Yes, also met Dan. Best part of the ride was meeting these guys.
As far as brakes on flat track go, I rode in the years prior to brakes and in the transition year of '71 or '72. Brakes in the transition year is what caused my crash in San Jose. Dwayne Keeter, the rider in front of me had brakes and used them. I didn't have them and even though I threw the bike sideways, I couldn't burn off enough speed and ran into the back of Dwayne. The rest is a good, go through the fence right in front of one of Bruce Brown's cameras, and get in the movie. Bottom line for me is, I wish they never went to brakes on flat track. It was safer without them and made a much better show for the spectators. It also separated some of the riders skill wise, as not everyone had the ability to "back it in" to burn off speed.
Either way, I believe flat track is one of this country's most exciting sports. I wish I could get out to more races and enjoy them. I did go to last years Sacramento mile. I'm amazed at the talent and have a new hero, Brad Baker. I also think Shayna is incredible and if the AMA does not promote her, the sport will loose her to a big nascar team.