[Previous entry: "Prime weather of another ACH ride"] [Next entry: "Rollin' w/ RideOut USA"]
03/22/2006: "First Track Day w/ Robyn"
mood: exhausted
Yesterday, I attended my first track day with Robyn. I did it with MTC Track Day at Willow Springs International Raceway on the Streets of Willow track.
It had rained the night before and was a bit cool for the day. I arrived a bit early and waited with everyone else until the gate opened. Once the gate was open and we all got inside, everyone naturally started unloading their bikes.
Once I got the bike unloaded with the help of a fast older guy named Jim (who pitted right next to me). I went over and turned in all my registration paperwork.
Once I got my paperwork turned in I was instructed to take my bike and all my gear to Tech for inspection. After Tech. Inspection, we had a Riders meeting for introductions and to cover the basic rules of the track. MTC has a very casual and friendly environment. They work on the honor system and have only 2 groups. The "A" group is for the faster, more experienced track riders. The "B" group was for the slower, less experienced riders. I decided to join the fast group, so we got to hit the track first.
The basic format of the event is alternating 20 minute sessions for the 2 groups until lunch time. After lunch, which is provided, the staff assess whether or not it's safe to just run an open session. It really depends on how many riders there are.
The format really allows for lots of track time. For those riders wanting help with suspension setup, riding tips, lines, etc . . the MTC Staff was always happy and willing to help out.
By lunch time, there had been 4 crashes. In one, a guy low-sided in front of a staff member. The MTC Staff member did a damn good job of avoiding the fallen rider, the fallen bike and staying verticle. The fallen riders hand did hit the Staffers footpeg. This bent and cracked the footpeg bracket AND broke the riders hand.
Cold track tempuratures and over eager riders shaking the rust off for a riding season can be mostly to blame. I always took it easy the first couple of laps, especially since I don't have tire warmers. Sometimes, I had to do it at the expense of keeping up with the other fast guys . . but I'd rather get left behind than left in the pits with a broken bike.
There was another big crash in the slow group in the middle of the afternoon. The ambulance actually had to go out onto the track to get the fallen rider. I never got details on the injury, but I know the ambulance did not take him to the hospital.
After the track was cleared from the last crash, only about a half hour of the day was left. Despite being a bit sore and tired, I decided to go back out and get my moneys worth. I'm so glad I did. Except for maybe one of my first couple of sessions, it was my best session of the day. I really found a good rythm and got really comforable with Robyn. I was purposfully spinning up the back wheel coming out of turn 3 and into the new turn 4.
It was a great day. For anyone interested in going to the track to get plenty of track time, tips and advice from a friendly staff for a good price . . MTC Track Day is a Class Act Organization.
