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Here's a brief summary:
What's a track day?
what really happens once you get to the track...
What is a track day?... Tell me more
I have highlighted the day, so that those of you who have never visited a track day will have an idea of how they work.
ARRIVE
Arrive at track about 8AM. The crew are already hard at work as riders unpack and ready their equipment. In order to ride a track at an open track day, there isn't much that has to be done to your bike, in fact, I prepared mine after I arrived.
Preparing the bike includes the removal of mirrors, taping (duct tape works great) the headlight, tail lights, directionals, and reflectors. This prevents the platic/glass from spilling out on the track in case the bike decides to fall over - it's never the rider's fault
TECH
After the bike is prepped... take it to "TECH" This is an area easily identified by the line of riders. At "tech" the crew reviews the bikes tires, taping and usually is quick to tape the little things that may have been overlooked like the Wheel weights. Their job is to keep the track and riders safe.
RIDERS' MEETING
Onto the riders' meeting. Dustin and crew greets everyone and review some basic track safety including the flag system. YOU SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE TRACK FLAGS PRIOR TO THE EVENT! I have been to several track events, and all to often, riders do not understand the flags. I do believe that most track days have flag information available prior to tack day!
With about sixty riders present, they are divided into fast (race) and slower (streets) groups. The separation is solely dependent on the riders at first. Later if you are too fast for the street group, the crew may advance you to the race group.
By 9AM, the balance of the day is nothing but riding! A rotation of groups in 20 minute intervals. That is a LOT of riding!
If you are new to the track or that track in particular, you will spend a good 10 laps or the 1st session learning the track layout and corners, another session or so finding good lines and the rest of the time really dialing in on the lap times, or just enjoying you, the bike and the track. I can't emphasize the exhilaration that you feel knowing that the road is yours! No cops, nor cars, not even something coming in the opposite direction! Your total concentration on improving your skills.
By the end of the day you are TIRED. Be careful not to ride beyond you bodies limits. Your muscles may be tired, your adrenaline depleted and if you continue to push it, bad things can happen. It is always better to stop early with your body, bike and ego in tact, rather than shattered.
Some tips for track day attendance...
Drink fluids - replenish the fluids in your body. Depending on heat it is easy to become dehydrated. With all the adrenaline flowing, you don't always realize that your body is lacking fluid.
Don't forget to eat something for energy. I start with a good breakfast, and use protein bars and fruit during the day. Maybe a light lunch, too.
Don't forget the bike....
Gasoline - most track days do NOT have gasoline available - bring your own. I used 10 gallons during the day!
Chain lube - keep it lubed and it will treat you right
Oil - Don't know that I ever needed it, but always have it.
Air for the tires - at least check them before the track. Some riders tune their suspension and tire pressure to dial the bike in.
Get out and ENJOY a track day. You'll find them around the country, so there is little excuse not to try one. I'm sure once you do, you'll be hooked, and you'll ride with a new attitude on the street.