What? There's a turn on the way home from work that has a patched over section of pavement right in the middle of the lane. I obsess over it too much and go to one side or the other of it, when I probably should just ride the line I should -- which crosses that pavement. So I told myself I should stop even looking at the pavement patch, focus on my exit point and take the turn. That sound more sensical?
no. it's the street for crying out loud. just slow down and ride over it safely. holy christ....don't be working on your lines on the street. and definitely don't apply any of my advice to improving your neighborhood laptimes. eff around on the track. chill on the street.
No, no no, I'm not trying to improve my lines around the road. But I was so scared to ride over the pavement patch, I was pretty much riding on the double yellows. For my own safety from on-coming traffic, I figured I had to get over my fear of that patch. I know better than to go nuts on the street. Too many crazy drivers out there. Hence, trying to stay away from the double yellows...
Lots of excellent advice from the experts. From a non-expert - just take your time and enjoy yourself. I started doing track days at Grattan in August '09. I started in Novice group 5, then in September at Grattan I did Novice group 4, in October I did Novice group 3, in April '10 I did Novice group 2, then in May I did Novice group 1. After 5 track days I got an o.k. to bump to Intermediate. I've done 6 days in Intermediate this summer and am faster than before. I spend my time working on proper lines around the track, being smooth, body position, throttle control, looking through the turns. Good luck, and likely see you in October at Grattan. Richard