Edge Grip Podcast - Motorcycle Roadracing

Welcome back to the Edge Grip podcast! In this episode, we are live from Chuckwalla Valley Raceway with a true legend of the paddock, Steve Biganski. Fresh off a day at the track, we dive deep into Steve’s incredible history as an expert racer and mechanic, his insights on bike setup, and the critical medical battle he is currently facing.Key Topics Discussed:
Trackside Problem Solving: Steve recounts helping Alfonso Calfano sort out electronic cut-out issues and tire tearing on his Aprilia by switching compounds and adjusting suspension,.
MotoGP Engineering: Observations from the COTA paddock, comparing the massive teams behind riders like Rossi and Marquez to the one-man operations in club racing, and the mystery of how MotoGP tires remain smooth after 40 minutes of abuse,.
Nicky Ienatsch & Mick Doohan: A classic story about Nick getting invited to ride Mick Doohan’s 500cc and Tady Okada’s works 250cc at Suzuka, and why the 250cc was actually the more terrifying beast,.
Racing Against Eddie Lawson: Steve shares the story of his 1976 Daytona novice race on a Yamaha TZ250 modified by Don Vesco. He details battling Eddie Lawson for the lead until a 35-cent shifter spring broke on the final lap,,.
The "Secret" TZ750: Acquiring a TZ750 that finished second at Daytona, only to discover it was secretly fitted with factory OW31 cylinders and heads that were supposed to be destroyed,.
Sean Woolery’s Championship: How Steve helped Sean Woolery set up his chassis, leading Sean to win the Arma series 250cc championship in his first full season,.
A Life in the Air: Steve’s past as a skydiving instructor with over 300 jumps and two terrifying main chute malfunctions,.
Support Steve Biganski:A major focus of this episode is Steve’s deteriorating vision. Despite paying for health insurance for decades, his provider has denied coverage for the specific lens replacement surgery he needs to fix his severe astigmatism and cataracts, deeming it "cosmetic",,.
Steve is currently unable to read menus or see clearly at night, threatening his livelihood. The racing community is rallying to help him cover the surgery costs.
How to Help: Please visit Angel Link and search for "Biganski" or "Help Steve regain his vision",.
Direct Link: https://angelink.com/fundraiser-public/d2976353-e90a-49cb-9348-5107ac483adc
Quotes from the Episode:"You do this long enough and you think you got everything figured out... and then it's something else. You're always learning."

In this episode of the Edge Grip Podcast, Imad and Eric discussed their new fitness program for motorcycle riders, called Fast Tracks Fit. They explained that the program aims to improve rider performance and safety by focusing on physical fitness, as fatigue can lead to mistakes and injuries on the track. Eric shared his personal experience with training and how it has helped him maintain his skills into his 40s. The hosts also discussed their previous track events and camps, emphasizing the importance of proper technique and fitness for long-term enjoyment of the sport.
Fitness for Safer Motorcycle Riding
The group discussed the importance of fitness for motorcycle riding, with Nabil sharing his personal experience of improved performance and reduced hand cramps after participating in the Academy program. Imad and Eric emphasized that fitness enhances both physical and mental performance, allowing riders to maintain focus and enjoy longer, higher-quality riding sessions, particularly at expensive track days. They highlighted how fatigue can lead to crashes and poor riding habits, while proper fitness enables better control and learning, making it a crucial factor for both safety and skill development.
Motivation Strategies for Fitness Engagement
The group discussed maintaining motivation and consistency in fitness regimens, particularly for long-term engagement in jiu-jitsu and motorcycle activities. Eric emphasized the importance of personal goals and external challenges to maintain motivation, while Imad highlighted the academy's approach of simplifying complex tasks to make them accessible to others. The discussion also touched on how the Fast Track Fit program aims to inspire fitness improvements among motorcyclists by showcasing the benefits of better physical conditioning, both within and outside the program.
Motorcycle Fitness Program Development
The group discussed creating an accessible and measurable fitness program for motorcyclists, emphasizing the importance of full-body strength training to enhance performance and prevent injuries. Eric shared insights from his racing experience, highlighting the connection between physical fitness and mental acuity on the track, and explained that consistent exercise, even with limited time, can significantly improve both physical and cognitive health. The discussion also touched on the benefits of maintaining muscle mass as a predictor of longevity and the program's focus on attainable goals for participants.
Personalized Nutrition and Exercise Tracking
The group discussed dietary approaches, with Eric explaining his shift from a plant-based diet to an omnivore diet due to aging considerations and the need for better protein and blood glucose control. They emphasized that their app focuses on tracking and making achievable micro-adjustments rather than overcomplicating diets, with the primary intervention being exercise. Imad shared that during testing, many users were surprised by how far off their actual calorie and macro intake was from their perceived intake, highlighting the importance of setting proper baselines. The program aims to create personalized fitness and nutrition plans that are enjoyable and sustainable for each individual, with an emphasis on making gradual improvements rather than strict adherence to specific diets.
Fitness App Features and Equipment
The team discussed a fitness app designed to track workouts, manage nutrition, and facilitate challenges, with Eric emphasizing its role as a guide for users during intense workouts. Eric explained that the app would help maintain motivation and provide real-time feedback, while Nabil highlighted its integration with various fitness programs and competitions. Gal inquired about necessary equipment, and Eric recommended adjustable dumbbells, a yoga mat, workout bands, and suitable footwear, estimating total costs under $400. The app aims to be user-friendly, with options to customize workouts based on individual preferences and fitness levels.
Personalized Traveler Fitness Program
The discussion focused on a fitness program where participants sign up through a questionnaire to be assigned a personalized training program by coach Eric Bostrom. Eric explained how the program can be adapted for travelers and busy schedules, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an aerobic base through Zone 2 workouts while allowing for deload phases and recovery weeks. Imad highlighted the app's flexibility, noting that workouts can be easily rescheduled through drag-and-drop functionality to accommodate busy schedules.
Customizable Fitness Programs Discussion
The team discussed the importance of customizable fitness programs, emphasizing that each user's needs are unique due to individual differences in physicality, energy expenditure, and recovery. Imad explained the three-tier membership structure, which offers varying levels of coach interaction and program intensity, from the basic "Ignition" tier to the VIP "Racecraft" tier, with all tiers utilizing the same app platform. The discussion highlighted the significance of personalization in fitness coaching, with Eric and Imad sharing personal experiences of how fitness has impacted their racing performance, illustrating the critical role of physical fitness in achieving peak performance.
FastTrackFit: Rider Fitness Program Launch
The group discussed the launch of FastTrackFit, a new fitness program tailored for motorcycle riders, with Eric Bostrom as the coach. Imad shared his personal fitness journey and emphasized the importance of staying active, especially as riders age. The conversation touched on the challenges of organizing motorcycle events, particularly in Las Vegas, and the group agreed to follow up with updates on the program's success and potential partnerships.

Robbie Peterson shares his motorsport journey from his early childhood experiences in Africa to his successful racing career in South Africa, and the United States, where he achieved notable victories and raced alongside legendary figures in the sport. Throughout his career, Robbie discussed the evolution of motorcycle racing, including changes in technology, training methods, and the role of data in modern racing, while reflecting on his personal experiences and challenges faced as a competitor.
What a humble human being, This interview was just a delight. 

Fastest American rider ever on the Isle of Man TT, Mark Miller recalls moments of his career as a professional Motorcycle Racer including riding for team such as TAS Suzuki, Speedfreak Ice Valley Racing, Jackson Racing, Penz 13.com BMW, TC Racing, Splitlath Motorsports Attack Performance, Corona Honda, Celtic Suzuki, MotoCzysz, EBR (Erik Buell Racing), Erion Honda, Graves Motorsports and Hypercycle.
Mark talks about legendary races he competed in such as the Northwest 200, Macau GP, Pikes Peak Hill Climb and more.
He also sures a few stories about his friend Michael Czysz and gives us some in depth analysis about the MotoGP season and Marc Marquez.

The winniset privateer, Dale spent 13 years racing in the AMA obtaining four championships. In 1988 winning the AMA Battle of the Twins Title and two AMA Endurance Championships. 
He Was part of two championship-winning AMA Endurance racing teams (Lockhart Racing in 1987 and Dutchman Racing in 1989 and 1990).
In 1993,  Dale placed 2nd in the AMA Superbike National Championship with team Mirage; including a historic AMA Superbike National win at Mid-Ohio (August 8th 1993) earning him the title of most successful privateer in the history of AMA road racing.
Dale is one of the few non-factory riders in series history to win an AMA Superbike race.
In this episode, Dale shares some unforgettable career moments with us as well as some important riding tips.

Andy Leisner has been in the powersport industry for over 20 years.
Some of his accomplishments are:
He Began riding motorcycles at the age of six
Served as CEO of two electric vehicle companies: Rawrr and Volcon
Senior VP, Managing Director–Bonnier Motorcycle Group
Vice President–Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
Managing partner at Hardcard Holdings -motorsports management and consulting firm specializing in motorsports and motorcycle related marketing.
Board Member–Motorcycle Industry Council
1989 Motogp rider with Racing Team Katayama Honda RS250R
Andy led divisions and companies small to large with full P&L responsibility through mergers, acquisitions and IPOs.
You can reach Andy at: https://www.andyleisner.com/

Hall of Famer Miguel Duhamel just wants to win. Whatever it takes. We set down with Miguel to talk about some of the notable milestones of his career including five wins at the Daytona 200 and his record 86 AMA career wins. Miguel also talks about the AMA rulebook, the development of modern superbikes and shares MotoGP and World Superbike stories.

Rennie Scaysbrook is a motorcycle journalist, racer, and author.
- He is the Road Test Editor at Cycle News, a weekly online magazine that covers motorcycle racing, news, and reviews
- He is the current record holder for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. He set the record in 2019 with a time of 9 minutes and 44 seconds on an Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 Factory.
- He is a regular competitor in the Chuckwalla Valley Motorcycle Association series, the Super Hooligan National Championship series, and the Isle of Man TT Races.
- He wrote and published a children's book called "The Big Book of Motorbikes", which introduces young readers to the world of motorcycles.
In this episode Rennie breaks down the 2024 bike lineup so if you are in the market for a new motorcycle you do not want to miss this.

Chuck Graves Builds championship winning motorcycles and his company Graves Motorsports of Van Nuys, California is the go to place to make your bike fast. Chuck competed for many years at the highest national level and ran his race team at the AMA/DMG/MotoAmerica with champion riders such as, Aaron Gobert, Jamie Hacking, Damon Buckmaster, Jason DiSalvo, Josh Herrin, Tommy Aquino, Cameron Beaubier, Garrett Gerloff, JB Beach and Josh Hayes.
In this interview Chuck recalls his WSMC days and explains why his nickname is, The King of Willow. He breaks down what it means to run a race team at the National level and where he thinks the sport is going.
Chuck talks about some of the wild and crazy machinery that came out of his shop, like the GSX-R1100, GSX-R900 and the R1/7 that was banned form AMA competition.
He also breaks down a lap of Willow Springs for us so this is your chance to learn from the king himself!
Check out Graves Motorsports for their huge catalog of aftermarket parts: https://www.gravesport.com 

Ken Hill Is a riding coach with a client list that will make your head spin. A racer and instructor at the highest level, Ken spent the batter part of the last twenty years perfecting his craft of making you faster.
In this episode Nabil and Gal talk to Ken about his vast experience and get some important riding tips.
They discuss Chuckwalla Raceway as well as Willow Springs and answer some questions from the listeners.
Ken's website is: https://khcoaching.com/