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View Full Version : Please Read If Attending July 10th Trackday


wei7
05-31-2002, 01:05 AM
To all attending our event:

To start I would just like to say thank you for the interest in our event. This is our first novice day and seats filled within two weeks! There will be about twenty BARFers so I just wanted to post here and talk to everyone.

I just noticed that some people posting want to be in advanced which is great because of the speed differences but should not be the deciding factor for picking a group. A key note to everyone: if you have or have not riden at Thunderhill and feel that you want or need some basics please start in the B group. For some people which feel that times are the reason they should be in A group or people who feel they have been to the track enough time please do not let egos get in the way. It is perfectly fine to start in B.

This is a day for learning and can not stress enough of this. If anyone for any reason wants to go to this event to race or show off times I will just give you a refund now. Having a buddy system would be the best thing but groups of people is not recommended. We do not need twenty people going through one turn together. Note: outside passing only but please keep this in mind, if you are faster than someone watch the person in front making sure that the person in front is holding a steady line and a safe distance before attempting the pass. If possible you can hold steady and make a clean pass at a straight away instead.

Another note to high output bikes: many of you have very high horsepower bikes. PLEASE try to keep a clean and smooth ride. I see too many people whacking the front and rear straights but going at a snails pace around turns. This not only does nothing for you but holds people up that normally would be able to pass you. No one wants to get hurt so if you are slower in turns please be slower on the straights. This is not about not letting anyone pass you. I dont need to hear things like I didnt let anyone pass me all day or I passed soooooooooooooo many people today. Utilize the suspension before the power. I hear too many people say my lap time was this or that because they went 150mph on the straight. Suspension is the most important thing at this event. Limit your speeds in the straights and set up for turns.

Taping up the speedometer is the one best pieces of advice I can give you. Many people look down to see how fast they went right before they crashed. As said before, this is not a race and top MPH does nothing.

The reason for all of the saftey messages and so many posting is because we had a very unfortunate event in May. There were too many crashes and too many people with something to prove. I do not like chasing people down and almost kicking people out of the track but I will do it. This is a saftey day and an event to get to know your bike.

If anyone has any questions or comments please post.

Thank you for your time
Deb and Ed
www.speedyard.com

MackeyStingray
05-31-2002, 01:27 AM
another thing is to not be concerned w/ trying to drag your knee if you've never done it before. i know superhawk2000 was passing guys who were while still having plenty of room to keep dem pucks nice and shiny.

also don't try following faster guys on the track. that's just asking for it. your ego and bike (if you happen to have the latest and greatest) will lead you to believe that you can take on any bike in your scope which is simply not true. technique and experience especially, always rule.

how do i know what to avoid? you guessed it, personal 1st hand experience resulting in a fractured ankle and a totalled 2001 gixxer 600 (owned less than 1yr).

just cause you're on a track does not mean you can ride recklessly and unsafely. while there aren't pedestrians, gravel and sand or guardrails to worry about, it's not a license to ride like a maniac.

waverave r6
05-31-2002, 01:28 AM
I have no problem moving down to the B group if you need more people there. Ive been to t-hill once before and will be there all day on the 9th (hot track) right before this track day...Ive also been to buttonwillow a few times. Im not there to break any lap records I just want to be comfortable out there.
I would classify myself as a "B" rider in a A/B/C format. The reason I ask to be put in your "A" group is because it sounds like the "B" group was dedicated for people who basically have zero track experience.
Please advise...I have no problem either way. I just feel it would be more benefitial to my learning process to be riding with more experienced riders...I dont mind getting passed :twofinger

theSteveCo
05-31-2002, 12:51 PM
Just a quick note as I'm in LA and just finished talking to wei7 about the trackday.

We will be arranging a pre-trackday meeting during which you can meet wei7 and the other riders attending. The focus of the meeting will be to establish guidelines for this event (novice day vs open track) and to let the first-timers know what to expect from their time on the track.

This will be scheduled for the week of June 20th, we're thinking it'll be somewhere on the peninsula. Please, whether you've been to the track before or not, even if you've attended Speedyard events in the past, let us know when you're available that week. We're looking at probably an hour or two to just talk about safety, expectations, and perhaps even some discussions pertaining to technique. Safety, however, is our primary focus.

Personally, I can't wait for the event -- 20 BARF riders is an amazing turnout!!

Instance
05-31-2002, 01:25 PM
I'm good for the meeting before the track.

Suspension?? Whats that?? Like I've told Steve, isnt that the fork thingy in the front that shrinks in size when I do a stoppie?? :D :D

If anyone is willing to help me with my suspension set-up at the track I'd greatly appreciate it!!! Ed, I know you had a 900RR once, and you're itchen to ride one again....:D :D

superhawk
05-31-2002, 02:02 PM
With ed's permission, I am willing to ride with some of the newer riders and give some pointers.
Ed if you have time maybe I can follow you for a lap or two so that I can ride the official race line.
One more thing, how bout all of us barfers get to the track early so we can get the show on the road. The gates open at 7:30, but the man gets there about 7:15.

MackeyStingray
05-31-2002, 04:01 PM
that's a great idea to have a pre-trackday meet. maybe i should make a printout of my bike after the trackday to hammer it home not to push past your limit :rolleyes

too bad you didn't hit that maintenance day instance, coulda gotten your suspension dialed in. i thought you already did though? :confused

hey :superhawk, mind following me around? :teeth i think i've improved somewhat though i'm sure you can help point me in the right direction.

VTRweasel
05-31-2002, 04:25 PM
Originally posted by wei7
Taping up the speedometer is the one best pieces of advice I can give you.

great advise :D

"also don't try following faster guys on the track."

and great advise :D

also, don't be concerned with the riders behind you, if a faster rider wants to pass you he/she should be able to do so without you having to change your line in either a turn or on the straights. consintrate on the road ahead (far ahead)

me$.02

JnglstTICAL
05-31-2002, 04:31 PM
Steve & Ed, just let me know, or post when this meet will be, I will make myself free, I want to soak up as much info for the trackday as possible, I want to make my transition from twisties to the track as smooth as possible, and learn as much as I can.

Good Idea by the way.

Originally posted by theSteveCo
Just a quick note as I'm in LA and just finished talking to wei7 about the trackday.

We will be arranging a pre-trackday meeting during which you can meet wei7 and the other riders attending. The focus of the meeting will be to establish guidelines for this event (novice day vs open track) and to let the first-timers know what to expect from their time on the track.

This will be scheduled for the week of June 20th, we're thinking it'll be somewhere on the peninsula. Please, whether you've been to the track before or not, even if you've attended Speedyard events in the past, let us know when you're available that week. We're looking at probably an hour or two to just talk about safety, expectations, and perhaps even some discussions pertaining to technique. Safety, however, is our primary focus.

Personally, I can't wait for the event -- 20 BARF riders is an amazing turnout!!

superhawk
05-31-2002, 06:01 PM
Originally posted by Mstingray
that's a great idea to have a pre-trackday meet. maybe i should make a printout of my bike after the trackday to hammer it home not to push past your limit :rolleyes

too bad you didn't hit that maintenance day instance, coulda gotten your suspension dialed in. i thought you already did though? :confused

hey :superhawk, mind following me around? :teeth i think i've improved somewhat though i'm sure you can help point me in the right direction.
Not a problem

Instance
05-31-2002, 08:55 PM
Originally posted by Mstingray


too bad you didn't hit that maintenance day instance, coulda gotten your suspension dialed in. i thought you already did though? :confused


Never did the suspension dial in, just set the sag. And after I got the fork seals replaced, the front end feels softer.

rsrai
05-31-2002, 09:20 PM
im stoked :)

waverave r6
05-31-2002, 09:27 PM
I'd be more than happy to help anyone that needs suspension setup, track preps or whatever. Stop by anytime at the track or contact me before the trackday if you want to do it before you head out there.

JnglstTICAL
06-01-2002, 08:22 PM
I may take you up on that, I will private message you!

Originally posted by waverave r6
I'd be more than happy to help anyone that needs suspension setup, track preps or whatever. Stop by anytime at the track or contact me before the trackday if you want to do it before you head out there. :D