Log in

View Full Version : Waikato: RIDER TRAINING 'track day'



FROSTY
13th June 2007, 13:52
Im doing a lil bit of brainstorming here folks.
I've been tossing around the idea of taking this track day thing one stage further and running propper rider training days.
But what is it you guys n gals most wanna learn??

Im thinking High speed braking for sure. Maybee some of you wanna learn how to get ya knee down --fire away with what ya most wanna learn--ohh and how much honestly you would pay for the chance

TerminalAddict
13th June 2007, 14:34
wheelies, knee down ;)
$100ish for a weekend, weekdays are a no go

Cajun
13th June 2007, 14:47
A good training day aposed to a track day would be great idea, i personally use track days to try different things.

Me and motogirl did one many years ago (thru uylsses club) with brian bernard and freddie merkle(wbsk winner). and to this day that is best track/training day we have ever been to
it was very informated due to fact we acutally walked around the track, and at each corner they would show us what is a good line and what is a bad line, and how to go around corner. (another point to note on these track days the first session of the track day, we were made to go around track and not touch our brakes for first 20 min session, next session only front, it was more teaching about using gears to slow you down and get on power out of it) Motogirl to this day still does this firse session of a track day she will not use the brakes going around whole track

And in the rest of sessions for the day, 3 races would go around track and would follow you for a couple of laps then let follow them, and if had any pointers make you pull over and tell you what to do or try again.

We also had semi drag matches with brakeing(aka standing start accelrate 200meters then in turn jump on brakes, first was rear only, second was front only next was both together)

And cost would be looking at same costs as a normal track day $100, but it should be marketed as a training day not a track day, on that bases.

FROSTY
13th June 2007, 14:52
speedie--Im on a fishing expedition right now -as in--is there the interest and what would people pay.
My thoughts right now are along the lines of multiple instructors (10 or more) using the 2 tracks at taupo ---Ie seperating the track into 2 sections. running 4 groups -2 on the track 2 in the classroom doin theory
--Im thinkin a basic suspension setup class.track positioning etc .
BUT most important --would people be prepared to PAY for that kinda training??
Cajun --I did one of those too--BUT it was more like $200 per person -byut on the old Taupo track--ie the track only cost $1250.00 to hire back then -thats the general Idea Ive gotthough--like the merkel thing

Blackbird
13th June 2007, 15:00
Hi Frosty

What are we really talking about, an intro to riding on the track or improved roadcraft? I assume it's the former as it's on a track. The reason I ask is that some track skills and lines are not necessarily directly transferrable to the road (like how you approach blind corners, the 12 second rule and so on), but stuff like high speed braking certainly is. I did an advanced roadcraft course a few years back when I first bought the Blackbird with the ex-chief instructor of the M.O.T and it probably saved my life! I've never done a track day as I'm not interested in a pure thrash but if there are aspects which I can transfer to everyday road riding through good instruction; that would be a different matter.

Cheers,

Geoff

jimbo600
13th June 2007, 15:03
Um calculus would be nice.

montsta56
13th June 2007, 15:15
Id be real keen dont give a fuck what it cost. Braking, cornering lines etc etc. I feel sunday's are best as alot of people still work on saties. Cheers

Trudes
13th June 2007, 15:21
Hi Frosty, I for one would definitely be interested in a tuition day that would teach good skills for road riding, but in a relatively safe environment like the track where there are no cars, trucks etc to contend with.
On the trackdays I've been to I use the time I have on the track to practice the stuff I use on the road, as I'm not aspiring to be a race rider, such as cornering speeds and lines, braking into corners and acceleration out of corners etc. I tend to ride the track like it's a road, as that's what I ride most often, and probably tend to ride slower on the track than I do on the road (as anyone who's ridden behind me on the track can attest to :innocent: ) as I'm using that time as practice and a learning thing.
High speed braking would be a great lesson also, don't like to practice that kind of stuff on the roads just in case a car or another bike comes piling up my bum, but on the track in a controlled environment is a great place to practice and get the feel of the bike under heavy breaking.
If it'll make me a better road rider and possibly save my life one day, I think it's worth paying for. Cheers!

Cajun
13th June 2007, 15:23
Cajun --I did one of those too--BUT it was more like $200 per person -byut on the old Taupo track--ie the track only cost $1250.00 to hire back then -thats the general Idea Ive gotthough--like the merkel thing

Not to sure how much it was but it only cost us $30(this is also going back about 6 years now), but it was subised by uylsses tho.

Lissa
13th June 2007, 15:27
Ditto what Mrs KD said. I would like to learn my lines for cornering, and braking mostly... on the track would be great without traffic etc. Weekends would be the best time. And would pay for it.:sunny:

tri boy
13th June 2007, 15:39
Sounds like a good idea.:yes: If 6-10 instructors were available, may I suggest focusing one of them towards the learner license group. The closed circuit location could help with confidence,(no traffic to be distracted by).
Costing? $100-150. Maybe a Bike Insurance company may wish to sponsor the learners costs? (Great PR, espesically with ACC promoting Bike Saftey).
I'll be in, never too old to learn.

Hitcher
13th June 2007, 15:44
High-speed braking
Wet road braking
Cornering lines
Pillioning

A good idea Frosty.

cowboyz
13th June 2007, 15:49
would be interested in a how to wheelie properly course.

Also interested in lines/tyres/suspension/positioning on the bike. Things like that.

kiwifruit
13th June 2007, 15:56
Good idea Frosty, be plenty of punters keen i'd say....

Prehaps different days for different rider skill levels?
Race craft skills for people starting out racing or wanting to get faster on the track
Advanced bike control for road riders
Basic bike control for newbies

Trudes
13th June 2007, 15:59
Good idea Frosty, be plenty of punters keen i'd say....

Prehaps different days for different rider skill levels?
Race craft skills for people starting out racing or wanting to get faster on the track
Advanced bike control for road riders
Basic bike control for newbies

Now that's a flash idea!!

Lissa
13th June 2007, 16:01
High-speed braking
Wet road braking
Cornering lines
Pillioning

A good idea Frosty.
:yes: I agree with that Mr Hitcher!

vifferman
13th June 2007, 16:02
Basic bike control for newbies
Is there any point in this last one? Isn't there already something that covers that?
Although I already know everything (I learned it from my sons, who between them know more than there actually is to know<_< :rolleyes: ), I'd be interested in some advanced roadcraft, as I've had no training at all since I started riding.
And the chance to exceed 100 km/h, as I've never done that. :shifty:

kiwifruit
13th June 2007, 16:03
Is there any point in this last one? Isn't there already something that covers that?

Not really
At the mo newbies are just "let loose" on the track to make their own habits, good or bad....

I'm just thinking out loud, throwing ideas out there :D

The Stranger
13th June 2007, 16:05
Sounds like a good idea.:yes: If 6-10 instructors were available, may I suggest focusing one of them towards the learner license group. The closed circuit location could help with confidence,(no traffic to be distracted by).
Costing? $100-150. Maybe a Bike Insurance company may wish to sponsor the learners costs? (Great PR, espesically with ACC promoting Bike Saftey).
I'll be in, never too old to learn.

$50.00 will get you a day at RRRS (http://www.rrrs.org.nz) on a large runway with no other traffic. There are usually 6 instructors and some insurers will actually credit you $50.00 when you complete the course.

Just what you asked for.
Next course is this Sunday.

Sorry for the Hi Jack Frosty.

Maha
13th June 2007, 16:05
Cornering lines for me too Tony...mostly left handers for me, i tend to go in a bit too early which puts me close to the edge bit...:yes: think im off the gas to early which make things a tad tricky at times and instead of nice and smooth then power out, its more... two hits at the throttle sort of thing...not all the time but you get the idea....pisses me off bit to say the least

cowpoos
13th June 2007, 18:03
Im doing a lil bit of brainstorming here folks.
I've been tossing around the idea of taking this track day thing one stage further and running propper rider training days.
But what is it you guys n gals most wanna learn??

Im thinking High speed braking for sure. Maybee some of you wanna learn how to get ya knee down --fire away with what ya most wanna learn--ohh and how much honestly you would pay for the chance
good idea frosty....but this would mean a structured day...of learning...which I have no problem with....and I would be keen on....but not if its going to be some self proclaimed racing/riding expert who doesn't really know shit from clay...that would just be a waste of a day and money better spent on a noraml trackday...unless yourt planning of getting the likes or brian bernard or arron slight in to coach??? that would be ideal! other wise as stated theres plaenty of other rider training courses already avalible...

Toaster
13th June 2007, 18:33
I doubt I could get my knee down on my bike.... bugger.

Advanced bike control and more practice at slow speed as well as cornering is all good. Life is very different on a heavy bike.

Toaster
13th June 2007, 18:34
:yes: I agree with that Mr Hitcher!

Especially when you live in the wider Wellington District!! hehehe! :shutup:

Hitcher
13th June 2007, 18:48
Greater Wellington Region.

cowpoos
13th June 2007, 19:08
I doubt I could get my knee down on my bike.... bugger.

Advanced bike control and more practice at slow speed as well as cornering is all good. Life is very different on a heavy bike.
could give you a demo if you like??

naughty
13th June 2007, 19:53
Great idea, have been looking around for something like this. Definitely road riding technique, cornering, braking, everything thats already been said. Dont mind paying the money if its going to be good

trumpy
13th June 2007, 20:06
A friend did a rider training day last year with Mr Slight in attendance. She's a relative newbie and had done training days before but reckoned this was just the ducks nuts (probably because she got to spend more time with him than anyone else....funny that).
Set it up right and I'll definitely be a starter. Cost......whatever (within reason). As I get older (and older, and older and older etc.........) self preservation seems to get more important and am prepared to pay more to continue on with my life.

TONO
13th June 2007, 21:53
Set it up right and I'll definitely be a starter. Cost......whatever (within reason). As I get older (and older, and older and older etc.........) self preservation seems to get more important and am prepared to pay more to continue on with my life.

Yep! they say most men loose their confidence as they loose their hair:yes:
I'd say your knackered mate:nya: :rofl: :rofl:

Anyway back on topic, good idea frosty.
I have always thought that the invitation riders like such as Mr Sherriffs & Mr Stroud who are both nice guys should contribute more to the riders by following them and then indicating for them to follow them showing lines & braking points at a reasonable speed then picking up another rider/s and doing it again, rather than fanging around the track at speeds we mortals only dream of....good practise for them but doesn't help the rest. :shutup:
Thats just my opinion on normal track days.
A specialised training day incorporating some track work would be good.
I would attend.

ArcherWC
13th June 2007, 22:01
Good idea Frosty, be plenty of punters keen i'd say....

Prehaps different days for different rider skill levels?
Race craft skills for people starting out racing or wanting to get faster on the track
Advanced bike control for road riders
Basic bike control for newbies
seconded, id be very keen on race training

jimbo
13th June 2007, 23:17
Good sheme Frosty.Basically what Tono said(gudday big fella:yes: )Two takers here.Price...not an issue for good quality instruction:scooter:

Highlander
13th June 2007, 23:53
... improved roadcraft? ... some track skills and lines are not necessarily directly transferrable to the road (like how you approach blind corners, the 12 second rule and so on), but stuff like high speed braking certainly is ...I'm not interested in a pure thrash but if there are aspects which I can transfer to everyday road riding through good instruction; that would be a different matter.



I for one would definitely be interested in a tuition day that would teach good skills for road riding, but in a relatively safe environment like the track where there are no cars, trucks etc to contend with. ... High speed braking would be a great lesson also...it'll make me a better road rider and possibly save my life one day, I think it's worth paying for. Cheers!


Well said Mrs KD, and Mr Blackbird.

Also interested in bike set up (suspention adjustment and such) as it is a mystery box I have yet to open.

Class room sessions sounds good.
Pointing us at the track to just go for it does not apeal to me.

Cheers

Cr1MiNaL
14th June 2007, 00:15
Id be interested if sumone good were to give me tips on how to ride my bike right on the track before i just do it myself which I will soon anyway ... Im not a "racer dude" but definately enjoy the odd trackday... lines, position, hs braking, all important... (knee down) is not a priority though with the above under my belt I think Ill get there one day...and I think its way safer than leaning ur bike at steap obtuse/acute angles... Id pay what Id pay for a normal track day 100 bucks bcoz thats what it essentially boils down too... Thats what Id like anyway.

trumpy
14th June 2007, 07:05
Yep! they say most men loose their confidence as they loose their hair
I'd say your knackered mate

Knackered!? Knackered you say.......we'll see!:nono:

Actually, given the state of my head I probably shouldn't be even getting within 50 meters of a bike!:o

The Flux Capacita
14th June 2007, 13:24
i'll be keen to learn everything coz i'm sick of loosing bikes:P breaking and cornering i think would be most beneficial but if it's on a track and theres time left over mabey someone can show me how to wheelie

FROSTY
14th June 2007, 18:32
oK FOLKS-- this is worth further investigation.
Cost wise I can definitely say it will most likely be in the 150-200 region.
The fixed track hire costs wont change but instructors will need paying

FzerozeroT
14th June 2007, 19:03
www.ridertraining.org.nz

carver
17th June 2007, 00:12
Im doing a lil bit of brainstorming here folks.
I've been tossing around the idea of taking this track day thing one stage further and running propper rider training days.
But what is it you guys n gals most wanna learn??

Im thinking High speed braking for sure. Maybee some of you wanna learn how to get ya knee down --fire away with what ya most wanna learn--ohh and how much honestly you would pay for the chance

can you teach me how to get my knee down on the road?

Disco Dan
17th June 2007, 01:47
Great idea Frosty, however.... I can only see this being effective if it is only aimed at riders who already have been riding for some time - ie not newbies.

One aspect of AWNMR that presents a challange is the wide ranging abilities of the attendees. Being that we cater for primarily new riders and follow on from the basic handling skills test, we also cater for riders that have been riding for some time and wish to "polish" up their skills. This presents a challange in terms of activities and exercises in order to create a session that will actually benefit all the attendees. This has since been solved although not yet put into practice 100% - but this is not the time or place to talk about it.

My opinion is that new riders (for the purpose of this post I will say under a year) would be more of a hazard on the track and would not be able to really benefit from cornering lines and getting off the bike etc... yes there are exceptions (like anything in this world) and there are people that have real natural talent that start racing after only months of riding. My point is gearing it more towards proficient riders would fill the current gap in the rider training (on KB anyway).

There cannot be enough rider training groups - I would like to see a newbie night started up in another area ie wellington similar to AWNMR, and having a more advanced training group in Taupo (being centrally located) would be perfect - especially if it was geared more towards the track.

I look forward to seeing how this develops.... :yes:

Nasty
17th June 2007, 07:26
Sounds like a good idea.:yes: If 6-10 instructors were available, may I suggest focusing one of them towards the learner license group. The closed circuit location could help with confidence,(no traffic to be distracted by).
Costing? $100-150. Maybe a Bike Insurance company may wish to sponsor the learners costs? (Great PR, espesically with ACC promoting Bike Saftey).
I'll be in, never too old to learn.

ACC does a lot of weird sponsorship of things ... they may play ball donating stuff .. you never know ... I could check it out once things rae sorted.

Nasty