Last Puke Open Day of 2004

**Sheep Dags** · 15th October 2004, 15:37

Hi guys,

I'm real keen to get out there to Puke and meet some KBers but the only problem is, is that it says on their website that riders need full leathers and i've only got other riding gear, like dririder pants and armortech jacket. Are they pretty firm on this rule? And also, i got a TZR250, and never been to the track before, are there gonna be any other newbies/smaller engines there? Or else i'd feel like a dick

... and which day do you suggest, the $80 open day or the $150 track day? cheers

**Drunken Monkey** · 15th October 2004, 16:26

Originally Posted by Sheep Dags

Hi guys,

I'm real keen to get out there to Puke and meet some KBers but the only problem is, is that it says on their website that riders need full leathers and i've only got other riding gear, like dririder pants and armortech jacket. Are they pretty firm on this rule? And also, i got a TZR250, and never been to the track before, are there gonna be any other newbies/smaller engines there? Or else i'd feel like a dick

... and which day do you suggest, the $80 open day or the $150 track day? cheers

The track Marshal *seems* pretty relaxed on this rule = as long as you have good quality full safety gear, ie armoured jacket, armoured trousers, proper boots, gloves and (of course) helmet. But in saying that, I've never tried it on with anything less than full leathers myself, so I can't be 100% sure.

As for which is better value - it all depends on how quickly you learn and how confident you are on a bike (or more specifically your ability to ride a race line and not be intimidated by faster bikes passing you quickly and closely). I never did track day, went straight into open days, but I had some track etiquette experience in cages.

You've probably seen some of the other threads = follow Frosty's advice, ie hold your line (don't make sudden moves, even if it is to 'give way'), and you should be alright.

**Sheep Dags** · 15th October 2004, 18:49

Cheers, thats great advice. Yea so I don't have any experience on a track but I've riden quite a bit so am quite confident. I've got to do it some time though so might as well give it a shot.

**Two Smoker** · 15th October 2004, 20:34

Originally Posted by Sheep Dags

Cheers, thats great advice. Yea so I don't have any experience on a track but I've riden quite a bit so am quite confident. I've got to do it some time though so might as well give it a shot.

WOOHOO ANOTHER SMALL BIKE FOR ME TO RACE!!!!

**Darryboy** · 17th October 2004, 20:20

I'll be there too.

My first time on track at Puke a few months ago was awesome fun.

So that's another small bike for you to lap TS

**kerryg** · 18th October 2004, 09:14

I've done several Track Time days and had great fun each time. They're a credit to Vince Sharpe and his team. Well-organised and great for the less confident riders because of the way the groups are divided up, and newbies are given special briefing and a special 1st session on the track, and there's a braking school usually. BUT....if I was to be honest, I think that the value for money is not that flash. A lot of time is spent getting ready to ride, with bike and gear scrutineering, and filing out forms and standing in queues, and then briefing and then with with 4 different groups with their own sessions you may only get 4 sessions of 15 minutes (=$30 per session). And there's a break for lunch, and so on. I am keen not to be seen as rubbishing these days. They are very well done, and everyone involved does go to great lengths to make it a safe and enjoyable experience. I just think that the downside of such impeccable organisation is that it erodes riding time. So if anyone associated with Track Time reads this, it's not a criticism so much as an observation. I just wish they were a bit cheaper.

I haven't done a test day but I hear that you get lots and lots of track time and that it is a a much less organised and structured set up. Which may be a very bad thing, or a very good thing......

**Hoon** · 18th October 2004, 10:07

Yep I recommend TrackTime as a good "first timers introduction to the race track" but once you've been broken in you will get more bang for buck from an open day.

If you are on a budget and a confident rider then jump straight into the open days but this aint for the faint hearted - you can expect to get BUZZED by many a faster rider all the way up to national champions and stressing over getting in the way may detract from the enjoyment (even though it isn't really your problem). This upcoming open day will be your best opportunity tho as there will be a lot of bikes and a few first timers too.

The amount of track you get at open days also depends on how many different classes of vehicles turn up. There could be as many as 5 (meaning 15 mins every 1.5 hours) which could be possible this Sat since it is the last one for a while.

**Coldkiwi** · 18th October 2004, 11:14

Right... TS and MR, your badgering has paid off - I'll be there!

Time for me to get some lessons from the KB 600 master on Puke. I know your little knee down performance at Wharepapa was only a shadow of your real abilities on that bike at corners Sudeep so I expect some pointers please!

**Two Smoker** · 18th October 2004, 11:37

Originally Posted by Coldkiwi

Right... TS and MR, your badgering has paid off - I'll be there!

Time for me to get some lessons from the KB 600 master on Puke. I know your little knee down performance at Wharepapa was only a shadow of your real abilities on that bike at corners Sudeep so I expect some pointers please!

WOOHOO!!!! The final Showdown, MR vs. CK, anyone got a 1000cc for me to borrow so i can keep up with these guys to watch the battle????

**Coldkiwi** · 18th October 2004, 11:41

dunno about a battle. I haven't been out there since January! Still, I'm getting the rear Supercorsa fitted today so hopefully he won't just bugger off on me!

**Joni** · 18th October 2004, 11:41

Originally Posted by Two Smoker

WOOHOO!!!! The final Showdown, MR vs. CK, anyone got a 1000cc for me to borrow so i can keep up with these guys to watch the battle????

Hmmm, this could be very interesting indeed!

**Motoracer** · 18th October 2004, 11:44

Originally Posted by Two Smoker

WOOHOO!!!! The final Showdown, MR vs. CK, anyone got a 1000cc for me to borrow so i can keep up with these guys to watch the battle????

How about you get a new front tyre for your 400 and keep up with us, with the way you were riding on Sunday!!

CK is a awesome rider (from what I saw on Saturday), I wouldn't be teaching him shit! All he has to do is watch what I am doing for a wee while and I am sure he'll be right up there giving me a good battle or even going quicker in some areas. I just hope the weather will be dry.

**Two Smoker** · 18th October 2004, 11:58

Originally Posted by Motoracer

How about you get a new front tyre for your 400 and keep up with us, with the way you were riding on Sunday!!

CK is a awesome rider (from what I saw on Saturday), I wouldn't be teaching him shit! All he has to do is watch what I am doing for a wee while and I am sure he'll be right up there giving me a good battle or even going quicker in some areas. I just hope the weather will be dry.

I might, but i really need the $$$ for the 600

**Coldkiwi** · 18th October 2004, 12:03

It HAS to be dry. No really. I won't actually turn up if its wet because my enjoyment at Puke comes from wringing the bike's neck - not wussing around worrying about a wet patch or some oil off KK's bike sending me into the gravel!
anyway, Supercorsas are for dry tracks so i'm not really set up for it. (ok, and I'm a wuss after my ZX6 stepped out around 700-800mm going on to the straight when it started raining out there last year)