trackdays love 'em

[trackdayrider]

Its the only time I ride at 9/10ths

Riding on the road is sometimes plain scary. ....
used to, but then i went racing and some kind of reality hit me.

Now i ride trackdays for the fun and for the thrill. fairly steady on the road.

Maybe its an age thing !:blush:

[Tweek]

I've ridden with a few who have raced and most of them (was talking to Noffee about this last night) ride a lot more controlled on the road, I figure they've had enough offs and the idea of an off and then hitting a kerb/lamp post kind of hits them with a reality a bit more

[redcloud]

I'm a big track day fan. Its great knowing you can push you and your machine to as close to the limit as you are happy to, and even if the worse happens you are in the safest enviroment for a crash, plus the near instant medical help if needed (no one wants to use them but just knowing its there is a great comfort to alot of riders). Cant wait till I'm fit again so I can get on me next one :D

[Tink]

I done 5 now and love em (4 at Cadwell 1 at Donington GP track)

Only done Novice group but its great fun and a huge buzz want to get 2 more in this year :)

[Raverbiker]

:imwithstu :imwithstu ..the trackbikes 99% ready..i,ll be booking another within the nxt couple of weeks...wooohooooo
:dance2: RAVER:dance2:

[Smiler33]

I watched my mates on so many track days, loved every minute of it.
Didnt think anything of getting up at 4am to travel with them, help set up & stuff so I didnt miss a mo.

So my first trackday I really cant tell u how excited I was even with the nerves kicking in, I loved the morning sessions I managed to get in before coming off!!! It hasnt put me off, I will get back out there & manage a full day!!

It is about getting to know & push your bike & yourself & I think it does make u a better road rider but Ive yet to test that theory. I came off through lack of experience. Was so keen to get out there, had only had my bike since March, put 2000 miles on her in that time on good bendy roads but probably should have kept my excitment in check & waited till next summer.:blush:

[Iceman]

Track days are the best!! You can really push yourself and see how the bike handles... though I'm still pretty slow...

I never like to ride too hard on the road 'cos of the hundreds of assholes who have pulled out on me/braked for no reason/dumped diesel over the road/anything else stupid car drivers do.

[Highside]

I started racing to calm myself down on the road. Although I obviously don't ride as hard on the road as I do on track, It has given me more confidance on the road and as a result I do ride quicker, but probably safer too.

[B19GXR]

i gotta get myself out on a few track days and have some fun and learn how to be a better rider

[gsxrsoul]

Think trackdays may be the way forward for me too. Cant bring myself to push it on the road for fear of overcooking it or getting taken out by somebody else. The thought of leaving my boys without a dad scares me.

It was really getting me down and I was starting to worry and thinking of selling the SRAD as I was thinking why should I have a fast bike when I don't use it to it's capabilities. However I have come to the conclusion of f**k em. If someone wants to race me then they can crack on..I wont be rising to the bait. I will ride at my own pace and enjoy it.

Doing some trackdays should make me a better rider and if I come off there isn't the worry of roadside furniture or something coming the other way.

Now when's the next day at Croft?

[Highside]

Most people think that if they do a trackday they will crash their bike. In truth, if you ride at your own pace and build up gradually there is no more chance of crashing than on the road, infact probably less so.
You have a better, grippier, more consistant surface, more and safe run off area, and you know where the track is going, it'll be the same lap after lap. If you do make a mistake there are less things to damage your bike.

A gravel rashed fairing is cheaper to repair than a dented frame that has smacked a curb.

Normally the people that crash are those that rush out there and get there capabilities mixed up with there intentions. Just because you can do a few laps of the roundabout with you knee on the deck doesn't make you Mr V. Rossi.

[gsxrsoul]

Nicely put!

[trackdayrider]

It was really getting me down and I was starting to worry and thinking of selling the SRAD as I was thinking why should I have a fast bike when I don't use it to it's capabilities....Doing some trackdays should make me a better rider and if I come off there isn't the worry of roadside furniture or something coming the other way.

Now when's the next day at Croft?

Honestly its the best thing you can do on your bike. Riding on the road will never be the same after you have ventured out onto the track.

You can put all your concentration into riding your bike.
Your not looking at your speed or the road surface, for cars/lorries/vans/cops etc.

Like the twist of the wrist book says. "you only have so much to spend on concentration"

At first all of your effort is spent physically riding the bike. but later that happens naturally.
Then your concentration moves to whats happening around you.

Take it on track and all that concentration can be moved again to improve your riding and understand how the bike and you react outside the parameters set by riding on the road.
Once your understand that then the envelope you ride in normally is widened and therefore safer as your are further away from what you know the limits to be.

in my humble opinion :)

[trackdayrider]

capabilities mixed up with there intentions.

Quote Mrs Gus Scott I believe
:D

[gsxrsoul]

What you are saying makes sense in my head.

Have read the twist of the wrist books and I can grasp the principals but as you have said they are probably best explored and expanded upon on a track where you have removed some of the concentration factors that would be there on the road.

Top post this one.

[Highside]

That twist of the wrist book is alright, but to really learn and improve you need to be out there doing it.:b7:

[sradmatt]

TRACKDAYS RULE!!!!


The only downside is there a money pit!!!

A few of my mates and i used to ride on the road together most weekends and were just getting faster and faster every year, we wern't into wheelies etc, just going down twisty roads as fast as possible!

A couple of us decided that something seriously bad was going to happen before long, either getting banned or ending up with a wooden overcoat ( we are all in the motor trade so getting banned would be end of job too)

So this year we've sold the road bikes (ive still got a bandit on the road) and bought track bikes, apart from spending a fortune (doing about 2 trackdays a month and buying all the gear)

It is the best thing we've ever done, its such a buzz and so much safer without cars, trees, kerbs, lamp posts, signs etc. And police!

Ive also got mates that do a couple on there road bikes that think it is absolutely wicked too and you really dont need to spend loads if you just want to do the odd day and have a laugh....... although it is so addictive!!!!

I would 100% recommend it to anyone thinking about having a go,

You could always come down and see me for a chat if you fancy seeing what its all about before you go out yourself, its always very friendly in the paddock. (im at Silverstone on the next two mondays!)

[sradmatt]

Highside.... Im sure ive seen your bike (cb500) on a trackday at either silverstone or Brands???

[Highside]

Probably both mate!

[trackdayrider]

TRACKDAYS RULE!!!!


you really dont need to spend loads if you just want to do the odd day and have a laugh....... although it is so addictive!!!!

I would 100% recommend it to anyone thinking about having a go,




Couldn't agree more :a13:

[stubb]

whats a rough guide to costs ect on an average day.

[trackdayrider]

Depends on haw far you go...
Cheapest way is to ride there and back... Cost = cost of trackday + fuel.

Trackdays vary in cost depending on the organiser/which circuit/time of year.

EG Donington this time of year reckon on about £170 where as Anglesy will be about £90 ish.

Heres my usual trackday advice to someone who hasn't done one before...
Bit wordy but prob worth reading...or not ! :)

Hope it helps a bit.


Before the day

Firstly you will need a bike! - You can use any type of bike. You will see anything from full on race bikes to big trailees. Whatever fits your needs will work (within reason!)
It can be your own road bike or a track prepared bike. There are various companies around that will rent you a bike or you could have a very generous trusting mate!

Whatever the bike must be in a worthy condition. Although the trackday organisers do not "scrutineer" the bike prior to the day, the marshals will very quickly spot and black flag any machines that appears to be unsafe for any reason

So before your day, take a good look at the usual items and remember that you may be putting the bike through its paces a bit more that you normally do.
The Bike

Tyres Are you happy with the tyres? Check the pressures and condition.
A second hand set of wet race tyres can usually be picked up for a reasonable sum and can mean the difference between a miserable day and an enjoyable one.
Similarly track focused tyres such as Pirelli Supercorsas will be a great addition on a warm day.
Ultimately a spare set of wheels with tyres will limit any effect the weather can have on your day
A worthwhile purchase, should you want to do trackdays more frequently is a pair of Tyre warmers. There is no better confidence booster than a pair of nicely warm tyres at the start of the session!

Brakes Check the brakes and the hydraulic systems. Check the wear on the pads and again remember that you may use them more than you do normally

Suspension If you know how to, you can set up the bike for a smoother track as opposed to the compromise settings for the road. If not get advice from someone who does

Exhaust We know race cans sound nice. But many trackdays have noise limits. That Akroprovic full race system might sound and look great, but on a Donington 'quiet' day it could spell an early end to the day.
Check with the organiser for noise limits.

Chain makes sure it is adjusted and well lubricated

Petrol / Oil Do you have enough fuel to last all day? Most circuits have a fuel supply but the cost will be high. Well worth taking a fuel can of your own

Bodywork A set of cheap pattern bodywork will be a lot less painful should it all go wrong on the day. A couple of hours preparing the bike beforehand can save you pounds later. But if you are keeping the standard stuff on then tape up the lights and fold back or remove the mirrors
Many bikes get fitted with crash bungs these days. A pair of these costing a few quid could be a good investment for road or track.

Transport At the end of an enjoyable day it is not always much fun to have to ride a few hours home. A trailer or van borrowed or rented will make the journey easier. as well as allowing the track preparation to be done prior to the day

Ultimately a lot depends on your budget. the cheapest way is to book your day. Ride there, have fun and ride home. But a bit of preparation can make all the difference to your enjoyment.

The Rider
clothing You will need to be equipped with an ACU standard helmet and a set of leathers. Either a full 1 piece set of a 2 piece that zips together all the way around
Obviously a decent pair of gloves and boots will also be required.

Licence You will need to provide both parts of your DVLA licence to the circuit

trackday booking It is possible to turn up on the day and see if there are any spare places. But I wouldn't recommend it! Book well in advance with the Trackday organiser


On the day




Start time After you have booked a day, the TDO will have supplied an itinery for the day. Most pre day briefings will start early to maximise the circuit time
Make sure you arrive in plenty of time. Missing the briefing will cause difficulties getting on track.

Most TDO's provide an 'extra' briefing after the main one, for the novice group just to clarify everything. But if you are unsure of anything there is usually someone on hand to offer advice. Either from the TDO or a fellow rider

If the circuit is local to you it shouldn't be problem. But if you live in Dundee and your favourite circuit is Brands Hatch then an overnight stay is the best bet.
Getting up in the middle of the night and driving through the dawn for an early start will lead to fatigue later in the day
A local pub/ hotel or campsite will make things easier in the cold light of an early morning.

Just remember that it is in the trackday companies best interest to refuse you entry should you arrive the worse for a 'few' beers the night before
On Track It is usual for the first few laps to be a 'no overtaking' sighting laps(s) following an instructor. This is to allow you to familiarise yourself with the circuit and to allow some heat into the tyres

Remember cold tyres and fast corners don't mix too well usually. This format often continues through the day depending on the group and the TDO.

Remember that a track day is not a race. Relax and enjoy the day. Don't think about the circuit as a racetrack but as a one-way road. That fact lets you put 100% of your concentration on riding the bike and maximising your enjoyment, which is something you can't always do on the road, due to the need to watch out for other traffic, gravel, diesel, speed cameras etc. etc. Riding on track will improve your understanding of how your bike reacts to limits outside usual road riding. Making you a better rider all round

Also don't worry about what other people are doing. Ride to your own limits not someone else's. Watch what is happening in front of you. If you overtake, do so safely. You don't need to 'stuff' the guy in front of you on the last corner. It's not the final round of your personal championship! Fold in or remove your mirrors. Look ahead. Anyone behind you will sort himself or herself' out.
At the end of the day If you are riding home, just don't forget that speed limits exist in the real world
A days riding perhaps faster than normal can require some 're-calibration' when you venture back onto the public highway

Most Trackday Organisations are run by enthusiasts. They are there to provide a service that allows you as the rider access to some of the best circuits in the world (as well as some of the lesser known!) For these organisations to continue to exist then you have to take responsibility for your actions. Riding on the track can and sometimes does lead to incidents.

Just remember that you decide to go to a trackday of your own choice. Trying to blame an organiser for an incident might eventually lead to the downfall of the whole business, due to high insurance claims. If you are worried about damaging your bike or yourself make sure have made the necessary preparations. Check your insurance situation or ride carefully. Should the worst happen the circuits are well equipped and will deal with recovery and clean up as much as possible. Ultimately it is down to the rider to judge the situation.

[sradmatt]

Probably both mate!


Thught it looked familiar!

I think it was at brands i saw it actually

[Raverbiker]

Gotta agree trackdays rock, in the past 2 yrs ive managed 8 on my k1 road bike...ive now taken the plunge n bought a old gix 750m for the track..how it stands at the min it hasnt cost me as much as the dream machine paint did on the k1..i,ll be booking a day for it nxt week..and i cant fookin wait(another fear factor of wrecking me everyday transport has gone :) )............hold on tightttttttttttttttttttttt
:dance3: RAVER:dance3:

[B19GXR]

i think im gonna get on a track night @ donington helps being 10mins away too

like people are saying its safer on the track than road and i keep thinking for some reason that as soon as im on the track i will wipe out at the first bend where in fact sometimes:b2: i push too hard on the road for the conditions so why not do it on the purpose built circuit.

no cars, no gravel, no fooking pot holes!!!!!

just smooth tarmac

[trackdayrider]

like people are saying its safer on the track than road and i keep thinking for some reason that as soon as im on the track i will wipe out at the first bend where in fact sometimes:b2: i push too hard on the road for the conditions so why not do it on the purpose built circuit.

no cars, no gravel, no fooking pot holes!!!!!

just smooth tarmac


Exactly. !