Got the nerves already............

dseered

dseered

New member
Well, Tuesday afternoon and all is in place for 2moro, Van getting collected this afternoon, stopwatch bought, leathers cleaned and packed, toolbox sorted and awaiting loading. After I have picked up the van I just need to grab some straps and the ramp that I picked up from Gizmo and load up in the morning.

All food bought, just need to knock up some butties.........

Good news though my mate Nick has decided to come down and do some filming, dab hand at Final Cut Pro so should hopefully get some good footage of the day and a nice DVD to boot, he has all the pro filming gear so watch out on ‘you-tube’ real soon !

He is bringing his little 90cc trike aswell so he can get around the circuit easily.

Checklist so far……..

Bike
Keys inc spares
Tools
OE Can (Just in Case)
OE Clutch (just in case)
OE screen (just in case0
Footpeg (just in case)
Gaffer tape
Zip ties
Leathers
Boots
Gloves
Back protector
Undersuit
Windproof underjacket
Stopwatch
Buff
Black and Clear visors
Visor cleaning stuff
Foot pump
Pressure Gauge.
Electrical tape
Chairs
Fridge
Bananas
Pasta
Water X 6 litres
Red Bull x 6 cans
Handbook for bike
TDO waiver form
License inc paper.
Jerrycan with fuel and funnel.
Sunglasses


Am I missing anything ????
 
......Helmet? :D

Clutch holding tool?

Depending how the day here goes tomorrow I'll try and get over for a few hours in the afternoon.

Get a good night's kip, give me a call if you need anything (I might have some stuff lying around) or you fancy a chat about the circuit etc, text me which garage you're in too.

No Limits will run 2 briefing's for the novice group, listen and grab either WJB or Lawsey to take you round.

Weather looks good so far too :D
 
which track are you going to attack - yer lucky swine?

whereever it is - its not fair.
 
Clutch tool is with the other stuff in my new tool box, have baby wipes and kitchen roll, tyres will last, does the garage have to be pre-booked ???

and its Oulton Park !

Anyone got an on-line lap handy ?
 
Garages are on a first come first served basis Ian, you've not got any tyre warmers so not really an issue, but better indoors if the weather turns bad

Get yourself towards the right hand side of the pits (high numbers I think) when you look at them from the paddock, this means you're closer to the holding area and more likely to hear them calling the groups.

Oh... you'll have a noise test the first time you go out, the limit is 105db your pipes are 102db (when new) but do get louder with age... they'll ask you to rev the bike to 5000rpm (usually) then stand at the back of your bike with a meter at your exhaust (they can't see your rev counter now as there behind you) so rev the bike to around 3500rpm not 5000rpm just in case ;)
 
B*gger me , I take less when I tour abroad :eek:

My checklist for Mallory consists of

Bike and riding gear
me
credit card

sorted.:D
 
Bit of a lap of Oulton for you... (gearing etc maybe wrong etc in the examples below)..

Over the start finish turn in late to Old hall miss the apex as there's usually a damp patch where you would normal place your front wheel... carry your speed and you'll see the track vanish over a blind downhill section (4th gear by now) turn right just before you go over the edge, the track veers to the right (the avenue) either hold 4th or drop to 3rd for cascades you'll probably be mid track when you turn, again turn late to give you a straighter exit you'll naturally drift to the exit kerbs on the right.

Lakeside flat out keep snicking the gears I usually bottle out in 5th just before island bend (left hander) the track undulates along the straight as you hit the second rise just before the track goes left I usually snick 4th and tip in aiming for the end of the inside kerb, keep the throttle open at a constant throttle and wind it on briefly on the exit as you approach the hairpin.

This is where you'll be testing your slipper for sure, down two clutch out hard on the brakes and turn in, try to ride the wall of death quite high and tip in late again, the hairpin is so banked you'll be surprised how much speed you can carry, the exit slowly turns to the right which you need to be aware of as you're still trying to exit the hairpin and get back on the gas.

There's a short straight up to 4th, then down two into what is now known as brittains chicane, it's a bit stop and go to be honest even though initially your going to turn left hang off the bike as if your going right so you can whip the bike over mid way through the chicane, on the exit your going up hill over hill top let the bike drift wide and keep the gas on, snick 3rd before you get over the top to keep the front down(ish) weight forward slightly, drift left down the hill towards hizzy's chicane.

You'll see the metre boards on the left hand side of the circuit I tend to brake somewhere between the 200 and 100 metre boards the entry to hizzy's is fairly tight, keep close to the kerbs, hold the throttle on the left hand section then flick right clipping the kerb on the exit in 2nd, on the gas and drift wide to the outside kerb clicking gears all the way up the box up clay hill.

On the way up clay hill over the blind crest just as you get near the top tip left and head for the inside kerb, keep the gas on and let the bike drift wide, this is fast and bloody scary as all you'll be able to see in front of you are tree's but keeping it cranked over to the left you'll make the corner, tip and head for the left hand kerb before druids (under the trees) hard on the anchors for druids, I tend to go for 3rd to get good drive on the exit but you can do 4th through here if you're up for it.

Druids is a double apex, do not huge the first apex, stay wide and go for the second apex, it's really bumpy on the inside so stay slightly wide, stand the bike up quickly on the exit and hard on the gas, the track goes slightly up hill here and there's a tarmac change also, so get the bike upright and raise your backside out of the seat to keep weight over the front, I've seen plenty of people get severe tank slappers here by just keeping it on it's side too long and hugging the inside kerb.

You're now on the straight under the bridge on the way to lodge, 5th gear possibly 6th, a few undualations in the track again, stay either to the far left or somewhere mid track, there's a huge dip somewhere between the two I always seem to find on the brakes which sends shudders through the bars, again I think the 2nd rise I use as a braking marker, down to second the slipper working overtime and ready to tip in to lodge.

Lodge is the worst corner on the circuit, off camber and drops away from you, there's no right or wrong line through here, don't out brake yourself like me and end up chewing gravel, get your turn in done quickly and keep away from the outside kerbs down into deers leap flat out in 2nd short shift to 3rd as you come out, tip left for the l/h kerb as you come over the rise, lots of head shaking here on my bike and let the bike drift out to the pit wall and you're back on the start/finish straight... phew!
 
I remember the first trackdays I did. I used to ride there with no more than a spanner to unbolt the stand and a bit of tape to make a number up!!

...blimey have things changed; it's gennies, tyrewarmers, brolly girls and engine starters. All that's missing is old Whittie doing the commentary :)

Talking of Whitham, just after I had finished the Imola, I was up at Silverstone at Baines phaffing around with it. There was a Whitham 'Track attack' (I think it's called) trackday and a work colleague was doing it on his RSV. I went over to the circuit and had a chat with James himself and blagged my way onto the track to perform a couple or three 'demo' laps on my sparkling new bike. F*ckin' hilarious; even with it's Pirelli Corsa Evos (not that bad for normal sport use) the bike went much better than some of the hardened trackboys & looked very funny amongst the ultra modern tackle too!
 
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Ian

don't drink too much red bull as it makes you pee which can be a pain once your leatehrs are on!!
 
QUOTE=dseered]Whats a half repectable Fast Novice / Slow Inters time, ie: what should I be aiming for ???[/QUOTE]

Judging by your Avatar, I think you are being rather modest!!!;)
 
ProjectImola004 said:
QUOTE=dseered]Whats a half repectable Fast Novice / Slow Inters time, ie: what should I be aiming for ???
Click to expand...

Judging by your Avatar, I think you are being rather modest!!!;)[/QUOTE]


Twas a tight corner and I was going to fast, I was once told, I always try and remeber aswell, "If you think you are not going to get round, lean further the tyres are better than you are" :cool:
 
Hey, I'm jealous. It's been nearly a year since my wheels saw a race track and I have some serious withdrawal symptoms. I hope you have a flamin' great time coz that is what its all about!!! :)
 
Ian

My advice is don't even try for a time or you will try to hard!!

The idea for you going tomorrow was to try and get some experience before the td in june. From what I recall it's only your second track day and having a target time is asking for trouble.

Just go out there and enjoy it. Pick your reference points for braking/turn in/exit and get to know the circuit and its foibles. The smoother you ride the more consistent you will be and times can come later. Aim for smooth and you will look good and be quick, try to get a good time and look good for the camera and your attention will be elsewhere!!!!
 
Ian,

this 'ere trackday; will they be putting different colour cones at the turn in, apex and exit points on the corners? For novices (I hate that expression; sounds very patronising so don't read too much into it) these can be of great assistance when learning a track.

The other thing I have seen over the years is guys coming onto the track with some trick kit, thinking this trick kit will make them fast. Nothing could be further from the truth! Remember - it ain't what you got, it's what you do it!! I know this having never owned a bike with over 100 horses!

These comments aren't directed at you mate so please don't feel I'm being patronising. I found it difficult putting down what I meant to say with sounding that way!! :)
 
No they won't have any cones or anything out, its a trackday not a school and I think they have to be careful of things like that for insurance purposes.

If someone got it wrong they could sue etc!!


Ian is plenty competent to be track riding and plenty quick enough, but I still wouldn't start trying to get flash with it, just go and enjoy this one and learn the circuit as its a tricky little bugger :D
 
Taken on board Lily, I will never be 'cocky' thats just not me, I would just be interested to see how much my times improve between this one and the last few sessions on the 28th, certainly not trying to be a hero, I haven't got the balls !

Its a natural progression thing really, I'm not really arsed about the time it takes me to get round as long as I enjoy it, I don't want to bin it and I will never be lead into doing so, like on the road, if someone wants to be going, let 'em go !

Really nervous now, the amount of buns I have made I may as well set up shop, do you think 12 baps will be enough ????:eek:
 
dseered said:
Taken on board Lily, I will never be 'cocky' thats just not me, I would just be interested to see how much my times improve between this one and the last few sessions on the 28th, certainly not trying to be a hero, I haven't got the balls !

Its a natural progression thing really, I'm not really arsed about the time it takes me to get round as long as I enjoy it, I don't want to bin it and I will never be lead into doing so, like on the road, if someone wants to be going, let 'em go !

Really nervous now, the amount of buns I have made I may as well set up shop, do you think 12 baps will be enough ????:eek:
Click to expand...

yeah 12 should cover it, remember to eat little and often through the day rather than all at lunchtime though!

If you are interested in your improvement then just ask someone to time you on a couple of random sessions when you are not aware so not trying and don't tell you until the end of the day, then do the same on the 28th. That way you are comparing yourself not with others which will make you try harder.

Take care, if i can get work done early int he morning i may pop down late morning for an hour. If you have any problems or need anything call me and I can come and help if i can :)
 
That was the plan, Nick will be out and about on the trike somewhere with the Video stuff, he will also have the stopwatch, plan was I was not to know times till on the way home, great minds think alike 'eh !
 
Sound advice Lily! Ian, just go and ride around, do your own thing and don't try too hard. Main thing to practice is braking - hard and late - something you can't do on the road. Leave the watch behind. I don't even change tyre pressures - I need to know how the bike rides when I get the chance to push it, in road going form. That's why I knew I could take you (on the inside, two up;) ) on the Easter Monday ride!
 
have a great day ian ! im jealous, id love to take the 749 back on the track but my mrs wont let me.

/ian :(
 
May nip over at some point to spectate, have my leathers to pick up in Wigan so I would be half way there.
 
I am in a very bright green van Martin, with SPORTS PRINT up the side, going to try and grab a garage as per Jons advice, right I'm going for coffee !
 
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