Going Baylisstic! (aka the Troy Bayliss Experience)
Photo: Mil Clayton. 2011. ©
How often does one get to meet their sporting hero?
For my b/f, it happened on December 17th 2011 when he took part in the “Troy Bayliss Experience” at Lakeside Raceway, north of Brisbane.
The “Troy Bayliss Experience” is a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ (and I say that lightly, as I know the b/f will do it again in 2012) to ride pillion with Australian World Superbike Champion, Troy Bayliss.
Riding pillion upon a modified Ducati 1198 S, one gets to do five laps of Lakeside Raceway with Bayliss at the helm, professionally guiding the bike through the twists and turns of the track.
With speeds of up to 245kph down the main straight, the pillion holds onto an extra set of handle bars attached to the petrol tank so as not to fall off!
Photo: Mil Clayton. 2011. © “Riding 245kph down the main straight.”
Being the last passenger out with Bayliss for the afternoon, my b/f got the extra buzz of riding back to the TBE garage with him as well.
It was all smiles as he dismounted the bike, gushing the words “Awesome!” “ Unbelievable!” and “Amazing!” as he took off his helmet.
A reasonably advanced rider, he admitted that five laps with Bayliss was exhausting.
“It wasn’t so much the speeds or cornering,” he explained, “But the braking was really hard on the arms. I know I smacked into the back of his helmet on at least one occasion.”
The best thing about the “Troy Bayliss Experience” is that you don’t have to be a motorcycle rider to enjoy the event. As long as you know how to hold on tight, anyone can do it.
After the ride, we got to chat with Bayliss and get his autograph. The b/f was stoked when his motorcycling hero signed his helmet.
Photo: Mil Clayton. 2011. © “One autographed motorcycle helmet!”
A down-to-earth and genuine nice guy, Bayliss left a big impression upon us from the day.
The “2-Up Superbike Experience” costs around $295 for a warm up lap, 3 hot laps, and a final lap.
Alternatively, TBE also offers “A Day At The Track With Troy” where one can take their own bike out on the track with Bayliss. This program costs around $895.
The “Troy Bayliss Experience” changes locations regularly, so check out the official web page for all dates, costs and locations.
http://www.troybaylissexperience.com.au/
Mil’s photos from the Troy Bayliss Experience:
Mil’s photos on Flickr.
Above: “Mil with Australian World Superbike Champion, Troy Bayliss.”
