Get On Track!
Story: Dan Hankin
Photos: www.picsofyou.com
Ever wanted to hang off your bike, drop your knee to the ground and drag it through a corner? Want to ride at triple digit speeds, legally? Want to learn to be a better rider? You can accomplish all of that in a single day, for a fraction of the cost of a reckless driving ticket. Welcome to a track day with Cornerspeed.
On May 24, we loaded up our bikes and gear and headed out to VIR for a day
on the North Course sponsored by D&D Cycles in Norfolk. Upon our arrival
at VIR, we were greeted by the D&D crew, Aaron Stevenson and the Cornerspeed
instructors, and perfect riding weather.
Once we made it through tech inspection, where officials checked participants
and their bikes for safety wire, fluid leaks, acceptable tire tread, and
the proper riding gear, riders were separated into three groups. Since this
was our first track experience, we ran with the beginner group and headed
into the classroom for our first lesson while the licensed racers hit the
track, and the intermediate group got suited up for their session.
It's been a while since I've spent much time in a classroom, but I don't
remember it being so fun. Or engaging. Aaron Stevenson has a way of settling
first timers' nerves and turning anxiety into adrenaline. At the end of
the first classroom session we were armed with enough information to have
some fun on the track without getting ourselves into trouble. Stevenson
had students learning the track and searching for "reference points".
As the day, and our confidence progressed, we would use these visual references
to know when to set up for turns, begin braking, and/or turn into corners.
What we didn't realize at the time is that the exercise effectively had
us focused on learning the track while riding well within our respective
limits.
After twenty minutes on track, it was back to the pits where on-track riding
instructors let students know what looked good in their riding and what
needed to be improved throughout the day. Then it was back to the classroom
for more lessons.
This routine would continue for the rest of the day, with Stevenson giving
riders a new goal to accomplish with each track session. One of the more
challenging assignments was the "no brakes drill" in which our
goal was to ride the course at the fastest pace we were comfortable, without
using the brakes. This exercise again allowed students to ride at a comfortable
pace, while exploring the limits of their bikes, and their tires. I thought
I was doing pretty well with this exercise until Stevenson passed me on
the outside like I was standing still with one hand on the bar of his Ducati
and the other motioning for me to stop in the pits. He made a quick point
that if he could pass me on the outside I wasn't using up all of the racetrack
as I should, and that since he did it one-handed I wasn't moving anywhere
near the limit of my bike, or tires. Point taken. Back to the classroom.
Throughout the day Stephenson emphasized safety, and frequently reminded
students to ride within their limits. His mantra; "The only thing that
should touch the ground today are your tires and your knee pucks. If you
wad up your bike and wad up your body, you're not going to have fun today."
To reduce temptation, lap times are not recorded in the lower ranks, and
it is highly recommended that riders tape over speedometers to eliminate
the distraction.
Even without the clock running, improvement was obvious. I not only felt
smoother and faster by the end of the day, the proof was there. With every
track session I watched the wear pattern on my tires creep towards the outside
until balls of melted rubber finally hung off the edges. And then, on the
second to last session of the day, my virgin knee puck touched the asphalt
exiting turn seven. Of course, this was not a goal I had been willing to
admit out loud, but it sure was a nice way to end the day.
What Do you Need?
To ride a successful track day you'll need a well maintained motorcycle
with fresh tires, safety wired bolts, a set of leathers (two piece that
zip into one are acceptable), a five year old or newer Snell approved helmet,
eight inch or taller boots, riding gloves with closures, a hard shell back
protector, and the desire to become a better rider.
WANT TO GO?
For information regarding the next D&D Cycles track day, contact D&D
Cycles at 757-423-1082 or www.danddimportcycles.com
Cornerspeed is
the official rider school of Virginia
International Raceway and is fully accredited by WERA
and CCS.
