Track Days?

[625SXC]

Thinkin' about signing up for a track day at Nelson Ledges(Ohio). Any of you guys do them? Do you find that you learned alot?

[Capt-Kevlar]

Are you kidding me??? If you're able, you should absolutely do a track day. Not only will you learn a tremendous amount about both your bike and yourself, it is probably the most fun you can have on 2 wheels. The first time is kind of overwhelming. After years( I presume by your multi bike list) of riding on the streets its kind of weird being in an environment that, not only can you, but you are encouraged to go as fast as you want. Just make sure you got the right gear for you and your bike and take your time getting to know the track and proper track etiquette. Man, you are going to love it!!!!! Let us know how it goes.

[sethsquatch]

I did a two day track school at Thunder Hill in Ca. Probably the most fun I've had on a bike. Great instructors, I was able to learn a lot about both my bike and my limits. A lot of the skills translate directly to the street and made me a more competent and safer rider. If I had the time and money I'd be at track days on a regular basis. Plus being able to just twist the throttle and open her up on the straights without worrying about cops pulling me over was a blast.

[Latebraker]

Do it !

It's a great way to ride and concentrate ONLY on riding.

It got me into racing but that a whole 'nuther story.

[B.Curvin]

Same here. Trackdays, then racing.

1. New tires are a lot cheaper then bodywork.

2. Take it easy on the first two laps every session until your tires are warm.

3. It WILL take you two or three sessions to figure out where the track goes. Chill until you do.

4. It will take two or three sessions to figure out when and where it is appropriate to pass. Chill until you do.

5. Have fun.

[DAKEZ]

I have heard people grumble about how they think that track days are expensive... But I have NEVER heard anyone say that a track day was not worth the time and money invested.


Go do a track day and feel confident that you will come away a better rider. (as you plan how you will afford the next one)

[jesse v]

Ugh... After spending a couple days in the Black Hills, I reeeeally wish there was a track nearby here (Sioux Falls, SD) ......

[motu]

What about chicks? Are there as many chicks at a track day as at a cafe? I'm not going to give up the chance to score just to become a better rider.

[high dangler]

i did track days for a few years .
Its a great place to learn about cornering. .You'll learn more about cornering there in one day than many years on the street.
When a challenging curve pops up on the street you'll know excactly what to do instead of freaking out and crashing.
I kind of prefer to ride the street with guys that have a little track time. They just have that confidence.
Just do it.

[enkil]

Sounds like fun..

[TheFitz]

I second all the above. I've done a few, and learned a great deal about my bike and it's limits.

One thing i'd add is, pay attention on the sight lap and follow the CRs lines. This becomes important later in the day, when guys are passing you. Stay on the race line, ESPECIALLY if you're slower than others. It's dangerous to "try to be a nice guy" and "get out of the way" on a straight or a fast sweeper. That's how collisions happen, because your amateur CCS types may be on track, and they'll be flying by you. If you're not on the race line, you become a moving speed bump

[Tripped1]

Originally Posted by TheFitz

I second all the above. I've done a few, and learned a great deal about my bike and it's limits.

One thing i'd add is, pay attention on the sight lap and follow the CRs lines. This becomes important later in the day, when guys are passing you. Stay on the race line, ESPECIALLY if you're slower than others. It's dangerous to "try to be a nice guy" and "get out of the way" on a straight or a fast sweeper. That's how collisions happen, because your amateur CCS types may be on track, and they'll be flying by you. If you're not on the race line, you become a moving speed bump

Most track orgs don't let guys with race licenses on the track with beginners. It may be an open trackday, so its possible but a lot of the time you have to be an intermediate or better rider before they will let you register.

Other than that yeah, if there is a beginner course, volunteer for that, you will spend more time playing follow the leader, but its time well spent, the track isn't the street nor should it be treated as such. A lot of the time they will have class between sessions, which kinda sucks because that means there is less time to pump water and eat and tinker with the bike (not to mention hang out and bullshit) but you can learn a WHOLE lot real fast that way, and it will be from the coaches and not the guy next to you who may think he's Rossi, but really just a point and shoot liter bike rider.

Not saying that you shouldn't take advice form the guys in the paddock....but take it with a grain of salt.

[Latebraker]

One of my first track days:



6 months later,,,

[Barry]

Originally Posted by 625SXC

Thinkin' about signing up for a track day at Nelson Ledges(Ohio). Any of you guys do them? Do you find that you learned alot?

Huge fan of track days, and continuing rider education for increasing skills in any way you can. Track days are just one of those ways.

That said, it is SOOOOOOO much better (and safer) than trying to go fast on the street. The fastest guys I know on the street are SUUHHHLLLOOOOOOW compared to average guys on track. There is that much difference.

DO IT

and then...

DO IT AGAIN. You will not be unhappy.

Barry

[MisterPX]

In case teh previous 23 posts haven't convinced you, GO TO THE TRACK!