Biker's Cafe Chatroom

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Just back from a week in Valencia at the MotoGP circuit with Track Sense, hired the S1000RR again from BMW and had an absolute blast :D

Didn't set any records being relatively new to track riding but managed to get into the 1:50s which was respectable for the Novice to Inter group times so I was very happy with that.

Highly recommend everyone do a track day at least once no matter what bike you ride, there were kids on 125s and people on naked KTMs etc, just get out on track and see what the bike and you can do!
 
Just back from a week in Valencia at the MotoGP circuit with Track Sense, hired the S1000RR again from BMW and had an absolute blast :D

Didn't set any records being relatively new to track riding but managed to get into the 1:50s which was respectable for the Novice to Inter group times so I was very happy with that.

Highly recommend everyone do a track day at least once no matter what bike you ride, there were kids on 125s and people on naked KTMs etc, just get out on track and see what the bike and you can do!

I'd love to hear more about your trip. The idea of flying somewhere and renting a bike for track day or two really appeals.
 
Kree, you said the GoPro's have rubbish battery life. What do you use for your videos? I was keen on the Xiaomi Yi as it's so cheap but the more I look at the GoPro Session the more I like the small form factor
 
I use GoPros :p

2x Hero 2014's (2h45m battery), a Hero 3+ Black (1h15m) and I used to have a Hero 4 Black that I sent back because it was a piece of **** with horrendous battery life and stupid heat output.
 
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I'd love to hear more about your trip. The idea of flying somewhere and renting a bike for track day or two really appeals.

I am terrible at writing reviews!

If you have any specific questions let me know but basically I booked with http://www.tracksense.co.uk/ then bought a plane ticket and everything else was sorted for me by Track Sense!

Arrived on Monday, chilled for the afternoon with some other people who I met in the plane/airport. Laster that evening we drove from the hotel to the track to unload and setup in the pit lane garages.
Most people transport their own bikes on the track sense lorry, I think they have space for about 50 bikes. Others drive with vans and trailers (people come from all over and not just UK).
Since I had a hire bike I just signed the forms which were prearranged for me by Track Sense with BMW and rolled it round the garage where the guys I met earlier were setting up.
Track Sense provided me with paddock stands, tyre warmers and two sets of tyres, you can pick Pirelli, Metzeler, Dunlop or pay some extra and specify exactly what you want but since I am novice I just went for Supercorsa SP as they last well and have more than enough grip for me.
The bike comes with a tank of petrol and you return it with a full tank, I used one to two tanks per day which you have to pay for.
They also come around the garages and check on the hire bikes to make sure the tyres are looking good, adjust the pressures and generally make sure everything is going well for you, an excellent service!

The next three days (most events are 3 or 4 days at the track) are split up into sessions as normal track days are with novice, inter, fast and this time race groups.
Each bike has a transponder attached to it and there is a garage setup with live timings and full recording of every lap you do, the groups are the altered so people are with others around their own level. This is good so there is always some a bit faster to follow and you can improve but no crazy people going in the slower groups just to feel good about passing everyone!

There are also two "fun races" one for the race/fast and inter/novice which this time had a rolling start, 7 laps with a trophy and champagne for different groups and bike class (750 is a shoe in for a trophy as most are 600s or 1000+).

Then in the evening everyone is out and about in the bars, pubs and restaurants around the hotel area so plenty of good times to be had before it all starts again the next day!

I did Almeria in December, Valencia this week and now looking at the Slovakia Ring in June.

Like I said, any questions just ask!

Couple of pictures, click the thumbnail for full size, we were in garage 5.

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Kree, you said the GoPro's have rubbish battery life. What do you use for your videos? I was keen on the Xiaomi Yi as it's so cheap but the more I look at the GoPro Session the more I like the small form factor

The problem with the session and any other cameras with non removable batteries - once it's run out of juice, you're done. At least with a removable battery you can put a new one in and keep some charged up via a USB port on the bike.
 
Gopro hero 3+ is good, it was on offer for £150 a few weeks back, removable battery, external mic, comes with a 1200mah batery which last 2 hours when recording @ 1080p 60fps.
 
I am terrible at writing reviews!

If you have any specific questions let me know but basically I booked with http://www.tracksense.co.uk/ then bought a plane ticket and everything else was sorted for me by Track Sense!

That sounds great, I really like the idea of having less hassle by renting a bike. I'll have to give this some proper thought.

I assume cameras are a no-no at these events.
 
That sounds great, I really like the idea of having less hassle by renting a bike. I'll have to give this some proper thought.

I assume cameras are a no-no at these events.

It really is excellent.

Cameras are fine, just not on the helmet! Most people have a GoPro or two on their bikes, even on the hire bikes if you remove the mount afterwards.

I didn't use one but a guy in my group should be sending me some footage of myself soon, if it comes through and looks good I will post it up.
 
I'd use a chest harness

No idea about that one, you would have to ask as I think the rules are track/country specific.

For example at the Spanish tracks you need specialist medical insurance which covers you for EU track days on a motorcycle but in Slovakia they don't care and no medical insurance is required but obviously Track Sense still recommend you buy some.

I would say a chest harness would be all right but then I could see how they may argue that if you fall and land on your front it could cause damage even with a chest protector under your suit.

The people videoing themselves to improve normally put a camera on the tail pointing at their arse to check body position and then one on the front facing forward to see how good their lines are.
 
I do love a good fuel cap!

I can't even carry my phone in my chest pocket of my jacket because it annoys me when I get down behind the screen.
 
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