col3278

I haven't been to a trackday yet, so I don't feel I have much to offer compared to all the very experienced and knowledgeable people on this forum. However, I'm signed up for Level 1 and 2 at NJMP in August, so maybe after that I'll have enough knowledge to contribute effectively.

>We're done 'til spring. You can do your first track day with us at Team Promotion. They have an ART basic class that all first time track riders need to take. Bill Sink teaches it. Does a good job teaching you all the basics. Track lines, safety rules, body positioning, etc. It'll get you out there so you get a feel for what track riding is all about. Then you should get into one of the CSS classes. I did level 1&2 back to back the same weekend. Worth every penny. Track riding is a lot of fun on it's own, but once you get taught the proper techniques it all comes together and you really start having a blast out there. I got bumped up to the intermediate group my first track day after CSS. Never asked to be evaluated for the bump. Just doing my thing out there and got noticed by a contol rider who bumped me up. That's what CSS will do for your riding. As far as helping you get started, I'm more than willing to help. Start with buying the best gear you can afford. My wife doesn't question any of the expense. She just asks "Will it make you safer out there?" End of discussion. Now that winter is here, you have some time to get everything ready. Fire away with any questions. You can even use the PM funtion here, but I think everyone gains from questions on the board. It's good to get a broad range of opinions especially when it comes to gear. I'll be in touch,Bpez. I'll be sure to post any questions on the forum.

Thanks to all for the welcome. Bpez- I'll definitely be in touch. I'm fairly new to the area and don't have anybody to ride with. I actually live in Thorndale with a Downingtown post office address. I think I'd fit in with your crew- 41 and just started riding a sport bike. I catch some flack from some of the younger guys I work with, but you're only as old as you feel. Yea, you're right down the road from me. I'm just off Rt 322 about 1 mile from the D-town High School. Right now we do our track days with http://www.teampromotion.com/tpm.php but will ride next year with other groups depending on the schedules. Kevin is right about the best spent money would be on CSS and track days. The formal instruction will payoff 10 fold. I'll be doing level 4 at VIR and NJMP. Right now I'm out in CA on business. Gonna try to hit Laguna and Infineon this spring. You're more than welcome to pit with us or hit it out in the country on the weekends. I'm 40, ex AF so we'll hit it off just fine. Thanks Bpez. As you can probably tell, I've not had any formal training (other than the MSF course), so I'm sure I'll have alot of questions about bike preparation and track protocol. When do plan on your next session? Mike C. col3278@yahoo.com.

You should spend some money on your own schooling...it will pay bigger dividends than pipe upgrades, mag rims, stainless steel braided brake lines, rear sets or even race compound tires. The School will be at NJMP in May (or is it June?) and you really should consider investing in yourself and sign up for some formal training. Kevin Kevin- I've already singed up for the Level 1 course at NJMP in August, and if my work schedule allows, I will try to make one of the May sessions also. My bike is right about where I want it as far as upgrades- stock except for an upgraded exhaust. I'm looking forward to attending Level 1. Thanks for the advice.

I know what you mean. I was wondering the other day why I didn't feel like I had good traction going around some corners (it was 40F out). I read the thread about track tires and tire pressure and realized that I was running way too high pressure in my tires for cold conditions. There's alot of helpful, knowledgeable riders out there. By the way- my wife is working on her advanced degree on-line, and after seeing what that costs, I don't feel bad at all about spending money on my bike!

Thanks to all for the welcome. Bpez- I'll definitely be in touch. I'm fairly new to the area and don't have anybody to ride with. I actually live in Thorndale with a Downingtown post office address. I think I'd fit in with your crew- 41 and just started riding a sport bike. I catch some flack from some of the younger guys I work with, but you're only as old as you feel.

OK, so after reading some of the recent posts, I’m going to try not to be a ‘lurker’ (thanks, Cobie). My story is similar to a few I have read- rode a lot in the 80’s while I was in the Army, mostly cruisers. Had to give it up during college, then work, then kids, etc… Finally settled in the Philly area and have the time to ride again. I bought an ‘07 ZX-6R this past spring and absolutely love it! I only wish I had gotten back into riding sooner. I’ve been trying to teach myself proper cornering techniques, but I realize that there are limitations to what you can do on the street. I know that I have A LOT to work on. I’ve signed up for the August 09 Level 1 course at Thunderbolt, NJ. If my work allows, I’m going to try to make one of the May sessions in NJ also. I’ve heard nothing but good things about CSS and am very much looking forward to it. I’m also looking forward to being an active member of this forum.