Hey All - I've been riding for years, but I've never ridden a track day before. I do have some experience driving a car at Autobahn, so I'm a little familiar with the circuit, but I'm still pretty nervous about going at it on a bike. Any other first time riders coming this Sunday? Are there any groups of people going that wouldn't mind if I tagged along and set up next to your tent? (Be forewarned, I tend to ask A LOT of questions.) My bike is relatively newer, but I have to say it's not as easy to throw around corners as some of my previous bikes. I suspect suspension setup may be one contributing factor. Does anyone know of any suspension gurus that will be there that could give me some tips on setup? Any tips and advice would be much appreciated! Thanks, Johnny
Hey Johnny welcome! what bike ? TurnOne Racing is our track side suspension support/vendor ... Joe can help make any bike better,surely he'll get you sorted out. paddock is filled with people who will help you get started. See ya there!
Thanks, George! My bike is a '14 Ducati Streetfighter 848. And I'll be sure to look out for Joe when I'm there.
Don't be nervous. I have a long thread prior to my first track day. I also had experience with ACC but with cars. I think my last post on that thread included some tips. Good luck, you will enjoy for sure.
Thanks for pointing me to your thread. I just read it from beginning to end, and there's definitely a ton of great information there. Thank you. In all honesty, I'm particularly afraid of crashing because I have a bucket list international trip with my wife coming up in October, and I would hate to break a leg or something and no longer be able to go. As for the bike, I JUST got it back like 2 weeks ago after it spent most of the summer at the shop after my father-in-law backed into it and knocked it over with my truck. For this reason in particular, I plan to ride very conservatively, but still fear the worst. Therefore, any tips on avoiding this (other than riding at no higher than 70% as you described in your thread) would be greatly appreciated.
I am very novice myself, so take this for what is just my impression so far. Two bikes colliding does not seem to be a common situation at these track days. The most common way that I understand people crash is either 1) pushing their bike too hard into a turn and trying to apply brakes too hard while in the turn, or, even more likely in novice 2) not planning for, preparing for, and looking through the turn as you enter - this can even be due to fatigue or loss of focus at the end of the day. For (2), the simplest effect is that the bike will not turn and will ride off the track - once that happens, that is where the falls may occur. Good advice that I was given was to stay off of the front brake completely if you find yourself going off the track, only lightly pulse on the rear break to come to a stop when on grass. Anyways, all this said, I think there is not much to worry about. Ride within your ability, don't push things too hard, and you will have a safe day.
Best advice for not breaking yourself or your bike is to stay on track and stay on the bike. However you manage to do those two things, you'll be fine.
Definitely go see Joe at TurnOne!.. When they open up passing and groups in the afternoon, don't get over excited, ease into it. I distinctly remember blowing turn 2 on the north course my first track day because I got over excited... And as always if you find yourself struggling, get with a coach, they are all amazing and more than happy to help!
Thanks for all the great advice, everyone. I'm pretty pumped about Sunday. Only crappy part is we may arrive and find the track a bit wet from rain that's supposed to end early in the morning. Hoping it all dries up by late morning. P.S. If anyone wants to come and say hi, I'll be in the white SUV with a uHaul trailer and red Ducati.
I've been trolling since health issues may have ended my track days. Played for 6 years, never crashed, never got hurt and had a freaking blast every time out. Listen to many, mostly listen to yourself. Don't push to hard. Some just don't know when to back off, remember no trophies, no first place. Just have fun and learn. My two cents.
so sorry. are u still able to ride? ACC seems like a crash fest some weekends. Holiday weekends the worst. Saturday it seemed every hour there was at least 2-3 pauses in the track action. to the OP, this can be a dangerous sport. try not to make it anymore so. if it's your first trackday and you feel tired or fatigued, even a little, take a session off or pull in early.
Hey All - Just reporting back. Sunday was pretty epic. No issues or incidents. I wish I could say the same about everyone else that day, though. It seemed like a huge crash fest. Anyway, definitely made sure to work on technique and ride within my limits; especially during the first half of the day when the track was pretty green from raining overnight. I pushed pretty hard during my last two sessions as I got more comfortable, but I made sure to follow one rule which was to brake early so as to not end up in a situation where I have to brake mid-turn or risk going off. As a result, I had zero close calls. Anyway, definitely looking forward to the next one.
Also, I learned A TON about riding. I knew I wasn’t riding the right way all these years, but had no idea just how bad my form was.
Street yes, track not really. My youth has come back to remind me of my indiscretions. The sport is way more physical than anyone not doing track days could imagine. Breathing is something I just can't keep up with. Considered helping with Novice and newbies. Might reach out to Nick.