What does it take to be a racer?

**Katman** · 20th July 2010, 09:15

Originally Posted by Edbear

We talk about multi-tasking but really, no more critical is this quality than in racing. In normal traffic we are multi-tasking all the time, being aware of road and traffic conditions and the state of our vehicle, but racing brings with it a whole different world. Here, high-speed brain-work is essential throughout the race.

I think riding on the road requires a considerably higher degree of multi-tasking ability.

**rachprice** · 20th July 2010, 09:28

Originally Posted by Katman

I think riding on the road requires a considerably higher degree of multi-tasking ability.

I wouldn't necessarily say higher degree, just different

**Edbear** · 23rd July 2010, 10:50

Originally Posted by rachprice

I wouldn't necessarily say higher degree, just different

I think on the road, although competing with everybody going in all directions, the pace is slower and you have more time to process the information. On a race track, while you are all, (hopefully), going in the same direction at similar speeds, the whole shebang is happening at very high speed, at the limits of our processing abilities and that is where I have doubts about my ability to cope.

I tried the Motion Master at Rainbow's End a few years back and couldn't cope with that, and in the dome theatre I fell over twice!

However, as others have said, if one starts at the start and progresses to quicker bikes and a faster pace, the ol' brainbox should cope...

**javawocky** · 23rd July 2010, 11:21

Originally Posted by Edbear

I think on the road, although competing with everybody going in all directions, the pace is slower and you have more time to process the information. On a race track, while you are all, (hopefully), going in the same direction at similar speeds, the whole shebang is happening at very high speed, at the limits of our processing abilities and that is where I have doubts about my ability to cope.

I tried the Motion Master at Rainbow's End a few years back and couldn't cope with that, and in the dome theatre I fell over twice!

However, as others have said, if one starts at the start and progresses to quicker bikes and a faster pace, the ol' brainbox should cope...

I think you need to get down to your local track and do a track day. The noob groups are very users friendly and non-threatening - even if you take your cruiser you will be fine.

If you haven't already you MUST get A Twist Of The Wrist and its sequel. The core message is about your $10 note of attention and how to focus at speed.

When you get it right, the track comes at you one thing at a time, if it becomes overwhelming - you should simply slow down and re-evaluate your reference points.

When I ride, its like this (at Pukie) ...
Doing down the straight:
"Haven't hit the kink ye, so keep it pinned and get out of the wind."
"Ease through the kink, ok any bikes on my braking line? No, good, now where is that 200meter board?"
"Just before 200meter board, hit the brakes, wait a second, sit up to catch the wind to help slow down faster, down 4 gears, look for turn in point, turn on turn in point while cracking the throttle, wack it for a couple gears then setup for the left handers...."

Might sound like a lot but the more you do it the more it becomes a chain of events. Yeah, throw in 20 more riders and it becomes more complicated.

Take some inspiration from all the Adam Sandler - "You can DO IT!"

**kit** · 23rd July 2010, 13:16

Originally Posted by helenoftroy

Edbear I do love reading your posts but yeah time on your hands atm,some things you just have to experience!!

I had done a few Track days on my Ducati before I was offered a FXR for the day....racing on the track was the most amazing adrenaline rush,by the second corner I was hooked... I still race with a wicked grin on my face(apart from the 'oh F..." moments!)

You do have to focus totally,all your senses are on overload and you have no mirrors so have to totally concentrate on holding your own lines and committing to them.

I will never be a winner but I love it and the guys & girls I race with are a hugely supportive awesome lot

Competitive racing alongside passionate focused riders feels way safer to me than doing a Track day amongst riders trying to prove themselves....have seem some dubious,crazy,out of control riding at times

Agreed

Its great fun, and a great way to gain better skills, all you have to worry about is yourself (generally). And yes all the people I ride with out there are really supportive too....

**Edbear** · 23rd July 2010, 13:23

Originally Posted by javawocky

I think you need to get down to your local track and do a track day. The noob groups are very users friendly and non-threatening - even if you take your cruiser you will be fine.

If you haven't already you MUST get A Twist Of The Wrist and its sequel. The core message is about your $10 note of attention and how to focus at speed.

When you get it right, the track comes at you one thing at a time, if it becomes overwhelming - you should simply slow down and re-evaluate your reference points.

When I ride, its like this (at Pukie) ...
Doing down the straight:
"Haven't hit the kink ye, so keep it pinned and get out of the wind."
"Ease through the kink, ok any bikes on my braking line? No, good, now where is that 200meter board?"
"Just before 200meter board, hit the brakes, wait a second, sit up to catch the wind to help slow down faster, down 4 gears, look for turn in point, turn on turn in point while cracking the throttle, wack it for a couple gears then setup for the left handers...."

Might sound like a lot but the more you do it the more it becomes a chain of events. Yeah, throw in 20 more riders and it becomes more complicated.

Take some inspiration from all the Adam Sandler - "You can DO IT!"

Maybe when I'm all healed up and prosperous. I liked your commentary! Had to chuckle at the, "throw in 20 more riders and it becomes more complicated" bit!

**javawocky** · 23rd July 2010, 15:13

Originally Posted by Edbear

Maybe when I'm all healed up and prosperous. I liked your commentary! Had to chuckle at the, "throw in 20 more riders and it becomes more complicated" bit!

Yeah, I am still braving up to do a Clubmans race at some point after a few more track days.

Hay, when you ready to head down to HD or Pukie for ARTs let me know, I might just be going the same time and can show you the ropes

**Edbear** · 23rd July 2010, 15:19

Originally Posted by javawocky

Yeah, I am still braving up to do a Clubmans race at some point after a few more track days.

Hay, when you ready to head down to HD or Pukie for ARTs let me know, I might just be going the same time and can show you the ropes

S'long as that's not the ropes along side the track...

I can picture it now... "There's Ed on the Boulevard, understeering gracefully off the hairpin into the barrier...! He was heading for a sub-2min lap, now he's heading back to First-Aid..."