Some input from you guys that have done it...? o.k. I think I did pretty good last weekend in the Novice class - better than most, but I can see a big gap to get from Novice level to Intermmediate. I felt pretty good in the curves and exits and the straights don't bother me as much now, but I really need some help with my late breaking. I spend too much time coasting before diving in to the curve. Can you guys give a newbie some advice on how to improve in this area and use the breaking markers better please?(I know...bigger balls right? ) Thanks in advance...
For any given turn... Pick a conservative brake marker. Get your braking (& downshifting if necessary) done as effectively as possible without making yourself uncomfortable. If you end up "coasting" 30ft before you turn in, then move your braking point 15ft closer to the corner next lap. Continue moving your braking point half the distance you coasted the previous lap until you're able to comfortably finish your braking just before you turn in. Also, don't feel pressured to move up to Intermediate. Some of our best Intermediate riders are ones that we've had to chase out of the Novice group.
I felt about the same way as you, I didn't know if I was quite ready to move up. I ended up spending the extra cash and doing a 2-in-1 event. This puts novice and lower intermediate riders together in the street class. This made the transition a lot smoother for me.
I have a couple of things that will help you out. First don't worry about your braking markers yet. It is not about how late ot hard you brake it is how much corner speed you can carry so here is how to get you started into faster speeds. When you go out and ride the track ride the first session or two with no brakes. Concentrate on picking out good reference points for where you turn in, where your apex is and where your exit is. You need to get good at using reference points and by not using the brakes you put all of your concentration on learning both them and on how to judge your entry speed. You will be a lot faster with no brakes then you think you can, trust me on this. After you get comfortable with running no brakes then start adding more gears and brakes.
STT's no brake drill helps to comprehend corner speed, one of the building blocks to getting around the track faster. If you're past this and understand the concept, DJ has it on the spot. If not and you're going to continue to build upon the no brake drill, you'll definately want to back off and approach the corner with less speed. As you get more comfortable and begin to get quicker, there will be a point where you'll want or need to apply the brakes. Most of your braking will want to happen before you turn in. At that point, understand and remember your speed and braking marker. Don't look at the speedo or tach, I use gear selection and the sound of the engine as refrence. Remember smooth inputs to the bike. As you continue to build speed on the course, you may then need to pull your braking marker back if your braking force is constant as more time will be needed to slow down. Otherwise, you'll need to brake harder given that the braking marker is the same. Don't take too much on at once though, sometimes it can be overwhelming and sliding back into bad habits are easy. Pick a few corners at a time, get them down and apply the learnings to the rest of the track. You'll be backing it in in no time. :lol: