track day experiences, comments?

[lucydad]

All,

Track day experience has on my to-do list for quite a while.  Investment in time, effort, distance and a bit of cash is substantial.  I backed away here in Houston due to various issues, one was very strong (we need your money) marketing and dicey comments by some in the classes and such.  Doing some research it is either near College Station, or COTA in Austin:  both, for me would require an overnight, maybe two if in Austin.  Summer heat, to me, is to be avoided so the window is April to early May.

Anyway, do the more mature riders here (compared to youngist Houston sport bike forum I left years ago) have any comments, suggestions to share please? I don't want to learn to race, nor buy a track bike, or a three grand set of leathers, or spend all my time on a track.  I do, however, wish to improve my riding skills:  particularly cornering, anticipation and getting an expert's input.

Much thanks.

Back to income taxes.  Got the laundry started, trash out, recycling out, and poodles pills done...Moto Guzzi ride this afternoon as a break as long as roads dry a bit and clouds of oak tree flowers disperse a bit and become less slimy.

[not-fishing]

No Experience only an observation.

My review of a local "track day" instruction requirement is: leather 2 piece or 1 piece and NEW tires.  We get to have "special requirements" in California

Apparently the NEW tire requirement might be one of the track as opposed to the instructor.

So it's going to be a while before I get any track instruction.  I need to run my 4 month old tires down

[rocker59]

Most track-days and track-schools divide the attendees into three or four groups:  Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Race.

Sometimes three:  Novice, Intermidiate, Advanced.

As a first-timer, you will be in the Novice/Beginner class with other first-timers and slower riders.

Race leathers are not required, but you will need Full Face Helmet, Motorcycle Boots, one-piece or two-piece leather or textile riding suit, and a back protector.  Back protectors are not expensive, and worth the cost.  Requirements vary by organization, so check the rules.

Bike must pass tech inspection.  That means good, nearly new tires, no fluid leaks, and the bike in good condition.  Mirrors removed and glass/plastic lenses taped over with racer's tape.

If it's a school there will be instructors helping the students.  The day is usually spent alternating 20-minutes of class time with 20-minutes of track time.

Even at some track-days, there are instructors and class time available for riders in the Novice category.  "Sport Bike Track Time" is one example of an outfit that does this.

When out on the track, the instructors work as "control riders" and keep an eye on everyone.  Sometimes they will encourage you to follow them in order to see the proper lines.  If there is someone who is too fast or too slow for a particular group, the control riders will have them moved to the appropriate group.

There are corner workers at the track during track days and classes, as well as an ambulance.  Accidents do happen, and there will be people on site to respond to any needs.

There is usually a break for lunch.  So, you might get three 20-minute sessions in the morning, and three 20-minute sessions in the afternoon.

And believe me, 20-minutes on the track and you're ready for a break.

It's good experience and will teach you a lot about yourself and about your bike.  

You just spent what?  $10k on a new 2nd motorcycle?  You can afford to buy some gear and spend some money on a track day...

[LowRyter]

Most track days allow for textile clothes.  Most riders can get by with their normal street gear, i.e., FF helmet, boots, gloves, jacket,  (provided you have a back protector as many jackets do) and a pair of over pants.  Most track days require removal of mirrors  and taped up lights.  However, the last one I didn't require any of that.  In fact I just rode my bike to the local Sheriff's training track and took my sessions.  (Obviously inspections for brakes and tires.)

The instructors had a training session about set up (sag and suspension) and apexes.  Then we all rode to the corners and the instructors showed us different apexes; how we could make and early or late apex, which was best and why, a double apex, braking zones, etc.  We did a few practices together making he apexes and following the leader.

I would take my time and study. The reason I say this is on my first track day I went full on banzai and didn't learn the track at all.  Just a complete scare yourself terror ride that didn't end.   Once I slowed down, gained my composure and started to hit my marks that it started to come together.

I did 3 of them and really gained a lot.  It wasn't expensive, the was the "What's Next School".  The local instructors were a young married couple in USAF.

[PeteS]

Start out with one of the established ones like Sportbike track time, Keith Code, or Pridmore if he is still doing these. Much more disciplined and controlled. Some of the ones done by say the Ducati or BMW owners don't have a lot of rules and you get some folks doing stupid things and hurting themselves and others.

Pete

[toma nova]

Track day experience has on my to-do list for quite a while.  Investment in time, effort, distance and a bit of cash is substantial.  I backed away here in Houston due to various issues, one was very strong (we need your money) marketing and dicey comments by some in the classes and such.  Doing some research it is either near College Station, or COTA in Austin:  both, for me would require an overnight, maybe two if in Austin.  Summer heat, to me, is to be avoided so the window is April to early May.

I've corner worked for RideSmart at MSR Houston and the other track day outfit at TWS.  I wanted to see how they operated before becoming one of their students.  As a Novice / Beginner, I would avoid TWS and definitely go with RideSmart at MSRH.  I missed the March session but will get the Stelvio out there at the June 20 session;  maybe COTA in September.

You'll be fine in your Transit gear.  Since it's in Angleton, you'll be able to ride there and back the same day (that's what I'll do from The Woodlands).  Add the classroom for $50 and it should be a good learning experience.

From picking up crashed bikes on the tracks, it appears that Level 2 (Intermediate) is the worst.  Most riders in Level 1 actually take it easy and know their limits and Level 3 are way more experienced;  Level 2 seems to have the most variation in skills.

Let me know if you want to meet up for June 20.

Tom

[rocker59]

I've corner worked for RideSmart at MSR Houston and the other track day outfit at TWS.  I wanted to see how they operated before becoming one of their students.  As a Novice / Beginner, I would avoid TWS and definitely go with RideSmart at MSRH.  I missed the March session but will get the Stelvio out there at the June 20 session;  maybe COTA in September.

You'll be fine in your Transit gear.  Since it's in Angleton, you'll be able to ride there and back the same day (that's what I'll do from The Woodlands).  Add the classroom for $50 and it should be a good learning experience.

From picking up crashed bikes on the tracks, it appears that Level 2 (Intermediate) is the worst.  Most riders in Level 1 actually take it easy and know their limits and Level 3 are way more experienced;  Level 2 seems to have the most variation in skills.

Let me know if you want to meet up for June 20.

Tom

http://www.ridesmart.info/index.php?page=track.msrh

http://www.ridesmart.info/index.php?page=calendar


There you go, LD.  Two Guzzis at a trackday.  A not-a-rally at MSR Houston!

[kevdog3019]

Take a vacation to WV like I did a couple times and you'll learn real fast what an apex is.  Fun, cheap, and a little dangerous.  Maybe the class would be better first.  ??? :BEER:

[dxhall]

Better check the requirements for your particular track and club.  Out here, race leathers are required, with basic bike prep (remove mirrors, tape lights).  Even if the club would permit it, no way I'd be on a track in textile gear.  You think leathers are expensive?  Not compared to skin grafts.

[LowRyter]

I think "Ride Smart" is basically another name for "What's Next".  Pretty sure that textiles are allowed. Bike prep might make it difficult to ride there, you might want to prep it at home and trailer it.

Check their website to be sure.  They've been sending me some e-mails but COTA is way expensive.  I wrote them back and believe my old instructor "Dave" is there.  BTW- the other Texas tracks are much more affordable.

[lucydad]

Tom,  All,

Much thanks...will process alternatives.  My Aerostich are serious leathers, and would work fine. I do have a nephew who has moved to Austin...and a BIL in San Antonio so those present slumming opportunities. 

Rolled the V7R out this afternoon, checked tires and oil and gave it a once over for loose stuff.  It will be first out the garage on Friday since its been 3 weeks.
Weather looks excellent.  Last weekend we were in NYC.

Also rolled the Triumph out:  checked tire pressures, ayup rear was ten pounds down upon delivery.  Will check it in a couple days to be sure tire seal and valve are not leaking.  Also installed a keen tank bag on the Triumph so I can carry water and my EZ tag (for toll roads).  Will also get the hex set out and check for other loose stuff, and chain tension.  Need to get some chain lube (no issue on the shaft Guzzi).  Score one for the Italian bike there.

Putting the leathers away as temps are into eighties now, and fairly high humidity:  back to the mesh and slider jeans. 

Very productive day.  Got most of income taxes done (6 hours on computer) and laundry, and got a 9 mile bicycle ride done,  and and...I want to ride the Guzzi!  I am worn out, bedtime soon.

[wrbix]

Teresa and I have done Reg Pridmore's track CLASS a couple of times. Well run, a great learning experience. Everything from hot shots on track bikes just trying to build time to relative newbys on dual sports to old guys on tourers (Fred on his GoldWing out rode most).
Reg had his operation advertised for sale last year - ? If still extant.
You will come away a better rider.

[segesta]

Oh, and most tracks require "gauntlet"-style gloves that fully cover the wrist. So there's another $150-300.