Hi guys,going to book my first track day for brands on 31st of this month. Now this is my first track day,but the novice group is full,leaving the two inters and fast groups. I would describe myself as a fairly quick road rider. Do you think I'll be ok to book onto the slower of the inters group?
I'd say a fairly reasonable gauge is that if you can get your knee down on the road (even just roundabouts) and aren't afraid to use the brakes and throttle hard when the bike is upright then you'll be more than fine in the inters group.
Personally I would wait and contact the organiser and ask to be on the wait list for novices. It's not all about speed, it's also about lines and "expected" behaviour.
You will be fine. Just forget about everyone else out there and focus on your own riding. As Yorkshire Tyke says, the novice group full of wobble jockeys who are more of a hazard than anything. Go for it, enjoy it and post a write up here after.
Sorry dude totally disagree... Seen plenty knee down warriors ride like complete lemons on track cos they think they are good riders.... Compounded by the fact they max their bikes out on dual carriageways 'upright' However your right, a decent road rider with experience and a sensible head will slot right into inters.... Obviously best to start novice and move up, but some dudes in novice are a liability.... And make it more dangerous. But we all start somewhere. My advice would be go for it. What's the worst that could happen! Ideally you'd start in novice and move up but as long as you don't get carried away you'll be fine.... And they might let you move after a session anyway....
Cheers boys,I think will go with jimbos thoughts of "what's the worst that can happen" I figured if I'm that slow they will slot me into the novice group,I may be wrong but sod it,maybe I'll learn a bit more following someone a bit more experienced,lines etc...some interesting views though thanks fellas!
Youll have a blast. Don't worry about pace etc or lines just work on 1 thing at a time and it will come. Its only fast group really that tend to show any sort of predictability and consistence in lines, breaking points and overtakes. Inters is very much a mixed bag so just keep your wits about you and have fun!!
Man I'm jealous, it's been a long winter! Just remember to take it easy to start with no matter what group you're in. I remember doing cadwell for the first time and it was pouring with rain, I was so slow but it helped me learn the track especially as the dry line appeared. By the end of the day I was keeping up with some of the quick guys in the intermediate group. Best track day ever! Good luck old boy!!!
the other way of looking at it is your that slow and have no idea where the track goes,your a danger to the other riders,and will only move you if they have space,which atm they don't. not having a pop,but the amount of times I see lads rock up on their 1st trackday and think because they did 160+on the m/way they think they are a riding god.(not saying this is you) saying that,novice+inters 1 will all be very similar,so just book what you can,then maybe after the briefing stay for the extended novice briefing as here they will give some extra pointers on track safety. you'll have a great time though I'm sure.
You do have a point scooby,I would say I'm confident,but not in a cocky way,I know my limits. I have visited Brands numerous times,so know the layout,but I'm sure this has absolutely NO bearing on what it's like to ride in real terms. I'm sure the Marshalls etc are very quick to sniff out anyone they think is a danger to other riders which is of course the last thing I want
like i said,not having a pop,and you don't seem the riding god type ,but as it's your 1st t/day,deffo stay for the xtra novice briefing.
Just enjoy the day. That -to me- means be prepared. I see lots of newcomers with bikes that have worn tires, brake pads gone to hell and on top of it, the pilot stayed up late into the night enjoying the nice paddock atmosphere . A main difference to driving on the road: don't look behind you. All the fun is in front of you
lol first trackday, straight into Inters and Paddock Hill. Should be interesting Some tips. Relax on the bike! There is nothing worse than being tense on the bike, bike doesn't like it and you'll get tired really quickly. Don't go looking to try and "show yourself what you can do!" Take your time, relax and just find your way around for a session or 2. Then go and see an instructor and ask for them to take you out. Say you're new to Brands and haven't done a trackday for a while. Don't say it's your first or they will wonder why you put yourself in Inters NO LIFESAVERS!!! you'd be amazed at the amount of people I see doing them. Don't worry about what's behind you, that's the rider behind you's problem. Just worry about where you are and where you're going. Some people like to talk to themselves as they ride, "right i brake there.. there;s my tip in point... there is my apex... there's my exit" ect ect. I just tend to swear at myself, "there was an apex back there you twat!... oh ffs get on the fucking gas!.... you're riding like a girl, mtfu ffs!" ect ect lol. Get yourself down early for the sighting laps, you'll normally be the first group out at 9am but with 4 groups at Brands it sometimes runs differently. Listen at the briefing for group running order. If you get down early you'll get right behind an instructor and see his lines for 3 laps. But also look for the lights and marshals points, they are easy to spot at Brands so that shouldn't be a problem. Paddock Hill will feel like you're falling off a cliff the first few times you tip into it. DON'T cover the front brake or be tempted to go for the front brake once you've tipped in. That will end in disaster! At the speed you'll be going around it you won't run out of track. If you think you are running wide look up the track towards Druids and not at the gravel pit!!! Where you look, is where you go! Keep yourself hydrated!! It might not be warm but you'll still be working hard. Concentration is the first thing to go if you start to get dehydrated. Energy bars, chocolate are good as well. Most of all enjoy it! You'll be nervous, we all were. Take your time to build up speed. Don't worry if you are getting overtaken a lot, there is always someone faster! If someone makes a close pass or stands you up ect don't lose your temper or panic. Just let it go and ride your ride. If you are having problems with someone who is of a similar pace, feel like they are holding you up ect just exit the track, ride down pit lane and rejoin the track and they will be a 1/2 a lap in front of you It's very important with Brands though, if you are joining a live track stick to the right edge of the track all the way around Paddock and only move back to the middle of the track as you get back up to speed going up to Druids. Have fun and be prepared to become addicted! It's like crack!
I was just thinking back to my first track day when i went in the novice group and felt like I was just too fast for everyone around me. I've never been as fast as many others on road (probably as I don't take as many risks as others on road) but if you understand racing lines, can carry corner speed and know how to use brake and throttle... Admittedly there are a lot of people who just art cut out for track riding and are frankly dangerous when they try to keep up with higher groups than they are ready for.
