So you can ride a wheelie all the way down the street.   You can beat all you buddies in a top end race to 160 mph.  You've diced it up through the canyons on Sunday and lived to tell about it.  So now what?

Why not take that overpowered, underweight machine you ride and see what the Sport in Sportbike is about.  Face it, we all ride Sportbikes to get chicks… ugh… I mean to look cool…. ugh….. I mean to show the guys up….. ugh….. I mean because they are race replicas… whatever reason you ride.  Some bikes, like GSXRs, are nothing more then factory built race bikes with lights, signals, and a big heavy muffler to squeak by the boys that makes the rules.   Many of today's modern Sportbikes are producing as much power off the showroom floor as factory race bikes from only a few years ago.

So where to start?

First and foremost, you will need a few necessary pieces of equipment that should be in the closet of every Sportbike riders closet.  LEATHERS: A full set of leathers is mandatory.  One or two piece is a personal choice.  Two piece allows you to still look good for the ladies at the local nightclub while avoiding looking like a pimped out power ranger. One piece leathers offer that extra bit security without worrying about a zipper opening while you are sliding down turn two at 100 mph.  BOOTS: A good set of road racing boots is encouraged. If you can spend $200 for an undertray, spend at least that much on a good quality road-racing boot.  Besides you can still wear them under your jeans and explain to the doorman that they are $250 Italian leather shoes that are all the rage in Europe. GLOVES: Good full fingered, past the wrist gloves. Get the carbon/Kevlar/chrome insert of you choice.  FULL FACE HELMET: If you don't already have one these, never mind you shouldn't be riding.  My advice, don't go cheap.  While the $100 special made by a third world country may seem like a good deal, think about what you are protecting. How much is your head worth. Besides you have to keep that mug of yours looking good for the ladies.  TRUCK: Every rider eventually ends up getting one sooner or later, but in the mean time ask your buddy to let you use his/hers.   You can also rent a U-Haul or cargo van for the day for much less then a tow ride home if you happen to crash.

BIKE PREP

Bike preparation is minimal.   You'll need to tape your headlights, signals and brake lights with duct or electrical tape. Why? To keep glass and debris off of the course if you happen to wreck. Tape your wheel weights down to keep them flying off while doing 140+ down the front turn 9 of the big track.   Remove you mirrors and/or disable your brake lights.  You need full concentration on the turn in front of you, not what's behind you. A good set of tires. Race rubber is not mandatory.  Tires are your only link between you and the pavement.  As a bonus you'll finally get rid of those sissy stripes on the sides of the tires that your friends make fun of at Sportbike Night.  Total prep time takes maybe 20 minutes.  Still not sure? Show up early to the track and ask around. 

Other things needed: Tire gauge, tie downs, cooler, few tools, EZ-up, bike stands, air compressor, chairs.  Don't worry if you don't have everything.  Track days are about making friends.   Don't have something? Ask around, you'll find someone willing to help you out. Bring at least one or two gallons of water, Gatorade or other hydrating liquid per person. When it's 100 + degrees (or even less) and you are wearing a full set of dead cow in the middle of the dessert, dehydration is a serious problem.   It's also helpful to bring snacks such as power bars or fruit to keep your energy level up throughout the day.  Also, bring a good attitude and a clear mind.  Leave the job, cell phone, attitude, and stress at home.   Be sure and get a good nights rest. You'll need 100% of your concentration for 8-9 hours.

TRACK DAYS

Track days are the best place to put you and your machine to the test in the safest environment possible.   They are not races. There are no trophies or prizes.  Most track days are separated into twenty-minute sessions of similar riding abilities.  For your first day start off in the street or novice group. Don't worry about being the slowest guy out on the track.  By the end of the day, you will have progressed ten fold. Don't start off in the race class. No matter how fast you are in your favorite section of road, this class is for those that have previous track day or race experience.  If find yourself being faster then the street class, don't worry you can usually move up.

It's important to remember that at the track you are doing the same set of corners all day long.  Everyone is going the same direction.  There is no oncoming traffic, cops, cars, dogs or other distractions.  If you happen to crash, there is an ambulance on the spot ready to attend to you.   Most tracks have plenty of run off room with out trees, cliffs or an Excursion with bad brakes.   

By the end of your first day, you will be hooked.  It's the fastest way to improve your riding skill. Track days are allow you to push you and your bike to it's limits. Hopefully you'll have 100-200 miles of track miles in one day.   That's not riding 100 straight highway miles to ride a 10 mile section of road then 100 highway miles back. That's 100-200 miles of down and dirty, peg to peg, slider to slider, corner to corner miles.   You can use your bike and equipment as for what they were designed for. After a few track days, you'll find yourself going slower and slower on the street and saving it for the track.

This is a golden time for the SoCal track day riders.  Competition is STEEP with lots of companies all competing for you track day dollars.  Organizations like the Sportbike Rider's Association are saving you lots of money on track days, not to mention the savings on tires, leathers and everything else. Where else can you spend $39.99 a year and save up to $50 the first time you use it.   SoCal weather allows year round riding and we have four tracks to choose from all with in a few hours drive. 

There are a hundred excuses you can come up with of why you won't get on the track. How do I know? I've heard them and used them all.   Just try it once.

First Track Day  Jitters

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