Trackday on June 27th w/ Ridesmart

[James.M]

As they say in Jamaica... No Problem   

I just didn't want the folks that attend AMS days to get a bad rap.  I haven't really run across anyone unpleasant to be around on those days.   

speak for yourself, I never liked you. 

can you attend this track day w/ the rest of us?

[Jester]

That would be a negative sir.  I'm up to my ears at the moment.  I've got the trackday at the end of July pegged as a possibility.  This is a tough year all around.

[jweave]

I went to the May 31st Ridesmart trackday for the first time.  It was pretty crowded but I still enjoyed it. I wasnt sure about the skill level of the classes.  I did the level 1 but probably will do level 2 on the July 27th event.  I heard from one of the instructors that the events that go deeper into the summer tend to get less people due to heat.  I guess we will see.  Me and my step father Stuart will be there so I look forward to seeing you guys.

[cm]

I went to the May 31st Ridesmart trackday for the first time.  It was pretty crowded but I still enjoyed it. I wasnt sure about the skill level of the classes.  I did the level 1 but probably will do level 2 on the July 27th event.  I heard from one of the instructors that the events that go deeper into the summer tend to get less people due to heat.  I guess we will see.  Me and my step father Stuart will be there so I look forward to seeing you guys.

My first trackday ever was August last year and it was crowded so I'm not sure there will be less people in the middle of summer. Having said that, it was still fun (though I was the absolute slowest rider most of the day...).

James- I just signed up. I will be in Level 3 taking the Ty Howard class.  I will have a pair of SVs with me (#185).  Might be fun to try to get a group paddocked together. 

By the way, everyone is aware that we are running CLOCKWISE, right?.  First time in that configuration for me.  Horseshoe will be lots of fun (pond is in play) and big bend just became a decreasing radius turn!

[James.M]

My first trackday ever was August last year and it was crowded so I'm not sure there will be less people in the middle of summer. Having said that, it was still fun (though I was the absolute slowest rider most of the day...).

James- I just signed up. I will be in Level 3 taking the Ty Howard class.  I will have a pair of SVs with me (#185).  Might be fun to try to get a group paddocked together. 

By the way, everyone is aware that we are running CLOCKWISE.  First time in that configuration for me.  Horseshoe will be lots of fun (pond is in play) and big bend just became a decreasing radius turn!

CM, sweet sounds great, ya I am going to try to get there early to get a good spot... however, I just doubled checked, it says its counter-clockwise (thank god), I despise the clockwise way...

"June 27th 2009
MotorSport Ranch
Cresson, TX.
Original Track 1.7 mile
Counter Clockwise" ridesmart.info

[sdlrodeo]

James- I just signed up. I will be in Level 3 taking the Ty Howard class.  I will have a pair of SVs with me (#185).  Might be fun to try to get a group paddocked together. 

I'm planning on signing up for the level 3 Ty class in August. Since I got the track day for free, I figured it'd be cool to 'upgrade' and get the video as I think that helps in every aspect of practice.

you mentioned something about "knowing what your getting into" when you sign up for Ty's class. What did you mean by that?

Steve

[cm]

CM, sweet sounds great, ya I am going to try to get there early to get a good spot... however, I just doubled checked, it says its counter-clockwise (thank god), I despise the clockwise way...

"June 27th 2009
MotorSport Ranch
Cresson, TX.
Original Track 1.7 mile
Counter Clockwise" ridesmart.info

If you despise clockwise, you will be in for a surprise...

The website has a typo and it'll be fixed in a few days (they didn't notice that). 

I only signed up because I wanted to run it Clockwise.  My right turns can use more work.

By the way, I confirmed the direction several times with them (including Ty).

[cm]

I'm planning on signing up for the level 3 Ty class in August. Since I got the track day for free, I figured it'd be cool to 'upgrade' and get the video as I think that helps in every aspect of practice.

you mentioned something about "knowing what your getting into" when you sign up for Ty's class. What did you mean by that?

Steve

I did not mean to imply about Ty's class. My reference to 'knowing what you're getting into' is the fact that RideSmart will have more people on track at the same time than any other trackday you probably have gone to.  That's just the nature of the lower price point-lower price, higher demand.  With a lot more people, you can expect the attitudes to be more diverse just playing the percentages.  You WILL have someone in your group that thinks he's the next coming of Rossi and will want to prove it to everyone else.

Ty's class is great!  It is very high-value considering it only costs an extra $50...I have done private instruction days with Ty and it's a lot more than that (closer to $400+).  However, keep in mind that Ty's class runs in the same group as Level 4 which is the Racer practice group.  If you are not used to close quarters passing, it will be quite an adventure.  There are no passing rules in the group and a lot of the racers believe that they need to practice like they will be racing...and will take a pass in the same manner that they do when doing a sprint race.  The speeds also vary since you will have liter-bike racers practicing with SV racers (and even a few minis).  If you can hold your line and not freak when someone passes you in a corner where you don't expect it (like inside of rattlesnake) you'll be ok in Level 3/4.  I specifically do RideSmart events to get more used to having other bikes close by in corners.

I just didn't want people to have the wrong expectation and then be disappointed. If you're ok with the above you'll have a blast!

[James.M]

If you despise clockwise, you will be in for a surprise...

The website has a typo and it'll be fixed in a few days (they didn't notice that). 

I only signed up because I wanted to run it Clockwise.  My right turns can use more work.

By the way, I confirmed the direction several times with them (including Ty).

Nooooooooooooooo!!!! Im so disappointed!!! I hate going clockwise! 

maybe if they dont chnage it in time and enough people complain about it they'll let us do it at CC...
with my bad knee, I realllly can't do a 90% right turn based track... im a nascar racer... left turns only! =(

[cm]

Nooooooooooooooo!!!! Im so disappointed!!! I hate going clockwise! 

maybe if they dont chnage it in time and enough people complain about it they'll let us do it at CC...
with my bad knee, I realllly can't do a 90% right turn based track... im a nascar racer... left turns only! =(

I won't go if it's normal direction since I've done that many times (and I can go to MSR whenever I want on Member Days) and I wanted Ty to teach me the preferred lines on the reverse. A lot of people are definitely going because it is clockwise. The racers are the same way due to the July 11-12 CMRA weekend when they are running it clockwise.  It's not going to be 90% right turns....more like 75% 

[RED]

So, Carlo, are we still to believe you when you say you're just doing all these track days for better rider technique  or is there an underlying motive of actually putting all this knowledge on the track, shall we say "semi-pro/hobby wise" ? Hmm Hmmm?  Could it be we'll see you in Europe in the MGP 250 class? ha ha... (jk). It's great to follow your track day reports and can't wait to see you in action.

[cm]

So, Carlo, are we still to believe you when you say you're just doing all these track days for better rider technique  or is there an underlying motive of actually putting all this knowledge on the track, shall we say "semi-pro/hobby wise" ? Hmm Hmmm?  Could it be we'll see you in Europe in the MGP 250 class? ha ha... (jk). It's great to follow your track day reports and can't wait to see you in action.

LOL
It's definitely just for rider improvement and personal satisfaction (still enjoying the fact that I am slow enough to see a sec or 2 of improvement everytime I have a full day at the track). I started this way too late (like several decades too late)  for anything besides for fun and even a full CMRA Club racing schedule is a reach due to schedules. If I wanted to do something semi-pro, I'd switch back to cars since that would be more realistic. 

I do want to get decent enough where I would be comfortable doing a trackday in Europe (don't know what the rules are)...perhaps some sort of Keith Code type school where I can 'arrive and ride'. Would love to do Portimao, and  at least one of the Spanish and Italian tracks...but right now, I'd like to do some of the good ole USA tracks. Laguna Seca, Barber, and Miller are on my short-term list for next year (as well as needing to learn at least 2 new tracks on the CMRA schedule - Oak Hill and Hallett). 

I am going to be doing CMRA next year - definitely endurance,  and if I feel that my skills merit it, a few sprints.

Got my first taste of a modern 600cc bike last trackday (Dale from Maxim Honda let me ride his '07 CBR600RR for a session) and a 600cc will be in the works later this year.  It'll give me a different perspective of the track because of the additonal power/speed  and help 'slow down' the track when I'm on the SV.

By the way, I'll be in the MGP 250 class in 2 years (...too bad they're switching to the 600cc engines by that time). 

[RED]

European track days are mayhem from what I can tell in several mags I get fron the U. K. Power Bike is one TWO is another that devote some paperspace to track days. Not all that much different but very competitive. I would think not unlike the ones previously discribed.

OMG Portimao is so fine to watch in MGP but to actually be ON it would be ultimate. Catalunya, maybe even Assen or Mugello. Yeah the legendary tracks for certain.

Bevelhead and I are somewhat planning on a western adventure next to one of the biggies. Maybe we can all put the bikes on a trailer and head out.

[sdlrodeo]

I just didn't want people to have the wrong expectation and then be disappointed. If you're ok with the above you'll have a blast!

I'm cool with some tight quarters passing as I've done some myself, I just don't need someone Stuffing it up the inside in an unsportsman like way or running into the back of me or slamming on the brakes in front of me. You know 'jerk' stuff. A little challenge is very cool. I would think some of the Level 4 riders understand that trackdays aren't races and would like to keep their equipment shiny for the actual race. That being said, I also understand fully that accidents DO happen.

Thanks for the input though.
Steve

[cm]

I'm cool with some tight quarters passing as I've done some myself, I just don't need someone Stuffing it up the inside in an unsportsman like way or running into the back of me or slamming on the brakes in front of me. You know 'jerk' stuff. A little challenge is very cool. I would think some of the Level 4 riders understand that trackdays aren't races and would like to keep their equipment shiny for the actual race. That being said, I also understand fully that accidents DO happen.

Thanks for the input though.
Steve

You're welcome!  Anytime you go on the track - you run the risk of an accident.  I don't believe that anyone is really out there looking to be 'unsportsmanlike' or plan to run into the back of someone, etc.  However, it does happen.  I wish everyone would take the same mindset to the track which is - 'be sure you have YOUR bike under control at all times and especially when at risk of contact with another bike'. This would mean they have enough 'skill' left over if something unexpected happens and not use 100% of their skill as they pass someone but the opposite tends to happen. This would also mean people are thinking things through but we all know not everyone does it.  I personally don't think close quarters passing should be part of a trackday unless EVERYONE in the group is aware and agrees (by virtue of signing up for the group) that it is going to happen.  I know racers that will 'stuff' someone on a trackday because they feel that the person 'deserved it'.  Again, personally for me, it's not a race and there really isn't a reason to do that but in the big scheme of things, is there really a reason to go ride a motorcycle around a race track ...

I just go out there and try to have some fun and I hope everyone has the same mindset...keeping in mind that it's only fun until someone gets hurt (physically or financially).

See you guys out there!