There's a Thill day April 20th and I say we plan an SSA outting! Weather will be gorgeous by then. I can take at least myself and a spare bike but not sure about the spare person and gear....trailer and two bikes is probably already going to put me over my tow rating (but not hitch rating) by like 200lbs but I'm sure the Camaro can handle it.
Who's in? Invite friends, let's make this a fun day filled with speed!
I plan on being there. Already have my pass. Sign up here: http://precision.mycustomevent.com/ShoppingCart.aspx?com=productlist&cid=339&srch=t
Dub, do they offer group rates? Trying to convince some of my old riding group to join up.
If I have a bike by then I'm there. I wonder if the new west track will be open?
Quote from: RocketRider on February 23, 2014, 10:14:53 AM
Dub, do they offer group rates? Trying to convince some of my old riding group to join up.
I'm not sure; you should contact them and ask.
Quote from: Tahoebrian5 on February 23, 2014, 02:31:07 PM
If I have a bike by then I'm there. I wonder if the new west track will be open?
I don't think so. I'm not sure when it actually opens, but I think the first motorcycle trackday is in mid June with Z2 on the full track, which I'm thinking of going to.
Assuming Brian and GM are in, I've got 5ppl (us plus 2 from my old riding group so far). I figure if I can get a total of 10 I'll contact precision to see if they can do anything for us. Tell friends and post interest!
RocketRider: If its the same as last year, If you bought a 4 pass (or multiples of that) it was basically 4 tickets that you could use however you wanted (4 for you, 2 for you/2 for a friend...) and you could use them whenever you wanted. Email them at RideWithPrecision@gmail.com or on their Facebook page to verify. They are cool guys and I'm sure he can get you a good deal.
Noted thanks RedLeader! Any interest in joining us? :D. We've obviously got the pre-req four you mentioned but the more the merrier!
Oh yeah, duh, I forgot you could use the 4 packs like that. Find 3 more people and buy two 4 packs for $131 per person. Not bad considering the 4/20 day is normally $180.
Quote from: RocketRider on February 24, 2014, 08:53:35 PM
Noted thanks RedLeader! Any interest in joining us? :D. We've obviously got the pre-req four you mentioned but the more the merrier!
RocketRider, Thanks for the offer, but I'm actually a coach for Precision. Pending my work gives me the days off, I should be out there on my SV having fun with everyone else. We will have to turn some laps together though!
Quote from: RedLeader on February 24, 2014, 10:53:20 PM
RocketRider, Thanks for the offer, but I'm actually a coach for Precision. Pending my work gives me the days off, I should be out there on my SV having fun with everyone else. We will have to turn some laps together though!
DERP. Hope to see you out there :)
Quote from: Tahoebrian5 on February 23, 2014, 02:31:07 PMI wonder if the new west track will be open?
This was in the latest Thunderhill Newsletter:
QuoteOfficial Grand Opening - Thunderhill West
June 20-21-22 – A new road course to open in California for all to use. The event will be held on the Five Miles of Thunderhill! Racers from all over the country are expected to attend and enjoy the historic event.
Prior to the "official grand opening" drivers and riders will have a chance to "test" on the new 2-mile course on Weekends in May leading up to special events with the SFR/SCCA being the "first automobile race in the new 5-mile course" !
Loyal customers will have first choice on the new track and the use of the 5-mile based on dates that they have in place on the current 3 miles of Adrenalin. If these customers elect not to use the 5 mile or run the new track as a separate but equal venue on their currently booked days, West will be offered on a first come first serve basis.
Let us know if you might be interested by calling Shannon Ell on 530 934-5588 ext 103 and sign up for the "Interested and waiting list where, again, it will be first come who are given the booking opportunity in the new two miles of WEST.
The grand opening event on June 20-22 is an SCCA race. The weekends in May eluded to for testing are car events. So as near as I can tell the first opportunity for motorcycles to ride is still the Z2 event on the full track June 14/15.
Damn, I'm getting married on June 21st. That might be a bit close but my wheels are turning
Quote from: Tahoebrian5 on February 27, 2014, 08:12:55 AM
Damn, I'm getting married on June 21st. That might be a bit close but my wheels are turning
Bachelor party at the race track?
I rode dirtbikes with KKM on Sunday and he said he had his eye on that weekend. I'm thinking about it pretty seriously. It's $450 for both days; not bad for the full track.
Ya, its going to be epic!! Like having a closer miller. Bach party at the track sounds perfect. Ill take sexy bikes over strippers any day
Quote from: Tahoebrian5 on February 27, 2014, 09:43:13 AM
Ya, its going to be epic!! Like having a closer miller. Bach party at the track sounds perfect. Ill take sexy bikes over strippers any day
Gay. Lol.
In related news, no takers? I have two others interested, need 1 more at least
What are the requirements for a bike in the C group (assuming there will be the standard A/B/C classes there that day)? I need to go down to motorcycle superstore in Sacramento and get a track suit, I have a Snell helmet already and the boots. I assume standard stuff like taping lights and removing mirrors, anything else?
I'd love to go if there's a C group. Will be my first of hopefully many track rides. :D
Quote from: RenoRider75 on March 01, 2014, 12:05:04 AM
What are the requirements for a bike in the C group (assuming there will be the standard A/B/C classes there that day)? I need to go down to motorcycle superstore in Sacramento and get a track suit, I have a Snell helmet already and the boots. I assume standard stuff like taping lights and removing mirrors, anything else?
I'd love to go if there's a C group. Will be my first of hopefully many track rides. :D
They say typically at least 1 year street riding. Group riding experience doesnt hurt, just to be used to having other bikes around.
If you can move along the backroads at a decent pace and more importantly are comfortable with your bike (hard braking, leaning, etc) you should be fine :)
Awesome, I'm in then. It looks like a blast.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUG-7p7WoxY&t=2m15s
Quote from: RenoRider75 on March 01, 2014, 12:05:04 AM
What are the requirements for a bike in the C group (assuming there will be the standard A/B/C classes there that day)? I need to go down to motorcycle superstore in Sacramento and get a track suit, I have a Snell helmet already and the boots. I assume standard stuff like taping lights and removing mirrors, anything else?
I'd love to go if there's a C group. Will be my first of hopefully many track rides. :D
Yes, it's a standard 3 group day. You will be fine in C group; it's for newbs. As long as you are comfortable riding your bike and don't have to stop and think before you manipulate the controls you're good. Precision is a great organization for newbies. They offer free classroom instruction between your sessions and you can have a coach ride with you 1 on 1 all day long if you want.
The tech requirements are listed here, it's not difficult stuff: http://www.precisiontrackdays.com/Bike-Prep--and--Tech.php
It sounds like I have my 4 for the group pass. Renorider I'll hit you up sometime in the next two weeks to do the group buy thing :)
Sounds good. I can't wait! ;D
That's awesome! I know you're going to learn a lot RR75. Try new lines every lap and aim high in steering. You're going to come back appreciating lots of things about yourself and your bike's limitations.
Take lots of pictures and/or get an actioncam. You'll want to relive the experience. Just another facet of taking enjoyment from riding and reliving those moments.
Quote from: RocketRider on March 01, 2014, 08:04:46 PM
It sounds like I have my 4 for the group pass. Renorider I'll hit you up sometime in the next two weeks to do the group buy thing :)
Wait, did you get 4 or 8? Are GM and Brian in?
Quote from: GreenMachine on March 03, 2014, 10:52:00 AM...Try new lines every lap...
I would say a better piece of advice is to have an instructor show you the proper lines form the get go. Otherwise you will just waste a bunch of time doing it wrong.
I have a Drift HD camera mounted to my helmet. I assume those are allowed, since there are videos all over YouTube of Thunderhill from helmet cams. :) I've been reading and re-reading Twist of the Wrist for the past year, so I can't wait to go out and try the stuff that's in my head (i.e. "the ideal line is the line that allows you to follow throttle rule #1: Crack open the gas early, and roll on smoothly and evenly throughout the rest of the turn."). Having an instructor giving advice would be awesome. It would also be great to have someone with a camera following me so I can see myself. I've heard that gives a lot of useful instant feedback.
Anyhow, I came across this video, and this looks pretty tame. It looks like a lot of fun, but nothing too outrageous for a track noob like me. :P Waiting in that line to go is like waiting in line for a ride at Disneyland. I can't wait!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUG-7p7WoxY&t=2m40s
Quote from: dub on March 03, 2014, 01:25:51 PM
Quote from: RocketRider on March 01, 2014, 08:04:46 PM
It sounds like I have my 4 for the group pass. Renorider I'll hit you up sometime in the next two weeks to do the group buy thing :)
Wait, did you get 4 or 8? Are GM and Brian in?
4; myself, RR and two of my ol' riding group. Sent them messages today. I of course encourage GM and Brian to join the fun! ;D
Well the way my work is going I don't think I could make it. I would like to but don't think ill can make it.
T-hill scares the hell out of me. That's my personal feeling. RFR being tighter, was more challenging to the rider. It was a great workout too, being so damn bumpy.
Come on GM you will absolutely love t hill. It is not scary at all.
What scares you about Thunderhill, exactly? And how do you know RFR is more challenging if you haven't ridden both? I mean, RFR has more corners to learn, but once you figure where the track goes what is more challenging about it?
DR is right, you would like it.
I purchased a 2 day pass with precision. I will be at T hill Easter Sunday and Memorial Day.
let's have a big group from Northern Nevada show up down there ride and have a blast.
Quote from: dub on March 05, 2014, 08:24:39 AM
What scares you about Thunderhill, exactly? And how do you know RFR is more challenging if you haven't ridden both? I mean, RFR has more corners to learn, but once you figure where the track goes what is more challenging about it?
DR is right, you would like it.
:clap
IMO, a track is as dangerous as you make it, with the exception of run off space and other riders. You have no control of other riders and Thill appears to have plenty of run off.
Short update, looks like one of our 4 has backed out, I'm saying F*ck it and just taking the extra TD for later this year ;D. Or maybe GM will grow a pair? eh? eeeeeeeh?
I haven't looked. Maybe I shouldn't. :-\
I may come over for the day just to see you guys ride and to take in some of my favorite roads before and after. No question about it, you guys are going to have a ton of fun.
Can you get TB5 to go? I might see him tomorrow. I'll ask. What day is T-hill?
Quote from: dr1150 on March 05, 2014, 12:09:13 PM
I purchased a 2 day pass with precision. I will be at T hill Easter Sunday and Memorial Day.
let's have a big group from Northern Nevada show up down there ride and have a blast.
Same here Dave.
I'm still on the fence but hoping I can make it
Quote from: Tahoebrian5 on March 11, 2014, 01:55:01 PM
I'm still on the fence but hoping I can make it
I'll have at least one extra ticket available if you wanna jump on the group buy with us :angel
Any chance I can get one of you to slum it in the C group with me in one of the later sessions (if that's even possible to do - I'm not sure how the group assignments work)? Once I've learned the track and am comfortable on the bike there, it'd be awesome to have someone experienced follow me and give some tips for improvement so I can work on them in later sessions and make the most of the day. :)
RR75, I think T-hill is fairly regimented about groups, but no matter, I think Wiles would say to ask for an instructor to spot you. You can watch dozens of RFR videos where instructors lead riders around the track. They love to help. Take them up on it! Also, watching T-hill videos over and over, will give you a better understanding of where you want to be on the track (deja-vu), what to expect and how fast you can go.
The cool thing about track riding is the huge run-off. You're not restricted to one thin lane like on the street.
My first trackday included learning about braking distances from high speed. I didn't learn much about cornering or much about anything else, but my goal was to ride off of the track at the end of each session without injuring myself or others and not otherwise crashing. Subsequent trackdays have been more of the same, but where I'm going progressively faster. I don't push the limits or ride in close quarters with other riders, because there's a lot I still don't know. I stress safety first for myself. I've had a really good experience in my three outings.
Quote from: RenoRider75 on March 18, 2014, 04:26:12 PM...it'd be awesome to have someone experienced follow me and give some tips for improvement so I can work on them in later sessions and make the most of the day. :)
Quote from: GreenMachine on March 18, 2014, 08:51:58 PM... think Wiles would say to ask for an instructor to spot you.
Yes, that's what they are there for! There will be many instructors in C group who will follow you and offer help whenever you want!
Do we have an official head count?
Myself, My friend Steve, RR75, Wiles...I hear some of the TTRC guys will be there. Anyone else confirming? Still have an extra ticket to make the day a bit cheaper if someone wants to jump in last minute!
PS- does anyone have opinions on "old" slicks? I have my set from last year's ttrc event. Basically they have one track day on them then I stowed them away in my closet away from sun and extreme temperatures. They should be good for another two days or so yeah?
I watched a video recently, maybe on here, showing T-hill turn one was taken at about 70 MPH. WTH? That course doesn't look tight. How can that be?
Looks like DR will be there on the 20th, Easter Sunday as well.
RR, I might be interested in taking the #4 ticket off your hands. PM me the cost.
Yes GM I will be there on Easter. I hope you can pick up a ticket and ride with us it will be a lot of fun. Come on GM you can do it.
I spent a couple of hours last night watching the same Thunder Hill video over and over, with a track map next to it. I've gotten to the point where I can recognize a turn and anticipate which direction and how tight the next turn will be. I drive up Geiger 5 or 6 times a week, so knowing the road really well certainly helps when I'm on the bike. Watching YouTube videos will hopefully help me feel more relaxed on the track, since I'll at least know what to expect the road to do.
One thing I'm wondering: In the videos, even in C group, people pass on both sides all the time. If you're on the right side of the track, hit your reference point for turn-in and steer toward your apex, how do you keep from plowing in to someone who is trying to pass on the inside right before you make your turn? That's honestly my biggest concern right now - people riding quickly up from behind that I don't see, and then having them crash into me when I change direction.
In C group passing is only allowed in straights I believe...that's what I'm used to anyways precision may be different. There may be passing on the outside or inside of certain turns too. People weaving in and out may be control riders who are comfortable with maneuvering around others. There are of course those idiots out there...do your best to avoid them and REPORT THEM to controller riders/staff. They will take appropriate action. I have unfortunately seen this done before...
I BELIEVE the general rule of etiquette (at least the rule I always follow) is that it is the passing party's duty to get around safely. Rider in front should just ride his/her line. When you go to pass don't dive someones inside line, don't get pushed out because you tried to take the outside, don't go inside and push them out etc etc. Be courteous, wait for the right moment. If all else fails, pull in to hot pits and let traffic go and then rejoin the fun. You can have 3 failed laps stuck behind someone(s) or you can waste a quarter of a lap worth of time letting traffic go. It's not a race :)
RR75, your concern is the same as mine. I know I won't be racing people, just trying to mind my own business and have fun. Accidents are a fact of trackdays and people get busted up pretty good when there are collisions. RR's advice is probably better than anything I can give and I'll be re-reading it several times, along with paying close attention to the riders meeting on the day of the event.
I've been in your shoes many years back, where I saw a pack of faster riders coming up on me. Thinking I'd get off my racing line, I overdid it and had one of the faster riders go way outside to get around me. Got lectured by the guy after the session, which was a good thing for my knowledge.
On Sunday, unless I'm following a rider through a corner, I probably won't be apexing turns as tight as possible. I know I can stay off the race line and allow for room inside and outside of my line. At TTRC last August, that worked well, since most of the fast stuff I was off the race line when racers were within distance of me. One after the other, they were able to navigate around me with ease and nobody complained. Of course, they were skilled riders on track prepped bikes, including riding on slicks, which probably helped in there ability to slice around me at will.
I stress projecting a predictable line, so it is clear my intention and momentum allow for passing on either side of me, if someone from behind has ants in their pants and can't wait for the straight. That worked at TTRC. Then when I was alone, which was a lot of that trackday, I was able to ride into corners deeper and apex without the slightest bit of worry. Also, the trend is for most riders to get weary/tired as the day progresses, so I wouldn't be surprised as the day wears on fewer and fewer riders line up for the group sessions. Plus, it's a Sunday, so I think there's an even better chance of people blowing out of there before the end of the day. So save yourself or plan on staying late, if you want unobstructed track. I will be.
The other item you'll have going for you in C group is that there are few accidents in those sessions. It's us wannabee-racers in B group where the most accidents seem to occur. And from the ones I can recall, it's almost always the scenario you mention. The lead rider is coming in on a corner, pointed towards their apex and a faster rider misjudges their overtaking maneuver and T-bones the lead rider. Scary stuff. Let's hope that's not the case for anyone. It's senseless.
Awesome - good to hear my fears aren't totally unfounded. :P It sounds weird, but I'm okay with my bike getting totaled as long as I get to walk away from an accident. I've heard from several seasoned track riders that you can't be afraid of crashing your bike - that fear, more often than not, causes you to "pucker up" in a tense situation and makes crashing more likely.
I pushed it a bit on the truck route last night. Being relaxed and repeating in my head "trust the tires, trust the bike" over and over seemed to help more than I thought it would. I'll try to remember the same thing on the track.
Accident potential be damned, I'm really looking forward to my first track day! I think it's going to be a lot of fun and a great learning experience.
RenoRider75: Look me up when your at Thill.. I would be more than happy to tow you around, that's what we instructors are for. My name is Morgan. Ill be in one of the orange vests with the # 75 on the back (if they dont get changed this year) and on the SV with the #89 Yellow Corona Suzuki fairings.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0oiRGAKljEw/Uy4DoQj8XRI/AAAAAAAAB-o/Qwj3nXCVa6E/w448-h336-no/IMG_1110.JPG)
To touch on your concerns about people passing you mid corner; no one should be passing mid corner (inside or outside) in c group. passes are only to happen on straights, with at least a 6 foot "bubble" around you. As mentioned before, if anyone is making you uncomfortable by passing inappropriately, or riding erratically please report them to any Precision staff. We will go out and assess the person and have a "one way conversation" if necessary. This subject is covered pretty extensively in the morning meetings, and even more so in the free C classroom sessions.
Also, I heard this mentioned in this thread as well so I though I would talk about it as well. If you hear one or a group of riders coming up behind you DO NOT try to move out of the way, or adjust your line to let them through. People pass other riders by observing their current lines and predicting where they will be so they can pass around them. If you are trying to get out of the way, you will be riding erratically and the riders behind you will have no way to judge where you will be at x point in time and be able to pass you safely. Often I will be following someone on the track and see them swerving all over the place. When I pull them off track and talk to them they often say they were just trying to let riders by.
If you have any questions, message me or post up here. Ill try to keep checking this thread.
Quote from: RocketRider on March 19, 2014, 06:53:58 PM
PS- does anyone have opinions on "old" slicks? I have my set from last year's ttrc event. Basically they have one track day on them then I stowed them away in my closet away from sun and extreme temperatures. They should be good for another two days or so yeah?
RR- Should be fine. I've ridden slicks much older than that. Major concerns to think about with them are
1. how may heat cycles did they have? Slicks/race tires have a set amount of times the tire will heat up/cool down before it starts getting "slippery". Some tires will be "cooked" long before the tread is gone just from too many heat/cool cycles. One day should be fine though.
2. how much tread? Check the dots on both sides of the tire, middle doesn't matter. One side will probably have less tread than another. You can always flip slicks, as there is no directional tread patterns like on street tires. I want to say Thill is a left handed track (more left hand turns) so you would want more tread on the left side of the tire.
Quote from: RedLeader on March 22, 2014, 02:29:43 PM
If you have any questions, message me or post up here. Ill try to keep checking this thread.
Yeah, I have a question.
Where did you get that FUCKING AWESOME BODYWORK!?
It came originally from this guy:
(http://www.corona-racing.com/assets/images/Dsc_4419s.jpg)
It was used on the AMA Corona Suzuki GSXR 600 race bike in 04 or 05. I stumbled on a auction over the winter where Hotbodies was selling off some of their old back stock of race bodywork. It took a bit to mount it up. New fairing stay and custom side brackets and a bit of welding, but it all works.
Quote from: RedLeader on March 22, 2014, 02:29:43 PM
RenoRider75: Look me up when your at Thill.. I would be more than happy to tow you around, that's what we instructors are for. My name is Morgan. Ill be in one of the orange vests with the # 75 on the back (if they dont get changed this year) and on the SV with the #89 Yellow Corona Suzuki fairings.
Awesome! Thanks for the advice on keeping my line as people approach - that's not something I'd thought of. I'll definitely find you there. :)
You mentioned free classroom sessions for the C group - how do those work?
Quote from: RedLeader on March 23, 2014, 09:23:34 AMIt was used on the AMA Corona Suzuki GSXR 600 race bike in 04 or 05.
Pretty boss.
Quote from: RenoRider75 on March 24, 2014, 10:21:36 AM
You mentioned free classroom sessions for the C group - how do those work?
It will be announced and described a little better during the riders first thing in the morning, but basically it's made up of two components: classroom instruction and on track coaching.
The classroom instruction is free and is usually the first 20 min after each session ends. One of the head instructors will go over a different topic each time, or can focus on specific things is someone if having trouble with it. Some things that usually get covered are: Track layout, good lines to take around the track, how to apex corners, How to pass/get passed, how to enter/exit the track, body positioning, counter steering, weighting the pegs, and several other topics. It sounds like a lot but it's really not that bad. A lot of the times, either the instructor will give you a goal to work on, or you can set a goal for yourself from the stuff you just covered or something earlier in the day and then go and work on it on the track.
The on track coaching is provided is also free. Coaches will hang out at the grid off to the side and wait for riders. If you want a coach to follow you make sure you either go up to one of them and let them know, or talk to whoever is at the front letting people out on track. Either way, if you're working on something let the coach know. Usually after that the coach will follow you around the track once or twice and then pull in front and lead you around for a lap. Then the coach will pull you in and debrief with you. They usually ask what you though, and then give feedback on what they saw. Then you are free to go back out and practice some more what you and the coach just went over.
It might sound a little intense, especially for a new track rider, but it really isn't. One nice thing about the Precision family is everyone is really laid back and easy going. You can go to the classroom and/or get a coach to follow you as much or a little as you want. I always suggest trying to get as much coaching as possible, but if you just want to go out and do a session with some friends and ride, by all means go have fun! Also, if you find an instructor that you really like to work with; you can find them in the pits and ask them to work with you. If they are free that next session they can usually work with you a bit.
Hope this helps. As always let me or Dub know if you have questions and we will try to answer them.
Quote from: GreenMachine on March 19, 2014, 07:13:38 PMRR, I might be interested in taking the #4 ticket off your hands. PM me the cost.
(http://gifrific.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Ben-Stiller-Do-It-Starsky-and-Hutch.gif)
Way behind Dub, just got GM's spot confirmed tonight ;D.
We're still a month out but let's setup a caravan/rides! It's good to travel with a partner in case something bad happens, or you're just plain exhausted! Post up if you need a ride or have a ride!
I tow a trailer with my Camaro...really that means room for one bike and a small gang of crap...I CAN tow two bikes but it puts me over the recommended tow limit...I prefer not to do that, at least not through the mountains.
If someone has room for a spare bike (mine) I would like to do support transport; carry EZups, chairs, gas, gear, etc. Technically have room for 3 bodies, realistically just one adult would be comfortable.
I plan on running every session, so if anyone is planning on leaving early don't buddy up with me ;D
niiiiccceee
EDIT: I wanted to add that everyone here has been very helpful - I'm not nervous as much as I am excited now. ;D I can't wait - thank you all for being helpful and encouraging!
We're taking my wife's truck down there on Saturday with the bike in the back. I bought a 4' wide, 9.5' long loading ramp and a brace for the bikes that bolts into the truck bed. I haven't tried loading two bikes into it yet, but it does have the provisions for it if anyone else needs their bike hauled down / back.
I'm thinking about hanging out in Chico on Sunday night and coming back on Monday. That gives me time to enjoy the Sierra Nevada brewery after the track day and not worry about driving home tired.
That's very nice of you RR75! I know Dave is looking for someone to shuttle his bike to from. He has Brian of SPL and myself as options, but if your truck is bigger (mine is the light-duty Colorado), he might be taking you up on it. His is a GSXR-750. I sent him a txt asking him if it would be okay for me to haul his two-up on my truck bed.
I or he will let you know.
Who will be down there Saturday night?
Do we want to get together for dinner or a drink the night before?
I would definitely be down to meet ya'll at Casa Ramos for dinner/drink on Sat night. I imagine I'll get into Willows around 7pm or so.
Quote from: RenoRider75 on March 26, 2014, 03:46:10 PMI'm not nervous as much as I am excited now. ;D I can't wait
Ahh, that nervous excited feeling of a trackday newb. I wish I could go back in time and experience it all over again.
Also, for the record, I can transport bikes. But that's not very helpful seeing as how you would first have to transport it 1.5 hours out of the way to get it to me.
Get a 1970s bike with skinny tires and crap for suspension. That ought to make you nervous again. :P
DR and I are confirmed in Willows for Saturday night. We're going to split the cost. If one of you that we know wants to split the cost a third way and can sleep on the floor with an (your) air mattress & sleeping bag, we'll cut you a deal: $24 or three pitchers of beer (j/k). Non-Smoking Room with free continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi, refrigerator and microwave. I'll have my little dog with us too, but he won't be a problem. Except he does snore, lightly.
We're driving separately, since he has to return Monday evening. He has the logistical plan all mapped out in his head, since he's been there before and knows what to expect.
Dub, I have your cell number (ends in 27). I'll text you the day of to let you know we arrived and what our plans are. I may not see you before then, so we can PM each other or spell out on here what our plans become as details become available.
RR75, if you can PM me your cell number we can keep the whole group together or not. Your preference. Just throwing it out there. I have Rocket's number.
My spots are now also technically taken. Gonna go to Redding with the wife saturday to hang out with family then hit Thill on Sunday, so we'll meet up there.
Anyone know the pits well enough to suggest somewhere to make camp so we can all meet up?
Look for my truck. If you're camping overnight, that'll give me piece of mind having everything sitting there. Supposedly, we're looking for one of the covered areas.
Are you bringing your dog too?
I'll be camping overnight.
The paddock is huge and it's all paved; it wont be a problem to find enough room for everyone to pit together. There are two big covered areas, those will fill up first.
Quote from: GreenMachine on March 30, 2014, 06:23:57 PM
Look for my truck. If you're camping overnight, that'll give me piece of mind having everything sitting there. Supposedly, we're looking for one of the covered areas.
Are you bringing your dog too?
I'll be in REDDING. Man you don't read haha. Pup will likely come. If you make camp before the rest of us get there try to stake off enough room for the group!
Awesome, Dub will be our night watchman. I'll have to bring you breakfast from the motel DR and I will staying at.
Bike prep: same as RFR? I'm using 2 y.o. anti-freeze and water. Is that acceptable?
Same as RFR, yes.
Without the BUMPS
Quote from: dub on April 02, 2014, 04:16:37 PM
Same as RFR, yes.
That's good news! One less "gotcha" I have to worry about. Thanks Dub!
It sounds like most everyone is sticking around the local region for Sunday evening? Is there a possibility of camping on Sunday night there too? I know DR will be going on to Sac, RR & RR75 to Chico or other areas.
I was going to drive home that night, but if someone is staying there at the track, if that's even possible, I might end up joining them. That is, if they don't mind the company. Would be cool to walk the track, which I think they allow under certain circumstances.
I doubt anyone else will be camping in the paddock on Sunday night. Except for maybe the people from the next event on Monday.
We'll be in Willows on Saturday, so meeting up somewhere for dinner and/or a drink would be great. I'm prepping the bike late next week (so I can ride it around town earlier in the week). :) On Sunday, depending on what time everything wraps up we'll either be driving home or hanging out for one more night. We're pretty much playing it all by ear at the moment.
Everything will wrap up at 5. They usually request every one clear out of the paddock by 6 so the next day's group can start arriving.
There is a Mexican restaurant in town that is decent. Ive stopped by there several times previously on my way out of town.
Casa Ramos, yo! It's the place to be.
Quote from: dub on April 09, 2014, 03:44:21 PM
Everything will wrap up at 5. They usually request every one clear out of the paddock by 6 so the next day's group can start arriving.
Gotta remember GM is about 20 years older than he really is. So he goes to bed at 6pm and wakes up at 5am
One more week boys! Super excited!!!
Down boy! Down!
You're going to wet yourself.
(http://img.hsmagazine.net/2012/11/Dog-Excited.jpg)
No countdown? ???
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jK-NcRmVcw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jK-NcRmVcw)
I loaded up tonight, ready to roll!
Bike is prepped, just need to throw duct tape over the wheel weights. Found out yesterday that my ten-foot ramp is actually six feet. :D. Made loading the bike pretty entertaining...
See you guys there! What time for Casa Ramos?
See you all there.
Quote from: RenoRider75 on April 19, 2014, 09:45:56 AMSee you guys there! What time for Casa Ramos?
Not sure, I'm leaving pretty soon. Hope to be to the paddock by 6.
Casa Ramos tonight? I won't be getting there until tomorrow morning. Guess I'll have to miss out on the Mexican food.
We just checked in to the hotel - Baymont Hotel, right next door to...
... Casa Ramos. ;D
We'll be heading over there at 6. If you want to meet us there, just look for the tall short-haired blonde guy sitting with a red-headed girl (Eric and Sara). If we don't see you tonight, see you at the track tomorrow!
Well? Let's see 'em. I know you guys took pictures when you were there.
:picspics
Here are pics of the paddock. I think there are a few of your guys' pit in there. http://www.keokephotography.com/p157098304
Also your pics are up on the 4 the riders site, GM.
Ah yes, I see.
(http://www.4theriders.com/pics/2014/04.20.14-PRECISION/CBR_OLDSCHOOL/IMG_3930.JPG)
Made it 4 laps before the head blew :(. Didnt mind so much that it happened, but I did mind that it happened in Session 1. Would've been nice to get some riding out of my money and efforts...oh well.
Sounds like you guys kept it up right and had fun though! Hopefully my friend Steve didnt kill you with awkward banter haha
Not at all. Steve fit right in. I think we actually like him better. :P
(http://www.sierrasportbike.com/images/ridepics/2014/04/P1010120.JPG)
:-\
Nobody else has pictures they're going to upload?
Sorry I didn't take any pictures.
I'm kind of surprised that we haven't heard from Eric with his thoughts on the day yet. I hope they made it home ok?
I think they wanted to go out to dinner afterwards as like a post trackday debriefing. And when we all said we were tired and wanted to get home before fatigue set in, that might have offended them.
Either that or Eric's still dead to the World. He was getting his money's worth that day.
LOL. I was dead to the world that night for sure. ;D Otherwise, this week has been a whirlwind of job interviews and projects...
Anyhow, I had a blast! I haven't had that much fun on my bike since... um... EVER. :P Wiles followed me around the track and gave me a lot of good advice on body positioning. I spent the last 3 or 4 sessions not worrying about my line at all and just working on my body and riding style. It really helped! The last session, turn 1 was at 90 and turn 2 was at 75 or 80. The whole day, but particularly the last sessions, it was like the ultimate roller coaster ride. So much fun.
I can't wait to go again! I think I might need new tires already, lol.
Here are a couple of my favorite pictures from the day:
(http://i.imgur.com/GXMkRRX.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/jg7NFlT.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/HoTsfNA.jpg)
I also took a picture of the track from the top of the hill above turn 14:
(http://i.imgur.com/pm8uCzH.jpg) (http://www.sierrasportbike.com/images/ridepics/2014/04/Thill_pana_low.jpg)
Sara has some pictures on her camera too that we'll have to sort through and upload.
Thanks for the day of fun! I felt so bad for RR and dr. But otherwise the day was well worth it.
EDIT: Well, that was fast. Sara's camera has lots of pictures of me, but I'd feel conceited if I uploaded any more of those. :) Here's one she took of Wiles showing me proper body positioning using Steve's bike. Thanks again! Once I get my positioning down well, I'll go back to working on lines again.
(http://i.imgur.com/hUUjyJ3.jpg)
Here's one of GM in turn 9:
(http://i.imgur.com/mFOe2gy.jpg) (http://i.imgur.com/mFOe2gy.jpg)
Quote from: RenoRider75 on April 24, 2014, 04:37:41 PM
LOL.
EDIT: Well, that was fast. Sara's camera has lots of pictures of me, but I'd feel conceited if I uploaded any more of those. :)
Please! What does that make me then? Be conceited and post up as many of those badboys as you want.
Nice dude. Looking pretty good in the that top picture.
Quote from: dub on April 24, 2014, 06:11:41 PM
Nice dude. Looking pretty good in the that top picture.
Thanks! I think that was from session 6. Session 7 was probably better, but all the photographers had gone inside by then. :D Next track day I'll be starting out as less of a noob, so I can continue working on the form. At the time, I wasn't sure how much the track day was helping my overall riding skill but now that I've ridden on the street again I can tell how much more comfortable I am at normal speeds.
Something else, even more important I think, is that it has really helped cool my "speeding on the streets" bug. On the track, my attention was 95% on my position, the bike, and the people around me. No attention spent on looking for potholes, cars pulling out in front unexpectedly, etc. Only 5% of my attention was on looking for the flags, watching for oil, etc. That environment allowed me to go much faster and be a lot bolder than I would normally be. Of course, my riding stance sucked and I was a complete noob for the first part of the day but after I learned what "leaning off" should actually look like, things got a lot more stable and even more enjoyable.
I'm an addict. I love speed. Speed on the street freaks me out, but speed on the track is exhilarating. I'm even thinking of getting a dedicated track bike if I get into it more - I saw a used Daytona 675 that looked in good shape and seemed perfect for next season when I can at least pretend that I know what I'm doing. :P
And GM, I'll post some more of the pics after I have a chance to go through them, crop them, and clean everything up. :)
Quote from: RenoRider75 on April 24, 2014, 10:57:32 PMAt the time, I wasn't sure how much the track day was helping my overall riding skill but now that I've ridden on the street again I can tell how much more comfortable I am at normal speeds.
Something else, even more important I think, is that it has really helped cool my "speeding on the streets" bug. On the track, my attention was 95% on my position, the bike, and the people around me. No attention spent on looking for potholes, cars pulling out in front unexpectedly, etc. Only 5% of my attention was on looking for the flags, watching for oil, etc. That environment allowed me to go much faster and be a lot bolder than I would normally be. Of course, my riding stance sucked and I was a complete noob for the first part of the day but after I learned what "leaning off" should actually look like, things got a lot more stable and even more enjoyable.
Exactly.
A lot of people give up riding on the street entirely once they discover the track. They are suddenly much more aware of all the hazards present and it scares them away; they say it's too dangerous. That didn't happen to me, I still love to ride the street, but it did slow me down. I don't have the desire to ride at blazing speeds in the canyons. Not that I ride
slow in the twisties, but the pace I choose is well within my comfort and skill level. Even if I choose to bump up the pace a notch to keep up with some faster riders, I'm still not at the bleeding edge where I may blow a turn and cross the double yellow or end up in a ditch or off a cliff. The rest of the time it's nice to enjoy leaning the bike through the corners while still being relaxed enough to enjoy the ride. I think that is the benefit of riding the track and why I think all sport riders should do it at least a few times.
Quote from: RenoRider75 on April 24, 2014, 10:57:32 PMI'm an addict. I love speed. Speed on the street freaks me out, but speed on the track is exhilarating. I'm even thinking of getting a dedicated track bike if I get into it more - I saw a used Daytona 675 that looked in good shape and seemed perfect for next season when I can at least pretend that I know what I'm doing. :P
There is a reason it rhymes with Crack.
Meanwhile GM prefers street blasting :|)
:headscratch Says you.
Speeds at the track and speeds on the street are rarely interchanged. And you can attest to the fact that I'm a p*ssy on the track, you've said so yourself. If I can't go fast there, what makes you think I'm going fast on the street? Case closed.
You totally ride faster on the street! So I think ;D
Your faster than me now. Haha