local first track day advice - Ducati Monster Forums: Ducati Monster Motorcycle Forum

cloudseeker · 05-17-2006, 04:12 PM

My wife got me a gift certificate with Keigwins for my birthday [thumbsup]

I'm looking for advice on what to use it for - a track day or a two day school? I don't expect to start investing my kid's college funds in track days, so mostly I just want to have a good time. I figure the two day school is probably smartest? I see that they have openings Jun 13-14 at Thunderhill.

I've never done a track day before. I've been riding off and on for about 12 years (mostly off, to be honest) . I took the MSF about 12 years ago. I probably only have 15,000 miles on bikes, but 80% of that is canyons/twisties, working on the relevant skills. I think the web site says you have to take a class first, but that they do make exceptions - would skipping the two day class be a dumb idea if I qualify?

I can probably handle the "how-do-I-prep-my-bike-and-gear" questions myself by searching, etc. It doesn't seem too difficult, although I probably have to get a working rear brake by then!

Tigre · 05-17-2006, 04:29 PM

I'd recommend the 2-day novice school with Keigwins... You'll get more seat time that you'll need in two days at T-Hill in the central valley. Keigwins runs a tight ship. They know their stuff and have good instructors.

The instruction will be invaluable, as riding on the track is significantly different from riding on the street.

If you decide against my advice (bad idea!), try to pick a date that some of us will be at, so you'll have some support.

cloudseeker · 05-17-2006, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tigre

I'd recommend the 2-day novice school with Keigwins...* You'll get more seat time that you'll need in two days at T-Hill in the central valley.* Keigwins runs a tight ship.* They know their stuff and have good instructors.

The instruction will be invaluable, as riding on the track is significantly different from riding on the street.

If you decide against my advice (bad idea!), try to pick a date that some of us will be at, so you'll have some support.

Thanks much! I'll take your advice. I'll probably wait until the Sept. class so I have more time to fix the last few things on the bike, and so I can scrub the tires and get new ones right before.

...then maybe I'll join you all on a regular track day later on 8)

mmoore · 05-17-2006, 05:03 PM

I'm heading out for the 13-14 session, so I hope you make it. [thumbsup]

Ditto on the Keigwins recommendation. The main thing at any school type event is to pipe up, ask questions, and buttonhole instructors to help you with things you're interested in learning. They don't generally approach people unless they're mightily screwing up. Just pair up with someone who seems good/nice and focus on some aspect like body positioning, lines, braking, whatever.

I haven't done the school before but I think it should be good.

mmoore · 05-17-2006, 05:04 PM

Ooops. Missed your post as I was typing.

You might find this helpful: http://www.ducatimonster.org/faq/faq..._day_prep.html

cloudseeker · 05-17-2006, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Moore

I'm heading out for the 13-14 session, so I hope you make it.* [thumbsup]

Ditto on the Keigwins recommendation.* The main thing at any school type event is to pipe up, ask questions, and buttonhole instructors to help you with things you're interested in learning. They don't generally approach people unless they're mightily screwing up. Just pair up with someone who seems good/nice and focus on some aspect like body positioning, lines, braking, whatever.

I haven't done the school before but I think it should be good.

Bummer, turns out the 13-14 isn't good - family stuff. Sorry to miss you... I signed up for the Sept. session instead.

I'll need to hook up for some Tam loops soon though, so as to make best use of the current set of tires before replacing them 8)

Tigre · 05-17-2006, 07:19 PM

Burnouts, dude. Burnouts.

Vamos · 05-17-2006, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cloudseeker

Bummer, turns out the 13-14 isn't good - family stuff.* Sorry to miss you...* I signed up for the Sept. session instead.*

I'll need to hook up for some Tam loops soon though, so as to make best use of the current set of tires before replacing them* 8)

I'm always up for riding,let me know when you want to go,and I'll bring my 748 [thumbsup]

cloudseeker · 05-17-2006, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drivetrane

I'm always up for riding,let me know when you want to go,and I'll bring my 748 [thumbsup]

Sunday evening?

enzo · 05-18-2006, 12:39 AM

I did a school for the first time. I really liked having the class time, although it makes for a very full day. I was really, really nervous my first time out. I wasn't quite ready to jump into track days but someone, the same someone who talked me into this stupid bike habit in the first place, pushed me into it. Now I'm completely hooked. [cheeky]

Anyway the school is nice, because it's really structured. My first time on the track felt like total chaos and I liked the idea of being taken care of. I liked that trained instructors would stop me and tell me what I was doing wrong--which was plenty. ;D I've done like 1.5 trackdays after that and now it seems pretty simple. That first time tho--it's like jumping on the freeway after you've been riding three weeks total. It's a bit nervewracking and then you wonder why you were so wound up...