First time to the track

[cr-250rider]

Later on this week i wil be heading out to ride at a local track. this will be my frist time riding a real track. i'm used to riding trails. i ride a 2000 cr250. any tips would be greatly appreciated

[zach v]

Well, main tip: TAKE IT EASY... I went to the track for my first time in 10 years last Thursday. Had a great time! Just make sure you don't ride over your head. I managed to leave the track being nothing but a little sore and even got compliments fron the other riders on how well I did.

Try to follow some of the other riders, that way you kinda figure out where the decent lines are and keep that thing upright.

Good Lick,
Zach

[MXtras]

Go out and have a blast!

Just ride at your own pace and if someone is coming up behind you, just hold your line - don't wander from one side to the other. If it's a jump that you are not doing, the same holds true - stay in a straight line, preferrable off to one side. The faster guys don't mind you being there as long as you are predicatable. If you are in the main line and someone comes up fast, stay in the main line - don't move suddenly.

Make sure your tires are pumped up, your chains lubed, your air filter's good and have plenty of gas. Take a lot of drinks. Have fun!

Scott

[DRGSin393]

very cool, youll have a blast. make sure youre comfortable with the track layout, a few site laps will help. also, maintain your line, even over jumps.

[Woody_393]

What MXtras said is very true. HOLD YOUR LINE!!!

Do not get out of another riders way. The reason is that if they are faster than you are, they will already be planning to pass you, so if you move, chances are pretty good you will move into the same line they were going to take to pass you. Not good.

Otherwise, just have fun. You're not trying to win a gold metal so be realistic about what jumps and obstacles you think you really can hit. Track riding IMOP, is the best riding on the planet. Take it easy and you'll have a ton of fun.

[MotoMan]

Originally Posted by MXtras

Go out and have a blast!

Just ride at your own pace and if someone is coming up behind you, just hold your line - don't wander from one side to the other. If it's a jump that you are not doing, the same holds true - stay in a straight line, preferrable off to one side. The faster guys don't mind you being there as long as you are predicatable. If you are in the main line and someone comes up fast, stay in the main line - don't move suddenly.

Make sure your tires are pumped up, your chains lubed, your air filter's good and have plenty of gas. Take a lot of drinks. Have fun!

Scott

Originally Posted by Woody_393

What MXtras said is very true. HOLD YOUR LINE!!!

Do not get out of another riders way. The reason is that if they are faster than you are, they will already be planning to pass you, so if you move, chances are pretty good you will move into the same line they were going to take to pass you. Not good.

Otherwise, just have fun. You're not trying to win a gold metal so be realistic about what jumps and obstacles you think you really can hit. Track riding IMOP, is the best riding on the planet. Take it easy and you'll have a ton of fun.

I really can't add anything to that!!! Excellent guys.

Go out there and have some fun man!!

[MXtras]

I received a 2nd degree shoulder separation (~8 years ago) from a guy that heard me coming up behind him and quickly moved right over into my line when I was maybe 30' from him, and I was approaching him tapped in fifth. Instead of hitting him, I chose to go off the track. He rode away and I was left to locate, pick up, start and then load my bike up and head for home. It really didn't make me mad - the guy didn't know and he was out there having fun, but I sure wish it hadn't happened. I also wish he had at least stopped to see if I was ok.

So - to reinterate - if you are changing lines, do it fluidly. Especially if someone is coming up on you fast. If you do accidentally put someone in the cheap seats, stop and own up to it and make sure they are OK. As mentioned above - if they are faster, they will easily get around you.

Do NOT be intimidated by those other guys. Most of the good riders might actually be willing to give you pointers, so don't hesitate to ask (if you want to) for help with an obstacle or how to take a corner or whatever.

You can also learn a lot from emulating a good rider's style, so if you are looking to improve, watch the fast guys and see what they are doing coming into and exiting a corner. Corners are where it's at and crashing in a corner usually doesn't involve a trip in the meat wagon, so loosen up your clutch and front brake perches a tad so they roatate out of the way instead of breaking and push it into a few corners.

It really doesn't matter how fast you are - as long as you have fun and go home under your own power. It's more about enjoying yourself.

Never ride by yourself.

Drink lots of fluids, but not too much.

Scott

[Duran676]

I cant agree more... HOLD YOUR LINE.... I just landed on a guy last weekend becasue he decided not to jump the table and instead of going straight he thought he would get out of my way by moving over to the right in the middle of the table, well i had allready comitted to the jump on the right side of him... so i landed on his back tire i got a little banged up but nothing happend to him... go figure...

I was so nervouse the first time i rode a track... but take your time do a few site laps get to know the track before you start going full throttle... Im sure you'll have a blast... if its gonna be hot in your area i would start drinking water the day before to make sure your hydrated properly.

[Freak]

Look ahead, if your going to hit a jump, keep your eyes on it way in advance. If your going to be anywhere near it with another rider, don't jump. More often times than not, most are checking up before the jump. I just flat out won't hit it unless it's free and clear of other riders. If you racing, use your own judgement.