Noob here, so please be gentle. I have looked for this and couldn’t find it - if it exists and my search capabilities are inadequate, my apologies! Been riding for about 15 years and am about to add track riding to my riding resume! When attending a track day, aside from correctly set up bike and correct attire, what are the must haves to bring with? Fuel, chain oil, chair, gazebo, water, food, etc? What did you forget that you wish you hadn’t?
STT posts a handy checklist at the bottom of most recent event “facts” threads...I’d start there. Here is a link to a recent event...scroll to bottom of the first post and you will see the checklist: http://sttforum.com/index.php?threads/facts-for-gingerman-raceway-trackfest.19745/ Hope that helps!
Bring an extra 5 ish gallons of gas top your bike at lunch.(they have gas but it's not cheap) Bring some cash for lunch and gate fee $30 bucks should cover it(they don't take cards or have a atm) Tape your lights with masking take. masking plus ductape on the brake light so you can't see if through the tape. bring a bike in good condition mainly no leaks!. good tires that are not 5 or more years old and front brake pads half or better. Bring water and camping chair shade if you have it. i would recommend you start drinking extra water a day or two before you will sweat out a lot. Most important Bring a open mind and a willingness to learn.
Believe me, I have humility! After persuading my wife that buying a track bike would be a good idea, the last thing I want to do is do something dumb! As for timing - I looked at next week's twilight session at Gingerman, the website says that, "Registration opens at 3pm and the track goes hot at 5pm until dusk". Dumb question, but what time would I need to be there? Trying to avoid taking too much time off work. Thanks all for the feedback!
+1 on that question! I can't go to this particular bike night, but the fact sheet says it follows "bike night format" and I have no idea what that entails. I assume you'd want to be there far enough in advance to get settled in without a rush/panic before the mandatory riders meeting. With that said and coming from a fellow noob...I'd be asking more about the bike night format itself (ie I think still broken into skill levels, but I don't know for sure if that's the same "I-A-N" groups as a weekend, and I don't think there are any classroom sessions). Being a novice can be intimidating the first time or two (at least it was for me...I still have to give myself an extra 15min to suit up so not rushed / calm the nerves haha), and the classroom sessions were priceless in terms of getting my feet wet. So much valuable info, and I really look forward to them, plus the structured group ride is great too. Again at least for me, I think for first time out on track without any classroom would be stressful if not already paired up with someone to show you the ropes. STT is a TOP KNOTCH group of people, so I'm sure some coach would be willing to keep an eye out for ya and help you along, but from what I've heard, the "bike nights" are a bit less structured relative to a normal weekend. Take that with a grain of salt though as again, I'm new too. Maybe some of the coaches / staffers can offer their expertise / advise specifically for first timers at a bike night vs a normal day.
I would not recommend a bike night as a first trackday. there is no classroom and limited instruction. You would be much better off at ACC or Grattan for a full day first. there will be drills in every session to hone your skills and after lunch we will help you learn proper body position. if you chose to go you will want to get there around 3:30 to get unloaded,registered,bike teched and in your gear
Thanks for the heads up on that - I'll postpone and take on a full day later. Definitely want to take advantage of the tuition.
Here is my list. Obviously you don't need all of this every time. o Leathers o Boots o Gloves o Helmet o Visors o Back Protector o Chest Protector o Tools o Tire Pressure Gauge o Gas Can o Rags o Cleaner o Towel o Notebook o Rain Suit o GoPro & Battery o Other Camera o Tent o Chairs o Extra Shirt o Socks o Generator o Tire Pump o Spare Tires & Wheels o Spare Tire for Trailer o Lug Wrench o Headache Medicine o Reading Glasses o Receipt o Money o Motorcycle Key o Stands o Chain Lube o Trailer Ramp o Oil o Jumper Cables o Bike Cover o Duct Tape o Blue Tape o Long Underwear o Air Mattress o Flashlight o Race Gas o Sunglasses o Phone Charger o Tea o Ice o Snacks o Water o Cooler o Trailer License Plate o Pit Fan o Tire Warmers o Extension Cord o Generator Box o Fire Extinguisher
add shelter and water. Read the tech requirements for Novice and follow them. Don't be the guy that rides into the trackday with nothing but one bottle of water thinking he's gonna make it thru the day (yes, that's recently happened) - Even though the staff will 'take that rider in' so that he has a safe enjoyable day.
No one has * 3 umbrella girls added to their list? Its on mine but I seem to keep forgetting to bring them.
rule of thumb. if you don't think you're gonna need it... bring it anyways. make a list and check it 3x.
I've done two track days with STT thus far, so a total noob too. The guys have covered it above suggesting hydration, shelter, fuel, tools to fix whatever may come along on a normal spirited ride, chain lube, your protective gear etc... follow the rules outlined in novice bike prep and you'll be good. Bring your common sense stuff which you'd take for a day long trip on the roads, and think about what you'll be doing during the track day - you'll be doing physical activity, high adrenaline stuff from which you'll be learning. Whatever makes you comfortable in other physical activity should be brought along, be it nutrition, a blanket to lay out and stretch your back on, The whole "leave your ego at home" thing sounds odd to read, but it's the absolute truth. You likely won't be quick, you'll make mistakes, you'll learn from them, just don't go into it thinking you're above the class you're in. The trick is to realise that you're not the only one there, that you're there to learn and even the advanced guys make mistakes. Best to prepare in advance to be taught rather than go into it thinking you're the boss. Enjoy yourself mate, and remember - if you didn't bring it, likely someone else did. It's a great group of people, so just ask if you need something
Great list. One item alot of guys getting into this don't think about are ear plugs. I didn't use them for years and it was a bit of a game changer when i started using them. They will save your hearing and also allow for more focus and slow things down. A motor screaming at 12K rpm and air moving around your head at 140mph can make this hobby seem like a really bad idea. Deaden all that sound and it helps slow things down and allow for more focus.
if you tend to get sore after a day of exertion, bring ibuprofen if you can take it and take a couple either in the morning or at lunch. Also water, lots of water... more than you think you can possibly drink even if its cool out.