Boston Moto trackday?

[The Architect]

Anybody going to the June 2 Boston Moto trackday?

[Mr Bread]

I wish i was.

[ducpainter]

Anybody going to the June 2 Boston Moto trackday?

Not me...

I expect it to be kinda...

racer oriented.

[Monstermash]

Not me...

I expect it to be kinda...

racer oriented.

I suspect you are correct. I also heard it's very bare bones. No refreshments, instruction, etc.

FYI, Boston Moto is run by ScottyDucati who is a "member" here. I put the member part in quotes because I can't remember when the last time he posted here. But then again I haven't been very active lately either so I may have missed it.

[ducpainter]

I suspect you are correct. I also heard it's very bare bones. No refreshments, instruction, etc.

FYI, Boston Moto is run by ScottyDucati who is a "member" here. I put the member part in quotes because I can't remember when the last time he posted here. But then again I haven't been very active lately either so I may have missed it.

The track part of the operation seems to be run by Dennis, one of the partners.

I know Scottie pretty well.

[Monstermash]

I know Scottie pretty well.

I'm sorry to hear that.... 

[ducpainter]

I'm sorry to hear that.... 

I actually like him...

Dennis....

never met...

can't say the same.

[DrDesmo]

Anybody going to the June 2 Boston Moto trackday?

Nope ... I may go to one or two of the Fishtail days though.

Or, CORNERSPIN 

Adam

[DrDesmo]

I actually like him...

Dennis....

never met...

can't say the same.

Denno, Degsy, and Quentin are good guys, I believe the whole BM gang is running the Track Days ... Definitely a bare bones, stripped down track day experience designed for the most track time you can handle in a day.  They also have a " intro to trackdays " package or something similar that includes lunch and a few other things, but it's $275 ...

Adam

[ScottieDucati]

Despite the temptation to do otherwise, I'll keep the personal-attacks out of this (hey, maybe I'm turning over a new leaf!)... and in an effort to provide some independent feedback, especially feedback exemplary of how we are absolutely in no-means "racer oriented"... I've included some reviews that were independently posted on the New England Street Riders Forum, as well as Triumph675.net... even with links so you can check em out yourself!  Before I get into that, I'd like to explain our philosophy that has been grossly misinterpreted as "racer oriented."  We have three groups like typical trackday organizations.  Here's a run-down of each:

Advanced Group:
- The *only* "racer oriented" group, although by no means comprised of even a majority of racers. 
- Riders are expected to be experienced at fast-paced track racing.
- There are no passing restrictions, except that 6-feet of space must be maintained between the rider being overtaken and the rider initiating the pass. This rule is strictly enforced.
- 2 laps of follow the leader in the first session, to demonstrate proper pit-in, and pit-out procedures. After which, go have some fun!
- 2-wheels on the ground at all times.
- 2 strikes and you're done.
** Basic rule of thumb, you've done many trackdays and have lots of track seat time.  Instruction is available upon request, otherwise, go out, twist the throttle, have some fun, and above all... ride smart.

Intermediate Group:
- Riders are expected to be experienced track-day riders, as well as some novice racers looking for extra seat time.
- No inside passing, 6 foot rule is also maintained.
- 2 laps of follow the leader in the first session, to demonstrate proper pit-in, and pit-out procedures. After which, go have some fun!
- All Advanced Group Rules Apply, including instruction available upon request.
** Basic rule of thumb, you're experienced enough to circulate the track on your own, and you want to get some track time, have some fun, and work on your lines or developing your skills.  Again, instruction *IS AVAILABLE* (and encouraged) but we do not force-feed classroom sessions down your throat.... our philosophy and motto is "Track Time - Period." We'll do everything we can to maximize your track time while maintaining safety. 

Novice Group:
- Riders are expected to have on-track experience.  Mostly track day riders who have done a few trackdays, or riders who just want to enjoy some low-pressure track time and want  a slow and relaxed session to ride in.
- No inside passing, 6 foot rule is also maintained.
- Full session of follow the leader, also demonstrating proper pit-in, and pit-out.  All prior group rules also apply.
** Basic rule of thumb, you're getting your feet wet in track days, we'll run a few follow the leader sessions to help get you back in the groove, demonstrate the proper line, and get your head back into track riding.  Instruction is available upon request as well, but again... Track Time - Period.  You've got the basics down, and just want to get some experience under your belt.

Generally speaking, we decided there was a market for specialized instruction, and wanted to stay true to our Track Time - Period. philosophy.  So we created a special, LIMITED attendance group called "Intro to Track Riding."  This group was initially created for the "never-ever" done a track day customer, but we have found that even experienced track-day riders who are still starting out (some Novice racers have taken this course) are signing up looking for the extra mile in customer service, and a LOW coach to rider ratio (1:2).  Since we've had a few non-"never-ever" riders sign up for this program and enjoy it, look for a similar specialized program with some tweaks and different perks, for the intermediate rider or novice racer, looking to make the jump from a relatively new track rider to experienced rider, and wants to get the same personalized attention and extremely low coach to rider attention that nobody else can match.

Here are the highlights of the program:

Program Includes:

Consierge Service - When you show up at the track, we will show you to your specific garage area, and assist unloading your bike, setting up gear, filling out your waiver and forms, as well as an in-garage tech inspection of your gear and motorcycle.

Lunch from a local pizza / sub shop

1:2 Coach to Rider Ratio, including an in-depth description of the facility (track layout, bathrooms, office, first aid, spectator areas, photographer, etc.), and an overview of the day's schedule so times and procedures are well understood and clear!

Materials detailing all of the above, for you to reference later

Your on-track day will include an on-track orientation, a slow paced follow the leader session with your coach (remember: only TWO riders per coach!) as well as regular on-track coaching sessions throughout the day. Each 40 minute off-track break will feature available classroom sessions with slides, video and individual critique and suggestions for improvement. At the end of the day, the staff will discuss how you thought your first day went, as well as help pack up your bike and your gear, followed by a group photo of all Intro-Program participants and coaches.

We'll also send you off with a goody bag that includes:

    * Boston Moto T-Shirt
    * Boston Moto Hat
    * On-board video of your first trackday!
    * Decals and stickers
    * Special souvenir from your day
    * $25 Boston Moto gift certificate for your next trackday with us!

Hopefully that helps define some of what our trackdays are all about!!!  Now here's reviews from two riders, one a "never-ever" trackday guy and one novice racer, both of whom took our Intro program on June 2nd, the day the program debuted.

Dan (the never-ever guy), link is here http://www.nestreetriders.com/forum/boston-moto-track-days/47588-wow-what-day.html.

Well I finally did it, after preparing for almost a year (needed gear and pirelli tires) I did my first trackday. I will say this, I was NOT out there to be a racer i just wanted to learn the right way to ride in a controlled enviroment and boy did I ever get my learn on.

I needed some new tires on my bike (DCIIIs) and Degsy helped me installing them and I cant thank him enuff he even nice enuff to come to my house, if he was willing to go the extra mile to do that I KNEW that my first trackday was going to be awesome.

I wanted to make sure I was going to get the absolute most out of this experience so I did the "Intro To Trackday" program. I was very nervous about all the particulars involved in doing a trackday but with this program everything is done for you. When I arrived everyone was very friendly and introduced themselves and helped me unload my bike (thank you) and unload my gear. I was very nervous having no idea what to expect but the fact everyone was so easy to talk to deffinatly helped me get situated.

Because I did the into to TD there was one control rider/instructor to 2 bikes but because Dan K was too fast that left me alone with Degsy for the day which was great. We had a riders metting then the faster guys left to get geared up while we stayed back for further instruction. They asked us what we wanted to work on my main goal was being comfortable in the corners and learning the correct way to ride. They sent us to get ready now let me say this once the gear went on holy shit was I wired!! Our first time on the track was an amazing experience I cant describe the feeling but someone said it best it is fear excitement and joy balled up into one emotion and that was just going over pitting in and out!!

Once we finished that out on track we went with follow the leader to learn the track. Now I have to be honest i was completly overwhealmed there was so much going on but having everyone so willing to help deffinatly got me going in the right direction. I basically followed Degsy around the track trying to look through the turns and learn the line, I liked that everything was done in stages once I got the hang of one thing another was introduced. The sessions went very fast I cant believe I was out there for 20 minutes. Once we got off the track me and Degsy went over some things to work for the next session.

Each session things where slowing down for me I was able to understand everything that was going on around me with all the help I was getting from everyone it all started to make sense. CEO was nice enuff to follow my slow ass around the track and noticed my vulcan death grip on the bars and showed me some tricks to help me relax and that is when things became more interesting. I never knew that was bad so I now had to try and learn the right way. I have to be honest I was not confident enuff to ride alone I felt better following Degsy and using him as a gauge to where I needed to work on things. Before I knew it, it was lunch which was proivided in the intro program. A few classroom sessions in between where we worked on body postioning by sitting on a bike to help with muscle memory and the day was almost over. I knew I was mentally and physically drained so i sat out sessions but I knew if I went out there in a fog I might hurt myself and my main goal was not to extend myself and risk injury.

I learned so much I cant thank everyone enuff, I gotta be honest I cant remember everyone's names but I remember all the advice and help I recieved. I know I am better rider now and feel more confident on the street. My new DCIIs worked awesome and never missed a beat. I am SO glad I did the intro to TD cause I cant imagine not having the help I recieved.

If anyone wants to do a TD do the intro program it takes the guess work out of it. All you have to do is listen and ride they do the rest!

Also named Dan (novice racer), the link is here: http://www.nestreetriders.com/forum/boston-moto-track-days/47551-bm-june-2nd-td-thank-you-novel-you-ve-been-warned.html

Did my first TD with Boston Moto yesterday. It was awesome! I’ve raced a couple weekends but had never done a TD, so I was in the “intro to TD’s” package. Came with a cool BM shirt and hat, coffee, muffins, etc. Also included was loading and unloading your bike. I helped, but the BM staff certainly made it a lot easier.

Started out in the Nov group, but the pace ended up being a bit slow so I bumped up to intermediate. Got in plenty of track time, and had some really good help from some of the control riders. I’ve gotta throw out a special thanks to Bergs & A13X for the help on the track, showing me their lines, etc. I made some serious progress in the bowl (thanks Alex!) and through T12, which has been a serious weak spot for me. Exiting that chicane went from a train wreck to dragging my knee, and as a result I’m able to use 5th gear on the straight. Got to work on some passing, which I really needed work on. I didn’t have a timer, but I feel like I definitely got faster, which was my goal.

Scottie Ducati was the man with the suspension know-how, and he worked some serious magic on my bike. I’d been going through 3 dragging my toe slider and knee, with the back end of the bike loose. This was causing me to have to modulate the rear with the throttle, so I wasn’t going as fast as I could have been. Scottie put an insane amount of change into my shock (6 clicks & 4 clicks, I forget which was rebound and which was compression) and gave me some pointers on what to tear apart and grease in the future. After he worked his magic the bike was planted through 3 (when the tires were warm, anyway, more on that later), letting me stay on the throttle harder through the turn. I feel like I’m just as far off the bike and I’m actually going faster, but I’m no longer dragging anything, I guess the bike is sitting a touch higher now? Anyway, it feels great and is faster, I’m thrilled.

Sometime after lunch I went out and found myself on a full grid. Excited about the chance to work on some more passing, I lined up at the back of the longest line. Going through the chicanes I picked my first target, and the likely second. I decided to take the first going through 3/4. He pulled away a bit on the straight into 3, but braked a bit early and not as hard as me, so I had no problem coming around him on the outside as he turned in. I turned in outside him, came off the brakes, got into the throttle, hit the transition and found myself sliding down the track on my back. I remembered my tires were still cold before I even stopped sliding, which was still a couple seconds too late. Damnit! Patted the ground to see if I was still moving, turns out I was. Whoops. I think that’s what turned my slide into a roll, maybe it was turning my head to see if I was about to get run over since I thought I was done sliding and wanted to see if it was OK to get up, but it was still a hell of a lot better than if I tried to get up. I’m officially a fan of the “pat the ground to make sure you’re done moving before you try to get up” rule. Finally came to a stop, looked around, realized I was not about to get run over, threw a thumbs up and got up to go after my bike, which was in the tires. Bergs was already in the beach on his way to help me (thanks Bergs!). I couldn’t lift the bike alone, but with the help of Bergs (after he made sure I was OK, something he made damn sure of) we got it up and through the 3/10 split. It all happened fast enough that they were able to yellow flag the session rather than red flag it, which was cool. I didn’t want things red-flagged on account of my own stupidity. I assured a couple other people, including CEO and Bergs again, that I was indeed OK. My bike had a broken brake lever, and there were concerns of it leaking fluid, so CEO took it back in and had me bring his bike back in. That few seconds reminded me of how much I love the R6, and clinched my desire for GP shift on my Ex. Got back into the pits, got a new brake lever, fixed my throttle which was no longer snapping back, and was re-teched in no time at all. Didn’t even miss a session.

My next session I took it easy for 3 or 4 laps, wanting to be damn sure I had some heat in the tires. I wasn’t willing to make the same mistake twice in a row, and I’m used to riding with warmers. After that I got myself back up to pace.

Last session out I was back on pace, and only taking 2 laps to get back to pace. I didn’t want to let my tire heat concerns mean I was riding easy for the first 3 or 4 laps in the future, so I got after it right after lap 2. In retrospect I don’t think I’ll ride without warmers again, so it was somewhat pointless, but I got my confidence back up and got back to pace, which was all I was trying to do at that point.

I couldn’t thank everyone if I tried, too many people helped make this a great day. All the Boston Moto crew, you created an awesome day. I heard from some of the other intro guys that just having you load the bike at the end of the day for them was worth the extra $ for the intro program. Everyone that worked with me to help me find some more fast, thanks.

Bergs, you were a huge help. Your lines were cool, your critique in the pits gave me good stuff to work on, and following you was a blast. Following you is what let me get some decent drive out of 12 and get my knee down in there. Thanks again for the help with that tramper.

Alex, you too man. Love your line through 6. Wish I’d spent more time working with you, I’d have loved to have heard what else you had to say about my riding/lines/etc after you followed me for those three laps before coming around me into the chicane. I know you had to go back out, no big deal, but I was getting a lot out of what you were telling me. I eased up in 9 to work on 10 like you suggested, and that worked. I think I’ve got the seat completely unweighted through there like I do the other turns now, due in part to thinking about it and in part to not blowing my approach by working too hard on 9.

Chris, you were really helpful. Wish I’d gotten to ride with you more. Just getting on your R6 made me miss mine, and it clinched the deal - I need to GP shift that EX. Fortunately, from what I hear, it’s just a matter of swapping a shifter.

Scottie, you made me faster through T3 without even seeing me ride, rock on man. That shock makes it feel like a different bike. It sort of feels slower because I’m not dragging a knee through there anymore, but I know it’s faster, I’m coming in at the same speed and getting on the throttle harder.

Kitt, thanks for the help with everything, including the ride, even though I ended up working it out from NH. Glad I was able to save you the detour of getting off the highway, you had a long drive in front of you.

Arcy, good to see you again. I’m thinking it might be a good thing you hit the head when you did

Also gotta say thanks to S&C, even though I don’t think Miles posted here. If he didn’t have that lever my day would have ended early.

Sucks I need to replace the helmet, I don’t feel like I hit it hard enough to scrap it, but it’s got scrapes that I don’t think will get through LRRS tech. So, now it’s time to get another helmet, get back out there for the classic to see how all the stuff I learned translates into racing.

Thanks again guys. I’d recommend this day to anyone, and in fact plan on doing so. You all kicked ass yesterday.

If anyone has any questions regarding our trackdays, philosophy, or anything else whatsoever, please feel free to visit our website: http://bostonmoto.com or email me personally at scott@bostonmoto.com (general inquiries: trackdays@bostonmoto.com)

[Monstermash]

I'm curious, who is doing the instruction?

[ScottieDucati]

If anyone has any questions regarding our trackdays, philosophy, or anything else whatsoever, please feel free to visit our website: http://bostonmoto.com or email me personally at scott@bostonmoto.com (general inquiries: trackdays@bostonmoto.com) 

Primary Instructors for our ITR Program:

Derek (MA Lead MSF RiderCoach, Former core TTD Instructor, General go-fast Guru [running 1:16 lap times in 2004 prior to retirement from road racing...] you will be hard-pressed to find a more respected or well-liked guy around the track.)

"DucDave" Michaud (Experienced Track Day Junkie and frequent tour-guide, leads Seacoast Sport Cycle Rides, 20+ years motorcycling experience and 10+ trackdays / year average for the past 7 years, Dave is our ITR Program Director and has developed much of the content)   

John Rossi (Founder, http://vivaducati.com/- 33 years riding experience, 15 years on-track, 3-years as Penguin School Instructor)  [moto]

Alex Dunstan (Expert Licensed Racer, former PR Directer - Ducati US, current PR Director for MJ Motorsports Suzuki AMA Team, 3+ years instructing for various trackday orgs from New England to California, and all around go-fast motard guy) 

Intermediate and Advanced Instructors include:

Scott (me) -  (Expert Licensed Racer, 9+ years race / track experience, 2003 LRRS Junior Achievement Award, instructor with Seacoast Ducati Trackdays)
Dennis (2008 LRRS Vanson Rookie of the Year Winner, Expert Licensed Racer, runs 1:17's at NHMS)
Kitt - Expert Licensed Racer, consistently runs 1:16's at NHMS

We also rotate a platoon of "Control Riders" largely comprised of Amateur and Expert Racers, the vast majority of whom run sub 1:20 lap times at Loudon., however our CRs were NOT chosen for their ability to ride fast, but for their ability to interface with customers and their high level of character, friendliness, and general word-of-mouth recommendation as quality people.  A control rider is responsible for observing on-track conditions and maintaining safety.  Each year we solicit applications for Control Riders, as they are customers, friends, etc. and it's our way of giving back to responsible riders and enthusiasts who demonstrate the aforementioned qualities our customers expect and demand both on track and in the pits.

I'm curious, who is doing the instruction?

[DesmoLu]

   ScottieDucati taught me how to ride. It may have been thought impossible at the time. Boy was he patient.

Although I don't think he will be pushing any newbs around the track because they are afraid of holding up the bike by themselves as he did with me 

Seriously though, he's a really great and naturally gifted instructor.

[DrDesmo]

Scott -

Great to hear.  Since the bulk of your posts here are around promoting your business, you may want to consider a vendor (or minor sponsor or whatever its called )  spot on the DMF for BM.  Might be very helpful for sharing info, track day pix, signups, etc. 

Cheers,
Adam

[The Architect]

I was in the intermediate group.  I had a good time and will probably do another day with them.  It is about track time.  The groups are small.  I think the group was about 20 people.  You just have to bring your lunch.