Hampton Downs Rider Training

[Mr Merde]

I was asked by another member of the Papakura District council if I could post this up to this site.

I dont know if it has been posted already but if so I appologise.

Chris

[Movistar]

Already enrolled and looking forward to it!

Went to Taupo for this last year and and it was great.

Would definitely recommend it for all levels of riding ability.

[musicman]

Found out about this a few days ago, unfortunately on the HMCC website it says this is sold out! :weep:

http://www.hamiltonmcc.org.nz/news.php?id=anytime479e7f9db8f86

[caseye]

Damn, I sure hope it's going to be a rgular thing then cause myself and my new to riding wife would go for sure.

[ckai]

Already enrolled and looking forward to it!

Went to Taupo for this last year and and it was great.

Would definitely recommend it for all levels of riding ability.

+1 :niceone:


Found out about this a few days ago, unfortunately on the HMCC website it says this is sold out! :weep:

http://www.hamiltonmcc.org.nz/news.php?id=anytime479e7f9db8f86

Yeah you have to be real quick with them because they're so good. There B-grade gets filled really quick. Last year I managed to get into their newbie grade with only a few weeks out because there wasn't many people. So if you're a B-grader you'll be shit out of luck. Otherwise you could check up to be sure.


Damn, I sure hope it's going to be a rgular thing then cause myself and my new to riding wife would go for sure.

It's yearly. I almost reckon they could do it every 6 months they're so popular.

[javawocky]

Sold out? :crybaby:

[CookMySock]

Sold out? :crybaby:Whats wrong with AMCC Advanced Rider Training days? There's lots of those.

Steve

[Henk]

Whats wrong with AMCC Advanced Rider Training days? There's lots of those.

I've done one and although it was a bundle of laughs it is basically a track day under another name. Signed up for the HMCC day early enough to get in and have the impresion that it's more than the guided tour of the track and then go for your life that the AMCC ART is.

[Highlander]

We'll be there on the Saturday (7th Nov.)
Quite looking forward to it.

This will be the first time I have doen a Hamilton Motorcycle Club day, but I have only heard good things from those that have done them in past years.

[McJim]

You fellas are lucky - that Hampton Downs track looks like a barrel of fun. None of this flat shit we see at the other tracks.

[Highlander]

You fellas are lucky - that Hampton Downs track looks like a barrel of fun. None of this flat shit we see at the other tracks.

Lucky?
Minor compensation for living in the North rather than the Mainland.

[Movistar]

Had a great day with many others today. :niceone:

Learning some new tricks, practising some old ones and absolutely loving the track!

Well done to HMCC for hosting a great day, to all the sponsors and to the marshals and volunteers.

[Max Headroom]

The rider training day at Hampton Downs was excellent. Stunning track, decreasing radius corners, elevation changes, great surface.


I'm almost embarrassed to admit that in three decades of riding roadbikes, yesterday was my first experience on a track. I made excuses for years that I didn't have a suitable bike or riding gear or this or that . . . well, I still don't have a suitable bike but it didn't matter yesterday. It was a blast to just do it.

I've read various comments about Hampton Downs not having any atmosphere, whatever that means, and yesterday someone commented on it again in between sessions. I think that we create atmosphere by our actual presence, by writing our own history. The Hampton Downs facility isn't anywhere near finished yet, and it's a blank canvas ready for us to make our own memories.

I wanna build a trackbike now . . . . :scooter:

[Dieseldick]

The rider training day at Hampton Downs was excellent. Stunning track, decreasing radius corners, elevation changes, great surface.


I'm almost embarrassed to admit that in three decades of riding roadbikes, yesterday was my first experience on a track. I made excuses for years that I didn't have a suitable bike or riding gear or this or that . . . well, I still don't have a suitable bike but it didn't matter yesterday. It was a blast to just do it.

I've read various comments about Hampton Downs not having any atmosphere, whatever that means, and yesterday someone commented on it again in between sessions. I think that we create atmosphere by our actual presence, by writing our own history. The Hampton Downs facility isn't anywhere near finished yet, and it's a blank canvas ready for us to make our own memories.

I wanna build a trackbike now . . . . :scooter:

I'll second this. Great days riding on a well designed track. The organisers and their sponsors deserve applause for a well run meet. The tuition classes between track time, were very well presented too.:niceone:

I wonder how many of the tracks knockers have actually got out and ridden this track. I've driven cages on a few, and rate this one highly.
I haven't been on a track for over 20 years and have avoided doing so on a bike for fear of divorce proceedings. Hell, I'd really like to do the Post Classic Series.:drool:

[White trash]

I wonder how many of the tracks knockers have actually got out and ridden this track.

Glad you had a good time, but I've not seen any serous critisism of HD yet. Something that DOES concern me a little before I've ridden it is the crest before the kink past pit entrance with a concrete barrier on the outside. Doesn't make a lot of sense to me but I'll still give it a nudge.

[Dodgyiti]

Glad you had a good time, but I've not seen any serous critisism of HD yet. Something that DOES concern me a little before I've ridden it is the crest before the kink past pit entrance with a concrete barrier on the outside. Doesn't make a lot of sense to me but I'll still give it a nudge.

Guys on the more powerfull bikes in A grade found the front lifting on the crest, just makes it more exciting. The barrier is not as close as it seems when your on track, you would have to be very silly to get in trouble there because the kink is not a very fast one.
The most important thing is to get out on the track while it is still smooth and lovely before some dick books in a truck race and chops up the surface like Puke:angry2:
Right now it is smooth and grippy, enjoy it while you can:sunny:

[White trash]

Guys on the more powerfull bikes in A grade found the front lifting on the crest, just makes it more exciting. The barrier is not as close as it seems when your on track, you would have to be very silly to get in trouble there because the kink is not a very fast one.
The most important thing is to get out on the track while it is still smooth and lovely before some dick books in a truck race and chops up the surface like Puke:angry2:
Right now it is smooth and grippy, enjoy it while you can:sunny:
Cheers for the advice.

Lend me the Grisso for the 22nd? :D

[Dieseldick]

Glad you had a good time, but I've not seen any serous critisism of HD yet. Something that DOES concern me a little before I've ridden it is the crest before the kink past pit entrance with a concrete barrier on the outside. Doesn't make a lot of sense to me but I'll still give it a nudge.

Hey, it's something I thought of too before entering the track. It's no where near as bad it looks, as long as you don't get too heavy on the front brakes when you're at the crest. I did this on one run, while carrying a bit too much speed. Theres quite a bit of room though before getting into serious trouble.:gob:

Besides, undulations, down hill entries to tight hair pins and off camber corners are all part of a decent track challenge. :yes:

[Dodgyiti]

Cheers for the advice.

Lend me the Grisso for the 22nd? :D

Sold it Jimmy:bye:

But built this up instead, 79.2 R/W hp big brakes and about 30kg lighter than std. Prime target for a bit of hoonery:innocent:

[White trash]

Sold it Jimmy:bye:

But built this up instead, 79.2 R/W hp big brakes and about 30kg lighter than std. Prime target for a bit of hoonery:innocent:
That's bloody stunning mate, nice job!

[Devil]

as long as you don't get too heavy on the front brakes when you're at the crest.

Just for reference, you shouldn't be anywhere near the brakes around the crest, even on a superbike...

[Dieseldick]

Just for reference, you shouldn't be anywhere near the brakes around the crest, even on a superbike...

Very true, but in the heat of the moment you can find yourself in that position. Even some of the guns will do it.:Oops:

[RDjase]

The most important thing is to get out on the track while it is still smooth and lovely before some dick books in a truck race and chops up the surface like Puke:angry2:


Truck racing and drifting , The 2 most stupid forms of track destroying motorsport(Very vaugly call sport):bash:

Does truck racing still happen? havnt seen or heard of it for ages , Bloody good too:yes:


hoonery:innocent:

Top effort on the bike and the new cool word:niceone:


I haven't been on a track for over 20 years and have avoided doing so on a bike for fear of divorce proceedings. Hell, I'd really like to do the Post Classic Series.:drool:

You said you would get the racing bug after Taupo last weekend mate , Good stuff aye

[Pumba]

Just for reference, you shouldn't be anywhere near the brakes around the crest, even on a superbike...

+1

Although I will admit it did shock me a bit the first time I hit it at pace:Oops:

The track is great. You are going to need hoursepower and a good suspension set up to be real quick there.

[rocketman1]

Yeah did the rider training with the Hamilton Motor Cycle club on the weekend.
I can say it was a very well run event, on a great track, the club and the sponsors have put on a great and informative event, on a very challenging track. With a strong emphasis on training, not racing.
The surface of the track is very sooth and very grippy, it also has plenty of width where needed. The tight left hander / hairpin that feels like it drops about 10metres in about 30metres and tightens up as get into it is absolutely stunning, what a great change to have track that is not boringly flat.
The track owners have something to be proud of here, the design of the track is a credit to them.
They still have fair amount of work to do to get the complex complete, but it has the making a damn good circuit.
Cant wait till next time.

[ckai]

Glad you had a good time, but I've not seen any serous critisism of HD yet. Something that DOES concern me a little before I've ridden it is the crest before the kink past pit entrance with a concrete barrier on the outside. Doesn't make a lot of sense to me but I'll still give it a nudge.

You want criticism? Here's criticism...it's too short. And it's extremely heavy on the right hand side of your tyres. The car racers are going to murder their left rears. It'll be good when the extension is done so there is more lefties in the mix.

Otherwise awesome track and the wall...no problems. You're generally using the right hand side of the track at the point and as mentioned you'd have to miss up big to get near it.

The best thing is multiple lines through corners i.e. outside passing if you have the balls :Punk:


Guys on the more powerfull bikes in A grade found the front lifting on the crest, just makes it more exciting.


It's even unloads the rear if you don't have enough weight on the rear :Oops:


The tight left hander / hairpin that feels like it drops about 10metres in about 30metres and tightens ...
The track owners have something to be proud of here, the design of the track is a credit to them.
They still have fair amount of work to do to get the complex complete, but it has the making a damn good circuit.
Cant wait till next time.

A few people (me included) were having "issues" with the right hander just before the hairpin (short straight then tightest/narrowest corner). It's pretty much the only part of the track that's narrow and with the cones they had it was certainly tight. Would be nicer to do without them so not sure if they were there to slow things down or not.

Agree the owners can be proud, it's gonna be a great complex.

[Rodders]

Glad you had a good time, but I've not seen any serous critisism of HD yet. Something that DOES concern me a little before I've ridden it is the crest before the kink past pit entrance with a concrete barrier on the outside. Doesn't make a lot of sense to me but I'll still give it a nudge.
Hey Jimmy - I think you'll love the crest !! I'm sure you'll be able to let the front come up over the crest while cranked over and pull a nice mono all the way around and past the pits!! Concrete wall shouldn't be a problem but who knows when you get 4 or more superbikes at 250 plus battling ??
I had my first tday on the Gixxer today which was a blast- great circuit - nice with the elevation changes. Trashed (no pun intended) my racetecs as did most on soft rubber - nearly highsided when it let go round big sweeper onto straight-out of the seat moment. Had alot of fun trying to follow Jared Love. Nice to give the gixxer a little bit of gas!!

[Dodgyiti]

Yeah, it was a great day alright, any of you guys got any pictures loaded up?
My Mrs was supposed to be there snapping away but never made it.
Who was the photographer posted on track?

[Highlander]

I was really enjoying it but twice had someone I didn't know was there cut through my inside just as I was tipping into the hair pin (as I was following the line of mats they had put down).
First time unnerved me such that the rest of that session I was real jumpy and couldn't get my head right. Second one freaked me out I finished that lap and didn't get back on the track, and now couple of days later don't much care if I never do.

If we were racing then fair enough, but that wasn't the idea of the day and frankly that ruined it for me.

Couldn't identify the bike / bikes that did it so no point in complaining to the organisers.

Otherwise they did a sterling job. Nice track. Top effort by the volunteers of the Hamilton Motorcycle Club. Good on them getting ACC and the road safety people from the various councils on side. :clap:

[Dodgyiti]

Yep, there were a few people very fast in a straight line:laugh:
And a few doing some silly stuff that was not exactly related to a rider training event:angry:
I pulled over on the straights to let 'em past but the odd one was trying to still get in front on the corner entry:nono:

[Highlander]

Yep, there were a few people very fast in a straight line:laugh:
And a few doing some silly stuff that was not exactly related to a rider training event:angry:
I pulled over on the straights to let 'em past but the odd one was trying to still get in front on the corner entry:nono:

Yeah, when I knew there was someone behind me I made a point of letting them past so I could focus on my cornering, when I wanted to pass I gave them plenty of room through the corners then took my chance.

[Ascott]

I did the Sunday "rider training day" well run great day, great bunch of people, but that track, what a f...ing beauty! so fast! just brilliant, and I didn't notice any safety concerns. Probably not going fast enough. Had a ball, thank you HMCC!
Al

[ckai]

I was really enjoying it but twice had someone I didn't know was there cut through my inside just as I was tipping into the hair pin (as I was following the line of mats they had put down).
First time unnerved me such that the rest of that session I was real jumpy and couldn't get my head right. Second one freaked me out I finished that lap and didn't get back on the track, and now couple of days later don't much care if I never do.

If we were racing then fair enough, but that wasn't the idea of the day and frankly that ruined it for me.



Have to agree with you here as well. Luckily I was never on the receiving end and never did it to anyone else but I witnessed a few shockers. Dunno about the other groups but ours got a talking to about some racing each other and just trying to get the knee down. I don't have a problem with that, but when you're carving up people that are working on things AND at the start of the day, it seems a bit stupid.

I had some curteous (sp) guys ride with me on the outside of corners so I knew they were there and a few people powering on later out of corners to let me pass. It started to work well by the end of the day. I suppose when all the riff-raff went home :) haha

For a track day, sweet - go hard. Get your money's worth, blast people, and push yourself. But for a training day - don't use it as a cheap track day and screw with those that are using it for what it is.

On another note, I was wondering if I would have learnt enough to transfer to the road since it was exactly the same as last year. I always knew I would lean the bike better since gives you more confidence in your tyres, but I didn't know about the other stuff. Turns out I use a much better line in corners with out thinking (before I had to think about it)...on the way home an HSV blasted past friends in the car in front so I thought it was good practice ;) He was flying but he cheated by cutting the corners :)

[JamRoll]

Awesome day on Sunday :woohoo: Thanks to HMCC and everyone who worked hard to get us the weekend, it was really well organised and coaches were extremely helpful. Outstanding track, even lifting the front at 200+ over the crest (bump) was fun. Not too much sillyness out there, just lots of people having fun :scooter:

[Dodgyiti]

On another note, I was wondering if I would have learnt enough to transfer to the road since it was exactly the same as last year. I always knew I would lean the bike better since gives you more confidence in your tyres, but I didn't know about the other stuff. Turns out I use a much better line in corners with out thinking (before I had to think about it)...on the way home an HSV blasted past friends in the car in front so I thought it was good practice ;) He was flying but he cheated by cutting the corners :)

Good to know it was of value for you. For me, I had had the bike I took for quite a few years and never pushed it as hard as I did that day. Now I know the limits of the tires and lean angle and also how good the brakes are, never pushed them that hard. all that gives me greater confidence in how hard I can brake, how quickly I can wash off speed, and if I over cook a corner- how hard I can lean and brake. So in that respect I learnt a lot that could save me in an emergency.
Plus I was proud of my bike and how it went. The motor held together at higher revs than it was supposed to do from new, so I can build and blueprint an engine with confidence. Yay!

This does not mean I will ride faster or change how I ride at all, I will just know that the limits of my bike are well within how I ride it on the road.

[ckai]

Good to know it was of value for you. For me, I had had the bike I took for quite a few years and never pushed it as hard as I did that day. Now I know the limits of the tires and lean angle and also how good the brakes are, never pushed them that hard. all that gives me greater confidence in how hard I can brake, how quickly I can wash off speed, and if I over cook a corner- how hard I can lean and brake. So in that respect I learnt a lot that could save me in an emergency.
Plus I was proud of my bike and how it went. The motor held together at higher revs than it was supposed to do from new, so I can build and blueprint an engine with confidence. Yay!

This does not mean I will ride faster or change how I ride at all, I will just know that the limits of my bike are well within how I ride it on the road.

I hear ya mate, and if you're the one that had the red guzzi on the saturday...bloody fine piece of kit :niceone:

[ajturbo]

Just for reference, you shouldn't be anywhere near the brakes around the crest, even on a superbike...
sooo... your saying i am safe on my bucket then???:shifty:

[Max Headroom]

I hear ya mate, and if you're the one that had the red guzzi on the saturday...bloody fine piece of kit :niceone:

Yes he was, and yes it is!

[Movistar]

Yeah, it was a great day alright, any of you guys got any pictures loaded up?
My Mrs was supposed to be there snapping away but never made it.
Who was the photographer posted on track?

I know last year the pictures were uploaded to here: http://http://www.hamiltonmcc.org.nz/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_navId=x34185607

From memory Steve Parker sent an email out to every one once they had them on the site.

Hopefully this year I might find at least one shot of me!

Last year all I got was either the front end or back end in shot (I think they were taking pictures of all the bikes overtaking me...)

[Movistar]

I hear ya mate, and if you're the one that had the red guzzi on the saturday...bloody fine piece of kit :niceone:


Yes he was, and yes it is!

I second that - very nice! :yes:

[Pixie]

I've read various comments about Hampton Downs not having any atmosphere, whatever that means,

It means it isn't a shithole like Pukekohe

[Dodgyiti]

[QUOTE=Movistar;1129505745]I know last year the pictures were uploaded to here: http://http://www.hamiltonmcc.org.nz/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_navId=x34185607QUOTE]

Thanks for that, yes I checked the site and the pics they have from past ones are pretty good.
I will not be taking the red bike on track again- I built it for the road and 2-up riding, it was nice to do it but I have another Beast for that sort of thing. So at least one pic for the album would be nice.

[insane1]

well i wonder how a big maxi-scoot would handle the track then could be interesting good to see if i could get more than 170 down the back straight did that at puke .

[ckai]

well i wonder how a big maxi-scoot would handle the track then could be interesting good to see if i could get more than 170 down the back straight did that at puke .

Someone did have a scoot there. I only saw it on a few corners on the groups out lamp but it looked bloody entertaining. A bike is a bike as far as I'm concerned. It was also good to see the cruisers giving it death, harley's with towballs and all. Although scary shit when you're following a bike and you can see everything touching down, even sparks.:scooter:

[Movistar]

There will no doubt be more to come.

Theres a good one of me, bending down adjusting my boot.
You can see the top of my head.

Looks like I'm going to have the same luck as last year when it comes to action shots - zip!

Still, all is not lost. I have faith in the photgrapher.
(sits back patiently waiting for all the photos to be loaded :corn:)

[Dodgyiti]

:wari::woohoo::wari:
Just thought... copywrite.:Oops:

[Movistar]

Tis you mate!

Great pic.

Here's mine so far...that's me bending over adjusting my boot, or something...

(Still waits patiently :corn: )

[greenman]

nice mk 1 there Mr dodgyity. Us Guzzi people were well represented on Saturday. No small blocks though.

[Dodgyiti]

nice mk 1 there Mr dodgyity. Us Guzzi people were well represented on Saturday. No small blocks though.

Not ideal for small blocks really. I had a plan to shoe horn a 750 small block into my 500 Monza, but there is nothing wrong with the 500 so it is on the back burner for a while.

[flyingcrocodile46]

Just found this thread.

Yes it was a great day. Learned heaps and leaned heaps. Absolutely awesome track. I'll be back there for sure. Will do some more of the rider training days and they will lead into track days. I got the bug pretty bad now :woohoo:

[Mr Merde]

I just informed the Papakura District Council employee, involved in this venture, of your comments.

She was really pleased that everything went down well and that you all enjoyed your time on the track.

She was actually present on the day and enjoyed the whole event herself.

She will let me know when the next one is.

[rocketman1]

Just found this thread.

Yes it was a great day. Learned heaps and leaned heaps. Absolutely awesome track. I'll be back there for sure. Will do some more of the rider training days and they will lead into track days. I got the bug pretty bad now :woohoo:

Understand what you mean, I am keen to do more of this track learning stuff, must make for a better rider.
I am thinking of buying a old classic fang machine (not Registered by the way) just to do track days on.
Just got convince her indoors.

[Dodgyiti]

Just got convince her indoors.

flyingcrocodile is an expert in that field. He should do a self help DVD, make a fortune.