2011 Region 4 ST.N Trackday - June 8th 2011, Blackhawk Farms Raceway

[phoenix]

I should be paid now

[phoenix]

Not sure I'd classify my efforts as "...tearing it up..." but it was a hoot, for sure.  I went into the day with only two objective and 1 "stretch" goal.
Obj #1:  Do not hurt anybody else through my own actions on the track.
Obj #2:  Do not "bin " the ST...as it was my only bike (and my ride home, to boot!)

Stretch Goal:  Log at least 1 safe pass of another rider...I'm sure that my "passed / pass" ratio was at least 100/1 (Johnnyb got me three times in a single session, for example...) but I managed to get this done, as well.  

The F650GS would probably be equally serviceable as a track bike.  High clearance = greater lean angle potential.  Not much HP (42, according to Wiki) , though, so I'm afraid that I'll be toast should any rider (say...on a 650 Ninja w/71 hp and better top end) be looking for "payback".  

hey, it's all about having fun and skill improvement. Passing/getting passed has no reward or consequence. Your first objective would be better stated as "improve flow and consistency while working on my lines into and out of corners". If everyone does the same in a safe and courteous manner, it's a complete win-win situation.

[Cheddarhead]

hey, it's all about having fun and skill improvement. Passing/getting passed has no reward or consequence. Your first objective would be better stated as "improve flow and consistency while working on my lines into and out of corners". If everyone does the same in a safe and courteous manner, it's a complete win-win situation.

Rory:

You are of course 100% correct.  The track day did more for my riding technique in a single day than any 5,000 miles I've put on the ST.  And I now know enough to actively seek out the control riders for their input / guidance / training expertise.  Hard to admit it, but I was too nervous / self - conscious to do so that first day.

No matter "what" cycle I'm riding, doing a track day or two will make me a better (smoother, more confident/decisive) rider...which is really what I'm after.

Charlie

[jadziadax8]

The F650GS would probably be equally serviceable as a track bike.  High clearance = greater lean angle potential.  Not much HP (42, according to Wiki) , though, so I'm afraid that I'll be toast should any rider (say...on a 650 Ninja w/71 hp and better top end) be looking for "payback".  

*snerk*

I'm just hoping to not be too nervous, since I binned it at Autobahn.

[Cheddarhead]

*snerk*

I'm just hoping to not be too nervous, since I binned it at Autobahn.

Just lining up my alibi...y'know, "Be Prepared" and all that stuff...


Of course, the lack of displacement / HP didn't seem to hinder our very own FZ1Matt as he repeatedly blew by me on his 'tard.  Clearly, it's the rider, not the ride.  

Cheers!  

...yet another pleasant distraction from actually "working" here in snowy MA...

[phoenix]

Of course, the lack of displacement / HP didn't seem to hinder our very own FZ1Matt as he repeatedly blew by me on his 'tard.  Clearly, it's the rider, not the ride.  

yeah, but didn't Matt have a little off-track excursion at one point?

Maggie,
you'll be comfortable probably by the 2nd session. Crashes rattle anyone. I've seen some of the fastest riders get knocked down several pegs when they crashed. If it didn't, then there's probably something wrong with you!
I forget, did you identify what led to your crash?

[jadziadax8]

Maggie,
you'll be comfortable probably by the 2nd session. Crashes rattle anyone. I've seen some of the fastest riders get knocked down several pegs when they crashed. If it didn't, then there's probably something wrong with you! I forget, did you identify what led to your crash?

Three things:

1. Overconfidence on my part (feeling awesome, went in too hot)
2. The infamous turn 6 on the north course (double apex that doesn't LOOK like a double when you're heading in)
3. Moisture

I could probably throw in a lack of front suspension on my bike.  We were actually joking earlier in the day that the suspension guy should pay ME to work on the Ninja, since it only has preload on the rear.

[Fast Eddy]

Three things:

1. Overconfidence on my part (feeling awesome, went in too hot)
2. The infamous turn 6 on the north course (double apex that doesn't LOOK like a double when you're heading in)
3. Moisture

I could probably throw in a lack of front suspension on my bike.  We were actually joking earlier in the day that the suspension guy should pay ME to work on the Ninja, since it only has preload on the rear.

Don't underestimate what a good suspension guy can do. Track side is tough to change things on suspension without adjustment screws. Internally the stuff can still be set for you, it's just takes more doing.  

[FZ1 Matt]

yeah, but didn't Matt have a little off-track excursion at one point?

Come on, it's a dirt bike pretending it's a road bike. When given the chance, it goes with it's natural instinct and heads for the grass.  

[barracuda]

Do you have to tape the mirrors and lights? What about swapping out the coolant? I did a ST ART  class at Miller in Utah a few years ago and we were able to ride them off the street straight on the track?  

[phoenix]

Do you have to tape the mirrors and lights? What about swapping out the coolant? I did a ST ART  class at Miller in Utah a few years ago and we were able to ride them off the street straight on the track?  

taping mirrors and lights - yes
changing coolant - no

it'll take just a few minutes to prep your bike for the track. Come on out and enjoy the fun!

[samal]

so, who is already paid up so I can update the list? I will be painting my new fairings on my trackbike soon.  can't wait!

[samal]

hello, any one? I would like to keep this thread on top, so...

TTT  

[Krellian]

hello, any one? I would like to keep this thread on top, so...

TTT  

then tell us newbe's what to expect!
do we need to trailer in? incase we decide to try to dirt bike thru the grass
how to change a street bike to a track bike, change tires, pull mirriors
what kind of help we can expect and most of all how much fun we will have!

[phoenix]

Krellian,

here's some good info on trackdays:

http://trackday101.com/

I think 95% or more will apply to the day with MotoVid at BFR.

Trailering your bike is a good idea if you have that option and if you intend to push your limits some. I mean, expect the best, but plan for the worst type of thing. Trailering also allows you to bring a lot of other stuff that would be a real PITA to bring on your bike.

[Fast Eddy]

Krellian,

here's some good info on trackdays:

http://trackday101.com/

I think 95% or more will apply to the day with MotoVid at BFR.

Trailering your bike is a good idea if you have that option and if you intend to push your limits some. I mean, expect the best, but plan for the worst type of thing. Trailering also allows you to bring a lot of other stuff that would be a real PITA to bring on your bike.

Plus, you will be tired and happy to get in a cage for the ride home. It is very nice to have some extra things like a cooler with water/gatoraid. A folding chair to relax in.

[GixxerK7]

Is this where all the cool guys hang out  

[samal]

yep, it's a must be place, oakley shades are required

I am going to be even cooler this year with my customized leathers (that's my screenname in Hebrew) :

[johnnyb]

I should be paid now.  Any of you other stragglers come on now!  

[samal]

OK, I hate to do it to you people, but I just got notified that I will most likely be out of the country in June.

I touched base with Motovid this morning and they have a date in August 24th to move the day.

if you prefer to stay on June date, you can choose to ride in one of the usual groups preserving the discount, or someone needs to pick up the organizing role for me.  The problem is that if I don't make the date, few more riders from CRR will not be able to do it as they depend on me for transportation to the track and it might be harder to get more than 20 riders

again, I am so sorry for backing out of the so much discussed date.

let me know if we should proceed with setting up the new date, Motovid said they will have no problem refunding the money, or moving the registration