12 common "Newbie" Mistakes.

[Raptor]

First Person / Opinion

By Monte Lutz, Sportbike Track Time

Article from Roadracing World 2007 Track Day Directory.

 

Congratulations! So have decided that time is right and you have committed to getting on track to learn some advanced riding skills. Here are some of the most common mistakes new track riders make - and how to avoid them

 

1. Lack of preparation. Be familiar with the rules and procedures of the specific track day or school. Go to their website and read over the rules and procedures more than once so you understand them thoroughly. Some clubs have forums where participants post their experiences, complaints and suggestions, check these out too,. If you have questions call or email aheadof time so there are no last-minute issues.

 

2. Forgetting something.Make a list and check it. Ever notice that people in high risk/high demandjobs are big on checklists? There is a reason... checklists help prevent overlooking things. Mr Astrounaut does not get a second chance to 'zip up space suit' after the hatch door opens' or 'deploy landing gear' after the space shuttle touches down! Make a list of the things you need and check it off as you load up. Three things often forgotten that can put a crimp on your trackday: Your photo ID, proof of medical insurance and your bike key.

 

3. Scrambling around to prepare your motorcycle the morning of the event.Prepare your motorcycle in advance unless you are riding to the track. This means you will need a copy of tech requirements and need to follow them. Don't expect to pass tech inspection if you skip anything- anything- on the list. Handling this in advance allows you to focus on other tasks the morning of your event.

 

4. Pre Track-Day Partying. Get a good meal and a good night's sleep. Your track experience is going to be physically and mentally demanding. Avoid alcohol or anything else the night before......duh!!!

 

5. Late Arrival. Get there early. Besides getting better spot at the paddock, you will feel relaxed, knowing you have 'extra' time. When a day starts off hectic and rushed, odds are it will never recover. You will be faced with many new experiences upon your arrival and you will not know the routine, so it will take you longer for each procedure than the rider who has done this many, many times. Do not be embarrassed to actually say, "This is my first timedoing this, will you help me?". We all had a first time and 99% of track day riders and staff will actually help you. However, they won't know to do so if you don't tell them or ask them for help.

 

6. Failure to pay atttention during the riders' meeting. Arrive a the riders' meeting early, get up front and bring a pad and a pen. You will want to hear and see everything the track marshall or event organiser does. This is important for your safety - and the safety of your fellow riders. Many of us know what to do when we see a waving yellow flag, do you? Pay particularly close attention to track entry and exit procedures and where to physically enter and exit the track. If you have a questions, write them down and ask the questions after the meeting, face to face.

 

7. I don't need any instructions. Never. ever pass up an opportunity to learn. If any classroom sessions are offered (I personally advise a structured program with calssroom and on-track instruction) take full advantage of them. Even if it costs a bit extra, you should pop for the extra money. As plenty of questions. If you are not asking questions, you are not getting the most from your learning experience.

 

8. Talking trash. The ego at home. Trash talkers are usually the riders who jump in over their heads and crash. Resist the temptation to baost and get competitive with your friends. Nothing good can come of it and it only distracts you from the day's primary goal.

 

9. Trying to go too fast, too soon. No one has ever finished a track day on the podium. There is no way to win a track day. However, there are plenty of ways to lose one. Some of these are pictured in full colour every month on the Crash Page in the back of Roadracing World. Don't feel pressured to go fast. Period. Take it easy and ease onto the on track sessions. You have all day, and it is physically more demanding than you will anticipate. Learn which way the track goes, then increase your speed in incremental steps. No one will be impressed if you try to go fast, ride poorly and fall. No one will criticise you if you ride within your limits, learn something and have a great experience. Most will tell you that the rider who learns to do things slowly and correctly enjoy this sport the most - and save money on damaged equipment.

 

10. Obsession with dragging a knee. Dragging a knee is something that in and of itself is not a goal. If you obsess over it,you will probably end doing many things incorrectly just to touch a knee down. It is the result of doing several parts of the cornering process well. Some very fast riders barely drag a knee at all and some do it much more frequently. Dragging a knee will just happen (along with a huge stupid grin!) when you nail your corner entry, apex and body position. Don't force it.

 

11. Worrying about how you "measure up". Don't worry about anyone other than yourself. This is not a race. Worry about yourself. Your goals should be to improve your skills and enjoy the experience.

 

12. Failure to communicate. Share your experience with your instructor during the day. If you don't understand a lesson point, ask questions. Your safety, fun and learning experience are your track day provider's primary goal. Let them know how they are doing. Talking to the instructor at the end of the day, face to face is the best way to provide feedback.

[fruitcakepablohoney]

Good info for us newbies!

[Luciferwayne]

ya man~! its some good info..

[Doctor DOL 46]

Hahaha.. Dis is GOOD..

 

Dis basic discipline shud be practise by all level of rider not only a begineer..

[Sub Zero]

Originally posted by Luciferwayne@March 22, 2007 09:07 am

ya man~! its some good info..

Wayne,

 

you are guilty of this!!

 

4. Pre Track-Day Partying. Get a good meal and a good night's sleep. Your track experience is going to be physically and mentally demanding. Avoid alcohol or anything else the night before......duh!!!

 

And i admit, i am guilty of this!!

 

10. Obsession with dragging a knee. Dragging a knee is something that in and of itself is not a goal. If you obsess over it,you will probably end doing many things incorrectly just to touch a knee down. It is the result of doing several parts of the cornering process well. Some very fast riders barely drag a knee at all and some do it much more frequently. Dragging a knee will just happen (along with a huge stupid grin!) when you nail your corner entry, apex and body position. Don't force it.

 

but i'm controlling it now!

[Luciferwayne]

Originally posted by Sub Zero@March 22, 2007 02:46 pm

Wayne,

 

you are guilty of this!!

 

4. Pre Track-Day Partying. Get a good meal and a good night's sleep. Your track experience is going to be physically and mentally demanding. Avoid alcohol or anything else the night before......duh!!!

 

And i admit, i am guilty of this!!

 

10. Obsession with dragging a knee. Dragging a knee is something that in and of itself is not a goal. If you obsess over it,you will probably end doing many things incorrectly just to touch a knee down. It is the result of doing several parts of the cornering process well. Some very fast riders barely drag a knee at all and some do it much more frequently. Dragging a knee will just happen (along with a huge stupid grin!) when you nail your corner entry, apex and body position. Don't force it.

 

but i'm controlling it now!

ya boy.. number 4 i did experience and it did felt like @!$@#%

[ambasnakeman]

good stuff man.....the air force did the right stuff sending u there

[Raptor]

Originally posted by ambasnakeman@March 22, 2007 10:51 pm

good stuff man.....the air force did the right stuff sending u there

Ya, thats why I took the time to type in the whole article to post it here.

 

Hopefully the mods of this forumwill make this thread sticky so that it will be of use to future newbie track riders.

 

Am sure when you read this, like me, you realised that it makes alot of sense and has valuable tips which can make a first visit to the track an enjoyable experience instead of a total disaster.

 

Bottomline is... go to the track with the right frame of mind and with the right intention.

[ambasnakeman]

Originally posted by Raptor@March 23, 2007 02:15 am

Ya, thats why I took the time to type in the whole article to post it here.

yo.....there is such a device called scanner and a feature called OCR.....

 

but effort counts

[Hartholomew]

OOOOooooo

 

Looks like Raptor has been busy huh?

 

Excellent Post yet again bro...

 

BUT...

 

I think you should take Amba's advice and use some program or software instead of typing it out...

 

I nearly died laughing here at work imagining you typing!!!!

 

Can you imagine the actual "Raptor" dinosaur sitting at a desk and doing the 2 finger stab at the keyboard!!!??? Muah Ah Ah Ah Ah!!!

[GrimReaper]

Raptor is the man with the plans. Hope to see you back on the track in 1 - 2years time. CBR sleeping at home. Can lend me warm up ion th track?

[Aie]

For someone who has never been to the tracks, Raptor's contribution is a great source of info and advisement for me. Thanks...

[daigo34]

good stuff bro.not only 4 newbie only but 4 all of us.ride safe n fast. :sweat:

[redbeacon]

Very informative. This is one checklist to which I would like to include with my track session, before - during - after.

[Lass]

Originally posted by Hartholomew@March 23, 2007 08:57 am

OOOOooooo

 

Looks like Raptor has been busy huh?

 

Excellent Post yet again bro...

 

BUT...

 

I think you should take Amba's advice and use some program or software instead of typing it out...

 

I nearly died laughing here at work imagining you typing!!!!

 

Can you imagine the actual "Raptor" dinosaur sitting at a desk and doing the 2 finger stab at the keyboard!!!??? Muah Ah Ah Ah Ah!!!

he can cut and paste la but he's improved! he knows how to MSN as well!

[145]

Originally posted by Raptor@March 22, 2007 06:38 am

 

10. Obsession with dragging a knee. Dragging a knee is something that in and of itself is not a goal. If you obsess over it,you will probably end doing many things incorrectly just to touch a knee down. It is the result of doing several parts of the cornering process well. Some very fast riders barely drag a knee at all and some do it much more frequently. Dragging a knee will just happen (along with a huge stupid grin!) when you nail your corner entry, apex and body position. Don't force it.

Very true... the more u drag...the later u exit...

Sometimes.. not a choice... cos u saw the cameraman at the bend...

Try to capture the pic of the day...