First Track Day...

I'll keep this short because I am sure this has been a topic covered numerous times before. A little about me first... Took the motorcycle safety course, 39 years old, have not been on a cafe' style bike in 17 years. Last bike like this I owned was back in 1989 when the first year of the Honda Hurricane was put out. Since then, I have been on H/D's - 3 of them pure sit-up legs out cruisers. In over 17 years of riding, (knock on wood) I have never gone down. I consider myself a very safe rider and controlled rider when it comes to the streets of Chicago and its suburbs. Don't get me wrong, I know when and where to stretch the limits of normal road riding and I have a handful of times. For you first time riders and have only been on a street bike, consider yourself lucky. For you riders that are at the intermediate or advanced level, I take my hat off to you. Track days just threw another dimension into anything that I have learned or experienced on a street bike. The terms counter-steer, body position, being smooth, looking ahead, relaxed elbows, breathing and getting everything done BEFORE the corner came to light very quick by mid-day when the pace picked up a little. Of course there were riders out there who were bored with the initial part of the day. Through the remainder of the day people were consistently passing my group up. To those of you - Congrats! My feelings, I left with a smile on my face and that is all that matters. For those of you considering a FIRST track day - DO NOT go out there and attempt to impress anyone - including yourself. The back road twisties, the Streets of Woodfield, expressway, Lake Shore Drive straight aways mean nothing if you can not settle the bike before you come up to a corner. My day at the track, the ambulance took two people to the hospital - One advanced in the first session (I would guess it was the cold tire syndrome) and a novice after the classroom portion on downshifting and blipping the throttle. She went into the right hand corner hot and highsided when her front wheel tucked in the run-off area. Both are reported to be ok. Did I have fun? HELL YA :bounce . Would I do it again? I'll be back at the Autobahn on Sept. 25 and Oct 4 with NESBA. Will I push the others in front? Nope... I am riding at my pace and my comfort level and will not exceed that until my confidence with my bike and ability grow. Took me about one hour to realize that if you have your race license... :bowdown:. Had a great time, met some good people - KNEEDRAGGER one of them. So, the moral of the story... Got a street bike and want to learn how to ride all over again or push the limits of your own capabilities, do a track day! You will not regret it. :clap:

oh well, the first turn was a nightmare!! New leathers new bike (GSXR750K4) and first time on a track! I was being passssssssss even by the flag man..I was terrified, ready to go home with my tail between my legs! ( first time should be a class type of track) second time I said the F%^# it and I when for it! I was dragging my boots and was still being pass but manage to pass 2 fellows. back at the pit I was call by a Control Rider. he came over and say YOU HAVE TO GET OFF THE BIKE, so I said its my bike and I pay to be here so bite me! he back up and said,,,sorry but I mean you have to get off the seat and hang becasue your at the limit and cant go any faster unless you hang and give you self more tire to work with ( I was ambarress for my agressive actitude but I really dint know what he meany but get off you bike! We became buddies after that little incident! LOL that help alot, but still I was having problems with hanging off the bike,,my 230lb dont help any and the new leahters held me so I could not really move. the bike was wasted on me sorry to say,,, she coulnt do any thing wrong,,, she was clearly one of the fastest bike there! in the one straight no one could touch me but the trully race bikes there would pass me in the braking but thats was probably my foult also,,, CANT WAIT FOR NEXT TRACK DAY!!!!! ps. dint see any R1150R but there was one K1200R that was off the pace ( pass it),,,I am sure it was rider error!..she look too big and heavy for the track, you could see that the wheelbase was way to long.. I think my R1150 would had been fine! with R braking and suspention and the torquy engine I would had been probably faster and more confortable for sure! well a diet we most go and practice,,I dont know how to practice in the street but I will find a parking lot and practice hanging.. ralphie (humble)

here are some pics

Do you mind if I ask a couple of questions? 1) Is this your "FIRST" track day? Because at my first track day in the novice section, NO ONE can pass anyone unless there is an instructor passing an instructor with his or her group. 2) What organization did you ride with? After every twenty minute session, I was in the classroom for a half hour learning something new each time on the track. 3) Did they tell you your feet are in the wrong spot if you are dragging boots and nothing else? That's what they meant by getting off the bike. You should be on the balls of your feet and if anything touches, it should be your knee. 4) Did they have an orientation to get you familiar with the track and it's corners or did they say all novice suit up and go? If they did that, I would find another track day event. I'm not beating up on you Solitario, just trying to find out if this was a structured track day or if it was just open track season. The one I went to, they did not let any novice go on the track without an instructor assigned to their group. Groups were seven students or less. Only an instructor could pass an instructor after it was noted with a raised hand. After each session, we had classroom. They would introduce a new topic each time. Track layout, 3rd gear no brakes, downshifting & blipping, body position, adding speed, etc... I hope you have fun next time. I have two more track days before the leathers get hung up for the w... w... w... winter.

lets try again,,btw that was me #151

it was beginner and is NOT an instruction event even though the control rider do help you to inproved,,and advise ,,, a cool bunch of guys who really care about safety and riding fast this was aNESBA Event ,there is passing in the straights BUT rules are broken and some guys where pull out and talk to and had to wait into the next turn.some guys are so slow ( like I was in the first turn)you just have to pass and the control riders do pull groups of faster riders and pass slower riders,,first 20 minutes A (advandance)group then 20 I group and 20 Beginners...you most be bump up and is done when the control riders feel you are really,,only was guy was bump to the (I) intermidiate group... dont worry about beating on me buddy! my 2 teenage daugthers have made me really thick skin and I do talk some crap some times! ralphie ps..go to NESBA.com for more info

The reason I was asking is my next two track days are with NESBA. I heard from someone that they are not as structured as Sportbike Track Time and now hearing it from you, it must be true. Hey, you had a good time. That's all that matters. Good Luck with it.

Welcome to where the real riding is. Now, just work on your body positioning and use all of the tire :bounce ...it will come with more seat time. By looking at your photos you're too tight...relax, loosen up your arms...looks like you would have some serious arm pump after a couple of laps riding in that position.

my whole body was tense,,,,,, I feel like I did a heavy weight work out,,even my abs hurt! I need more seat time and to relax as you said,,,hey time will take care of that,,never the less I LOVED IT!!!

my whole body was tense,,,,,, I feel like I did a heavy weight work out,,even my abs hurt! I need more seat time and to relax as you said,,,hey time will take care of that,,never the less I LOVED IT!!! Put some Stomp Grip on your tank, it will help take the weight off your arms by letting you grip the tank easier with your legs. By the way, you do use your stomach muscles alot on the track. Take some riding classes that most trackdays offer. Also, if you can, have someone video you with an onboard camera. Also, something that will help. I noticed in your pics that your head is not level with the horizon. It is a must to try to keep your head a level as possible in the turns...look at the guy behind you, he's trying to look through the turn but his head is fairly level. Next time you are in your car driving straight down the road, tilt your head at an angle and see how it feels like you are going twice as fast than when your head is level at the same speed. That's why you keep your head even with the horizon, it's keeps things slow. Here's a pic of me. Look thru the turn (http://www.hart-photography.com/2005/rsmsr0805/ajw/pages/p007.html)

Those Stomp Pads helped me. Even though I was as tense as I could be, I kept telling myself to relax and every other corner seemed better than the last. I still didn't get to the point of pure relaxation. My elbows and upper body were still stiff but like everyone says, it just takes time. I kick myself in the a$$ for not starting earlier in the season. For some reason I have an issue with what was explained at the NESBA event. I went to Sportbike Track Time track days and their novice sessions were led by instructors. Maximum seven students per instructor. No passing unless instructor group is passing another instructor's group. You could not leave your group unless you requested it in between sessions. Classroom was all day, all riding was supervised. Only being to one track day, this is all I have been exposed to. I figured NESBA would be more structured toward instruction and just not let them go out there and learn. I know there are pointers throughout the day and people there to help. If I am wrong, someone please tell me because that is the slight impression I got and I have two track days coming up with NESBA

lets try again,,btw that was me #151 When I came across these tire pictures - Goose bumps broke out on my arms! I don't want to risk my bike on the track :headshake *but I have to try this track day stuff. What do you all think of this: For the track - Pick up a rat-bike. used and abused Honda VFR750 or Yama FZR600 or a Ninja 250. Doesn't have to be a modern sportbike to learn from track, does it?

Thanks for the great story. After moving here from Australia I now know where to take my bike to have some fun. I think I will sign up for the September 23rd session at Autobahn. I have finally found where the corners in Chicago are. :lol:

I love the track and had given up the street for almost a year because of it. that being said, I think it has made me a much better rider now that I'm back on the street. and it's made me a slower rider on the street. I have done both NESBA & STT, as well as with a GREAT organization called STR (I'm a little partial as that's my company). I rate STT well above NESBA particularly for the novice & intermediate riders. much more organized, better instruction, more control riders on the track. alot of what we (STR) do is modeled after STT. so, there's my $.02 worth

Hey... I know the track you are speaking of... Or I think I do the Autobahn in Joilet? If so I was seriously considering checking them out next riding season. A friend of mine rides with a group and they hit the streets like they were on the track! I keep on telling him I won't do it but I am trying to convince him to go to the track too! Please do tell me more about it! Did you have take the lessons? how do you go about doing track days! I really want to do that! Because I want to learn the fundamentals of it but with the proper instructions and setting!

Well it's been a little over a year since I have posted here. As I return I am glad to see the original post is still going. So, after a years worth of track riding, maybe it's time for an update. This year (2006) has not been good for riding in the Midwest region, especially Illinois. Seven of my first eleven track days have been rained on. Six of them to the point where I will not ride. Tires or no tires, to me, it is not worth it. Sure, you learn throttle control, ease of the brakes, track markers and ensure yourself of a clear mind, but there are too many other variables to incorporate into an environment meant for learning and skill enhancement. Since I do not currently race, there is no need for the rain days to carry me through the year. Anyway, the rest of the year has been a blast though. Consistently improving times, suspension changes, gearing options, and overall confidence improvement have all played a part. My bike is no longer street legal and is meant specifically for the track. This is not to say that others with street legal bikes can not do a track day... it just means if I go down, there are certain criteria and options I have done that a combo street/track rider may take longer to, and, cost more to repair. I have not picked up this sport or pace as well as some of the others I ride with. I came off Harley's for eleven years before getting my GSXR600 and it has been a learning experience ever since. The chest down, elbow down, shoulder into the corner aspect has not come into play for me - and with this, comes the lack of corner speed needed for increased rider adaptability. I currently ride with four different organizations: NESBA, Private Track Time, Sportbike Track Time and Learning Curves Riding Schools at Blackhawk Farms. Each has their own little tidbits which make a rider "favor" one or the other. If there is one thing that all these organizations have in common, it is this saying, "Ride within your limits." Period. If the corner you are coming up to is a 60mph corner and you feel you can only take it at 40mph, then take it at 40mph. If you feel like you do not want to ride the second session, then don't. To prove this, I took this quote from another forum. This rider crashed at his last trackday breaking a few bones including a hand and collarbone. He wrote, "...I will heal to ride another day, just not on the track anymore. This is a tough sport and requires intense concentration. This makes the second breakdown in concentration for me. Its time to call it quits, before I get myself or even worse someone else injured or killed. The experience is something I will never forget." That says it all. Leave the ego at home and ride the track - have a great time, meet some great people and enjoy the sportbike in the place and method it was meant to be driven. Welcome to your new addiction :thumbup:

Hi, Nice to hear about your experiences at the track. I've ridden more with NESBA, and a few days with STT. I did not try the STT beginner groups, but I have heard that they are much more structured than the NESBA "B" groups. For those who are just starting out, the STT way of introducing riders to the track may be quite a bit more comforting than the way NESBA does it. Then, after you get used to it, you may find that NESBA is better. In STT, you will find a greater variety of rider skills in Intermediate, and certainly in Advanced. STT lets anyone just sign up for the "A" group, where with NESBA, you must be carefully reviewed over time, and must be qualified to ride in the fastest group. Some people don't like that about NESBA, because it is takes skill, speed, and consistancy to qualify to ride in the next group up. At the same time, if you do qualify, you have some assurance that the folks you are riding with are also qualified. Many people have noticed that the "I" group with NESBA equates to the "A" group with STT. If you are at the top of the NESBA "I" group, you will be at the top of the "A" group with STT. If you make it to the "A" group with NESBA, you will be running in pretty fast company. It takes many people a couple of years and a few dozen days or more on the track to make it into the NESBA "A" group. But, either org does put on great track days. For a more controlled environment for going fast, I'd say NESBA. For the best beginner environment, STT is great. I've done about 70 track days myself, and this is the absolute most fun I've ever had doing anything. I hope more of you give it a try and see what it's like.

Zippy, I couldn't have said it better myself :bowdown:

I wanna get on a track so bad...i havent been but everyone tells me that I am ready to hit the tracks but well just have to see....

I wanna get on a track so bad...i havent been but everyone tells me that I am ready to hit the tracks but well just have to see.... Just be mentally ready to be the slowest guy on the track your first day. I thought I was a pretty fast rider on the street then I went out to the track on my 04 R1 and had my ass handed to me by a NESBA control rider on a RS250. The guys who are real fast don’t ride on the street anymore. I have since learned my lesson and don’t even own a street bike anymore and when thinking about the cost of something I equate it to how many track days its going to cost me instead of dollars. Once you do get on the track, riding a motorcycle will never be the same. I highly highly recomend going. All you need is a suit, boots, gloves, helmet and a good set of tires to do a beginner day. Often times you can rent the suit from the organization that is hosting the day. Keep us posted if you do get out there.

Hey Twelch, You're local to Illinois I see. Look for me at Autobahn and Blackhawk. Stop by and say hey. I'll buy ya a Power Ade :thumbup:

Are you going to be at Gingerman on Oct 1st? I have an 01 GSXR600 with a blue/white/black paint scheme #324. I run in the A group with STT and the I group with NESBA. Tyler

Hey, I will be having my first track time doing the intro class with NESBA on the 24th at Autobahn. Anyone else going? Wouldn't mind saying "g'day" to a few that have posted here.

I wanna get on a track so bad...i havent been but everyone tells me that I am ready to hit the tracks but well just have to see.... hey, crazysean.. where are you located?

I'll be there for the weekend in a black and yellow gixxer.

Ill be at gingerman blue r6 no number but race plastic John

Hey, I will be having my first track time doing the intro class with NESBA on the 24th at Autobahn. Anyone else going? Wouldn't mind saying "g'day" to a few that have posted here. I'll be there that weekend as well. Look for 946 Grey primer, or 328 Blue SV. I'll be riding with you as well.

Hey, I will be having my first track time doing the intro class with NESBA on the 24th at Autobahn. Anyone else going? Wouldn't mind saying "g'day" to a few that have posted here. Grover, If you have get the chance, follow Wink. It will be well worth your intro day :thumbup: I am hoping to get a lead from him on Saturday.

Hi, thanks for the tip DC. I am guessing that Wink is an instructor with Nesba? Anyhow, I am looking forward to the day. The last time I was on a track was about 7 years ago on an RGV250. That was an unreal handling bike. :D I'll be riding an 04 GSXR-600 which I recently purchased and taking it nice and easy to get back into the groove of things. See you guys at the track, hope for good weather. :) Grover

Hi, thanks for the tip DC. I am guessing that Wink is an instructor with Nesba? Yes Wink is one of the Control Riders (C/R's). I have not had a chance to ride with NESBA since he got his promotion per say, but I have watched and listened to him in the pits while he was in the "A" group. Great rider and very knowledgable.

I was planning on coming up there to check it out! But I won't have my bike, I just wanted to go to observe... Is that allowed?

Grover, If you have get the chance, follow Wink. It will be well worth your intro day :thumbup: I am hoping to get a lead from him on Saturday. Dean, thanks for the recco. Grover, look me up in the Beginners meeting. I'd be happy to go run some laps with you and help you out in any way that I can. Otherwise, if you are walking around the pits before hand, I have a 32' white trailer. Or introduce yourself when you come through the tech line. (short guy, grey hair)

Some of u may know this already but STT is having a event at Autobahn in October 14-15 it was added after the schedule was already out. It will be a great last track day for us midwest people with winter around the corner. Im reading the posts and I couldnt agree more. I did my first track day this year and to say im hooked is a joke ITS ALL I WANT TO DO haha. Anyone who has not done it yet u have to try it. Warning just put some money asside for extra gear,track bike,boots,new gloves,tires and the list goes on but its all worth it. It will only be my 3rd in October but what ive learned to do in just 2 sessions is incrediable.

my whole body was tense,,,,,, I feel like I did a heavy weight work out,,even my abs hurt! I need more seat time and to relax as you said,,,hey time will take care of that,,never the less I LOVED IT!!! Actaully try to get your ASS off the seat, Abs on the tank, balls of your feet on the pegs and a light grip on the bars.

I was told any kind of wreck at a NESBA event and they do not let you back on the track...is that true?

I was planning on coming up there to check it out! But I won't have my bike, I just wanted to go to observe... Is that allowed? Yes. But I believe the Autobahn charges $5.00 for spectators. You are more than welcome to watch. In fact, they built a new storage shed with a spectator roof to look over the South's final turn, main straight and turns 2, 3 and 4. Great spot.

I was told any kind of wreck at a NESBA event and they do not let you back on the track...is that true? Any kind of wreck means that you will have to go back through the tech inspection process again. They may or may not pass you to go back out.

Any kind of wreck means that you will have to go back through the tech inspection process again. They may or may not pass you to go back out. OK...no worries there...it is nice to have a back up bike :thumbup: I have not seen many NESBA days here in Florida but I have for other tracks that are within reasonable driving distance. I plan to ride a few out of state tracks next summer and maybe one or two before it gets too cold.

DC2004 were in Chitown are u located. Im in Minooka IL about 10 to mins west of Autobahn

DC2004 were in Chitown are u located. Im in Minooka IL about 10 to mins west of Autobahn I'm right next door to you in Shorewood at River and 52. If you come down 52 and look for the new lake they just dug out, my house is right behind it. I am in the first fenced in home west of River :thumbup:

I was told any kind of wreck at a NESBA event and they do not let you back on the track...is that true? No, that is absulutely not true. Anytime a handlebar touches the ground, you have to go back through tech. Many of the NESBA members are regulars, and as such, carry spares with them. So, should you happed to break your brake lever, replace it... Very few bikes don't make it back onto the track after a crash, and if they don't they are typically unridable. Just remember, if your bike doesn't pass the re-tech, it is in your best interest and the riders around you that the bike is not on the track. So, good luck, and don't crash anyways.... LOL!

Dc2004 give me a call and well see if we can get out some time. I work 2 jobs and with my wife and son I dont have a ton of time but would like to get out with u. Are u going to Autobahn in October? 708-670-1380 cell.

Dc2004 give me a call and well see if we can get out some time. I work 2 jobs and with my wife and son I dont have a ton of time but would like to get out with u. Are u going to Autobahn in October? 708-670-1380 cell. I'll be at the Autobahn with STT on October 14th and my last day of the season at Blackhawk on October 18th doing the riding school with VisionSports. I know about the time thing... no worries. Just in case here is my cell: 630-918-8611. Safe riding :thumbup:

Wink, I appreciate the help. I'll get to the track a bit before 7.00 so I will keep a look out for you then. Anything "extra" I should know for the day? DC - are you going?

Wink, I appreciate the help. I'll get to the track a bit before 7.00 so I will keep a look out for you then. Anything "extra" I should know for the day? DC - are you going? Ya, I'll be there. Green conversion van with open trailer. I usually try and park along the fence line of the south track toward pit out (southwest end). As for the "extra", just ride within your limits and come out to have a good time :thumbup: In case you do not have a canopy or anything, you are more than welcome to pick a spot with me. If I have the room, I'll put both mine up so search me out. I normally get there at 6:45 - 7:00am. See ya there. Gotta go and do my Ain't gonna rain dance :bowdown:

Wink, I appreciate the help. I'll get to the track a bit before 7.00 so I will keep a look out for you then. Anything "extra" I should know for the day? DC - are you going? Nothing extra other than what Dean said. Do NOT ride above your comfort zone. I have a white 32' trailer, gold excursion... I'll be hopefully near the pit entrance (other end from Dean). See ya there. Oh, my bikes are 946 and 328, and I am short with grey hair. If we don't meet, I'll be in the beginners meeting.

Ill be there on October 14 Saturday Ill meet up with u and Wink if he is there. Thanks for info . Ill be on a 2006 GSXR750 red and black. Take care Rubber Down.Keith.

Ill be there on October 14 Saturday Ill meet up with u and Wink if he is there. Thanks for info . Ill be on a 2006 GSXR750 red and black. Take care Rubber Down.Keith. Cool :thumbup: Wink will be at Putnam I'm sure so I'll look for ya.

Yep, I'll be at Putnam as well. Lookin forward to it!

Grover, If you have get the chance, follow Wink. It will be well worth your intro day :thumbup: I am hoping to get a lead from him on Saturday. Wink's da man. :woot:

You all suck! :lol: I wish I had the money to go.

Hi, so I had my first track "day" today with NESBA in the Introduction class. Had a great time around the track and met some helpful folks out there as well. It was good to meet Wink and hopefully when we meet again I can follow you around for some good advice. :) DC - I will catch up with you next time, (whenever that is), but I heard you were at the track on Saturday. So if you want to have some fun in a safe environment and are not sure where to start - try out NESBA. I'll definitely be back.

Grover, it was good to meet you, as well as to see how you did on your first day out there. You were moving really good! Anyhow, I said I'd give you a link for the local board, http://www.chicagolandsportbikes.com I see that you registered on the NESBA board at Aussie Grover, that was funnny. I knew right away who it was. Looking forward to seeing you out there next year. And watch the NESBA board, there will be some social events between now and next season. Brian

Thanks for the link - I just asked for it on the NESBA site. :) I'll keep an eye out on the NESBA board and may see you around soon, if not definitely next year. Glenn

Hi, DC - I will catch up with you next time, (whenever that is), but I heard you were at the track on Saturday. So if you want to have some fun in a safe environment and are not sure where to start - try out NESBA. I'll definitely be back. Glad you had a good time. I got five laps in :bounce then the flood gates opened. I'll be at the Autobahn as much as I can, just look for the GSX-R #409. Take care :thumbup: