Utah Sport Touring - ART Track Day in April !!!!! Come improve your Ride !!!

[Clair]

Okay, ride a Sport Touring or Touring bike?  Live in or near Utah?  Ever wanted to do a track day to improve your ST riding?  Then mark down April 7 on your calendar.  Utah Sport Bike Association in conjunction with UtahRiderEd.com (MSF Classes) and CanyonChasers.Net are planning to have a day on the Miller Sportspark Track just for Sport Touring bikes !!!  This track day is not about racing, it's about Touring!  How often do we get a track day for that, ya know???

I took this class last summer on my ST1100 and LOVED it.  I'm no expert rider I grant you, but neither am I a newb.  I can ride East Canyon, Monte Cristo, Wolf Creek and so on just fine.  Faster than some, slower than others, but I can do a good job on them. Yet, I wanted to be better, smoother, more skilled.  There's "getting through the curves" and then there's actually "riding through the curves".  This class was perfect for that.  It wasn't about racing ... I don't care about racing, don't wanna race, don't care for sport bikes for that matter ... it was about improving my skills for touring on my bike.  Here's the link to some info that was posted for last year's class:

http://www.utahsba.com/training/start/

Here's a quote from another rider who took the class with me "As a sport tourning enthusiast, the Sport Touring ART provide a truly unique opportunity.  I've taken the Freddie Spencer 2 day training course and it was excellent.  However, you ride 650 cc sport bikes, and much of what I learned was geared toward racing or riding on the track exclusively. So although it clearly improved my street riding, it wasn't really focused on the type of riding (sport touring) that is my passion.  The Sport Touring ART class was perfect.  It gave me opportunity ride my bigger bike (FJR 1300), and with the help of multiple instructors, really focus on the technique I use everyday on the street.  It was a great experience, and I hope there are many more in the coming season."

some pics from the class ..

http://www.utahsba.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=337&g2_GALLERYSID=c94941a1e4aa31f8f400c3c1dca3cc39

This is truly a great class.  How often do we get to work on our riding skills with the freedom to not worry about distractions?  You can work on your line, head turns, entrance braking or speed, rolling on through the curve, without worrying about debris on the road, oncoming traffic, animals jumping out at you, all that.  We've all heard how much fun Track Days are for the Sport Bikers and those into racing ... but for those of us who don't want to race ... we're stuck trying to improve our skills out in the real world or in a parking lot.  Parking Lots are great for a lot of things, but improving your skills in the curves and twisties they just don't do it.  Now we have the opportunity to learn and improve our skills in a safe and F'ing fun environment.  These are few and far between for us non-racers so we gotta grab them when we can.

If you're interested, or at least want to get on the mailing list for more information, contact Dave at:  dave@canyonchasers.net

The track is the new Miller Sportspark Track which is about 40-ish miles west of Salt Lake City Utah.  It's a fantastic track.

Lastly ... from what I can remember last year, some of the bikes we had were my ST1100, ST1300's, FJR1300's, BMW R1200 something-or-others, Speed Triples ... you get the idea.  A fun assortment of bikes also makes for a great class.

Hope to see you there !!!  Oh ... and pray for NO SNOW! lol

[Mr Sunshine]

90% of what you do on the track is the same no matter what your purpose.  If you want to do a track day on you ST bike then go for it....doesn't need to be a special track day.  Miller is a great track to get experience on so have fun!

Also Freddie runs CBR600RR's which are 599cc's not 650cc's.

[1KPerDay]

Also Freddie runs CBR600RR's which are 599cc's not 650cc's.

Which completely changes the meaning of his post.


Sounds cool, Clair. I'm interested. What's the cost? Do I have to join USBA?

[Spectre]

side bags optional? I like the idea!

[armymedic]

I'm there! Again, membership required? Costs?

[MikeInSLC]

you do need to be a Utah Sport Bike Assoc member (25 or 35 bucks) and the course is going to cost 290 or 295.  things are still being finalized but the 4/7 date is about 98% solid.

edit: just want to clarify that this isn't set in stone yet.  I'll keep an eye out for the finalized price and schedule and let you know. also, the membership is being rolled into the course fee.

[1KPerDay]

Also find out about gear... is 1-piece leather required or will my moldy Aerostich Darien 2-piece stuff be adequate?

[MikeInSLC]

Here are the requirements as posted for last year.  If there are any changes for this year, I'll update.

    *  A full-face helmet.
    * A motorcycle specific riding jacket.
    * Over the ankle, solid footwear.
    * Motorcycle specific, full finger gloves.
    * Tires in new or near new condition.
    * A motorcycle in good operating condition. (All motorcycles will be required to pass a tech. inspection).

[MikeInSLC]

OK gang...here's the official announcement.

The Utah SportBike Association, In partnership with Utah Rider
Education www.utahridered.com , CanyonChasers Motorcycle Sport Touring
www.canyonchasers.net   and Accolade Motorsports
www.accolademotorsports.com  will be sponsoring a Sport Touring
Advanced Rider Training (START) course on Saturday, April 7th.

This course has been designed for the rider who loves strives to get
the most out of their canyoning and touring riding.  It is not
designed for any kind of specific bike, the program can be tailored
for riders of every kind of bike ranging from the mega-tourers like
GoldWings and BMW K-bikes, to the traditional sport touring bikes like
ST1100's, FJR1300's, right over to full-fledged cruisers.

No matter what kind of bike your ride, if you love to ride, this
course has been designed with YOU in mind.

The course will take place at Miller Motorsports Park on the West
Track, last year we rode on the East Track, so participants of last
years START will get a new challenge on the opposite loop as last
year. [  http://www.millermotorsportspark.com/  ]

Additionally, MMP has given the UtahSBA a waiver to allow sport
touring bikes to ride the track with Glycol-Based coolant.  This is
the only time MMP has ever made such an exception!  All other
motorcycles are required to flush their coolant and replace it with
"Water-Wetter".

Lastly,  The UtahSBA really wants to encourage more street riders into
the club, and as such will be giving every participant a 2007 UtahSBA
membership with their enrollment.

Last years participants fell in love with course; this is what one had
to say about it:

"As a sport tourning enthusiast, the Sport Touring
ART provide a truly unique opportunity.  I've taken
the Freddie Spencer 2 day training course and it was
excellent.  However, you ride 600 cc sport bikes,
and much of what I learned was geared toward racing
or riding on the track exclusively. So although it clearly
improved my street riding, it wasn't really focused on
the type of riding (sport touring) that is my passion.
The Sport Touring ART class was perfect.  It gave me
opportunity ride my bigger bike (FJR 1300), and with
the help of multiple instructors, really focus on the
technique I use everyday on the street.  It was a great
experience, and I hope there are many more in the
coming season."
--2006 START Participant

This is what another had to say;

"After the Sport Touring - ART class, my riding was
more confident and smoother.  My skills at preparing
to enter a curve and maintaining a good line through
the curve, be it a tight twisty or a more graceful
sweeper, vastly improved.  I learned how far my bike
can lean over and still be safe, I learned how my body
posture on the bike can better enable me to handle any
curve, and I learned how to truly look through a turn
and to trust the bike in doing so."
--2006 START Participant

And thats not including the discussions I've had with other
participants who had equally glowing praise of the program.

For additional information, or to reserve your spot, visit the UtahSBA
website at http://www.utahsba.com/schools/START/ and sign up.  If you
have any additional questions, feel free to email me at
dave@utahsba.com.

More information and photographs will be added to that page, so
continue to check it for additional content.

[Outlaw]

This sounds pretty cool, How many are going?
Does anyone from the clubs that are running it have a count on how many people have registered so far.
How many people were there last year?

[Clair]

Last I checked they were down to 14 open slots, so they are filling up this year.

I attended last year and there were only 9 of us.  NOt a good showing so we are really trying to pump up the attendance this year.

If you don't do the sport bike track day thing, but rather tour and such, this is a great class.  How often do non sport bikes get to ride on a track?  How often do you get to learn to ride curves better when you dont have to be concerned with oncoming traffic, road debris, animals, and so on?  This class is well worth it in my opinion.

[MikeInSLC]

Yeah...I think they're down to 11 or so open slots left.

I'll be taking one of them with the new Tiger

[Clair]

9 open slots now. YAY, we're filling up!  If you're around here, do sign up, should be loads of fun!!!

[Clair]

Only 5 slots open now ... !!!! YAY

[1KPerDay]

I'm all signed up. Very excited!

[Clair]

YAY 1K ... where are you located?  I'm in Sandy as is another rider who will be taking the class on his, new to him, Honda VFR.  We're meeting another rider (V-Strom) at the McD's on 21st S just off I-15.  Will likely have a 4th join us there on his new Triumph Tiger.  We'll then ride over to the track as a group.  You're welcome to join us, make the ride over there a bit less boring.

[1KPerDay]

I'm in Happy Valley... last time I rode to Miller I went the back way out through Cedar Fort... though I may take you up on your offer since we have to be there so early.

Hope it doesn't rain/snow/hail/sleet/etc...

[armymedic]

YAY 1K ... where are you located?  I'm in Sandy as is another rider who will be taking the class on his, new to him, Honda VFR.  We're meeting another rider (V-Strom) at the McD's on 21st S just off I-15.  Will likely have a 4th join us there on his new Triumph Tiger.  We'll then ride over to the track as a group.  You're welcome to join us, make the ride over there a bit less boring.

Clair,
I was really hoping to get in on this class but will be out on a family vacation. Are there any groups that go on rides around here? I'm in Sandy too but know few that ride. LMK.

[MikeInSLC]

Glad to hear you'll be making it 1K.

Clair,
I was really hoping to get in on this class but will be out on a family vacation. Are there any groups that go on rides around here? I'm in Sandy too but know few that ride. LMK.

Medic, have you looked into the Utah British Bike Club? They do a lot of stuff. My 'crowd' can usually be found up at the Mountain Green Sinclair station on summer weekend mornings...

[1KPerDay]

I've probably seen you guys... one guy on an older tiger, black, one on a new bonnie with norton-style reverse-cone megaphones.... sounds awesome.

[Clair]

Medic ... Mike's note of the British club is good, I think Mike rides with them or some of them.  Mike's "Crowd" also rides together a lot.  I tend to do rides almost every Sunday with a couple guys I know.  The other guy from Sandy (VFR), the Strom guy from Sugarhouse, and on occassion a friend from Tooele on his blackbird.  Send me a PM with your email address if you want me to include you in our "who wants to ride" emails.

[2tsnon]

Only 5 slots open now ... !!!! YAY

Anybody know the status on availability now? I've been waffling due to leaving the next day and wanting to get the last bit of life out of my tires. Still considering though.

[LanT5]

From what I heard as of last Thursday it was full and they had two riders on a waiting list.

[Clair]

That is correct, sold out + 2.  I don't know if they're allowing any more on the waiting list.  You may want to wait till the date gets closer and see if anyone drops out.  But for now it's sold out.

[Clair]

Less than two weeks to go! Wa Hoo!

They've had a couple of cancellations so the two people on Standby have now gotten in the class.  It may be possible to sign up for the STandby and see if you get in as the date gets closer.  People tend to bail on things once it gets close.

If anyone is comeing in from out of town, PM me and we can arrange a meet or dinner or something ...

[Clair]

1K ... if you want to ride with us over to Tooele ... we're gonna meet at the McD's on 21st S just east of I-15 at 6:15 and then head west about 6:30.  This should get us there around 7:15-7:30 give or take.  Plenty of time to register, get situated, relax, all that.  If not, we'll see you tehre.

The invite goes for anyone else who may be joining us on Saturday!

[1KPerDay]

I recognize only one 6:15 per day. That one isn't it.

See you there.

We're supposed to be there at 8, start at 9, right?

[Clair]

Yeah, get there between 7 and 8.  PM me your real email address and I'll add you to our list.  A more realistic "get there at 6:30 leave at 6:45" may happen.  That would still get us there around 7:30 or so.  More than enough time I would think.

[XXRider]

Clair, I will be trailering the BlackBird down to Miller's that morning that way I have a support vehicle with me.  I will be bringing an ice chest with Cokes, Gatorades and waters.  I will also bring some extra gas, a small compressor and some tools if anyone needs anything.  I found out the last time that those things come in handy.

[Tiny1]

Hello folks
My name is Tom and I will be going out there sat. and had a couple of questions for the experts, since I have never done this sort of thing.
Do you take a tail bag with you to put water, snacks, and any miscellaneous gear in?  I assume I can set it somewhere when I get there?  
I am planning on meeting up with you guy’s at McD’s  that morning and was wondering if you were going to stop for gas at Lakepoint to top off or if I should fill up before we head out?  I’m riding a old clunker V-Strom but am really looking forward to learning some skills.
The weather looks to be great.....
Tiny

[MikeInSLC]

Hey Tom...glad you'll be joining us.

They have a concession stand thing out there for lunch...but you should bring your preferred snack type food for between sessions...gatorade/water too. You'll be able to set a bag  somewhere, maybe in someone's car/truck.

There is fuel available at MMP...but I'm planning on topping off at the Chevron by the freeway over there before hitting the park. (I guess that's lakepoint).

[Clair]

Hey there.  Like Mike said ... bring your tail bag, you can keep it on during the time on the track.  The course is designed for us as we would normally ride.  I'll have my top case on.  Last year they had some drinks for us, water and gatorade I believe.  I'd bring some of my own tho and some munchies too.  lunch should be included but having something to munch on during  the day is good.

You'll put on about 75-ish miles during the class.  So topping off at the Chevron right off I-80 should make you good to go.  Todd will be there in his '05 Strom so you'll have company.

Bikes to recognize at McD's ... my red St1100, Mike's Yellow Tiger.  Todd's black V-Strom large, Chuck's red VFR

[Tiny1]

Thanks for the info.
See ya Saturday morning
Tom

[Clair]

Directions to the track,if any of you aren't riding with our "group" over to the track ...

http://www.millermotorsportspark.com/track-directions.php

[Clair]

Tiny,

Send me a PM with your real email address

[999RBEN]

  MAN I wish had seen this post early on . I did see all you guys out there. Waved at Mike but I don't thank he saw me. I bet that was fun & learning something new.  

[999RBEN]

One more thing. I hope we can get together AND RIDE. Man I am glad spring is here......... MAN I WANT TO RIDE  

[MikeInSLC]

999R eh...you get ANOTHER new bike??

Sorry I missed you, and sorry you missed the anouncement...it was a great day.  Clair kicked ass, and Tom can rock the snot out of that VStrom!

[1KPerDay]

Thanks guys, that was fun.

[999RBEN]

Whooo Me no not me   Well OK you got me. Hey 1k you still blasting the canyons with that ZZR1200 ?

[1KPerDay]

Once in a while... that you Busaben? You probably shouldn't include your bike name in your profile name, as you switch bikes as often as I switch socks... that is, every couple months or so.


BTW if you really have a 999R I may have to kill you.

[MikeInSLC]

The CBR must have run out of gas in front of Salt Lake Motorsports...

[Tiny1]

I had a great time also and want to thank all those that helped. Thanks to Mike for all the tips.
Here is a link to the site from the photographer that was out there.
http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/store.aspx?p=35339


Tom

[999RBEN]

No 999R maybe just a dream . I just could not thank of a name & I still have the CBR. We need to have a Utah Sport Touring.net get together.

[999RBEN]

I finally did sell the FJR & pick up a 2006 V-Strom @ H S of SLC so I can do a little adventuring.

[sbf1100]

........ We need to have a Utah Sport Touring.net get together.

I think that would be real fun.

It looks like you all had a blast on the track i looked through the pics for a good hour tis morning.

[Clair]

Im posting my write up in the Ride Reports section ... some photos tehre but mainly of me (sorry aobut that).

Great day!

[XXRider]

I have photos from Saturday.  My wife was out taking pictures of you guys and the Apex guys.  Here is the link to our Photobucket site. http://s176.photobucket.com/albums/w199/dflippo/Track%20Day%20-%20040607/  The photos are large enough to make nice 8 1/2 x 11 prints.  You can download any you want for free.  I can also print some out for you on 8 1/2 x 11 glossy paper for $5 a print if you like.  I think we have 104 posted of the 234 that she took.  If you see yourself and want me to look for others then PM me.  Also 1K who were you and what bike were you on?

[1KPerDay]

I was the big fat guy in the big fat blue Aerostich on the big fat blue/black Kawasaki ZZR1200.

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/OrderPage.aspx?pi=0GTL000F030418&po=418&c=

[Clair]

Well no wonder I didn't recognize you .... I was looking for long dark hair and a long dark mustache!  :-)

[1KPerDay]

And I was confused by the apparent landing of a huge, bulbous maroon UFO on the back of your ST.

[XXRider]

So you were this guy in front?

[1KPerDay]

Aye, and I'll have you know I was smuggling a litter of large puppies wrapped in thick cotton batting underneath my jacket.









For scientific purposes.

[LanT5]

... that you Busaben? BTW if you really have a 999R I may have to kill you.

Better get your gun loaded !

As far as the Sport Touring ART the good turn out for this last one has the USBA thinking about changing a Super ART into a Sport Touring ART as well as increasing the number of Sport Touring ART's for next year.

[MikeInSLC]

Better get your gun loaded !

As far as the Sport Touring ART the good turn out for this last one has the USBA thinking about changing a Super ART into a Sport Touring ART as well as increasing the number of Sport Touring ART's for next year.

this has been confirmed...The next ST-ART will be on September 16 at Miller.  Details aren't on the site yet, but keep an eye on http://www.utahsba.com/shop/ for registration in the near future.