First Track Day advice?

[2001cromo]

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! 

[Alan T]

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!

[zooom]

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??? 

[hadesducati848]

Have your read twist the wrist by keith code?

[Monsterlover]

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.



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

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.

[Alan T]

I'm riding with Roger Lyle's MotorcycleXcitement

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. 

[Spidey]

Have your read twist the wrist by keith code?

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

[desmoquattro]

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

+1

[hadesducati848]

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.

[desmoquattro]

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

[Cider]

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!

[Alan T]

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.

[hadesducati848]

It's called the Pali highway

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

[desmoquattro]

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

[hadesducati848]

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