Since many have inquired about ECR and the coming trackday I'm attending this weekend, I wanted to foward this message from Ridesmart regarding the track. In my opinion, it is quite thorough about describing the new track and what to expect there. I hope to be able to go to more trackdays, but if I don't, I hope this helps everyone on this forum get aquainted with it. It's quite a long message, but the youtube videos are a great asset to anyone wanting to ride this track! Enjoy!! [moto]
Fowarded email:
RIDE SMART Motorcycle School
ECR July 19 and 20 Reminder
CONTENTS:
- Please Read This Information Carefully
- Friday night camping
- Eagles Canyon Raceway track drive narrated by Ty Howard
- July 19 and 20 Schedule
- ECR Lap Loop
- Tire Support
- Suspension Support
- Upcoming RS events
- Bike-Cam/DVD
- Directions to ECR
- Bike/Rider Prep
- 2008 schedule
Hi everyone
Hope things are going well for you, your family, your friends and work.
Please drive safely on your way to the track. If you have any questions please email me at ridesmart@mac.com, or 512 469 9491 cell 512 689 9875.
Please Read This Information Carefully.
There are no power outlets in the paddock area. So if you intend to use tire warmers or fans - it will be necessary that you bring your own generator.
There are no covered pit areas at this time.
They currently have hard packed crushed concrete in the pit area and it is recommended to bring a small piece of plywood or carpet to place under your kick-stand for support.
Directions: http://www.mapquest.com/maps/fort+worth+tx/slidell+tx/
If this is your first time driving to ECR, i strongly recommend that you study this map before heading out to the track. From this mapquest link, you can see two basic routs to the track. From Fort Worth, up 81 to Decatur and then up 51 twelve miles with the track appearing on you left. Or you can head up 35 to Sanger and take highway 455 to 51 and turn left onto 51 with the track being 1/2 mile south and on your right. If you get lost, you can call me 512 689 9875.
Friday Night Camping at ECR
Gates open at 6:00 pm Friday evening and close at 12 pm. We have made special arrangements with Eagles Canyon to keep the gates open Friday July 18 until 12 pm. Please schedule enough time to allow yourself to get there and take my cell number to call if your running late. 512 689 9875
Ride Smart will provide free hamburgers and hotdogs Friday evening and everyone is welcome. Fort Worth Motorcycle Riders will be providing a lunch of hot dogs, hamburgers, and potato salad Saturday and Sunday. And Cycle Gear of Plano, Bedford, and Fort Worth will be providing hamburgers, hot dogs, and potato salad for dinner on Saturday.
Shower and restroom will be available. However, please make an extra special effort to keep the restrooms and facilities clean.
We ask each of you to police your own area throughout the evening and day and please pick up any trash in your immediate area and place it in the nearest trash-can. Please double check your area before leaving Saturday to be sure that our school creates a positive experience with track management by being respectful and clean in regards to their facility.
VIDEO Narrated by Ty Howard: ECR Track Drive. Please Watch All Three!!!
Here are the web links to the Eagles Canyon Raceway track drive narrated by Ty Howard. This is a must see and hear! Ty shares his personal insights on the line, off camber, run-off areas, blind spots, etc. of this new and exciting track. If at all possible do yourself a big favor and watch and listen to each of these 8 minute segments of video. If the addresses below do not appear as links, just copy and paste into your browser.
Part One: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBwJtoj2K74
Part Two: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPc5Q0_yMYw
Part Three: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGNL6M846Ic
ECR Lap Loop Link
(Please note that the following footage was taken over 1 year ago - well before the curbing was put in and before removing many of the mounds of dirt seen in this footage.)
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6999570927290688919&q=ty+howard&total=49&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=2
July 19 and 20
6 a.m gates open
6:30 Registration and Tech Open
7:00 Track Drive â€" Don’t miss it!!
7:40 Riders Meeting
8:00 Level 3 & 4 on track (both groups on track at the same time). Levels 1 & 2 to class.
8:20 Level 2 - on track for 20 minutes followed by 30 minutes in class.
8:40 Level 1 - on track for 20 minutes followed by 30 minutes in class.
9:00 Repetition of the 20 minute on track riding cycle - Levels 3&4, 2 and 1 â€" throughout the day until track closes at 6:00 p.m.
Tire Support
Greg Fowler will provide tire support and will have some great Michelin Tire deals. For more information, contact Greg at: shop 817 306 7117 or you can text message Greg at 817 308 7867.
Suspension Support
Roger Albert of OnRoad OffRoad will be setting up suspension Saturday and Sunday. If you haven't had Roger check out your suspension setup,
you are really missing a great opportunity. Virtually everyone that has had Roger set up their suspension has mentioned to me the handling factor
improved like night and day. Feel free to email Roger at oror@austin.rr.com and set up and appointment with him.
The Ride Smart Lineup For Our Next Two Events:
August 10: After Eagles Canyon, we head back to Motorsport Ranch Cresson. We will be riding the original
1.7 mile track counter-clockwise. Come on out and ride!
August 16 and 17: Then, join us for another Ride Smart weekend special with our friends Dave and Linda Cook at Eagles Canyon Raceway in Slidell. We are again offering rock bottom rates of $100 per day. Come on out and enjoy the new Texas track that everyone is talking about!
To register just click here.
https://www.ridesmart.info/mm5/merchant.mvc?RideSmart
Bike Cam/DVD
Ride smart is now offering bike cam footage of your on-track riding for only $25. There are several reasons that make this footage useful and a great value:
1. The instructor records your riding on digital camcorder and feedback on where to improve your line.
2. The camera records your body position and movement.
3. You have all the other students to compare your line and body position.
4. You have a documentary for the day.
5. We include track-side footage
6. Interviews including riders and Smoothest Rider contest winners.
7. The footage is also used in the classroom as an instructing tool.
8. It is a great documentary for the event.
“The DVD footage was great I really saw where my lines were off. I also got a good idea of my lean angle and body positioning. So I could learn how to improve both of them. In my opinion it was the best $25 I have ever spent and I got some cool stuff to show my friends†SL
Directions to ECR:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/fort+worth+tx/slidell+tx/
Bike Prep
Coolant: Antifreeze Allowed Yes
Headlight and Taillight: Tape or remove Yes
License Plate: Remove No
Mirrors and Signals: Tape or remove Yes
Safety Wire: Not required
Side stand: Remove, safety wire, zip tie? No
Tires: % tread depth required? 50%
Rider Prep
Back Protector: Highly Recommended
Boots: Leather at least 3†above the ankles Yes
Gloves: Motorcycle specific, either leather or comparable Cordura or Kevlar Yes
Helmet: Full face, Snell or European equivalent, undamaged. Yes
Riding Suit: One- or two-piece leather or Cordura. Two-piece must zip together. Yes
Please bring your registration receipt or your order confirmation number to make your registration experience smooth.
RIDE SMART “08†SCHEDULE
Monday
05/05/08
Eagles Canyon Raceway Slidell, TX
Original Track 2.5 mile
Counter Clockwise
Monday (RIDE SMART’S TWS Annual Memorial Day Event!!)
05/26/08
Texas World Speedway College Station TX
Original Track 2.9 mile
Counter Clockwise
Saturday
06/07/08
MotorSport Ranch Cresson, TX
Both Tracks 3.1 mile
Counter Clockwise
Saturday
06/21/08
Texas World Speedway College Station TX
Original Track 2.9 mile
Counter Clockwise
Saturday
07/19/08
Eagles Canyon Raceway Slidell, TX
Original Track 2.5 mile
Counter Clockwise
Saturday
07/20/08
Eagles Canyon Raceway Slidell, TX
Original Track 2.5 mile
Counter Clockwise
Sunday
08/10/08
MotorSport Ranch Cresson, TX
Original Track 1.7 mile
Counter Clockwise
Saturday
08/16/08
Eagles Canyon Raceway Slidell, TX
Original Track 2.5 mile
Counter Clockwise
Sunday
08/17/08
Eagles Canyon Raceway Slidell, TX
Original Track 2.5 mile
Counter Clockwise
Monday (RIDE SMART’S TWS Annual Labor Day Event!!)
09/01/08
Texas World Speedway College Station TX
Original Track 2.9 mile
Counter Clockwise
Sunday
09/14/08
MotorSport Ranch Cresson, TX
Original Track 1.7 mile
Counter Clockwise
Saturday
09/27/08
Texas World Speedway College Station TX
Original Track 2.9 mile
Counter Clockwise
Sunday
10/05/08
MotorSport Ranch Cresson, TX
Original Track 1.7 mile
Counter Clockwise
Sunday
11/09/08
MotorSport Ranch Cresson, TX
Original Track 1.7 mile
Counter Clockwise
Thanks again everyone for your continuous support
from all of us at Ride Smart.
“Be a Better Riderâ€
------ End of Forwarded Message
I spoke to David Wonders from Ridesmart this morning. Really nice guy. I had some questions for David about the Aug 10th trackday. When I told him about Barry's post, he was pleasantly suprised (presumably at the free advertising/spreading of info). Needless to say, he was pretty glad Barry posted that letter. He asked right away if I had watched the videos of Ty Howard. I said they didn't come up in the post. He requested that I put the links up so here they are. Again, nice guy. If you have never done track days, you are SOOOOOO missing out. Ducs like going fast!
I will say, these videos are more of a lecture series. But a lecture series from a REALLY fast racer. I had the oportunity to be on the track at the same time as Ty. I thought I was going fast (granted, it was my first track day) until he passed me as if I were standing still. Pretty neat.
Part 1
http://youtube.com/watch?v=YBwJtoj2K74
Part 2
http://youtube.com/watch?v=CPc5Q0_yMYw
Part 3
http://youtube.com/watch?v=lGNL6M846Ic
Steve
Funny, when I first saw Barry's post, the links didn't come up. Now they do. Weird. Sorry for the duplicate.
Steve
Sometimes free advertising can get you brownie points. ;) Hmmmm. Maybe he'll let me ride free next time....NOT!! LOL ;D Actually, I rather enjoy passing the information to others so they can ride with me.
Here's some sad news. I have someone that is seriously thinking about purchasing my 1098. He's supposedly comming from Mississippi with Cash in hand. I hope he doesn't get here before the trackday! [moto] hehehe......
Sorry and good luck at the same time on the sale. If it happens at least you have that sweet VFR for a ride. Great scooters! If only they'd dump the variable valve train thing. It doesn't need it. Loved that semi-anniversary red/white/blue number in last years line up. A tribute to the killer 1986 VFR. I'd trade my 1986 GSXR750 for an '86 VFR in that flavor in a heart beat. [thumbsup] [moto]
Quote from: fastwin on July 16, 2008, 09:17:25 AM
Loved that semi-anniversary red/white/blue number in last years line up. A tribute to the killer 1986 VFR.
me too... http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/753343471.html
Quote from: McKraut on July 16, 2008, 11:00:48 AM
me too... http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/mcy/753343471.html
Who makes that?!? ;D
I know! I really like that colour scheme too, but I'm sure gonna miss the Duc. The guy called me and said he's driving here Sunday night or Monday. Guess I can look at the bright side......there are more Ducs to buy out there in the future. hehehe...... [evil]
Quote from: Asia1098 on July 16, 2008, 11:27:19 AM
I know! I really like that colour scheme too, but I'm sure gonna miss the Duc. The guy called me and said he's driving here Sunday night or Monday. Guess I can look at the bright side......there are more Ducs to buy out there in the future. hehehe...... [evil]
So, are you tracking the 1098 Saturday?!?
Quote from: Duc L'Smart on July 16, 2008, 11:28:28 AM
So, are you tracking the 1098 Saturday?!?
Well, that's my dilema. I don't know yet. I guess it depends on how badly the guy wants the bike and if he is really going to push through with this deal. I don't mind taking either bike....as long as I have one to ride.
There was a story recently of a guy that had a buyer for his bike coming and he (the owner) took the bike out for one last spin. Sure enough he totaled the bike. Wash the bike, park it in the garage, cover it and stand back. Don't touch it until it's sold. Take the VFR to the track.
Next week, buy a Sport Classic. Leave it at my house. We won't tell the wife. A few months from now, bring it home and tell her a friend gave it to you.
Hey, it could happen.
Just leave the keys with me. I'll keep the battery charged. ;D
cdc
Quote from: *** on July 16, 2008, 01:51:15 PM
There was a story recently of a guy that had a buyer for his bike coming and he (the owner) took the bike out for one last spin. Sure enough he totaled the bike. Wash the bike, park it in the garage, cover it and stand back. Don't touch it until it's sold. Take the VFR to the track.
Next week, buy a Sport Classic. Leave it at my house. We won't tell the wife. A few months from now, bring it home and tell her a friend gave it to you.
Hey, it could happen.
Just leave the keys with me. I'll keep the battery charged. ;D
cdc
Us Pinoys really do think alike. I was actually going to do that.....less the Sport Classic. I just wanted someone to tell me..hehehe....though taking it to the track is very, very tempting. ;D
I hope this guy isn't pully my leg. He mentioned that he just retired and sounds like he knows what he wants. I've sent him pictures of the bike when it was damaged and he seems to be fine with it. He said money was not a problem.....so should I raise the price just for him? [evil] hehehe.....
Here's another video of being on ECR at speed. Shot from a car's perspective, but it has a heads-up display on the lower right corner that tells where you are on the track.
http://www.vimeo.com/835435 (http://www.vimeo.com/835435)
Quote from: sdlrodeo on July 16, 2008, 08:45:20 AM
I will say, these videos are more of a lecture series. But a lecture series from a REALLY fast racer. I had the oportunity to be on the track at the same time as Ty. I thought I was going fast (granted, it was my first track day) until he passed me as if I were standing still. Pretty neat.
If you ever had the opportunity to follow (or remotely tried to [roll]) the lines of pro racers like Howard, John Haner, or Larry Myers while they're instructing out at the track, you'll realize just how wicked fast these guys are going.
For an additional $50, Ty Howard's race school with RS is a great bargain.
Quote from: Red5 on July 16, 2008, 02:35:08 PM...If you ever had the opportunity to follow (or remotely tried to [roll]) the lines of pro racers like Howard, John Haner, or Larry Myers while they're instructing out at the track, you'll realize just how wicked fast these guys are going...
There was some guy... What was his name? Schwantz? ...Yeah, something like that... on that track the day I rode there.
He was going pretty good. Riding a 1098R ...that I heard was a BORROWED bike
(boy if I had a 1098R I don't know I would loan it out to someone who rode that hard)
...but anyway, dude... like... passed me.
Hey, I was on my Yellow Duc.
Yellow bikes are faster. He shoulda' respected that. ;D
I mean DAMN... they don't call it a
SUPER Sport for nothin'.
[laugh]
Quote from: SUPER POOPER on July 16, 2008, 04:36:23 PM
There was some guy... What was his name? Schwantz? ...Yeah, something like that... on that track the day I rode there.
He was going pretty good. Riding a 1098R ...that I heard was a BORROWED bike
(boy if I had a 1098R I don't know I would loan it out to someone who rode that hard)
...but anyway, dude... like... passed me.
Hey, I was on my Yellow Duc.
Yellow bikes are faster. He shoulda' respected that. ;D
I mean DAMN... they don't call it a SUPER Sport for nothin'.
[laugh]
Actually Kevin rode Jeff's Personal Desmosedici and Kevin's Friend rode the 1098R
it's a fun truck but you got to have something fast there, two long straights and a few more short ones with some crazy elevation turns. this is the most fun track ever rode till now.. [beer]
Quote from: giannis on July 16, 2008, 11:30:14 PM
Actually Kevin rode Jeff's Personal Desmosedici and Kevin's Friend rode the 1098R...
Well then he borrowed Kevins leathers to do it (which is posible).
I clearly remember the "SCHWANTZ" on the back in bright yellow lettering as he passed.
I feel your third shift pains :'(
Quote from: Kevin848 on July 17, 2008, 01:09:07 AM
I feel your third shift pains :'(
Sometimes It's just like that, I guess... :-\
If course it's a good excuse to go home and have a beer at 8am with no hint of shame or regret!
Quote from: The Evil Count Dookie-Duke on July 17, 2008, 01:13:39 AM
Sometimes It's just like that, I guess... :-\
If course it's a good excuse to go home and have a beer at 8am with no hint of shame or regret!
Ya there used to be a strip club that was open at 7am in Arlington... cant remember how I know that but ya I think they even served breakfast.
Quote from: Kevin848 on July 17, 2008, 01:16:32 AM
Ya there used to be a strip club that was open at 7am in Arlington... cant remember how I know that but ya I think they even served breakfast.
I wonder if they'd let me bring my dog?
It would be funny watching Duke get a lap dance! ;D
Quote from: The Evil Count Dookie-Duke on July 17, 2008, 01:23:32 AM
I wonder if they'd let me bring my dog?
It would be funny watching Duke get a lap dance! ;D
While eating [bacon] no less.
Quote from: Kevin848 on July 17, 2008, 01:26:43 AM
While eating [bacon] no less.
[bacon] for WHO? Me I hope...
Duke isn't suposed to eat people-food.
Except beer
...and cigars
...and the occasional cup of coffee after a hard night of drinkin'.
Quote from: The Evil Count Dookie-Duke on July 17, 2008, 01:29:31 AM
[bacon] for WHO? Me I hope...
Duke isn't suposed to eat people-food.
Except beer
...and cigars
...and the occasional cup of coffee after a hard night of drinkin'.
Ya, for you. No ppl food for dogs, that stuff is disgusting. And I hope those are fine cigars?
Whoa this thread about ECR went to strippers, bacon, beer and dogs getting lap dances :o
Sorry Barry :) ... good post BTW.
Quote from: Kevin848 on July 17, 2008, 01:37:08 AM
Whoa this thread about ECR went to strippers, bacon, beer and dogs getting lap dances :o
If a thread is good enough to start, it's good enough to "jack". [thumbsup]
Quote from: The Evil Count Dookie-Duke on July 17, 2008, 02:49:08 AM
If a thread is good enough to start, it's good enough to "jack". [thumbsup]
+1
This one has been "jacked" thoroughly
Quote from: giannis on July 16, 2008, 11:30:14 PM
it's a fun truck but you got to have something fast there, two long straights and a few more short ones with some crazy elevation turns. this is the most fun track ever rode till now.
True that. Great course. However......
Some of the asphalt is bad. [roll] Runoff is horrible. :o No shade or electric in the paddock. :-X Facilities in general are minimal :'(
that sucks...bring lots of water, dude.
Quote from: McKraut on July 17, 2008, 06:55:13 AM
that sucks...bring lots of water, dude.
They have a little grill/cafeteria where you can get:
-a burger, or CHEESE burger
-or a salad with
genuine simulated ham or chicken "squares/chunks" on it.
And (for the techno-geek inside) the world most advanced robotic Coke machine I've EVER seen.
I shit you not about that. It really is
THAT cool.
Seriously.
DLS, have you seen it too?
Quote from: The Evil Count Dookie-Duke on July 17, 2008, 07:02:46 AM
And (for the techno-geek inside) the world most advanced robotic Coke machine I've EVER seen.
I shit you not about that. It really is THAT cool.
Seriously.
DLS, have you seen it too?
How could I have missed that?!? Guess i was bizzy riding the rubber off the ol' PS... :P
Seriously, bring your on food.
LSD to Barry, come in Barry...
Track Day?
Bike Sale??
Quote from: Duc L'Smart on July 20, 2008, 09:06:07 AM
LSD to Barry, come in Barry...
Track Day?
Bike Sale??
OK, just got back from the track day. IT WAS FREAKIN HOTTTTTTT!!!!!! But really fun. I had a blast and saw four 1098's and a cutie on a Monster. She passed me several times. ;D But that was because I wanted to be behind her..... [evil] LOL i even got the chicken strips off my VFR tires! yeah!!! Finally.
I took the VFR and it was heavy to lug around the track. I'll post up some pics in a second. My main computer seems to have been infected with that stupid "Antivirus 2009" bug and it's driving me nuts. Does anyone know how to get rid of it without having to purchase another antivirus software. Apparantly, Norton Antivirus didn't detect it. I'm using my wife's Apple laptop and I'm not very familiar with the controls.
As for the sale of the bike......
The buyer arrived this evening to look over the bike. He drove all the way from Mississippi to get this thing, so I let him take his time looking at it. I decided to also give him the stand since he was such a nice guy. He's comming over tomorrow morining with the $$$ and we are loading up my baby. I'll surely miss her, but there will be others!!! I got my asking price too! [thumbsup] This will be his first Ducati. He's 57 and just retired. He has a FZ1 and a Buel Ullyses XB12.
always thought there was something weird about naming a bike after a civil war general.... always makes me think of that ship that was built out of concrete.... or is that just me?
Well, here are some pics of the ECR Trackday:
http://s179.photobucket.com/albums/w308/barrysy/July%2019%20Ride%20Smart%20trackday/
Nice [thumbsup]
Cool pics Barry [moto]
Quote from: Asia1098 on July 24, 2008, 07:59:48 AM
Well, here are some pics of the ECR Trackday
Are you the Asian one?!? [laugh] Wish I coulda been there... Looks like you had a great time [thumbsup]
Next time...
Quote from: Duc L'Smart on July 24, 2008, 09:52:05 AM
Are you the Asian one?!? [laugh] Wish I coulda been there... Looks like you had a great time [thumbsup]
Next time...
LOL [laugh]...Yup, how'd you guess? ;D Must have been the eyes, huh? They never looked like that until I got that 1098. 0-60 in less than 3 seconds will do that to you. [laugh]
It was fun, but the heat was really getting to me by the fourth session. I just wanted to take off the leathers and relax in front of the fan with some Gatorade. I got more pics with the group 3 and 4 guys, but there are just too many to post up.
Look like good times, good times.
Steve
good pics, man. looks like a great time...glad to hear you didn't have a heat stroke, either! [thumbsup]
Nice Barry, thanks for sharing!