I've only ever done one track day - Brands Hatch Indy...and I rode down there and home again after the event. I read with some interest all of the trackdays people have booked etc. and simply wondered if you all have vans/trailers or whatnot to get your bike there or do you ride there?
I mostly do them at Donington which is only about 15 miles away so have tended to ride there and back. I think i might look at getting a trailer as want to do more that are further away and want to start using tyre warmers too so will have extra kit to cart about.
Most have vans of what i have seen atleast. But a trailer works too. If you have a track bike, they are usually not legal on the road, and in the long term a van / trailer makes more sense.
I tend to do one track day a month and have done a bit of low level club racing. All I use is a little single bike trailer. It’s so nice to get out of leathers after a good tiring track day, load the bike and go home.... also saves buying fuel at daft prices at track and you can take extra water food etc
I've previously had a double bike trailer that myself and my brother used to transport our bikes to Oulton Park and it was great having the car for extra bits like food, petrol, paddock stands etc. We don't have that anymore though so I'll be riding to my next track day and the Mrs is following me in the car and bringing all the bits I need. If you plan on doing a lot then it's definitely worth while having a trailer or even better a Van!
Car has a tow bar, so I use a bike trailer. FWIW I used to hire one for £30 per day, but bought one in the end.
Interesting comments. I wish more of you rode there and back! ...that would have made me feel better I might look at getting a couple of Brands days in this year...see how it goes from there. Was ten years ago my last one
Problem is if you want to use tyre warmers as paddock stands and a generator don't fit in a back pack
There'll be loads tha There will be loads that ride there don't worry about it......and like I said, if you can get someone to follow you down in the car to bring all your stuff......problem solved!
Been mulling it over for the last few days and the thought of a bike trailer has become more appealing. Plus the Mrs is pulling her face at having to drive so I thought sod It, I'll load up the Discovery with all my gear and I can have the bike track ready with mirrors and tail tidy removed and all the lights taped up. I don't think we'll get everything in her Fiat 500 and she's petrified of the Disco and won't drive it on her own!! Muffking......where is that place you hired yours from, or does anyone have one in the Manchester area I can hire? I might create a new thread to see what's available, I'd be tempted to buy one but I'm not sure how many days I can do this year yet
https://www.portland-towing.co.uk/trailer-hire Likely too far for you though, in which case I'd check out your local tow bar fitting companies and see if they have trailers for hire.
Hey Paul. You really have to weigh up the amount of track days you might do against the expense of trailer/tow bar/hiring etc. It might be more practical to continue with lights off/tape on routine. On a second note, I'm interested in a day at the Ron Haslam school - for the knowledge and experience. Only downside is that I might be the old fogie of the group, and that would make me feel well out of it.
I bought a van for it. Thing with a van is that it is so handy for any lugging needed. Since sold my track bike but still have the van as it’s too handy to get rid of. Paid £2k for mine and put over 40k miles on it, with just minimum wear and tear items and servicing. Now sitting on 150k miles and honestly still solid. Vauxhall Vivaro SWB
Yeah I see what you mean Nigel and for that reason I'd consider hiring one or borrowing one for the day. I don't think I'd buy another one as I don't think I'd get the use out of it and it would be stuck in the driveway all year. My car's got a detachable tow bar so it would just be the trailer I'd need. I'm thinking tyre warmers now as well so the list of things I need to take is growing!!! Hey as for the Ron Haslam race school, go for it.......age ain't nothing but a number
On a second note, I'm interested in a day at the Ron Haslam school - for the knowledge and experience. Only downside is that I might be the old fogie of the group, and that would make me feel well out of it.[/QUOTE] Don't worry my dads been and he was 70 at the time I think he found the 600s lacking a bit as he rides a GSXR1000 on the road and doesn't hang about, also the other chap in his group was really slow and he was behind him on track. He enjoyed the day, keep trying to convince him to do a track day on my Blade . Might be worth looking at the Premier Plus as I think thats one to one tuition, assume that also lets you progress to the Elite course but prob best to check. Shame you can't just go staight to the Fireblade course.
Correct, Mickster. I just checked: one-to-one. Represents good value for only fifty quid extra. I have until 1 March to capitalise on the special deal - so that means I have three weeks to decide whether I'm up for this or just in denial of the 'ageing process'.
