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Mean Streets

Tuesday, September 26, 2006
  Are Trackdays For You?
Having done 2 trackdays so far this year, I got to thinking of the positives and negatives of them.

I'll start with the negatives. First of all is cost, not only the cost of the trackday, but all the hidden costs. You will have to have the proper gear that meets the organizers requirement. Your bike needs proper preparation, good tires, chain and sprockets in good condition and adjusted properly. Getting the bike to the track also needs consideration. I would not want to ride to the track, do a trackday and have to ride home. That's just too much, so you will need to have a truck or something capable of pulling a trailer. Trailer rental is another thing that has to be factored in. Oh, and don't forget there will probably be a gate fee collected when you get to the track.

Another negative for me is that it has made riding on the street somewhat harder. It is now tougher for me to legally get a thrill on the street. I have found myself riding faster than I use to. 90mph doesn't seem that fast anymore. Also, when I ride in the canyons, I am bothered more by cars coming the other way around blind curves than I use to be. Cars coming at you is one thing that you don't have to worry about on the track.

One other thing that I consider a negative for me is that I have some self doubt when I'm on the track. I tend to think that I should be faster, which may or may not be true. This is a personal thing for me, I don't know if others go through it too. Also knowing how hard to push personal limits. You will want to come home with your bike in one piece.

Ok, enough negatives, now the positives. It is the only place that you can legally use your bike anywhere near its limits. There are no Police to worry about, no cars. The track surface will be predictable. You will be on a wide track, and you can use all of it. If you make a mistake, you won't be headed into oncoming traffic. Depending on what bike you are on and what track, you can hit its top speed.

Basically, the only limits on the track are your skill and guts. Until you get many trackdays under your belt, the bike won't be the limiting factor. I know I have come nowhere close to using the full potential of my bike. Also you can do trackdays on just about any "sport" or "standard" bike.

I guess in the end my conclusion is that it is totally worth it. The thrill outweighs all the negatives. I can't wait till I can do another one...
 

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Name:Jim
Location:Los Angeles, CA

I'm laid back. I enjoy riding and spending time with friends.

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