My First Speed Run at El Mirage Dry Lake

This bike made 110 horsepower but was never stable in the turns at Willow Springs. It was geared really high so before I sold it I wanted to see what it would do flat out.

A windless day on a desert flat

with one straight line and a timing tower

To punch the limits - to hit the max

takes guts, no brains and big horsepower.

Nervousness - two hours anticipation

finds release in instant acceleration.

Two miles away a huge marker does wait

it's the shut-off point after crossing the straight.

Thundering towards the tower, a macho event,

To ride a wild beast and see how fast she went.

My white motorcycle she howls and shakes

At high speeds leaving dust in her wake

While stopped one thinks of legitimate fears;

At a hundred and ten they disappear.

The world becomes a bellowing blast

as my wild beast she hurtles past

the timing marker like a streak

the RPM's were at their peak.

I hug the beast

wind folds my cheeks

'can hardly see

can only peek

I'm covering ground

'faster than stink'

I have not breathed

no time to think

was that the marker?

Or did I blink?

The marker seemed so small and weak

They said it measured eleven feet.

My speed had turned it to a naught,

It seemed more like an afterthought.

Shut down, let go,

ou're through the course,

you overshot it by a mile.

Slow down, turn round

reign in that horse.

Forgot to breathe

but had to smile

(unclench your teeth,

you're through the trial ! )

Come back to earth;

back to the tower.

What was my speed?

What was my power?

The timer smiles. I open my faceplate

"My Man, One Fifty Six point Eight! !! "