Posts
19
Joined
7/30/2017
Location
Fairview, OR
US
dontstealmybike
7/30/2017 11:03pm
7/30/2017 11:03pm
Does this website not have regional forums?.. oh well, here goes...
I live near Portland, Oregon and I've only ridden trails so far, I love it.. but after checking out Thursday night mx at PIR and Mt. View MX, I've decided I want to ride on a track. I'm not getting all hyped up about it like I'll be any good.. I just want to be able to fit in on the practice days we have at the tracks around here.
Problem is, the 'practice' days seem pretty serious to a total mx noob. I would definitely not feel comfortable just lining up with 20 other dudes and hitting the throttle. I wish they would let you practice with like 5 guys at a time instead of 20. My first lap around id want to go hella slow, just to get the feel for it, but these guys are ripping it up.
I've been riding for over a year on the trails... I started slow, and now I can ride pretty hard, so I'm not a total noob to dirt bikes.
I'm about to buy a ktm 250 sx. And I want to ride her on the track.
Anyone out this way have any suggestions?
I live near Portland, Oregon and I've only ridden trails so far, I love it.. but after checking out Thursday night mx at PIR and Mt. View MX, I've decided I want to ride on a track. I'm not getting all hyped up about it like I'll be any good.. I just want to be able to fit in on the practice days we have at the tracks around here.
Problem is, the 'practice' days seem pretty serious to a total mx noob. I would definitely not feel comfortable just lining up with 20 other dudes and hitting the throttle. I wish they would let you practice with like 5 guys at a time instead of 20. My first lap around id want to go hella slow, just to get the feel for it, but these guys are ripping it up.
I've been riding for over a year on the trails... I started slow, and now I can ride pretty hard, so I'm not a total noob to dirt bikes.
I'm about to buy a ktm 250 sx. And I want to ride her on the track.
Anyone out this way have any suggestions?
The "fast" Guys gets around you I promise. Go that speed you are comfortable with, and keep your line and don't cross over straights or jumps, you'll be fine
If there are huge jumps with blind spots, just take a peek over your shoulder before to see what's coming up behind.
And please,don't go wfo before a jump and brake to an almost stop in the takeoff
Most importantly, have fun and hang loose
Don't try to let guys by-hold your line and be predictable. Focus on what's on front of you.
You might want to show up before gates open so you can pay and be on the track early. Most tracks are less crowded and the track will be less torn up. Some tracks overwater it, though, so it can be goopy.
Most tracks have A,B and C classes go out in turns. That will help you a lot, although many let everyone loose until the track gets too crowded, so that's a strike against my "show up early" strategy. Fast guys will get around you no problem: you just don't want to be traction for them.
The Shop
All the advice above is excellent.
Don't be afraid to ask people questions at the track. That includes staff and other riders.
Have fun...
There's a track north of Portland in a Washington called Riverdale MX. You can ride it any day of the week if you call ahead. They might not prep it super wel mid weekl, but you can get it to yourself. They have a big track and beginner. Could be a great place for you to start.
Call or email Dan
360-749-1170
info@riverdaleraceway.com
http://www.riverdaleraceway.com
Do not weave in-and-out of your line. Faster people behind you will find a way around you. Don't worry about what is behind you. Only worry about holding your line and getting comfortable on the track. More experienced riders are experienced enough to know how to safely pass you. If you start criss-crossing along the track, they have no way to predict this and that is when really bad things happen. This is especially true over jumps. You can often see where the fast line is leading up to a jump, so if you're still getting comfortable, just avoid the fast line and stay in yours.
If you happen to fall over on a blind spot on the track, hi-tail it off the track. Don't worry about your bike. You can usually count on your moto brethren to lend a hand if there aren't flaggers, unless they're tweaker assholes or maniacal no-shirt wearing Native Americans who are only out to kill you with their clapped out 450.
Have fun. You'll love it.
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