two wheel tuesday: DE of a different sort

[nostatic]

Well, stupid is as stupid does, so today was my first track day on two wheels. The Motorcycle Training Center, who does the MSF course, also does track days. Pretty good deal...$110 for Streets of Willow, includes lunch, drinks, snacks. Two run groups (fast and slow) and 20 minute sessions means a ton of track time. I did my usual 5am or so wakeup but instead of packing the 911, it was a tank bag and backpack on the bike:



So my "pit area" is what I could carry. Turns out that out of about 60 or so riders, I was one of two that rode there (the other guy had a VFR). Everyone else trailered or trucked their bike. Wimps.

So tech inspection was pretty lax...just need to have mirrow removed or taped and no brakelights. Rules of the track were a bit different that a car DE. No looking back allowed. Passing anywhere but only on the outside. That makes it interesting since the "race line" is often way outside, so people are encourage to ride mid track and then hit tight apexes.

I was at an advantage and disadvantage knowing the track. It was great because I know the apexes, rough spots, funny camber bits, etc. It was bad because a motorcycle isn't a car, and I would get into places that I knew I could be with my car and say, "hmmm..." For instance on the first run session after a couple of laps I was feeling sassy having passed some guys where were brutal slow in the corners (but of course they gunned it on the straights and I didn't have the power to catch them...that sounds familiar). So I do a couple passes, then hammer out of the bowl, into the chicane, have a little left into a tricky downhill left and realize I don't know what the f*ck I'm doing. Luckily I wasn't completely stupid...I just headed straight off track into the dirt, got off the throttle, and rode straight. I scrubbed some speed, then came back on track waaay off the racing line and headed straight to the hot pits. So much for my ego for the rest of the day




Oh, and here's a smokin' 16 (?) year old named Heidi...daughter of one of the guys who runs the track day. Egad...


And a spectator:


After the first run session I stopped by a guy who was doing suspension tweaks for 10 bucks. I chatted him up and he has a Daytona 600 project bike he's finishing up, and digs Triumphs, so I plunked down a ten and let him have at it. He changed rebound and compression on the front, adjusted preload and rebound on the rear, and did another tweak on the front. It took me a few laps to get used to it, but much better behaved through the turns. I started to sort of get the hang of it (and managed to scrape a boot even):


And luckily I made it through the day without getting on the board of shame:


After one more run session following lunch, I packed up and headed back to LA (around 2pm). Winds were nasty on the freeway, and I left early because I knew I'd be whipped. I have a great appreciation for the guys who really ride fast on the track. It is damn scary, and incredibly physical. It is really hard work to toss the bike around, and get your body positioned for each corner. I think I'll do one or two a year to keep sharp and work on things, but I'll stick with 4 wheels to concentrate of serious speed and competition. But quite fun, and I think it will help my car handling skills too. The way you have to sense what's going on and use peripheral vision should translate well to the car.

[Mark McClure]

You finished in the right position...upright! I know how hard it is moving between car and bike. Not many top class racers ever do well in both sports. ( just read this agin I am not as it implies a top class racer! )

The lines in a car and bike are entirely different. I did a rally course with Rick Bates a year or so ago and found it hard. After racing bikes you get into the structure of going in deep to the corners. This is the oposite of rallying, you set it up way before the corner. Subsequently there were a few scarry moments for me and even more for Rick who sat white faced in the passenger seat yelling NOW!................got close but did not put it in the trees.

Did the suspension guy ride the bike or just set it up static.

Mark......

[vash]

i love boogered tires. nice midlife crises you are having, todd.

[Jeff Alton]

I have been thinking of taking the ZX6R out on the track, but don't know if I have the stones for it! I am comfortable in the car doing it, but the bike........ we'll see! Sounds like you had fun though!!

Jeff

[Zeke]

That right there is enough for me to rethink bikes. Woof.

Oh, glad you had a nice day, Todd.

[mjshira]

you dirty old men ;-)

[nostatic]

hey, the spectator was easily in her 20's...

[mjshira]

wait, what happened to 16? you ruined it for me man.

great read by the way

[Eric Coffey]

You should look into Jason Pridmore's school (www.starmotorcycle.com) and/or Keith Code's school (www.superbikeschool.com). You will undoubtedly learn a lot, and you have the option of beating on their equipment (saving your scooter from possible tragedy ). I would also pick up a copy of Code's book "Twist of the Wrist" if you haven't already.

[nostatic]

no, the one on the bike with the ponytail coming out the back was 16 or so. As was her friend/sister.

Just too many women there to keep up with