First track day ... any advice?

[ozbenno]

I got lucky and scored a place from a cancellation at a track day / track riding training day to be run by Bernie Hatton at a private circuit in the Hunter Valley on Wednesday. The Farm Motorcycle Training on Track CoursesTop Rider Q-Ride training Centre, Queensland Australia

I went to buy a pair of leather track pants today (the decision was easy: Berik because they'll zip to my jacket ... I'd love a full suit but boy are they expensive).

I am nervous already (what if I'm crap? what if I'm not brave enough? what if they big boys on their big bike leave me in the dust? what if I lay her down (and not in the good way)????) ...

...but SOOOOOOO excited!!!!

Anyone got any advice for a newbie to the track?

My number one goal is to drag my knee. (Those knee sliders on the Berik pants look so virginal it's embarrassing.) Is that overly ambitious for a first timer? Should I set my sights lower?

[Torchsport]

If you drag a knee, you're doing it wrong...

[Gungnir]

Originally Posted by ozbenno

I got lucky and scored a place from a cancellation at a track day / track riding training day to be run by Bernie Hatton at a private circuit in the Hunter Valley on Wednesday. The Farm Motorcycle Training on Track CoursesTop Rider Q-Ride training Centre, Queensland Australia

I went to buy a pair of leather track pants today (the decision was easy: Berik because they'll zip to my jacket ... I'd love a full suit but boy are they expensive).

I am nervous already (what if I'm crap? what if I'm not brave enough? what if they big boys on their big bike leave me in the dust? what if I lay her down (and not in the good way)????) ...

...but SOOOOOOO excited!!!!

Anyone got any advice for a newbie to the track?

My number one goal is to drag my knee. (Those knee sliders on the Berik pants look so virginal it's embarrassing.) Is that overly ambitious for a first timer? Should I set my sights lower?

Like you, I will also go on my first track/training day. Mine is being held on sunday at Killarney race course in Cape Town.

I know how you feel, my stomach has been turning for about a day already. I'm so nervous for the same reasons as you are!

Hopefully some of the more experienced riders will give us some input on what to expect and how to overcome the fear of "laying her down".

[Wanderer]

Best of luck and have a good time !

[Jme250RA]

Fold in your mirrors and remove your turn signals front and rear.
Do you have frame sliders?

[Aufitt]

Originally Posted by ozbenno

I am nervous already (what if I'm crap? what if I'm not brave enough?

The nerves you have now are normal, it gets worse once you are on track with a dry mouth, so drink lots of water.
Its your first Track day, you WILL be crap, but the knowlege you walk away with is priceless.
bravado will will put you in a world of hurt.

Originally Posted by ozbenno

what if they big boys on their big bike leave me in the dust?

There will be other riders on all sorts of machinery and skill levels
Just worry about what you are doing.
Its not a p1ssing contest, and its not racing.

Originally Posted by ozbenno

what if I lay her down (and not in the good way)????) ...

If you listen to the instructors this will not happen.
If you or someone in the group does bin their sh1t, the session will be red flagged and spoilt for everyone.. so try not to be 'that guy'
Medics and Ambo on site.. you will be in good hands with good drugs.

Originally Posted by ozbenno

...but SOOOOOOO excited!!!!

This is why we do it.. and keep coming back for more,
its the best fun you can have with your clothes on.

Originally Posted by ozbenno

Anyone got any advice for a newbie to the track?

Be an attentive listener,
talk to the instructors,
ask for help or advice,
take on board their comments, they do what they do because they are the best in their game.
Pay particular attention to the body position exercises, then practice practice practice that for the rest of your life.
Utilise the no gears/no brakes sessions to full advantage and everything will become a billion times easier, and alot faster alot sooner.

Originally Posted by ozbenno

My number one goal is to drag my knee.

Just NO!
dragging a knee is a byproduct not a goal,
some of the best riders can do a whole race season on one set of kneesliders.
'trying' to get your knee down will end in tears.
learn to corner the way they and it will probably happen (happens too much on the cbr250 with its low pegs) but for a lot of people, getting their knee down is actually an indication of a bad, forced riding position, not skill or speed.

Your goal should be to-
'Kiss the mirror'
'Bite the handgrip'
'Lead with your eyeballs'
'Point your toes in the direction of travel'

^Those and many more keywords Bernie Hatton will teach you.

Enjoy... be prepared to never want to ride on the road again.

[Torchsport]

Drink lots of fluids.Eat bananas/fruit. Get plenty of sleep the night before.
Stay loose on the bike. Make a mental note to shake you're elbows in the straights. This will remind you to not have a death-grip on the bars/clip-ons. Stay smooth.
Don't look behind you. It's the passing riders responsibility to make a safe pass.
Be predictable. Don't weave. Hold your lines.
Visit with fellow riders in the pit. Get pointers/tips/ideas.

Enjoy! It's fun. Don't forget to have some.

[ozbenno]

Aufitt, Torchsport, this is terrific stuff thanks. I really appreciate it.


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[ozbenno]

Jme: frame sliders will be my next investment for the bike I think.


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[CBR250R ABS]

WARM UP YOUR TIRES !!!!!!!
Do at least two laps around to warm them up.
8 people binned their bikes at my last track day because they jumped the gun and rode aggressive on cold rubber.
It was a pretty brisk day in November in SoCal (8 degrees celsius - 47 degrees fahrenheit). But still a critical lesson even for warmer days.