First Track day for Cancer survivor

[akmnstr]

It has been about 6 months since my wife completed her cancer treatment.  All test have been negative ever since. 
This Saturday she will do her first tract day at MSR Houston.  Actually we will share the day on the bike, as my monster does not currently have a gas tank and I will team with her on the SV650.  I am very proud of her for wanting to do this, but to be honest, I'm nervous as hell for her.  She has never been aggressive.  She is a safe rider, but I'm concerned that she will be too slow and frustrate other riders.  It is a day for novice riders, so we will see how it goes.  Any advice from veterans of track days?

[desmoquattro]

Yeah: go out there, don't try to set the world on fire with your times, and have a LOT of fun. You guys deserve it.

[derby]

Any advice from veterans of track days?

yup.... take your time, enjoy yourself, hold your line and don't try to make room for the people behind you (let them figure it out).

relax.

[Cider]

She is a safe rider, but I'm concerned that she will be too slow and frustrate other riders.

I've never been to a trackday with a minimum lap time.  You pay the same as everybody else, so have fun!

hold your line and don't try to make room for the people behind you

Couldn't have said it better.

[ducpainter]

Just have fun.

If someone else doesn't know how it's not your problem.

[swampduc]

Just have fun.

If someone else doesn't know how it's not your problem.

well said, and very good advice. Tell your wife to worry about what's in front of her, not behind 

[akmnstr]

Sound advice everyone.  Is it typical to tape over your mirrors to force to to focus on what is ahead and not behind?

[derby]

Sound advice everyone.  Is it typical to tape over your mirrors to force to to focus on what is ahead and not behind?

what are mirrors?   

[ducpainter]

what are mirrors?   

What he means is the organizer will probably make you remove or tape them.

[swampduc]

Ak, remove the mirrors. Tape or remove lights. Removal is best if it can be done readily. Tape any wheel weights, and most organizers require that you have water wetter in the radiator, not antifreeze.
Spidey posted a really, REALLY thorough checklist in the stickied thread above. I use it before most trackdays.

[gm2]

yup.... take your time, enjoy yourself, hold your line and don't try to make room for the people behind you (let them figure it out).

relax.

 

[The Architect]

Lots of good advice.

All I can add is don't waste the morning sessions being nervous.  Typically a new track rider is very nervous in the morning but sometime before or after lunch the nerves go away and the real fun begins.  You're only there for the day don't waste the morning to nerves.  Get out there and have fun from the start! 

Just reminder your wife that on the track there are no cars, on-coming-vehicles, dogs, sand on the road, old people who can't see over the steering wheel, cops, ice cream trucks, people texting while driving, construction crews, dui drivers, mimes, etc.  The other riders are there for the same reason, to have fun and go home safe.  If she's comfortable on the street than the track will be a pleasure for her.

Have fun! 

[akmnstr]

Thanks everyone.  I will post how it went.  I'm sure it will be fun. 

[akmnstr]

We had a great time.  My wife was very slow, the slowest on the track.  I don't think she got over 40 mph, but the great thing was that no one complained.  In fact, we both got lots of encouragement and helpful tips.  I was faster but still was the next slowest.  It was a great way to celebrate 6 months of cancer free and my 60th birthday. 

[ducpainter]

Glad you guys had fun.