Hello there and Happy New Year to you all!
I was going to ask some noobie question to you all.
On race days do you all have a checklist that you go over before you head to the track?
What extra parts would you recomend one to carry?
Do you snack light during race days? What do you bring to eat and snack?
Do any of you camp at the track?
I'd love any advise that you have.
Thanks in advance!
Mike
i made a list out formyself. bring all your tools. i have an enclosed trailer and just keep a full set in there with lots of power tools, aswell as tire warmers, extention cords, gen., canopy, all the normal stuff. always make sure you have the key to your bike too.
extra stuff: anything you can fit is well worth packing. better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. i keep an extra set of forks, clip ons, rear sets, plastic, a few bottles of engine ice, whatever is most likely to break if you go down.
and i always eat real light through out the day. a banana here or there. just little healthy things that are full of what you need.
and always bring jugs of water. lots and lots of water. i've put down over a gallon in one day and not peed till that night when i started on the rum and coke. always have lots of water on hand.
camping is way less $$$ money than hotels. but an enclosed trailer beats the hell out of a tent in a storm with 20mph winds. so if you're pitching a tent, be ready to seach for a hotel if needed.
Thank for the help Court Jester!
These Days I'm so well organized and experienced that a checklist is unnecessary, but here's a quick list for you.
Bike
helmet
leathers
gloves
boots
stands
gas can
Pretty much anything else can be mooched. But here's more stuff you'll hate to live without.
Spares:
bars
levers
spare set of rearsets
set of grips
spare throttle tube
any extra gearing you may have
chemicals (oil, chain lube, something for your visor, wax, RainX, hand cleaner, carb cleaner WD40
Folding chairs and a canopy
Tools
Gatorade, energy drinks, snack bars, water, water, water....
Now if you have an enclosed trailer, most of this stuff can stay in ther all the time so you don't have to worry about forgetting it. Over time you'll acquire much more stuff than I just mentioned, but that much makes for a good start. Keeping it all in plastic crates helps you find your stuff and load it quickly when you are heading for the track.
Mr. K3!
Thank you Sir!
Swampthing-
Forgot brats and beer.
that's a must for sure there. i leave the little grill in the trailer year round.
Quote from: cbr600_mj on January 02, 2007, 08:49:25 PM
Mr. K3!
Thank you Sir!
Swampthing-
I'll see YOU at the track, scag! See you like I saw the Night Rider!
I also bought some of those big plastic boxes and labeled them to keep all like things together. i.e. spare parts, fluids, tent, etc...
There's an actual list that Learning Curves hands out with your licensing packet- it's more of a machine checklist though. Duct tape, don't forget the duct tape, safety wire, spare alternator for your tow vehicle, extra drive belt, stool, water, water, water, tire guy, suspension guy, chain, tires, tires, tires, :whine: , flip flops for the showers, rubber brats for the moochers :biggrin: , enthusiasm....
Flip flops for the showers.... good one. That reminds me, if you're going to BHF, bring your own shower,
shop towels, trash bags, batteries (for lap timers, flash lights etc...) the list goes on
shower towels and shampoo/ :soap! a shower towel is priceless if you forget one and dont forget quarters for the pay showers :biggrin:
And if you have an enclosed trailer (I only have a 7x14) that you plan to sleep in, a nice AC unit mounted on top is a dream come true on a hot summer day. Also, a microwave and coffee maker makes life a bit better while camping at the track.
njracer
Apparently, a battery charger. I bring mine every weekend, as I had Reg/Recitifier death my first race weekend and now I am paranoid :err:!
Ironically, I have loaned it to someone in need EVERY WEEKEND since!!!!
Hope this helps..
MAS
Thanks to all for all the suggestions!
Mike
Organize.
Wets box: anything that is, well...wet. Oil, brake fluid, brake clean, carb cleaner, lithium grease, chain lube, locktite, (blue and red), etc.
Spares box: clip ons, pegs, rearsets, rear and countershaft sprockets, wind screen, spark plugs, a small box of nuts, bolts and washers.
Tool box: metric wrenches, torque wrench, diagonal side cutters, safety wire tool/safety wire, cordless drill, etc. Flashlight!
Diddy box (In a small plastic tool box): basic first aid kit, (bandaids, gauze, tape, alcohol, small tweezers, small scissors, neosporin, cortisone cream), Tums or Rolaids, Immodium, Ibiprofen or Tylenol or Naproxen, nail clippers, AA batteries, toothbrush, toothpast, floss, deodorant, shampoo, soap, etc. You get the idea.
Above all, don't forget the money...
Cash/Checks/Credit Cards will replace 100% of what's on the list here if you're in a real pinch.
If you're camping, find the nearest truck stop (i.e., flying J in Rockton near blackhawk) and consider showering there (if need be).
I invested in one of those hanging water bags and a curtan for a shower. the rod hooks right onto the side of the trailer. it'll get good and warm hanging in the sun throughout the day. it's a little odd looking at everyone in the pits over the top of the shower but it works like a charm. no lines, no quarters, warm water.
just try to park with the trailer in the grass so all your water isn't running into someone elses pit area.
The amount of crap you haul around with you is contingent on a couple of factors. How far are you going to race? What classes are you racing? Typically, the further you have to drive, the more angry you are if you don't have something to make a wrecked/broke bike run. Figure on bringing 1 toolbox for every 300 miles you drive.
Race class is important because some bikes prefer more maintenence. A lot of club racers running a SS 600 could probably get away with safety wire, pliers, gas can, and a rear stand.
If your running an ultra light without a starting or charging system plan on bringing everything you own... including your spare motorcycle.
If your one of those fools who decides to build a singles bike (especially a two stroke one)... well most people can't afford enough tools to make one of those run right!
the good news is, once you've covered your "needs", things you absolutely cannot get by with out... the rest can usually be bought (trackside support like LMS) or borrowed from your neighbor. If you are EVER in need of a part to get you running dont hesitate to talk to an official and get them to page the part you need and where your located. More than often, someone has what you need and is willing to loan it out.
My final checklist that I do is Bike, Key, Helmet, Leatheres, Boots, Gloves, wallet... at least I can race!
Don't forget the keys to the trailer!
My wife goes nuts on me, cause I am constantly checking on location of the keys.
I didn't see anybody else post this up, sorry if they did and I overlooked it.
Bring your FRIENDS AND FAMILY. If they like it, it just helps our sport even more. And don't forget one of the most important beginner "bring a longs"- an-as-knowledgable-as-possible well mannered PIT BITCH! I have a partner who is a pit stud of the 33rd degree, and we have everything I could ever imagine because of him.
until he crashes, in which case everything falls apart.
Quote from: 123user on January 03, 2007, 04:55:37 PM
Figure on bringing 1 toolbox for every 300 miles you drive.
How many tool boxes is that for Minneapolis to Daytona? :ahhh: :biggrin:
Let see... I live in St. Louis which is 1000 miles from daytona. This fall I went there to run 1 race (Ultra-light SB) and I brought 2 Hawks, w/ 4 sets of wheels, two 4-drawer toolboxes, 1 small single-cavity toolboxes, 2 large rubbermaid tube with spares and large tools, 4 additional large tubs for race supplies, 1 air compressor
If I came from Minneapolis, I'd recommend an additional Hawk + at least one more toolbox.
Again, if running a stock 600, a gas can, a stand, and a bread bag full of tools would probably be sufficient. That would allow them to carry more beer.
Quote from: 123user on January 04, 2007, 10:44:11 AM
Again, if running a stock 600, a gas can, a stand, and a bread bag full of tools would probably be sufficient. That would allow them to carry more beer.
Classic. :lmao:
First you can do a search and get more information then you could ever possibly need on this topic because it gets asked atleast 20 times a year. Also the answer depends on your setup. If you are serious about racing, getting an enclosed trailer will defintely make your life 1000 percent easier because you can leave 90 of what you need in the trailer
On race days do you all have a checklist that you go over before you head to the track?
Yes, get burgers, lots of water, beer, teammate to travel with
What extra parts would you recomend one to carry?
As much as you can carry. Definitely brake/clutch levers, pegs, clip on bars, fairing stay, rearsets (or at least foot controls), subframe, master cylinder, frame sliders, wind screen, grips, wheels, sprockets, chain, chain breaker, tires, tank, etc
Do you snack light during race days? What do you bring to eat and snack?
You practice in the morning then have an hour break before the racing starts. We typically bring a BBQ and burgers and dogs to eat. Different people eat different amounts but you are expending a lot of engergy so it is best to be sure you eat enough and hydrate like it was your job
Do any of you camp at the track?
I think most of us generally camp at the track much more cost efficient. You see many levels of comfort, begining with tents, mattresses in the back of pickups, cargo trailers, Toy haulers and RV's. So there is always plenty of variety of different people camping. Plus camping is usually fun talking shit and having a few beers with your fellow racers
I'd love any advise that you
Prepping the Bike
- Tires must have good tread
- Tape over wheel weights
- Remove or tape up mirrors
- Tape over headlight, blinkers, tail light, and reflectors
- Beginner's group may be asked to tape over speedometer
- Disable brake light and headlight by pulling the fuses (or disconnecting wires)
- Coolant should be drained and replaced with water/waterwetter mix
- Check oil and brake fluid level
- Make sure there are no leaking fluids
- Check that all bodywork is secure
- Be up-to-date on general maintenance (e.g., chain lubed, brakes bled, etc.)
- Remove all items (like tool kit) from under the seat
- Check that exhausts are secure
- Remember to pack the bike key!
Loading the Bike
- Slighty curved ramp recommended to keep bodywork or exhaust system from dragging when loading
into van or truck
- Use a wheel chock or Canyon Dancer bar harness for front-end stability
- Tie down front and rear (avoid cheap discount-bin tie downs!)
Bike Items to Pack
- Gasoline (you burn more gas at the track; fuel pump at Willow Springs is not always open)
- Oil
- Duct tape
- Mechanic gloves
- Paper towels (good for cleaning visor)
- All the tools you'll need for any maintenance or repairs you're willing to do
- Front/rear stand if you plan to do tire changes
- Coolant should be drained and replaced with water/waterwetter mix
- Tire pressure gauge (set pressure to 40 psi at home so all you need to do is let air out at the track;
if it's a hot day, check tire pressure during the day)
Gear to Pack
- One-piece leathers or two-piece that zip together (some organizations allow cordura or kevlar suits)
- Full face helmet (undamaged)
- Leather gloves (ideally with carbon fiber knuckles)
- High top boots
- Optional: back protector
- Towel or rug to stand on while changing in and out of gear
Miscellaneous Items to Bring
- Water and/or sports drinks
- Food/snacks (snack bar has limited hours)
- Camera
- Hat
- Sunscreen, chapstick
- Canopy
- Umbrella (good for spectating in the stands during summer)
- Folding chairs
- Aspirin or ibuprofen or other painkiller of choice
- Cash for gate fee (Willow Springs charges $10 to get in)
Keep on You in Case of Emergency
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Blood type
- Medical insurance provider and account number
- Medications you're allergic to
- Emergency contact (name and phone number)
At the Track
- Before unloading, check your area for safety wire and oil; clean up what you can
- Do not leave oil or tires behind at the end of the day
- When you're done for the day, remove duct tape as soon as possible
Other Notes
Before you commit to a track day, check your insurance coverage. Some auto insurance companies exclude coverage for closed-course events. Some medical insurance companies exclude coverage for "high risk" activities. Odds are you're probably covered since it's not racing, but it's best not to find out the hard way that the $8k in emergency room expenses will come out of your pocket.
If you can, bring a friend to the track so if you're injured, you and your bike can get home. I've been involved with de-camping for people who were taken to the hospital so this is not a far-fetched situation. Even if you're not taken to the hospital, it's better not to drive if you're sore or moderately injured from a get-off. If you can't bring a friend, you might want to acquaint youself with someone at the track once you get there.
sounds like that's geared more to a track day.