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	<title>GirlClutch</title>
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	<link>http://www.girlclutch.com</link>
	<description>From the dirt to the streets; meet other women who share your passion.</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:21:01 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>International Female Ride Day GIRLS ONLY Ride!!</title>
		<link>http://www.girlclutch.com/femalerideday2012/</link>
		<comments>http://www.girlclutch.com/femalerideday2012/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Apr 2012 17:20:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Oki</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[SoCal]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.girlclutch.com/?p=1329</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[International Female Ride Day! Palms to Pines Meeting Location Shell Gas Station 29115 Front St. Temecula, CA International Female Ride Day happens on the first Friday of every May to celebrate women in motorcycling. Visit www.motoress.com for more information on what International Female Ride Day is all about! In 2010, … <a href="http://www.girlclutch.com/femalerideday2012/"> Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594; </span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1330" title="30246_120276778004329_100000660229859_161032_2628878_n" src="http://www.girlclutch.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/30246_120276778004329_100000660229859_161032_2628878_n-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" />International Female Ride Day! Palms to Pines</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0066;">Meeting Location</span></strong><br />
Shell Gas Station<br />
29115 Front St.<br />
Temecula, CA</p>
<p>International Female Ride Day happens on the first Friday of every May to celebrate women in motorcycling. Visit <a href="http://www.motoress.com">www.motoress.com</a> for more information on what International Female Ride Day is all about!</p>
<p>In 2010, we met in San Diego and rode up to Julian for pies and lunch. In 2011, we met in Orange County and took some back roads out to K1 Speed for some karting action. Now in 2012, we&#8217;re meeting in Temecula, and riding out east to Palm Springs for lunch! Because many of us work during the week, GirlClutch will once again be celebrating on the following day; Saturday May 5, 2012 with an ALL GIRLS/GIRLS ONLY ride to Palm Springs.</p>
<p>We will meet at the Shell Gas Station in Temecula off the 15 freeway and Temecula Pkwy at 9am (exit Temecula Pkwy, head west, and you will see the Shell gas station). KSU up 10am and we will take the back roads into Palm Springs for lunch!</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0066;">The Route (Roughly 75 miles):</span></strong><br />
Hwy 79/Temecula Pkwy East into Aguana.<br />
Left on 74 North into Palm Desert</p>
<p>Lunch destination TBD, ideas welcome! More details to follow!</p>
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		<title>Aussie Body Fitness!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.girlclutch.com/aussie-body-fitness/</link>
		<comments>http://www.girlclutch.com/aussie-body-fitness/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:48:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Oki</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Psycho Kitty]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.girlclutch.com/?p=1322</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I’m healing incredibly well and started up a fantastic training program developed by my girl Monica Lee Paige (@monicaleepaige on Twitter &#38; Facebook).  She is a model, track day girl and soon to be racer!  She just got her personal trainer certification and has been busting her ass to get … <a href="http://www.girlclutch.com/aussie-body-fitness/"> Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594; </span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I’m healing incredibly well and started up a <em>fantastic</em> training program developed by my girl <span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>Monica Lee Paige</strong></span> (@monicaleepaige on Twitter &amp; Facebook).  She is a model, track day girl and soon to be racer!  She just got her personal trainer certification and has been busting her ass to get a training career off the ground.  <span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>Aussie Body Fitness</strong></span> is her new training company, and she’s looking to specialize in training racers in addition to her training job at a kick as gym in NorCal. </p>
<p>I’ve known Monica for a while, and I’m so thrilled to see her excelling on the race track.  She’s been a street rider for a lot of years – doing some stunting too! She’s married to Servin’ It Up’s <span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>Darius Khashabi</strong></span> – one of the original stunters from the early 90s!</p>
<p>She takes her fitness, diet, modeling and riding very seriously, so I know she’s a trainer who “gets it”.</p>
<p>Since I live in SoCal, she’s developed a really great remote training program for us to communicate.  She has a youtube channel where she demos the exercises she wants me to do, and I provide her daily updates via Voxer.  She has access to Skype, and is utilizing all the technology available to be a remote trainer – so far so good!</p>
<p> I’m super excited to be one of her first for the Female Racer Program, and she’s developed an initial gym routine that focuses on moves that are important to racing, and every move is driven by the whole body.  There is no isolated anything – is there ever an isolated anything while you’re on track?  She also has riding specific moves that she’s having me do, which are seriously balance, core, and leg oriented!</p>
<p>Her routine is so kick ass!  It focuses on working the most important muscle groups needed for solid riding – legs, core, and upper body.  The first time I did it in the gym, it rocked my world! </p>
<p>Coupled with the cycling I’ve been doing much more regularly, I must brag a bit… my booty is looking damn perky and firm! Ha ha ha</p>
<p>My fitness levels are really coming back strong, and I’m excited to see how much I’ve improved when I race next weekend atLas Vegaswith WERA!!!</p>
<p>I’m also SUPER excited to announce that I’ve been invited to join an all girls WERA National Endurance Series Team!!!  Team KATRA with SGA Racing.  <span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>Kat Zimpel, Lisa Wallace, Nadieh Schoots </strong></span>&amp; I hear Melissa Paris may be joining us for a few rounds!  Kat is the team owner, and she’s also a very successful CCS racer, and new WERA racer!  Lisa is a seasoned racer and track day instructor out of NorCal/Reno, and Nadieh is a bad ass girl from theNetherlands racing inEurope!!</p>
<p>I’m so thrilled to have been invited to be a part of this team, and to meet these fantastic lady riders!  The opening round is April 20<sup>th</sup> weekend inTalladega,Alabama!</p>
<p>The WERA National Endurance Series will kick off with the 4 hour race at TalladegaGP, then 6 hours at Miller in May; 6 hours at Road Atlanta in early June; with the 4 hour final at Road Atlanta in October.</p>
<p>The endurance series is part of the WERA National Series, which travels around to different tracks in theUS.  It’s about the highest level of club racing you can do.  You can read more about WERA and their events at wera.com</p>
<p>In the mean time, I’m so looking forward to this year!  It’s going to be a fantastic year!  My good friend <span style="color: #0000ff;"><strong>Jacob Brown</strong></span> is going to try his hand at some AMA Supersport racing at Infineon May 3-5<sup>th</sup>, then Miller Memorial Weekend, and Laguna Seca with MotoGP in July!  I’m going to pit crew for him!  That’s going to be a hell of an experience!  I haven’t been to a pro race since 2002!</p>
<p>I’ve been off the bike for 2 months, and I’m just chomping at the bit to get out on the track next weekend!  I enjoyed my down time while it lasted, because this spring and summer are going to be off the hook!  I’m looking forward to having more racing to write about in the coming months <img src='http://www.girlclutch.com/wordpress/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';-)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>Happy Spring Ladies!</p>
<p>Xoxo,<br />
Psycho Kitty</p>
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		<title>April 2012 &#8211; Yvonne Nauta</title>
		<link>http://www.girlclutch.com/april2012-yn/</link>
		<comments>http://www.girlclutch.com/april2012-yn/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:39:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Oki</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured Rider]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.girlclutch.com/?p=1315</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Name:  Yvonne Nauta Age:  40 Location: Lemon Grove, CA How did you get into riding? My husband is a rider and I was not really into it at first, more like a little scared. I started being a back seat rider with him and really started to enjoy being on the road. … <a href="http://www.girlclutch.com/april2012-yn/"> Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594; </span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="color: #ff3399;"><strong><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1316" title="Ride 1" src="http://www.girlclutch.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Ride-1-300x295.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="295" />Name:</strong></span>  Yvonne Nauta<br />
<span style="color: #ff3399;"><strong>Age:</strong></span>  40<br />
<span style="color: #ff3399;"><strong>Location:</strong></span> Lemon Grove, CA</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff3399;"><strong>How did you get into riding?</strong></span><br />
My husband is a rider and I was not really into it at first, more like a little scared. I started being a back seat rider with him and really started to enjoy being on the road. After about 2 years of riding with him I decided that I wanted to ride one of my own and decided to take the Rider’s course to see if I could do it. I took the course and really enjoyed it. Once I passed the course I decided to go for it and buy a Harley that I would be comfortable on. Three weeks after I took the course and received my license I took my first long trip, “Laughlin”. My husband told me that it was either going to make me or break me and here I am five years later loving every minute when I am behind that bike and in control. I will never get on the back of my husband’s bike again.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff3399;"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1317" title="Sturgis 2" src="http://www.girlclutch.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Sturgis-2-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" />What are your goals as far as riding goes?</span></strong><br />
My riding goals to just continue to enjoy the open road and try and encourage more women to take that leap and ride one of their own.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff3399;">What are you looking forward to this season?</span></strong><br />
The weeklong trip that we have planned for “Sturgis”</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff3399;"><strong>Which women (not necessarily riders) inspire you the most and why?</strong> </span><br />
The women that inspire me are those that have struggled through life for whatever reason and still are able to get up every day and be proud of who they are and what they are.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff3399;"><strong><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1318" title="45474_14555Sturgis Ride" src="http://www.girlclutch.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/45474_14555Sturgis-Ride-283x300.jpg" alt="" width="283" height="300" />Any hobbies/interests outside of riding?</strong></span><br />
Family time is important to me. Love to go camping and on weekend trips with my boys.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff3399;">Do you have any pre-ride routines?</span></strong><br />
No</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff3399;">Any advice for women who are looking to start riding?</span></strong><br />
To all the women that are thinking of riding, stop thinking and just do it. It is one thing to be on the back of your mans bike, but to be in control of your own is an amazing feeling. I do advise to all to take the “Rider’s course” whether you are a single rider or a back seat rider it will help you to understand the road more.</p>
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		<title>Welcome, GirlClutch Washington!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.girlclutch.com/welcome-girlclutch-washington/</link>
		<comments>http://www.girlclutch.com/welcome-girlclutch-washington/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Mar 2012 14:12:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Oki</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Washington]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.girlclutch.com/?p=1299</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[*Waving Hello!!!* My name is Melissa, and I’m located in “South Central” Washington lol…Middle of the state, 10 miles off the Columbia. I started riding at the tail end of the 2008 season. First time, first bike. I’ve been in love with them and the sport since I was around … <a href="http://www.girlclutch.com/welcome-girlclutch-washington/"> Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594; </span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>*Waving Hello!!!*</p>
<p>My name is Melissa, and I’m located in “South Central” Washington lol…Middle of the state, 10 miles off the Columbia.</p>
<p>I started riding at the tail end of the 2008 season. First time, first bike. I’ve been in love with them and the sport since I was around 15…just never had the means to pursue it prior…and a few other lame excuses lol. I got into it for the love of bikes, to challenge myself with something new, and for the amazing social aspect that comes with being in the community. My first two seasons though, I was lacking in that last part… I rarely had anyone to ride with, and was missing the community feel…and debated selling – figuring that maybe I had too high of expectations and all. At the end of the 2009 season though, we had a new guy start at work that rode a sport bike as well…and came from a group that was open to all levels, riders and somewhat of a family. I rode with him a few times, and we got a small local group started. Shortly after he introduced me to a large Northwest forum of riders. Since then, I have met so many wonderful and supportive people. Some of my best friends, and awesome memories have stemmed this past summer. Between girls only rides, group rides, track days, and local get togethers…I’ve finally found what I’ve been missing for so long…comraderey.</p>
<p>I’ve rode with Morgan (the lead from GirlClutch Oregon) a few times, and have really enjoyed the rides she puts together and the support she lends to the other lady riders on our forum (and beyond). I’ve inquired a couple times about GirlClutch with her, and really liked what I heard. No club politics, fees, meetings or bs that’s typical. Just get together, ride, and enjoy eachothers company…perfect!!! I checked out the site to see what’s going on out there, and maybe how to become a member…and found that there wasn’t a representative for Washington yet…so…here I am!!</p>
<p>I love organizing rides, and my closest “family” has nicknamed me “Iron Muffin Butt” because of the distances I typically will travel just to get to a ride. Most times I’ll wind up putting in a 9-14 hour day. We have beautiful roads down here in the Columbia River Gorge, and loads of great twisties. Will be great to share them, as well as put rides together for the different regions of Washington and get all of us out to explore our great state. Plus…I’m the only girl in my local group…so I could use some chicka company here and there!!! lol</p>
<p>Always open to all riders, levels and bike styles…we all take the same risks and understand the joy that comes from being out on two wheels.<br />
~Melissa</p>
<p>You can get more information on GC Washington by emailing <a href="mailto:Washington@GirlClutch.com">Washington@GirlClutch.com</a> and keep up with what&#8217;s happening with GirlClutch Washington by friending them on Facebook <strong>here</strong></p>
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		<title>March 2012 Ride &#8211; Riverside &amp; SD</title>
		<link>http://www.girlclutch.com/march-2012-ride-riverside-sd/</link>
		<comments>http://www.girlclutch.com/march-2012-ride-riverside-sd/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:45:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Oki</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Upcoming Events]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.girlclutch.com/?p=1292</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Meeting location: Chevron Gas Station &#8211; 27112 Ortega Hwy San Juan Capistrano, CA Meeting time: 10:00am, KSU 10:30am The Ride: We will be meeting up at the Chevron Gas Station off of the 5 freeway and Ortega Highway. We&#8217;ll head east on Ortega Hwy, up and over to Lake Elsinore, … <a href="http://www.girlclutch.com/march-2012-ride-riverside-sd/"> Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594; </span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Meeting location: Chevron Gas Station &#8211; 27112 Ortega Hwy San Juan Capistrano, CA<br />
Meeting time: 10:00am, KSU 10:30am</p>
<p><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1293" title="Screen shot 2012-03-08 at 11.44.12 AM" src="http://www.girlclutch.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Screen-shot-2012-03-08-at-11.44.12-AM-300x171.png" alt="" width="300" height="171" />The Ride: We will be meeting up at the Chevron Gas Station off of the 5 freeway and Ortega Highway. We&#8217;ll head east on Ortega Hwy, up and over to Lake Elsinore, stopping at the parking lot at the base for a break and to rehydrate. From there, we&#8217;ll take the I-15 south to Temecula Parkway, and head east, stopping at In &amp; Out for lunch.</p>
<p>After lunch, we&#8217;ll continue east on the 79 (Temecula Pkwy) through Warner Springs, and out to Lake Henshaw, where we&#8217;ll take another break to stretch and rehydrate. From there, we&#8217;ll continue to the 76 west, heading back through Pala to Fallbrook and the Mobil gas station to top off if needed. We&#8217;ll continue west on the 76 until we reach Oceanside, and reach our destination; Oceanside Pier.</p>
<p>See you there!!!</p>
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		<title>WERA Las Vegas!</title>
		<link>http://www.girlclutch.com/wera-las-vegas/</link>
		<comments>http://www.girlclutch.com/wera-las-vegas/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:21:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Oki</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Psycho Kitty]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.girlclutch.com/?p=1264</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Recovery from my surgery has been taking way too long!  I try to work out a bit, and then can’t for several days, then try again… repeat… repeat… ugh….. One incision got infected, slowing me down even more… the only thing that did progress was my waistline :-/  I was … <a href="http://www.girlclutch.com/wera-las-vegas/"> Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594; </span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Recovery from my surgery has been taking way too long!  I try to work out a bit, and then can’t for several days, then try again… repeat… repeat… ugh…..</p>
<p>One incision got infected, slowing me down even more… the only thing that did progress was my waistline :-/  I was working out just enough to increase my appetite, and wasn’t able to work out regularly enough to burn the extra calories… couple that with feeling frustrated about not being able to work out – and drinking a bit too much beer… I’ve gained a few pounds since the surgery, but not anything more than I had weighed in the months before… but still… it was frustrating…</p>
<p>Anyway… the doc just cleared me to work out again and gave me the ok to push through any little bit of pain I may experience.  Giddy up!  Here we go!</p>
<p>This also meant I was clear to race Valentine’s weekend in Las Vegas with WERA (Feb 11-12)… of course I was going to race anyway <img src='http://www.girlclutch.com/wordpress/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif' alt=';-)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1265" title="T6 LVMS" src="http://www.girlclutch.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/T6-LVMS-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />I was really excited to race in Vegas!  This would be my first weekend to race in 2012, and first race since September!  Most importantly, first race on my amazing “new” <strong>Graves</strong> built 2006 R1!!</p>
<p><strong>Graves Motorsports</strong> graciously took in my Big Boy in Nov 2011 after I had spun a rod bearing in the engine.  They transformed my 2006 Yamaha R1 into the most incredible machine I have ever ridden.</p>
<p>WERA West at Las Vegas Motor Speedway<br />
So far in 2012 I rode my R1 one day at AutoClub Speedway in Fontana, Jan 7<sup>th</sup>, and commuting to work on my Black Stallion (black ’06 R1) since January 2<sup>nd</sup>.  It’s now February and my belly feels considerably better in regards to riding, so I was optimistic to be able to ride without pain, yet my fitness levels were really poor – months of not being able to work out due to pain, then not being able to work out due to surgery recovery.</p>
<p>Given my physical condition, I opted to compete in only 2 classes, and ride just a few sessions at the end of the Friday track day.  Being able to rest all day Saturday proved to be beneficial!  I rode the last 3 sessions of the day on Friday, and was tired.  I struggled to maintain pace for the duration of the 20 minute session… man I was out of shape!</p>
<p>In choosing to only run two classes, I was going to run Open “A” Superstock and Women’s Superstock, but the classes were scheduled back to back!  There was no way I was ready to run back to back!</p>
<p>So, I opted to enter Open “A” Superbike (A Sbk) as it was 2 races before Women’s Superstock (WSS).  I wasn’t exactly thrilled about running A Sbk as the AMA liter bike racing dudes are in it… geez…</p>
<p>On Saturday, I watched most of the Heavyweight Solo 20 race &#8211; with the dudes I was going to be competing against in A Sbk… I watched Aussie Dave Anthony just destroy the track; watched my friend Corey Sarros get a killer start, take the holeshot, and hold off Aussie Dave for a good portion of the race.  Watched Jason DiSalvo tear it up on a Triumph 675! Watched a couple of other dudes on their R1s battle it out…. As I watched my competitors I was rather surprised when I felt myself getting excited, building confidence, and building excitement to run with those guys!  I was surprised because last year I would have watched and become consumed by intimidation and defeat.</p>
<p>My riding on Friday, the way my bike felt &#8211; solid, planted… fast; the way I rode it – aggressively yet relaxed – built my confidence with each lap.</p>
<p>Sunday morning practice went pretty decent.  There were a few small suspension changes that needed to be done, and I pulled in a few times during the single long practice session to make changes.  My awesome cousin <strong>Matt Buanno</strong> (cousin Matty) sat on the wall and made the adjustments as I requested.  Matt has been helping me so much since I asked him to help out in August at a Willow round.  Having someone with me in the pits to help do the mechanical work, and help me keep my head on straight, is absolutely invaluable!</p>
<p>Anyway, the front end still felt sloppy during practice.  It cleaned up as we made a few adjustments, but it still just felt sloppy.</p>
<p>A Superbike<br />
I gridded up for A Sbk, and the first few rows are on a downhill slope!!  While trying to figure out what do with my feet, as I was rolling away a bit, I was not even ready for the start :-/</p>
<p>The term dudes use “left standing there holding my d*ck” was very appropriate for this case… Argh!</p>
<p>To top it off, my best pal, <strong>Jacob Brown</strong> (aka Donkey) entered this race explicitly to race against me!  If he beat me, I would *never* hear the end of it!  Especially as he was entered up on his R6 that he was racing for the first time!</p>
<p>To watch him get the jump on me during the start just pissed me off… I got on it as hard as I could and threw myself up into the mix in an effort to catch Donkey’s ass.  I was able to get around one guy that I recall for certain, but the important thing was that I got through clean, and Donkey was in front of me.</p>
<p>I rode as hard as I could despite my front end feeling ridiculously sloppy.  Under the brakes and corner entry it was just moving the handle bars, and sometimes the chassis, all over the damn place.  There were more than a few times I thought for sure I was going to crash.</p>
<p>Some dude was showing me a wheel in several corners, but I told him to f*k off and gassed it!  It took him 3 laps to finally make a pass on me, under the brakes into turn 1.  When I saw he was on a BMW, I was especially proud he wasn’t able to get me passed me on any corner exits!</p>
<p>I was running down my pal Donkey, and the two (albeit now three) dudes with him.  I was the tail end of a 5 rider battle.  This dude named Steve who has this tiger motif on his bike (a large twin of some kind) was getting reeled in on every lap.  As we took the white flag, I was mulling over where to pass him when Donkey (the lead of the 5 bikes) screwed up bad going into T1, causing a chain reaction of brake stabbing and near run off.  It trickled back to the tiger bike, who almost blew turn one, but was able to get it turned, albeit as wide as the edge of the track!  I was able to capitalize on this and go underneath him, and since Donkey screwed up, he got himself passed by the BMW and the Honda that were all over his ass.  For the last lap, it was just him and I.  I rode my ass off trying to get close enough to make a move on him, but it was not to be.  I crossed the line 1.3 seconds behind him.  However, I was quite proud of myself to have run his ass down!  <img src='http://www.girlclutch.com/wordpress/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif' alt=':D' class='wp-smiley' />    I also matched my personal best lap times from 2010!  1:24.2 was my best lap… in 2010 a 1:24.1 was my best lap (on brand new tires!)  I’m so proud to have run how I did on a front tire that, as it turns out, was just flat wore out!  I had mounted that tire in August at Willow Springs.  It was raced on in August, in September, rode at Buttonwillow in November, the Fontana track day in January, and those couple of sessions on Friday.  It probably had over a hundred laps on it.</p>
<p>The most exciting part was that I was one second away from having a top ten in Open “A” Superbike.  After struggling to badly last year to actually being competitive in the big boy class, I was unbelievably thrilled!!!</p>
<p>After talking to <strong>Lenny Albin</strong> after morning practice, he suggested I evaluate the tire life as it was likely the cause of my front end slop.  Makes complete sense as the front end was effectively unchanged, yet it got completely sloppy – what’s different?  The tire wore out!  Although the tire looked amazing – tons of rubber, clean, etc  &#8211; it just didn’t have the grip resulting in a lot of movement under the brakes, and instability while trail braking and heavy loading during corner entry.  These are the two parts of a race track that will load the front end the heaviest.</p>
<p><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1267" title="T6 Look" src="http://www.girlclutch.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/T6-Look-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />So cousin Matty swapped my front wheel with a hard compound front I had mounted from when I purchased it at Willow back in August – or maybe even earlier, I don’t remember! – anyway, since it was a hard front, I knew it had considerably less laps on it than the medium front did, and if I was going to have a shot at winning W SS, I was going to have to have two things – a killer start, and a front tire with grip!</p>
<p>Women’s Superstock<br />
There was not a huge turnout of women racers in Las Vegas despite over a 130 racers in the paddock.  A relatively new girl had also come out to the track, and after hearing how she dominated at Chuckwalla, and watching her beat my girl friends, I was excited to race her.</p>
<p>Part of me was stoked to see what she would bring to the race, and how she’d make me work my ass off, but part of me was a little bit intimidated.  I had never raced against her before, but I’ve seen what she can do on track, and it’s pretty bad ass!</p>
<p>As we were getting ready for WSS, another – bigger – rain shower came through and actually got things pretty wet.  Thankfully it let up a good little bit before my race, but I was pretty sketch as I was on friggin slicks!  (WERA is allowing slicks in A Superstock this year, which is my eligibility for W SS – which is 600 Sbk, 750 Sbk and A Superstock rules).</p>
<p>During the out lap, I see T4, a critical corner, is really wet – like water glistening back at you wet – in the apex area.  T4 is a very slow entry corner (hard braking) off a brief straight, and it opens up to the super high speed back section, so getting a drive off this turn is critical!</p>
<p>Thankfully the braking area wasn’t too wet, but the whole mid corner was super wet, meaning I was not going to be heavily trailbraking as I was before, and I was going to have to really watch my lean angle.</p>
<p>The pavement has 3 seams in it where they laid the surface, and most of the water was from the inside most seam to the curbing – right where I wanted to be.</p>
<p>A few other sections of the track were damp enough to change the color of the pavement, but thankfully they had plenty of grip, and dried up as the race went on.</p>
<p>We grid up, and this time I wasn’t f*kg around!  And being gridded behind the heavyweight twins class also meant I wasn’t going to roll away on the starting grid!  Ha ha ha… The green flag went, and I got a killer launch!  I just got right into the throttle and grabbed second gear.  Since us girls got our own green flag, the track was clear ahead of me, and I was able to rail through T1.  I gassed it hard exiting one, and just rode like hell as I knew the other girl would be HOT on my ass!  That girl can get on the damn throttle, so my best bet was to be on the gas as early and as hard as possible to ensure I get a drive on her, and get myself a bit of a gap so that she won’t get close enough to out brake me!</p>
<p>Turn 4 was an incredibly tricky balancing act.  How much risk was I willing to take on to stay in front verses the risk of falling down.  Since the high speed back section is long, I opted to go in hard on the brakes, turn relatively slowly, and rocket the f*ck out of there so she wouldn’t be able to get her R6 to keep up with my Big Boy.  I had tricky track conditions, and this was my strategy.</p>
<p>As I took the start/finish line still in first place, I could see it was working.  I didn’t dare let off, as I knew her little butt was hot on my tail!  She is a fierce competitor, and I knew she’d make me earn every millisecond out on that track.</p>
<p>Lap after lap, I had no one in front of me, a completely clean track!  Methodical, focused, and evaluating the track conditions with every pass to determine when some areas were safe to go faster through.</p>
<p>I got incredibly lucky in that I caught these two little boys on their 125 two stroke bikes in the super fast back section of the track and was able to get around them clean and easy.  Shortly afterward I caught and passed another rider from the twins class.   I knew I’d be toast if I let traffic hold me up.</p>
<p>I took the white flag all alone again, and ran strong to finish the race in first place.  I took a glance over my shoulder as I was exiting T4, and caught a flash of her bike running along the straight into turn 3!  What the…?  From there I backed off just a little bit, and brought it home safely.</p>
<p>The lapped traffic slowed her up – I’ve been there, done that, and it sucks balls so horribly!!!  Especially when you’re running someone down!</p>
<p>Then she told me later she blew turn one on the last lap.  That explains a lot… there is no way I would have beaten her by 21 seconds if she didn’t have some bad luck.  She rides excellent, and I was thrilled to have her challenging me to the end!  I’m really looking forward to racing against her again, especially as she gets better on the Vegas track, as it was her first weekend there.</p>
<p>So there you have it… an incredibly positive start to 2012!!!  I finished 13<sup>th</sup>/15 in Open “A” Superbike – and within a second of making a top ten break…and winning Women’s Superstock from holeshot to checkered flag.</p>
<p>Despite being out of shape, running on worn out front tires, and dealing with adverse winter conditions, I am so proud to have met my same personal best lap times!!!</p>
<p>April in Las Vegas with WERA is going to hold better weather, and will see this girl with fresher tires and a tighter body!!!</p>
<p>Let’s go racin’ boys!</p>
<p>HUGE Thank you to my incredible sponsors for making my 2012 opener successful!!</p>
<p><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1266" title="Close Up" src="http://www.girlclutch.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Close-Up-278x300.jpg" alt="" width="278" height="300" /></p>
<ul>
<li>Graves Motorsports (<a href="http://www.gravesport.com">www.gravesport.com</a>)</li>
<li>Lenny Albin (<a href="http://www.superbikechassis.com">www.superbikechassis.com</a>)</li>
<li>M Racing (<a href="http://www.mracingperformance.com">www.mracingperformance.com</a>)</li>
<li>Five &amp; Dime Tattoo (<a href="http://www.fiveanddimetattoo.com">www.fiveanddimetattoo.com</a>)</li>
<li>Moonstone Cellars (<a href="http://www.moonstonecellars.com">www.moonstonecellars.com</a>)</li>
<li>EBC Brakes (<a href="http://www.ebcbrakes.com">www.ebcbrakes.com</a>)</li>
<li>Five-0 Racing (<a href="http://www.five-0racing.com">www.five-0racing.com</a>)</li>
<li>CT Racing Pirelli (<a href="http://www.ctracing.com">www.ctracing.com</a>)</li>
<li>Scorpion Helmets  (<a href="http://www.scorpionusa.com">www.scorpionusa.com</a>)</li>
<li>Attack Performance (<a href="http://www.attackperformance.com">www.attackperformance.com</a>)</li>
<li>Jason Pridmore’s STAR School (<a href="http://www.starmotorcycle.com">www.starmotorcycle.com</a>)</li>
<li>RaceTech Suspension (<a href="http://www.racetech.com">www.racetech.com</a>)</li>
</ul>
<p>Xoxo,<br />
Psycho Kitty</p>
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		<title>Fail Less, Succeed More</title>
		<link>http://www.girlclutch.com/fail-less-succeed-more/</link>
		<comments>http://www.girlclutch.com/fail-less-succeed-more/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:11:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Oki</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Live Full Out]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.girlclutch.com/?p=1278</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hello all of you lovely biker babes! I would love to talk to you all about what we believe success and failure to be. In this video we will learn how to define what we think success and failure are and then learn how to alter them so that we … <a href="http://www.girlclutch.com/fail-less-succeed-more/"> Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594; </span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hello all of you lovely biker babes!</p>
<p>I would love to talk to you all about what we believe success and failure to be. In this video we will learn how to define what we think success and failure are and then learn how to alter them so that we are having more success and less of the failure in our lives. The more success we see the more we continue to get in our lives and I don&#8217;t know about you but I can never have enough success in my life! You can apply this to your health and fitness (Obviously) but you can apply this technique to any area of your life you would like to succeed more in.</p>
<p>Kick some ass and LIVE FULL OUT!<br />
Lauren Denos</p>
<p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RaTRPWHRsqs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
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		<title>March 2012 &#8211; Jenny Besaw</title>
		<link>http://www.girlclutch.com/march-2012-jenny-besaw/</link>
		<comments>http://www.girlclutch.com/march-2012-jenny-besaw/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:08:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Oki</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Featured Rider]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.girlclutch.com/?p=1271</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Name: Jenny Besaw Age: 31 Location: University Place, WA How did you get into riding? I was always interested in riding but never did anything about it until an ex-boyfriend said I couldn’t get one unless we broke up. Well as you can see he’s gone and I’ve had a … <a href="http://www.girlclutch.com/march-2012-jenny-besaw/"> Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594; </span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><span style="color: #ff3399;"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1272" title="323472_10151238871730624_602680623_23083411_1847438723_o" src="http://www.girlclutch.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/323472_10151238871730624_602680623_23083411_1847438723_o-199x300.jpg" alt="" width="199" height="300" />Name:</span></strong> Jenny Besaw<br />
<strong><span style="color: #ff3399;">Age:</span></strong> 31<br />
<strong><span style="color: #ff3399;">Location:</span></strong> University Place, WA</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff3399;">How did you get into riding?</span></strong><br />
I was always interested in riding but never did anything about it until an ex-boyfriend said I couldn’t get one unless we broke up. Well as you can see he’s gone and I’ve had a bike ever since. After a year of riding on the street a couple of buddies and I went to Pacific Raceways towards the end of the day to watch some racing. We showed up and I got goose bumps as soon as I saw the first bike go by. From that point on I knew I was meant to be on the track.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff3399;">What are your goals as far as riding goes?</span></strong><br />
My main goal whenever I ride is to have fun. My second goal is to continue to improve and learn my craft. I graduated from Novice to Expert in 2012 and look forward to improving my skills. My goals towards racing are finishing the year with a top 10 finish in 600SS and 600SB.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff3399;"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1273" title="38521_10150228721745624_602680623_14194716_2297970_n" src="http://www.girlclutch.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/38521_10150228721745624_602680623_14194716_2297970_n-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />What are you looking forward to this season?</span></strong><br />
I really hope to be able to travel and race at tracks I’ve never been to. There will be a new track in Shelton, WA (The Ridge Motorsports Park) that is in my backyard. I love learning new tracks and road trips so hopefully there will be no unexpected expenses that pull away money from my budget.</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff3399;"><strong>Which women (not necessarily riders) inspire you the most and why?</strong></span><br />
It’s not just one particular woman that inspires me. Sometimes its someone that I don’t even know but from just a quick glance you can see the passion in their eyes and they do what they do because they love it. I enjoy seeing women empower themselves by stepping outside of the box and proving to the world that we (women) can do whatever we put our minds to. Strength comes from within and we can unleash the beast.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff3399;"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1274" title="74411_10150292898535624_602680623_15699367_3499366_n" src="http://www.girlclutch.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/74411_10150292898535624_602680623_15699367_3499366_n-300x199.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="199" />Guilty Pleasures?</span></strong><br />
Stargate Atlantis. I’m definitely a Sci-Fi nut and can’t get enough of it!</p>
<p><span style="color: #ff3399;"><strong>Any hobbies/interests outside of riding?</strong></span><br />
Cycling is definitely one of my favorites but living in the PNW means you’ll have a lot of rain riding. I’ve also just recently started riding horses and even tried barrel racing. Definitely a rush when riding something that has a mind of its own!</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff3399;">Do you have any pre-track day/race day routines?</span></strong><br />
I always double check that I have my helmet, gloves, suit, back protector, boots and UnderArmour. I have this fear that when loading the trailer I’ll leave my gear bag behind. The first thing I check before going out to ride is that my tires are warm (tire warmers are amazing!) and my brakes work.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff3399;"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1275" title="402544_385989871418581_249162888434614_1793119_2015454874_n" src="http://www.girlclutch.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/402544_385989871418581_249162888434614_1793119_2015454874_n-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" />Any advice for women who are looking to start riding or going to track days?</span></strong><br />
Remember that we’ve all been there. I was so nervous my first track day and decided to attend an All Women’s Event because I wasn’t sure if I was ready for a co-ed track day. But after my first day I learned to ride my own ride. I could go as fast or as slow as I wanted. Never allow others to rush you out of your comfort zone. With additional seat time and patience, speed will come. Learn how to be smooth with your inputs as it will benefit you more than rushing into going fast. I’d also suggest attending a school so that you’ll learn the correct riding techniques. As a woman you’ll get a lot of people giving you riding advice so why not learn from riders that have the credentials….. uh hm – Yamaha Champions Riding School (YCRS). I finally made the leap this year and learned so much. Definitely worth every penny!</p>
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		<title>Track Seminar at Ladies Night</title>
		<link>http://www.girlclutch.com/track-seminar-at-ladies-night/</link>
		<comments>http://www.girlclutch.com/track-seminar-at-ladies-night/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Feb 2012 02:58:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Oki</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ride/Event Reviews]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.girlclutch.com/?p=1251</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Oh what a night! About twenty girls came out for this month’s Ladies Night at the Dainese Store in Costa Mesa, CA. The night started with some mingling and meeting new people. Refreshments and snacks were provided by the D-Store. The show started with guest speakers included Christin Voros and … <a href="http://www.girlclutch.com/track-seminar-at-ladies-night/"> Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594; </span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Oh what a night!</p>
<p>About twenty girls came out for this month’s Ladies Night at the Dainese Store in Costa Mesa, CA.</p>
<p><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1252" title="photo 5" src="http://www.girlclutch.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/photo-5-300x200.png" alt="" width="300" height="200" />The night started with some mingling and meeting new people. Refreshments and snacks were provided by the D-Store. The show started with guest speakers included Christin Voros and Jen Dunstan, who spoke about track days and how to prepare for them. They shared a video of girls on the track, and presented slides on why one should participate in track days, how to prepare for them, and what to expect. You can download their presentation <a href="http://www.girlclutch.com/downloads/DStoreTrackDaysPresentation.ppt" target="_blank">HERE</a>. (TrackDaz is a supporter of GirlClutch; contact us on how to get a discount on your next track day!)</p>
<p><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1254" title="photo" src="http://www.girlclutch.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/photo-300x224.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="224" />Amanda Erikson and Michelle Wilcox also shared their stories riding and racing mini bikes. They also shared the benefits of riding and racing mini bikes with M1GP, including the lesser cost, the excitement, the fun, and the ability to work on being more smooth on a motorcycle, which easily transfers to our bigger bikes.</p>
<p><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1253" title="415183_3100431388618_1199170721_32858006_69196367_o" src="http://www.girlclutch.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/415183_3100431388618_1199170721_32858006_69196367_o-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" />Finally, MotoGP and AMA photographer Andrea Wilson shared some of her favorite photos and shared stories about taking photos of some of the fastest people in the world on the track and in the pits.</p>
<p>Following the presentations, there was a raffle for prizes which included mini bike track days, a Valentino Rossi t-shirt, and a brand new Dainese women’s jacket valued at $260!!</p>
<p>Jeff of Skills Days was also present at the Ladies Night, another supporter of GirlClutch. Jeff will help you smooth out your riding, braking and accelerating in his curriculum that usually takes place in a large parking lot in Irvine, CA. Contact us to find out how to get a 25% discount off the cost of a course to work on some of your skills!</p>
<p>Don’t forget that the D-Store is also a sponsor of GirlClutch. If you mention “GirlClutch” you’ll be given a discount off of your purchase!</p>
<p>Once again, another great Ladies Night brought to you by the Dainese Store!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><center><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0IVmjIwRFgA" frameborder="0" width="560" height="315"></iframe></center></p>
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		<title>2nd Annual Easter Ride and BBQ!</title>
		<link>http://www.girlclutch.com/easterbbq2012/</link>
		<comments>http://www.girlclutch.com/easterbbq2012/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:39:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Oki</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Upcoming Events]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.girlclutch.com/?p=1248</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hosted by Cycle City Motorsports in Irvine, CA Happy Birthday, GirlClutch!!! Join us in celebrating our second anniversary by partaking in a little ride ending with a burgers and dogs BBQ! We’ll meet at the Tustin Market Place in front of The Sports Authority at 8:00am on Saturday, April 7, … <a href="http://www.girlclutch.com/easterbbq2012/"> Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594; </span></a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.cyclecitymotorsports.com"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-949" title="CycleCityMotorsports" src="http://www.girlclutch.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/71037_108317596098_2120907_n.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="175" /></a>Hosted by Cycle City Motorsports in Irvine, CA</p>
<p>Happy Birthday, GirlClutch!!! Join us in celebrating our second anniversary by partaking in a little ride ending with a burgers and dogs BBQ!</p>
<p>We’ll meet at the Tustin Market Place in front of The Sports Authority at <strong>8:00am on Saturday, April 7, 2012</strong>. The address is 2915 El Camino Real. Tustin, CA)</p>
<p>“Rider’s Meeting” at 8:45am and KSU at 9:00am SHARP! The ride will take us to the coast, and up and around into Santiago Canyon, and back to Irvine to Cycle City Motorsports in a big loop of about 80-something miles. The ride should take about 3 hours.</p>
<p>We will be asking for a $5 donation, which will include your plate of food (burger or hotdog, chips and a drink), and one raffle ticket. Additional raffle tickets will be available for $1 each. (Sponsors and prizes to be announced soon!!!)</p>
<p>Guys are welcome to join us, so bring all your friends, ladies!!</p>
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