Auckland: PUKE Raceway BIKES ONLY DAY [Archive]

GIXser

11th July 2006, 12:56

Just seeing if there is any interest for a "Bikes only day" at Pukekohe, in about 3 months time, the idea is to get approx 35 or so bikes together and (approx cost per bike is $ 90) at the same time i would organise some professional riders for tuitoring, (free of charge)this day would be open to all levels of riders, and any class of bike.
we would run 3 sessions ie , beginners, intermediate, and experienced,throughout the day.

i want to organise this day , without cars.
for those of you that know, it can be a bother sharing the track with cars, due to mud and debris"

there is a possibility that we can throw a small stunt session in there, "to be confirmed"

ill run a poll for about 2 weeks and if there is enough interest i will put a plan in place pretty quickly,

Ok UPDATE.. spoken to puke raceway, most saturdays seem to be booked, allthough the woman,sounded like she was on P, because she couldnt tell me when the next available day was.. Her answer, gosh i dont know??!!!testing days are either friday or saturday, alternate weekends, gosh ... i dont know.... gosh...!!!!

ok UPDATE UPDATE again, spoke to Gary the track manager, he said he would accomodate us for bikes only and dedicate a open day to us,(late OCtober) i explained its too dangerous with cars and bikes due to the debris-- he agreed, GREAT
he did say (in not so many words) Money talks.....!!!!

DMNTD

11th July 2006, 12:59

I'd be keen as hell mate. Never have done a "real" track day and no doubt it would help my riding no end.
Will do my best to attempt to keep up too but more interested in learning
Keep us posted you metrosexual you :wait:

Pumba

11th July 2006, 13:18

Sure id give it a go, wont be impresive but ill give it a go. October would be better as we already have TD4 in taupo in Noember.

GIXser

11th July 2006, 14:24

ahh thats the thing,, no -one has to be impressive, its not about that, unless you are willing to give the experienced sesssion a go, its more for upskilling yourself in a safe environment.
Tl,,The Norfland boys can show us a thing or two.....ps how many Norflanders could ya get together.???

Cajun

11th July 2006, 14:25

i am happy with either month.

Personally it depends on the number of people attending depends on if i would attend. I personally like numbers to be small groups when going out on track days. eg total day no more than say 40-50 people

GIXser

11th July 2006, 14:28

kickingzebra

11th July 2006, 15:00

I'm gonna try race the last few of the vic series, so try not to make it clash, also have a baby due in there somewhere... hmmm, end november?

DMNTD

11th July 2006, 15:04

...Oh Master TL,The Norfland boys can show us a thing or two.....ps how many Norflanders could ya get together.???
I know that Tiller,Nodrog and possibly Duc-Gurl would be keen as to give it a crack mate. Pretty sure I could get hold of another 4-6 as well too as long as it's not a KB exclusive thing.
Dunno what we could show ya but certain we'll be laughing most of the time mate! :blip:
Either month shouldn't be a prob to me as long as it doesn't conflict with bizzo comitments :yes:

Cajun

11th July 2006, 15:26

I am simlar to TL Rider, most likley get about 4-6 people really depends on total numbers going, since some ar simlar to me, wanting less people around, its not really about more time on track, it just smaller groups, mean having to worry having to worry about as many other people while on the track.

GIXser

11th July 2006, 15:46

I know that Tiller,Nodrog and possibly Duc-Gurl would be keen as to give it a crack mate. Pretty sure I could get hold of another 4-6 as well too as long as it's not a KB exclusive thing.
Dunno what we could show ya but certain we'll be laughing most of the time mate! :blip:
Either month shouldn't be a prob to me as long as it doesn't conflict with bizzo comitments :yes:

its definately not a "only KB thing, i have about 6 outside of KB that want to join in..
im talking to frosty as we speak just so we dont clash-----about the taupo days,

Toast

11th July 2006, 15:58

I'd be keen for either month...preferably October since it's closer.

I reckon if you only had 35, you could maybe progress from 3 down to 2 groups during the day. Puke is not a small track, and there's plenty of opportunity to pass for the bigger bikes.

Not sure how that would go down, but I reckon it's doable.

Two Smoker

11th July 2006, 16:06

Id be keen to wobble around the track...

Toast

11th July 2006, 16:07

Anyone know what Pukie actually costs to hire out?

GIXser

11th July 2006, 16:18

i checked in the weekend and its about $3300
so if we got 37 we'd break even so i guess 40 would be good then we can allow for some people that are no show"
allthough requirement would be payment would have to be two weeks prior to secure the spot,(and i will pay for the track up front)i dont believe it would be to hard to fill, due to the interest so far...
as far as two groups, its cool with me, we will have to work out logistics before the day,,,
again i dont want it to run into, or even close to frosty's taupo days,

boomer

11th July 2006, 17:23

Good stuff, i'm sure i could drum up 3-4 non KB'rs too. Gary's a good sort, he hates the drifters with a passion

I also agree on keeping the numbers limited, thats why i usually go to Puke on a friday session as theres usually no more than 5 or 6 bikes on the track

dveus

11th July 2006, 17:28

Sounds good to me. Might even have the bike sorted by October.

chickenfunkstar

11th July 2006, 17:48

Great idea, I think it'd be quite popular because most Aucklanders / Hamiltonians can ride to Puke in the morning, do some sessions and then ride back afterwards without too many problems. You could probably run more than 35 - 40 bikes if you wanted to keep costs down, I've been out on the track with less than 10 people before and it practically feels empty. Dunno what other people think but 5 sessions is plenty for me, especially since its such a high speed track.

Patch

11th July 2006, 21:16

GIXser

11th July 2006, 21:56

I haven't seen this asked anywhere before; Who or what does the entry fee cover. The bike or rider?

Reason being as I have two bikes, so would want to ride 'em both on the day, if I could.

Where can I find the requirements that the bike must meet before being allowed on the track?

Ta

no problem riding both bikes just only one at the time,(and only you)the fee covers the rider the fee basically allows you on the track, nothing else is covered, like any normal "open day" if this goes ahead i will check the possibility of an ambulance being there
the bike must be in a warrantable state, headlights must be taped up, indicators removed or taped etc, full leathers must be worn one or two piece is ok,
in saying all that you must sign a disclaimer prior to going on the track, your responsibility only, you will probably not be covered for insurance so check with your provider,

should this go ahead i will post the required details

Keystone19

11th July 2006, 22:48

You can have one bike and two riders - i.e. pay the $90 and sign the waiver form for the rider and then the other rider signs a separate waiver form as an additional driver.

GIXser

12th July 2006, 09:04

You can have one bike and two riders - i.e. pay the $90 and sign the waiver form for the rider and then the other rider signs a separate waiver form as an additional driver.

like hottie said.....

loosebruce

12th July 2006, 09:21

I'll kick it with ya Eddy, mind you dont get it too clash with the Winter Series or i'll bash ya. You need all the practice you can get before we take on Laguna Seca :blip:

kiwifruit

12th July 2006, 09:48

Id be keen to have a go round puke :)
either month is ok

Mental Trousers

12th July 2006, 12:08

Get the feeling you'll get more than the 30-40 you're intending. Sounds like like 50 would be a good number. Two groups of 25 with 1/2 hour sessions would rock.

Cibby

12th July 2006, 13:14

sounds awesome :) better than going all teh way to Taupo/Manfield

Plus we dont have those stupid drifters to contend with..

oh and Patch, i'll give your TL a fang :) or your gsxr.. either bike, i dont mind :P

Torque

12th July 2006, 18:17

Great, get the cars off the track. We will need hay bales. Some track days i have been on at puke seem to be lacking in the safety department ie hay bales. I would be there with bells on.:rockon:

texmo

12th July 2006, 18:35

A trackday with bikes only sounds good expecially if there is a stunt session in the middle (larriken should get a free ticket to keep us entertained).

GIXser

12th July 2006, 19:32

Great, get the cars off the track. We will need hay bales. Some track days i have been on at puke seem to be lacking in the safety department ie hay bales. I would be there with bells on.:rockon:

yep but keep in mind, that currently on trackdays/opendays there are no bales" the only thing we are changing are the cars, (there will be none)
when the poll ends and votes are cast, i will look into bales and an ambulance-- cos i think its a requirement, just remember stuff like that affects costs etc, and im trying to keep it to a minimum,, but let the people speak, and share their thoughts, ie if you want bales etc, let us know:blip:

Buddy L

12th July 2006, 21:27

There is heaps of time untill the track day so i can get used to my new beast, should go faster then my old 250. I'd also realy like to learn from the pros at doing some simple stunts as well.

motobob

18th July 2006, 01:04

I,ll be in. Go with both days. Since the AMCC won't be using their days they might want to get involved. Which would help with safety equipment.

Drunken Monkey

18th July 2006, 09:52

hay bales are for poofs.

Ozzie

18th July 2006, 09:58

I'm a starter, + my GF, she's a learner, and I'm not much better, would be a good chance to upskill.:rockon:

vtec

18th July 2006, 10:01

Hmm, hopefully I'll have a 600 race bike by then that I'll need some track time on. If so, I'll be keen, not fussed about the date as long as it doesn't clash with any round of the VMCC. The VMCC rounds are once a month.

Toast

18th July 2006, 10:23

I,ll be in. Go with both days. Since the AMCC won't be using their days they might want to get involved. Which would help with safety equipment.

Good thinking old boy...

The_Dover

18th July 2006, 10:40

hay bales are for poofs.

and livestock.

or frolicking amongst........

Ozzie

18th July 2006, 10:41

and livestock.

or frolicking amongst........

And avoid death, for the Wanna be's, and injuries for the New be's

RiderInBlack

18th July 2006, 10:47

hay bales are for poofs.I wonder if you would think that after hitting the armorall exiting the Hill Corner @ 150kpm++. It's been done before by a KB'er on a Puke open day. Be glad ta help put the bales out if anyone else can be arsed and the AMCC will loan them.

The_Dover

18th July 2006, 11:03

Don't get me wrong, I'd rather have hay bales at the point of impact.

I was merely offering alternatives for their use.

Drunken Monkey

18th July 2006, 15:35

... after hitting the armorall exiting the ...

Hitting the armorall? I'd probably have shiney wheels and clean vinyl on my dashboard. Don't you mean armco?

Haven't had hay bales at any of the track days I've ever been on. Save it for racers. You want to spend 5 hours putting out, then picking up hay bales? Do it on your own time, at your own cost.

RiderInBlack

18th July 2006, 19:42

Hitting the armorall? I'd probably have shiney wheels and clean vinyl on my dashboard. Don't you mean armco?Yes smarty pants I did mean the armco. The bales refer-ed to in relation to Puke are the the wool bales filled with empty plastic milk bottles used by AMCC on Bike Race days. Much safer than hay bales.

As for never having them out on Puke Open Days, well more fool us. Have seen accidents involving the ARMCO at Puke at Open Days, and so far although they have not been nice they have not killed or permanently cripple anyone. But believe me that it is only a matter of time. What then? No more Puke Open Days for bike? Of cause it will never happen (yer right, gets a Tui from the fridge).

Don't care if this does not make me popular (I couldn't give a fu*k about that), but just stating what should be an obvious concern when using Puke.

PS: does this make the bike racers poofers cause they do use the bales at Puke:whocares:

kickingzebra

18th July 2006, 19:45

Takes 25 minutes to put out, and in the interests of safety, I would happily help on that one

Ozzie

18th July 2006, 20:49

me too, what's a bit of work if it saves someone's arse, I'm not fat, lazy or too good to do manual labour!

larriken

18th July 2006, 21:31

[QUOTE=texmo]A trackday with bikes only sounds good expecially if there is a stunt session in the middle (larriken should get a free ticket to keep us entertained).[/QUOT'E]

For sure Gixer, I'd be there with bells on if I can do wheelies at lunch time or something.

Drunken Monkey

18th July 2006, 22:53

Takes 25 minutes to put out, ...

How do you figure that one out? Who picks up the gear? Will enough bales to protect all the risk corners all fit on a small truck? If the AMCC is kindly donating it, are you prepared to just mooch off their good will? Who stays back to pick it up?

I didn't see you boycott Frosty's track days because he doesn't use bales, Doug.

It's a track day, not a race, the are less risks involved. There gets a certain point where the users must get value for money. For the same $$$ we're talking already, we being offered more track time and no drifter debris. In all honesty, with a few exceptions most people don't have the stamina to take full advantage of 4 extra sessions. If the price gets pushed up much over $100, its just as easy and convenient for experienced and/or confident riders to just say "stuff it" and do another one.

Frosty, et al, has looked at all these questions before, put in a lot of his own time and effort into making relatively safe track days for very reasonable prices so they are available for all types of riders to enjoy. Stop gas bagging and trying to re-invent the wheel when all of this has been discussed before.

kickingzebra

18th July 2006, 23:18

How do you figure that one out?

Having been a contributing citizen, because I have done it.

If the AMCC is kindly donating it, are you prepared to just mooch off their good will?

Its a fool who pays for something he could get for free.

Who stays back to pick it up?

The ones that don't crash into it

I didn't see you boycott Frosty's track days because he doesn't use bales, Doug.

It's a track day, not a race, the are less risks involved. There gets a certain point where the users must get value for money. For the same $$$ we're talking already, we being offered more track time and no drifter debris. In all honesty, with a few exceptions most people don't have the stamina to take full advantage of 4 extra sessions. If the price gets pushed up much over $100, its just as easy and convenient for experienced and/or confident riders to just say "stuff it" and do another one.

Frosty, et al, has looked at all these questions before, put in a lot of his own time and effort into making relatively safe track days for very reasonable prices so they are available for all types of riders to enjoy.

Yes, but Frosty has niether the time nor the stamina to enjoy the priveledge of hosting track days at everyone elses beck and call.

Stop gas bagging and trying to re-invent the wheel when all of this has been discussed before.

And will be again. Live with it
Last time I checked this wasn't a Frosty trackday, as he wasn't too keen on doing them at Pukekohe, for safety reasons. Nuff said.

RiderInBlack

19th July 2006, 08:39

I didn't see you boycott Frosty's track days because he doesn't use bales, Doug.

Frosty's track days are on Taupo which does not have the armco as close to the track on the corners as Puke.
Frosty also goes to the touble of having Marshall at each corner (not seen that on Puke Open Days ether).
Ya don't have to be "Racing" to fu*k-up on the track. Have seen accidents on track days the were bad enough as riders are often setting a paces faster than they would on the road. So please don't tell me it's safer cause they aren't "racing".
I'm not boycotting this ether. Just saying that if the bales are available then it's a good idea to put them out and that putting them out does not make riders "poofers". Please don't shoot down riders that want ta improve Track Day Safey. One day ya might be glad they did.

Drunken Monkey

19th July 2006, 08:47

Last time I checked this wasn't a Frosty trackday, as he wasn't too keen on doing them at Pukekohe, for safety reasons. Nuff said.

I'm not disagreeing with that. He looked at bayles as an option and decided the cost & effort made the track day impractical. Unless you've come up with some magic formula, I can't see how you won't come to the same conclusion.

Sorry Doug, I let myself get wound up over nothing. I just don't want to see either (a) the cost of the track day get up to what those other ones can get to (around $180pp) which apparently have less track time (because of the tuition), or (b) end up having a few people spend a considerable amount of their own personal extra time (I still have no idea how someone thinks they can turn Pukekohe into a 'safe' track in 25 minutes) for the sake of others at no cost. I don't know how many other people have put 'free' time into organising or assisting events like this, but I have - it takes so much effort I don't do it anymore, and I wouldn't want to wish it upon anyone else.

Drunken Monkey

19th July 2006, 08:53

If the AMCC is kindly donating it, are you prepared to just mooch off their good will?

Its a fool who pays for something he could get for free.

Once-offs are fine, but nobody likes a freeloading scab. Clubs can't exist on goodwill and a 'cheers mate' alone; my priciples would forbid me from accpeting a considerable offer like that without giving AMCC something back in return.

Arven

19th July 2006, 08:54

I agree with RiderInBlack. I have raced on Taupo and felt perfectly safe. If you come off, you slide along the road into the dirt get up and dust yourself off.. (At the last KB Trackday, I saw about 7 people do just that). At Puke if you were to slide off on that corner (The one with the rise coming up to the short straight), you would slide along the track, across 1m of grass and smash into the Armco. Every time I went round that corner I was wary of it. Didn’t stop me having a good time, but it would have been better with a little less risk involved. Who designed puke anyways?!? Stupid design if you ask me...

I have seen many car crashes on that corner and the cars don’t look too pretty afterwards. I would hate to think what would happen to a biker.

Drunken Monkey

19th July 2006, 08:57

I'm not syaing sliding into an armco isn't hazardous to your health, but how much do you want to spend? I can make it the safest race track in the world for ya, with pillows and bean bags around the entire track, with a fire marshal every 50 meters and only 1 person on the track per 5 minute session (don't want tired riders on the track!). It's going to cost ya $$$$$$$$$$$$ though.

RiderInBlack

19th July 2006, 10:39

With Puke as far as I am concerned only the exit from the Hill Corner poses the greatest danger, therefore for Open Bike Only Days would only bother putting the bales on that corner's exit. That is not to say that other Corners on that track are risky, just that the Hill corner has the potential for the most damage. This of cause would have ta take inconsideration the availability of AMCC's bales and a few helpers ta put them out and take them in.
Does anyone even know if AMCC would "Hire Out" their bales? Cause conversations I've had down this line have suggested in the past they would not.
To bad the Track does not provide their own.

Anyway regardless whether the bales are used or not, it will still be a good day. I hope that the timing and finances are right for me, so I can take "Roxanne's" fat arse around Puke again (long over due I tell ya).

kickingzebra

19th July 2006, 16:13

I'm not sure how AMCC does it, but those bales are rather cumbersome to move on and off the track every two or three weeks, so I suspect they store them there. with maybe 10 people putting them out, when I marshalled there last, it took all of 25 minutes to put them out, about the same to put them away again.

Fair comment about cost, but I am not even sure AMCC are the owners of said bales, and they sure ain't anything flash. In saying that, if it was me sliding, I'd happily hit them instead of armco!

We could always ask someone at the club?! Stephanie Merriweather?