All other things considered, the track is by far the safest place
to ride. On the track there are no Soccer moms in mini vans talking
on cell phones, no gravel in the corners, no oncoming traffic, NO COPS!
no farm machinery(this is an Iowa thing) in other words no distractions.
This leaves your mind free to concentrate on your riding skills. You also
get to go through the same corners all day long. This is something
you can't really do on the street or public highways. This allows
you to learn every lap. The track schools keep the sessions short,
usually 20-30 minutes. That is about as long as anyone can maintain
the level of concentration required to be safe and keep improving.
When you arrive at the track, get a map of it. Better yet you
can get maps and layout details on most tracks web sites. You
can actually start to learn the track before you even get there.
I do this and it has been a big help. Now that I've got you fired
up about attending a track day/school here's a little of what
you need to know. Bike prep, this varies from track to track but
basically you need to tape the headlight, taillight, mirrors (or
remove them) turn signals and speedometer. If you run a liquid
cooled bike you usually will have to run water only in your coolant
system (one thing us Buellers don't have to worry about) your
tires must be in good condition, I recommend new tires in a soft
compound, this will give you extra grip that you may need. Safety
gear, Full face helmet with visor that is free of scratches, full
leathers, one piece or two piece that zip together (some tracks
require full circumference and I recommend it), gauntlet style
gloves and boots at least 8" tall, most tracks will accept lace
up boots if you tape your laces. Some tracks have leathers available
to rent. Cost, The track days/schools I have attended have ranged
from $150.00 to $250.00 per day. Some tracks have two-day specials,
first day is a track school, and second day is an open track day.
This brings up a point; make sure what you're getting for your
money.
If you want instruction, do a track school. If you just want
track time, do a track day. It may not be true everywhere but
generally a track school is instruction all day. A track day is
little instruction, just track time. Couple of other thoughts,
trailer to the track day, you can take pop up tents, chairs, tools,
extra gas, spare parts etc. Plus if you have the misfortune of
pitching your bike you can still get home. Take plenty of liquids
to drink, water, Gatorade, pop, no not beer. Take an extra change
of clothes. It is incredible how much sweat you'll work up. I
hope this article has helped you decide to take the next step
in becoming a better, safer rider by doing a track day or track
school this summer. You'll never be the same again!
Ride to the edge!
Dave Stueve HD/Buell Cycle Center
Waterloo, Ia
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