Ducati Monster Forum

ok so there's a track day coming up and, quite frankly, I have no idea what that is. I understand the fundamentals (people ride their motorcycles on a track) but that's about it. what's required of me and my ride? what's it cost? what's the process? track etiquette? or anything else that would broaden my understanding would be cool too

Attending a track day is FREE!  ;D

Riding costs $$ depending on the track and track organization that hosts the event.

If you're interested in checking out what it's all about without committing just swing by during one. I'm sure Frank will chime in with details on what a track day entails. I'm too lazy and too tired to go into detail about it. It's bedtime....sorry Chris :P

If he doesn't chime in I'll gladly post up some better details tomorrow.  [thumbsup]

Chris,

The main purpose of attending a track day is to learn and test your skills as a motorcyclist on a closed course circuit.
Without cars or semi-trailer trucks.  Without police chasing you for speeding.  Without errant gravel spots or oil slicks.  Without soccer moms mindlessly weaving into your lane in her 2-ton Navigator 'cause she's chatting on her cell phone.
You get the idea.

You will learn proper throttle control, proper body positioning, proper entry lines going into a corner, and other goodies.
All of which can translate to you being a better rider on the street.
I've always said that I'd unlearned over ten years of bad riding habits in just a couple of trackdays.
If you go in with a relatively open mind, I guarantee you that you'll get something positive out of it.

For bike requirements, refer to this post:
http://www.motohouston.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4310 (http://www.motohouston.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4310)

For riding apparel, most local organizations require a full-face helmet, leather gloves, over-the-ankle boots, and a 1-pc or 2-pc motorcycle suit (preferably leather, but some places allow textile suits such as Aerostitch's if you're in Beginner level).

As Joe mentioned, cost varies with the track used and the organization holding it.
Duc L' Smart posted a list of the local organizations:
http://ducatimonsterworldwide.org/index.php?topic=2000.0 (http://ducatimonsterworldwide.org/index.php?topic=2000.0)

All have their pros and cons. 
RideSmart is considered the cheapest overall per trackday, but also the most crowded.  TTD has the most weekend dates, but is also one of the more expensive schools.
LSTD is the most organized IMO.

Signing up with any of these organizations is usually done through their websites.  Pay online, and show up at the appointed date and location.
Walk-ups *can* be done, but you take your chances with the more popular tracks/weekend dates selling out early.

Wouldn't worry about track etiquette; the instructors will let you know of the riding rules during classroom sessions held for Beginners when off the track.
Just don't be stuffing people into the corners on your first session out, and you'll be fine.


Next one for me will either be on the 21st (ridesmart) or 22nd (lstd) of this month.
Both will be at TWS in college station.
There should be other dates coming up at closer venues, such as MSR-H in Angleton.

Chris, thanks for posting this question! I'm seriously thinking about doing my first track day sometime in the next few months as well.

If a small track day is more of your thing, AMS has private days with Jeff Nash every few weeks.  Only rub is that it's usually on Thursdays.  But you get a solid 3hrs of riding in and there are only about 12 people on the track.

I did my first track day at the private day and it was great to get personal feed back

Close your eyes & imagine yourself on fabulous roads, big sweepers, tight switchbacks, elevation changes, good road surface, but no debris, obstacles, cages, traffic signs, animals, etc... You go at your own pace (as you always should do anyway), & you really get to learn the road, & there's experts watching you & giving you personalized instruction.
It's the best & safest way to learn the limits of your bike & improve your already mad skillz [thumbsup]

that's what I was looking for, thanks fellas

hey, let me know when you decide to do your first, I'm looking to do one too

For you newbies that are considering doing your first trackday, there are two dates coming up in July at a nearby track: MSR-Houston.
Located off hwy 288, about 35 minutes south from downtown Houston.
http://www.msrhouston.com/ (http://www.msrhouston.com/)

LSTD is holding a date there on July 4th.
And Longhorn (Buck Beasley) is holding a "noob-only" day there on July 19th.

IMO... MSR-Houston might be better suited for a Monster; Texas World Speedway is more fun with a SBK or a liter bike.

I was gonna take the monster for my first day, would you recommend a n00b only trackday?

Although this question wsa directed at Frank, I think you would be just fine attending either track day posted above by Frank. As mentioned by Frank, LSTD runs a well organized outfit on their track days.  [thumbsup]

I'm planning on attending the July 4th event so it would be alot of fun if you came out as well. BTW, bring out the SBK.  [evil]

Correct.  I've seen you ride, David, and you'll be fine doing Beginner's (or even Intermediate) group in any of the organizations.
I only mentioned Buck's "noob-only" day for those who may have only a year or two of overall riding experience, and may feel more comfortable riding in a more controlled pace.

I recommend anyone start in the Novice/nOOb/Beginner group. Ride at your own pace, no pressure, learn your bike, the track... You'll know when you're ready to move up [moto]

doh!  thanks for all the help folks!

I was just about to sign up for the july 4th event, but it turns out they don't have a beginner's class on friday events...  :'(

I guess the 19th will have to be the day?

I am no expert....period...but here in Austin there's:

www.elitetrackdays.com

They run down at Harris Hill Raceway located near San Marcos/Kyle right off IH 35...I went to the track orientation Ducati Owners Group thing and had a blast.....instructors are great, the track is fun and is brand new....

There's a July date coming up........

cool, I'm trying to stay local for at least my first, just for convenience's sake, but will definitely branch out when I get less nervous about the whole thing, or can afford more  [laugh]

David, the EliteTrackDays events appear to be more expensive than most....but the instructors are very cool and one hangs out with us @ Mings.....the tracks' pretty fun and as of last weekend the new "Clubhouse" is fully functional according to Moira (who runs the trackdays)

The main draw for us here is that it's really close......

very cool, let's see how the first goes, then I can look at taking a long weekend for another!

Please elaborate on "fun"! How's the run-off? How are the facilities? How technical is it, etc...?

Well, lemme see here...the track is tight (i.e no really long straights)...I think it's best described as being inside a bowl......it's got some cool elevation change and the surface is wide and spankin' new...and probably best of all, they run the bikes opposite direction of the cars (counter clockwise) --which takes full advantage of a righteous uphill --180 Left then equally righteous down hill..........the run off is what I would call "substantial"...not a sand/gravel arrangement but  natural "vegitation"  NO TREES, ARMCO, or fence posts anywhere near the track....and the few trees on the property are newly planted..

Talked last night (Mings) with Moira (Pres. EliteTrack Days) and Roger Castillo (instructor) about the new facilities building and it's up and running with a commanding hill top view of nearly the entire track....translation, should be great for the spectators.....

Track "Membership Fees" can be sidestepped by simply signing up for trackdays....after all, it's all about the benjamins these days....

Pits are primitive.... nothing more than a paved asphalt parking lot at this time, (with a downhill slope to it  ???) and they are fussy about fuel spills in the pits, etc....by now I'm sure it's sealed....... but I'm not sure which direction the track will go in relation to garages.....talk, but nothing finalized....bring yer own shade, I guess.....gas is within 10 minutes of the track....the track is less than 5 miles off IH 35 on the Kyle/San Marcos border area.......think Outlet Malls and you're pretty close....

Check the website here:            http://www.harrishillroad.com/             and it's clearly not up to date.....

One last thing:  FWIW:  RipTearShred rode Cresson and H2R and has stated that H2R's surface is nowhere near as abrasive on tires as Cresson.....

Has anyone done Eagles Canyon yet?

Scott?  Anyone? 
Should I be asking this on the DFW forum?



By "facilities", do you mean actual bathrooms with running water, not porta-potties?
Any ETA on when covered paddock or electrical outlets will be installed?

Also, does Moira plan on scheduling any weekend dates?
The three dates  listed on their website are weekday events only.

Of course I could email her myself, but it seems you've got the inside scoop, Paul.

I know a few of the DFW guy have done ECR. 

Thanks for the info! I'd def like to give it a whirl [thumbsup] Maybe when it's a wee bit cooler?!?

And yes, MSR Cresson does seem to be a little rough on the tires... It's a great track, but I think at some point it's going to need re-surfacing.

Yeah, it's the little things that can make a difference... No indoor plumbing? No electrical??

There's not a short answer to ECR.
Track- love the course, longer straights, nice elevation changes... Some of the surfaces are VERY BAD.
Runoff- Very Scary. Big chunky rocks, clay, hay bales, culverts :P
Facilities- Very rough. Indoor plumbing, but small, and basic. Doesn't compare to Cresson
Parking- large, remote. No shade, no electric.

A lot of potential, a long way to go.
I ran ECR on the PS, would love to return on the 1098 ;D

Frank, I wish I had something hilarious to post here...get you back for the Mountain Dew STILL on my keyboard!! ;D

Word is running water, flush toilets  and A/C in the "Clubhouse" which is a stand alone building about 50 yards uphill from the hot pits....not sure about electrical as the last time I was down there it didn't exist...that's what genreators are for....uh, right?  God bless Honda for their generating ability...

Moira's "available" trackdays are wedged in between the car days which of course, dominate at this time....it is MY opinion and My opinion only that the track owner's really hadn't thought that bikes would be a factor here...this aggressive approach to get us in there comes from Moira (and others) biding for influence.... to recap the the disclaimer, this opinion is mine, comes from the empty vast dumptser encrusted desert which is my brain...closed course, professional idiot, don't try this at home...

Scott, you've asked enough questions, just get down here and try it out!!!