Fantastic thread, just had my first track day with pro6cycle at Calabogie. Great track to learn and pro6cycle forks were great throughout the day. Couple things to add if this is your first track day, most likely you will rent U-Haul Trailer to take bike to the track (which is what I did).
You will need the following items:
- Motorcycle Trailer (~$14.95/day + optional insurance)
- Tie downs (if your tie downs are long, make sure the extra part is securely tied up so it doesn't get caught up in the wheels or under other vehicles)
- Wheel Chock (to secure the bike properly)
- Canyon Dancer (to tie down bike using handle bars)
Few other points that I learned from my first track day:
- You can put an X on your back using electric tape etc which tells other riders that you are new and need more space, don't be afraid to put that on your back for your first day. (Maybe this is a universal thing or just with pro6cycle, I don't know)
- Don't look at the rider in front of you and try to follow him/her. Look at where you want to go instead.
- As a novice rider on the track, don't decrease speed and brake in mid turn if you think you are not going to make the turn, instead roll on the throttle gently (slowly increase speed) and look and turn the bike more into the direction you want to go.
- Take tire pressure gauge, can of premium fuel (20L), a tent/canopy, folding chair, sockets to remove wheels if needed and torque wrench
- Take a camera with you and mount it on the front, view the footage when you get home to see how you did at the turns.
Most experienced riders are very helpful in answering your questions, don't hesitate to ask questions. I ask many questions such as tire pressure and which turns to watch out for (at Calabogie, they had turn numbers posted at the turns, cones, numbers to help with the lines and braking.
You are not going to race against anyone. Don't go to the tracking thinking you want to learn to ride fast, go to track thinking you want to get to know your bike better and learn the lines, braking, leaning/cornering and be a more confident rider. It's better to be slow and come back another day then be fast on the first day and make that your last day.
I had about 1 inch tire at the edge that never touched the asphalt after my track day and after the day was done I was touching the asphalt to the edge of the tire, that helped me gain confidence.
Also, there was someone on the track to adjust suspension, I think it's money well spent on the track to get the suspension checked and adjusted for your weight.
