It was a great day! For me – despite two personal electronic mishaps which
prevented recording, “The Day” far exceeded my expectations. 8)
The top highlights were:
- Luke making several runs at 109, 110, 110.5 mph – consistently displaying the prowess of Deathbike V7.0 ability! That was something to see! Very impressive, and likely the fastest EV of the day.
- Scott’s 68 and 66 mph runs on his 133V ebike!
We had a very good showing of ES members, possibly more in number than the group I met in SF on August-2012 California Trip. Aside from
Teslanv and
LFP,
Icewrench,
Hal9000,
Scott… and a few others that I have missed. Plus – we had a large gathering of very-interested “groupies” hovering around our ebike gathering encamped on the shady side of the Racetrack headquarters. :wink:
Pacific Raceways had just completed the permanent installation of a EV charging infrastructure – partly paid/donated by Tesla to enable EV racing now and in the future. In and around the Admin building were two posts of NEMA 14-50 service.
Teslanv brought a spiderbox which allowed multiple plugins for typical 120V chargers, and there were always two or more going all the time. The service was not without issues, and we popped the breakers more than once. Closer to the stands, the EV cars were lined up at their charging stations, one I noted had (as I was told) 100A 400VDC service!
With the ongoing social at the ebike gathering, every ES member brought something different to the mix and we took turns sharing/appreciating each other’s ride; it was a lot of fun!
Both my phone and camera had battery problems and was unable to use either device. However once at the track we discovered the Staff was amenable to allowing ebikes onto the racetrack for a drive-through behind an escort. Cost us $50 for the privilege, and three of us (
LFP in the lead,
KF, and
Teslanv bring up the rear). We were supposed to make 5 loops, but… after 3, I was plenty pooped out from trying to keep up with
Luke and was glad to be waved off. My top speed was 48 mph. Tried my best to keep up pedaling, though you know – that ebike’s upper comfort level for pedaling ends about 38 mph; any more than that and it feeling like flogging. :?
Also announced – ebikes would be allowed onto the dragstrip!! At first they said we could make runs down the feeder return, but then I saw one of the guys on the sticky track and thought – he if he can do it then so can I! The cost was $40 for three runs. I topped off my 10P pack at 4.23V/cell (15S -> 63.45) and made one solo run and came in at 45.45 mph. Later one of the frequent patrons said he’s never seen anyone pedal down the entire quarter-mile dragstrip! I was done; too pooped out to make another run.
Having never expected to touch the track – this day was like Christmas & Birthday rolled into one! A professional photographer caught pictures of the run and I’ll try to get copies.
Couple of notes:
- All ebikes touching the track had to wear helmets and gloves.
- Below a certain time (above a certain speed), track rules required leather gear. They made exceptions for us “slower guys” and we were able to get away with wearing blue jeans and riding shoes. I expect this may change though in the near future and have committed myself to acquiring proper racing gear.
- The weather was perfect if not hot: It was about 85°F – however we’re surrounded by asphalt, and in the stands, the heat was directly reflected off the strip and it felt closer to 110°F. I drank close to ½ gallon of water just trying to keep pace.
In summation, it was a great day for ebikes at the racetrack! It was an honor and privilege to be allowed onto the track for a drive-through, and to be able to run on the dragstrip! Although it was my first appearance in racing,
it shall also be my last to pedal a bicycle on a racecourse. It’s just not practical to mix the two and have any chance to succeed in competition. By the end of the day I was cramping up like an old man, like when I would ride that hardtail FWD ebike for 100 miles.
I am encouraged by Scott’s run to modify my present 2WD for two configurations: Commuter/X-country and for Raceday. I think it’s possible to make these adaptations modular and shall give it serious consideration.
To those that attended, to those that have and want to in the past and future,
we should organize into “local chapters” and meet more frequently! I learned more about people, their passions, and making connections in this one day than a person could learn in one month, or perhaps a year!
Thank you for the opportunity be a part of this kindred league! Let’s make better bikes!
Teslanv: Thanks for driving! 8)
Cheers,
KF
