Track Days

[Big Phil]

So my GSXR750 SRAD is now closing in on being road worthy and passing its MOT after 7/8 years sitting idle. My plan is to get some road miles on it under my belt before taking it over to Snetterton for a track day. I used to love track days but my mate stopped riding due to bad knees and the last time I did one was probably 9 years ago. Well I was 51 years old back then and can't recall feeling at all out of place as regards my age. However, although I'm actually in better shape now and over 60lbs lighter and can still ride a bike reasonably quickly I am suddenly worried that at 60 years of age I'm way too old to be doing this. I worry it will be full of kids or at the very least much younger people and as I will be attending on my own it all now feels a little daunting.  So to those of you on the forum who attend track days am I being a bit paranoid or not?

[SFC1000]

You said you still ride quickly and so won't get in too many peoples way. You may be surprised how many younger ones get in your way, more likely with crap lines thru corners.
Anyway it's for your enjoyment, f@#k everyone else.
If you want to do it, try it again, then decide if you want to do more. 

[Kiwifruit]

Will let you know afterThursday....... track day at Hampton Downs. 
Only 61 myself. 

[Milts]

@Big Phil

  You've done it before so you can do it again! Don't repeat this thought at 70 wishing you had done it whenyou were only 60 

If i lived nearer i'd come, if only to give you moral support          Obviously post covid and warmer weather 
   

[Alan Moreton]

Hi ya.

My mate has been doing track days for about 5 years.  He's now over 60! I went up to Snetterton with him to watch.  He has taken to it big time and even has tyre warmers for his track bike!

I believe the format is you decide which group you want to ride in depending on your experience level. It seems to be very well organised.  They do 20 minutes slots alternating between the 3 levels (Novice, quick and quicker still)!

I reckon, looking around the paddock, most riders were, shall we say, on the mature end of the age scale .  Lets face it, we're the only one with disposable income!!

Regards

Chip

[Roo]

Will let you know afterThursday....... track day at Hampton Downs. 
Only 61 myself. 
[/quote    cool be good to hear what you thought. I'm being coaxed into a Central Districts one by a couple of mates.(been a while for me) 
I'll start off the back of the fast group and see where from there.
Just gotta keep the red mist at bay.lol

[Big Phil]

Thanks for the all the positive comments Guy's makes me feel much better again. Think I just had a wobble with the missis taking the piss out of me for being 60 and vulnerable 😂

By the way Chip as your aware your only a short distance from me. I was wondering if you know of any local biker groups who do ride outs and meetings? Can't seem to find much if anything on the internet.

[Alan Moreton]

Hi Phil.

I'm a member of the Suffolk Advanced Motorcyclists Group myself and also a member of an informal forum on Facebook called "The Suffolk Crew" who have a lively forum and organise ride outs, charity runs etc.  They are good for a laugh.  They help with marshalling other rideouts too.

I struggle with electronic stuff, but basically if you find The Suffolk Crew facebook page, there is a joining application form.  Its free by the way.  In a day or so you have access to comment etc.

There is also the Triangle motorcycle club (who are behind the organisation of the Copdock Bike show which is planned to be early September 2012) who also do runs etc.  They tend to be based around older British Bikes.

I know there are other clubs about too. 

I believe the Stonham Barns bike nights are planned to start in April too.

Hope this helps a little?

Chip

[Big Phil]

Thanks ever so much Chip 🤗

[Kiwifruit]

@Roo   
Yep l'm a back of the grid boy. Have found in the first sessions some are too keen for my liking. New bike, new leathers, helmet and gloves.....keep clear !!
After a couple of sessions you can usually work out where you fit it.
Where would you go, Manfield or Taupo.
Are you going to Wanganui for the Street Races ?

[VladTepes]

Lets face it, we're the only one with disposable income!!

Speak for yourself.

Wish I did, I'd love to do track days.

[Roo]

@Roo   
Yep l'm a back of the grid boy. Have found in the first sessions some are too keen for my liking. New bike, new leathers, helmet and gloves.....keep clear !!
After a couple of sessions you can usually work out where you fit it.
Where would you go, Manfield or Taupo.
Are you going to Wanganui for the Street Races ?

Manfeild bud !  done a million laps of that place,  racing and then with job training Policemen for 11yrs. Some very funny stories with them !
Family lob here so I do Boxing day breakfast !!!!    (was great in the old days when it was televised.)

Might pop up to Manfeild for rd. two of Suzuki series  which is about the 19th Dec   I don't know anyone racing nowdays. Its only 40 mins away from here....(only if its fine tho )

[KiwiCol]

Round 2 on 13th Dec @Roo

https://www.manfeild.co.nz/Events/553/Suzuki-Series-R2

[GSXKING]

I used to do track days when I owned an TL1000S then Aprilia Mille then a GSXR1000. I took the GSX1400 to QR once and wore the footpegs off 

The last few Trackdays I've attended have been on the Monday after WSBK at Phillip Island run by Steve Broughy. First one was Suzuki GSXR600's, now they rent out BMW S1000RR's (a whole lot quicker) in race trim, speedo is covered. With traction control and ABS it makes you feel like a real racer. It's a whole lot of fun and run very professionally. You can race your mates if you're in the same grouping  , it's not cheap but with disposable income it just makes sense when you've travelled all that way to watch WSBK. 

[Kiwifruit]

Well I'm afraid l won't  be doing the Track Day tomorrow as rough running issue has returned.
Spewing.....