I'm about to pop my cherry doing a foriegn track day. TBH, Ive not done much in the way of UK track days. I've never been one for riding in groups, except with a couple of mates. Who I know will not do anything stupid. Ok, clarification - bike related stupid when out riding. I'm a road rider, I press on but I'm not a loon. I wont race people and will be considerate when passing other 2 wheelers. I was the same on track days that I have done. Patient and will try to pass safely. I'd be fibbing if I didnt say I was a bit nervous. I'm going just for fun, not times. I need to learn the track and improve my riding skills. The bit that worries me is someone going gung ho down my inside as I turn. How do you guys manage to block that out? Plus I am always looking in my mirrors to understand whats around me. I'm the same on 4 wheels. How on earth do you lose that reflex action? Theres a lot of experienced people on here, fast guys on tracks and knowledable. So I'd like to ask your advice for a noob. What advice would you guys wish you'd been given on your 1st time? What advice would you like to share to sate my concerns about nutjobs. It will be FE event in Spain. All advice and even ribbing welcome. Thanks.
Obs you will be in the lower group so rest assured there will be others like yourself so it wont be just you feeling as above. Its sensible that you feel like this . Its different so its right you feel a little apprehensive You are doing a euro TD which are far better than the UK as you do get a better level of riding. Take off the mirrors. And last and most importantly go up to one of the instructors at the beginning and be honest and pretty much repeat your above thoughts. They will help you , they will ride with you and will soon have you feeling at ease. There is no rush on these Euro TD's and the instructors will help you , guaranteed.
First thing to know is those nerves are real, but they evaporate quickly and are replaced by adrenalin and excitement, oh and now you are addicted . There is a lot to do, especially first thing like remember your insurance paperwork, sign on, find a garage, unpack your stillage, plug in your tyre warmers, breath, find your bike key, check your riding gear including back protector, not get too overwhelmed at the briefing, then remember, there are other novices as well. From thereon you will learn a lot very fast and no doubt get face cramp from that ridiculous grin. Make sure you spot the photographer as your mates down the pub will never believe your tales of Rossi overtakes. Seriously though, no mirrors, tape over your speedo, look forwards, stick to your line, be smooth, hand up or leg out to exit the track and get out of novice group asap. My nerves are already boiling for Aragon next week.....
All paperwork done. All bike prep done. New tyres bought and ready to go on. New pads fitted. Etc. Its the Almeria 2nd June one, so if anyone is there look out for the moron with the vr46 dainese jacket wobbling around on the 1299.
FE use transponders to try and group similar timed riders together. My memory tells me you have to buy the mounting clip and you leave a deposit on the transponder which you get back when you return it so have a fist full of Euros in your pocket. I’m guessing you are going for 2 or 3 days on track. If it’s 3 days, tiredness is a killer, pace yourself, you don’t have to do every session and keep hydrated. Another guess, you’ll be staying in Mojacar Playa. Fair warning, the main road up to the A7 is regularly patrolled by the local federales. Have fun. Andy
Mirrors off, concentrate on what’s ahead, stay on whatever line you choose, ride your own ride Hydrate: probably warmer and you will forget to drink water. Miss sessions if you’re feeling tired: joy of 3 days is not feeling obligated to ride every session. Get shown round by an instructor: can help with where you should be versus where you think you are. People worry about this all the time, but in reality most who do have someone lunge under them simply lift up and carry on. So the thought is far worse than the likely outcome: so look up the road and wind the gas on!!
Yes, expect to be done 10 euros for the loan of a fuel can and do not forget to hand the transponder back at the end.
Would you be ok to keep updating the thread with your experience please? I've been mulling over a track bike for the last year! Cheers Grant
New Supercorsas. Usually run at 32F 30R. Will it be 22F 20R? Started my carnet list last evening, damn if I have to weigh everything. Only got people weighing scales at home. Ive had to 'purloin' the scales from work. 1st time ive tried to fit all my gear in my arai kit bag. Fits, but only just.
Too low IMO, as a novice 26/28 R and 30/32 F. Broad brush rule of thumb 20% lower R/10% lower F. If it's very hot, high 20's low 30's, drop a couple of psi. Then suck it and see after a couple of sessions. Andy
You’ll be fine, just relax and enjoy yourself! Pretty much as all the above have already said! I’ve always ran supercorsas 33f 28r hot
Get yourself a Proskins or similar under suit, you won't want to climb into your leathers on day two otherwise....
I bought Supercorsas V3 SP's. I have a 151 top or two plus a leatt Coolit phase change vest which works brilliantly. Kept me fresh in 36°C run from Langres to Calais on the 1299 one year. It kept my core cool and thus me less fatigued. Ive also an alpine stars undersuit, ill take that too. jic.
