Hi everyone! My name is Allyson. I've been riding for 3 years and have made several trips on my bike with my hubby through the Smoky Mountains, but I am a track-noob. Hubby and I have our first-ever track session scheduled at Little Tally on Memorial Day weekend. I am PSYCHED!! My confidence on twisties has been a little low since I low-sided on Blood Mountain a couple of years ago. I've still enjoyed mountain trips and corners, but not fully. I'm hoping my track experience will help me get over my hesitation and make me a more confident rider. Anyway, just wanted to intro myself and say I can't wait to meet up with other female riders!
You will have a blast.... Just soak up all the info like a sponge and have fun... Make sure you start drinking water on Wednesday... It will be a hot one at Tally for sure...
I know exactly how you feel. I lowsided on the Blue Ridge Parkway in November of 2010 in a turn covered in ice (learned not to ride high elevations in November) and it KILLED my confidence. I was able to ride my bike back to the campground but every turn I had to go through I felt I was going to low-side AGAIN. It was a terrible feeling and a confidence DELFATOR. I never felt 100% comfortable again even in great weather conditions because it was always in the back of my mind of what happened. It wasnt until I did my next track day at Barber in June of the next year that I felt comfortable again. By the end of the first day at Barber my memory of my crash was gone and I was back to normal. It was an awesome feeling to be comfortable again so I can assure you if anything will help you feel confident again, a track day will for sure :cheers:
Welcome Allyson. Little tally was my first southern track day a few years ago and it remains my favorite. It's small and simple but SO MUCH FUN. Make sure you and our husband look up me or any of the other coaches and we will be happy to help you all you want. Hope you two have a great weekend
new member welcome allyson. my wife and I will be sure to find you at tally. I think you'll see that tally is one of the grippier tracks around and the run-off is very forgiving (vast personal experience). you're gonna love it. here's a vid of tally. unobstructed view of track. notice there is only 1 right turn. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SgdKbPIbAY
Thank you all so much for the warm welcome! Shawn, we'll be sure to find you and your wife. I'll be on the blue Ninja 250. Hubby is on a 636.
Allyson, Tally was a track that my wife and myself both chose to do our first trackday. It is our favorite track we go to now. The track map looks boring, BUT wait til' you start making laps... you will love this place. Everyone with STT is very supportive and will help you be comfortable. Ride your own ride, you have less to be nervous about at the track than you do on a street ride. Ask an instructor for help///// no matter what you and your husband do, DO NOT ride in the same group of riders, way too distracting. I promise you by the end of the day, you will be riding better than you ever have. You will be hooked. it will consume you.... in a great way. I look forward to seeing you there. My wife and I will look for you on Sunday. -- Sid
This track is tight and demanding - make sure you are in good physical shape! Motorcycles will never be 'safe' - nail the throttle and be aggressive - have a wonderful time!
Allyson, welcome to STT. My wife Peggy and I will be Instructing in the Novice group both Sat. and Sunday. If you have any questions or want to talk to another female rider, stop by.......Peg will be glad to talk.
Thank you so much! I certainly will! I will be riding Sunday and Monday. I have mountain experience, but after low-siding on Blood Mountain, my confidence has been much lower than it once was. I have much to work on and am excited to have you and Peg to guide me.
I'm getting sooooo excited! My first track day is less than a week away! PS: Anything I should know? Any random tips?
Well, not really a tip but .... I hope your upper leg strength is good! Only a few weeks ago was my body physically able to pull 2 track days back to back. All other times in the past I was so sore the next day I could barely walk. I have made it a point going to the gym and doing leg presses and other exercises that strengthens my quads! Good core strength too.... track riding is quite the work out!
Great tip, Sherry! I have experienced this when riding in the mountains. Luckily another hobby of mine is working out, both cardio and weight-lifting. Even so, I know I'll be sore after 2 days of riding! I look forward to the workout!