I used to live 10-15 mins from Brands so always did a few track days there. Certainly not dull. First track day I decided not to go crazy and bin my 848. That lasted the warmup lap and then I went for it. Didn't bin it gladly. Thought I was going some grinding the peg round clearways... Then an instructor on a 1098 came round the outside waving at me... Cocky fuck - looked great [emoji6]
I'm near Hemel myself (we should catch up if it ever stops raining!) and I can certainly recommend Silverstone or Bedford: they are both within easy enough reach. Brands is a fairly horrible half-lap of the M25 (SORRY!) so I don't even consider it from here... I've done Snetterton a few times but you're right: it is too far - I usually book a room the night before but riding home knackered is a bit much. Donington is my absolute favourite circuit, but it is borderline if you're riding there and back. It's sooo good though...! But tricky to learn and Silverstone / Bedford probably a better first experience...
Sure, sounds good, love to meet up. Emailed about Bedford today but they won't be releasing dates till early next year. M25 is pretty easy, just dull. Not looking forward to getting to Brands by 7:30am on 7th March, May be a little chilly.
Follow the snowplough, you'll be ok:sunglasses: I did brands Indy as my second track day, and it was good fun. PLenty to think about and practice even though it's the shorter circuit.
The early morning isn't so bad - it's always the trip home that's the problem - you're knackered, buzzing but mentally exhausted and that is not a time to be on the M25 in rush-hour. For Bedford / Silverstone / Donny I go up and down the A5 but there's no real alternative for Brands. I'm sure it'll be great fun on track though.
Good choice to do a novice only day at the start of the year,my first track day was at Donington in March,it was full of racers getting ready for the season, novice group was more like a inters baptism of fire ,i shat myself,hated it.Gave it another go later in the year,much more relaxed,loved it.
You probably want to be there by 8am to sign on, get settled but 7:30 not strictly necessary. If it's the M25 though, the earlier the better?
I did donnington earlier this year as part of the Ron Haslam race school as my first track day. Rode brand new CBR 600rr's with great tuition . Ratio is supposed to be two riders to one instructor but I spent the day on 1:1. Discounts available & excellent way to dip your toe into the water without worrying about your pride and joy.
