How do you losen up on track days

[theorginalronin]

I just had my second track day and it wasnt as good as I wanted it to be. I think I was trying to hard and getting tight. The more I tried the worse I got, and all the time I knew this but I still couldnt let it go. When some gets like that, what do you do to loosen up?

[firefighter81]

Stop, take a break, drink some water, do some stretching, sit down, relax for a few minutes, then get back on the bike and do a few more laps. Just try to think about you and the bike and the road, don't think about anything else, not your lap time, not anything. FOR SURE DON'T THINK ABOUT GETTING FASTER, that will only hurt your times, until you are to a point where you can comfortably start pushing your tires to their limits is when you need to start worrying about getting faster. You will get faster without even thinking about it.

[ssallber]

Drink a few beers. Nah! Just kidding I didi that once years ago at Grattan, never more. Anyhow, just slow down a bit until you get smooth and comfortable then start working on saving time, efficiency but must be smooth first. You will find yourself going faster with confidence.

[DreddR6]

They key is, you need to RELAX. When I did my first few track days, I found myself being very nervous my first couple sessions. I would pull off, go sit down and just relax. Forget about being fast, or getting faster.

Another thing that I have not seen mention is, you need to be having fun! If your having fun and have a grin from ear to ear underneath your helmet, then chances are you are relaxed.

I run my fastest lap times when I'm completely relaxed and grinning ear to ear. It does not even feel as if I'm running fast. On the contrary, it feels like I'm going slower. Everything seems to just slow down. I focus on whats ahead of me, what I am doing and everything else is just not there, not even a blurr. Just the track, my bike and me. When I see myself concentrating on something else, like my grip is too tight, my breathing is not right, I just don't feel right, I pull off and go drink some water and wait till next session. I'd rather lose track time than lose a bike or worse...


So, relax and just have some fun! The lap times will drop by themselves.

[jim schmidt]

I think any kind of concentrated effort requires intellectual rationalization: "If I devote all of my focus to my activity, I'll be less likely to experience my worst fear. If I'm diverted by my fear, it is more likely to come true." It's a good affirmative statement to repeat to yourself on the way to the track.

[V V V]

Have you been on the track Jim?


I just tell myself to relax and I do it.

[robbieace]

none of these guys know anything..........one word get a BLOWJOB

[firefighter81]

Originally Posted by robbieace

none of these guys know anything..........one word get a BLOWJOB

This coming from someone who's never been on the track

[GSXRGUY]

Originally Posted by V V V

Have you been on the track Jim?

I would say that's probably a big "NO"

[Tony824]

Originally Posted by DreddR6

They key is, you need to RELAX. When I did my first few track days, I found myself being very nervous my first couple sessions. I would pull off, go sit down and just relax. Forget about being fast, or getting faster.

Another thing that I have not seen mention is, you need to be having fun! If your having fun and have a grin from ear to ear underneath your helmet, then chances are you are relaxed.

I run my fastest lap times when I'm completely relaxed and grinning ear to ear. It does not even feel as if I'm running fast. On the contrary, it feels like I'm going slower. Everything seems to just slow down. I focus on whats ahead of me, what I am doing and everything else is just not there, not even a blurr. Just the track, my bike and me. When I see myself concentrating on something else, like my grip is too tight, my breathing is not right, I just don't feel right, I pull off and go drink some water and wait till next session. I'd rather lose track time than lose a bike or worse...


So, relax and just have some fun! The lap times will drop by themselves.

exactly!

[kawagirl]

I agree with the RELAX statement...I am still nervous out there especially when folks (men, sorry ya'll) find out I am a girl...because no one want to be passed by a girl . Heaven forbid !! And this is in the beginner groups that I ride in Anywhoo, everyone is always, tearing around passing me trying to keep a head of me, (crashin, losin their lines, ect...you experienced riders know how us greenhorns do it LOL) while I am whistling in my helmet and singing my favourite songs and having a blast. The sport is FUN...once you lose sight of that..all hell breaks loose

[NoChickenStrips]

use the force

[DreddR6]

Originally Posted by NoChickenStrips

use the force

"Luke..... I am your father!"



Hah, good response, now whats the best way to clean up milk that spurt out of your nose onto the monitor from laughing so hard?

[theorginalronin]

Thanks guys and kawagirl. I got two alter this month at Summit again, its the Jefferson course, I actullly like that one more than the main. Ill let you know how I do.

[CBR Riding Fool]

Originally Posted by firefighter81

This coming from someone who's never been on the track

but still not a bad idea