Track day at VIR – conclusion

May 1, 5:37 PMDC Motorcycle Travel ExaminerMark Poesch

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Billy and Glen said that the experience on the track would make us safer on the street; we’d be less inclined to ride fast.  I was skeptical, as I’d experienced exactly the opposite effect in my last track-day experience:

In August 2001, I spent a “Friday at The Track” at Summit Point in my 1995 BMW M3.  It was a great day, and I found myself able to handle the M3 with increasing confidence in each lap.  But less than three months later, my confidence would translate into over-confidence as I spun the car out of control, slid off the road, and wrapped the car around a lamp post.

Motorcycles require discipline.  Sport bikes require more discipline.  Track days that teach skills and discipline make safer drivers and riders.  Track days that instill confidence without increasing discipline are a hazard.

Following my day at VIR, I found that I had more confidence and sufficient discipline to keep my riding in check.  I’d recommend the VIR Patriot course to any sport biker who is looking for a safe way to test the limits of their ability and experience what their bike can do – with a warning: make sure you’re increasing your self-discipline as rapidly as you’re increasing your confidence and riding skills.  Ride within your limits!  You and your bike will live longer.

VIR and Team Pro-Motion did a fantastic job of taking care of us – from the gear to the training, the session was run flawlessly.  But there are still some things you can do to prepare and stay on top of the day:

Before you arrive:

• Exercise – track riding is very physical – get in shape before coming to the track so that you’ll have both the strength and endurance to keep going all day long.
• Get your bike checked out in advance of the event.
• Make sure your chain tension is tight but not too tight (about 1" of play).
• Get your mirrors off and the lights taped in advance.
• Pull your fuses for lights (or pull the headlight caple) to avoid melting the tape.

During the day:

• Check your ego at the gate.
• Pay attention to the training and take each session one at a time.
• Stay hydrated –  hydration is essential on the track – stay hydrated to stay alert!
• Get plenty of calories throughout the day to maintain your energy level – stay alert!
• Ride your own ride – make sure you’re able to bring your bike home the way you brought it!

All, except the tires… we all love to see the tires worn down to the edge!

Catch the whole series:

• Track day as a journey to self-discovery
• Track day at VIR – first-hand report – the first warm-up laps
• Track day at VIR – session 2 – taking it up a notch; stay on the line!
• Track day at VIR – session 3 – out in front of the instructors
• Track day at VIR – session 4 – picking up the pace
• Track day at VIR – session 5 – the best session yet!
• Track day at VIR – session 6 – death of a gixxer
• Track day at VIR – session 7 - final session! – taking advantage of the run-off area!
• Track day at VIR – conclusion – confidence without discipline spells disaster
• Track day at VIR – epilogue – lessons learned on and off the track

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