Hey guys, just got back from my first time on a track. Its a new track school thats just opened over here in the UK< today was their first event.
It was at Blyton Park near Gainsborough. Only a fairly small track, but only been open a year so the surface is good.
Didn;t get off to a good start, was raining all the way their (I rode the bike their).
Anyways, got on track, there were 3 riders to a instructor, with a maximum of 9 on the track at any time. Also had rules about where to overtake, so you wasn't looking around and worried about someone shooting up the inside of you.
Started out wet, but dried out gradually throughout the day.
We practiced staying in one gear (I chose second), and not using your breaks, and turning in late. Just engine braking and getting the throttle on early, and rolling it on smoothly throughout the turn. I was perfect at this and got it spot on. It felt so good and right. everything was smooth, yet still fast.
Next session was about braking, see where you could brake the latest and hardest. I found that I'd break heavily but then be straight into the turn, so I couldn't get the throttle on early to give a nice rolling action. I also felt a bit uneasy and didn't have much confidence in the brakes as I should have. I was still using the rear brake slightly, and kept thinking it would lock up.
Next was about gearing, going through the gear. I'd currently just been staying in second. It would be revving like crazy, but I'd not let it go into the red line zone. I started to move up and down the ear box, it felt a lot smother to be in third in some bits.
Again I was braking late and not been able to get on the gas early for a control smooth motion throughout the turn. I'd also been leaning well over, but had kept my bum on the seat. So for my final session (putting it all together session), I wanted to get half my bum out and off the seat, and brake a bit early; which would give me time to get back on the throttle just before I went into the corner.
The last session came, and we had a nice dry track. Did a warm up lap or two, and off I went. Got my bum to the side and chucked it in, I'd brake heavily but gave myself time to get back on the has and roll it on smoothly. The bike and I just floated through the circuit. It felt amazing. I just got quicker and quicker, left everyone else behind me. I;d shift up to third and back down again, but second and third was all I needed.
It was so much fun, I just never wanted to come in. I enjoyed every second of today. I knew it was going to be fun, but being able to use my bike as I'd never used it before was incredible. what a machine our CBRs are! There just so quick, smooth, steady and easy to ride. I could just chuck them into the corners and I'd have so much confidence.
The best day I've had in my entire life! I'd recommended everyone to do a trackday, even people that don't own a sportsbike. We had plenty of sports tourers, you'll be surprised how far those things will go over. Two guys took a chunk out of their boots toe end sliders.
There is so much I can take and transfer into street riding, but just having the confidence in the bike is so good. I know to brake early (can be hard braking too), then get back on the throttle and roll in on smoothly and the bike will just lean and lean.
Sorry for the length, I'm still buzzing now! Booking my next tackdays for Cadwell and Donnignton for next month. I start Royal Marines training in July so gotta get them done before then!
Do what you like, like what you do. LIFE IS GOOD
