Top 10 Things To Do On Sunday Now That The MotoGP Season Is Over
We’re entering the period of moto-hibernation, when, with a wag of her finger, Mother Nature says to many motorcyclists to put away their toys until Spring. And just when we most need a distraction to keep cabin fever at bay MotoGP, WSBK and pretty much all forms of motorcycle racing competed in their season finales. Seems that if someone were to begin some kind of winter racing series it’d be successful simply from a lack of competition.
So what’s a poor motorcyclist to do? Watch hockey, basketball or some other stick-and-ball sport? I’ve tried but they fail to capture my attention the way 200+ horsepower motorcycles swapping fairing paint at ridiculous lean angles do. So here are some mostly moto-specific activities with which to keep yourself entertained until motorcycle racing returns in 2016.
10. Sleep In
With my subscription to MotoGP.com’s video package I can view the race anytime I choose, but I still find myself rising early on Sunday mornings in anticipation of watching the race. With church on holiday until Spring, catching up on much needed beauty rest seems a good option.
9. Stopgap Measures
There are a few remaining season finales yet to be run. This weekend is the big triple-header in Las Vegas: AMA Grand National Flat Track on Friday night, Superprestigio of the Americas and Roland Sands’ Super Hooligan races on Saturday night. Dakar begins January 3 and Supercross January 9, but the month of December is bereft of major motorcycle racing events. See #8.
8. Rewatch Past MotoGP Seasons
I’m not pimping for Dorna – they don’t pay me to – but $38 to watch every 500cc/MotoGP race since 1992 seems a pretty good deal and is certainly enough racing to keep you occupied until March of next year.
7. Clean The Garage
Throw all the crap you don’t need into the yard and let the snow bury it until it melts then give it away. Use the resulting free space to craft your personal man cave. You deserve it and the wife just needs to understand that.
6. Bike TLC
Engine rebuild, suspension upgrade, new brake pads or simply taking the time to actually winterize your bike, ’tis the season for giving. Be nice and give your motorcycle the mechanical attention it deserves. You’ll be glad you did come Spring.
5. Read A Book
There’s no shortage of books with motorcycling as the central character. Click onto Amazon.com or go to a brick-and-motar book store (do those still exist?) and begin browsing. Ebay, used book stores, libraries and garage sales are also excellent places to find good deals on pre-owned moto-pulp.
4. Video Game Grand Prix
If you don’t already have one, go buy an Xbox or another gaming console, some moto racing games and install it into your newly minted man cave. After honing your skills invite some friends to race against and create your own make believe MotoGP season.
3. Start Planning Next Year’s Road Trip
Nothing ever goes according to plan, which is often when the true adventure begins, but it doesn’t hurt to do your homework. Find a place you’ve never visited and the best way to get there and home again. If you start teasing your riding buddies this long before the departure date they may actually be able to go.
2. Prepare To Go Racing Next Year
Tired of sitting on the sidelines watching Rossi have all the fun? Racing doesn’t have to be super expensive and crazy dangerous. Get yourself an old CB400 Twin or maybe an SV650 (Troy Siahaan might sell you his) and spend the winter racerizing it. You’ll have an absolute blast dicing it up at your local track with a bunch of like-minded bikers at speeds that are generally not life-threatening. If you’re in a rush you could try your skills at ice racing.
1. Start/Finish A Project Bike
The result may not be exactly what you had in mind but, damn it, it’ll be all yours. Even ugly babies have proud parents!
A former Motorcycle.com staffer who has gone on to greener pastures, Tom Roderick still can't get the motorcycle bug out of his system. And honestly, we still miss having him around. Tom is now a regular freelance writer and tester for Motorcycle.com when his schedule allows, and his experience, riding ability, writing talent, and quick wit are still a joy to have – even if we don't get to experience it as much as we used to.
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