Ruapuna Beacons

[wasiler]

Hi folks, I was planning on giving Ruapuna a try when it gets a little warmer out. From what I have read on here, Tues and Fri are open test days. I understand I can get a discount if I join a club (suggestions welcomed) and it is a little low keyed out there. My question is..... does anyone know if someone usually sets up a beacon for lap timers? or will I need to plan on finding one and bringing my own?

thanks

[wasiler]

deleted deleted deleted

[SVboy]

If it is a busy bike day usually someone has an IR beacon out.

[SMOKEU]

If you join Motorcycling Canterbury then you can get half a day on the track for $50. Membership is $40 for a year.

[onearmedbandit]

Need your own timing gear.

[1998gsxr]

does it have to be a full on race bike or can we take out our road bikes??

[onearmedbandit]

does it have to be a full on race bike or can we take out our road bikes??

Ya can take anything out there, within reason.

[.produKt]

Just to clarify. Open days are on Tuesdays and Fridays?

Do you pay on the day or have to pay in advance or?
I just want some track experience and see if i can't find some more confidence in my bike :(

[Asher]

Tuesdays and Fridays.

Im pretty sure you can just turn up and pay, might need someone else with you as a spotter.
If you plan on going more than once join the motorbike club as it pays itself off after the first ride.

[.produKt]

Tuesdays and Fridays.

Im pretty sure you can just turn up and pay, might need someone else with you as a spotter.
If you plan on going more than once join the motorbike club as it pays itself off after the first ride.

Edited my previous post after an initial misread :P

Really keen on this. I imagine it will be pay at the gate kinda thing?

[schrodingers cat]

Just to clarify. Open days are on Tuesdays and Fridays?

Do you pay on the day or have to pay in advance or?
I just want some track experience and see if i can't find some more confidence in my bike :(

Tuesdays and Fridays.
It pays to ring ahead to be certain the track is open. If there is a bigger event on in the weekend, Fridays aren't availible for casual use.

http://www.canterburycarclub.co.nz/Track/Track%20Hire.php

[Asher]

Cruise in the gate and go to the office by the end of the pit lane.
Unsure if you can join the bike club while you are there also (car club you can).

Theres a have a go day at Levels (Timaru) next Saturday which are good for a first track experience.

[cowboyz]

Now I'm in Christchurch I'm keen to check out ruapuna test day and the ten could do with having its legs stretched. Contact for sorting out membership to canty bike club?

[300weatherby]

Now I'm in Christchurch I'm keen to check out ruapuna test day and the ten could do with having its legs stretched. Contact for sorting out membership to canty bike club?

Google "Motorcycling Canterbury".
You do not need to belong to a bike club to do test/practice at Ruapuna, tuesday and friday are the test days, $50 per half day if you don't have a track card. You do need an observer, but you can usually hit on another rider there to be your nominated observer, you need to put his/her name and number on your paperwork. No ambo or medical on standby so an observer is needed to spot if you go down and need asistance.

Most important rules: take off your mirrors or tape them so you cannot use them, and never, never go through the top of the dipper!

[SVboy]

I plan to be there tuesday if the weather is good and can give you a hand if needed

[wasiler]

I was out there just last week. Half days are $50 with CCC card. That is what they told me (also near the bottom of the link below). You might be able to get the discount without it...then again...maybe not. I'm not sure about MCI membership but, I think the discount applies to that too. You may want to call. You need someone to spot but, any dude from the pits will sign for you.
http://www.canterburycarclub.co.nz/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=77&Itemid=495

I did not tape up my mirrors and they don't do a tech inspection.

I have gone through the straight above the dipper several times when I am just cruising on off the track. If you over shoot or just to decide to go down that straight above the dipper, use common sense and check if anyone is coming up the main track when you merge back on.

I think the main entrance is more dangerous than using the short straight over the dipper. At the main entrance of the track, you are merging on at the end of the main straight onto the race line where bikes are cooking at over 200. That seems like an accident waiting to happen if you are not up to speed. Just look and use common sense.

Overall it is laid back, use your brain and don't ride like an ass hat.

[300weatherby]

I was out there just last week. Half days are $50 with CCC card. That is what they told me (also near the bottom of the link below). You might be able to get the discount without it...then again...maybe not. I'm not sure about MCI membership but, I think the discount applies to that too. You may want to call. You need someone to spot but, any dude from the pits will sign for you.
http://www.canterburycarclub.co.nz/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=77&Itemid=495

I did not tape up my mirrors and they don't do a tech inspection.

I have gone through the straight above the dipper several times when I am just cruising on off the track. If you over shoot or just to decide to go down that straight above the dipper, use common sense and check if anyone is coming up the main track when you merge back on.

I think the main entrance is more dangerous than using the short straight over the dipper. At the main entrance of the track, you are merging on at the end of the main straight onto the race line where bikes are cooking at over 200. That seems like an accident waiting to happen if you are not up to speed. Just look and use common sense.

Overall it is laid back, use your brain and don't ride like an ass hat.

Road riders have the dangerous habit of using their mirrors and watching behind them for when faster guys are coming up, and doing dumb stuff like slowing down, changing lines, attempting to be out of the way.

So you just "cruise on through" too bad if a faster rider is in the process of going around you to go into the dipper at the time....
Equally dangerous you haven't seen the faster guy go into the dipper behind you and nail it out the bottom, as you "cruise through the top.... Do it when I'm there and I will say hello...... The average road rider doesn't realise just how fast, fast really is and lacks experience at judging distance and closing speed.

Entry onto the track is quite sensible, it is only ever the road riders that make it dangerous, check straight is clear then get the hell on the gas, stay hard right and don't get off the gas or go mid track till turn 1, simple really.

For the record, when in motorcyle sessions, the OFFICIAL RULE is use the dipper

[wasiler]

Road riders have the dangerous habit of using their mirrors and watching behind them for when faster guys are coming up, and doing dumb stuff like slowing down, changing lines, attempting to be out of the way.

So you just "cruise on through" too bad if a faster rider is in the process of going around you to go into the dipper at the time....
Equally dangerous you haven't seen the faster guy go into the dipper behind you and nail it out the bottom, as you "cruise through the top.... Do it when I'm there and I will say hello...... The average road rider doesn't realise just how fast, fast really is and lacks experience at judging distance and closing speed.

Entry onto the track is quite sensible, it is only ever the road riders that make it dangerous, check straight is clear then get the hell on the gas, stay hard right and don't get off the gas or go mid track till turn 1, simple really.

For the record, when in motorcyle sessions, the OFFICIAL RULE is use the dipper


Forgive me, I have not had much experience with the tracks in NZ.

You are correct. Street riders do use mirrors which they should not. I don't use them because I know better and don't really care what is going on behind. Maybe you need to tape yours because you check you hair too often? It appears it is up to the individual out at the track to use their own judgement because there is no tech inspection. That was my point. There is no enforcement and I have not seen any written rules. If there are, please provide me a link because I have been looking for them as well as others rules. Maybe they are out there but, I have not found them.

In the States, the street riders would have to tape mirrors, lights (front and rear) and safety wire the drain plug. How to prepare your bike was on the web for that specific track organization. Your bike was inspected before it went onto the track to make sure you complied. On my old track bike I had to safety wire EVERY bolt as well as other things according to the rules of WERA. I even asked if the Ruapuna guy had a tech inspection and the guy looked at me funny. I got one of these, "she'll be fine" responses.

Well hey, I look forward to saying hello. I sometimes use the short straight above the dipper when I'm exiting the track. If someone does overshoot that corner, they are going to use the short straight out of instinct and there is nothing you can do unless you put up a brick wall there. I am not using the straight above the dipper when timing or at full speed. When I hit the short straight above the dipper, I'm on the outside line so if someone is passing they have to be on the inside... Unless the other bike is so fast, they are going to go around me on the outside in the dirt. I would pay to see that. I don't see how they are going to collide with me unless they low-side into me which they would be on the inside. That would be the other bikes fault too. This is just as true as if you are exiting the track on the corner before the main straight. You exit on the outside. It is using common sense that everyone should know before they are allowed onto the track. I also raise my hand to let riders know behind I am off the gas and exiting the track. Something I have not seen yet out there. I also much prefer the merge at the dipper where I can see the track at 45 degrees and the bikes are going at similar speeds than looking 180 degrees behind my back (you have to do this if your mirror are taped) while going at a snails pace at bikes going over 200 into your back side trying to pass each other. You are correct about the bikes are to officially use the dipper because they did tell me that when I asked about the rules. I guess I am a rule breaker.

I was also told that sometime cars and bikes are on the track at the same time??? I have never heard of that but hey, when it Rome. I am a little confused about that. When the cars and bikes are on the track, do the cars and bikes use the same path? If you are using the dipper and the cars are using the straight, how is this different than me using the outside line?

In the end, you have your views of the track and I have mine.

To the original poster: Yes, stay hard right while merging onto the track. Why, because the right half of the track is the race line going into the corner 1. Look over your shoulder and the pit wall for oncoming bikes. A street rider who has his mirrors taped and not use to the extreme speeds might head out to mid track crossing the racing line of bikes in excess of 200+ that are on the same line as the entrance. Again, no written info and the guy at registration said just look over your shoulder.
You have seen the comments. Ask the guys at the track and use your best judgement.

[cowboyz]

That could be a go. Ill pm you

[Kickaha]

I was also told that sometime cars and bikes are on the track at the same time??? I have never heard of that but hey, when it Rome. I am a little confused about that. When the cars and bikes are on the track, do the cars and bikes use the same path? If you are using the dipper and the cars are using the straight, how is this different than me using the outside line?
They used to all the time, now they normally split the sessions into 20 or 30 minute sessions alternating car/bike, when they shared the track the dipper wasn't used

I can't remember if Ruapuna has one but a lot of tracks have a merge line when you leave the pits, no one coming down the straight should cross it and you should be nailing it by the end the line

[wasiler]

They used to all the time, now they normally split the sessions into 20 or 30 minute sessions alternating car/bike, when they shared the track the dipper wasn't used

I can't remember if Ruapuna has one but a lot of tracks have a merge line when you leave the pits, no one coming down the straight should cross it and you should be nailing it by the end the line

Yeah, come to think of it, there is a short merge lane that you can nail the gas. I guess I just need look and then nail it harder out of the pits because I got a vid of guy passing like I was standing still just out of the entrance about 1.5 metres away. I measured it on google earth and without flying by the pits (which would be dangerous because of bikes and people walking to the wall to watch), it is 155-175 metres compared to a 450 metre straight up to that point. You are looking at about 85 metres once you pass the end of the outer track/pit wall. There is no dedicated lane out of riders that are running right down that outside line almost the entire straight. Not a problem though and just a minor adjustment. Something I will keep an eye out for when I am on the straight too. Look at it on google earth when you get the chance.

Yeah, thanks for clarifying the car/bike run. I don't know why I was thinking they would use both routes at the same time. It is not a big deal for me to use the dipper before my exit on the bike run but, I was thinking if I am exiting anyway and slowing on the track, why screw up someone else's run by me being a road block in the dipper?

[wasiler]

maybe this is normal but, I was a little surprised. notice the high pit wall where you only see the tops of the helmets and the flag tower on the left. I guess I should have nailed the gas sooner.



http://youtu.be/HfMZvuxD5j0

[300weatherby]

Yeah, come to think of it, there is a short merge lane that you can nail the gas. I guess I just need look and then nail it harder out of the pits because I got a vid of guy passing like I was standing still just out of the entrance about 1.5 metres away. I measured it on google earth and without flying by the pits (which would be dangerous because of bikes and people walking to the wall to watch), it is 155-175 metres compared to a 450 metre straight up to that point. You are looking at about 85 metres once you pass the end of the outer track/pit wall. There is no dedicated lane out of riders that are running right down that outside line almost the entire straight. Not a problem though and just a minor adjustment. Something I will keep an eye out for when I am on the straight too. Look at it on google earth when you get the chance.

Yeah, thanks for clarifying the car/bike run. I don't know why I was thinking they would use both routes at the same time. It is not a big deal for me to use the dipper before my exit on the bike run but, I was thinking if I am exiting anyway and slowing on the track, why screw up someone else's run by me being a road block in the dipper?

The trick with getting the track entry is to first watch the on track bike movement as you cruise along the inner pit wall and time it to come out behind the incoming, you run up the pit lane kink already picking up the gas so as you hit the track proper you are already going fast, you simply turn in the seat to confirm clear track as you hit and hold full throttle, at the actuall point the lane opens to the track, on a superbike you will be doing around 250k and still accelerating- a number of times i've been on the end of road guys just wandering out in front, really really scary and you have to react fast and strongly not to hit them. Worth noting that the favoured line to hold the most speed and lastest turn and brake at the top of the straight is on the white line right hand side, so it is kind of close....


The car/bike thing at the mo is usually in the mornings and when numbers are quite low, when traffic is mixed, dipper is not allowed cause the stupid 4 wheelers don't use it. The afternoons are usually sessions at 30 minutes per, bikes on the hour, ie: 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm.
Mark does it that way so that at 4.30 ( instead of 5) the bikes are packing up, so he can get away, we take longer than the car guys to pack up it would seem.

As long as there is no sudden slowing down or changing of line, we live with the "road block" thing, it is the overtakers responsiblility to pass safely- but it scares the hell out of you when you know he is looking in his mirrors and may be about to change what he is doing, turns to custard real fast.

Use the dipper every single time and you turn it into a habit, that will stop you accidentally doing something really stupid under pressure.
Coming out of the dipper to come off track, l stay on the gas untill running down the outside before the sweeper.

[SVboy]

I have seen 300weatherby on the FRONT wheel at 250plus kms avoiding people unfamilar with track entry etiquite. Big ups to his skills!!

[cowboyz]

If I show up ill be muppet ting round real slow.. I only got the street bike here.

[SuperSonic]

If I show up ill be muppet ting round real slow.. I only got the street bike here.

Yep the GREEN MUPPET that is, LOL slow my ass too. :laugh:

[cowboyz]

Oi!!!! I'm a noob... No track work for 18 months makes me a virgin

[SuperSonic]

Oi!!!! I'm a noob... No track work for 18 months makes me a virgin

LOL most virgins as fast!! :laugh::laugh:

[SVboy]

Its all right=his rep precedes him. We will look and learn....

[Dave-]

You are correct. Street riders do use mirrors which they should not. I don't use them because I know better and don't really care what is going on behind. Maybe you need to tape yours because you check you hair too often? It appears it is up to the individual out at the track to use their own judgement because there is no tech inspection. That was my point. There is no enforcement and I have not seen any written rules. If there are, please provide me a link because I have been looking for them as well as others rules. Maybe they are out there but, I have not found them.

In the States, the street riders would have to tape mirrors, lights (front and rear) and safety wire the drain plug. How to prepare your bike was on the web for that specific track organization. Your bike was inspected before it went onto the track to make sure you complied. On my old track bike I had to safety wire EVERY bolt as well as other things according to the rules of WERA. I even asked if the Ruapuna guy had a tech inspection and the guy looked at me funny. I got one of these, "she'll be fine" responses.


Yeah they are a bit lax on that stuff, this is new zealand, not red tape america, it's "She'll be righ'" not "fine" and an emphasis on the missing t, practise this phrase, just don't abuse the lax rules and it wont get taken away from us! (not that im saying you would)

Also if I see a noob I offer (give/force upon) them tape and suggest they tape stuff up, if they argue I explain why and most see the logic, I think 1 guy ever has ought right said no, but he was a muppet and not in my class anyway.

Also if you go to a proper track day run by MCI or some other organisation expect to do the whole paperwork, scruitineering/tech inspection thing, but again, new zealand, she'll be righ'

If you're racing you have to wire the oil bung, tape things etc and those organisations from above will have a fact sheet.

Keep an eye out cause I'm going to try do a few organised track days this year with the university (not motosoc for those of you who have been before)

AAAAAAnd I need to get out before the 10th of feb, but have a lot to spend money on/repair since november.

[300weatherby]

Yeah they are a bit lax on that stuff, this is new zealand, not red tape america, it's "She'll be righ'" not "fine" and an emphasis on the missing t, practise this phrase, just don't abuse the lax rules and it wont get taken away from us! (not that im saying you would)

Also if I see a noob I offer (give/force upon) them tape and suggest they tape stuff up, if they argue I explain why and most see the logic, I think 1 guy ever has ought right said no, but he was a muppet and not in my class anyway.

Also if you go to a proper track day run by MCI or some other organisation expect to do the whole paperwork, scruitineering/tech inspection thing, but again, new zealand, she'll be righ'

If you're racing you have to wire the oil bung, tape things etc and those organisations from above will have a fact sheet.

Keep an eye out cause I'm going to try do a few organised track days this year with the university (not motosoc for those of you who have been before)

AAAAAAnd I need to get out before the 10th of feb, but have a lot to spend money on/repair since november.

Do you have pink tape?:hug:

[Dave-]

Do you have pink tape?:hug:

Nah, but I know where to get some!

[cowboyz]

Fuck me..... Get ready to be disappointed

[cowboyz]

Mint day out on track. Got the ten introduced nicely to ruapuna bringing it back in one piece. Started out doing 2.06 and got it down to 1.57 steady. Happy as. Next time I might even tape my mirrors up and go fast

[Kickaha]

Started out doing 2.06 and got it down to 1.57 steady.
Another couple of sessions and you'll be able to beat the Buckets :whistle:

[300weatherby]

Another couple of sessions and you'll be able to beat the Buckets :whistle:

I'd pay to watch a pack of battered buckets beating up on the jolly green giant:corn:

[cowboyz]

Ill need a faster bike for that kind of achievement

[Kickaha]

I'd pay to watch a pack of battered buckets beating up on the jolly green giant:corn:

Fastest Buckets are about 1.54, I've done an outside pass on my Bucket at the dipper on a GSXR1000, he toasted me down the straight, next lap I passed him around the outside onto the straight, I couldn't manage it 3 laps in a row

[cowboyz]

What can I say? Some were given talent.. Others if us have to put up with striking good looks

[300weatherby]

Fastest Buckets are about 1.54, I've done an outside pass on my Bucket at the dipper on a GSXR1000, he toasted me down the straight, next lap I passed him around the outside onto the straight, I couldn't manage it 3 laps in a row

Took my daughters road going fxr out for a session one friday arvo, just for the hell of it, spent the whole half hr harrassing a guy on a 600 GSXR track day bike ( not a regular race guy though) . Drove him nuts, nearly the best fun i've had on the track:laugh:

[cowboyz]

Can I have your babies?