Gilk51
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Eagles Canyon - Ride Smart Track Day & TWT Meet & Greet
- Thread starter Gilk51
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jhansen
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Gilk51
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How hot was it?
All the tire warmers were off?
The heat wore a lot of folks out. Scott (Tourmeister) had set up his tables with TWT T-shirts and banners in the downstairs spectator area - there was a pretty consistent breeze there. But venture out to take pictures & you felt cooked after a little bit.
As far as I know, Shirazk was the only TWT rider doing the track day today. I think there are more tomorrow. We talked to him several times between track and class sessions. It was his first track day. So, I decided to victimize him with pictures.
Leaving the compound and headed toward the track entrance.
These are all from the wall at the double turn onto the front straight (turn 11)
I'll have some more tomorrow - I'm beat...
jbh
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Nice pictures Chuck. I did not really take any at all, but I did enjoy the parade lap following the Viper. It was hot but once I got back on the road it felt a little better, even did a little section of gravel on the way back looping back to 730. It reminds me of how much dual sport gravel opportunities are up there.
coupe930
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Kind of a bad day. After only a couple of parade laps, I have the itch to have a track bike. I tried to convince my wife that fasting a couple of days a week would be a good think, but she wants to eat every day. Just selfish I guess. Anyway no budget for a track bike so I will have to hurt myself in more conventional ways. A lot of fun even at 45 MPH.
On the way back I witnessed a motorcycle accident. Approximately 1 mile west of Boliver on FM 455 the road dips and curves. As I am proceeding east 2 Honda CBRs are coming west heading for the track (they told me later). The first one comes through fine, but the second guy lowsided at the bottom of the dip. I went back of course and found that it was 2 guys from Manitoba Canada. The rider was OK, just shook up. His Honda had the usual expensive plastic damage ( tank cover, turn signals, fairing, seat fairing) and a broken shift lever. There may have been something more serious wrong as he could not get it in neutral. What was left of the shift lever moved freely, but it would only shift in the higher gears. They phoned his Uncle to come and get them and the bike.
He was honest about what happened. He thought he was going too fast and used the front or back brake (it wasn't clear). He slipped a little, panicked and grabbed some front brake and down he went. Interestingly, I saw a cross maybe 20 feet off the road signifying that someone had died in an accident at the same spot. He was lucky. Just a little rash on one arm. He wasn't going too fast for the conditions and roadway, just too fast for himself.
Be careful out there.
Patrick McDonald
On the way back I witnessed a motorcycle accident. Approximately 1 mile west of Boliver on FM 455 the road dips and curves. As I am proceeding east 2 Honda CBRs are coming west heading for the track (they told me later). The first one comes through fine, but the second guy lowsided at the bottom of the dip. I went back of course and found that it was 2 guys from Manitoba Canada. The rider was OK, just shook up. His Honda had the usual expensive plastic damage ( tank cover, turn signals, fairing, seat fairing) and a broken shift lever. There may have been something more serious wrong as he could not get it in neutral. What was left of the shift lever moved freely, but it would only shift in the higher gears. They phoned his Uncle to come and get them and the bike.
He was honest about what happened. He thought he was going too fast and used the front or back brake (it wasn't clear). He slipped a little, panicked and grabbed some front brake and down he went. Interestingly, I saw a cross maybe 20 feet off the road signifying that someone had died in an accident at the same spot. He was lucky. Just a little rash on one arm. He wasn't going too fast for the conditions and roadway, just too fast for himself.
Be careful out there.
Patrick McDonald
In the recent issue of Bike magazine, an article discusses just that: the 'panic response,' especially in corners and the actions you just described by the riders. Apparently it is claimed as the major cause of going down: panic response and grabbing the brakes.
Ironically, that is one of the things that some track courses teach: to override that panic response and respond correctly. That is why I want to take a track day or two; to learn and imprint those automatic motor responses into my neural network and avoid what you saw.
ed29
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The itch for a track bike is strong.... this was the second time I did parade laps on the FJR.....change is good
I did not get any good action shots, but did snap some of the bikes.
Really liked this plate too...
There were some minor incidents on Saturday... off track excursions, but nobody had to be hauled off in the ambulance. The helicopter was not summoned.
This guy came into turn 3 too hot and slid out.
He bruised his ribs and busted his bike.... not the first time for this bike either. The scrapes of the tank and plastic revealed that this black bike has been red, yellow, and blue at different times in its life.
The day was hot, but it was interesting meeting all the people that stopped by and telling them about TWT. We might see soem new faces around from this event.
Oh... I forgot to mention one of our guests late in the afternoon....
This toad did not mind all the people. bikes, and noise... seemed happy as can be while hopping through our booth.
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The parade lap was a hoot, but at the same time very frustrating. I wanted to go, go, GO! A track day is clearly in order. I already told ms. pacman that I want a track day for an early Christmas present. We'll see if Santa come through for me. 
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The parade lap was a hoot, but at the same time very frustrating. I wanted to go, go, GO! A track day is clearly in order. I already told ms. pacman that I want a track day for an early Christmas present. We'll see if Santa come through for me.
You and me both. I haven't done a track day since 2003.
I was ready for the Katana to be gone so we could get on it a bit. Slowing down to a crawl in the straights so we could at least get a little lean in the turns was frustrating.
This was the absolute worst riding day for me by far. I had a good time while we were there, but I have been hurting from all the riding I did the previous week (commuting everyday, JC M&G and the ice cream meet).
I knew at Walgreens when John and I stopped to get some ear plugs that I didn't really want to ride. The wind was miserable, the ear plugs were too big and my Arai helmet ended up being quite uncomfortable.
I had a Dodge Ram cut in front of me and just made me so mad. Despite my awesomely crappy horn blaring she still got in front of me. I flipped her off. Twice.
Today's riding really makes me question my attendance to the pie run, we'll see.
I anticipate drugs and an early bedtime...
I knew at Walgreens when John and I stopped to get some ear plugs that I didn't really want to ride. The wind was miserable, the ear plugs were too big and my Arai helmet ended up being quite uncomfortable.
I had a Dodge Ram cut in front of me and just made me so mad. Despite my awesomely crappy horn blaring she still got in front of me. I flipped her off. Twice.
Today's riding really makes me question my attendance to the pie run, we'll see.
I anticipate drugs and an early bedtime...
I knew you were having kind of a crappy day, Kim, but kuddos to you for toughing it out. Rest up and maybe the next time will be more enjoyable.
And I gave that Dodge Ram a little salute of my own - just for you.
I'm taking some 12 ounce liquid pharmaceutical right now, myself. Just what the doctor ordered.
And I gave that Dodge Ram a little salute of my own - just for you.
I'm taking some 12 ounce liquid pharmaceutical right now, myself. Just what the doctor ordered.
Got to see some familiar faces Saturday and meet some new ones. Our friend of Texas winters was out and really started cookin' about 1 pm, don't know if I could get relaxed and comfortable (smooth) in full leathers in July. There were neat bikes everywhere, liked the parade lap and thank Mr. Viper driver for a fairly brisk pace. Looks like they are having pavement issues in most of the corners. I wonder what those are like at speed, they look like big puddles made of tar snake material right in a bikes racing line. I am going to do a track day as soon as it cools off a bit.
was out and really started cookin' about 1 pm, don't know if I could get relaxed and comfortable (smooth) in full leathers in July. There were neat bikes everywhere, liked the parade lap and thank Mr. Viper driver for a fairly brisk pace. Looks like they are having pavement issues in most of the corners. I wonder what those are like at speed, they look like big puddles made of tar snake material right in a bikes racing line. I am going to do a track day as soon as it cools off a bit.
Gilk51
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I experimented with some different photo vantage points. First spot was the second floor of the main building. It was OK but what would really rock would be a third floor or a covered viewing section just up the hill by the pit exit lane.
From the second floor looking back at turn 11
That stupid dump truck got in several photos!
The pit exit and entrance to the track - that's an instructor on an Aprilia super-moto
The front straight with turn 9 in the background
I also wandered part way up the hill. You can see turn 7 (barely) and turn 8
You can also see the corner workers' outposts
I preferred the "over the wall" location where you could catch the riders closer to the action
Some track operations - a group on the track in the background while another group stages to get on
Turn 11 with the EMT truck ready to roll if needed.
Back to the pits after a session - there were a lot of gixxers out there
The signal for your group to exit the track (left arm up) - that's our buddy, Shirazk
Instructors were integrated into the groups (dayglo vests), here on turn 9
Our friend, Shirazk leaving the track and heading for the pit area
That's it for me - Scott should have some pictures when he returns...
From the second floor looking back at turn 11
That stupid dump truck got in several photos!
The pit exit and entrance to the track - that's an instructor on an Aprilia super-moto
The front straight with turn 9 in the background
I also wandered part way up the hill. You can see turn 7 (barely) and turn 8
You can also see the corner workers' outposts
I preferred the "over the wall" location where you could catch the riders closer to the action
Some track operations - a group on the track in the background while another group stages to get on
Turn 11 with the EMT truck ready to roll if needed.
Back to the pits after a session - there were a lot of gixxers out there
The signal for your group to exit the track (left arm up) - that's our buddy, Shirazk
Instructors were integrated into the groups (dayglo vests), here on turn 9
Our friend, Shirazk leaving the track and heading for the pit area
That's it for me - Scott should have some pictures when he returns...
Simmons1
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Bill and I had a nice ride a visit to Eagles Canyon today.
A few of the Holligans out on the Parade lap. Sorry about the picture quality.
IDR Leading "the pack" with my imaginary friend Bill close behind:
PACMAN:
Squidward:
The only bike that dragged hard parts on the parade lap
We had a nice chat with Scott and I picked up a new TWT shirt and banner.
A few of the Holligans out on the Parade lap. Sorry about the picture quality.
IDR Leading "the pack" with my imaginary friend Bill close behind:
PACMAN:
Squidward:
The only bike that dragged hard parts on the parade lap
We had a nice chat with Scott and I picked up a new TWT shirt and banner.
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Despite drinking non stop all weekend, I think I still sweat out a few pounds. It was good seeing folks Friday night and at the track. A BIG thanks to Don Davis for putting me up at his place for the weekend. He's still in a LOT of pain from his recent neck surgery but was still a great host and we got in some really good visiting and homemade Banana Nut bread from his wife Ramona! I had enough of the heat by about 3:30pm Sunday and decided to pack it in and head for home. I only got a handful of pics because my battery died 
I'll try to get them posted up in the next day or so. The track is really cool with lots of elevation changes and technical corners. The pavement is not so great but the owner said they are planning on completely repaving it with a different kind of pavement this August. So the September/October trackdays should be awesome (and cooler!!). Still, at 270 miles from home and over $200 in diesel just to get there and back... I don't know that I will be doing many trackdays up there 
TWS is only an hour away...
I'll try to get them posted up in the next day or so. The track is really cool with lots of elevation changes and technical corners. The pavement is not so great but the owner said they are planning on completely repaving it with a different kind of pavement this August. So the September/October trackdays should be awesome (and cooler!!). Still, at 270 miles from home and over $200 in diesel just to get there and back... I don't know that I will be doing many trackdays up there TWS is only an hour away...
Cresson is a LOT closer for us southern DFW peeps, I don't know that we'll be headed back to Eagles Canyon anytime soon either.Still, at 270 miles from home and over $200 in diesel just to get there and back... I don't know that I will be doing many trackdays up there
Honestly I was awaiting a fair amount of ribbing for showing my displeasure to the Dodge Ram driver, but John told me after I passed them that he saw the occupants laughing after they cut me off...I'm glad they think it's so funny to endanger another persons life like that.I knew you were having kind of a crappy day, Kim, but kuddos to you for toughing it out. Rest up and maybe the next time will be more enjoyable.
And I gave that Dodge Ram a little salute of my own - just for you.
I'm taking some 12 ounce liquid pharmaceutical right now, myself. Just what the doctor ordered.
Some people should be erased from the planet.
We'd need a very very big pencil.Some people should be erased from the planet.
(ouch)
Woohoo, someone got a pic of me on the track (I'm the guy BEHIND Squidward and his evil looking KTM).
For someone who hasn't ever been near a track, let alone on one, the parade lap was pretty cool. If I had a budget for a more track oriented bike (and tires), I think I could get interested in that. Oh, and of course find someone to kill a cow just so I can have enough leather to cover me.
Squidward, Wonder91178, Pacman and Bung, I appreciate you letting me tag along. I enjoyed it and hope my lack of confidence in curves didn't slow you down too much.
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Woohoo, someone got a pic of me on the track (I'm the guy BEHIND Squidward and his evil looking KTM).
For someone who hasn't ever been near a track, let alone on one, the parade lap was pretty cool. If I had a budget for a more track oriented bike (and tires), I think I could get interested in that. Oh, and of course find someone to kill a cow just so I can have enough leather to cover me.
Squidward, Wonder91178, Pacman and Bung, I appreciate you letting me tag along. I enjoyed it and hope my lack of confidence in curves didn't slow you down too much.
It was a pleasure to meet you. As for riding with us, you did fine and are more than welcome to join us anytime.
Track Day Report:
It was HOT HOT HOT!!!
Got there at 6am. I havent seen 6am for quite some time so that was new.
Track was good. I learned a lot. Also finally got to put some faces with the screen names (Scott, Chuck, Ed); i got great tips and conversations with all. Thanks to chuck and ed i got pics.. all in all it was a great day.
Thanks to Ben who loaned me the ramp to get my bike on the truck as well.
If you guys havent done a track day, go at it. Its a lot of fun but try to do it in the cooler weather
It was HOT HOT HOT!!!
Got there at 6am. I havent seen 6am for quite some time so that was new.
Track was good. I learned a lot. Also finally got to put some faces with the screen names (Scott, Chuck, Ed); i got great tips and conversations with all. Thanks to chuck and ed i got pics.. all in all it was a great day.
Thanks to Ben who loaned me the ramp to get my bike on the truck as well.
If you guys havent done a track day, go at it. Its a lot of fun but try to do it in the cooler weather
dhdrider
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Glad you all had a great time. Sorry I wasn't able to visit more w/ the TWtex members. I was busy being lead instructor for the beginner group. Usually Guy Jones is lead instructor for Level 1, but he was unable to be there Saturday so I filled in.
Great pics of some of the action.
Just in case some of you out there might be looking at there for pointers, I want to point out that the below pic is not good body positioning. This is a low-side or highside waiting to happen. He is carrying way too much lean angle. And although it appears he is getting off the bike, he actually just sticking his knee out and the rest of his body is straight w/ the bike, or even on the wrong side of the bike. The purpose of getting off the bike is to reduce lean angle.
EDIT: I should also add that this is not a poke at anyone if it is someone on this board. It is a concern for (your) safety.
Great pics of some of the action.
Just in case some of you out there might be looking at there for pointers, I want to point out that the below pic is not good body positioning. This is a low-side or highside waiting to happen. He is carrying way too much lean angle. And although it appears he is getting off the bike, he actually just sticking his knee out and the rest of his body is straight w/ the bike, or even on the wrong side of the bike. The purpose of getting off the bike is to reduce lean angle.
EDIT: I should also add that this is not a poke at anyone if it is someone on this board. It is a concern for (your) safety.
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Gilk51
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How did Sunday working the corners go?
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Glad you all had a great time. Sorry I wasn't able to visit more w/ the TWtex members. I was busy being lead instructor for the beginner group. Usually Guy Jones is lead instructor for Level 1, but he was unable to be there Saturday so I filled in.
Great pics of some of the action.
Just in case some of you out there might be looking at there for pointers, I want to point out that the below pic is not good body positioning. This is a low-side or highside waiting to happen. He is carrying way too much lean angle. And although it appears he is getting off the bike, he actually just sticking his knee out and the rest of his body is straight w/ the bike, or even on the wrong side of the bike. The purpose of getting off the bike is to reduce lean angle.
EDIT: I should also add that this is not a poke at anyone if it is someone on this board. It is a concern for (your) safety.
I noticed a lot of that, even in the level 3/4 sessions. People stick their bottom out and maybe a knee, but they keep their upper body directly over the top of the bike or even push the bike down under them. I spent some time talking with a relatively new rider about that while watching some sessions and again when inside looking at the shots on the two computers where folks could see pics of themselves on the track. Draw a line straight up through the center of the steering head and look at where the bulk of the body is in relation to that line. Folks should see some of the pics of Stoner, Rossi, Spies, and other top riders when they are hanging off the bike I sat in my truck with the AC on all day. Unfortunately there were a couple of wrecks in my corner, but gladly no one got hurt.
One thing for sure, I got to see some nice race lines. There was a guy number 111 running an amazing race pace, doing the laps just under 2minutes and a first timer on a hayabusa who got the smoothest rider award for the day. All in all a good day.
Thanks to Scott we had lunch ready for us when we can into the paddock.
One thing for sure, I got to see some nice race lines. There was a guy number 111 running an amazing race pace, doing the laps just under 2minutes and a first timer on a hayabusa who got the smoothest rider award for the day. All in all a good day.
Thanks to Scott we had lunch ready for us when we can into the paddock.