day I felt that I was doing pretty well out there with all 
those WSMC racers - Well, the weren't passing me in the twisties. My 40+ 
horsepower disadvantage seemed readily apparent in the straights. Even so, 
my little CB-1 was hitting an indicated 110MPH in the straights which was 
faster than I thought it could go!

This trackday had the most aggressive riding that I've seen in awhile. I 
imagine it had a fair amount to do with all the WSMC/CSS racers trying to 
get a last day in before the race. I didn't see anything unsafe (although,
the crappy pavement took out a few people) but, there was alot of close 
riding and I was forced off line a few times which I don't usually see 
outside of an actual race. Cool!

What else? Oh, the there's only one gas pump and it's way over at the big 
track. It doesn't take credit cards so, when you get over there, you have 
to go find someone from the staff to come over and unlock the pumps for 
you. You have to choices on Octane: 100 or 110. I don't know what the 110 
cost, but the 100 was almost $6 a gallon.