simplybrad

I finally went on my first track day event today and got to learn a little more about how my Blackbird behaves - it definitely performs beyond my abilities.

Sponsored by Motoworks of Chicago, Johnny worked with his friends at SportBike Track Time to put on this event. Limited to 45 riders (about half of a normal event) allowed for plenty of track time and closer interaction with instructors. The event was held at GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, Michigan.

I started out in the novice group which was fine with me (I have ridden bikes since I was four - a Honda QA50 and my feet couldn't touch the ground) - I needed the slower pace and the teaching to become familiar with the track.

After a couple of sessions with the novice group, they moved me up to the intermediate group. Happy with the move as it got me in a group where I was about in the middle and working with other riders who were able to keep a good pace and stay "on line" through the track. This allowed me to be able to work on the execution of the turns at a faster pace. I still only managed to get half the turns right at any given time. Since I have such a brute of a big bike, I was able to stay in third gear through the entire track - gotta love big bore bikes. I did this to help me work on my turns and carry some speed through the turns - I have a lot of work to do in this area.

[thumb:2413:l]By the last session I was starting to get comfortable with leaning off the side (not enough to break-in the knee sliders though - LOL) until I ran out of gas! Yes, the bird sucked-down 6.5 gallons of fuel in 6 30-minute track sessions. Someone was generous enough to put a half gallon in the bike so I could get off the track.

I will be looking for a race bike next year as I do not wish to damage the bird. A used, cheap SV650 might be perfect. There were a few there and they seem to be a good size bike to run on a budget.

Thanks Johnny and Monte for the great day, I am now hooked. Freddie’s is not too far away!