| Author | Message | ||
     Scolly68 |
I'm dying to get out on a track and improve my skills. Anyone know of an upcoming track day near middle Tennessee? Any info or help would be greatly appreciated. | ||
| Ccryder |
Check it out here: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/37/ 358843.html?1215009130 Give Tom a call at Bumpus for the details, I'm sure he will be there, just look for #411 (when he is passing you ;+}) Neil S. | ||
| Tnxbrider |
Thanks for the compliment CC but I have rules for riding... never ever pass anything unless it is in front of you> | ||
| Chadhargis |
If I could catch your butt on that 1125, I'd do my best to pass you, but on the Nashville high bank, you just drop me like a bad habit. My little 600 can't keep up. | ||
| Scolly68 |
CCRyder, Thanks for the link. I may have to wait until next year so I can pick up some leathers but I'm gonna do it for sure. I'd rather hone my skills on a track than risk out on the street. | ||
| Ccryder |
Not to preach but, track skill are different from street skills. I hone my street skills EVERYDAY during my 140 mile round trip commute b/t Lebanon and Russellville, KY. Yes I would probably be a better street rider if I did some track days but, that would just put me closer to the cross-hairs of the LEOs I pass everyday and I don't need the added "speed tax". We should meet at Bumpus or somewhere and go for a ride. Give me a shout. Neil S. | ||
| Scolly68 |
I commute 80 miles a day on mine. I love riding the twisties up in the mountain but some track time will improve my skills in the corners where it is most vital IMO. I agree, we should meet up. I've yet to make a trip this summer due to maximum overload at work. | ||
| Chadhargis |
For me, track skills on the street come in to play by making things feel MUCH slower. This is a double edge sword. On one hand, you have to really keep your speeds in check since the street is not a controlled environment and you will find yourself quickly running a track pace if you're not careful. On the other hand, if you maintain a prudent street pace, your ability to brake harder, corner more confidently, resist panic, be comfortable in tight situations, etc.....will make you a better, safer street rider. Track riding is changed how I ride. On the street, I slow down, and enjoy the surrounding. I am better able to focus on hazards and the things around me. I find I don't have those scary "seat sucking" moments much anymore. I get my need for speed at the track, where I can push myself a little, and get out of my comfort zone. | ||
| Tnxbrider |
I agree 100% about the your comments Chad. I'm a much better smarter street rider now. I'm able to focus quicker and react more confidently. I also agree that I'll eat you up on that front stretch HAHAHAHAHAHA. Looking forward to this weekend. nice and easy does it... smooth can very quickly turn into fast. | ||
| Fresnobuell |
Right on, Chad. It's amazing to me after I do a track day, I can park the bike for a week or so and not feel the urge to hit the local twisties. I know the rush I had at the track can't be duplicated on the street, unless I throw ALL caution to the wind--which I am not willing to do. ON the street, I find the blind corners, funny looking pavement, speed limits & traffic to be much more of a limiter of pace than my skills. It's so great not to have to worry about ANY the stuff we normally contend with on the street and just ride fast. And, yes, the track is the place to hone one's skill and get out of one's comfort zone (if I can steal a phrase from Chad.) | ||
| Scolly68 |
"On the other hand, if you maintain a prudent street pace, your ability to brake harder, corner more confidently, resist panic, be comfortable in tight situations, etc.....will make you a better, safer street rider." This is what I'm aiming at getting out of doing some track days. Thanks Chad | ||
| Ccryder |
Chad: You are 100% right about them being slower on the street because they are, compared to the track. M/C skills can be improved on the track in safer manner than on the street. Your situational awareness can only truely be honed on the street and actively looking for situations and finding solutions. It's like playing golf. You practice your swings so your muscles memorize what to do. I keep my mind in practice by looking at each scenario that is presented to me during my ride and finding one or two safe ways out of the situation. 99% of the time that worst case scenario does not develop into an actual threat. The 1% that do, I have already trained my mind how to tell my body to react and what to do to avoid the threat. Part of the threat scenario is the actual threat (like a car turning) another part is the road condition or, the weather condition and then you have to deal with what can you do with your M/C to avoid the threat within the limitations that are presented to you. It ain't easy but, it is something that if you live it on every ride it becomes 2nd nature and almost happens in the background. Please remember that these threats do not always happen when you are moving. Moving or stopped you have to be aware of everything going on around you. After all that, I'm going to ride and have fun on my 70 mile trip home!!! Laaaater All. | ||
| Scolly68 |
I want to be able to drag my knee without the threat of laying my bike down and sliding into oncoming traffic. I want to enter and exit a corner without having to look over trees, bushes and not worry about gravel laying in the corner. Carry some sped down a straight away without having to worry about a dog, deer or a cop waiting to ruin my ride. That to me would be the fun in a Track Day. | ||
| Scolly68 |
Does anyone have suggestions on where to shop for leathers? Will the Buell leathers suffice the requirements for track days? I am trying to see if I can swing something for the October session at Nashville speedway. | ||
| Chadhargis |
Well Tom....once again, my little 600 with my 215lb butt on it couldn't catch that 1125 with your 180lb butt on it, but I tried like heck. Damn, I really want a V-twin track bike. Thanks for having Jeremy work the grill and give the test rides. You're a class act my friend!  (Message edited by chadhargis on August 09, 2009) | ||
| Tnxbrider |
Thanks Chad, hope you got one of the ones that didn't get dropped on the ground... I did see Jeremy brush them off pretty well before putting them back on grill, so I'm sure everything was fine. I never could get my bike really dialed in. either that or I just was not on this weekend. Either way I had a good time and got home with leftover beer. All is well! | ||
| Chadhargis |
Humm...I enjoyed the tasted of gas, oil, and melted rubber on my brat. Yummy. You weren't looking too bad. I dropped in behind you a few times before losing you on the straight. Damn 600  | ||
| Smoke |
chad, you just need to find a way to tuck in better.LOL glad you had fun. come on down to Barber this weekend. tim | ||
| Chadhargis |
Oh yeah...that's easy. I can shrink myself. LOL! |
