Had a fun night. Mees' pace was soul crushing. Seemed like Briar Bauman was struggling just enough to hold up Halbert, Smith, Baker before the red flag so I thought we'd see a closer race on the restart. My hopes were dashed before the next lap was complete.
Bauman did start to put pressure on Smith and Baker and the end so that made the night look a little better balanced between the Indian, Yamaha and Kawasaki. I know its not much but all three factory HD XG did make the Main and none had mechanicals which is probably their best result this season.
Singles Main provided enough close racing and drama to make up for Mees' later runaway. Congratulations to Tanner Dean. Haven't seen an update on Shipman's condition. Didn't look too bad. Was glad to see her stand up and walk away. All in all a remarkably incident-free night at Calistoga.
Sending the bikes through the spectator gate and along the fence to the podium/interview area was kind of silly. Halbert dumped his bike on the grass there after the main. It was a narrow area with a lot people. Baker looked really frustrated with the set up. Upside was fantastic weather and lots of paddock access.
Shaded paddock access. One of my favorite things about FT is how accessible the riders and teams are to fans. Its like a whole extra layer of bullshit is removed compared to road racing or MX.
Saw the Hun twice but you were talking to a few people and I didn't want to interrupt.
I'm not a native Californian so I can never get over how beautiful some of the settings we have for racing are. Just a great night to be outside enjoying racing and watching the sun set over the north end of the Napa Valley. Even the roads to get the track are great.
I only watch the stuff. I just know when I watch stuff where passing is more than just a opportunity to to a mistake or a physical push is more interesting for me and the old racer in me says it would be more fun.
It would have been great to chat with you. Every time I go to Calistoga I make random connections with people that can only happen when we interrupt. For instance, Max Klein came up during the heats, and hung out with us from time to time during the evening, and Max is always a good time. 
