Mmm, I have not. Being from Indiana I've been to just Putnam, Gingerman, Indy (as a spectator of course) and Barber. Autobahn and Grattan are on the list, possibly Road America. Loved Barber's facilities. How does Road Atlanta compare?
i guess I can be convinced to go anywhere if I have the $$ and a way to get there i'll be looking forward to the motorcycle show this weekend... anyone going?
Here is what tires that have GOOD tread but are three years old will get you. Ask tnskydivr... At the 2:41 mark. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DymEbus-Chc
New to the track, huh?.......yes, I remember it like it was yesterday. It's amazing that we,(those who like to go fast), always go for the addiction first, pain second, and medication last. My advice: Don't touch your bike.... yet- you never mentioned having attended a track day before. Why don't you "Try" one first, BEFORE making all the modifications that a more experienced (read; addicted) track day rider would perform......Decent bike, decent tires (3 years old and in good shape are fine) and brakes, gas, painters tape, helmet, boots, gloves and a riding suit (rented or borrowed) is all you need for your first experience. (I didn't even bring water to drink at my first event) You can always "drink the cool-aid" later. Take a track school- STT offers great teaching sessions for all novice track days, and there are many private schools where you can further your "track education". Most track riders (addicts) put thousands into their bikes, but little into themselves. A good rider on a crappy bike will beat a mediocre rider on the ultimate bike. Quit reading the forums- I don't know any rider that got better or got more experience by reading the myriad of "opinions" (including mine) that are available online. "Experience is the best teacher" and the best experience is from someone else that has already made all the mistakes (hopefully they are not continuing on the mistakes list). Find a mentor- go to the track and talk to A LOT of people. Find who you admire and has the "fruit on the tree" and listen to them (you will still do what you want, but at least you can't say "nobody told me!") Have fun- and be ready to start taking "medication" for your addiction!
I am about your size. I have all the gear you need. You get a helmet. thats all if you get the bug which you will we can let you know what and where to get everything. You are going to have the best time of your life. Where you find Gunshow Nick the North Dir. you will find me . So come on out let Nick and I know so I have everything fo you.
Your advice is sincerely appreciated. Looking at what I have and want/need... I just want to be prepared and need to figure out on a personal level how to manage time, money and the sport. If you advise not to read the forums which directs me to youtube videos to 'ridesmart' school's youtube page, then I'm going to request for more information on who they are within the Chicagoland area for recommendations. I'm sure I can google many but would love to be kicked in a direction and I can follow up. I was once told there's 2 types of riders, ones that have been down others that are going down. I've been down when I was young and stupid...... well I guess I just want to be young and safe. Im a firm believer in experience being the best teacher as well, and I'm not trying to ride better by reading(thats like learning how to swim by reading Swimming for Dummies) but just picking up pointers and opinions on products and deals within the track world. :lmao: you mention this, I heard a mentor on the track is like a spouse, its divine; you just have to be ambitious :thumb: I look forward to making some good connections come track day. question: did you get drafted for a free day on STT or did you have to pay the premium? i think I've already started looking for a part time job other than teaching graduate school imp: Again, I sincerely appreciate everyone's responses and advice !
my mom used to say that; typically followed by a "Mister", as in: "You won't be going to any party if you don't do the yard, believe you me, mister!" also: woe betide you. as in: "if you think you're going to that party with all your friends before you do that yard, then woe betide you." I never asked the exact meaning of 'woe betide you'. it sounded too ominous. I simply took it to mean something like...DON'T CROSS ME.
Lots of good info in here. Take up the offer of borrowing gear to get you on the track soon, and to find out what size might fit. Some suits are sized a litter smaller. You sound like a 46, maybe a 48 Alpinestars. Read the rulebook and get get aquainted with the trackday procedures. STT has a great Novice class and excellent CRs. The better you're prepared before your trackday the better. There was a great lead earlier in this thread about a local to you bikeshop owner who happens to be with STT. Get him to mount tires, check over your bike, and maybe even set the sag on your suspension. It's just a starting point based on your weight on your bike. Like others have said, don't worry about mods on your bike. Tires and tracktime is all you need. The main thing is to ride within YOUR comfort zone. You might be somewhat nervous, don't worry about keeping up with anybody. Get to the trackday early, have all prep work finished, ask questions, and have fun. It really is a terrific atmosphere, great people:thumb:
I was in your same boat last year. Never been to a track and didn't know anyone who did. I love riding the twisties but we ain't got none here in Chicago. So I took the plunge and (yup I'm one of those guys) rode my bike to the track. I dont have leathers but wore a one piece aerostitch and backpack with some tools water painters tape and a few granola bars. I was nervous as hell, had no idea what to expect. But like other people said its like a family, I was on the forum and someone was nice enough to let me hang with them in the pit area and point me in the right direction (where to go for tech inspection, what to tape up etc), heck I even got a free lunch and gas! Assuming u are going to ACC I think you'll be fine with your bike the way it is after u get some proper riding gear. I had my suspension set at the track for like $80 bucks and it made a huge difference. Last year ACC had michelin tire pros there at awesome prices that can set u up if u are concerned about your tires. You'll be in the novice class and they won't pressure u to be setting lap times. The first few sessions are exercises to help u learn the course, work on your body position, gearing braking etc. the instructors will guide u and are there to answer any questions u have. You'll be fine. I had a blast! And will be riding my bike back to the track for round 3.
I too will be heading to ACC for my first trackday this year. (Probably not until June) So alot of the information everyone posted was helpful to me as well. :cheers: can't wait to see what the addiction is all about.
So from the motorcycle show after trying on shoes, suits,helmets and gloves...... I learned I'm: 1. a 45 in boot size 2. A 46 tecnic which i tried but seemed like i was suffocating. The salesmen said thats "how its supposed to be" but I guess I'll have to try a 48 to be firm? 3. A Medium in gloves 4. an XL in a Shoei and XXL in TS2. Again, I hope to rent/search/wait for people to get back to my private messages here for the suit but I'll be shopping all over the place for everything starting now ! If anyone has any suggestions other than http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com please share. THANK YOU!
I bought my RS Taichi from these guys at the Indy GP and was very happy with the service. http://www.motoliberty.com/
teknic runs a bit tight, you also have to consider that it will break in after a few days and some sweat, i may get a new suit this year and i'm dreading the break in procedure.
XL helmet? Do you have a huge head? The helmet should fit very snuggly. If it feels like your cheeks are being pushed in you can get smaller cheek pads, but make sure the shell of the helmet fits snug. (Helmets also break in and will loosen up over time)
thanks for the responses everyone. I do think I have a huge head but thinking about the cheek pads, that'll do the trick now that I think about it. Still waiting for that e-mail from STT to get drafted for the track day LOL.:woot: along with shopping/browsing online for used suits and everything else. There are so many deals on the West Coast on their Craigslist site but I'm scared of the CL killer:fencing: