Ride Report: Podium 1 Charlestown Indiana

[SikspakD]

This was the first track that I have rode in about 7 years, and the first 4 stroke 450 also. Keep this is note. I took my wife Laura, and my 3 kids who are 6, 2, and 1. This made to be an interesting day/night, as I was not sure how they would all handle the noise and dust of a motocross track, and being out late until 9pm before we left. But they turned out to love it! The kids were talking and amped out of this world. I can tell my 2 year old daughter is the most moto interested from her talking to every rider who walked by LOL.

We arrived to the track pretty early, and got a spot right by the bleachers and the gate. I geared up, and had no problems starting the bike, it ran perfect other than a 1/4 turn on my screw. I could not hear the announcer talking on the speaker, but I saw big bikes go out so I followed.

The track design was kinda 1/2 supercross inspired and 1/2 fast corners and straights. A more advanced style track for sure. The first few laps were very loamy and I had to fight the bike to keep momentum around the corners. I took the first practice as a learning the track point of view. Still very loamy, almost like they disc dragged the entire track.

Second practice, the track got beaten in by the ATV's. I felt a little more confident now, and was railing corners. My rear tire kept spinning and I would swap coming off the jumps, not a very comfortable feeling. I need a new rear tire, the Millville rear I have it rounding off the driving edge. Not to mention, it is a soft terrain tire.

The third practice I was feeling much more confident and could hang with the faster riders through out the track. Confidence is a huge factor at this track, and learning the layout. You cannot see over many of the jumps, they are steep take offs and landings on a few. I was getting alot of arm pump, but It faded the more I rode. I was not getting that tired, very surprised about that Overall had a really fun time at the track and was careful.
I can't wait until the next one so I can start working on my skills. I really like this track, but I would like to ride some others to compare it to. The kids were getting tired and they turned on the lights on the track for the last few practices, it was getting dark in the corners. It was time to go, I could not see the ruts in areas. I loaded up and drove the 10 miles back to my house. While the kids were talking and acting like dirtbikes! Great time.

I will post some pics when I can download them, the camera did not do a good job with highspeed pics and they were far away. I need a D60 Nikon DSLR!

[DRGSin393]

Sweet! Glad you liked the track, and only 10 miles from the crib, youve got it made. What were the jumps like? Tables, doubles, triples?

[crfjedi393]

Nice report. And I am especially glad the family liked it.

[SikspakD]

Thanks, Doc and Jedi. The track had a triple step down, then 2 sets of supercross doubles followed by a long straight that led into a whoop section. That section could not be skimmed (no one I saw could) you had to either double or roll, then onto another corner and a few more turns that led into a big downhill jump/ double if you will. Down the hill was a corner that you come back up another uphill double/triple followed by a very difficult whoop section. The 1st whoop is like a takeoff for a pretty decent double! It was steep like a few of the faces. Then you went in front of the bleachers and there were a few sets of doubles ( I think 3) large ones.Then back down a hill and got alot of speed to the straights, the outdoorsy part of the course. That led to the beginning. It was a fun track, but I think it was pretty hard for beginners until they get to the fast sections then its easy. Doc you have to check it out! Pics to follow soon.

[ccnut]

Great report! Sounds like fun for all. You sound way more advanced than me,even if you haven't rode a track in seven years! Specially on a 4 fiddy. Sounds like you have some future crossers in your brood.Looking forward to the pics! Stay safe......Jerry

[SikspakD]

Sorry about the pics, I am having problems with photobucket being a piece of- well you know.

[char393]

Cool write-up.

You can upload the pics to the gallery on this site and link to them that way if you'd like. Might be easier since photobucket is giving you fits.

[stillridin]

Man that sounded like a great time.It's nice to here the family went and enjoyed themseves also.