tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14741694504248474262024-03-04T22:57:34.864-08:00Superbikes and SQL ServerAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799182592410841860noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474169450424847426.post-7021475107801054062015-05-01T11:57:00.000-07:002015-05-01T11:57:19.911-07:00Bell Custom Fit Star Carbon Review<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJNSlB0pkSCWnjLoxnFeK35vpHewbfU_VWQ3mc4Tsb-Vn8VC-8a0HCDRRLBct_HREgdcRAyjwIuPcBVUL5rfNGn4aaydbaRHrkLmnvFOvWLeZiYz82pAdHkO7iFr_dIlx_xui9v_PGXvl/s1600/bg-starcarbon.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJNSlB0pkSCWnjLoxnFeK35vpHewbfU_VWQ3mc4Tsb-Vn8VC-8a0HCDRRLBct_HREgdcRAyjwIuPcBVUL5rfNGn4aaydbaRHrkLmnvFOvWLeZiYz82pAdHkO7iFr_dIlx_xui9v_PGXvl/s1600/bg-starcarbon.png" height="475" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image borrowed from Bell Powersports</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It is common knowledge that a motorcycle helmet is the most important piece of gear any rider owns. It's also the hardest part to get to fit correctly, at least it was. Recently, Bell launched their <a href="http://www.bellhelmets.com/bell-custom-fit/">Custom Fit</a> program, a first for the consumer motorcycle helmet industry. The Custom Fit helmets are made to match a 3D scan of the rider's head. I've made no secret of my love for the Star Carbon in my previous crash test and review: <a href="http://scottfallen.blogspot.com/2013/07/crash-and-burn-part-2.html">Crash and Burn Part 2</a>.<br />
<br />
I had my head scanned last year at the MotoGP races in Indianapolis, and Bell keeps them on file. I had planned on my next helmet being a custom, but I decided to go ahead and order one sooner rather than later. Suann ordered a custom for her first helmet while we were in Indy, and has been really happy with hers. Seeing that custom fit badge on the back of her lid did make mine feel a tiny bit ordinary! <br />
<br />
<h2>
Making a Good Thing Better</h2>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhgAGD1R1bXPKJYmIRzJ_OY1jB2nZzVoD2IV28AlzrWUa5yk87lJoGP4bolof3mTRRMYp8_23dN9Rv7R4Gevb6XDQJw4lU7VM8Qnju8S5BFy7JG7qf52-fGmnDwz03EmsXdXfe56u8u4r/s1600/two+lids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhgAGD1R1bXPKJYmIRzJ_OY1jB2nZzVoD2IV28AlzrWUa5yk87lJoGP4bolof3mTRRMYp8_23dN9Rv7R4Gevb6XDQJw4lU7VM8Qnju8S5BFy7JG7qf52-fGmnDwz03EmsXdXfe56u8u4r/s1600/two+lids.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family Photo: the Custom Fit is on the left, not that there's any difference in this shot.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGtTHKC91GL_ADbBEU5WdvEEuAnsDt2o0paNSPWBqcQGnL7ATdmPJ6s-Mwat0H-S5Ya0nEB6Mqo8TZuww6BXYd5GnjBcxbcq3FkurDsPPpqnpo9E6pApTMebEylAEws4WrrgB9lzYbqmv/s1600/lids+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGtTHKC91GL_ADbBEU5WdvEEuAnsDt2o0paNSPWBqcQGnL7ATdmPJ6s-Mwat0H-S5Ya0nEB6Mqo8TZuww6BXYd5GnjBcxbcq3FkurDsPPpqnpo9E6pApTMebEylAEws4WrrgB9lzYbqmv/s1600/lids+back.jpg" height="167" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From behind, the difference is clear, with the very conspicuous custom badge and different DOT sticker.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As much as I love my off the shelf Star Carbon, putting it on the racetrack exposed an issue with the way it fits me. The issue is the way it sits on my head. I never noticed it on the street, but on the track with my head down, the helmet was cutting into my visibility a little bit. It wasn't enough to make it unsafe, but it was enough to be a little bit of a distraction. One of the options on the Custom Fit helmets is a "race" fitment that rotates the helmet back on your head about five degrees to raise the eye port in relation to the rider's eyes. Knowing this was an option was all the push I needed to go ahead and order a custom for the track. I'm going to keep using my other one on the road since it fits great for that, and it's wired up with my SENA communications system. <br />
<br />
As I mentioned in my last post, Bell continues to impress on the customer service front as well as the technical side of things. Not only did they turn around my helmet extra quickly, but they were great to work with as always. The process was smooth, and after I got it, I got a call from the engineer who handled my helmet to make sure everything fit perfectly. I was happy to report that it was perfect.<br />
<br />
To sweeten the deal even further, the Custom Fit Star Carbon comes with a Transitions shield (my favorite feature) and a huge assortment of interior padding to adjust fit if needed, and adjust for break in over time. <br />
<br />
<h2>
Comparing Two Stars</h2>
<br />
The two helmets are very similar. Outwardly, they are identical aside from a different certification sticker and the custom badge on the back. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWclTeWlc4SLsS2PtsfCg09C8KO7pP9uvNIUp1Y1caQVb49J2soJML8CdvxBBc5mNIHH0tpoNY_rcNhByIg5GOwxBWABko0DKRkYi18DGL8SHPou8tNsRBIepOZa04CeSiLUWkUgf-yVm5/s1600/interior+custom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWclTeWlc4SLsS2PtsfCg09C8KO7pP9uvNIUp1Y1caQVb49J2soJML8CdvxBBc5mNIHH0tpoNY_rcNhByIg5GOwxBWABko0DKRkYi18DGL8SHPou8tNsRBIepOZa04CeSiLUWkUgf-yVm5/s1600/interior+custom.jpg" height="320" width="181" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKhFuklG357yuiX6s8d8UIYcH3fk5aN3u2A6ECJUHZX9dZeSBphd7REJIFbIvXASHdKvgyZc5rX0_eAtkDFAGhdB22dJ1C2TWk0f33uJ80Alj8w-JyS9AnvpVS54dcXAPByZASIVWHckd/s1600/interior+standard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKhFuklG357yuiX6s8d8UIYcH3fk5aN3u2A6ECJUHZX9dZeSBphd7REJIFbIvXASHdKvgyZc5rX0_eAtkDFAGhdB22dJ1C2TWk0f33uJ80Alj8w-JyS9AnvpVS54dcXAPByZASIVWHckd/s1600/interior+standard.jpg" height="320" width="196" /></a></div>
Look inside, and there are obvious differences! In the interior pictures above,the custom is on the left, and the standard is on the right. When I first opened the box, I was surprised at how little padding there was! The padding doesn't even quite cover all of the EPS (expanded polystyrene) liner, and it is a lot thinner than the padding in the standard helmet. There's also an exposed portion of the EPS liner at the back of the helmet that's covered by fabric on the standard one. Despite the lack of padding, the custom helmet is more comfortable! The custom Star also has better ventilation, which I assume is a product of both the thinner padding and the deeper channels in the thicker EPS liner. The helmet feels lighter too, since the weight is perfectly distributed across my head. After a full day at NCBIKE wearing my new helmet, I couldn't have been happier. I never had to fiddle with anything. I just put it on and forgot about it until it was time to take it off. That's all I can ask for.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_On93m1pF4j2dVn92Pd8phc-xj_uLrPtO3Fh_m-JO6uy4Nl-8j-xiHKU-1Jx6tJbEQjkYsPqmqPV_qMv5LKmgNKGvgtxnAJQo7qsjZPY7svfOo7MtmdiPB9agjdQLsOdaJwk_3K9mWyKm/s1600/closeup1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_On93m1pF4j2dVn92Pd8phc-xj_uLrPtO3Fh_m-JO6uy4Nl-8j-xiHKU-1Jx6tJbEQjkYsPqmqPV_qMv5LKmgNKGvgtxnAJQo7qsjZPY7svfOo7MtmdiPB9agjdQLsOdaJwk_3K9mWyKm/s1600/closeup1.jpg" height="226" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior name, size, and date sticker. Look at how much uncovered EPS liner there is!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Due to the more even contact with my head, I'm sure the custom fitment will also protect me better in a crash too. I'm hoping not to write that review for you!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLk2mNMZtm8SV2SR8ASuwdixGuCgpBGl0reG6U4Bohkfq9WLo8cMPPV8qa70vyDqlZ-tS_p9UWnULS7_6ypveBg8QMFXGOB4JIMgupNO1EkRWUfXwhiJfPdqOXUR0Wz4pywC56jC2bJJ4A/s1600/padding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLk2mNMZtm8SV2SR8ASuwdixGuCgpBGl0reG6U4Bohkfq9WLo8cMPPV8qa70vyDqlZ-tS_p9UWnULS7_6ypveBg8QMFXGOB4JIMgupNO1EkRWUfXwhiJfPdqOXUR0Wz4pywC56jC2bJJ4A/s1600/padding.jpg" height="315" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just in case the fit isn't perfect, the helmet breaks in a little, or your head shrinks, Bell has you covered with all of the extra pads they include. 2mm increments in thickness! I think they're serious about these things fitting perfectly.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
Conclusion </h2>
<br />
In short, Bell's Custom Fit program does exactly what it sets out to do. It provides a helmet that fits both the rider and their riding style perfectly. The astonishing thing to me is that it does that for a completely reasonable premium over the standard Star Carbon. An extra $300 or so is no small sum, but factor out $120 for the included Transitions shield, and you're left with a real cost of about $180 for the custom fit option. That's about a 25% upcharge for a bespoke helmet. Try getting a tailored suit for 25% more than off the rack. They'll think you're joking!<br />
<br />
Right now, the biggest downside to the Custom Fit line is that you're limited to just the Matte Carbon look. I love it, but not everyone does. I think some are going to say "doesn't a custom helmet deserve a custom look?" Luckily, you can pretty easily add a personal touch to these lids. I already did my standard one, and will be doing my custom soon. I'll take photos of the process, and put together a how-to post when I do.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ZAEPrp7q_EX6XA0DrIIvyEcjNcbIWiXpPgus3SRyNDrfItcM2oEn6juDglN_2S93hOQjl-dj4iReBlLJLzomFM1CCdJps2ch_RLSI0TLIm0p9E8iph8cLsJRYjykOf0qVWXMYjokoQDc/s1600/checkers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ZAEPrp7q_EX6XA0DrIIvyEcjNcbIWiXpPgus3SRyNDrfItcM2oEn6juDglN_2S93hOQjl-dj4iReBlLJLzomFM1CCdJps2ch_RLSI0TLIm0p9E8iph8cLsJRYjykOf0qVWXMYjokoQDc/s1600/checkers.jpg" height="291" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stay tuned for a future how-to post on polishing custom patterns into the matte clearcoat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799182592410841860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474169450424847426.post-35993998375740547182015-04-20T12:01:00.004-07:002015-04-20T12:01:57.602-07:00Things Not Proceeding According to Plan!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<h2 class="MsoNormal">
Something has gone awry:</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9osOEhAmnNX8y2PenfWDkdylBZhBxqNIniFwTPxpPVm7wRSYAyeUaHSvfZAOwiRW9pvPuIfoZs6s6YKurBvnoC-Yhmlz87QmPxWW4Ys5v2w9hOXkozcE3L1JfUhW0WuSbE-mvOyzHNLy3/s1600/Colin-Edwards-Fire-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9osOEhAmnNX8y2PenfWDkdylBZhBxqNIniFwTPxpPVm7wRSYAyeUaHSvfZAOwiRW9pvPuIfoZs6s6YKurBvnoC-Yhmlz87QmPxWW4Ys5v2w9hOXkozcE3L1JfUhW0WuSbE-mvOyzHNLy3/s1600/Colin-Edwards-Fire-1.jpg" height="302" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colin Edwards' bike operating sub-optimally back in 2003. He was okay.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes things don't go the way we plan, even when it's a really cool plan. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m sure many of you saw my announcement about riding with
Motorcyclist Magazine at Circuit of the Americas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SQL Sentry and I were very excited about the
event, and some promotional stuff we had planned around it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unfortunately, with about 10 days to go, Motorcyclist
cancelled the event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was told by the
person organizing the event that Dorna, the owner of MotoGP, exercised an
option for a tire test the day of the event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How this wasn’t known well in advance is beyond me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it was and just wasn’t communicated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was hoping to be able to report that the
event was rescheduled, or that Motorcyclist had offered another event as a
replacement, but no such luck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">
Making the best of a bad situation:</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first really positive takeaway from this experience for
me is the way others got involved to help me take advantage of the opportunity.</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>SQL Sentry as a company, by offering to sponsor me to attend
the event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as a community, for all
of the people here who were excited to see me get the opportunity to
participate in the event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
particular project didn’t pan out, but we have some more cool ideas for the
future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stay tuned! <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"></span></span></li>
<li>My girlfriend, Suann Griffin, who has not only been
incredibly supportive of my riding in general, but also chipped in a whole
bunch of hotel points to defray some of the cost of the trip.</li>
<li>Bell Powersports, by rushing the production of my Custom Fit
Star Carbon in time for the event. Bell’s customer service is something I’ve
talked up before, but this was really above and beyond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll be reviewing the new lid and showing
some pretty cool visual customizations to my old one in an upcoming post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></li>
<li>Team Pro-Motion Sportbike Club by providing me with some
patches for my leathers and stickers for my helmet, but also for the riding
tips I mentioned in my last post.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks everyone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
a great feeling to know so many people came together to help me out, and share
in my adventure. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This one didn’t pan out
the way I had planned, but there will be more!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">
The Races and Other Goings-on at COTA:</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4opzLvuyPDQy79tfl-9zl2EVSxGgfuwejHxE5-uLtPvaUidDWe8MNdEFC3qfWXy-FiHuRkOtnvaWJezcAt6BnqiHr-BOnEDVEsDK98ML0DudqmDnYaN57OttZm3SAVGEuCRdNM54Gg91J/s1600/IMAG0223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4opzLvuyPDQy79tfl-9zl2EVSxGgfuwejHxE5-uLtPvaUidDWe8MNdEFC3qfWXy-FiHuRkOtnvaWJezcAt6BnqiHr-BOnEDVEsDK98ML0DudqmDnYaN57OttZm3SAVGEuCRdNM54Gg91J/s1600/IMAG0223.jpg" height="226" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My view for the Moto3 Race at the start of the day before the clouds broke up. I moved to the end of the back straight for the Moto2 and MotoGP races.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another bright spot was a great day of bikes and racing at
Circuit of the Americas on Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I started my day in the exhibitor and vendor areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got to check out the latest bikes, in
particular the 2015 Yamaha R1, Ducati 1299 Panigale, and Aprilia RSV4 RF.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2015 is going to be a good year to be
shopping for a literbike!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The updates to
the Panigale and RSV4 build on platforms that were already strong, and the all-new
R1 appears to answer the shortcomings of the prior model and adds some great
new features.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is lighter, more
powerful, and physically much smaller, and adds top-shelf electronics. The
carbon fiber bodywork and upgraded components on the R1M look great!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m looking forward to getting a few test
rides in!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m also looking forward to finding my way back to Circuit
of the Americas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a track!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The facility is amazing, as is the track
itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is incredible to look at, and
an awesome layout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of elevation
change, as well as both high-speed and technical sections.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also looks to be a very safe track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Quite a few riders came off their bikes
through the four races on Sunday, but I didn’t see anyone that looked the least
bit worse for wear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The paved runoff
areas and good track design kept bikes and riders from tumbling…a slide always
being easier on bike and rider than a tumble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Most riders that went down were able to rejoin the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a long haul, but maybe I’ll make a
vacation of it this summer or next.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The MotoGP series never fails to put on a great show.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From the drafting and corner speed contest on
the ultra-lightweight bikes of Moto3, to the sheer speed of the powerhouse
MotoGP bikes, to Moto2’s middleweights that are a little bit of both.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The races are short enough and the riders
evenly matched enough to ensure plenty of passing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I much prefer watching a 20 lap sprint race
where every lap counts to a four hour slog that’s a chess match of pit strategy
and attrition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqtqxdqj58wOLA-48j3PRgSwqdU7V8JHpd1WQITDJRVwxt3cak1Rold3GayvuUid7AVO6fAemwESWytL6wVfbVWKH9jATU7111_Ch0aUEZDBOc5GlNCa7ULvvQ6ZtvzACiO6rAFkxxHyG/s1600/IMAG0222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqtqxdqj58wOLA-48j3PRgSwqdU7V8JHpd1WQITDJRVwxt3cak1Rold3GayvuUid7AVO6fAemwESWytL6wVfbVWKH9jATU7111_Ch0aUEZDBOc5GlNCa7ULvvQ6ZtvzACiO6rAFkxxHyG/s1600/IMAG0222.jpg" height="226" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ducati Island is one of the better bike shows I've seen, and it's just the parking for anyone who shows up on a Duc. Foreground is a Panigale Superleggera (Superlight).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MOv9NMwSnwM3AYMQ_i6EUZFwULee-n2gZ_4gNTUn3oNH-ng0gc-FgEM9b4V6JUqzpMH2SM4IupzZuCVuAY2jYtS6dH7I76zsoWzkQ3n3wNvIlckoOr_B3sjsiUf9wD1DXJRYC4tZTtTd/s1600/IMAG0221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MOv9NMwSnwM3AYMQ_i6EUZFwULee-n2gZ_4gNTUn3oNH-ng0gc-FgEM9b4V6JUqzpMH2SM4IupzZuCVuAY2jYtS6dH7I76zsoWzkQ3n3wNvIlckoOr_B3sjsiUf9wD1DXJRYC4tZTtTd/s1600/IMAG0221.jpg" height="226" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new Yamaha R1M. Not as pretty as the Panigale, but probably going to be much easier to live with!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The day wrapped up with the second Superbike/Superstock 1000
race of the new MotoAmerica series.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
racing was good for the second race in the first race weekend. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jake Gagne on a Superstock-spec 2015 Yamaha R1
fighting for an outright podium finish with the superbike guys was the
highlight of the race for sure!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
superstock bikes are not that far modified from the bikes you or I can go to a
dealership and take home anytime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
are down on power and technology compared to the superbike-spec machines, so to
compete with top level riders on superbike machines was a major feat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully Wayne Rainey and his team can
continue to grow and develop the series, and rebuild motocycle racing in the
United States.</div>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">
Back to the track:</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I went back to NCBIKE this weekend for another Team
Pro-Motion trackday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ran the opposite
direction, so I had to adjust my lines, and didn’t get to make direct
comparisons to my last day, but I definitely got to apply what I’d
learned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still have more to work on,
but things are definitely moving in the right direction!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I also got some good pics from Terry at Event Photo Now, so let's take a look at the changes I talked about in my last post:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlxlcLK302EeiLgOhSfQsL1Cwl8pIrLzaN7DG7QT5j-ttD7dGQ4ApxPfWTJG_il_tIEWM8eZO_CqiJLfEJm3Ow5_ffrgKqglUObB-qD7E0DgRNv2clAeNX5F94Kkj8as1KA2vi1cDHI0R/s1600/DSC_0534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlxlcLK302EeiLgOhSfQsL1Cwl8pIrLzaN7DG7QT5j-ttD7dGQ4ApxPfWTJG_il_tIEWM8eZO_CqiJLfEJm3Ow5_ffrgKqglUObB-qD7E0DgRNv2clAeNX5F94Kkj8as1KA2vi1cDHI0R/s1600/DSC_0534.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Same pic from last year that I used last post, to show my older "crossed up" riding position.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJM3uE8R4w87fnAUoYHLR6gWl_6oY6NL92DEp1M8Jw6u7DQON8ajgTFPZr2Cd3Xw2pKaXscEIuxNMtc46NWcEBxz77Kt_XTw_WNf8uCEZIy3bOzij-LwanKOoXoI7tAFGHBtgtm1z_wwq/s1600/07262_Red+Group.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsJM3uE8R4w87fnAUoYHLR6gWl_6oY6NL92DEp1M8Jw6u7DQON8ajgTFPZr2Cd3Xw2pKaXscEIuxNMtc46NWcEBxz77Kt_XTw_WNf8uCEZIy3bOzij-LwanKOoXoI7tAFGHBtgtm1z_wwq/s1600/07262_Red+Group.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4/19/15: Much better, still a little way to go, primarily in adjusting my grip on the bars, but this was much faster and more comfortable.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Next up will be a review of the Custom Fit Star Carbon from Bell, stay tuned!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799182592410841860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474169450424847426.post-84271362807373151372015-03-23T18:02:00.000-07:002015-03-24T05:44:05.372-07:00Back on the Track: Surround Yourself With ExpertiseI was back on the racetrack at NCBIKE with <a href="http://teampromotion.com/">Team Pro-Motion</a> on Saturday after what felt like an impossibly long winter break. This was actually supposed to be my second day back, but the first got snowed out! I closed out last year having made some progress getting used to the racetrack and my new bike. The bike also saw a few upgrades (rearsets and seat) in addition to the usual maintenance stuff over the winter. <br />
<br />
<h2>
Shaking Off the Cobwebs</h2>
Everyone else seemed to have the same idea I did; NCBIKE was packed! I managed to track down some friends and sneak into their pit space so I didn't have to park out in the gravel. When I rolled into tech inspection and signed in, I got my first surprise of the day. I was going to be riding in the Yellow group (the lower intermediate group) rather than White (novice) where I wrapped up last year. It's not uncommon for the more experienced novice riders to get moved up on a busy day, and I felt like I was ready for it. I went out for the first session, and took it easy since it was still cool and we had a long sit on the pit road waiting on an oil cleanup. I felt pretty good after the first session. I didn't throw the bike into the weeds, and I didn't feel like I lost much over the winter. Still had the same things to work on, but no new ones.<br />
<br />
My biggest challenge has been finding the right body position and ergonomic adjustments on the big Kawasaki. It's so different from the skinny Ducati v-twins I know and love. It's not worse, it's just very different. The Ducatis, particularly the old 916/996/998 series, force the rider into at least close to the correct position simply by removing choice and comfort from the equation. The Kawasaki has lots of room to move around, and is shaped very differently, allowing more leeway to make the wrong choices. This isn't entirely a bad thing, as giving those options allows for quite a bit more comfort on the street.<br />
<br />
Since buying this bike and going to the track, I struggled with riding "crossed-up."<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTXE9bHNHlvls8GrOZH7rcs4RQS1yi6HIseMVI98DuX7HO6YunWFBY1RYemyI3dZxjiLH6Lh154PGh7dJIaflkNjJXNoPRhqtlhtSeNlc3oWkg63w3L3q-iDnWhjJUPyGdOqf9hxHBVuO/s1600/DSC_0534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTXE9bHNHlvls8GrOZH7rcs4RQS1yi6HIseMVI98DuX7HO6YunWFBY1RYemyI3dZxjiLH6Lh154PGh7dJIaflkNjJXNoPRhqtlhtSeNlc3oWkg63w3L3q-iDnWhjJUPyGdOqf9hxHBVuO/s1600/DSC_0534.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This shot from last year shows what I'm talking about. My right shoulder is pulled back, and I'm dropping my hip into the turn to compensate. My outside leg is doing a ton of work to hold me in this position. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This resulted in having to work very hard to hold on to the bike and position my weight correctly, without weighting the bars. This meant I was spending too much energy and concentration on body position, and not enough on going faster or smoother. I knew the problem, but hadn't isolated the cause. The adjustments I made to the bike were helpful, but didn't get me all the way there.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Surrounded by Experts</h2>
My pit location with local friends and TPM coaches Donna and Sheldon was right between two other TPM coaches. I met Paul and Brett pretty early on, and Paul was coaching in my group. Paul very quickly gave me a refresher on the best lines at NCBIKE and that helped quite a bit. As the day went on, I had lots of time to talk with everyone pitting near me. As the day went on, to say I learned a lot would be an understatement. Between conversations with the coaches, listening to them coach other riders, and the on-track instruction the coaches provide, there is a wealth of knowledge available at a TPM track day.<br />
<br />
I went out for each new session with something new to work on, and came back in each time feeling a little better.<br />
<br />
I spent much of the downtime during the latter half of the day talking with Brett, and he hit on a few things that no other coach at TPM or at California Superbike School had mentioned. During one of our conversations, I mentioned that I was trying out my new rearsets for the first time. He mentioned that he finds that most people get new rearsets and put them on as far up and to the rear as they can go. I hadn't gone all the way there, but that's the direction I went as well. Brett pointed out that if the footpegs are too far back, you tend to fall forward and put more weight than you want to into the bars. He showed me an easy way to test (DO try this at home!). Get on the bike while it's on stands, and put the balls of your feet on the pegs as you normally would, and lift yourself about an inch off the seat with your legs. If you fall forward, the pegs are too far back. I tried this and mine were borderline. I moved them up after another session, and came back in the next time feeling a little better.<br />
<br />
When Brett rolled back in after his next session, I let him know that I liked the change. He was working with Michael, who was getting ready to evaluate for the bump to the Blue (Advanced) group. He was showing him some body positioning techniques, and called me over to join in. We ended up using my bike for the demo there in the pits, since my stands were the most stable. What the other rider and I learned was that one of the tricks to getting hooked in to the bike correctly is not being right up against the tank. By sitting back in the seat, the rider's outside knee engages much more positively with the tank. Then, by rotating the inside foot much further than I had been doing, the inside knee falls open to the correct position rather than having to be pushed out there. Last, we learned a trick to consistently hang our upper body off while keeping our shoulders square. This allows better vision and minimizes weight on the bars. Even on the stands, I was able to feel the difference. Sometimes a little change can make a big difference.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Putting it Into Practice</h2>
Just as we were wrapping up the conversation, the call went out for Red (Upper Intermediate) group, with the "last session of the day" announcement. It turned out not to be the last session, just Red's, but it didn't sound like that. I was bummed, since I wasn't going to be able to test out what I had just learned. Brett told me to get on my bike and follow him; he was going to take me out in Red for an evaluation. I was a little nervous, as the pace tends to pick up quite a bit as you move up a group, but I was also really excited to get to go. We rolled out, and I told myself I'd take it easy and just work on what I had learned. I did exactly that as we left the pits, and felt the difference almost immediately. I had closed the gap to the rider in front of me by the middle of the first lap, and found a clean pass on the second. Compared to my previous sessions, I was flying! I didn't have a lap timer, so I can't quantify the difference, but I had moved up a group and still had to make several passes. I was also noticing how much more mental "clock cycles" I had to work with. I was going faster, but it felt easier! For the first time, I felt like the bike was truly working with me, or me with it. That 20 minute ride was definitely among the most fun in 14 years on bikes. <br />
<br />
After the session wrapped up, I came in to thank Brett for the pointers. We talked for a bit, along with the other rider he was working with. Brett asked us both to walk down to the sign-in area to bump up a group; me to Red, and Michael to Blue. Neither of us had sought out the advancement, only the knowledge that led to it. When we pulled into the paddock that morning, I never expected I'd leave two groups up from where I left off last year, and more excited than ever about riding. <br />
<br />
<h2>
This Isn't Just About Riding</h2>
<br />
The awesome experience I had this weekend is similar in a lot of ways to my start working for <a href="http://www.sqlsentry.com/">SQL Sentry</a>. I dove in to the deep end of the pool, taking a chance on a big career change. I found myself surrounded by extremely smart people who were all experts in a field I to which I was a newcomer, and I learned (and continue to learn) more than I ever imagined I would. Having a wealth of knowledge everywhere you turn is incredibly powerful, if one can put their ego aside and listen. I've learned that in both personal and professional pursuits, it pays to surround yourself with those with more knowledge and experience than you have. You ride faster chasing someone fast than passing someone slow.<br />
<br />
The timing of this milestone in my riding career couldn't have been better. My motorcycle riding and my career at SQL Sentry are intersecting in a big way next month. I have accepted an invitation to ride with <a href="http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/">Motorcyclist Magazine</a> at Circuit of the Americas after the MotoGP race next month. I'll be testing all of this year's new superbikes at one of the best tracks in the country. Without the generous sponsorship I've received from SQL Sentry, I couldn't have made the event happen. Stay tuned here and on both my personal and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SQLSentry">SQL Sentry's Facebook</a> pages for much more in the coming couple of months. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdV5L_jBLrE2Vz_qxhCE8qMLylXvr6DWmSsdrU0noW9FsCb4FPh4fYfuCJo5BR4PUIAnePqg9KV5r8izZHfybjoaZB7ogivbmCSzvjH0at6crNm4MnG_1O0mHkp8K48D_pkr8opJ7Nn-fi/s1600/COTA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdV5L_jBLrE2Vz_qxhCE8qMLylXvr6DWmSsdrU0noW9FsCb4FPh4fYfuCJo5BR4PUIAnePqg9KV5r8izZHfybjoaZB7ogivbmCSzvjH0at6crNm4MnG_1O0mHkp8K48D_pkr8opJ7Nn-fi/s1600/COTA.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Circuit of the Americas, I can't wait! Note that Rossi (46) is not struggling with riding crossed-up. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Thanks again to Brett, Paul, Donna, Sheldon, and the other TPM coaches that have helped me out. Also, a huge thanks to Greg Gonzalez, Nick Harshbarger, Ken Teeter, and Kevin Kline at SQL Sentry for helping make the COTA event possible for me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799182592410841860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474169450424847426.post-31940383917638787082014-08-20T19:05:00.002-07:002014-08-20T19:05:27.181-07:00Comet Racing Leathers Apex Pro Kangaroo Suit Review<h2>
A New Suit of Armor</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrylHBCYEKPEhTKWEHg2civ9bN-pnscgMT83JchbItiyPFUSLMu-OkWyNQR4YOiQ5tAa4AoRff12oiduIZEJLjF1-VXlx65gUv7RaN9QKlOEArdzZy8T-GEn7xsgqjwF6ENS1Ss1mZSjc/s1600/IMG_20140820_202608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrylHBCYEKPEhTKWEHg2civ9bN-pnscgMT83JchbItiyPFUSLMu-OkWyNQR4YOiQ5tAa4AoRff12oiduIZEJLjF1-VXlx65gUv7RaN9QKlOEArdzZy8T-GEn7xsgqjwF6ENS1Ss1mZSjc/s1600/IMG_20140820_202608.jpg" height="400" width="223" /></a></div>
<h2>
</h2>
I'm a little late with this one, but I decided to delay my review until I had my new suit from <a href="http://www.cometracingleathers.com/">Comet Racing Leathers</a> out on the track a couple of times. I've now done a track day at Virginia International Raceway (VIR) South Course with <a href="http://www.teampromotion.com/">Team Pro-Motion</a>, and repeated <a href="http://www.superbikeschool.com/">California Superbike School</a> Level One at VIR North Course. I did Level One with CSS in 2002. I thought it was best to repeat after 12 years, and I'm glad I did. On to the suit!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVY6WgYo_IsFrs74CNYDoewWoOmSu7MU3fFhd81KomN1clcn-pdEoJYnP7hyphenhyphen9BQmc37GdjBmVorTAaH5n92k78whW1j8v4J28ZAWLoucNg6O4OJB4GcF_hn628mvNdeNIMjUA3GZl9OEKI/s1600/IMG953441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVY6WgYo_IsFrs74CNYDoewWoOmSu7MU3fFhd81KomN1clcn-pdEoJYnP7hyphenhyphen9BQmc37GdjBmVorTAaH5n92k78whW1j8v4J28ZAWLoucNg6O4OJB4GcF_hn628mvNdeNIMjUA3GZl9OEKI/s1600/IMG953441.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossing the finish line at VIR South</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
From the time I paid for my order and submitted my measurements, delivery time was about 5 weeks. This was a little longer than Comet estimates on their website, but I did take advantage of their customization capabilities. Custom logos, colors, and printed leather cost extra from most custom shops. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjp7tVbGWwCcke_ZaMgGBST8pb5JmS5JELMqBjgJUml9u7z8aeFtAe4fz48ZJsKPAT8fc1v1YNvZeRQxhCFjwxa59UJf6dKeUquhgnUnNTwrH_IY1HG7NlODTwspCbO7rE8gTFYDfbXsy/s1600/IMG_20140820_202637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjp7tVbGWwCcke_ZaMgGBST8pb5JmS5JELMqBjgJUml9u7z8aeFtAe4fz48ZJsKPAT8fc1v1YNvZeRQxhCFjwxa59UJf6dKeUquhgnUnNTwrH_IY1HG7NlODTwspCbO7rE8gTFYDfbXsy/s1600/IMG_20140820_202637.jpg" height="400" width="195" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My suit is the Apex Pro model in kangaroo leather. <br />
<br />
<h2>
Here's why I like it:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Fit: I can't stress this one enough! It's PERFECT! It's a bit of a chore to get over my extra-thick Forcefield back protector, but once on, it's literally spot-on everywhere. No tight or saggy areas. What a difference! </li>
<li>Comfort: Between the custom fit, good armor placement, and the kangaroo leather, this suit is much more comfortable than my old one. </li>
<li>Build Quality: The stitching on the suit and all of the materials use are top-notch. It compares well to other suits in its price range.</li>
<li>Protection: The armor is very well-placed, of good quality, and good coverage. My initial impression is that the suit will protect me well if called upon to do so. </li>
<li>Looks: Comet did a great job, the suit looks exactly as I requested in my design submission.</li>
<li>Value: This was far from inexpensive, but what I got compared with what I spent is very impressive. </li>
</ul>
<h2>
Here's what I don't like as much:</h2>
<ul>
<li>The Liner: The liner doesn't zip out. This isn't a huge deal, but a zip-out liner would be an improvement, making the suit easier to clean. </li>
<li>Logos: The Comet logos are fine, but it would be really cool if some of them were embroidered or embossed like they are on some other premium leathers. This would be a good upgrade to further differentiate the more expensive kangaroo suits.</li>
<li>One Blemish: After two days on the track, the suit mostly looks brand new still, but one spot on the stretch panel above my left knee didn't stand up well to my StompGrips. The leather isn't compromised, but the colored layer peeled a bit.</li>
</ul>
<h2>
Conclusion:</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHPTcVVYK8b7HxtMLRQW9peCwg-0JJB_ZgnWbw3sifLgqp3FYddT71NY3AUXq9pu5TjmeGZSh7oSCewFa2sRCG0WmRUaEUrpgVPGCpt6bbELH8f6otZy7dU8mKbDyn5pvw_4QJGO86VGA/s1600/IMG_20140820_202751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnHPTcVVYK8b7HxtMLRQW9peCwg-0JJB_ZgnWbw3sifLgqp3FYddT71NY3AUXq9pu5TjmeGZSh7oSCewFa2sRCG0WmRUaEUrpgVPGCpt6bbELH8f6otZy7dU8mKbDyn5pvw_4QJGO86VGA/s1600/IMG_20140820_202751.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the custom work, one of the two SQL Sentry logos to give a little extra visibility to the company that has indirectly made this adventure much easier! This also shows some of the precision stitching.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
</h2>
I've spent a lot of time riding in one-piece racing leathers, and it's amazing how much less fatigued I am after a day on the track in leathers that fit perfectly than I was after a day on the road in leathers that didn't. I'm still tired, but I'm not near as sore and stiff afterward. It's also easier to move around on the bike, and maintain proper body position.<br />
<br />
The suit also drew a fair amount of attention at both events, with people asking where I got it and how long I've had it. One couple at Superbike School, both in custom suits from another maker, commented on just how well it fit. They were very surprised when I told them it was only my second day riding in it. They commented on how comfortable it looked and how much mobility I had. <br />
<br />
If you're serious about riding, either on the street or the track,
consider a set of custom leathers. I can't recommend it enough. I'm
very happy with the work Comet did for me, and would definitely go back
to Karl for another suit. I expect that Comet's cowhide and two-piece models will be of similar quality. <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799182592410841860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474169450424847426.post-4785845055054628632014-05-28T07:15:00.001-07:002014-05-28T07:15:05.769-07:00A New Adventure (Part Three)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<h2 class="MsoNormal">
Custom Leathers Update and a Few Gear Reviews</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m making progress toward hitting the track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My bike is ready to go, the order for my new
suit has been submitted, and all of my other gear is good to go. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">
My new suit from Comet Racing Leathers</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I submitted the payment, measurements, and design specs for
my suit last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turnaround time on
their suits is about 30 days, much faster than some of the other custom options
that I investigated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ordering
process is fairly straightforward as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You select the basic suit you want from the website, pay for it, and
then submit your measurements at the <a href="http://www.cometracingleathers.com/Online-Store/welcome-to-the-comet-racing-leathers-design-center.html">Comet Design Center</a> to get the process started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once I had done that, Karl followed up with
me within the hour to provide a PDF for color selections.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are fully custom suits; you can select
any colors you want, or go with one of their designs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After I returned that, I got an email from
Karl after the long weekend to confirm my measurements and the design.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbGF7RupqKR7h6t3wcfdB5X22jp7TzDcwyuxC-adEXuuA1eEosdsnWelnro7uawnCoUs_9B1husvLRPm370kzDsnj2LlMYdJFJWmZPfXgkfehUJC2fJsLK3E8BklVspDpnVKQQW5ZxGHx/s1600/suit+design+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbGF7RupqKR7h6t3wcfdB5X22jp7TzDcwyuxC-adEXuuA1eEosdsnWelnro7uawnCoUs_9B1husvLRPm370kzDsnj2LlMYdJFJWmZPfXgkfehUJC2fJsLK3E8BklVspDpnVKQQW5ZxGHx/s1600/suit+design+blog.jpg" height="385" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My design sheet after alterations. I added the checkered flag pattern on the shoulders and shins. Much of the shin pattern will be covered by my boots, so it won't be quite so intense.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Comet offers both one-piece and two-piece suits, and several
different models for each.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The different
suits offer different levels of mobility and support for different riding
styles, and many different visual options.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As I mentioned in Part Two of this series, I selected the Apex Pro model
in Kangaroo, and used their red color scheme as the basis for my design.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made a few design adjustments, added my
name to the back and a couple of SQL Sentry logos that may come in handy in the future!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwS1Tt76hiqFoyYAf3HVCV7ej9j6PZh3QBjho72yeiR3gNKEdoQR2egbUlHTnlYaGfemtTzQBQIuow2uG0XttKLOwNQzsZVod04IH1spxML_pp0GjnpPRafAAM6YPTc3Q_88poKd8PoKz8/s1600/suit+with+sql+sentry+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwS1Tt76hiqFoyYAf3HVCV7ej9j6PZh3QBjho72yeiR3gNKEdoQR2egbUlHTnlYaGfemtTzQBQIuow2uG0XttKLOwNQzsZVod04IH1spxML_pp0GjnpPRafAAM6YPTc3Q_88poKd8PoKz8/s1600/suit+with+sql+sentry+logo.jpg" height="400" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the original Apex Pro in the red scheme. The only changes are the checkered flag patterns and blacking out the left knee.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">I'm really impressed with the customer service and ordering process so far. Karl's great communication and attention to detail have made shelling out a large sum of money for something I can't look at or try on in advance a lot easier. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">
Held Phantom II Gloves</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCJQjCsd6Zm-VFABCnGNVBHtcOWcfBv5NKHEFvaxLMuDYHVSDSi9GkDkoebtzxY3rKHhXj7chuz6EG0XYteu7D_DeFlb19CkFRpCk2oAJyD94-qeDpK-0Y37rechvd2GNRlpq4FT3MIyp/s1600/IMG_20140526_204921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCJQjCsd6Zm-VFABCnGNVBHtcOWcfBv5NKHEFvaxLMuDYHVSDSi9GkDkoebtzxY3rKHhXj7chuz6EG0XYteu7D_DeFlb19CkFRpCk2oAJyD94-qeDpK-0Y37rechvd2GNRlpq4FT3MIyp/s1600/IMG_20140526_204921.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m finally getting around to doing a review on these.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve had a pair since last summer and just
bought another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess that’s really
all the endorsement that I need to give them: I’ve paid full retail for two
pairs. I've gone through a lot of riding gear in 13 years, and this is only the second time I've replaced something with the exact same thing. They are a little pricey at $289, but the build
quality puts most other gloves in that price range to shame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Phantom II is one of the two all-kangaroo leather models
Held offers, their flagship Titan model being the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried on the Titans as well, but the
knuckle protectors didn’t fit me very well. The Phantoms are also less bulky
without feeling like they’re giving up much if any protection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it comes to gloves protection is
important, but it can’t come at the expense of feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s no shortage of safety features in
these things either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stingray skin on
the heel of the hand, Superfabric plates on the fingers and wrists, Kevlar sheeting
and stitching, and a plastic and titanium knuckle guard make for a very safe
feeling glove.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re also the most
comfortable full-gauntlet gloves I’ve ever owned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Kangaroo leather and memory foam backing for all of the armor plates is a great combination. Also of note is that Held's higher-end gloves come in half size increments, so it's much easier to find a pair that really fits well. My only compaint is that the thumb is cut just a tiny </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMjils7ifOrifKVaGCEbZAXDfFuLlMmaE_9HZyXvH9td18vizlX_R2oAxFY5CwimAWlLx0CXGWnok5Vw6RFueM2UPMCKtrmDvimhzwEZK1RYU-lBREdwQOcx_PPFuRORJ8ddgb_q8KXp8/s1600/IMG_20140526_204751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMjils7ifOrifKVaGCEbZAXDfFuLlMmaE_9HZyXvH9td18vizlX_R2oAxFY5CwimAWlLx0CXGWnok5Vw6RFueM2UPMCKtrmDvimhzwEZK1RYU-lBREdwQOcx_PPFuRORJ8ddgb_q8KXp8/s1600/IMG_20140526_204751.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On with the crashed gear shots! I know that's why you're all here anyway. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The pair I went down in fared very well, with minimal damage
to the gloves and only one little scratch on me through a vent hole on my
finger. The damage to the gloves is shockingly minor considering that I put my left hand down hard to prevent myself from rolling. My hand was probably down for somewhere between 25 and 50 feet of the slide, at <i>considerable</i> velocity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few seams need to be replaced, and the red leather piece needs a little patch, but that's it. I will be sending them off for
repairs, and expect they will continue to serve me well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvHs5a9wQvBfjT1somPquAl6Hw5D_9OYXaW4ISVJcUqt_UoHnxv3APy8LaYOc6lHJRw8XIQ2-T0MSZ47nMJfzkK4tOdeYNWSb2dm3lAApt_QxWATsZVN1rKx0XefRDnLp5B3mVpgSTtAG/s1600/IMG_20140526_204807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvHs5a9wQvBfjT1somPquAl6Hw5D_9OYXaW4ISVJcUqt_UoHnxv3APy8LaYOc6lHJRw8XIQ2-T0MSZ47nMJfzkK4tOdeYNWSb2dm3lAApt_QxWATsZVN1rKx0XefRDnLp5B3mVpgSTtAG/s1600/IMG_20140526_204807.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of the stingray, I think it might have done more damage to the asphalt than the asphalt did to it. Sturdy stuff!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">It's really a shame that Held's US distributor in Conover, NC closed down over the winter. I really hope they get a new US importer up and running, because as far as I'm concerned there's not a better option out there. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">
Forcefield Pro Sub 4 Back Protector</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNr7ZRJTmUoVRjTHhUMO5_pP1QZlA4AAzTaaAUu_QwcoL_R2dJjoB8b_T-5nEhex8r-_nrzd8AvTgzr3WrNhiyovY7_Kp_MvdUJTJY6zaVNWNbMpEzFbOH-1OZt1fTSCXujVcI59-RilO/s1600/IMG_20140526_205003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNr7ZRJTmUoVRjTHhUMO5_pP1QZlA4AAzTaaAUu_QwcoL_R2dJjoB8b_T-5nEhex8r-_nrzd8AvTgzr3WrNhiyovY7_Kp_MvdUJTJY6zaVNWNbMpEzFbOH-1OZt1fTSCXujVcI59-RilO/s1600/IMG_20140526_205003.jpg" height="268" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a pretty good looking piece of gear, for what's essentially a sort of underwear.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My old Joe Rocket suit has a soft back protector insert. The protector is just a 3/8" thick piece of gray foam;
it’s not something I’d really like to put to the test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was time to upgrade, and I went with
<a href="http://www.forcefieldbodyarmour.com/index.asp">Forcefield Body Armour's</a> top of the line, the Pro Sub 4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I needed to get my new back protector before I could make my
suit order, because I needed to be able to include it in my measurements,
especially in this case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first thing
I noticed about the Pro Sub 4 is that it’s pretty thick, about 1.5”,
considerably more-so than some of the other CE Level II back protectors out
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The CE Level II standard states
that no more than 9kN of impact force can be transmitted to the rider’s spine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Level I standard allowed a maximum of
18kN in the same test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The “Sub 4” comes
from this back protector’s reduction of the impact to less than 4kN (3.38kN to
be exact), more than twice what the standard requires, and the best out there
by a significant margin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 4kN number
isn’t just a statistic it’s the standard for CE standard EN1621-2, considered
to be the maximum allowable impact force to prevent severe spinal and rib
injuries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find it interesting that
even the CE Level II standard allows more than double that force.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> For more information on the testing methodology used and the technology in the back protectors, see <a href="http://www.forcefieldbodyarmour.com/technology/">Forcefield's Nitrex Body Armour Technology Page</a>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKDcFDXXtNBwpcLWtIZ_j1ABp560uvCeMr7YMXiicM4oBGa9pwQV3CefrDht2ZEQV7JJgxE0-nbF89-2NVFDwe7ApRE4PkcobGAcTe8Vtv3EHV-lgDschYOquLkhRsCd2D7mDM4zk40M5/s1600/IMG_20140526_205050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKDcFDXXtNBwpcLWtIZ_j1ABp560uvCeMr7YMXiicM4oBGa9pwQV3CefrDht2ZEQV7JJgxE0-nbF89-2NVFDwe7ApRE4PkcobGAcTe8Vtv3EHV-lgDschYOquLkhRsCd2D7mDM4zk40M5/s1600/IMG_20140526_205050.jpg" height="221" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This shot shows how thick the Pro Sub 4 is.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Instead of segmented hard plastic plates like many of the
other CE Level II back protectors on the market, the Pro Sub 4 uses multiple
layers of Nitrex material to dissipate the energy of an impact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This multi-layer approach does result in a
thicker back protector, but it provides unmatched protection and is good for
multiple impacts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many back protectors
need to be replaced after taking a strong impact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully this feature will be irrelevant for
me! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>I was unable to find another back protector
that offered as much impact reduction, but the protection does come at a higher
than average price: 200 dollars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRgtlsUXDahzFul6dTQt4MKAdPoJSTtIUTQ5wOTiI-6qR1Zd933Bnhd4RvbLXEsMfKmwg6c23ZXcTJJzCXQjHr51Uc66yGZ8-Hf4CB3zRnwVJFik1Jei9tsChXfGW9m44lahL7QDDbp7S/s1600/IMG_20140526_205138_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVRgtlsUXDahzFul6dTQt4MKAdPoJSTtIUTQ5wOTiI-6qR1Zd933Bnhd4RvbLXEsMfKmwg6c23ZXcTJJzCXQjHr51Uc66yGZ8-Hf4CB3zRnwVJFik1Jei9tsChXfGW9m44lahL7QDDbp7S/s1600/IMG_20140526_205138_1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of layers inside! Each one is roughly the same size and thickness as the stock protector in my old suit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Pro Sub 4 was easy to adjust and fits very
comfortably.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The plates conform to your
body once they get a little heat in them, and they have vent holes through them
that will hopefully keep heat under control.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7kn41uasaiCtxX8YQZWmPj9d9S69M_7ds0Gw3WHj4dUw5_tqIIe3900tHlUB_VE8hBG2OwCEq6BCX7N17ZzfujNob5D77RksN9-igXj6cpqPpYfxB9QIhPiOSBcMkZsGSlcoWEm37uMIx/s1600/IMG_20140526_205118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7kn41uasaiCtxX8YQZWmPj9d9S69M_7ds0Gw3WHj4dUw5_tqIIe3900tHlUB_VE8hBG2OwCEq6BCX7N17ZzfujNob5D77RksN9-igXj6cpqPpYfxB9QIhPiOSBcMkZsGSlcoWEm37uMIx/s1600/IMG_20140526_205118.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ventilation is key. I tried to get the panels to move around enough to get the holes out of alignment, but they stay put very well. This should breathe nicely.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m impressed so far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ll follow up on this review once I get a chance to try out the new
leathers and back protector together, since that will be the true test for
comfort and mobility.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799182592410841860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474169450424847426.post-19377242001521295622014-05-21T19:05:00.002-07:002014-05-21T19:07:51.523-07:00A New Adventure (Part Two)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<h2>
Getting Ready for the Track</h2>
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcyZG7VVcgp5ZMdDsjX9D_KV7n2A5GfDTHMPInRmXSyO6ni-usQmJNFavwSQNgpXvJACgNvfS8bSTCeGStHJmNAl7bSeOgCWW2AAVS4ECJAwniMMHd9IaU2tBxS8oneAZMRNK8lij-Uu5/s1600/IMG_20140517_172133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcyZG7VVcgp5ZMdDsjX9D_KV7n2A5GfDTHMPInRmXSyO6ni-usQmJNFavwSQNgpXvJACgNvfS8bSTCeGStHJmNAl7bSeOgCWW2AAVS4ECJAwniMMHd9IaU2tBxS8oneAZMRNK8lij-Uu5/s1600/IMG_20140517_172133.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's in her track clothes now!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my first post of this series, I laid out the plan to
shift from riding on the road to the racetrack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m not there yet, but I’ve made a ton of progress since then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve bought the bike and trailer, back
protector, new gloves, and I am finalizing my order for new leathers with Comet
Racing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve also made quite a bit of
progress on preparing the bike for the track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve definitely learned an important lesson this far along
in the process: it’s expensive!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Granted,
I haven’t exactly gone the budget route with this project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could have spent about half as much on the
bike, and still had something perfectly acceptable for the track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Given the wide range of bike options and
rider preferences, I’m not going to focus on the bike aside from the track
preparations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had also budgeted for
the gear replacements and upgrades, and I truly believe that it’s worth it to
buy the best of anything that might one day save my skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The expenses that I’ve really been feeling
have been the “nickel and dime” sort of thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve had to make several runs to The Home Depot for little stuff, tools,
zip ties, towing accessories, and what not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h2>
Bike Prep</h2>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After 10 days on the road with the SQL Sentry team for the
PASS Business Analytics Conference and Microsoft Tech Ed North America, much of
my weekend was spent getting the bike ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I purchased the bike with a full set of Sharkskinz race bodywork, so
that was a big plus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did have to pull
all of the street parts, tie up some wires, and mount the race plastics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are a ton of pieces to the street plastics on the ZX10R!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took off 25 or so pieces of bodywork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were replaced with four!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m planning to sell the street plastics,
mirrors, and lights to recoup some of my costs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNB31eHjuU1zfEWYoFWRWXQWjQa-b4hetj0vnbOmBp4rlt2F8pE87IEfQXN4c4_vi5ls7Gyf44bxhyphenhyphenUS0dWi_gJuSK7N6-L7BVtIJhDt3THUHA79yQGIxM3Tx1KynGhrLLUTRDdAEBxLaM/s1600/IMG_20140521_215910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNB31eHjuU1zfEWYoFWRWXQWjQa-b4hetj0vnbOmBp4rlt2F8pE87IEfQXN4c4_vi5ls7Gyf44bxhyphenhyphenUS0dWi_gJuSK7N6-L7BVtIJhDt3THUHA79yQGIxM3Tx1KynGhrLLUTRDdAEBxLaM/s1600/IMG_20140521_215910.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who blew up a motorcycle in my living room?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What’s left to do: </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Safety Wire</li>
<li>Replace coolant with distilled water and Water Wetter</li>
<li>Change numbers, and maybe add some other cosmetic touches.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h2>
New Gear</h2>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I mentioned earlier, I’ve been getting some new
gear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll be sure to review all of
these in a future post.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Gloves:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m going to get my old set of Held Phantom IIs repaired,
but went ahead and ordered another set from Revzilla since Held’s USA
distributor went out of business a few months ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love the Phantoms and wanted to grab
another set while I could still get them from a US retailer. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not having to order from Europe saves on
duties and an unfavorable exchange rate.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Back Protector:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My Forcefield Pro Sub 4 arrived while I was out of
town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I needed it before I could order
my custom leathers, since I wanted to be able to wear it when I had all of my
measurements taken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My initial
impression is that it’s very well made and quite comfortable. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Leathers:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My new suit took a lot more research, and will be another month
or so before it arrives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t fit my
back protector under my old Joe Rocket suit, and it’s due for replacement
anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure there are off the rack
suits out there that would fit me, but here in Charlotte, NC there are very few
places that stock high end suits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
riding for the last year with gloves made from kangaroo leather, I decided to
focus my search on a kangaroo suit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
further limited my options, and led to my investigation of custom suit
manufacturers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the custom suit
makers are small businesses with overseas production facilities, so it was
important to me to find one with good customer service and a solid
reputation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After speaking with staff at several others, I ended up
going with <a href="http://www.cometracingleathers.com/">Comet Racing Leathers</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
a few emails and a lengthy phone conversation with Karl, the owner, I’m
sold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m actually sold enough that I’m
signed up for their track day ambassador program, which will make me a field
representative for the company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This did
get me a discount on my suit, but I would have purchased one even without the
deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Customer service and
responsiveness are very important to me, and Karl has that side of things
well-covered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll be posting a more
thorough review on the suit and purchase process once it arrives in about a
month. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8LRMj-euXz1WJjxnvKhL1cwCrGh0_41V8Q4Qj6KNqBWokRgdIW9lcVrIqp1UZZDjV58gmHol9xsWT8mS_jEUaLQg0Nd3VMHHal2PDnSRqpHpC2xu6RJNibe_DASwtvwOpmx_KvVYMaK2/s1600/red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8LRMj-euXz1WJjxnvKhL1cwCrGh0_41V8Q4Qj6KNqBWokRgdIW9lcVrIqp1UZZDjV58gmHol9xsWT8mS_jEUaLQg0Nd3VMHHal2PDnSRqpHpC2xu6RJNibe_DASwtvwOpmx_KvVYMaK2/s1600/red.jpg" height="400" width="227" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I went for one of Comet’s raciest suits, the Apex Pro, in Kangaroo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m going to use their red/black color scheme
as a base for my design, but we’re going to go a bit further and have some fun with
it! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799182592410841860noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474169450424847426.post-68333531978516648712014-05-19T13:09:00.003-07:002015-06-23T06:46:52.168-07:00As a SQL Server DBA, Why Do I Need Performance Advisor for Windows?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<h2 align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Performance Advisor for Windows for the SQL Server DBA</h2>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
SQL Sentry Performance Advisor (PA) for Windows is one of
our newer product offerings, and I think one that could use a little bit of
use-case clarification.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am often asked
questions like this: “Why would I need Performance Advisor for Windows when
Performance Advisor for SQL Server already shows me Windows metrics?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are several possible answers to this question. </div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>You really don’t need it, PA for SQL Server has you covered.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>You need visibility into other Windows Servers
that aren’t monitored by Performance Advisor for SQL Server.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>You need additional visibility into other things
running on one or more of your monitored SQL Servers.</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before we talk about each of the three answers above, let’s
go over what Performance Advisor for Windows does:</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Adds the Processes Tab.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Adds process group highlighting to the PA
Dashboard.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Allows monitoring of any Windows machine with
the Windows portion of the PA Dashboard and the Processes Tab.</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">
You really don’t need it, PA for SQL Server has you covered.</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8mfrGuj22s5fr2QzyBJ06xxUvZ4ym2-COKx_XsdzB4fW2_4kXlvkmmUKJ-e6_uL12boSTKGm4lMuPIJOOz_HgREQaweErbikxzGrHA8F5-2dN4Mnm7sH5yn11rePBD0_p5wrIa5D0xDJ/s1600/CPU+PA+SQL.bmp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bright green for "other" here really doesn't have much of a story to tell.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is the easy one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the case of a standalone SQL Server instance with few to no other
running services aside from the OS, you probably don’t need PA for Windows, as
there </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
won’t be a need to see details on the “other” Network, CPU, and Memory
metrics very often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this case, you
are probably going to be just fine with PA for SQL Server by itself.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">
You need visibility into other Windows Servers that aren’t
monitored by Performance Advisor for SQL Server.</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-fCa_cRoNDgICO0yBkb98c2cBm1iQvWItHZe0bhZ4KFi_3VEuLwwp87TRotfXCXnD90Qd96zCSOBg0KQ6D7908m92cykS44eQpnrvWwTzshkymlInOU-Ja56AFAPErkK3GwK7r8_QfnBV/s1600/PA+Windows.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-fCa_cRoNDgICO0yBkb98c2cBm1iQvWItHZe0bhZ4KFi_3VEuLwwp87TRotfXCXnD90Qd96zCSOBg0KQ6D7908m92cykS44eQpnrvWwTzshkymlInOU-Ja56AFAPErkK3GwK7r8_QfnBV/s1600/PA+Windows.bmp" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PA for Windows gives you live and historical performance monitoring for any Windows Server</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are lots of use cases for this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are responsible for monitoring other
servers in the environment that aren’t running SQL Server, PA for Windows
offers a great solution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often, for
users of PA for SQL Server these are servers that interact with your SQL
Servers: VM Hosts, Sharepoint Farm Servers, App Servers, Servers used in ETL
processes, and so on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is helpful
because a SQL Sentry user can create consolidated views of related servers, and
easily drill into problems.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">
You need additional visibility into other things running on
one or more of your monitored SQL Servers.</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPyELcYzISVFVoR02nnfUZvxlfBvV3kZSER_2BvHt3U29oT-uRjbhw3yBqzCOeUkKWHRnsGiBdCADAmohRaqjgpLNe-_AV7UGiJfWSvd2d22hFbf_KY4MvcrwWZejQTKxpQ03IfRwZ6xy/s1600/cpu_processes_sample_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPyELcYzISVFVoR02nnfUZvxlfBvV3kZSER_2BvHt3U29oT-uRjbhw3yBqzCOeUkKWHRnsGiBdCADAmohRaqjgpLNe-_AV7UGiJfWSvd2d22hFbf_KY4MvcrwWZejQTKxpQ03IfRwZ6xy/s1600/cpu_processes_sample_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's better! Now we have visibility into other process groups on the dashboard.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1xzeSFy7UVD3JHpqQOtFDLEphq8OfwGbNV5q36ewplju3afAVLUFsh2NzUqCtRIJB7ISs12O8tmYMLPhdj_O0-K4rJLHc5t-TJauEHp3oEsWZU6nyVEo5-Hz7c6TIMw9yfL_C1Ckg56Q/s1600/processes_tab_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif1xzeSFy7UVD3JHpqQOtFDLEphq8OfwGbNV5q36ewplju3afAVLUFsh2NzUqCtRIJB7ISs12O8tmYMLPhdj_O0-K4rJLHc5t-TJauEHp3oEsWZU6nyVEo5-Hz7c6TIMw9yfL_C1Ckg56Q/s1600/processes_tab_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The processes tab gives even more details.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you find yourself wondering what makes up the “Other”
category that you see on the PA for SQL Server dashboard, those details can be
collected and shown by PA for Windows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well-known processes will have predefined color highlights, and
highlights for other processes not automatically recognized by SQL Sentry can
be created with a quick update to the SQL Sentry Database.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Detailed utilization metrics are also
available on the Processes tab which is also available in the Jump To menu for
drilldown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This gives the user a way
to see what is happening with processes like Reporting Services, Integration
Services, Internet Information Services, third-party backup tools, and other
things that might be running alongside the SQL Server process.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
I hope this helps clear up the use cases, and what PA for Windows adds to servers already monitored by PA for SQL Server. Please comment or contact us with any questions.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799182592410841860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474169450424847426.post-6533621428027285292014-05-01T13:04:00.001-07:002014-05-01T13:07:01.268-07:00A New Adventure<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<h2 align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xRXSZPByqHVp8UrvNtU1pkE-DjFlfKIkffawz9AnF4GXpIC-xbT2qNOQixqYKL17hoGZb5SjsSpwT-p8w0yjG0TXIRbfDY2nr24xFq1ATZma2qOiVCsAwXPJQP5FkPjPACOv8Djf-KVJ/s1600/311164.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xRXSZPByqHVp8UrvNtU1pkE-DjFlfKIkffawz9AnF4GXpIC-xbT2qNOQixqYKL17hoGZb5SjsSpwT-p8w0yjG0TXIRbfDY2nr24xFq1ATZma2qOiVCsAwXPJQP5FkPjPACOv8Djf-KVJ/s1600/311164.png" height="191" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Motorcycles have been my primary hobby (obsession?) for nearly
14 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve logged many thousands of
miles on many different bikes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little
did I know when I started that something I took up on a whim would become such
a defining part of my life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had a very early brush with the dangers of riding a
motorcycle when a month and a half into my riding career I was rear-ended at a
stoplight by a pickup truck doing about 35 mph.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was okay for the most part, as I was thrown clear and landed on the
roof of the car in front of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
about 12 years of safe rides, the risks caught up to me again last July, an
experience I wrote about here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neither
of these really phased me, even the July crash which resulted in some pretty
painful injuries. I was back on a bike in a few weeks, considerably sooner than I should have been!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, less than a year later, I’ve had another freak accident
due to a likely mechanical failure (hard to diagnose since the part I think
failed was completely destroyed).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walked away
from this one completely uninjured, but with a very changed mindset.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truth be told, I’m not sure where the seeds
of this idea came from, but it started before the crash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All I know is that it’s time to make a
change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Motorcycles are a part of me,
and I don’t see that changing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That
said, sportbike riding on the street is drifting outside of my risk tolerance. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A number of things have combined to push those risks up over
the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Traffic is increasing, drivers
seem to be increasingly distracted, road conditions are getting worse, and law
enforcement is becoming increasingly aggressive in targeting even the riders that
go out to the middle of nowhere to play around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These are all factors that I don’t control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One factor that I do control is that over the years, my
riding ability has increased to the point that I’ve got to go too fast to
continue to challenge myself and get the adrenaline rush of days past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not the guy that’s flying by you on the
highway like you’re standing still, while riding a wheelie in shorts and flip
flops…that’s never been my way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m the
rider you probably never see speeding, because I’m looking for roads with lots
of twists and turns and no traffic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
also the guy you probably pass in traffic on my way to or from those roads and
wonder why he’s wearing full leathers, gloves, and boots in 90 degree
heat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite taking every possible
safety measure, nothing is going to adequately protect a human being from a
car, tree, guardrail, or other solid object at speed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t take going 100+ mph to get hurt
either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was only doing about 40 when I
went down in July, and I broke a clavicle, two ribs, and had hairline fractures
in two vertebrae.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had I not been in full
leathers and wearing a top-quality helmet, my injuries would likely have been
much worse.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">
“Get to the point already!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Where does this lead?”</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To the racetrack!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgom6mizluV0YYWKFK6hB8-kUAIzE-FHqIj-cw-rKhJaWWisJm4vPT8NPM1l58umcoXTsn-JdO7bfTB5s2CHb7fMtR__mwkCTbYib1Hf_ViVKvYEcxVvaBCTgKo73bSXs4JKlv8ZDNwoN08/s1600/13939_105445179466106_6344009_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgom6mizluV0YYWKFK6hB8-kUAIzE-FHqIj-cw-rKhJaWWisJm4vPT8NPM1l58umcoXTsn-JdO7bfTB5s2CHb7fMtR__mwkCTbYib1Hf_ViVKvYEcxVvaBCTgKo73bSXs4JKlv8ZDNwoN08/s1600/13939_105445179466106_6344009_n.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first day on the track at Virginia International Raceway in 2002 doing California Superbike School </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To anyone who hasn’t spent time on the track, that probably
sounds completely ridiculous as a risk management strategy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fact is though; going fast on the track
is safer than even going slowly on the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s a controlled environment: there are no cars, everyone goes the same
direction, the surface is carefully maintained and kept clean, there is
designed runoff area should someone go down, safety rules are strictly
enforced, and there are emergency services on site should something go wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The racetrack completely eliminates the concerns
about getting a speeding ticket as well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">
What’s it going to take to make the change?</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s my list so far:</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Track bike - I’m buying a 2012 Kawasaki ZX10R
that’s already got most of the track prep done.</li>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNLJ5u4XH3cXhXsNY3VfVaea6RktM1P6tKjBKhUs5W5hGhgtXyWUibl183EL3OSyvpfbvpM4-g4_S5tXPh57uC5EMQrS3gqgu-xD_pMRSI1LXpQTTO9q1MWSlW125PgBAhv86SDMf_x9E/s1600/trackready2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNLJ5u4XH3cXhXsNY3VfVaea6RktM1P6tKjBKhUs5W5hGhgtXyWUibl183EL3OSyvpfbvpM4-g4_S5tXPh57uC5EMQrS3gqgu-xD_pMRSI1LXpQTTO9q1MWSlW125PgBAhv86SDMf_x9E/s1600/trackready2.jpg" height="238" width="400" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>This probably isn’t the best “starter” track
bike, but I’m accustomed to and really like power! </li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>I’ll post a follow up once I have the bike.</li>
</ul>
<li>Trailer – Comes with the bike.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></li>
<li>Trailer hitch – no big deal.</li>
<li>New leathers – looking for a custom,
made-to-measure<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>suit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>I already have most of my gear, but my suit’s
about 13 years old, time for a new one.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Stay tuned for a future post on this purchase,
and a review once I get my suit.</li>
</ul>
<li>Back protector – Just ordered a Forcefield Pro
Sub 4 from <a href="http://www.compacc.com/">Competition Accessories</a> </li>
<ul>
<li>These are supposed to be the best thing out
there right now, review to come.</li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Spare parts, tools, gas, and tires.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once I have everything together, I’ll be doing track days
and racing schools all over the Southeastern US. I'm already booked to repeat level 1 of <a href="http://www.superbikeschool.com/">California Superbike School </a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">at <a href="http://www.vir.com/">Virginia International Raceway</a> in August. </span>At some point, I’ll probably do some
competition as well, but that’s still a ways off.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I picked up a couple of GoPro cameras this winter, so
reviews and track stuff will all be getting upgraded to video coverage going
forward. Stay tuned!</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799182592410841860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474169450424847426.post-43445104907858236682013-11-19T12:47:00.003-08:002013-11-19T12:47:22.346-08:00Simplify your on-call hours with automated response from SQL SentryFor many DBAs and other IT professionals, on-call hours are part of the job. Keeping critical servers and applications running 24/7 requires the ability to respond to problems at any time of day. This usually means that a call or page to the on-call administrator when something does go wrong off-hours. With SQL Sentry's extensive automated alerting and response capabilities, this isn't always necessary. Let's take a look at how it works.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Automated response types:</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGr4nsLkGQL4GDg1IQe6hi-DaCErGfZfQ_qf3xCNd59s49jCZz7IDCfjIgfmOmlntVlyHp68fVJQFQtkF6xcV4vv2ObhWzIhmUCNs9s4SHzyJdydbFq3hFlDefehzhmH-dkTLTAo38SYo/s1600/Actions.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGr4nsLkGQL4GDg1IQe6hi-DaCErGfZfQ_qf3xCNd59s49jCZz7IDCfjIgfmOmlntVlyHp68fVJQFQtkF6xcV4vv2ObhWzIhmUCNs9s4SHzyJdydbFq3hFlDefehzhmH-dkTLTAo38SYo/s1600/Actions.bmp" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
There are four different responses that I'm going to focus on for this post: Execute Job, Execute Process, Execute SQL, and Run QuickTrace. We will also look at using some notifications alongside them. Let's start by examining the capabilites of each in detail.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Execute Job</h2>
<br />
The Execute Job action can be used to execute a SQL Agent
job on the current server, or any other watched server in your enterprise. This
action effectively enables you to create simple "one-to-one" job chains by
associating it with Job Completed, Success, or Failure conditions. SQL Sentry Event Manager users can also create more advanced job workflows using Event Chaining, but that's a topic for another post.<br />
<br />
Execute Job is my favorite response type because I can wrap almost anything in a job, and the job itself is monitored by Event Manager. This allows me to not only automate a response, but very easily configure a Send Email or Send Page notification in case of a failure in my automated response. <br />
<br />
<h2>
Execute Process</h2>
<br />
The Execute Process action can be used to execute any executable or batch file against any of your monitored servers. This option does require xp_cmdshell to be enabled on the server, so this is not always an option.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Execute SQL</h2>
<br />
The Execute SQL action executes any T-SQL statement(s) against any of your monitored servers. This option is very flexible, able to respond to pretty much anything you can anticipate and write a script or stored procedure to resolve. The upside to this versus Execute Job is that you do not have to create an object on the server. The downside is that it is a little bit more complicated to build a notification to respond to issues with your automated response. <br />
<br />
<h2>
Run QuickTrace</h2>
<h2>
</h2>
Sometimes you have a recurring issue that some extra trace data would be helpful to resolve, but it is hard to predict when the issue will happen. Run QuickTrace is for this kind of scenario, as it allows you to run a short-term trace in response to the event occurring. This allows you to minimize the amount of time the trace has to run against the server, and the amount of data that needs to be sifted through to analyze the problem.<br />
<br />
The Quick Trace runs for a short time, I usually set its duration for 10-30 seconds, and grabs everything running against the server at either the batch or statement event level. You can also specify a rowcount limit for the trace, limiting the amount of data collected.<br />
<br />
The QuickTrace is unfiltered and collects a broad range of data columns. This is something we would typically think of as being fairly high-impact from a standpoint of overhead on the server,and certainly something we would be very resistant to firing off from Profiler as a client-side trace. SQL Sentry has a number of different safeguards and optimizations to reduce that overhead. I won't bore you with the details here, but they're all available in the <a href="http://www.sqlsentry.net/help/ug/webframe.html#Overview.html">SQL Sentry User Guide</a>.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Configuring an example in SQL Sentry:</h2>
Let's take a look at one possible example using my demo environment. <br />
<br />
First, we need a problem to solve. For our example, I have built an automated response to handle a failure of my nightly full backup job on one of my monitored SQL Server instances. I created a second backup job for my automated response, and it backs up to an alternate storage location. This way, if my primary backup location runs out of space, or there is some other issue, we can retry to an alternate location. In this case, I wouldn't disable the failed job email alert that I have configured globally, because I do want to know that my backup isn't going to be in its usual location. Let's take a look at how I configured it:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6VVefKbAMNUakoUeEkMSCs24qFz1c-g4l5M6w4Antb8Qa5hRsO6ElzHpgYOuClPHOAcO3eQDI4Yx222Sky8yDE035hsdXvQXfsI1Q56Aq93fhWfmh0q_vW0fxcRf9HGWoC4DOcC3Ye2U/s1600/Automated+response+blog.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR6VVefKbAMNUakoUeEkMSCs24qFz1c-g4l5M6w4Antb8Qa5hRsO6ElzHpgYOuClPHOAcO3eQDI4Yx222Sky8yDE035hsdXvQXfsI1Q56Aq93fhWfmh0q_vW0fxcRf9HGWoC4DOcC3Ye2U/s400/Automated+response+blog.png" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click to enlarge. On the left, I've configured the Execute Job action on failure to start the alternate backup job. On the right, I set a Send Page alert targeting both of my call groups and the help desk so a high-priority notification goes out if the alternate backup should fail as well.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This is just a simple example, but outlines one of the many ways you can have SQL Sentry automate response to events to save aggravation and ensure that problems are resolved quickly. <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799182592410841860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474169450424847426.post-46347877742063003002013-10-15T13:19:00.001-07:002013-10-15T13:19:17.633-07:00The Unofficial PASS Summit Sportbike Tour<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsClPhj8k8AAWG-aTfPjrSgQnnjSpdXkP3oZlPhAx8P9DJeIq-lAJoUI4ygjpF-IZxGTK1TSn3KmRhHVJegqJZCDKAS1UNS6ZHlUYdxuE9tK7921Jl3uHfRCiJbNcqZxVc51Gap0rX1ZxN/s1600/394952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsClPhj8k8AAWG-aTfPjrSgQnnjSpdXkP3oZlPhAx8P9DJeIq-lAJoUI4ygjpF-IZxGTK1TSn3KmRhHVJegqJZCDKAS1UNS6ZHlUYdxuE9tK7921Jl3uHfRCiJbNcqZxVc51Gap0rX1ZxN/s400/394952.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The closest we came to an action shot of the entire group.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
How it came together:</h2>
People that ride motorcycles inevitably talk about them all the time, leading to meeting others who do the same quite regularly. As a result of my travels with SQL Sentry, I've met quite a few members of the community who are also sportbike riders. The idea of a pre-Summit ride got started at SQL Bits this year, as I was talking to, and probably having a beer with, André Kamman, Mark Rasmussen, Mark Pratt, and Tim Kent at various times. <br />
<br />
Over the intervening months there was much discussion and banter as we planned the trip. As the discussion went on, we ended up looping in my friend Mario Faraone, and local SQL guy and former SQL Sentry team member Ryan Brickey. Tim and Ryan were unable to make the trip, but will hopefully make the next one. There WILL be a next one!<br />
<br />
Once we had what looked like a seven person group, we stopped looking for other riders. Not because we didn't want company, but because groups larger than that become very difficult to manage on the kinds of roads we planned to ride. I have some ideas on how we can grow this in the future without issues, so please contact me if you are interested in future rides. I have a feeling there will be more rides not only in the US, but also in Europe.<br />
<br />
Even if sportbikes aren't your thing, this does highlight one of the many benefits of attending community events like SQL Bits, PASS Summit, SQL Rally, SQL Saturday, or any other SQL Server event. Not only do you network professionally, but you will inevitably meet people that share other interests as well. <br />
<br />
<h2>
The cast:</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkwbFIuawFnhNz849H-xegdpHfKzQ59cqMHEFU6qHA7sZ2RfEfs6gpiiHni08Qnu2mVLVz2EiBcgw-Pvi7EAwIpyKCPGyax1Ms9hsAdDTWitkfm2Afmq0q4grlJsaQF5_Pk0Ok6QG_t6m/s1600/1395869_685322241478394_1949116032_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkwbFIuawFnhNz849H-xegdpHfKzQ59cqMHEFU6qHA7sZ2RfEfs6gpiiHni08Qnu2mVLVz2EiBcgw-Pvi7EAwIpyKCPGyax1Ms9hsAdDTWitkfm2Afmq0q4grlJsaQF5_Pk0Ok6QG_t6m/s400/1395869_685322241478394_1949116032_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left: Mark Rasmussen, Mark Pratt, Mario Faraone, André Kamman. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
</h2>
André Kamman - Holland<br />
Mark Rasmussen - Denmark<br />
Mark Pratt - United Kingdom <br />
Mario Faraone - South Carolina<br />
Myself - USA<br />
<br />
<h2>
Planning the ride: </h2>
<br />
Here in North Carolina we have some of the best motorcycle roads in the country, that are known worldwide. Pretty much everyone who's been on two wheels for any length of time has heard of the "Tail of the Dragon" at Deal's Gap, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Both are great roads, but tend to be crowded as a result of their fame. As the planner of this ride, I decided very early to skip "the Dragon" entirely, and just pop on to the Parkway for a little bit of the trip. There are a bunch of other roads around here that are just as good, and far less crowded.<br />
<br />
As I mentioned in a prior post, I used to live in Asheville. I know the area fairly well, but I still wanted to do a little exploring of my own. I started with some favorite roads from our usual weekend rides out of Charlotte, and figured out fun ways to get there and back from Asheville. With that, one day of riding pretty much built itself. Mario and I decided to make that Saturday's ride, since only one road on the route was new to us. <br />
<br />
From there I went searching for fun roads on Google Maps and <a href="http://www.motorcycleroads.us/">www.motorcycleroads.us</a> to create a second nice loop for Sunday's ride.<br />
<br />
André, Mark, and Mark needed something to ride, and after quite a bit of searching I ran across <a href="http://www.sportbikes4hire.com/">http://www.sportbikes4hire.com/</a>. Sportbike rentals are not an easy thing to come by. In many areas the only motorcycle rentals available are from Harley Davidson dealers. The bikes were delivered early, and Greg McCoy (the owner) was very friendly and easy to work with. Those bikes have had hard lives, each having been down a few times. That said, they had been repaired carefully, and looked well-maintained. It seemed like everyone was satisfied overall. <br />
<br />
<h2>
Saturday: </h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Route map: <a href="http://goo.gl/Ko6VJf">http://goo.gl/Ko6VJf</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I only mapped one way for this route, because I wanted to leave it open to either a fast return via the interstate, or a leisurely one via the Parkway. We ended up taking the quick way back to avoid rain and "leaf peepers" driving 10-20 miles per hour under the limit on the Parkway.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our first road was US 74A from Asheville to Chimney Rock. It's a great road with lots of twists and turns, and a fair amount of elevation change. It's a fairly heavily-traveled road, so traffic tends to make for a slower ride. Just before Chimney Rock, we turned North on NC 9 to head up to Black Mountain. NC 9 had more great curves and quite a bit of elevation change. The northern part of the road was particularly good, and one I'd like to try again heading the other direction to hit the tight turns going uphill. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our next destination was NC 80, also known as "<a href="https://www.thedevilnc80.com/">The Devil's Whip</a>" - one of my favorite rides. Best experienced northbound, the section of 80 we ride runs from Marion up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. It offers a great mix of hairpin turns, sweeping corners, and tons of elevation change. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnajO7cMI9NSUZ42ps0R9d1EJDW_uZcqKJIeTlnjGWfco1kn0g4OOVffUa-Yu-2dJB2NlsGpr2Uep9-E1IrXzSoHjVsBpwJv8BTB4RuFHIL4krOvsoxy8DispLlV3tH35lVpncIN2HqMo/s1600/394960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnajO7cMI9NSUZ42ps0R9d1EJDW_uZcqKJIeTlnjGWfco1kn0g4OOVffUa-Yu-2dJB2NlsGpr2Uep9-E1IrXzSoHjVsBpwJv8BTB4RuFHIL4krOvsoxy8DispLlV3tH35lVpncIN2HqMo/s400/394960.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many great Blind Kenny photos from NC 80: Mario headed up the hill. More pics at the end of the post.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While we stopped at the top for a break, I ran back down to say hello to Ken and Donna of <a href="http://www.blindkenny.com/">Blind Kenny Powersports Photography</a>. They provide the great photos of visitors to "Blind Kenny Corner", road condition reports, and as I found out this time around, just great people to stop and say hello to.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbV3T-a3OBi3s8dXBr4qngC4gvZ8hB07jkPUpgmWRTHVNmNDeyG9k5hMxSsR_1Qf_MKq1vghoQUP6CfM1oEuNp-74ILvN03gbJR96mPxqddqXYui0TaMTb20IVLOcYeGrghVFRSKuOrEX/s1600/1185215_10151700408157636_1389842731_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbV3T-a3OBi3s8dXBr4qngC4gvZ8hB07jkPUpgmWRTHVNmNDeyG9k5hMxSsR_1Qf_MKq1vghoQUP6CfM1oEuNp-74ILvN03gbJR96mPxqddqXYui0TaMTb20IVLOcYeGrghVFRSKuOrEX/s400/1185215_10151700408157636_1389842731_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stopping for a break to enjoy the view from one of the Parkway overlooks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After running down and back up the best part of highway 80, we took the Parkway up to US 221, and cut over to NC 181. Another local favorite, NC 181 runs North from Morganton to Linville. Great surface, sweeping curves, and numerous legal passing zones make for a motorcycle playground. Just be careful, it's an easy place to get a ticket with many of the turns being possible at well over the 55 mile per hour speed limit. After a few runs up and down the mountain, rain was coming, so we headed back to Asheville.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">
Sunday</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Route Map:<a href="http://goo.gl/Ko6VJf"> http://goo.gl/Ko6VJf</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our first ride on Sunday morning was a repeat of US 74A, a good warm up, but this time we went past highway 9 and turned toward Brevard on US 64. Next time I'll find a better route to Brevard, as 64 really isn't much fun. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthEQxhQ_D6a-RCWsTvQEN7Hrd2uFXYT0QWlTSgJh6stHo0WFzV2fxAsiZwCIS5ubqhnkGoxGNOV6IkBda8QOKxEyVk8QMr7lomlTGqAomVZDl8HpNwJ4BcWjzt9JTHMJFZNnpkraw6s_o/s1600/1378718_686326441377974_824948208_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthEQxhQ_D6a-RCWsTvQEN7Hrd2uFXYT0QWlTSgJh6stHo0WFzV2fxAsiZwCIS5ubqhnkGoxGNOV6IkBda8QOKxEyVk8QMr7lomlTGqAomVZDl8HpNwJ4BcWjzt9JTHMJFZNnpkraw6s_o/s400/1378718_686326441377974_824948208_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">André Kamman takes in the view at Looking Glass Falls, pondering this most un-flat landscape.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHgsVp5XzMJvCw1HDbhTYOe6XpiDyT_NXUQo1RsGrl9-zjVZ4NbXul_A1uHg3NaGO-QYuFkS5Kqe4EUeOw3GeIrQJUImzokWbVwlLu-AZTRMHqCdDtocqhaKAdNqVCHOthHhINGoG7s69/s1600/1378827_686326421377976_1838501916_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
US 276 runs north from Brevard, past Looking Glass Falls, to Waynesville, NC. It's a great road, but heavily traveled due to the number of attractions it passes. Still, a great twisty road that's well-maintained, has great scenery, and is a challenging ride. The descent out of the mountains on the North end of the road was wet, so we had to take it pretty slow. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Our next leg proved to be the highlight of the day, NC 209, nicknamed "<a href="http://www.209therattler.com/">The Rattler</a>." Running from Lake Junaluska to Hot Springs, there are 239 turns and lots of elevation change. The turns ranged from long sweeping curves to switchbacks. There was almost no traffic, the surface was good, and there were only a couple of corners with gravel to dodge. It's a pretty ride too, but we didn't have much time to look at the scenery. The road demands undivided attention.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUEvcPsvvxFuLqxR6x4zYpOn4IFTD1pSN-vhGPckWnAdwg9jkHOv6vft7mLRFckwUHiuyxG9ALzwhiy671vXdgBSgGckVF_J_0CDf83wEJOgvIAOh7WD4YHQw05kPdGIcAeFKTpoLy9Iyz/s1600/1378827_686326421377976_1838501916_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUEvcPsvvxFuLqxR6x4zYpOn4IFTD1pSN-vhGPckWnAdwg9jkHOv6vft7mLRFckwUHiuyxG9ALzwhiy671vXdgBSgGckVF_J_0CDf83wEJOgvIAOh7WD4YHQw05kPdGIcAeFKTpoLy9Iyz/s400/1378827_686326421377976_1838501916_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NC 63, heading back to town. Dead tired :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After finishing NC 209, we doubled back and did about half of it again, breaking off on NC 63 to head back into Asheville. NC 63 proved both challenging and fun, with another steep descent with lots of switchbacks and finally some country road sweepers before turning into New Leicester Highway. We took this back toward the West side of Asheville, picked up Interstate 40, got rained on, and headed back to the hotel to drop off the rental bikes and get changed for the ride home. <br />
<br />
All in all, it was an awesome experience, and one we will be looking to repeat. Ride safely and enjoy PASS Summit!<br />
<br />
<h2>
A few more photos from NC 80:</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnpXzCWtyrIInQmNm99but3LfQEht6kB4Zpc6THGVv8Ezg5_D9Hm71s6CHD-v-aLvNOBjYrpKpIPLueBPm5fipEykh1m1ZVNDroA4P0t8Rv71bNW4nV38ziN1Gx_T1m-gcYY3zyr7NYuY/s1600/394951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRnpXzCWtyrIInQmNm99but3LfQEht6kB4Zpc6THGVv8Ezg5_D9Hm71s6CHD-v-aLvNOBjYrpKpIPLueBPm5fipEykh1m1ZVNDroA4P0t8Rv71bNW4nV38ziN1Gx_T1m-gcYY3zyr7NYuY/s400/394951.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqYtFi3v1RnwV2_BuSb2RkVpHk51jkYQHgoIxxanKGjtyYagUAUtZ9S9yTsXbhyphenhyphenvuNy-OAdTdHka52oiaF1G5Wv6ImbdBGNGlxP8ZmqNDiLOWdRURzBHQz-4MhOWwK8lQ5IKOT-uiFjpg/s1600/394953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqYtFi3v1RnwV2_BuSb2RkVpHk51jkYQHgoIxxanKGjtyYagUAUtZ9S9yTsXbhyphenhyphenvuNy-OAdTdHka52oiaF1G5Wv6ImbdBGNGlxP8ZmqNDiLOWdRURzBHQz-4MhOWwK8lQ5IKOT-uiFjpg/s400/394953.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00MzbkX9l472RArh86ZpLbBIHejTBYt9CQ0dgpwifRDAggWgwcD_eGyuNgMKWw-59hY57ln55E3LBd56VIWi61OK7tU_nNeuHzTXow3QrFIv8_8yTyIsaLcRqS09mLw5t8FOeKvpu-64Z/s1600/394954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00MzbkX9l472RArh86ZpLbBIHejTBYt9CQ0dgpwifRDAggWgwcD_eGyuNgMKWw-59hY57ln55E3LBd56VIWi61OK7tU_nNeuHzTXow3QrFIv8_8yTyIsaLcRqS09mLw5t8FOeKvpu-64Z/s400/394954.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitACaCm9IptwsS8mPczyxjLvz6P1RGDkz-IJIHHTEvkvV9jz1O5S0hajCnqXtmo1ywoj8WvS06jOPHq0bKm71e9hdzACGJPB4zZKdMhg7x4eJo7WMo8Wb0c6Nrl49MX2DgD0uNozSxrNCG/s1600/394959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitACaCm9IptwsS8mPczyxjLvz6P1RGDkz-IJIHHTEvkvV9jz1O5S0hajCnqXtmo1ywoj8WvS06jOPHq0bKm71e9hdzACGJPB4zZKdMhg7x4eJo7WMo8Wb0c6Nrl49MX2DgD0uNozSxrNCG/s400/394959.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5GPwy6CaFXoefXcPxm-V3S9GKBcByytG7k_ABKTH9Lz7KAdEmvYRGOVtdycbqc0HbIFKlCtD4au2FTflRxV8_7xuhYsuknEZKcF-Gg6awVoRGm6TewOnyC9D7zbMhR0MI8hsY9YqSapz/s1600/394956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM5GPwy6CaFXoefXcPxm-V3S9GKBcByytG7k_ABKTH9Lz7KAdEmvYRGOVtdycbqc0HbIFKlCtD4au2FTflRxV8_7xuhYsuknEZKcF-Gg6awVoRGm6TewOnyC9D7zbMhR0MI8hsY9YqSapz/s400/394956.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijauMAh1B4ZkJI6JVwm3ydgufYkhKUGOStIrdCfMWQnEhkKZQkmv3DApBBVNRm5NCJFDksWLf-s0T6rHSiiE5IECyqOH1Ps_lqV8yng5g1zh6U5Cm8ayEXZSwxTYKqlu9E1kjqOdM8fgO1/s1600/394957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijauMAh1B4ZkJI6JVwm3ydgufYkhKUGOStIrdCfMWQnEhkKZQkmv3DApBBVNRm5NCJFDksWLf-s0T6rHSiiE5IECyqOH1Ps_lqV8yng5g1zh6U5Cm8ayEXZSwxTYKqlu9E1kjqOdM8fgO1/s400/394957.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h2>
</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799182592410841860noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474169450424847426.post-61565885565333135462013-08-28T06:34:00.000-07:002013-08-28T07:05:37.315-07:00Visit Asheville while in North Carolina for PASS Summit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1z5jrCmrnISEDYCPbCY7qHFxD-jTpHBlAo0zUMEb4eEHZH8AfhB-Eegqyx8GdSQk3BP2UtY4GqNE9T0yPyeEvHUVAt4crh4bugkK6GONZaNGIPSDwzucKNdR6gVRa-b8cHtF2RgADL0qE/s1600/origin_4311713128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1z5jrCmrnISEDYCPbCY7qHFxD-jTpHBlAo0zUMEb4eEHZH8AfhB-Eegqyx8GdSQk3BP2UtY4GqNE9T0yPyeEvHUVAt4crh4bugkK6GONZaNGIPSDwzucKNdR6gVRa-b8cHtF2RgADL0qE/s400/origin_4311713128.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->One of the great things about the choice of Charlotte, North
Carolina to host the 2013 PASS Community Summit is Charlotte’s proximity to Asheville
and the surrounding area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Located in the
Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is approximately two and a half hours by car
from Charlotte via the interstate. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Prior to moving to Charlotte, I lived in
Asheville for ten years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still have
family in the area, so I’m there frequently and know the area well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This post is not meant to be exhaustive, but
to provide some ideas for those who might want to spend some extra time in the
area and explore a great nearby destination.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">
Famous attractions</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Asheville has become a fairly well-known tourism and
vacation destination, and it’s not surprising.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For a smaller city, there is quite a lot to see and do, and the
mountains are beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are a few
highlights:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGPh9SN5ip0yms4GD-fYlAfm_YsTAfKdyXMQHQaodePIdH0JXKORyW4akjQC84Urub9SZ0FErnesMP8VFIaDKkZruq47C-JkMH3TC2nWk4lzMdvhPZeb6o87-GGieXgTp8CJj1CekAi7g/s1600/origin_858543998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGPh9SN5ip0yms4GD-fYlAfm_YsTAfKdyXMQHQaodePIdH0JXKORyW4akjQC84Urub9SZ0FErnesMP8VFIaDKkZruq47C-JkMH3TC2nWk4lzMdvhPZeb6o87-GGieXgTp8CJj1CekAi7g/s400/origin_858543998.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<ul>
<li>Biltmore House<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.biltmore.com/">http://www.biltmore.com/</a></li>
<ul>
<li>If Asheville has a signature tourist attraction, this is
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The biggest private residence in the
United States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<li>Downtown<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.exploreasheville.com/things-to-do/discover-downtown/">http://www.exploreasheville.com/things-to-do/discover-downtown/</a>
</li>
<ul>
<li>Downtown Asheville is not huge, but very walkable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are lots of shops and restaurants,
something for everyone.</li>
</ul>
<li>Biltmore Village<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.biltmorevillage.com/">http://www.biltmorevillage.com/</a> </li>
<ul>
<li>Similar to downtown Asheville, but more upscale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Less options for places to eat, but has the
nicest McDonalds you’ll ever see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<li>Grove Arcade<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.grovearcade.com/">http://www.grovearcade.com/</a> </li>
<ul>
<li>One of America’s first indoor shopping malls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Grove Arcade was renovated about 20 years
ago if my memory serves me correctly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lots of little arts and crafts shops, be sure to check out the one that
does live glass blowing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The floors aren’t
even close to level, interesting unless you are on crutches or roller
skates…then just hazardous.</li>
</ul>
<li>Folk Art Center<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.southernhighlandguild.org/pages/folk-art-center/general-info.php">http://www.southernhighlandguild.org/pages/folk-art-center/general-info.php</a>
</li>
<ul>
<li>On the parkway, an art gallery with a focus on the
traditional folk arts of the area.</li>
</ul>
<li>Pack Place<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.packplace.org/">http://www.packplace.org/</a> </li>
<ul>
<li>Pack place is home to a number of different museums,
galleries, and a theater.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Colburn
Gem and Mineral Museum is one of the more unique museums in the area. </li>
</ul>
</ul>
<br />
<h2>
Bringing the kids?</h2>
Be sure to check out the Western North Carolina Nature Center <a href="http://www.wncnaturecenter.com/">http://www.wncnaturecenter.com</a>. This is a good destination for all ages, but is a huge hit with kids. The nature center has a great wildlife collection, mostly made up of species that are native to the North Carolina mountains. The river otters are the star attraction. This was a favorite of my sister and I when we were little.<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<h2 class="MsoNormal">
Outdoor Fun</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the keys to Asheville's popularity is the huge variety of outdoor activities available in the area. I've put together a list of destinations that I've enjoyed over the years. </div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Navitat Canopy Tours<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.navitat.com/asheville-nc/">http://www.navitat.com/asheville-nc/</a></li>
<ul>
<li>Navitat does a great zipline canopy tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve done this one personally, and recommend
it highly to the adventurous traveler. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the runs are very high up, and very
fast.</li>
</ul>
<li>Sliding Rock<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.ncwaterfalls.com/sliding_rock1.htm">http://www.ncwaterfalls.com/sliding_rock1.htm</a>
</li>
<ul>
<li>A natural water slide in Pisgah Forest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fun, but COLD!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can get pretty crowded on the weekends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In October, you’d want an unseasonably hot
day for this.</li>
</ul>
<li>Nantahala Outdoor Center<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><a href="http://www.noc.com/">http://www.noc.com/</a> </li>
<ul>
<li>Popular destination for rafting, kayaking, climbing, or
hiking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, look for a hot day if you
plan on getting in the water!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
mountain rivers get really cold.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<h2>
Hiking</h2>
Asheville is a very popular destination for all sorts of
outdoor activities, but one of the biggest is hiking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The mountains and forests in the area are
covered with trails, including part of the Appalachian Trail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The trails tend to be fairly well marked, and
easy to follow due to the volume of traffic they get.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a wide range of difficulty as
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are a few that I have first-hand
experience with:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<ul>
<li>Mount Pisgah (short)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.hikewnc.info/besthikes/blue-ridge-parkway-section-5/mount-pisgah">http://www.hikewnc.info/besthikes/blue-ridge-parkway-section-5/mount-pisgah</a>
</li>
<ul>
<li>A nice, short up and back hike, mostly climbing stone
stairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Great view at the top.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<li>John Rock (moderate)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.hikewnc.info/besthikes/davidson-river/john-rock-loop">http://www.hikewnc.info/besthikes/davidson-river/john-rock-loop</a></li>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXZWOpEeSQQAxWO6LAjIIC0Keki8-R8lqyE694JtCi-O74vSdS-a_mgvXLG7dkG8L-9yTRK4QxAzw6Alub98l42dXTnFyDC_n7iGEzkJcajtF68-XyoVQ5Qn90J7G9d6DFw44wuUWVLn6/s1600/10933_211045923823_2371511_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkXZWOpEeSQQAxWO6LAjIIC0Keki8-R8lqyE694JtCi-O74vSdS-a_mgvXLG7dkG8L-9yTRK4QxAzw6Alub98l42dXTnFyDC_n7iGEzkJcajtF68-XyoVQ5Qn90J7G9d6DFw44wuUWVLn6/s400/10933_211045923823_2371511_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister and I sitting near the edge enjoying the view. Be careful!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li>Not as well known, but one of my favorites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a loop, which is nice, and the view from
the rock is awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be careful, there’s
a 200 foot drop if you fall from the rock!</li>
</ul>
<li>Mount Mitchell (long)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><a href="http://www.hikewnc.info/besthikes/appalachian-ranger-district/mount-mitchell">http://www.hikewnc.info/besthikes/appalachian-ranger-district/mount-mitchell</a></li>
<ul>
<li>If you do the complete trail, this is a fairly long hike up
and back, with huge elevation change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mount Mitchell is the highest point east of the Mississippi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can cheat and park just short of the top,
but if you plan to do this, I’d recommend Mount Pisgah instead.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<h2>
Where to stay</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Asheville has plenty of the usual chain hotels, and most are
perfectly fine, but there are a couple of upscale options in town that are true
standouts:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2Seo6ctTAPz_eovNjy0OCMV-womF9GVpoCJV0ZyENHvjssHMKevJc9djHhJVlN2Pn0yKZLW5UHBUDuyRTOdwHj0vgoGjmbOr2r5NAwDS6DqqdTlWzqpAScAflkFu0Ort-qxKdHZGxM_I/s1600/origin_6778915436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2Seo6ctTAPz_eovNjy0OCMV-womF9GVpoCJV0ZyENHvjssHMKevJc9djHhJVlN2Pn0yKZLW5UHBUDuyRTOdwHj0vgoGjmbOr2r5NAwDS6DqqdTlWzqpAScAflkFu0Ort-qxKdHZGxM_I/s400/origin_6778915436.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Grove Park Inn<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.groveparkinn.com/">http://www.groveparkinn.com/</a></li>
<ul>
<li>The Grove Park Inn is a large historic luxury resort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to the hotel, there is a golf
course, a spa, and excellent restaurant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The restaurant is a worthy stop,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>especially for their Sunday brunch buffet, even if you are staying
elsewhere.</li>
</ul>
<li>Grand Bohemian Hotel<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.bohemianhotelasheville.com/">http://www.bohemianhotelasheville.com/</a>
</li>
<ul>
<li>Right in the middle of Biltmore Village, the Grand Bohemian
(one of Marriott’s upscale designer hotels) is not only very nice, but in a
perfect location for many of the other stops I’ve listed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every room is unique, and it doesn’t
look like a chain hotel at all.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<h2>
Dining in Asheville</h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This could quickly get to be a massive list, but I’ll just throw
out a few great spots that might otherwise be overlooked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>None of these are going to break the bank
either. There is certainly no lack of variety in Asheville's restaurant selection.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</div>
<ul>
<li>Asheville Pizza and Brewing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><a href="http://www.ashevillebrewing.com/">http://www.ashevillebrewing.com/</a>
</li>
<ul>
<li>This is one of my favorites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a combination bar, restaurant, and movie
theater!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Asheville Brewing Company owns
it, and provides good food, good beer, and movies to watch while you enjoy
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are only two theaters, so
your movie options are limited, but they usually have something good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The movies showing are usually the
blockbusters but just after they leave the major movie theaters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The upside to this is that for about the same
price as a normal movie outing with a snack and a drink, you get a full dinner
and a craft beer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can you go wrong?</li>
</ul>
<li>Tupelo Honey Café<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://tupelohoneycafe.com/">https://tupelohoneycafe.com/</a><span class="MsoHyperlink"> </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"></span></span></li>
<ul>
<li>If you aren’t from the area and
want some really good southern cuisine, this is my recommendation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not too traditional, but true to the spirit
of southern cooking, and a local favorite for good reason.</li>
</ul>
<li>12 Bones Smokehouse<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.12bones.com/">http://www.12bones.com/</a> </li>
<ul>
<li>12 Bones looks like a dive, as the
location was originally a gas station, but it’s one of the best places in town
for ribs or barbecue.</li>
</ul>
<li>Frankie Bones Restaurant & Lounge <a href="http://fbdining.com/">http://fbdining.com/</a> </li>
<ul>
<li>Really good spot on the south side
of town to get a bite to eat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have a very diverse selection, and an awesome Sunday brunch menu.</li>
</ul>
<li>The Green Sage Coffeehouse & Café <a href="http://thegreensage.net/">http://thegreensage.net/</a></li>
<ul>
<li>If you’re looking for a healthier
meal while on the road, this is a great spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m usually not the health food type, but I’ve eaten here with family a
few times and always enjoyed my meal.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<h2>
Scenic/Fun Routes from Charlotte to Asheville</h2>
If you’ve decided to head up to Asheville, you may want to
consider one of these routes to get there as an alternative to the boring
all-highway route your GPS will suggest.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Via NC 181, Blue Ridge Parkway, NC 80</li>
<ul>
<li>Route map:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://goo.gl/maps/Z71iz">http://goo.gl/maps/Z71iz</a></li>
<li>This is the car/motorcycle enthusiast route.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you have other plans don’t use it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This takes roughly twice as long as the
interstate trip, but it is roughly ten times as fun in a sports car or on a
motorcycle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I regularly ride out to the
end of NC80 then come back if I’m not going to be staying in Asheville.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This route keeps you off the interstate for most,
if not all of the trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the
roads I’ve outlined are challenging, so take care the first time out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are on a bike, watch for debris in the
roads, as the rainy year we’ve had has washed a lot of junk into the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NC 181 is very well-known and is an absolute
blast to run up, just watch out for NC Highway Patrol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>NC 80 aka The Devil’s Whip is a tight and
highly technical road with loads of elevation change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be ready to have your photo taken if you’re
there on the weekend, as Blind Kenny <a href="http://www.blindkenny.com/">www.blindkenny.com</a>
is usually out there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This route also
incorporates a nice chunk of the Blue Ridge Parkway, but I like to get off the
Parkway at NC 80 instead of taking it all the way to Asheville.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Interstate 40 actually has a fun ascent up
Old Fort Mountain (again, watch for speed traps).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can double back on NC 80 (the uphill run
is the most fun) and take the BRP all the way into Asheville if you want. </li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Via Chimney Rock and Lake Lure</li>
<ul>
<li>Route map:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://goo.gl/maps/dAjsj">http://goo.gl/maps/dAjsj</a> </li>
<li>More relaxed than the route above, but still a great
alternative to the interstate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Highway
74-A has some really sharp curves as well, so be ready!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This route isn’t nearly the time investment
that the first one is either, it only adds about 45-60 minutes to the trip
versus the interstate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The run up NC 226
and back down US 64 is not efficient, but it avoids a big chunk of US 74, and
many stoplights and speed traps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Highway
74A is the highlight of the trip, and runs right by both Chimney Rock Park and
Lake Lure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both are good places to stop
along the way.</li>
</ul>
<li>Blue Ridge Parkway info is available here:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/">http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/</a></li>
<ul>
<li>Be sure to check for closings, as some segments may be closed for maintenance or due to road conditions.
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hope this list helps you with planning your visit to this
area of North Carolina. Feel free to add your suggestions if you have ever
visited the Asheville area.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<br />
photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ashevillein/4311713128/">BillRhodesPhoto</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com/">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/">cc</a>
<br />
photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mr_g_travels/858543998/">Mr G's Travels</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com/">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/">cc</a>
<br />
photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25831000@N08/6778915436/">Xavier de Jauréguiberry</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com/">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/">cc</a>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799182592410841860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474169450424847426.post-25730375187889890642013-08-23T05:30:00.000-07:002013-08-23T05:30:00.532-07:00Crash and Burn (Recap)<h2>
The Manufacturers Respond! </h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKD1vtChN6mtwM9brFdDlT1NHmMGznJAr1hBd4v0eQO1o-zHh761iFjHLOSCrmAyqkeWEzI57y_BKpytDXNsRMGIx6m6iKGGELVNlRvTEydznL0vC-9fMhyGz-gUJNsNa8gZqCHBGwzAN/s1600/e-mail-97620_640.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKD1vtChN6mtwM9brFdDlT1NHmMGznJAr1hBd4v0eQO1o-zHh761iFjHLOSCrmAyqkeWEzI57y_BKpytDXNsRMGIx6m6iKGGELVNlRvTEydznL0vC-9fMhyGz-gUJNsNa8gZqCHBGwzAN/s320/e-mail-97620_640.png" width="320" /></a></div>
As promised, I am following up on my post-crash gear reviews to detail the responses I got (or didn't get) from the manufacturers. I made both email and social media attempts to contact Sidi/Motonation, AGV Sport, Bell, and Spidi. I did not attempt to contact Frank Thomas because they have pulled out of the US market. Let's start with the items I didn't give purely positive reviews.<br />
<br />
<h2>
The items I panned:</h2>
<h3>
Spidi Carbo Track Gloves</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrXtK_vuuUVXukP5wcccFAUGBj9skpU_zkaT-oMHoT7e7a1cjUKIRFO0HwQcd5PEJUgxOQUzitgH_OXSyOrTXtV1h3yXNmUEpTfxBHINyxf-FJPzzfs3LvfFCZ1IQp3ZZFvtWfYdjcSjj/s1600/IMG_1949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSrXtK_vuuUVXukP5wcccFAUGBj9skpU_zkaT-oMHoT7e7a1cjUKIRFO0HwQcd5PEJUgxOQUzitgH_OXSyOrTXtV1h3yXNmUEpTfxBHINyxf-FJPzzfs3LvfFCZ1IQp3ZZFvtWfYdjcSjj/s320/IMG_1949.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Reviewed here: <a href="http://scottfallen.blogspot.com/2013/07/crash-and-burn-part-5_30.html">Crash and Burn (Part 5)</a><br />
<br />
This was the rotten one of the bunch. Not only did the gloves fail in what I believe is a completely unacceptable way, but Spidi did not respond in any fashion. If this were a discount bit of kit, I'd dismiss it as "you get what you pay for." Trouble is, at $299, these were anything but discount gloves. What a letdown.<br />
<br />
I'm planning to look elsewhere to replace these. I think my first look is going to be at the Held Phantom and Titan models. They have a stellar reputation for safety and quality, and they have a facility here in North Carolina. They also do half-sizes...how cool is that? I may also look at Alpinestars, Knox, and Hazardous. No more Spidi gloves, or any other gear for me.<br />
<br />
<h3>
AGV Sport Photon Jacket</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_udwJJyKIqBj5LLDMQWKNjZPTin39ufb68w2JpwjjVvNTCevtI5P18U4xEc0VEqzA8c3oj7121nwTMq5SpCtT3zsMhvtLracYqRl9W7kWRz6XhxJxFIHkE0We3_diYhLvvU9yHyayy5S/s1600/IMG_1940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_udwJJyKIqBj5LLDMQWKNjZPTin39ufb68w2JpwjjVvNTCevtI5P18U4xEc0VEqzA8c3oj7121nwTMq5SpCtT3zsMhvtLracYqRl9W7kWRz6XhxJxFIHkE0We3_diYhLvvU9yHyayy5S/s320/IMG_1940.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Reviewed here: <a href="http://scottfallen.blogspot.com/2013/07/crash-and-burn-part-4.html">Crash and Burn (Part 4)</a><br />
<br />
I wasn't happy with the seam failures above the shoulder armor on this jacket. The fist-size hole above the shoulder seemed a bit much to me. That being said, AGV's response was one of the best. I posted my review just before 9:00 PM EDT, and sent my email to AGV shortly thereafter. I had a personal response in my inbox within 10-15 minutes, from an AGV staff member in Baltimore, MD. Not only did I receive a response quickly, but it happened off-hours!<br />
<br />
The response, and several follow-ups to work out the logistics led to AGV sending me a prepaid UPS label to ship the jacket back to them for inspection. Several days later, I received a follow up response from another AGV representative stating that they had examined the jacket and it was not defective, that it was simply damaged in the accident. It, along with all contact from AGV came along with wishes for a speedy recovery. The last email also included an offer of $100 off a replacement jacket purchase. I give a huge thumbs-up to AGV's customer service!<br />
<br />
While I differ on the conclusion reached, it may be that my expectations were a bit high on what is a mid-priced jacket intended for street riding. I do think the seam design could be improved in the area where it failed, offering better protection at minimal cost. <br />
<br />
As far as replacing my jacket, I am not sure yet what I am going to do. I'm going to use my one-piece suit for a while so I don't have to make up my mind right away. I will not replace this with the same model. That said, after the response I have received from AGV, I will certainly consider looking into some of their higher-end offerings. <br />
<br />
The biggest reason I am holding back from making a decision is that I had plans before the crash to get a custom-tailored set of kangaroo leathers this winter. I might go with a two-piece so I can comfortably use it on the street in addition to track days.<br />
<br />
<h2>
On to the items that got good reviews:</h2>
<h3>
Sidi Vertigo Boots</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIV4CfJoHJZRHgazvVxs6k6CjhSlsqMDZh_qUqOdTH3nq81Zg7nHR49pSDXx2ikkIOdjaPwzfJiAmhdjzzncgcCIreaakSoyS-I44apiEjsqKY-15kKfhax4mDiRAl0nZgIPTUNGihOEh/s1600/IMG_1934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIV4CfJoHJZRHgazvVxs6k6CjhSlsqMDZh_qUqOdTH3nq81Zg7nHR49pSDXx2ikkIOdjaPwzfJiAmhdjzzncgcCIreaakSoyS-I44apiEjsqKY-15kKfhax4mDiRAl0nZgIPTUNGihOEh/s320/IMG_1934.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Reviewed here: <a href="http://scottfallen.blogspot.com/2013/07/crash-and-burn-part-3.html">Crash and Burn (Part 3)</a><br />
<br />
I couldn't be happier with the way my boots protected me. No injuries whatsoever, and in a pinch I could still even wear the boots. I won't because I think the damage to the sole/insole probably compromised their protective ability, but they would still be way better than unarmored boots or tennis shoes. Okay, I'll be honest, I would also prefer not to wear boots that are obviously crashed! :)<br />
<br />
Motonation, Sidi's US distributor responded to my Facebook post with thanks and wishes for a speedy recovery. Nothing exceptional, but nice to be acknowledged. Given the job the boots did, that's really all I was after anyway.<br />
<br />
My next boots will be Sidis, but I'm not sure which model. I'm torn between sticking with the Vertigo and moving up to the Vortice, their full-on race boot. I briefly toyed with the idea of going to the Air models that are perforated. I'm going to stick with the solid leather since the vents do a good job, and I think the perforated boots would be a real bummer in the rain. I need to find a pair of Vortices to try on, my concern is that they might be a little too restrictive for something that's going to see street use.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Bell Star Carbon Helmet</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbLfIfY9jDfJoJmJNH5-SEgc0iNRhNugQ_5ihiNIeIWfKrxTihuPt7nB4DOXScoHbJackGd5DMkMAlL0SOMR3KAzkivvRxrZrXA-Yaby1qIpvyLn3wqEjzTzXmaezD53VS9cMdv3FIhZf/s1600/helmet1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbLfIfY9jDfJoJmJNH5-SEgc0iNRhNugQ_5ihiNIeIWfKrxTihuPt7nB4DOXScoHbJackGd5DMkMAlL0SOMR3KAzkivvRxrZrXA-Yaby1qIpvyLn3wqEjzTzXmaezD53VS9cMdv3FIhZf/s320/helmet1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Reviewed here: <a href="http://scottfallen.blogspot.com/2013/07/crash-and-burn-part-2.html">Crash and Burn (Part 2)</a><br />
<br />
The Bell Star Carbon got the other glowing review. Not only did the helmet take the biggest hit, but it was also flawless in protecting me. To top it off, the shield even stayed attached and down, so I didn't end up with a face full of sticks and dirt! For a helmet to take a hit right where the shield attaches and not lose it is impressive stuff.<br />
<br />
I received replies from Bell both on Facebook and via email. Both were very friendly and personal, and it was clear that the writer of the email had read my review completely. Both responses expressed concern and hope for a speedy recovery. They also offered a crash replacement discount if I would send the helmet back. <br />
<br />
I sent the helmet back at my expense, and received a phone call the day it was received. The representative on the phone was very personable and continued the pattern of being interested in my experience with their product as well as my recovery. She had the helmet at her desk while we were talking. <br />
<br />
The crash replacement offer was 20% off and free shipping. This was about $165 better than I could do from any reputable source, and still about $50 better than I could do on eBay. I couldn't give her my credit card info fast enough! I have a brand-new Star Carbon and Transitions shield sitting at home right now. <br />
<br />
Service, personality, compassion, rewarding loyalty, and a top-notch product...this is how you get a customer for life! Something pretty spectacular would have to come out for me to even look elsewhere.<br />
<br />
<br />Thanks for reading, and be safe out there! <br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
</h3>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799182592410841860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474169450424847426.post-45930943961978741632013-08-22T13:16:00.000-07:002013-08-23T07:23:28.739-07:00Submitting a Better Support Request<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSt2hHjIQtUUAhSeTHn1uNoa8O6zgB3wuBVIwNzdmrgRECanMwtyR0gUhY8-nK30OZNKAj2dnCEFM2JOeN0I4GB_en_M7lEn6MF83AXq1kN30fpjhg5y32Q3SjDwrmmKYbh1HlMWFNSS1/s1600/warning-exclamation-triangle-hi.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSt2hHjIQtUUAhSeTHn1uNoa8O6zgB3wuBVIwNzdmrgRECanMwtyR0gUhY8-nK30OZNKAj2dnCEFM2JOeN0I4GB_en_M7lEn6MF83AXq1kN30fpjhg5y32Q3SjDwrmmKYbh1HlMWFNSS1/s320/warning-exclamation-triangle-hi.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<h2>
</h2>
<h4>
Oh no! Something is Broken!</h4>
It's
never fun when something goes wrong with a piece of software or
hardware we depend on. Often this situation necessitates some form of
support engagement with the vendor. Vendor support varies greatly in
quality, and I'm lucky to be writing this from the perspective of a
member of the technical team at SQL
Sentry, a company that has an excellent support team. That being said,
my experiences as a support customer of various companies has run the
gamut from great to terrible. While the quality of the support team you
are working with may vary, I would like to offer some suggestions for
making the process better from the customer side.<br />
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
The Goal:</h4>
I
think we can all agree that the primary objective of any support
contact is to resolve the issue at hand as quickly as possible. Time
spent on the support engagement is time not spent on business or
personal projects. We could all stand to have a bit more time right?<br />
<br />
<h4>
So I just fire off an email or call right away, right?</h4>
I
think this is often when things go wrong, right at the beginning. I
know my mindset used to be that I wanted to get someone started on my
problem as quickly as possible. I've since learned that a little time
spent on preparation can save lots of time not just for the support
technician on the other end of the call, but also for me!<br />
<br />
<h4>
Why it pays to take a little time:</h4>
<h2>
Sometimes you find the answer yourself.</h2>
If
you accept the premise that saving time is the ultimate goal, the best
support engagement is the one that never takes place. There are many
self-service support resources available: documentation, forums,
knowledge base articles, FAQs, and community resources like Twitter.
Chances are pretty good that someone else has had this problem before.
Even if you don't find the answer, you might run across other useful
bits of information about the software.<br />
<br />
<h2>
I didn't find the answer that way...what now?</h2>
The
time spent doing a quick search for an answer at least allows a few
potential causes of the issue to be eliminated. Make sure to pass along
a quick note of what you've already investigated to the support
technician.<br />
<br />
The next step is to decide on what support
channel to use. Often you are presented with three options: email,
phone, and forums. Forums are great if you have a quick question that's
not really pressing. Email is usually the best way to go. I say this
because email provides you the best opportunity to provide the support
team with the information they need to help you resolve the issue
quickly. We will talk about building the best possible email in a
moment.<br />
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
What about phone? </h2>
My suggestion is
to leave the phone for follow up. I don't start with a phone call
unless the issue is causing major chaos to a business-critical system,
and needs to be resolved right this second. I say this for two
reasons: First, a phone call doesn't just tie the support tech down, it
ties you down as well. You aren't going to be able to get anything
else done until the call ends. Second, as you develop a relationship
with the support teams at your vendors, they pay attention to this. I
want the support team to know that if I am calling to initiate a support
engagement, it's because it is an issue that cannot wait. I also make
sure that I'm ready to dedicate a significant amount of time (say an
hour or so) to working on the issue. <br />
<br />
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
Crafting a better support email:</h4>
The
first email to the support team can be the most important from a
standpoint of saving time. The more complete and informative this
message is, the better. I'm creating these lists simply as examples, but they are based on my experiences and input from the SQL Sentry support team.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Please do:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Include
as much detail in the initial email to support as possible: full
screenshots, errors, and alert messages. If you need to scrub out a bit
of sensitive data that's fine, but don't crop out 90% of the screen. </li>
<li>Try
to be as detailed and accurate as possible in describing what you were
doing in the tool when the error occurred. This is especially important
if you are reporting an exception.</li>
<li>Read the responses you
get from the tech thoroughly, and respond with all of the requested
information in the format the tech specified (if any). This really
helps eliminate the need for lengthy email exchanges, and it saves
everybody time.</li>
<li>Provide the full version number of the OS, SQL Server, and SQL
Sentry (or other application if you aren't contacting us), as well as a
good contact phone number for you in case a support call or online
meeting is necessary.</li>
</ul>
<h2>
Room for improvement:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Errors without any context:</li>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEy4GL1PVQGBD7NoOmjqAonVSYJ2bXbVetAmYF87MbuqFskvVgtylqJVysJVFCMvqYPND8JjxB4bAyg87BIQel0YHdiA2suaoU1KuvIT1OSdq_7hSqMXBC25arIRODqALw650TYrkGpCE1/s1600/error.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEy4GL1PVQGBD7NoOmjqAonVSYJ2bXbVetAmYF87MbuqFskvVgtylqJVysJVFCMvqYPND8JjxB4bAyg87BIQel0YHdiA2suaoU1KuvIT1OSdq_7hSqMXBC25arIRODqALw650TYrkGpCE1/s320/error.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This
is just one of many possible examples, but if all the tech gets is
this, they really don't know anything other than that an installation
failed. This could have been due to a permissions issue, lack of disk
space, or any number of other causes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<li>Replying
to an old incident email to start a new one. This seems minor but
sending in a fresh email really helps the support team out. It means
they know it's a new incident right away, they don't have to dig through
old notes and emails to get to the current one, and the (hopefully)
accurate subject line can help ensure it gets routed to the right person
the first time.</li>
<li>Sending the support request directly to the tech that helped you on a past incident. This may result in a longer wait time, since you are now depending on one person rather than the whole team to respond. It also bypasses automated ticketing systems, creating manual work that has to be done by the support team and making the incident harder to track. </li>
</ul>
If you follow the "please do" recommendations above, there is not too much need to worry about the "room for improvement" stuff, as you will already be putting things on the path to a speedy resolution.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799182592410841860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474169450424847426.post-17718161914446652662013-08-07T11:02:00.000-07:002013-08-22T13:22:39.177-07:00Finding a Home Instead of a Job<h2>
Changing Direction </h2>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-AvE84PUQAFp_IFpOyD8ssXPyX-VPaLGpeE6sZFCtoZdU7Yve3Yqt5-0TLu36XlB6_IeJqil-WhwQD_c8GmuW11KfuHcnv7VL3mqBypWBShwmUMOBF-EUKb2wymbJoOC7SGZfJ6xUmU0/s1600/freeimage-4672080-high.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-AvE84PUQAFp_IFpOyD8ssXPyX-VPaLGpeE6sZFCtoZdU7Yve3Yqt5-0TLu36XlB6_IeJqil-WhwQD_c8GmuW11KfuHcnv7VL3mqBypWBShwmUMOBF-EUKb2wymbJoOC7SGZfJ6xUmU0/s400/freeimage-4672080-high.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
It's time to take a little break from my motorcycle posts, and start talking about work. Not going technical this time, but I think it's a good idea to start with some background about how I arrived at this point in my life and career. I'm happier than I've ever been, and a huge part of that has been my job at SQL Sentry.<br />
<br />
This post is quite belated, but I think it's important to cover a bit of history. I'm only ten days from my third anniversary here at SQL Sentry, and what an amazing three years it has been! After my start in on the SQL Sentry Support team, and what an awesome team it is, I transitioned into my current role in Sales Engineering. I'm on the technical side of our small sales team. Our SEs are primarily focused on assisting new customers and evaluators with our software. We are roughly equal parts educator, tech support, customer liaison to the sales team, and product demonstrator. We also get to be a big part of the "face" and outward personality of the company due to our frequent travels to trade shows and community events, and online interaction with customers. <br />
<br />
<h4>
"You did <i>what</i> before you worked for SQL Sentry?"</h4>
I often get asked what I did before my current job, and I think the usual expectation is that I must have worked in the SQL Server space as a DBA or developer. I usually get a bit of a shocked reaction when I answer that I came to SQL Sentry from the mortgage business. My last job was trying to cope with the mortgage crisis at Citigroup...it was not fun!<br />
<br />
<h4>
"How did you end up making that change?"</h4>
While I was still at my old job, I knew I desperately wanted to make a change, but I didn't know what direction to go. Luckily, a good friend provided me with the nudge I needed, in a direction I never expected. That nudge came from Jason Hall. Jason heads up the support team at SQL Sentry. I know Jason from a shared hobby, nerdy tabletop wargames. Jason and I, along with many of our other friends played games like Warhammer 40,000 on the weekends. It's a hobby I picked up when I was in high school, and have come and gone from over the years.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQP5IGeMmozbmWSWr1nfbL5IzVvMMTq8d96oDLhZ5SHLl2JsjnRqRaguhptPinSNbMtVFGhvDiF_YuXXLqhWdJZQOXZqbShZvCryS2IL8gmWwwAU2MYaZ6fSJZR6Zhvq4sMl9ODFQqlIG/s1600/wholearmy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQP5IGeMmozbmWSWr1nfbL5IzVvMMTq8d96oDLhZ5SHLl2JsjnRqRaguhptPinSNbMtVFGhvDiF_YuXXLqhWdJZQOXZqbShZvCryS2IL8gmWwwAU2MYaZ6fSJZR6Zhvq4sMl9ODFQqlIG/s400/wholearmy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Think of it like chess on steroids with hand-painted pieces, and you're about there.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One evening, I was sitting around having a few beers with Jason and some other friends when Jason asked if any of us had interest in going into an IT support job. Maybe this was the break I was looking for. I wasn't going to miss what sounded like a great opportunity, and Jason picked up on my enthusiasm. He took a copy of my resume, and championed the idea of giving me a chance to prove I could do the job. I didn't have SQL Server experience, but I did have high-tech sales background and some of the other soft skills that were needed for the job.<br />
<br />
In the end, both the management at SQL Sentry and I decided that this was going to be a good fit, so it was time for a crash course in both SQL Sentry and SQL Server. Jason, and the rest of the team at SQL Sentry took a big chance on me, and I was determined to make the gamble pay off for all of us.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Why Gamble? </h4>
I think there's an important takeaway here for those in a position to make hiring decisions. The real opportunity in taking a chance on someone, and allowing them to grow and find a new career is the loyalty it creates. I have never felt more loyalty toward a company or the people I've worked with than what I have here at SQL Sentry. Knowing that the company and team took that risk to give me a chance is certainly a big part of my loyalty. So is the great team and corporate culture. <br />
<br />
There's also something important here for those who have run out of room to grow at their job, or are without a job. I've learned a lot from this process, but most of all that opportunities aren't always where you expect to find them. Never underestimate the value of networking! Don't be afraid to gamble on yourself. If you apply for a job that you have experience in everything listed in the job spec, you probably won't have much room to grow. If you are going to ask someone to take a chance on you, be ready to explain how the skills and experience you do already have will benefit the company.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799182592410841860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474169450424847426.post-66579400883429412862013-07-31T20:48:00.003-07:002013-08-22T13:23:25.337-07:00Crash and Burn (Part 6)<h2>
Frank Thomas Strike Pants Reviewed</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtsWwr4RH-WJsmbMgFNWu7s2GXPrsTrr1gbgOjG89xBwqe6s5msGdBl2XyYkDH2VaFPT-e1TLu6WfzpIKnidk2Z-L1MIwqxEi39WiwLTvBTIhgPuNMZ_7jhN52hcBi4sD0SsnVRRun9RT/s1600/IMG_1950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtsWwr4RH-WJsmbMgFNWu7s2GXPrsTrr1gbgOjG89xBwqe6s5msGdBl2XyYkDH2VaFPT-e1TLu6WfzpIKnidk2Z-L1MIwqxEi39WiwLTvBTIhgPuNMZ_7jhN52hcBi4sD0SsnVRRun9RT/s400/IMG_1950.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No stock photo this time. These are an older model and really just being reviewed in the interest of being thorough.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I found these on sale at our local Cycle Gear a few years back. I already had a full one-piece suit and a couple different jackets. These pants opened up my comfort options for long rides with a fair number of stops.<br /><br />
<h3>
Riding Impressions</h3>
<br />
My budget two piece setup was great, if only because it kept me from ever cutting the corner and riding in jeans. It's a lot nicer to stop for lunch when you don't have to have your jacket dangling behind you!<br />
<br />
<h4>
Here's why I like them:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Comfort: The pants have a nice liner and are cut for comfort rather than racing. </li>
<li>Ventilation: Large perforations in the thigh panels help keep things if not cool, at least reasonable on hot North Carolina summer days. If wearing black leather can be described as "bearable" in the summer here, you are winning.</li>
<li>Price: I think I paid $169 for these. That was quite inexpensive at the time. There are more options today.</li>
<li>Pockets: I was able to carry my wallet and keys comfortably in the pockets. I could have put my cell phone in there but have always opted to keep it in my jacket. For a piece of street-only gear, this is a big plus.</li>
</ul>
<h4>
Here's what I don't like quite as much:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Knee Slider Velcro Location: Too far to the side for my riding style. You can see on the right knee where I have scuffed the leather. This wasn't from the crash.</li>
<li>Slightly Baggy Fit: This is a pro for comfort, but not as good for safety. If the leather can roll, it's more likely to tear or break a seam.</li>
<li>Lightly Armored: Flimsy knee armor and very limited padding. That's all you get.</li>
<li> Jacket Attachment: As far as I know, the only jacket that could be attached with the zipper in the rear without a bit of custom tailoring is a Frank Thomas made jacket.</li>
</ul>
<h3>
After the Crash</h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPeU-CxZOJLM_jPARLRaoeJHfEfsPyeZzTla5u1psBVym6D4Gfa4H-FZQlU-n0-vZBPPs0PrB4TH56vIcbUCfHu34qKBLYHw8cvNIgtcFH7QqGqor7kGIjyJqiFxJifnUoMUbdpNVz07zL/s1600/IMG_1954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPeU-CxZOJLM_jPARLRaoeJHfEfsPyeZzTla5u1psBVym6D4Gfa4H-FZQlU-n0-vZBPPs0PrB4TH56vIcbUCfHu34qKBLYHw8cvNIgtcFH7QqGqor7kGIjyJqiFxJifnUoMUbdpNVz07zL/s400/IMG_1954.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back of the pants. Almost unscathed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The pants took the least abuse in the crash. I wonder if they touched down at all until after I left the asphalt. The impact they did take was focused around the left knee.<br />
<br />
<h4>
How I Fared</h4>
<br />
No road rash on any part of me protected by the pants. My left knee took some pretty significant impact trauma. There was quite a bit of swelling and bruising at the top of my knee. While this was all a bit unpleasant, there doesn't appear to be any damage that will not easy heal on its own.<br />
<br />
<h4>
How the Pants Fared </h4>
<br />
Let's look at a few of the detail shots to see a bit more.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpr6_ktSoNEWrcZcAPLFDmRqsyNdFgfUBdRSpTap2at2Fax0avljxz288sV8SRQjCvp0CPIaLodT0XI_e4rV7NADd5Punilo_-umKWjJe0H0BuQPLjSl-R6srfCxpB3bmB-dTjXGW0gZj/s1600/IMG_1951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpr6_ktSoNEWrcZcAPLFDmRqsyNdFgfUBdRSpTap2at2Fax0avljxz288sV8SRQjCvp0CPIaLodT0XI_e4rV7NADd5Punilo_-umKWjJe0H0BuQPLjSl-R6srfCxpB3bmB-dTjXGW0gZj/s400/IMG_1951.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seam failure at left thigh, I believe this was caused by both the slightly loose fit and the fairly basic stitching. Not much redundancy in the seams on these pants. Luckily, the failure was in a location not subject to much impact or abrasion.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvlf9mCxjQD4EHRiHw2ZCgwa2iZWfQrabM9YqI0Yl5GlqHl87hjwH4bfZCzy9RP6jpY5Z3g_U4Cvba8SDzhy3GcitUT88EXSux7qaTxjRxEtc5kQkt738niiy38hlvL1x9i6mwJZkLIv5/s1600/IMG_1952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvlf9mCxjQD4EHRiHw2ZCgwa2iZWfQrabM9YqI0Yl5GlqHl87hjwH4bfZCzy9RP6jpY5Z3g_U4Cvba8SDzhy3GcitUT88EXSux7qaTxjRxEtc5kQkt738niiy38hlvL1x9i6mwJZkLIv5/s400/IMG_1952.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had just replaced the knee pucks, so they show how minimal the contact was. There is also a tiny bit of abrasion at the bottom right where the Velcro ends. Note: Dainese sliders were all I could find locally. Feels a bit like the an AMG badge stuck on a base C250. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqx3_hHfpooheHSsstx_AWbt1ujeo8iYlFC5idhB_TFNT5gFsxENxADGOd5iSSyC-k7I49m7kOutlU8MOfVijOCXTL9CuHO1ReygQLotH71XeD3lh8ReCWR0EFR1RMS182TJk4ETb6eFU/s1600/IMG_1955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqx3_hHfpooheHSsstx_AWbt1ujeo8iYlFC5idhB_TFNT5gFsxENxADGOd5iSSyC-k7I49m7kOutlU8MOfVijOCXTL9CuHO1ReygQLotH71XeD3lh8ReCWR0EFR1RMS182TJk4ETb6eFU/s400/IMG_1955.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More of the left knee. Only slight abrasions on the stretch panel. Lots of dirt, little damage.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRxeGKWyjoleCQf36-hfoKJ2DZ49k5L9nAP-fVWD7jhbKOlrx_GtZfIr04EEwkojmZTxFiRZRWwlG9v29yHIjx3UWcrUCI5O41uv63iSs9pMNuZXdx0Eudwyrn1KzLSJvnfJCCf0wrPEM/s1600/IMG_1958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfRxeGKWyjoleCQf36-hfoKJ2DZ49k5L9nAP-fVWD7jhbKOlrx_GtZfIr04EEwkojmZTxFiRZRWwlG9v29yHIjx3UWcrUCI5O41uv63iSs9pMNuZXdx0Eudwyrn1KzLSJvnfJCCf0wrPEM/s400/IMG_1958.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheap knee armor with big crack. Not CE rated, I feel like my knee would have been better protected by armor like what was in my AGV jacket reviewed in Part 4.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvo7UK-KiqJHssG383OYRZsYRrWGpU5rXPWBBGNp5JBztRQBFt-m-ug5LnT-LNfhc6EZHIceVwJONJsZKydMZJqT0DxGSPrUmpDDNp-BIpxkowWkMtH9KgV-JWkEX4C0xw9THCNrQ71xF/s1600/IMG_1957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpvo7UK-KiqJHssG383OYRZsYRrWGpU5rXPWBBGNp5JBztRQBFt-m-ug5LnT-LNfhc6EZHIceVwJONJsZKydMZJqT0DxGSPrUmpDDNp-BIpxkowWkMtH9KgV-JWkEX4C0xw9THCNrQ71xF/s400/IMG_1957.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheap knee armor inside. Is that made from recycled packing peanuts?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h3>
Conclusion</h3>
<br />
These pants were not great, but they were cheap, comfortable, and a hell of a lot better than jeans. Given that when I bought these I was broke, and they were the best I could afford, I don't really have any regrets. They were on my list to replace, but I needed to do my helmet, jacket, and gloves first. I will definitely be moving up market with my next pair, probably to a custom two-piece suit.<br /><br />
Thanks for reading, and safe riding to you all!<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799182592410841860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474169450424847426.post-65005792430741629482013-07-30T18:21:00.002-07:002013-08-22T13:23:25.335-07:00Crash and Burn (Part 5)<h2>
Spidi Carbo Track Gloves Reviewed </h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqK2FAJ2SFLY7JvKIIHgnzGYialE5in9q5WblZktk1CEJ76-RTXR9Vq77uRtenad84yJKf3_-zZiAeb2aENnu7Ua-Ka_kC1drAQvcKWIb7qZs6rIm9Sh321k4EypE-qZ2UoTWSh-LCPYQ/s1600/43298_3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqK2FAJ2SFLY7JvKIIHgnzGYialE5in9q5WblZktk1CEJ76-RTXR9Vq77uRtenad84yJKf3_-zZiAeb2aENnu7Ua-Ka_kC1drAQvcKWIb7qZs6rIm9Sh321k4EypE-qZ2UoTWSh-LCPYQ/s400/43298_3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo borrowed from Spidi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Along with my jacket and helmet, my Spidi Carbo Track gloves were nearly new, with only a couple rides while wearing them.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Riding Impressions</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<br />
I've been through many pairs of gloves over
the last thirteen years. I've worn out a few, and got tired of others.
Finding gloves that I really like has always been a struggle. I tend
to be happy with either the finger or the palm fit, but seldom both.
During my gear refresh this year, I decided to give moving upmarket a
try. I ordered in both the Spidi Carbo Track and Knox Biomech gloves to
a local retailer so I could try them on. The Knox turned out to run a
full size small, but the Spidis fit very well. I really liked the look
and feel of the Carbo Track gloves, so I went ahead and coughed up the
dough. <br />
<br />
<h4>
Here's why I like them:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Feel: The super-soft cowhide leather is great from a tactile standpoint. These gloves do
improve feel at the bars, throttle, and levers versus other gloves.</li>
<li>Looks:
Without a doubt, the coolest looking gloves I've ever had. The real
carbon fiber armor, "warrior armor", and great colors really add up to a
unique and sharp looking glove. </li>
<li>Fitment: The gauntlet closure system is great. It allows easy adjustment, and always felt secure but never felt restrictive.</li>
<li>Ventilation:
The Carbo Tracks breathe well for a full-on racing glove. There is a
perforated layer that air flows between the fingers to reach..</li>
<li>Fit and Finish: These gloves are a really big spend at $300, but they do look the part. No rough seams, cuts, etc. </li>
</ul>
<h4>
Here's what I don't like quite as much:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Tough Break In: The
armor on the pinkie finger is cool, but it is extremely uncomfortable
until the gloves loosen up. That said, they were much more comfortable
after one all-day ride.</li>
<li>Slow to Put On and Remove: You don't
want to have to take one of these off and put it back on at a red
light. Between the relatively complex closure system and a tight wrist
opening, it took me at least twice as long as most other gloves.</li>
<li>Cost: $300 is a lot of money, especially for a pair of gloves. </li>
<li>Hard to Find: Dealers don't normally stock them. Luckily <a href="http://www.compacc.com/">Competition Accessories</a> in Rock Hill, SC allowed me to order some in to try on before buying.</li>
</ul>
<h3>
After the Crash</h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaRPVdMWZiw1jaPBebYIvgihmO4sSnCEWWK5ZnQl0VrByeig2GvYMNA2D_TVfRzTbeiHNuX13dVXHpUneyx6yNczSxEkRHgfDm-0iC4T6oJt69ATis49gjzPM4Sv5ZfmzdaoPOppB8ohS/s1600/gloves.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXaRPVdMWZiw1jaPBebYIvgihmO4sSnCEWWK5ZnQl0VrByeig2GvYMNA2D_TVfRzTbeiHNuX13dVXHpUneyx6yNczSxEkRHgfDm-0iC4T6oJt69ATis49gjzPM4Sv5ZfmzdaoPOppB8ohS/s400/gloves.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like
my boots, only the left glove sustained any damage. My right hand hit
something, but i think it was part of the bike, since there were no
marks on the right glove.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've
been putting this review off in hopes of hearing back from Spidi, but
it's been a week and a half with no response to my request for contact.
More on this in a moment. If I hear back, I will include the response
in my final post in this series, detailing manufacturer responses.<br />
<br />
<h4>
How I Fared</h4>
<br />
When it comes to my hands, to put it
bluntly, not as well as I think I should have. I dislocated my right
index finger and jammed my left wrist, thumb, index finger and pinkie
pretty well. I understand that hands and especially fingers are
fragile, so I'd be inclined to let this slide. What I do have a problem
with is that I came up from the crash like this:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhqdT4eQUUJO0rujThxfcpuzaVmp0AHUbcnvqrKOCpwgPkfPTCcTBvVtjjlH050A2FYov_GEuqopix3X_Ff21LCkV5aA8zn8WHzrUXnEjUmVtXOphhD4x9vddTBpS7oAsg06BlzqAUFNn/s1600/IMG_1949.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhqdT4eQUUJO0rujThxfcpuzaVmp0AHUbcnvqrKOCpwgPkfPTCcTBvVtjjlH050A2FYov_GEuqopix3X_Ff21LCkV5aA8zn8WHzrUXnEjUmVtXOphhD4x9vddTBpS7oAsg06BlzqAUFNn/s400/IMG_1949.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I
recreated the scenario for this photo. My pinkie came through the
leather, and was sticking out just like this after the crash. No seams
failed, just the leather on the inside of the finger. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLM6kDZ7y-vx29tL_W3eWgSUiB3WBvn6z2X-A80ZwuYyearKdqWuseUUHqnbfX7ptxu46HxNp_syM-gcmb3A1HCYTLt2y511JO2ra1uFOmbSH4yxXkbU7bS8cHjH64gj3MNge1tL-iiN4X/s1600/finger.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLM6kDZ7y-vx29tL_W3eWgSUiB3WBvn6z2X-A80ZwuYyearKdqWuseUUHqnbfX7ptxu46HxNp_syM-gcmb3A1HCYTLt2y511JO2ra1uFOmbSH4yxXkbU7bS8cHjH64gj3MNge1tL-iiN4X/s400/finger.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry
for the crappy photo, this was taken while under the effects of the
super-strong meds they shot me up with before I left the ER. This was
the only road rash I sustained in the crash, there's a pretty large
chunk of meat missing from the back of my finger, the nail is smashed
up, and there is a smaller abrasion on the fingertip. I feel like I'm
lucky it wasn't worse given how exposed my finger was. Thankfully I
wasn't sliding on asphalt for long at all. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h4>
How the Gloves Fared</h4>
<br />
Aside from the aforementioned failure, the
rest of the glove fared very well indeed. They look like they might
have been able to stand up to another crash of the same magnitude if it
weren't for the pinkie failure.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWw9IKciP4m3bVxYQBbwXgV-jJXtMue4QtwM8ZC8BPpD1XkKRABVLhh3P-6GwTQKKIOQdMl3DVFy-smcZJN7iyR65SnXBu9hgrzSEEAfVeRzwvA3ga6cC_d5wNWo9xL862Y3SLXZ1LCMTG/s1600/knuckles.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWw9IKciP4m3bVxYQBbwXgV-jJXtMue4QtwM8ZC8BPpD1XkKRABVLhh3P-6GwTQKKIOQdMl3DVFy-smcZJN7iyR65SnXBu9hgrzSEEAfVeRzwvA3ga6cC_d5wNWo9xL862Y3SLXZ1LCMTG/s400/knuckles.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
carbon armor took most of the slide. It was visibly damaged, but
protected well. The other leather areas that touched down on the back
of the left hand all show minimal abrasion damage. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr align="left"><td><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</h3>
<h3>
Conclusion</h3>
<br />
This review would have been very
positive overall had it not been for the one failure. With a $300 price
tag and the MotoGP pedigree, I feel like it's a failure that should not
have happened. I'm also quite disappointed in the lack of response. I
have had a next day response from a manufacturer I had nothing but
praise for, and a same-day after hours response from the one other
manufacturer that I notified of a defect. I will be posting a follow up
on all of the manufacturer responses after I get my last review done.
Maybe by then I will have heard back from Spidi. Late would be better
than never.<br />
<br />
As it stands, I cannot recommend these
gloves. I will be replacing them with something different. I will
probably give Knox another try in a larger size, and take a look at
Held, Hazardous, and maybe a couple of others.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading, and safe riding to you all!<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799182592410841860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474169450424847426.post-52063909233508515772013-07-29T17:52:00.000-07:002013-08-22T13:23:25.330-07:00Crash and Burn (Part 4)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjA10DSx9A2utkxM9R-meFcECsnkrt1u1Cgfl6ft0hQFB7nJ2MkoEaJ1s_jG5FPWPIMpGhkqa_l4kmfyNM7davycsWtxgrzGXy36fuf6qpAEWzIs0NGDFysaMZXP2MCs-EOXka52xg39-I/s1600/IMG_1939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<h2>
AGV Sport Photon Jacket Reviewed</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFu9ZnV5Synz_Qpq5PzS939XuKpnQ69mWqIEORoxtA_VaB4h-vEkbIhsR60zUiA4J8WJPPgFWTzO7pCHTCySqKQi7aVvIVwoS7G1oRqTcDLXbGuQjTF5PpyzY5lqIo1PUd04-KVZX0pDHY/s1600/agv-sport-agvsport-photon-perforated-leather-motorcycle-jacket-black-white-red-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFu9ZnV5Synz_Qpq5PzS939XuKpnQ69mWqIEORoxtA_VaB4h-vEkbIhsR60zUiA4J8WJPPgFWTzO7pCHTCySqKQi7aVvIVwoS7G1oRqTcDLXbGuQjTF5PpyzY5lqIo1PUd04-KVZX0pDHY/s400/agv-sport-agvsport-photon-perforated-leather-motorcycle-jacket-black-white-red-large.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image borrowed from AGV Sport</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another piece of nearly-new gear this time. I bought this jacket a few months ago after deciding that my one-piece suit was just too awkward for group rides to the mountains with lots of stops. I had a pair of leather pants, but I wanted something to replace my old Joe Rocket Phoenix mesh jacket. Something that would provide a bit more protection. I never really had complete faith in mesh jackets, even if the airflow is appealing in the heat and humidity in North Carolina.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Riding Impressions</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
This jacket was a bit of an impulse buy, but it quickly became one of my regular pieces of gear. Being lightly perforated, it flows just enough air to be tolerable on a hot summer day. The fit of the jacket is much more of a "race" profile than most jackets sold as separates. The arms are deeply pre-curved, and the jacket fits very closely.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Here's why I like it:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Looks: I really like the styling of this jacket. Visible without being too flashy, and the logos are not overdone. I got lots of compliments on this jacket, from riders and non-riders alike.</li>
<li>Price: Like most AGV products, the price is very reasonable at $300 MSRP and deals to be found at various dealers.</li>
<li>Comfort: Some may see it as a con, but I like the race fit. The jacket stays in place better than most, and isn't prone to riding up. Neoprene at the wrists and neck are another nice comfort touch. </li>
<li>Armor: The jacket comes with CE approved, dual-density internal armor, and a soft foam back pad. There is also external hard armor on the shoulders. Very well-equipped for a jacket in this price range.</li>
<li>Leather Quality: AGV selected some nice hides for this jacket, the leather is soft and flexible. The colors are also very well-done.</li>
<li>Removable liner: I like it because I can take it out! It's too hot for liners here most of the time. There is still a mesh lining to keep you from sticking to the jacket and hold the armor.</li>
</ul>
<h4>
Here's what I don't like quite as much:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Ventilation: I feel like better perforation would have improved this jacket. It also would have been nice if the perforations in the back pad had been completely cleared. I just discovered this today while shooting photos. It might have been a bit better had the holes all been punched all the way out. </li>
<li>Pocket Placement: The inside pockets are fine, but the external pockets are high enough up that they are quite awkward to use.</li>
</ul>
<h3>
After the Crash</h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW82VbWtipa3SVg6HQJIKj9YM5SPGaxFxLd_ENYE-zj-qXUG3G1vmjgJFsVeM3-TU1vnxN6uEHCHxQYoE_wJYDKbMb6lzfryxPxPGJJ-BSvDA4a-1bON2IkYoN-zs7u6Jed9TGX9UhwGyD/s1600/IMG_1939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW82VbWtipa3SVg6HQJIKj9YM5SPGaxFxLd_ENYE-zj-qXUG3G1vmjgJFsVeM3-TU1vnxN6uEHCHxQYoE_wJYDKbMb6lzfryxPxPGJJ-BSvDA4a-1bON2IkYoN-zs7u6Jed9TGX9UhwGyD/s400/IMG_1939.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Along with the left side of my helmet, the left shoulder of the jacket took the biggest hit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I think I've established my belief in always wearing the right gear in my prior posts, so let's get on with the analysis.<br />
<br />
<h4>
How I Fared</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
Most of my injuries fall into this review, so we aren't off to a good start. I have a broken collar bone, two cracked ribs, and two small compression fractures in my back. To be fair, I hit really hard on my left shoulder, but I do wonder if a different jacket might have offered better protection. I do not have any road rash on my arms or torso, so abrasion protection was satisfactory.<br />
<br />
<h4>
How the Jacket Fared </h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
The jacket sustained considerable damage in the crash. While it could possibly be repaired by a professional, I will be replacing it rather than repairing. This is the first of my reviews where I feel some components underperformed or failed completely. On to the photos:<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnFSHfLiaAXf0HDAZuEtFbqIBTAIq9o276hS9sNrGjepRixIEXw-KEOW6aysKpKxuRXtBFTpdikJ8HzIJqmH_5YFYJ8OoX5NzplfnMBkizAEUdNv0X2x9HAwJTDN7n9bC70mv1WB3hWNy/s1600/IMG_1940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnFSHfLiaAXf0HDAZuEtFbqIBTAIq9o276hS9sNrGjepRixIEXw-KEOW6aysKpKxuRXtBFTpdikJ8HzIJqmH_5YFYJ8OoX5NzplfnMBkizAEUdNv0X2x9HAwJTDN7n9bC70mv1WB3hWNy/s400/IMG_1940.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This shoulder plate took the initial hit and slide. I'm glad for the external armor, It seems to have been well placed and effective.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKzd86QKxOpEyUj_kK0UHR9gr9aE_JnbFmVarp1sYI8grhU42e6GZ3BjCUnoxNKC_85ZOQ1yXfS3MWJ5Ftq2UNQ2ZMmi1u3WXAcx6byo2eyym6E0XYGg-bAeyPcdr24bjZymLL026Ne7u/s1600/IMG_1942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKzd86QKxOpEyUj_kK0UHR9gr9aE_JnbFmVarp1sYI8grhU42e6GZ3BjCUnoxNKC_85ZOQ1yXfS3MWJ5Ftq2UNQ2ZMmi1u3WXAcx6byo2eyym6E0XYGg-bAeyPcdr24bjZymLL026Ne7u/s400/IMG_1942.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple small tears above the armor plate, these weren't too bad, nor were they surprising.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Dqjqe_wJLwWpviNAk8J4Q_couB09oCFCQOAu97MDw3couI3X7mosBP8cIhg28OQemMAsCUBELUc7ZZczAQBArSFwKwE97a9y4nipiW4CCUXH6dwXRGT-vkXNTMEa4BqgEaKam1kPqBlx/s1600/IMG_1944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Dqjqe_wJLwWpviNAk8J4Q_couB09oCFCQOAu97MDw3couI3X7mosBP8cIhg28OQemMAsCUBELUc7ZZczAQBArSFwKwE97a9y4nipiW4CCUXH6dwXRGT-vkXNTMEa4BqgEaKam1kPqBlx/s400/IMG_1944.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Failed seams at the shoulder stretch panels. Not good.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JrlT4QFPHJg1PcUeuZj2Cz0QzhGWXoVHGdAx6Miy5BQGDS4i8DlVLP2qF0XMrRd-5LqSJ8zifg1_TvyxMOLh3vlF-lgAPTzsR-frGBs3iRBE4RHUupMgAN-SKTlHLVk1lWhA30WIvviz/s1600/IMG_1945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JrlT4QFPHJg1PcUeuZj2Cz0QzhGWXoVHGdAx6Miy5BQGDS4i8DlVLP2qF0XMrRd-5LqSJ8zifg1_TvyxMOLh3vlF-lgAPTzsR-frGBs3iRBE4RHUupMgAN-SKTlHLVk1lWhA30WIvviz/s400/IMG_1945.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The failed seams open up enough area to put my hand into the shoulder cavity from outside. This isn't good at all! I wonder if this might have allowed the internal armor to displace, exposing my shoulder to greater impact. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPB2Kmz4Is_2fQK79e21IAw3frS6AnWWCmCYqxXpftIrMZ-QNKtJ78IK2bKV86cyG7O_kEmoqSsPda5P2ImumMUCFaVWWaz6eZ2qkQEgFJCyBO_WHEKzCxrDAc4cpnrC1OQw1dh-y9xGk/s1600/IMG_1947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPB2Kmz4Is_2fQK79e21IAw3frS6AnWWCmCYqxXpftIrMZ-QNKtJ78IK2bKV86cyG7O_kEmoqSsPda5P2ImumMUCFaVWWaz6eZ2qkQEgFJCyBO_WHEKzCxrDAc4cpnrC1OQw1dh-y9xGk/s400/IMG_1947.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back pad along with left-side internal shoulder and elbow armor. The armor shows no visible damage. The lack of damage to the shoulder armor makes me think it might have been displaced. I was expecting dirt or abrasion on the armor after finding the huge hole exposed by the failed seams.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCY06VLzWp79lBhFsWynAUbPd1O3F8vD4-nAZURIKQ6wiMuaflweyhyphenhyphend5L2yTYYweCCNW2rImFjyqQENnkBijyA6HLAOL-t2eoibqhDMw0mtW8gaLhpvBElWuIYzp4JkFX0h2Tsz1Xjaq/s1600/IMG_1946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCY06VLzWp79lBhFsWynAUbPd1O3F8vD4-nAZURIKQ6wiMuaflweyhyphenhyphend5L2yTYYweCCNW2rImFjyqQENnkBijyA6HLAOL-t2eoibqhDMw0mtW8gaLhpvBElWuIYzp4JkFX0h2Tsz1Xjaq/s400/IMG_1946.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The leather and stitching lower down on the left side saw mild abrasions, and fared much better.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNaTjG4JMDE2dtVAqUiR-EjxOYOaRPbozvdSNYmp6rUH9v29epE2ENXCo42vHvDFy_hIpjY84rqNPwu8XdmiTKHwVtk1aBrG85XZu6ITEiRRkGQ6JYIXn0LOLYTfDmEP_b-GNXqAvkS7A/s1600/IMG_1948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNaTjG4JMDE2dtVAqUiR-EjxOYOaRPbozvdSNYmp6rUH9v29epE2ENXCo42vHvDFy_hIpjY84rqNPwu8XdmiTKHwVtk1aBrG85XZu6ITEiRRkGQ6JYIXn0LOLYTfDmEP_b-GNXqAvkS7A/s400/IMG_1948.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perforations in the back pad, only a couple of which were punched out all of the way.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Conclusion</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The AGV Photon was an excellent jacket to ride in, but I can't give it a positive review for performance when it really counts. I (obviously) don't want to crash again, but if I do, I don't want to be in the same jacket. The usual caveats apply: this was a sample size of one, may have been a fluke, and I may have suffered the same injuries had the seam failures not occurred. That said, I can't shake the feeling that this jacket was one of the vulnerabilities in my gear that day. As always, I will share this information with AGV Sport and invite them to respond. </div>
<h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="height: 31px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; width: 53px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</h3>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799182592410841860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474169450424847426.post-81081180831211683302013-07-27T17:14:00.001-07:002013-08-22T13:23:25.339-07:00Crash and Burn (Part 3)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjULaOpuA-UO9XzPb3nhtrfwP9V8-oSnYv45znz_G7cyc_1XuQyDi7ofcniK0Xf9N5wKUmoG0dL-lgTBpSTh0hbv5KU3lrzN9YtamXWIsCgK2UtBZCF6dUYgtL5YAUtSUwB-bnG9mA3IDa/s1600/IMG_1932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjULaOpuA-UO9XzPb3nhtrfwP9V8-oSnYv45znz_G7cyc_1XuQyDi7ofcniK0Xf9N5wKUmoG0dL-lgTBpSTh0hbv5KU3lrzN9YtamXWIsCgK2UtBZCF6dUYgtL5YAUtSUwB-bnG9mA3IDa/s1600/IMG_1932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<h2>
Sidi Vertigo Boots Reviewed</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dycs5loIV3i9o7MieaXhumAkfDS_-xD8Ch3fKiy04GtbTMC6Z8nNQxQYNodzgAK6d_vMg5XQlXS0AYRTawaH1A7z3UWvrSxdtR5lx4mBl9t4IqI6oiLvzcc92ZRRkNR090c4xk8tlwol/s1600/Sidi_Vertigo_Boots_Red_zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dycs5loIV3i9o7MieaXhumAkfDS_-xD8Ch3fKiy04GtbTMC6Z8nNQxQYNodzgAK6d_vMg5XQlXS0AYRTawaH1A7z3UWvrSxdtR5lx4mBl9t4IqI6oiLvzcc92ZRRkNR090c4xk8tlwol/s400/Sidi_Vertigo_Boots_Red_zoom.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo borrowed from Motonation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unlike my nearly new helmet from my last post, my Sidi Vertigos were the grizzled old veteran of my gear collection. I had more than five years, and many thousands of miles on them.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Riding Impressions</h3>
These were my first proper pair of sport/race boots after many years of riding in combat boots. The transition did take a little getting used to, but after a couple of rides I couldn't have gone back. In addition to the obviously superior protection provided versus my previous boots, I was amazed at how much more feedback and support I got just by having the right boots for the job. It's all about having the right tool for the job.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Here's why I like them:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Feel: The thin, rigid sole provides much more feedback from the footpegs, and much more positive shifting and use of the rear brake (if you use that thing).</li>
<li>Riding Comfort: Once broken-in, the boots were very comfortable for riding, and the better support from the sole actually reduced fatigue on long or fast rides. They are also very lightweight.</li>
<li>Looks: The Vertigos come in a bunch of color options, so there's something for everyone. They're visible and certainly look the part of a really nice bit of racing kit.</li>
<li>Fitment: The adjustable calf system is one of the best features of Sidi boots, it's quick and easy to size them properly for different gear, or just to get the ideal fit. Just twist the little dial on the back of the boot to tighten as needed. This makes it easy to wear the boots over your leathers or under your jeans. Also of note is that this setting is retained even if you take the boots off due to the side-zip design.</li>
<li>Ventilation: Although I did not get the Vertigo Air, which is perforated, I never had heat issues with these boots. The side vents really do channel a fair amount of air.</li>
<li>Replaceable Components: The ability to remove/replace armor pieces and toe sliders is a nice touch. </li>
<li>Fit and Finish: These are high-end boots, and they look and feel that way. </li>
<li>Warranty and Support: I never needed it, but the five year warranty is nice. Always good to know the company is going to stand behind their product. It also seems that Motonation, Sidi's US distributor has a good community presence and is very responsive. I checked out their Facebook page prior to writing this, and will be posting a link to their wall to allow response to this article. </li>
<li>Women's Sizes: Sidi also offers the Vertigo Lei model for women. It has a slightly different cut and size range, but all of the same technical features as the men's boot. It is a rarity to find top-quality gear with female-specific fitment. I got my girlfriend, Magda, a pair earlier this year. I'll ask her to comment on riding her CBR with them. </li>
</ul>
<h4>
Here's what I don't like quite as much:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Calf Adjustment and Vents: It is possible to bump these into things walking around and change your setting without realizing it. Luckily these can be fixed very quickly, even while riding. Not a big issue, but definitely something I noticed.</li>
<li>Fitment Issue: The Vertigo does not have adjustable tension across the top of the foot like the Vertigo Corsa / Vortice boots (higher priced models) do. My boots broke in to be a little loose in this area, so that's a feature I would have liked to have. </li>
<li>Wear and Dirt: My boots did show wear and dirt very quickly on the red areas. This would likely be less of a problem with black boots, and more of one with white. </li>
<li>Visibility: On the bike, this is obviously fine, but off the bike, especially if I happened to be making a short trip in jeans, I often had to explain why I was wearing Iron Man shoes. Not for the extreme introvert.</li>
<li>Squeaky: They can be a bit noisy when just walking around, not too bad, but don't plan on being able to sneak up on anyone. Some at my old job found it disruptive when I wore them. The SQL Sentry crowd just finds them amusing.</li>
</ul>
<h3>
After the Crash</h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9j6WcL12WDIijPoH0pNI36tIf8SJgkJgmHtqlF8PnE7j6edLygP86YGO3Vb-Eyu-d-gOo09PGf3B4BxhxtANXkoJbrJxoA-UH6QlGbt5S_r-oSqUnyq2YAba4CZ5AWpDY1TaDdfrBpQcr/s1600/IMG_1934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9j6WcL12WDIijPoH0pNI36tIf8SJgkJgmHtqlF8PnE7j6edLygP86YGO3Vb-Eyu-d-gOo09PGf3B4BxhxtANXkoJbrJxoA-UH6QlGbt5S_r-oSqUnyq2YAba4CZ5AWpDY1TaDdfrBpQcr/s400/IMG_1934.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left boot was the only one that hit anything, it slid across approximately ten to fifteen feet of asphalt, and about that much dirt and gravel afterwards.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdmeLZQh5hBQ7oZl00Q-qX_rshojLY3DdhkrE5p-nkmGJFis_-LqA5wen3lGn995bXUW0J4YtEORq8Gh9waeBWtTxYkJEvf009ag99klxzhBlptkyG9rUKSTCcFd3lzxvvK-85W2Hyeb0/s1600/IMG_1932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vwK1joSXdsHxpEtCXZ0sroJj4k0KmBhyphenhyphenYyOMdmjNURjQ-N9ZMNVY1IfB7MhAqXiZp8tBBjs6pRjbPhuKFA73pHCqGP_VWHwwDE12-Lxa2Mr6gbWqHY5jAJtsN0rnJUjSQJ9JHS0MlZOn/s1600/IMG_1933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
Again we reach the time for the important bit, and a little bit more preaching from me about wearing the right gear. Even if you don't go to a full-on roadracing boot like the Vertigos, get proper motorcycle boots. It will make riding not only more pleasant, but safer as well. Here in North Carolina, I see more tennis shoes than anything on other riders. I even see a dumbass wearing flip-flops at least once a month. I can put my Sidis on faster than my tennis shoes thanks to the side zips, so there's really no excuse. If you want something lower cut, or something that you'd feel more comfortable wearing in a non-riding setting, there are loads of options.<br />
<br />
<h4>
How I Fared</h4>
I'll preface this by saying that the impact force of this particular crash was definitely focused on my head and shoulder. That being said, as far as my toes, feet, shins, ankles, and calves are concerned: what crash? No injury, no marks, no pain, not even a little bit. End of story. For this particular incident, these boots were perfect. <br />
<h4>
How the Boots Fared </h4>
Like my helmet, my boot (the left one) gave its life to protect me. While I could probably still wear them, I wouldn't trust them to stand up to a second crash. Even without a crash, I don't think they'd hold together for too long. That said, it was nice that I was able to put them on and wear them out of the hospital until I could get to some comfy tennis shoes. On to the photos!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjULaOpuA-UO9XzPb3nhtrfwP9V8-oSnYv45znz_G7cyc_1XuQyDi7ofcniK0Xf9N5wKUmoG0dL-lgTBpSTh0hbv5KU3lrzN9YtamXWIsCgK2UtBZCF6dUYgtL5YAUtSUwB-bnG9mA3IDa/s400/IMG_1932.JPG" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They still look like boots! The right boot is in the foreground, and obviously looks much better. The lower portion versus the upper shows where the red got discolored over the years.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxeF348x8QvJz2jrOZemEMU0C1xkuDgwwntoA3NVzDvaKUEERnm5eSNnuogzhCq0oQi_1Yx0qM5TWBbjSJkMFsINnDfkYo-_IIOZ_hGiWKq-tPzHvf9qwWfeRv8xXZS5wYafwj_hPUK2N/s1600/IMG_1935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBxeF348x8QvJz2jrOZemEMU0C1xkuDgwwntoA3NVzDvaKUEERnm5eSNnuogzhCq0oQi_1Yx0qM5TWBbjSJkMFsINnDfkYo-_IIOZ_hGiWKq-tPzHvf9qwWfeRv8xXZS5wYafwj_hPUK2N/s400/IMG_1935.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crash closeup #1. The left boot's vent is destroyed, and this is not a replaceable part. There is also a hole right near the sole, I believe from the shift lever. It is important to note that this does not penetrate into the interior of the boot. It stops short of the insole. These two areas make the boot done for as far as I am concerned. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGk8BJa1gKkXznds6fvryJrUgh89HVYHdVK5Yshuk4N8dO6Fzu-pS7NdjQO5crrExuIvcTIexi-GvmLR9PmBvY3h6tBBHpKJHi-UAB_Q1mjWO-FBkvkFw-huHZ6g5RXsLZneawW2IS28So/s1600/IMG_1936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGk8BJa1gKkXznds6fvryJrUgh89HVYHdVK5Yshuk4N8dO6Fzu-pS7NdjQO5crrExuIvcTIexi-GvmLR9PmBvY3h6tBBHpKJHi-UAB_Q1mjWO-FBkvkFw-huHZ6g5RXsLZneawW2IS28So/s400/IMG_1936.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The toe slider also took a large portion of the damage, and collected a sample of the local vegetation! :) This and the prior photo clearly illustrate how hard parts touch down first on these boots. It looks like this boot would have been able to withstand a much longer slide without much issue.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bAOQEHf-QqKtADkW2NF1hDWfF924cC7ZPfbZN6Cgv-EdOD3rDHfhyVNauYazXfIyW3GcXMqaeWxcAIIhvl-bYfN6eGI8EMCAXrNvh5QEv6mgrCG0QyfX5SCqnRZRgEQqSW4qwTV4sweh/s1600/IMG_1937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7bAOQEHf-QqKtADkW2NF1hDWfF924cC7ZPfbZN6Cgv-EdOD3rDHfhyVNauYazXfIyW3GcXMqaeWxcAIIhvl-bYfN6eGI8EMCAXrNvh5QEv6mgrCG0QyfX5SCqnRZRgEQqSW4qwTV4sweh/s400/IMG_1937.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The trademark calf adjustment mechanism. the little red wheel at the back of the boot adjusts the tension on the clear mono filament lines visible between the Sidi logo and the red armor plate. The black button below the wheel is the release. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDJCUtpPKqPUKMvwptMWqX2g2pkSj2Ip_2-_VAsEk4MkQhQw1YBu8RbgSBFTUx6i1tlYY1gKlhisvocCz6rug0NSxWPhlahiXBEN3M1kyPMFM0R-6H42LEwM488BgDcrh1abpGyi1zEYn/s1600/IMG_1933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilDJCUtpPKqPUKMvwptMWqX2g2pkSj2Ip_2-_VAsEk4MkQhQw1YBu8RbgSBFTUx6i1tlYY1gKlhisvocCz6rug0NSxWPhlahiXBEN3M1kyPMFM0R-6H42LEwM488BgDcrh1abpGyi1zEYn/s400/IMG_1933.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another look at the red on the right boot, looking every bit of its age.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</h3>
<h3>
Conclusion</h3>
Overall, I would rate my Sidi Vertigos as excellent, and would recommend them to anyone. They served me well for many years, and when the time came, they did their job.<br />
<br />
I will be buying another set of Sidi boots, but I think I may upgrade to the Vortice Air. I don't like the price tag on the Vortice at nearly $500 street price, but I'll hunt around for a good deal. I think the extra adjust ability and a bit of extra armor is worth it, since I plan to do more track riding in the future. I'll also be switching to black. I think they will age better.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading, and safe riding to you all!<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799182592410841860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474169450424847426.post-83799290322707370902013-07-25T19:26:00.002-07:002013-08-22T13:23:25.341-07:00Crash and Burn (Part 2)<h2>
Bell Star Carbon Reviewed</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnT9Dbh569jRbR2zY591eGZlrWUG9wZAwZJrosrX3WBzhbj8wtPaGSyGVWaGWaxETCT3gm3LnJIP8w92zfkCk2-v-aEd7XeZTz9vbDN_Hm2BWAZ9MY39w0jnxTgF-ewDPrH9LVQsrWW9_/s1600/StarCarbonMatteBlackP_6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJnT9Dbh569jRbR2zY591eGZlrWUG9wZAwZJrosrX3WBzhbj8wtPaGSyGVWaGWaxETCT3gm3LnJIP8w92zfkCk2-v-aEd7XeZTz9vbDN_Hm2BWAZ9MY39w0jnxTgF-ewDPrH9LVQsrWW9_/s400/StarCarbonMatteBlackP_6.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo borrowed from Bell Powersports</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After using Shoei helmets for most of my riding career, this year I decided to try something different, and bought the <a href="http://www.bellhelmets.com/powersports/star-carbon">Bell Star Carbon</a>. I loved the carbon look, and the helmet was getting great reviews. Once I got to see it in person and try it on, I understood why. Bell helmets were the leader for many years, but when I started riding, they had fallen far behind. Recently though, Bell has returned as a serious competitor...every bit of a match for Shoei and Arai, widely regarded to be the best.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Riding Impressions</h3>
This became my favorite bit of gear after the first ride! I was always satisfied with my Shoei RF-900, but what a difference 10 years of design makes! The Star Carbon was better in almost every way.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Here's why I like it:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Aerodynamics: The helmet cuts through the wind so easily, it is stable at any speed.</li>
<li>Ventilation: The Star Carbon felt air-conditioned compared to anything else I've worn. This was the most striking observation from my first ride.</li>
<li>Visibility: Great in every direction, comparable to my old RF-900.</li>
<li>Looks: High-tech and understated. I'm getting too old for flashy lids! :)</li>
<li>Comfort: After wearing it for a few rides, perfect. The interior of this helmet is beautiful.</li>
<li>Fit and Finish: Everything about it looks and feels like a super-premium helmet. It even comes with a sweet carry bag.</li>
<li>Gizmos!: Magnetic strap retention and the optional Transitions shield are phenomenal. I cannot imagine not having these on every helmet I own from now on.</li>
</ul>
<h4>
Here's what I don't like quite as much:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Noise: Earplugs are a must. This is the price you pay for spectacular ventilation, and I think it's a fine trade off.</li>
<li>Price: This is a premium helmet at a premium price. $649 for the helmet plus $120 for the Transitions shield is a big spend! That said, I still think it's a fair price for what you get.</li>
<li>I'm really reaching for cons here. It was hard to find one in-stock anywhere in Charlotte to try on. </li>
</ul>
<h3>
After the Crash</h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqJEJOZp0CXMEvK9OXKN1mY_qZjpRjPXqUAebgSR2VNNEQ8Tw5O5ijkSNeF9lE4THzt-v2-1GQktjti2i_PPTl7msrZ3tlvBtfrdH7XeNFs8En_MdsQP9Ny4WOPHAt95IshXLpu70zXe8/s1600/helmet1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqJEJOZp0CXMEvK9OXKN1mY_qZjpRjPXqUAebgSR2VNNEQ8Tw5O5ijkSNeF9lE4THzt-v2-1GQktjti2i_PPTl7msrZ3tlvBtfrdH7XeNFs8En_MdsQP9Ny4WOPHAt95IshXLpu70zXe8/s400/helmet1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the crash</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now for the part of the review you don't normally get. When I went down, the brunt of the impact was borne by my left shoulder and the left side of my head. Without a helmet, I wouldn't be here. It's really that simple. No matter what you ride or where, a high-quality helmet should never be regarded as optional, regardless of the laws of your state.<br />
<br />
<h4>
How I Fared</h4>
I was a bit dazed immediately following the crash, but I was conscious. I understood what happened, where I was injured, and was able to communicate immediately and effectively with my friends and emergency personnel. Aside from some light bruising on the left side of my forehead and cheekbone, there was no visible injury. A head CT scan came back negative for problems. In short, my head was nearly unscathed. The Star Carbon did its job flawlessly as far as I'm concerned. The visor even stayed attached and in the down position in spite of the impact striking right at the attachment point. This is a common point of failure. <br />
<h4>
How the Helmet Fared </h4>
Needless to say, helmets are a one-use item. This one gave its life to save mine. That said, upon inspection, some interesting details emerge. The pictures will do most of the talking here.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2b3q6qW-f1gmzCwA3XYErVvM5x6hoksM8-3FCvinGqWnGfe1pbeGpqd049NE0ArC5FKsaw_75FPRyOWC6xcdU-CFrH4k4wYKG6F0V9Qnipm1u3yfFJXDXpSSHvR_1ANJqVUbEi_O54PL/s1600/helmet2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2b3q6qW-f1gmzCwA3XYErVvM5x6hoksM8-3FCvinGqWnGfe1pbeGpqd049NE0ArC5FKsaw_75FPRyOWC6xcdU-CFrH4k4wYKG6F0V9Qnipm1u3yfFJXDXpSSHvR_1ANJqVUbEi_O54PL/s400/helmet2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The vertical line is where the carbon fiber shell broke along the ridge at the rear of the helmet. I suspect this is a designed point of failure, allowing the energy of the impact to dissipate.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrTSyvjIN9fvSscQnFu_xKMl2ktDvn0Nl4CFDQD9lAnR9Xjv7_UJgSFdLGMXmzhAMmqE2_npqljDqnRPtxdCsMAq9h4D7l4NSoWO8UwXmqO9_t3NrvsWY5rwMia_G9y3qTHW4u_M_wC-H/s1600/helmet3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrTSyvjIN9fvSscQnFu_xKMl2ktDvn0Nl4CFDQD9lAnR9Xjv7_UJgSFdLGMXmzhAMmqE2_npqljDqnRPtxdCsMAq9h4D7l4NSoWO8UwXmqO9_t3NrvsWY5rwMia_G9y3qTHW4u_M_wC-H/s400/helmet3.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chin curtain was the only thing out of place, and I left it as it was after the crash. It is flexible and did not interfere in removing the helmet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBw_tWqX7ohZtTLQnv2hiPtDSnkMWwvkN9FczGUS5Tq1AUTz_xVDnK1vsx_U9CnbONy-2n_SkKct6jXcTNwc2byy-i28sFYk3m_e4o-nO8-S5XC07W9mViPmks9FSRvEO8F8hiNKN2dT3M/s1600/helmet4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBw_tWqX7ohZtTLQnv2hiPtDSnkMWwvkN9FczGUS5Tq1AUTz_xVDnK1vsx_U9CnbONy-2n_SkKct6jXcTNwc2byy-i28sFYk3m_e4o-nO8-S5XC07W9mViPmks9FSRvEO8F8hiNKN2dT3M/s400/helmet4.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With the interior padding removed, cracks in the hard foam inner shell are visible. More energy dissipated.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BA53cWMT5yz94OjArKO2bK-PHvRzuKWe7yJGwj_OOdcBj4HX-kDfx5BGwgAce-k-Rv-fUuqDwxV367CWXm7ym3AVx_TfbeuoE5Av8L3utjaYOmsq7eo-fkW87HC5F8VO0xU-DgMRjk6W/s1600/helmet5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BA53cWMT5yz94OjArKO2bK-PHvRzuKWe7yJGwj_OOdcBj4HX-kDfx5BGwgAce-k-Rv-fUuqDwxV367CWXm7ym3AVx_TfbeuoE5Av8L3utjaYOmsq7eo-fkW87HC5F8VO0xU-DgMRjk6W/s400/helmet5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few more faint cracks and deformations are visible in the interior, well-spread across the helmet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h3>
<br />Conclusion</h3>
I can't sum it up any better than this: my next helmet will be another Bell Star Carbon. I hope that I never need it like I did this one, but if I do, I know I'm well protected.<br />
<br />
This review might sound a bit gushy, but it's honest. There were some letdowns from my gear, but none from my helmet. Thanks Bell, well done! <br />
<br />
Thanks for reading, and safe riding to you all!<br />
<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799182592410841860noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474169450424847426.post-62254722746419624092013-07-25T18:26:00.001-07:002013-08-22T13:23:25.333-07:00Crash and Burn (Part 1)This is a project I've meant to start for quite some time. Why the sudden end to my procrastination? A few reasons, but first among them is that I find myself with time on my hands.<br />
<br />
On Saturday July 20<sup>th</sup> 2013, I was in a motorcycle
crash on Old NC Highway 18 near Morganton, NC.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I went down after contact with road debris at corner entry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just missed seeing a stick about the size
of a toilet paper tube that took me down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It's humbling to an experienced rider to be taken out by a piece of kindling, but that's the way of things sometimes. On the bright-side, though the bike was totaled, my injuries will be nothing but a memory in a couple of months. I broke my clavicle, and a couple of ribs, and suffered a couple of tiny compression fractures in my back. What I don't have is any road rash aside from a little scrape on my pinky finger., because I was in full safety gear at the time of the crash. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8Kl5UgLQOAjV51Mwq_v9qcb4TG8NDEiYmp5txlNAlcezk-kXwWxEnuWzVFhCtUXJneVFo81AykpPzBz-aQt539GVlcHlG7fycZp34Qk0BCAKGu-aatOfKC5djk9h4DCpqkrJKXF2DBrZ/s1600/IMAG1094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8Kl5UgLQOAjV51Mwq_v9qcb4TG8NDEiYmp5txlNAlcezk-kXwWxEnuWzVFhCtUXJneVFo81AykpPzBz-aQt539GVlcHlG7fycZp34Qk0BCAKGu-aatOfKC5djk9h4DCpqkrJKXF2DBrZ/s400/IMAG1094.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ouch!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Enough about the crash, that’s just background for why I’m
writing today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The real reason I’m
typing one-handed with my other arm still in a sling is to review the
performance of the gear I was wearing at the time of the crash.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If there is a good side to what happened, it is
an opportunity to provide the motorcycle community with a review of my gear’s performance
when it really counted.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IjIneUG0Pri2qLhk9nb5QSTR2rHVp__kne6TeRO8XOOZRedTC0QeGHjzs-jlIQX9qCd0UO8cU-zVtRA1t6ghPYtJBja-FtdooImx4gEmLCh3qd8GqqwiFSk3BVUUCPNb9GKRBuHxCLlE/s1600/helmet1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IjIneUG0Pri2qLhk9nb5QSTR2rHVp__kne6TeRO8XOOZRedTC0QeGHjzs-jlIQX9qCd0UO8cU-zVtRA1t6ghPYtJBja-FtdooImx4gEmLCh3qd8GqqwiFSk3BVUUCPNb9GKRBuHxCLlE/s400/helmet1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Never, ever go without a helmet. A low-speed crash can still crack stronger-than-steel carbon fiber!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Keep in mind that this is done with a sample size of one,
and your results may vary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully the
only part of my reviews you will ever get to validate are the pre-crash
opinions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In cases where I have found a
product did not meet my expectations, I have contacted the manufacturer to
offer them the opportunity to respond or request the item for analysis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those responses will be posted when and if they are available.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stay tuned for Part 2, where I will begin the reviews with the Bell Star Carbon helmet pictured above. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799182592410841860noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1474169450424847426.post-28384189470644394132013-07-25T18:04:00.000-07:002013-07-25T18:04:35.282-07:00Introduction<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; height: 352px; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left; width: 652px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcF46xq3CWHVCLssDR1NeLMiFSDzs9Gesujg0DT5grQJyZJAW6jW1XmSKuzroxxjhzjoGObdnSECHK3J69Ri8MnkIEQqaOWzmmGYntgdu_V0eKJIAYKHmkDozafyDVNIktFfhk3N1Kezn/s1600/320069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOcF46xq3CWHVCLssDR1NeLMiFSDzs9Gesujg0DT5grQJyZJAW6jW1XmSKuzroxxjhzjoGObdnSECHK3J69Ri8MnkIEQqaOWzmmGYntgdu_V0eKJIAYKHmkDozafyDVNIktFfhk3N1Kezn/s400/320069.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying some of the great roads North Carolina has to offer.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hi, I'm Scott Fallen, and this is my first excursion into the blogosphere. This page is going to be a mix of pretty much everything that interests me, and hopefully some of it will interest and entertain you. I'll be posting about my varied personal and professional interests. The title of the blog is a pretty good hint of what to expect: motorcycles, SQL Server, food, and travel.<br />
<br />
Let's hit some of the highlights:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I live in Huntersville, North Carolina, and I'm originally from Sewickley, Pennsylvania.</li>
<li>I work as a Sales Engineer for <a href="http://www.sqlsentry.net/">SQL Sentry, </a>a software company. I love my job!</li>
<li>My lovely girlfriend, Magda, lives in Dublin, Ireland.</li>
<li>Between a long-distance relationship and my job, I travel often. </li>
<li>I have perhaps too many hobbies, but my passion for the last thirteen years has been motorcycles. </li>
<li>I love food, especially sushi.</li>
</ul>
If it sounds like some or all of this might interest you, stay tuned! <br /><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08799182592410841860noreply@blogger.com0