Riding a motorbike is an experience like no other. That exhilaration of the perfect ride, an empty road, your bike humming and you completely in the zone. However, riding on public roads can dash all this in an instant. There are so many things trying to kill you – potholes, pedestrians, lorries, trees and of course, the ever-present threat of being pulled over for having too much fun. What if there was a place where all this went away? Well, if you want to push your machine to the max in a safer environment, you should consider a track day.
What are the Benefits of Doing Track Days?
There are countless benefits to taking your bike to a track. Firstly, it’s the only real safe place to test you and your bike’s capabilities together. Riding on the street is too dangerous to perform the way you want to, and in all likelihood, highly illegal.
The track is a controlled environment full of experienced riders and training staff. You could find yourself learning more in one track day than years of road-riding. The best thing is that the things you learn on the track make you a better, more reactive and safer street rider too.
Some of the skills learned on the track include how to know the correct apex on a corner, when to brake and when not to brake, how to brake, good body position and the physics behind your bike’s movement. All this provides a deeper understanding of your machine, leaving you a safer rider. Track days also help with riders being able to stay calmer which gives the brain more time to react and deal with sudden situations better.
For those who think track days are too intimidating and only for those ‘in the know’, they couldn’t be more wrong. Rookies are always welcome and track days are family friendly, laid-back occasions.
And if you think it sounds too dangerous, consider this – the environment is carefully controlled with workers continually monitoring the track’s surface for debris. Medical staff are on hand and will pick you up within seconds if you do go down. You’ll slide onto dirt or grass and be picked up by an ambulance instantly. It’s certainly safer than conditions on the public roads!
Things you’ll need as a minimum include the following:
- A motorbike that’s been prepped for a track day. Check with the track organization to find out what this involves and think about finding a motorcycle mechanic near me.
- Complete race leathers, two-piece is also allowed.
- Additional fuel.
- Race boots, gauntlet gloves and full-face helmet.
- Basic tool kit.
- Plenty of water.
- Tyre pressure gauge.
Could I damage my bike?
No rider ever wants to go down, but if you do on a track, you’ll be picked up and treated straight away. Your bike will be taken into the pits by a truck. If you’re riding your street bike, you should check with your insurer that you’re covered for taking your bike to a track day. Most insurance companies do allow for coverage for non-timed events or rider development opportunities.