Bike mag's "Reclaim our tracks" trackdays

[MarkJ]

https://www.clubmsv.co.uk/bike-home/exclusive-events/bike-magazine-trackdays.aspx

There seemed to be a few disgruntled mumblings in the £25 Donington day thread about the possibility it would be a road bikes only day.

I'd noticed bike mag has been doing them and couldn't really understand their angle. To my mind they're saying there's a problem with trackdays which simply does not exist. Vans are banned from the paddock and trailers are "encouraged" against. Bringing your bike on a trailer/in a van is surely a logical step in case you bin it, as the AA might not take you home from the track. I was at Rockingham last week and some bloke on a Triumph had his engine eat itself, but he'd ridden there from Liverpool. I trailered him to the nearest roundabout as he was worried he wouldn't get the AA to pick him up from Rockingham. Problem averted if he had a van/trailer.

Also, supposedly it's a friendlier atmosphere on a road bike only trackday? I can't say I've ever been to a trackday where it's been anything other than "jolly".

[MarJay]

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I can understand the point, though I wouldn't attend really (I've never ridden a bike to a trackday and only rarely used a road bike on a trackday and never for the full day).
It's for road riders that for whatever reason feel a bit 'intimidated' by trackdays full of more 'professional' bikes and people.

[Kris]

I'd consider attending a ROT day.

There is a certain 'understanding' between riders that turn up on the bike and don't have the luxury of a van to get home - that's what I've experienced anyway.

When I went to Cadwell there were only a few of us that turned up on bikes and we tended to congregate together as it happened. We took the whole thing as a laugh - not too serious and both decided to skip the last session as we were knackered and had a long journey home.

The fast boys with race and/or track bikes did seem to have less 'fun' what with all the posing..
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[Bendy]

There was a certain charm to rocking up on your road bike and then riding home - zero hassle, none of this loading and unloading van, paddock stands, tyre warmers and all associated paraphernalia.

But of course, it's a royal pain in the balls if you bin it. And tyre warmers and wets are nice.

I sit on the fence. It's my roadbike, but I put track fairings on it. Unless its Brands Hatch (where I know someone I could dump a binned bike with!) then I'm definitely vanning it. Had that hassle before when the guy on the roadbike broke his elbow and we had to deposit him at the pub up the road and lie to the RAC - can't be doing with the faff.

The motorhomers generally don't talk to the likes of us camping scummers anyway.

[neatbik]

[Daimo]

Its simple really.

If this kind of track day isn't for you, don't go.

If it is your kinda thing, booked it up.

If you want to turn up to a track day with tryre warmers, a van/trailer, book a normal track day.

tbh, I can't wait to use warmers, saves me 3-4 laps of nervy riding.
I can't wait to use the trailer, it saves me carrying a whole rucksack full of bits n bobs to a trackday.
I am looking forward to taking a trailer/trackbike so I can give it my all, and not been too worried about riding the bike home at the end of the day. Stick it on the trailer, sit on a comfy seat and plod home.

But I have also ridden my bike to a trackday. tbh, its a pain in the arse.

Simplez....

[Gazdaman]

I can see their thinking behind it.

One of the most fun trackdays I've ever had was riding my MZ to Snetterton with a tent strapped to the back. Doing a day, then riding home again.
And I'm sure it can be intimidating in a paddock full of gazebos, shiny brand new sports bike in mint, liveried track fairings and tyre warmers. Especially if you're new to it.
A paddock full of road bikes would be like a big bike meet where there happens to be a track you can hoon around! Bliss!

On the flip side, a trailer or a van is a really bloody good idea on a trackday. If you bin it, it's nice to be able to actually get home.

Gaz

[jay12329]

I've done a number of trackdays where I rode there and back. Even did one on my own, weather was nice so hopped on the bike to the local track and payed on the door.
Maybe if they had a tie up with a van hire company to offer cheap one way drops offs if you stack it Give a little security!


J

[G]

Hmmm, could be slightly tempted by the Oulton one actually (as I'd like to be there for another event anyway). Got a trailer that will fit in the van, so bike and trailer in van, get them out, outside the gates, drive in .

[0l0dom0l0]

I have to say on the other end of the scale, the track day I did at Donington was a little more mixed.

Me and Bishbash were sharing a paddock with 5 or 6 other guys (most were in the advanced group with one in inters) and they were really nice. Up for having a chat, giving tips and weren't stuck up at all!

It seemed most people had vanned/ trailered there with only a few; perhaps maybe 10 who had actually ridden there. Even in novice there were some meaty looking track bikes.

For me I would have just as much fun if I rode down on the thing or if I trailered it down. I found having the fact I did have to ride home encouraged me not to push it to far as well!
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[Deano]

I can see the logic as it should tempt the more nervous of riders but not allowing vans and tyres warmers is a bit wrong.

been to a few TDs were peeps have dumped there bikes and had no way of getting home, I remember someone at mallory needing a lift to Nottingham. Not sure if the guy made it home that night but I know it would certainly put people off if they had to fork out an extra £400-500 to get carted home.

Tyre warmers are more for safety and prolong tyre life.

I could probably make a killing buy going down to spectate and offering a lift service to any poor soul who does dump it.
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[yankeedoodle]

only done the one track day on my little bandit, but it was quite rewarding to turn up on the bike, having ridden for 3 or so hours to get there the previous night.

tyre warmers though? trackdays arent competetive, so just take it easy for a couple of laps and you wont have a problem

some people just take themselves too seriously I think
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