Ducati Monster Forum

About to embark on my first track day on my 848. Besides the 'tape the lights, take mirrors off...' anyone got any sage advice from experience?

Going to Infinion Sears Point then Laguna Secca!

 Obscure is good, like wear a cup, or don't eat pizza what ev's you got please:
Thanks [moto]

Ride at your own pace...

relax...

and have fun. [thumbsup]

[and don't over eat at lunch  ;)]

Learn what "Kodak Courage" is....before you go out on the track ;D

explaination?  [popcorn]

Don't show off for the photographer. ;)

try to get some sleep the night before.   ;D

borrow some one elses bike  ;D

Track plastics and earplugs both help with anxiety. ;)
have you looked at Spidey's trackday checklist?
Try to improve slowly and gradually; definitely ride your own pace. Just as on the street, following a better/faster rider is a great way to crash.
Hydrate extensively.
And start coming up with funds for future track days. You'll soon be an addict  [thumbsup]

Lay your gear out the night before.  Check it again before you leave.

Tape you key in your ignition.  That way you won't leave it behind.

Make sure you have your helmet as you leave the driveway.

Don't be afraid to sit out the last session if you're tired or making mistakes.  Don't think about how much you paid to go to the track day.

You'll start to feel comfortable in the session right before lunch.  Be careful.  After lunch is a dangerous time.  You're confident, you have a full belly and you'll be a bit tired.  I always go out in that session planning to just putter around.  By the end of the session, I'm movin' pretty well, but I always deliberately start it out slow.

Focus on your lines and body position.  Purposely make yourself go slow for hte first half day.  Trust me, it'll pay off later in the day.

Don't speed up because someone passed you.  Don't try to chase someone down.  The red mist will make you go boom. 

WARM UP YOUR TIRES.  Two laps. 

It's hard at Sears and Laguna because there aren't really straightaways, but as often as you can, consciously relax your arms and take deep, deep breaths.  Try to slump down on your bike like you're falling asleep.  It'll calm you down a lot. 

When you going to Sears? 

...and watch out for Buells.

Lots of good advice above.

If you're not smiling, you might be over doing it.  It's supposed to be fun.  Use your smile to gauge your speed not the speedometer.  In fact, tape off the speedo.

SMOOTH!  Smooth on the gas.  Any monkey can twist a throttle.  Smooth on the gas and smooth off.  Same with the brakes.  Don't jab at the brakes.  They're not like a switch with only an on and off position.

As your day progress and you're feeling tired, it might be a good idea to try a lap or two around the track with minimal brakes.  Just a smooth ride around the track. 

Keep your arms loose.  Keep your weight off the bars. 

Two laps to warm up the tires.  This one needs repeating. 

Have fun. 

Definitely have fun out there.  I did my first track day on my 848 a 2 years ago and was all grins the whole day.  You'll be amazed what the 848 is capable of doing.  At the track is where I enjoy my bike the most

Going Thurs. - MM and Alfonso are in the same group.
I'm stoked. All good stuff here - thanks guys!  [thumbsup]

Already laying out stuff, made the bike illegal today  ;D

(http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u110/goony_chunck/nature%20for%20kids/betteroffdead.jpg)

"Go that way. Really fast. If something gets in your way? Turn."

Also, check the weather forecast before hand. Dress in layers. Hydrate.

drink lots of water the whole day before you go.

try your damndest to get plenty of sleep.  it's not easy.

don't be afraid to sit out the session after you eat lunch, too.

DO NOT try to ride with others.  ride your own pace.

don't look behind you.  ever.

above all, relax.  if you come in from a session and your arms are stiff, you aint relaxed.  think noodle arms.  riding a motorcycle on a track is about core strength, not upper body.

have fun!

lots of good advice above.

One other thing to add. If you're feeling lost on the track and not sure of what to do (where to be on the track or what to do) ask a coach to work with you. They'll show you the lines and what to do... don't be afraid to ask for this, it's their job to make sure you're smiling. and yes, the smile factor is crucial. If you're not smiling you need to fix that by getting help.  If you're not having fun, you're doing something wrong.

Since it's your first track day, the org you're riding with will probably be doing classes too (make sure you're there for them).

And hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Including days before and in between sessions.

And just like the street, try to look as far ahead as possible.   <-- this will help you to relax.

Have fun!  [thumbsup]

Hey guys,

my first track day is coming up on 5/27 at summit point in WV.  Are there any references in terms of riding techniques, body positioning, lines etc you guys strongly recommend?  And I mean books and videos.

Thanks!

you riding with NESBA, STT, or TPM??? 

Have your read twist the wrist by keith code?

All great advice here.

However, I don't agree about over hydrating the day (or days) before.  You're not a camel.  You don't store water.

Drinking a shit load of water ahead of time only serves to become an annoyance because you'll be taking a leak every 90 minutes of your day.

Instead, make sure you have a shit load of cold water with you at the track.  Start drinking it when you get there and have water in your hand the rest of the day (when you're not riding)

If you're going to over hydrate, do it at the track.  At that point you won't be over hydrating, it will be just enough.

If you don't get enough water while you're there you're really going to know it the next day.

Think of the worst hangover you've ever had. . .

only it happens without the fun of drinking the night before.

:D

People will probably disagree with me, but that's ok.  This method works for me/ has been my experience.

Also have snacks around that you can munch on.  Stuff that's got sugar-protein-carbs works well.

I like pb&j sammiches.

Keep the blood sugar up.

A big +1 to not riding the last session of the day.  You'll likely be tired as will all the other riders who want to squeeze every last lap out of the day.

A lot of crashes happen at the end of the day, and right after lunch.

And sometimes at the beginning of the day too [laugh]

Take along extra fuel.  Bikes at WOT all day eat a lot of it.

Have an ez up?  bring it.  It's nice to get out of the sun between sessions.

Most of all - have fun.  Track days are what makes the world go 'round around here.

[thumbsup]

I'm riding with Roger Lyle's MotorcycleXcitement

http://www.motorcyclexcitement.com/static/trackmap-spr (http://www.motorcyclexcitement.com/static/trackmap-spr)

Two friends of mine have had a couple of track days with them and have good things to say about 'em. 

Alan T, TOTW is good reading for track riding but the writing style will make you want to kill yourself. 

+1

when i got on my 848 the first time i thought that it had a horrible seating position, then i read that book and realized i just didnt know how to properly sit on and ride my bike. after a commuting 3 hours a day 5 days a week  for a few months just to practice holding my body up with just my theighs and haveing most weight off my arms i got used to it and am alot more comfortable now and i believe that i am a much better rider then before. i mean for a book 10 + years old i got alot out of it... now if only we had a track here on Oahu where i could really put that knowlage to use.

It's called the Pali highway ;D

I think it's all been said before, but I thought I'd list my favorites:

• I like to drink a lot the day before; guess I'm a camel?  In fact, I even make an effort to avoid junk food, caffeine, etc.
• I love riding the last session!  Most of the crashers are already gone :)
• This last Saturday, there was a red flag on the first lap of the first session, and the first session after lunch was red-flagged.  Just sayin'.
• If you get caught up with some people that make you uncomfortable (or just annoy you), ride through the hot pit to get away from them.
• Hold your line, and don't look behind you; don't run wide at the last minute to take a corner like you're pulling a trailer.

Have fun!

I bought "Total Control - High Performance Street Riding Techniques" by Lee Parks when I started riding a year ago and really liked it.  If you guys recommend TOTW I'll go pick it up this week and read it before track day.  There are certain thinks I'd like to read up on.
For example, I'm used to entering a turn at the speed I want to take it on the streets (on and off ramps mostly).  So I'm at a steady speed and positioning myself way before the actual turn. I want to familiarize myself with good braking techniques and form since I don't do much heavy braking on the streets.  It's real basic stuff I guess but that's what I'm looking for.

lol now if we can just get closed down for some down hill bonzi runs id be a happy man

Imagine an Isle of Oahu TT...rolling at high speeds past the Polynesian Cultural Center, scraping knees on pavement with Pipeline beach and Haliewa in the background, and one long straight through the Scofield barracks ;D

life would truely worth living if that place existed 8-P

Thanks everyone - this is really great stuff. I'm going to remember a lot of it - I hope.  [thumbsup] [thumbsup] [thumbsup]

Ya +1   I was going to change a bunch of stuff on my 848 when I talked to Tigre who reminded me a lot of engineers had thought about that for a really long time and that's why they call it a SUPER BIKE.  :P

When in doubt, I get the fk out of the way of my bike and let it do it's thing. It's always right.  [laugh]
I've never been on a bike that's so much like a horse in that regard. It makes you want to do it the right way. That's love.


I liked that book as well. + Twist of the Wrist II - more about track and going faster.  Interesting notes on fear and calculating it into the experience. No one ever talks about that.

Quote from: Alan T on May 10, 2010, 02:54:46 PM
I bought "Total Control - High Performance Street Riding Techniques" by Lee Parks

I can add a little on fitness from experience regarding drinking enough:

Paula Pezzo 2 time Gold medalist MTBiking - I used to ride with her sometimes: "Drink before you get thirsty, eat before you get hungry; 100% Carbs before the race, +80% Protein after the race."
Lance told me he drinks drinks drinks all morning before the ride until he has to pee. Then stops. Small sips constantly after.
Simple sage advice works wonders. Once you are really thirsty in 90F, its too late, very difficult to catch up again.

Well, how'd it go?

best freaking day e v e r!!! 

O m g this could be an expensive habit.
I got so sideways on my bike I thought I was riding on Velcro wheels. An 848 on a track is at least as good as sex with Kate Moss. Not that I would know but you get the idea.

All my common fears of driveways mini cans deer gravel and blind curves gone, I let loose.
2:13 best lap time, 121MPH top speed indicated AMA track set up.

I prolly would have taken another few seconds off if there was a day 2. I was passing folks by the end of the day in B-  it was a very fast track I was told. AMA weekend so the A group was pretty much pro. B- was very fast. Only two slowpokes on the whole track.

I'll get pics up when I'm back in town. In NYC today. :D
 ;D ;D ;D
 

So...it was bony, emaciated, soulless and left you with an urgent need for medication?

Cool.  I luuuuuuuv that track.   [thumbsup]

 [thumbsup]


yep.  :)

Don't get all realism with me. In the fantasy kind of way.

(Ironically I danced with her make up artist all night tonight at CIELO. Ha ha.
She's kind of cool. Now it's 5:am and in NY that's time for burritos.)

Riding the track left me with a sore ass like it was a bicycle race, a giant smile on my face, tires that show wear to the very edge, a soul a little more fulfilled and a heart in love and full of confidence. When I see my bike I look at her with that knowing smile, like, ya, we did that.   

   

Glad you had a great time... I had to go back and look at my first trackday post from 2 years ago.  How the time flies.

Here's to more laps and smoother lines!    [beer]

I'll drink to that.

[beer]

w00t!

more here:
http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=120.msg683442#msg683442 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=120.msg683442#msg683442)


(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1268/4606639747_7c33206a6a.jpg)

 

 [thumbsup]

and get that foot back!   :)

ha ha. Ya! I scrapped that toe in fact. I got on the balls of my feet after that.
This was the only half descent photo and it's from the warm up lap in a slow corner. Wa wa.  :P

I didn't quit get a knee down but came very very close. I'd never been so sideways in my life for sure. That bike can handle SO much more than I brought. 
OMG I can't wait to go again. June ---> LAGUNA SECA!!!

I'm trying small steps and careful leaps so I can bring my beautiful Duc home shiny. 
All the advise is greatly appreciated.  [thumbsup] [thumbsup] [thumbsup]

The 'instructors' at the track seemed more interested in practicing for their upcoming races. We didn't get really anything from them at all except for some strafing examples that made me pucker at times. I think we were like Cones for them  [laugh] otherwise the company seemed very professional and well organised. 

unfortunately our chums Tigre and DaTV were not on that day.  :'(
I'm sure it would have been a completely different experience. 
Though I got to say it was so FKING fun ahhhh! I can't wait to get back to the track. 

Can we pool our funds and build one? Who's in? 

Ive been saying for the past 5 years that if I ever win the power ball. . .

I will visit every cool track in the country and ride it.

I will make note of each track's cool sections. . .

I will then build a new track comprised of all the cool parts from all the great tracks.







































































And it will be indoors so that I may ride all winter long.

[evil]

Win ter?  ???
Explain this concept, please  ;D

Ya just build the damn thing in Arizona or Hawaii. Winter is 65-70F.

MY VOTE IS FOR HAWAII

hahahahaha

When in doubt, GAS IT!!!! [evil]

opinions? ;D

REAR TIRE
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3290/4634250016_7c17c727b8_b.jpg)

FRONT TIRE
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4633669803_924130650e_b.jpg)

Having trouble getting the thing all the way over in the corners? ;D

Tire looks good, although it looks like your suspension needs to be set up for you and track work, it'd help get get rid of those chicken strips! ;)

Just messing with you. ;)