There is one in every group, and yesterday....

**HenryDorsetCase** · 21st February 2007, 12:03

it was me.

I did the HRC track day at Levels yesterday. Second time Ive ever been on track on a bike (the first being an advanced riding course at Manfield 20+ years ago, so very controlled and no opportunity to give it heaps).

So, yesterday I had the best time I have ever had on a motorbike EVER.

First time I got my knee on the ground, and my new tyres are now worn to the edges. All that stuff about looking where you want to go, being smooth and hanging off? Guess what, it all works.

Oh, and I managed to deck the bike, but I'm not worried about that. I was chasing someone a bit quicker than me, and on a quicker bike. (Note to self, purchase an Aprilia Tuono immediately).

Its not a race, yunnerstan', but I thought if I sit right behind him and slightly to the right of him in this loooong left hander, and get in the gas early, I will be able to pass on the corner exit, ..........[and thinking about that now it was actually not the cleverest of ideas, because it might have put me in the grass on the corner exit... meh, whatever]

of course I was off the right line, and got in the gas too early, and it unweighted the front and I lowsided off into the shrubbery. Doh.

minimal damage to bike, I know what happened, and Im not even sore today. I rode it home (160km) even.

Props to F1 Engineering for the crash bungs' and

Props to TonyB for the Minotaur leathers as well.

That won't be my last track day, but the idea of a track day only bike appeals...... cheap thrills!!

Did I mention I got my knee down?

I'll post some pics tonight if I can figure out how.

**Kornholio** · 21st February 2007, 12:14

Did you guys get a free lunch???

**HenryDorsetCase** · 21st February 2007, 13:19

yes, and very tasty I must say.

**megageoff76** · 21st February 2007, 13:47

Ah crashing at fun days, know that all too well when i binned my GSXR600.
On the plus side, the guy behind me on the RGV said I was powering away from him on the grass...I thought that was pretty cool

**mstriumph** · 21st February 2007, 13:48

well done that man!!

**UrbanMyth** · 21st February 2007, 16:50

Awesome mate! reading about or seeing someone absolutely stoked on there bike really puts a smile on my face.

**Deviant Esq** · 21st February 2007, 22:15

Good read HDC, cheers.

Glad you had fun, sounds like a great time! Shame about the bin, but good to hear there was no damage to you or the machine. Never been on a track day myself, might just have to have a go now I reckon! Aren't I lucky Ruapuna's often almost deserted?

Which track did you go to?

**Kickaha** · 22nd February 2007, 07:24

Originally Posted by HenryDorsetCase

Did I mention I got my knee down?

knee down automatically elevates you to the realms of the MotoGp gods (well around here anyway)

so we'll see you at the next Have a Go Day at Ruapuna then?

**gijoe1313** · 22nd February 2007, 08:03

Glad to hear everythings A-ok, even with the off! Sounds like you had an absolute blast and getting out there and doing your thang!

Didya get any piccies? Huh? Huh? Share share share!

Yes, I do so want to attend a Track day myself - even have my track day bike sorted out for it!

Now, where did I put that copy of Twist of the Wrist?

**HenryDorsetCase** · 22nd February 2007, 14:26

Originally Posted by Deviant Esq

Good read HDC, cheers.

Glad you had fun, sounds like a great time! Shame about the bin, but good to hear there was no damage to you or the machine. Never been on a track day myself, might just have to have a go now I reckon! Aren't I lucky Ruapuna's often almost deserted?

Which track did you go to?

Levels just out of sunny Timaru.

**HenryDorsetCase** · 22nd February 2007, 14:27

Originally Posted by Kickaha

knee down automatically elevates you to the realms of the MotoGp gods (well around here anyway)

so we'll see you at the next Have a Go Day at Ruapuna then?

abso friggin' lutely.

Ive done no productive work lately just surfed on tardme looking for an F2 or F3 racebike.....

when is it?

**Joni** · 22nd February 2007, 14:29

Some time in April... I forget the date...
Come have a go on the sidecars too

**HenryDorsetCase** · 23rd February 2007, 19:50

here is proof that crash bungs and decent kit are worth the money.

**blueblade** · 2nd March 2007, 11:08

Hi Henry

I'm not long back from our South Island Tour. Had an absolutely awesome time. Thoroughly enjoyed the track day but a bit nervous doing that half way through a 6000km trip so had to keep the throttle hand in check a bit. Loved the track. Bit tight though and you had to be fairly careful on that sweeper off the end of the back straight or you could easily end up in the tyres. Where did you have your off?

Did a track day at Taupo just after we got back. 10 of us on motards plus a couple of other bikes. Was an absolute riot. We even had 3 informal 10 lap races. A lot of very impolite riding going on. Will try and post a pic. I'm on the red bike at the front. Cheers and thanks for coming and saying Hi at Timaru.