The price per gallon wasn't too bad, but yesterday afternoon, the pumps were not working. Don't know why, but it was unavailable when I tried to gas up. Glad I brought my own.
Glad it worked out. Worst case though you could have run to the gas station with someones jug. Overall though it is good to be prepared. How did the first time go?
Overall, it was fun. Being in the Novice group, I learned a lot from the instructors, but my confidence took a big blow when I had the front end wash out on the first lap I was given to run at my own pace. This was the 3rd session of the day. My coach gave me the go ahead and pass sign after we'd done one lap...we were on the front straight. I took it, made turns 1, 2, 3, and 4, then wiped out in 5. I really don't have a clue what I did wrong. I looked at my pics from the weekend, and didn't see that I was using brake in the turns. Didn't even have any fingers on the brakes in any pics. That's not to say that I did't do it in that one where I crashed, and then stopped doing it, but I want to think it was a combination of not completely warmed tires, too high tire pressure, and too much speed for that turn. I didn't know just what TP to set and was close to OE pressure until that point. I was on Metzler M3s, and running about 34 in the front, 38 in the rear. Subsequently dropped them to around 30 and 30, but after my wash out I was timid and not leaning the bike. Took me til about session 4 on Sunday to start getting a little confidence back. On the session following my wash out, my coach tried to help me some, and (by his admission) had me execute a pass on the front straight a little late, and I carried too much speed (for my confidence level) in to turn 1 and I ran off on the rumble strips and grass, but rode it out and got back on the track. I know there I was too timid, and I also got target fixated due to being a little scared. So, I learned a lot...though I don't think I learned for sure why I crashed the first time, which sux cuz now it's in my head. Positives of it are I got right back on the bike (which wasn't too torn up), and finished out the weekend, and I got a little better each session. Was told my lines were good by several coaches. Overall, I enjoyed, and will be back. I go in 2 weeks to VIR to do levels 1 & 2 of the California Superbike School. Hope that helps my confidence.
Sounds like a good base to learn from and lots of lessons that could save your bacon on the street. No idea on the crash but here are a couple of thoughts. Yes those pressures are to high but at a Novice pace an M3 should still have plenty of grip. You said no brakes and are probably correct. No you didn't say at what phase of turn five (tipping it, apex etc.). Two other things that can cause issues are 'adjusting' body position to much/fast mid turn to change your line. Or on off throttle abruptly. When you come in finish all the braking then tip it until apex the suspension is in an unstable mode which major changes in position etc can effect much more than if the suspension has some loading. So there is a chance you tipped it in then said oooo I need to be doing X and made a quick major change which unweighted the front. Sometimes you just don't know but you did get some lessons on target fixation and general stuff that should help you be a better rider from the sounds of it.
I was probably just at apex, or just before. If you were standing on the inside of 5 looking at 12 oclock, 3 being entry and 9 being exit, my bike and I wound up in the grass at about 10:30. If I had to guess, I'd say my entry speed was too high and throttle control might be the culprit. I was thinking maybe I let off and collapsed the front suspension. Almost certain my body position wasn't good either. I thought I had the target fixation bug out of me on the road, but I guess I reverted back to old survival instincts after my crash.
I would think the opposite is a chance. You came in and at the Apex started onto the gas hard and unweighted the front causing it to wash out. I would hope you were not still on the throttle all the way until the apex which is generally the slowest point in the turn (so why would you be letting off). Target fixation is always tough and in a new higher stress environment it is not surprising. Always better to experience these things in the controlled environment of the track (if at all). At the Dragon you would have been into rocks or off the cliff instead of on the curbing doing a non event (another reason to ride with a LOT in reserve on the street)
You're probably right...truth is...I don't know and wish I did. I just don't recall enough about the events leading up to it. On the street I have learned to ride within my limits. The track, while the dangers of the street are not there, (not all of them) it's a VERY different environment and was quite shocking to me. I knew it would be, but didn't know HOW MUCH different it would be. I guess being unfamiliar with a new to me bike that is far different from anything I've ever ridden contributed too. I had less than 200 miles seat time on the CBR600RR that I picked up the week prior going in to the weekend.
Street riding doesn't necessarily translate into track riding, but track riding ABSOLUTELY has value for street riding. Charlotte's web is famous for putting bikes on the ground (I lowsided there in 2010 and still haven't completely gotten over it). Doesn't help that it's a little off-camber. Tires had enough chance to heat up. I would more suspect a tight grip on the bars more than anything contributed...
I'll be at Barber 9/3. I've never camped out for a track day before. And by "camped out" I mean, slept in a tent or my JEEP trackside in the paddock. I'm contemplating getting to Barber Friday evening and "camping out" for the track day Saturday, then driving home Saturday evening. The other option is to get a hotel Friday night. Is there any benefit to camping at the track this way other than the obvious, to save money and time? Any suggestions?
I camped at Barber Fri and Sat earlier this month like I usually do. I just enjoy the trackside atmosphere the night before riding such as meeting new people, sharing a few frosty brews, and just talking bikes. Not having to drive the windy course around to get out of or into the pits in the dark is a plus. (not that I get drunk, just don't enjoy leaving) The Barber showers are on par with most hotels and I just don't see the point in spending more than $35 a night.
I've got a newbie question, I'll be at Barber this weekend and I'm bringing some new tires that I didn't have time to get put on locally. Does the tire service take cards or is it a cash only kind of deal? And if it's cash, ballpark what do they charge to just put on tires?
I'd recommend a fan at the very least for camping at Barber. The air can be quite still and muggy. Otherwise, we usually arrive Friday night to enjoy a relaxing evening with everyone. ... oh and in case of a loud generator next to your tent - earplugs are a great friend.
I agree with the others, I wouldn't pay a lot for a room. Your only going to sleep there. Maybe I'm a sissy, but the last thing I want to do is sleep in the heat. I don't know for certain with barber but at Nola, the mosquitos at night will carry you away! I'd imagine it's the same at barber. Now during the cooler months, sure... Like October wouldn't be bad at all. But July August.. A/C, for me, is a MUST! LoL
@TLR67 If that was you who found the spacer for my wheel after changing my tires I just want to thank you again! If it wasn't you, then whoever was running the tire machine on Saturday is awesome.
Probaly Matt but I did find a R6 one... Was that yours? We can balance them without them as well as the cush ect... Best to leave all that stuff out of your wheels when you bring them down..