Want opinion on Track day.

[cjbez07]

Ok so i am getting ready for a track day.. prob not real soon but in a couple of months.. i want to know from the guys that ride often which is probably the most difficult track in the SE USA.. may sound silly but i want to do a difficult track as my first track day.. so just curious maybe some thoughts on RA, Barbar and Tally..

Thanks in advance means alot

Jaco

[749DARKMAN]

You could probably learn the most and be the least dangerous to other riders at TGPR. It's a technical track with no blind turns and lots of run off room.

[cjbez07]

ill check them out.. i am leaning toward RA since i only live like 2 miles from the track and been there a bunch of times.. i just really want some feed back on some other tracks and stuff..thanks for the opinion apriciate it all..

Jaco

[BiggsRR07]

I did RA for my very first trackday last year. It was the best time I've ever had on my bike. Its a fun and fast track and IMO very technical especially the last 4 turns. It also has a high speed turns and elevation changes that make it even more challenging but fun at the same time. I've only done RA so I can't give you much comparison with any other tracks. I do here that TGPR is a great track to ride as well. I'm doing Roebling Road Raceway on the 23rd of this month. This will be my second trackday and my first time at this track. I'll let you know how it holds up to RA. Be prepared tho because it is an addiction.

[cjbez07]

thanks biggs.. Roebling sounds like fun.. i got friends that live down in Savannah area.. well more like Rincon couple miles from Roebling.. say its a nice easier track to do and cheaper than some of the other tracks.. let me know how you like it.. heck if i dont ahve to work i might just come down.. to watch.. enjoy and thanks..

Jaco

[Ga-Bandit]

. i am leaning toward RA since i only live like 2 miles from the track and been there a bunch of times..Jaco

As a rider with only 1.2 days I will say this: DO IT!

You already have your answer my friend. Now you have to ask yourself which organization you want to do it with.
NESBA gives a free 2 session Introduction track day and you don't have to join.
There are allot of STT control riders (CR) here and they're offering some good deals w/o commitment. I've seen them help riders off the track allot - that speaks volumes to me.
Todd is an Ed Bargy CR (I really want to attend his school).

Ride Novice and get the feet wet. Then everyone will say "Welcome to the addiction".

[cjbez07]

thanks GA .. ya that was going to be my next thread after all this was over and done with.. i attended the STT at Road atlanta last weekend and enjoyed the crap out of it.. just bein there and see all the help the guys gave to the people.. i have heard some good things about nesba but nothing on here.. jsut some guys from cycle gear.. ill check them out.. thanks again.. im trying to take in as much info before i get out there and just do it.. i still got to buy some gear for the track but im gettin there..lol.. thanks again:up:

Jaco

[A1willson]

As for tracks I would say go to Tally because it's a fun, technical, small track, and cheap. If you have the money do the 2 day weekend there which is usually just a little more than one day at Barber or Road A. The first day will seem like to much to handle and second day will give to time to pratice what you leaned the day before and you will know the track better so you can really pick up speed. My favorite track around is Road Atlanta but the speed I would think can be a little intimidating for your first track day. I have ridden with STT the past 2 years and NESBA this year and they are both great organizations with good control riders to help you out. The only reason I switched to NESBA this year was so I could run some different tracks and mainly that is VIR. The prices are about the same but NESBA has a higher member price but with the higher price they do not charge gates fees to anyone whether that be you, your wife/girlfriend, kids, friends. So get out to the tack and join the addiction.

[Derrick]

I would recommend Tally to anyone who asked me where they should do there first track day. The track is relatively small and flat so you see everything that's coming at you before you get there. It also has quite a technical aspect, particularly as your pace increases.

This will be your first track day, not your last..trust me. I wouldn't recommend jumping into the deep end without learning how to swim first. That being said, you can start off with a track like Road Atlanta and be fine, but IMO you'll learn less.

Of course my vote is for STT, we have an outstanding novice program and no matter what track you choose we'll start you out slow, work on the fundamentals of track riding and increase the pace as the day progresses along with your skill.

Shoot me a pm if you need any help or have more questions, I'll be glad to help you out.

[Lazarus]

I would recommend Tally to anyone who asked me where they should do there first track day. The track is relatively small and flat so you see everything that's coming at you before you get there. It also has quite a technical aspect, particularly as your pace increases.

This will be your first track day, not your last..trust me. I wouldn't recommend jumping into the deep end without learning how to swim first. That being said, you can start off with a track like Road Atlanta and be fine, but IMO you'll learn less.

Of course my vote is for STT, we have an outstanding novice program and no matter what track you choose we'll start you out slow, work on the fundamentals of track riding and increase the pace as the day progresses along with your skill.

Shoot me a pm if you need any help or have more questions, I'll be glad to help you out.

I agree with Derrick. From what I've been told RA is a little difficult for new track riders. I didn't know Tally was technical though, I've heard RA is. I plan on doing Tally first this month, Barber in August, and then Tally again and then EBRS.

[TLR67]

Do them all but save Barber for the end..... Otherwise you will be dissapointed at the rest.... : )

I agree.. Tally is a great first timer but dont forget about Nashville... Thats another good Technical tight but little track...

[Lazarus]

I would do Barber later but some friends from NJ want to do it in August.

[cjbez07]

Thanks all for the response.. i been looking over some of the track maps and barber looks like alot of fun.. also any takes on Jennings?? i see they got some cheap track days just curious if anyone ride there and what yall think about them.. its tempting to go there but i need to get over my 1/4 inch chicken strip on the right and i dont think i even have a chicken strip in the left.. lol..and i will also say i love elevation change when i ride.. i will check out tally for sure.. and if the price is right i am consider doing it just for the experiance .. thanks again all.. and ill make sure to get with the STT instructors before i do a track day.. so yall know to look out for me.. haha.. thanks again.. and hope to see yall soon :-)

Jaco

[Motorin Mark]

If you can learn to ride Tally fast all the rest are cake. Tally is hard on the gas and then hard on the brakes and takes a ton of concentration to complete a great lap.

[steve c]

Unless your last name is Herrin, Lewis, or Rossi (or, you're a yet-to-be-discovered phenom) you'll be going so slow, the track wont matter. You have so much to learn, almost any track will do.

The main thing is your attitude. Secondarily, the instructors and the promoting/operating organization. Last factor in your development is which track you go to and which bike you're on.Those items, in that order, are the biggest factors in determining whether you have a long career as a humble quick guy that is still learning when he's 60 years old, or just another punk time-bomb waiting to trash his bike/body/etc... There are plenty of the latter, the former, not so much.

Have fun :up:

- Steve

[cjbez07]

Haha thanks Steve.. no i am wanting to learn and never stop learning.. lol.. there is a reason why i ride a 600 and not a 1000 haha.. and i will say this.. 99.9% of the time the guys that make it big.. have lots of money and well was born into it.. Racing is a business its there jobs.. where for guys like me this is all a dream.. where im from Owning a motorcycle is hard to think of considering the cost of it.. never yet get it out on a track.. and in the other note.. i dont think i am bad a$$ or anything like that.. but i am not a newbie either.. to the track maybe.. haha.. but that is why i go to the STT track days and wera races and all that at RA.. to watch and learn from all the old folks out there..or well should i say older folks..

Thanks for the reply
Jaco

[Batgirl]

Any track can be a learning experience. With that said, I did my first track day at Jennings and the track was flat and fairly easy. My second track day was with STT at Tally. That was a great track and I learned more on that track day with STT than I did at Jennings. Of course, at Jennings there was no real instruction, they just told us to have fun. If you decide to do Tally, you won't be disappointed. No real elevation changes but it's a great track to learn on.

[0hi0]

Choose a track with less drama if you crash. That means less elevation changes, blind corners and curbing. With that being said: Tally, Jennings and Roebling.

Barber is beautiful but will tear your shit up if you have an off. RA will hurt you if you have a crash in the wrong places.

[DICKIEDOO]

Choose a track with less drama if you crash. That means less elevation changes, blind corners and curbing. With that being said: Tally, Jennings and Roebling.

Barber is beautiful but will tear your shit up if you have an off. RA will hurt you if you have a crash in the wrong places.
+1

Having ridden all of them in the SE I can tell you I tell all newbies to stay away from Road A at first. Sure it's big, but it's not an easy track to ride due to elevation changes, turns 10A, 10B, 12, 2, 5 and 7 and the fact that it's very, very fast.
My recos are...

1. Tally
2. Jennings
3. Barber
4. Roebling
5. Road A

[cjbez07]

Thanks everyone for there advice.. at first i was wanting to do RA bc it is just soo close to me.. i mean when they got fire works i go out side and watch them from the back porch..lol.. but i got options now thanks guys.. i am thinking more in the line of 1. Tally 2. RA 3. Barber and 4.Roebling .....

Thanks again everyone

Jaco

[TLR67]

Sign up for the STT Weekend in September.... Perfect Weather and a great Festive Atmosphere to say the least!

[cjbez07]

I really might do that.. got to see how my bills turn out for the month and if i have any money to get my bike ready for a track day.. if i cant ride.. ill more than likely be taking pics there if it is a RA race

Jaco

[willr1]

I can tell you, my first track day was last week at RA, I was scared as hell the first half, then addicted the second half and had a blast. Great instructors and RA is very fast, some "sneekie" turns, but it goes by all too quick. My buddy just called me from Tally, he just got his knee down and loves Tally and Barber is his second. It is nothing to prep your bike, if you do go, just let me know and well meet up at my house (near the Loco's) or yours and Ill help you prep your bike. It is really nothing for Novice group. Im getting some more track day's in this year and look forward to getting back at the beast (RA).

[cjbez07]

Sounds good.. thanks ill keep that in mind for real.. i know the prep is not so much work but what i meant was i got to get new breaks front/rear and rotors.. also and if i have anough money left over i think i am wanting to change out the lines for i still got my stock lines on.. (I got 16500 miles on my bike.. i think its time .. lol) i changed the breaks once before.. but have not done any Rotor Work did sprocket about 4k back and all that.. i just know my breaks are not as good as they should be.. nothing like the use to.. so i def need to do that before i do any track day what so ever..thanks again Will

Jaco

[Signal90]

Having ridden all three RA, Talladega and Barber, I would definately recommend making Tally your first track and definately NOT recommend making Road Atlanta your first. Barber was my first and if I could do it all again, I would do Tally first. Road Atlanta can be intimidating to a first time track rider and can actually have a negative affect on your riding. Tally gives you the place to develope some good skills which you can later apply to the faster tracks. Studying the track maps and watching videos is a good idea but isn't the same as actually riding them. Good luck on whichever one you choose.

[cliff0529]

I guess I'm weird. Road Atlanta is only intimidating, it's not a hard track by any means. Road Atlanta doesn't have any decreasing radius turns, and for the most part it flows really, really well. Once you get visual references it's an easy track to learn...but that's the key. Most novices don't know how to pick or use reference points, they ride by sight and instinct. Tally and Jennings make perfect beginners tracks because they're flat as pancakes! You can see all the way through the corners and have decent run-off. Makes it easy to ride by the seat of your pants. Roebling isn't bad, but the speed there is almost as fast at Road Atlanta so it can also be a little intimidating. NTM, the run-off isn't nearly as good as tally or Jennings.

Like Mark said, if you can go fast at Tally, you can go fast anywhere! It's tight, it's technical, it teaches you throttle control and trail-braking. Great track to practice at! :up: :D

[U.F.O.]

Of all the tracks in the SE Roebling is still my favorite. Jennings, Road A, Barber and Tally are all fun in their own ways but there's just something about coming out of that last corner at 100+ and blasting down the straightaway that makes me smile. :)

[cjbez07]

thanks again everyone for there inputs.. i kinda made my descision.. it is either going to be roebling or RA just for the fact that it is close to my house and roebling bc i have friends down in Savannah that ride .. all i got to do now is get my gear ready.. my bike tuned, twicked and lubed..lol.. and find an organization that wouldn't mind putting up with me and go have a good time.. thanks again everyone..
i am wanting to do roebling first to get teh experience and then hit RA so i wount be as nerves when i do descide to ride her..

thanks again everyone
Jaco

[wayne13]

Jaco, are you going with STT for your track day? Would not use anyone else, especially it it is a first time at the track. Buddy of mine at FD just bought a CBR and is going to Tally in Sept. 11th. Told him not to use anyone else due to the high level of instruction for first time at the track. I will get to go also. WOOHOOOOO! first time on track in 2 years, missed it a lot!

Just go have fun and enjoy it!!!

Let us know how it was

[TLR67]

^^ And at Tally it salways a good time!! Looking forward to seeing you again Wayne!

[cjbez07]

Thanks Wayne.. i was thinking STT is the way to go.. since the last track day i went to was STT and really liked how they had everything organized.. so my first riding track day will more than likely be STT like 99%..lol.. main reason.. the people.. i have met alot of guys in STT and just love that atmosphere.. thanks again everyone

Jaco

[TLR67]

Looking forward to it Jaco!! Hey Road Atlanta is coming up in August! We only get there a couple times a year...

[Derrick]

Thanks Wayne.. i was thinking STT is the way to go.. since the last track day i went to was STT and really liked how they had everything organized.. so my first riding track day will more than likely be STT like 99%..lol.. main reason.. the people.. i have met alot of guys in STT and just love that atmosphere.. thanks again everyone

Jaco
Hope to see you at the track real soon. Get ready for your new addiction!!

[Jet Jockey]

I'm a high performance driving instructor in cars, not bikes, but I do ride a sportbike, and have quite a bit of experience on these tracks & teaching. Here's my 2 cents:

Area Tracks ranked from most technically difficult to least:

1. Road Atlanta (a very serious track that requires considerable technical expertise to do well, and stay safe)
2. Barber
3. Roebling Road
4. Little Talledega GP

Area Tracks ranked best track to learn to ride track days on from best to worst:

1. Little Talledega GP (runoff room, lower speeds, built for bikes, safer track)
2. Barber
3. Roebling Road
4. Road Atlanta

Area Tracks ranked most Dangerous to least Dangerous:

1. Road Atlanta by a margin is most dangerous
2. Roebling Road
3. Barber
4. Little Talledega GP

[TLR67]

I would put Roebling above Road Atlanta as far as Danger is concerned... The Tire Wall on the backside is just way too close for comfort.. I go there every year despite it but IMO Road Atlanta is a much safer track.. Either config.. Old or new T-12

[BiggsRR07]

I just got back from Roebling yesterday and that tire wall is a bit close and doesn't look very promising in the event of a runoff. Overall I thought it was a pretty good track. If I had to say one was more dangerous than the other I would say RA. Im just a beginner tho and don't have much experience but IMO RA is set up much more challenging than Roebling especially with the elevation changes and the really tight turns however it does have much more room for runoff which came in handy for when I had my little runoff. RA was the most fun I ever had hands down

[Jet Jockey]

I just got back from Roebling yesterday and that tire wall is a bit close and doesn't look very promising in the event of a runoff. Overall I thought it was a pretty good track. If I had to say one was more dangerous than the other I would say RA. Im just a beginner tho and don't have much experience but IMO RA is set up much more challenging than Roebling especially with the elevation changes and the really tight turns however it does have much more room for runoff which came in handy for when I had my little runoff. RA was the most fun I ever had hands down

I agree, the tire wall at Roebling is it's worst feature. And I also agree on Rd ATL being more dangerous. Reason? Higher speed potential. Much more technically challenging = more likely places to make mistakes. And the greater runoff room gets eaten up VERY quickly with the higher speed "offs" at Rd ATL. Interestingly the downhill S's at Rd ATL while appearing relatively benign have been the scene of some significant crashes after even a small excursion from the paved racing area. Any sort of brake failure or fade at Rd ATL has the potential of ending in a very serious event due to the speeds achievable.

No question Rd ATL is FUN!! Just more serious fun than some other tamer tracks. Risk / Reward deal.

[Ogre]

I agree, the tire wall at Roebling is it's worst feature. And I also agree on Rd ATL being more dangerous. Reason? Higher speed potential. Much more technically challenging = more likely places to make mistakes. And the greater runoff room gets eaten up VERY quickly with the higher speed "offs" at Rd ATL. Interestingly the downhill S's at Rd ATL while appearing relatively benign have been the scene of some significant crashes after even a small excursion from the paved racing area. Any sort of brake failure or fade at Rd ATL has the potential of ending in a very serious event due to the speeds achievable.

No question Rd ATL is FUN!! Just more serious fun than some other tamer tracks. Risk / Reward deal.

Yes, brake failure at RA SUCKS!!! I got lucky in that mine was going in to 10A so I had lots of runoff room even at 160mph. Made it almost to the drift pad by the bridge before hitting a rut in the grass and going down. :(

[X-Man]

I'm a high performance driving instructor in cars, not bikes, but I do ride a sportbike, and have quite a bit of experience on these tracks & teaching. Here's my 2 cents:

Area Tracks ranked from most technically difficult to least:

1. Road Atlanta (a very serious track that requires considerable technical expertise to do well, and stay safe)
2. Barber
3. Roebling Road
4. Little Talledega GP

Area Tracks ranked best track to learn to ride track days on from best to worst:

1. Little Talledega GP (runoff room, lower speeds, built for bikes, safer track)
2. Barber
3. Roebling Road
4. Road Atlanta

Area Tracks ranked most Dangerous to least Dangerous:

1. Road Atlanta by a margin is most dangerous
2. Roebling Road
3. Barber
4. Little Talledega GP


I agree with this analysis, I would add Jennings GP tied Little Tally as far as safe for bikes (JGP is a bike only track), but Tally is more technical then JGP.

[BiggsRR07]

Yes, brake failure at RA SUCKS!!! I got lucky in that mine was going in to 10A so I had lots of runoff room even at 160mph. Made it almost to the drift pad by the bridge before hitting a rut in the grass and going down. :(
Thats exactly where I had my runoff at RA. Was going in too hot and thought I had enough distance to brake and was wrong. Ended up going straight into the gravel pit but I was able to keep the bike up thankfully. Vicky got some pretty good pics of me kicking up some rocks tho!

[Joker]

I just got back from Roebling yesterday and that tire wall is a bit close and doesn't look very promising in the event of a runoff. Overall I thought it was a pretty good track. If I had to say one was more dangerous than the other I would say RA. Im just a beginner tho and don't have much experience but IMO RA is set up much more challenging than Roebling especially with the elevation changes and the really tight turns however it does have much more room for runoff which came in handy for when I had my little runoff. RA was the most fun I ever had hands down

Where were you pitted, and which group did you ride with? There were not a lot of riders there, so we had to see each other. Did you stay around for the weekend races?

Here was the bike I was on.. http://a.imageshack.us/img704/1179/img1758pa.jpg (http://img704.imageshack.us/i/img1758pa.jpg/)

[BiggsRR07]

I was pitted by the first exit off the track about two or three trailers from the michelin truck. I did see you a few times when you got off the track being that I was right there at the exit. I was the one (off to the right when you exited the track) with the siberian husky that kept barking at you! lol! I rode with the novice/vintage group. I didn't say around for the weekend. Unfortunately I had to work the rest of the weekend. I left at about 2:30. I was exhausted. This is what I was riding.
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t252/crazyn6/IMG_3100.jpg