Do I or Dont I??

Hi guys, I have the chance to have a go on a race track here in NZ for the day http://www.manfeild.co.nz/ do I or don't I? at 53 years old/young I think it would be a great opportunity to go fast without braking the law; I've only been back on a bike since February this year after a long break without a bike; I'm not stupid or over confident but like the challenge of keeping up with those I can. Any advise recommendations appreciated.

 

On your bike? Assuming there is a course involved with some degree of instruction?
Either way do it at 53 you must have got past riding with your balls instead of your brain,go for it it will be good for you.
My Dad did one in his 60's coming from old brit bikes when he was a kid he didn't realise how far he could lean a modern tyre compared to those old square edged tyres.
He just tucked in behind another guy on the same bike[VFR750] and followed him.

 

The question should NOT be: "Do I or don't I?"
We can't answer questions having to do with your riding experience and ability.
That question is for YOU to answer after an examination of conscience.

The real question is whether your Bike is ready to have you ride it on a race track.

 

By asking the question you have already answered your own question. Stick to what you are comfortable with. We in our fifties do not bounce like we use to 30 years ago...we just go squish now.

Some things are better left to the invulnerable.

 

This is not to say you shouldn't take to the track for the sheer enjoyment of it.
I'm 65 years old.
If, by some miracle, I could take a lap of the long Nurburing Road Course, ... I'd shut-off the Rev Limiter and use-up all the black on the Tach.

Nobody expects you to try and break the track record.
Go for it. Even if you only lolly-gag around it.
Shooting corners and apexes is a thrill everybody should experience.

 

I'm 53 and I say, "Hell Ya'!". If I didn't have kids to raise and my wife would let me. But as been said, you don't have to go out there and push your limits. Never actually have done it but I would think it can be safer than hot rodding it out on public roads. After all, you would ride the track a few times to get familiar with every turn and bump on the track. And I would hope you would at least be given some recommendations on how to approach each turn on the course. Here is a post from this site posted by meber sektorgaz which has an excellent video on riding that anybody who rides a motorcycle should watch: Twist of the Wrist

 

I built an XJ550 pre82 race bike and ridden several others at the track, you can generally go as fast or as slow as you like, Manfield is also a fairly easy track to ride

I doubt you'll regret doing it

 

Definitely do it. My wife and daughters arranged for me to do the Ron Haslam Race School at Donington for my 50th birthday. I used to race small 2- strokes many years ago and hadn't been on a race circuit since. My wife tried to get me a ride on the FireBlade but you are only allowed to ride that once you've had a day's tuition on a smaller capacity machine so my first day's schooling was on a CBR600. It was absolutely fantastic and by the end of the day I was getting my knee down around most of the bends. (See my avatar That's Melbourne Hairpin.) I had enjoyed it so much I was treated to a days one - to - one tuition on a FireBlade the following year. The on board telemetry showed I had reached over 150mph each lap, not bad for Donington Race Circuit because there arn't any long straights. My lap times wouldn't have worried Valantino Rossi but they felt fast to me. Most importantly I really enjoyed it and it improved my road riding. Go ahead and Enjoy.

 

DO IT!!!!!!!

 

I'm at the cusp of turning 50.
And just this morning as my jaw was being rattled while driving perhaps a little faster than I should have been on 92nd street* the thought crossed my mind that I personally would LOVE to get my XJ on a track!

*I blew off the ligth pretty quick was well ahead of traffic, no oncoming traffic and no cross streets - into the powerband range I go! :lol: :lol: :lol:
It seems that the cooler air in the morning really ingites well - whoo ahh!

 

go ahead and do it, but we need photos , enjoy it,

 

everything was sounding good till i read this part.
"but like the challenge of keeping up with those I can."
your ego will get you in trouble faster than anything, and once it does you won't have time to finish thinking .....OH SHI.....
put your gear on and do a belly flop off of the curb, just for practice

 

DO IT!!! You only live once and this ain't no dress rehearsal. I'm 56 and if I had the chance, I'd like "Hell, Yeah!".
If you don't do it, you'll always live with the regret of "What if..."

 

Do it, but ride your own "race". Just because the crotch rockets are going 120 into the corner doesn't mean you have to. If you do your own ride and stay out of the way of the faster guys, it's fun as hell.

And you don't have to worry about caters pulling out in front of you.

 

Great advise guys; all taken on board. Theres a fist timer's group with a pro leading the way; that will be the one for me.

Bike all ready!
Helmet new!
Gloves new!
Boots new!
Jacket new!
Pants still to buy!

They wont let you ride unless your bike and riding gear passes scrutiny.

 

Be sure to ride in that gear several times before your track day. Discomfort will ruin the whole deal, so you'll want everything to be broken in.

 

Yea, it's got a couple of weeks on it now and is feeling way better; just the pants to go.

 

GO FOR IT!
A couple of years back my company sponsored Rusty Wallace and all of our events centered around NASCAR....I was fortunate enough to win a sales contest...the prize was a 3 day "King's" package Richard Petty Driving School at Las Vegas Raceway...hand's down most fun I ever had!

 

While not yet 53, I would hate the feeling of "I could have, but I didn't because I was scared".

Hesitant is good, I think, as it shows you're taking it seriously. Beginners group or not, I'm pretty sure they'll be going faster than I have, so enjoy.

 

Purchased pants today and went for a 50Klm ride; how much safer you feel wrapped up in the good gear. Just hoping for some good weather next weekend for the track

 

This is Australian based obviously but a lot should be helpful for you,
http://www.netrider.net.au/threads/firs ... al.113852/
Let us know how you go.

 

Thanks Gunnabuild1 that's awesome and probably very relevant and similar to here in NZ.

Cheers

 

All ready to go tomorrow (Saturday here in NZ) and I have the most wicked head cold! Vitamin C, Panadol flu tablets and an early night to be had, but wont be pushing it. There is another track day in February if I miss this one.

 

Ain't that always the way. Hopefully it clears up in time for you!

 

Well guys I didn't, but I just didn't feel that great. I did go and totally enjoyed the day; holy crap the guys in group 1 catching 270kph down the front straight and those in group 2 and 3 no much slower. Group 4, the one I would have been in were slowish at around 120-140 kph so it would have been a little bit frustrating but probably sensible for 1st timers on the track. It was a perfect day for a ride with 400K's added to the odo. Next track day in February 2014 so will set my sights on that.
Thanks for all the advise etc, all taken on board for next time.