[lossofsanity]

it seems many people in this forum ride track. I would like to start also. but where do I start. I have frame sliders on my bike and have a full suit w/ boots and gloves and of course a helmet. I would like to take my abilities to a new level because riding track and street are very different. And also I'd like to make my bike to a track bike and race. not for the rush but to ride the track perfect. i know it will take time but rather do it right than rush at it. thanks:thumbsup

 

[Champ91]

Michael's right. NESBA is the way to go IMO.

 

[cherrypicker]

Sounds liek a good plan. Check out some of the threads in the "Track Talk Forum".

Track riding is awesome, addictive, and expensive. If you're really serious, I would make your R6 into a track bike, then get something else for the street if you still want ot ride on the street.

Consider going to a track school too. Mostly it takes practice.

Riding on the street and track are very different. Skills learned on the track definitely make you sharper on the street. I know it's saved my ass a couple times. Locking up the front or swerving quickly to avoid a dumbass driver is NBD. Slide the bike around at 70mph on the track, and hitting a patch of oil of gravel is barely noticeable at 30mph.

I'm not sure what you mean by "riding the track perfect". I wouldn't say there is one perfect way at any track, but you can always try to be perfectly smooth in how you ride.

I think most racers don't enjoy the speed.. more the challenge of cutting a great laptime, or nailing down a section of the track. When the biek is just hooked up and your pushing it right at your and the bikes limits, there is definitely a certain thrill to it.

I'm not there yet, but I get a glimpse as to what it must be like from time to time.

 

[KBOlsen]

You're gonna have sooooo much fun!!!

NESBA is a terrific venue for getting acquainted with the track environment and practicing. SportbikeTrackTime (www.sportbiketracktime.com) is another Midwest track club. Additionally, if you're looking for a good local riding school at a reasonable price, I'd recommend Dave Rosno's VisionSports (www.team-visionsports.com) or Rick Breuer's Learning Curves (www.learningcurves.com). The Learning Curves licensing school is the "feeder" school for CCS.

One piece of gear you didn't mention is a back protector. If you don't already have one, I'd like to suggest you consider purchasing the best one you can find. On Saturday, I tumbled into Turn 1 at Blackhawk, planting my head and shoulder into the pavement at around 45 mph, with only a modest injury. My Bohn has already paid for itself in spades!