Alright.............
Well I busted my trackday cherry yesterday. After a couple of weeks of wired nerves, the day had finally come. I was about to hit the track. Despite all the circumstances that pointed towards me waiting...... I did it anyway.
Track weapon - 2004 ZX-10r(with gearing I'm not used to yet)
Tires - Regular Pilot Powers(I hate'em but found a good deal)
Summit Main - Not the smoothest track around LOL
Well I figured I would go the intermediate route and just have someone tow me around, baaaad Idea. Followin someone around the track is waaaay different than followin someone through back roads. Race lines, surface familiarity, proper bike setup, let's just say they all came into play. The whole group checked out on me as soon as we hit T1 and I had to take it wide because my suspension and tires(no heat yet) didn't like it. Not a big deal to me at this point because I'm the first to admit when I'm over my head and out of my skill set. I finished two laps and pit in to bump myself down to the beginner group. This was a slight bummer because I no longer had any familiar people to ride with. Heva B,even in the mist of all her anxieties was still more than suited for intermediate and was fine where she was.
So The beginner session was called and I once again stepped up to the plate. My homeboy Brian is one of the control riders for Roger Lyle and was more than happy to show me the proper line through the course. After a full session it all started coming together. You have to go slow to go fast. He followed me throught the next session and gave me great feedback, I believe the labels he gave me were; smooth, good lines, good body position and not skitish. lol
To make a long story short I I spent the rest of the day in the beginner group working on my technique and getting more familiar with the track. My speed increased and my brake markers got shorter. Still no knee down but I'm sure that will come with experience and increased speed.
Next time I go out, I will be sure to have my gearing back to stock and tires i have confidence in. But you best believe there will be a "NEXT" time. Trackdays are definately goin to be a part of my life from here on out, wish I would've done it sooner.
YEAH I KNOW, BUT IT'S GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME, YA DIG!!!!
http://www.myspace.com/bayboy_r1