well, i got my first battle scares on my new bike. up riding in Traverse City this week, and hit some very well consealed stone in a corner and laid it down. that one totally got by me, i couldn't figure out why i was going down, i was shocked. glad i had all my padding on, but i got slammed pretty hard on my side and cracked, or broke a rib. i'm hoping it's a little better by the time i get to go to Grattan. i'm sure putting a riding suit on will hurt more then riding.
well...glad you're alright....be glad you'll only have to put on a two piece instead of a one piece. ......maybe we should talk about a deposit for those leathers..... jk!
Dave- Getting right back on the horse will be great for you. There is no confidence booster like a clean track with no cars, gravel, telephone poles, etc... However, the biggest bonus is that you won't be going in with a pristine bike, either. The pressure is off, now you can have fun! -Tom
yeah, i like he idea of the track, much safer place for me. when i mention going to the track to anyone, they think i'm crazy. (the street is the crazy place) probably a good wake up call for me. i never was scared of scratching the bike, or i had a good feeling it was going to happen someday. as long as i'm having fun on it...... i bought it to use, not polish.
The going rate has been $30 daily .... unless there is some kind of seasonal end of year special. JCirner
I just registered for Saturday and Sunday I group. What's the traction situation like when it's cold outside? Never ridden on a track in anything <70F. You guys usually just wear underarmor under the leathers? Anything else about cold weather track riding?
depending on your pace and if you're using warmers. first session can be a bit slick at grattan in the a.m. just use the first session as some sighting laps. find those piles of goose shit that you are going to use as brake markers, etc. later sessions, make sure you take two COMPLETE laps to warm tires. be smooth. if you have tire warmers, realize your tire will actually cool down as you ride. so traction is there pretty much right away (possible exception being in the first session) and then will hold steady depending on how warm you keep your tires with your riding style. for reference, i would say average race laptimes in the cold (45°) would only be about 2 seconds slower than perfect condition laptimes. trackday times would only be about a second slower.
When in doub't, take it easy. I'll give it up early in the day, if that what it takes to be around at the end of the day. FWIW, I'll set tire pressures early the evening before when it's about as warm as it's going to get. That way they'll be a little lower the next morning, which is usually recommended in cooler temps. I'll also soften up the suspension a bit for cooler weather, like people recommend for wet weather. As far as clothing, I'll put on everything I can get on under my leathers, & remove as needed. I'd also recommend bringing something like a faux turtleneck. Exposed skin will get pretty cold at over 100mph on the straight. Personally, I use one of those headband style ear muff thingies, flipped over & pulled downn around my neck. Works like a charm. Something warmer than racing style gloves might not be a bad idea for the first couple sessions too. Or at least something that will fit under your regular riding gloves.
If you have no room for extra clothes under your leathers, you can wear a rain jacket over them. Or do both.
I find that with my perf suit, if I put a plastic trash bag in the front of the suit over my chest protector, it blocks most of the cold air.