Improve your riding...do a track day

[AwwsChwA]

Ok guys, the verdict is in. I did my first track day yesterday at Streets of Willow. It was specifically designed for beginners, there were lead riders who helped show the lines and who would answer questions and give pointers while you waited in between sessions. Guys, there is nothing...and i mean nothing...better for learning and improving your riding than a track day.

There are lots of reasons people believe that right-hand turns are harder than lefts. I learned on the track that the biggest reason is becuz you cannot see thru a right-hand turn on the street. While I was on the track, I was dragging both knees effortlessly becuz I had complete confidence in the fact that my line was clear and I could see everything ahead of my turn. Visibility really is the biggest hinderance in right-hand turns.

Ok, I'm done ranting. Hit the track guys, you'll have the time of your lives and you'll be a totally new rider becuz of it

[kaizashozay]

got any pics?

[albinohickey]

I'd agree. Just wish my first TD had some instructors. It was a run what cha brung event. Not really a lot of schools around Co. right now with the lack of tracks.

[AwwsChwA]

Originally Posted by kaizashozay

got any pics?

There will be many many pics put up tonite at www.fastmotofotos.com. There was a pro photographer there, he was snappin pics like a madman. I'm definitely gonna order a few of 'em. I have to admit, once I figured out where he was, I was hammin it up a little bit, draggin the knee a little longer for the camera

[IamChuckNuttz]

Are full leathers required at the track? Full suit or what? I haven't really put much thought into going to the track but it doesn't sound like a bad idea. Just need to know what kind of gear I'd need.

[2074]

From my understanding, correct if wrong,

Ya, youll need a full suit, real riding boots, full gauntlet gloves, and approved helmet.
GOOD TIRES, either slicks or minimum PP's or comprable good street tires

Depeding on the event from my understanding you mayneed to safety wire the bike, tape off headlights & tail lights possibly more

[CephasGT]

Very true Awws, the track definitely changes your riding. I found, as I'm sure many others have, that it makes you SO much more conservative on the street. I still have fun on the street, don't get me wrong, but I don't push it nearly as hard as I used to, and when I do, I have much better control of the bike from what I learned at the track.

I think a couple track days and a set of leathers should come with the bike.

[AwwsChwA]

Originally Posted by IamChuckNuttz

Are full leathers required at the track? Full suit or what? I haven't really put much thought into going to the track but it doesn't sound like a bad idea. Just need to know what kind of gear I'd need.

The group I went with was called Motorcycle Training Center, it's an organization backed by the State Sheriff's dept. These are the rules we were told to follow, and keep in mind they will likely change from group to group:

You'll need a two-piece suit that zips together at the waiste. Only club racing requires a one-piece suit as far as I know. Full-gauntlet gloves, track boots and a good quality helmet are required as well.

There are no restrictions on tires as long as there's plenty of rubber on them. However, if you're on street tires, be prepared to have the track get a little slippery in the afternoon becuz the track is getting hot and street tires aren't designed for continuous race-temperature running.

All lenses must be taped. This is mostly to prevent other riders from being distracted by brake lights or accidental turn signals. The headlights are taped too, mostly to prevent glass chunks from flying in the event that someone wrecks hard enough to break the headlights. I used duct tape for mine, don't use it. It's a really messy clean-up.

Mirrors have to be removed. This is mostly to prevent a rider from getting distracted by a bike coming up behind him. You don't wanna be focusing on how far ahead you are. Just keep your mind and eyes ahead of you, that's what keeps the shiny side up

Other than that, just get out there, ride to your limits and maybe push them a little, but just have fun. Nothing else like it in the world, I'm totally addicted now.

*edit*
Oh, and Cephas, I absolutely agree. I've always thought that, in order to even get a basic driver's license, you should be required to drive a 15-foot straight truck with a manual 5-speed and be able to back it into a parking space. If you can do that, you can drive anything. Along that same line, requiring a motorcycle buyer to spend some time at the track would be a perfect way to really educate new riders on just how fun , and dangerous, high-speed maneuvering can be.

[MELK-MAN]

JenningsGP in Jennings, FL has open track days neary every other week all year round.
www.jenningsgp.com

I can answer any questions you might have about that facility..

[mike04R6]

"Guys, there is nothing...and i mean nothing...better for learning and improving your riding than a track day. "

Couldn't have said it better myself! Well put!