G-F-I-N

[Sijray21]

Some use the term GFCP (go-fast-crack-pipe).this is the GFIN (go-fast-intervenes needle  copyright Matthew Leech)and I shot it up and now Im hooked. This was an enlightening experience and I cant wait to improve and learn more with more track days to come as soon as the funds can be found.

IÔÇÖve been contemplating signing up for a motorcycle track-day for a while. IÔÇÖve done four weekends of HPDEÔÇÖs with the car through NASA and I knew IÔÇÖd eventually hit the track with the bike after a substantial amount of street riding to familiarize myself with the (what was then) new bike and riding in general since I just started riding in August of last year. I stumbled upon NESBAÔÇÖs introduction session where you could ÔÇÿtry outÔÇÖ the track free of charge. This fee was exactly what I was looking for, so I signed up for the September event in a sporadic moment I had while at work. I knew Jefferson was a short, technical low-speed (relatively) course that would be optimum for learning so I was hoping for the best.



Fast forward to the day of the event:
I wasnÔÇÖt sure how the day would turn out since all night and the morning was filled with threats of rain. After reading through the NESBA manual I knew that if it wasnÔÇÖt down pouring they were probably going to run the event anyway. Luckily after the advanced and intermediate groups had their sessions a nice dry line was extended out to cover most of the track with dry pavement.



First session: groups of riders separated by control riders as usual. IÔÇÖve never been on Jefferson so I take my time to learn the turns and potential track position for the best line to take. The pace is slow and the riders are compacted. After a few laps it starts to pick up a bit and IÔÇÖm able to open is up. I can still feel the rear tire come out in the back SÔÇÖs after the ÔÇ£bus stopÔÇØ and the front is pushing a little through the last turn before the back straight, so I take it easy for a few more laps to get the tires warmer. IÔÇÖve never really been able to push my bike since I never really liked the idea of doing this on the street so (again) itÔÇÖs a new feeling that IÔÇÖm getting used to. I take the first of the two sessions to get used to the bike at speed. Overall the first session was good, although I was hoping to be a little less crowded for the second session.



Second session:
I was eager to improve my technique and find the faster line. The beginning of this session was great. I was sent out in one of the first groups so I had some space to work with. After a lap I crack it open a little more than the first session. I can feel the bike leaning, but as IÔÇÖm focused on the track in front of me I notice that the speed of the people in front of me is inconsistent through the turns and I catch up quickly. IÔÇÖm not leaning off the bike as IÔÇÖve done before on the street, and IÔÇÖm pretty sure it was because I just wasnÔÇÖt comfortable with the bike on-track at speed yet, either way IÔÇÖm finding myself keeping up with the control rider nicely and finding a better line.

I didnÔÇÖt feel that I rode well however and some of the pictures that were taken confirm this. IÔÇÖve determined that I really need to focus on getting off the bike and moving my weight to drive the bike into and out of the turn. IÔÇÖm leaning the bike over, but from the pictures it appears that IÔÇÖm working against the bike when turning. This short session showed me that I have a LOT to learn about the correct riding posture, gaining confidence in the lean while off the bike, and to space myself from the other students when trying to achieve my goals on the track. IÔÇÖm hoping to attend a Cornerspeed school in the Spring as well as Keith CodeÔÇÖs California Superbike School at VIR for some good instruction.



If you read all that youÔÇÖre a trooper, thanks for looking.

A BIG thanks to:
Matt (roommate) for helping me with the logistics of getting the bike there and for the pictures! And to Paul for letting me borrow your trailer!

CLIFF NOTES:
First track session ever.
I have a lot to learn.
I had a lot of fun and I should just set up a direct deposit account with a performance motorcycle school because.

Im hooked