I was at VIR on 17 May for Level 1; it rained pretty much the whole day. Wet, cold, and nasty, and I had a great time.
A couple of observations:
- Trevor started each track session with a reminder that it was cold and wet, and that we should take it easy for the first few laps--just in case we'd somehow forgotten as we sat in the rain--but the reminder shows the school's emphasis on safety. The classroom sessions followed up, emphasizing the need for good throttle control 'in conditions like this'.
- I'm really glad I used the school's bike...traction control/rain mode, plus not having to worry about trashing my bike in a fall helped me get more out of the day. If I'd been on my 848, I probably would've dropped out.
- I was soaked after the first session. I usually choose to not ride in the rain, but if I had to do it again, I'd bring some sort of rain gear that'll fit over the leathers; rainex wipes for the visor; latex gloves for under the gloves; a hat for walking around between sessions; and some warmer clothes for under the leathers that I can bleach the hell out of later.
I might've/would've gone faster on a dry day, but for a first-track experience I think slowing things allowed me to spend more concentration on the lessons and learning the environment, and the water on the track just served to hammer the points on throttle control/bike handling home.
Come prepared, and don't sweat the weather.
-Roger
