View Full Version : Track Day - Lydden
Anyone fancy doing a track day down at Lydden?
Its a nice twisty circuit, down on the A2 in between Canterbury and Dover.
They only do a few track days a year there, two closest dates are:
Saturday 1st July
Saturday 5th August
Saturday 23rd September
Cost is £90 for the day and it starts at 09:00
http://www.lyddenracecircuit.co.uk/home.htm
Reply if your intrested and say what day you fancy doing it.
Dan
yes but dont want to risk my bike getting smashed up...
Flamin_Squirrel
20-03-06, 12:43 PM
I'd like to but can't see me making either of those dates.
I'd love to, but can't give a definite yes yet.
.
hmmmm, i know that verna wants to do one. I'll let her know
yes but dont want to risk my bike getting smashed up...
So don't ride beyond your limits :roll:
Just because you're on a track doesn't mean you're expected to ride like Rossi. If you've never done a track day before, ensure you're in the novice group and ride at your own pace.
One reason I rate Rapid Training for track days - theyre all serving coppers and they really don't put up with people riding out of group [eg experienced riders who should be in the intermediates going in the novice so they "win" every time] or any dangerous riding whatsoever.
I did Cadwell with them last year and lost it on the goose neck - stayed upright on the grass and got back on track. You'll only smash your bike up if you go beyond your limits and capabilities. Stick with that and you'll be fine.
Though aren't you still restricted? or supposed to be? Not sure if that affects you being on track tbh. You will need to check on that.
Doing the full Donny track this year with rapid. Any other days will be dependant on funds and time. Once a clear day is established may be able to give a more definate answer.
rictus01
20-03-06, 05:24 PM
Lydden, great track, but not for the speed freaks, Small and twisty, I’ve used this track for the last 10 years or so as somewhere people can learn cornering technique and practice it in safety.
I’ve taken nearly 200 people on their first trackday here, and of those three have crashed, however those three I believe would have crashed anywhere as they all had their own ideas and wouldn’t listen (so you knew it was going to happen).
I’ve found people have two main concerns on their first trackday.
1. They don’t want to trash their bike.
2. They don’t want to make a fool of themselves.
The first can be avoided by taking some simple steps
a. Good prep, make sure your bike has plenty of rubber (tyres not shagged) and brakes, and isn’t leaking anything.
b. You listen to the rider briefing.
c. It’s not a race, view the day as a way of improving your riding, get it right and you’ll end up faster anyway.
d. Take a bib (orange or some other bright colour) for the first couple of sessions, OK not the most flattering of garments, but everyone will give you more room, so you won’t have to worry about anyone behind you.
e. Use the staff, there are normally at least a couple of staff riders there, who are more than willing to follow you around, then lead you through the right lines on a session, just ask.
f. Remember to warm-up your tyres before pushing at any of the corners (see b above)
g. Take one corner at a time, sounds simple I know, but you’ve got all day, try getting one corner right, not fast, just right, coast around the rest of the track and try it again, (the great thing about Lydden is the fact you are back at that corner fairly soon, so can remember where you entered last time and try something a bit different this go).
h. Once you are happy with that corner move on to the next, then the next and so on, by lunchtime you’ll have a complete lap under your belt.
The second,
Well you can guarantee this by doing some of these things,
a. Trying to show your mates how good you are.
b. Not listening (Yea, Yea, that’s just for those that can’t ride).
c. Not bothering to setup your bike or checking anything beforehand.
d. Worrying about the “inferior” bike overtaking you.
The day,
Early start, track time normally starts at about 9 am, but you need to be registered by 8 am (driving lisence required), riders briefing somewhere in between, (they will also look over your bike and kit to make sure you’re both safe to go on the track).
Normally divided up into three groups, Novice, Intermediate, and fast. Don’t let it worry you the novice group will be more than enough your first time (some tracks you have to go in the novice if you’ve never been there before).
Each group has 20 minutes track time, then 40 minutes off, throughout the day. A break of an hour for lunch the back on until about 5 ish.
Tea and food are they the normal burgers, bangers and fried stuff with chips.
They do have other things there as well like tyres and sometimes suspension setup guys.
The track
No big straights to speak of, but it does have a hill, a hairpin, a 90 degree and so on.
It’s primarily a cornering and braking circuit.
The SV works well here, and you get the chance to practice all the cornering basics.
Start off slow; getting the corners and braking right will end up making you faster anyway.
Be prepared for “hero” like smelted tyres, as this always comes as a surprise to the first timers.
Just on Lynw point
they really don't put up with people riding out of group [eg experienced riders who should be in the intermediates going in the novice so they "win" every time] or any dangerous riding .
Most organizers will move people from a group ( both faster and slower) following a warning, I’ve ridden in the novice group loads of time, as I’m with the people I came with and we all get to chat at the same time after, the price I pay is not to be able to go around at brake neck speed within that group, if you’re sensible it’s not a problem.
If you feel you need to be in a faster group, go and ask, if they can they will normally move you (although they may point out you’re not as fast as you think), also if you are concerned someone else in your group is dangerous, just have a wood and they will keep an eye on them and move/warn then if needed.
Dan, I may come along, choose a day.
Cheers Mark.
SVFighter
20-03-06, 05:51 PM
I agree with the above, I did a track day on my dads SV650 last year, it was fantastic, and I was new to being on the track and riding a twin!
I had never been on a twin or an Sv before that day, and I came away with the biggest smile on my face!! :D
SVFighter
20-03-06, 05:52 PM
Oh and it was Lydden that I went to, with No Limits.
Just on Lynw point
Most organizers will move people from a group ( both faster and slower) following a warning, I’ve ridden in the novice group loads of time, as I’m with the people I came with and we all get to chat at the same time after, the price I pay is not to be able to go around at brake neck speed within that group, if you’re sensible it’s not a problem.
If you feel you need to be in a faster group, go and ask, if they can they will normally move you (although they may point out you’re not as fast as you think), also if you are concerned someone else in your group is dangerous, just have a wood and they will keep an eye on them and move/warn then if needed.
Dan, I may come along, choose a day.
Cheers Mark.
I think that Rapid were aiming this at those who were not being sensible but who were purely going in a lower group to "be the best" as opposed to middle of the pack in the group more appropriate to them. It occasionally happens apparently. Not that Im in anything other than the novice group anyways.
I know they put experienced track riders in the novice group if this is the first time on that track until they are ready to move up.
Flamin_Squirrel
20-03-06, 06:54 PM
yes but dont want to risk my bike getting smashed up...
So don't ride beyond your limits :roll:
Things can still go wrong though :(
yes but dont want to risk my bike getting smashed up...
So don't ride beyond your limits :roll:
Things can still go wrong though :(
Yes, but they can on the road too.
.
Mr Toad
20-03-06, 09:33 PM
I could be tempted - although I may just watch :D
Flamin_Squirrel
20-03-06, 09:55 PM
yes but dont want to risk my bike getting smashed up...
So don't ride beyond your limits :roll:
Things can still go wrong though :(
Yes, but they can on the road too.
.
Very true.
Very true.
:shock: :lol: :wink:
.
Sid Squid
20-03-06, 10:27 PM
yes but dont want to risk my bike getting smashed up...
I can't understand this attitude, really I can't.
Now don't take this as being rude, I fully appreciate that no-one actually wants to crash, but you'll happily ride your bike on the road, with traffic and rubbish surfaces, potholes and and gawd knows what other risks, but worry about 'smashing up' your bike on the track, where everyone is going in the same direction, no-one will pull out in front of you, the surface is good and known, there are no blind corners that something nasty is hiding beyond, (in the unlikley event that there is something in your path you will need to know about, there'll be a marshall waving a flag at you). Is that attitude realistic?
Think of a track day as being your favourite bit of road but with everything that makes you back off removed, and I'll bet on your favourite bit you don't always back off as far as is scrupulously legal, but then neither do I, sometimes, and, if you'll do that, why not at a nice safe track?
It's of course entirely true that you can crash at the track, but if you take the excellent advice given above there's no reason why you you should risk crashing any more than you would on the road, where you ride every day most likely, and in reality the chances of a crash are probaly lower then on the road, and if you should be unfortunate then the consequences are likely less serious, plenty run off etc etc, no-one to tangle with once you've slid off.
Do it, you'll have a grin a mile wide after the first lap, and it won't go away for days.
But i will crash, im a nutcase :D
But i will crash, im a nutcase :D
And I shall bring a camera to provide you with months of Avatars :lol:
Not done Lydd, I may pop along for this, not sure if I'd be riding or not but sounds like an excelent day out 8)
Sounds fun! I'll have to see a bit nearer the time though.
But i will crash, im a nutcase :D
And I shall bring a camera to provide you with months of Avatars :lol:
Not done Lydd, I may pop along for this, not sure if I'd be riding or not but sounds like an excelent day out 8)
I aint doing it.
yes but dont want to risk my bike getting smashed up...
So don't ride beyond your limits :roll:
Things can still go wrong though :(
Yes, but they can on the road too.
.
as I have well found out
I'm interested - could do 5th Aug or 23rd Sept. Just depends on work / funds really, so won't know until nearer the time.
rictus01
22-03-06, 11:19 AM
yes but dont want to risk my bike getting smashed up...
I can't understand this attitude, really I can't.
Now don't take this as being rude, I fully appreciate that no-one actually wants to crash, but you'll happily ride your bike on the road, with traffic and rubbish surfaces, potholes and and gawd knows what other risks, but worry about 'smashing up' your bike on the track, where everyone is going in the same direction, no-one will pull out in front of you, the surface is good and known, there are no blind corners that something nasty is hiding beyond, (in the unlikley event that there is something in your path you will need to know about, there'll be a marshall waving a flag at you). Is that attitude realistic?
Think of a track day as being your favourite bit of road but with everything that makes you back off removed, and I'll bet on your favourite bit you don't always back off as far as is scrupulously legal, but then neither do I, sometimes, and, if you'll do that, why not at a nice safe track?
It's of course entirely true that you can crash at the track, but if you take the excellent advice given above there's no reason why you you should risk crashing any more than you would on the road, where you ride every day most likely, and in reality the chances of a crash are probaly lower then on the road, and if you should be unfortunate then the consequences are likely less serious, plenty run off etc etc, no-one to tangle with once you've slid off.
Do it, you'll have a grin a mile wide after the first lap, and it won't go away for days.
Listen to the man, I'd also add that it's more a track for braking so the heavier bikes tend to be slower (have to brake earlier), the SV is fairly light so does well, now the Speedtriple on the other hand, although wothwhile you'll know you've been there by the end of the day (lots of strong arming it round) won't be a match for the SV, so make the most of it people you may even overtake some of the bigger bikes, what a hero :!: .
(Cazza, great if you could make it, your GS would be fine here).
the payback in road confidence is more than you can imagine, I've only known one person not to have gained by the day (excluding the three mentioned prevoiusly :wink: ).
Cheers Mark.
yes but dont want to risk my bike getting smashed up...
I can't understand this attitude, really I can't.
Now don't take this as being rude, I fully appreciate that no-one actually wants to crash, but you'll happily ride your bike on the road, with traffic and rubbish surfaces, potholes and and gawd knows what other risks, but worry about 'smashing up' your bike on the track, where everyone is going in the same direction, no-one will pull out in front of you, the surface is good and known, there are no blind corners that something nasty is hiding beyond, (in the unlikley event that there is something in your path you will need to know about, there'll be a marshall waving a flag at you). Is that attitude realistic?
Think of a track day as being your favourite bit of road but with everything that makes you back off removed, and I'll bet on your favourite bit you don't always back off as far as is scrupulously legal, but then neither do I, sometimes, and, if you'll do that, why not at a nice safe track?
It's of course entirely true that you can crash at the track, but if you take the excellent advice given above there's no reason why you you should risk crashing any more than you would on the road, where you ride every day most likely, and in reality the chances of a crash are probaly lower then on the road, and if you should be unfortunate then the consequences are likely less serious, plenty run off etc etc, no-one to tangle with once you've slid off.
Do it, you'll have a grin a mile wide after the first lap, and it won't go away for days.
true but on the road I have insurance :lol:
Just been looking and they have a date on 6th May for anyone who want to go a bit sooner.
I may be up for the 6th May
I may be up for the 6th May
Having a lay in then doug?
rictus01
26-03-06, 09:54 PM
Just for thoughs that haven't been before a couple of shots showing most of the track.
http://upload4.postimage.org/76544/mark11.jpg (http://upload4.postimage.org/76544/photo_hosting.html)
the first shows the hill with the sweeper at the top, the only lefthander on the track & the "start straight" ( well sort of straight) fore ground.
http://upload4.postimage.org/76549/mark12.jpg (http://upload4.postimage.org/76549/photo_hosting.html)
More of the "start straight", also showing the exit to the hairpin and the slight down hill (slight "s" bend but you can't see it).
Cheers Mark.
So which date will people be looking at then?
rictus01
27-03-06, 08:51 PM
Not that fussed, I'll go along for the May one to have a pay butif others are interested in a later date, I'll go to that as well.
Cheers Mark.
hall13uk
27-03-06, 08:56 PM
would love to but i don't have a leather jacket
rictus01
27-03-06, 09:03 PM
would love to but i don't have a leather jacket
as long as you have an all around zip ( not just the back bit) you can do it in textile kit, It's fairly cheap to get one sewn in.
Cheers Mark.
hall13uk
27-03-06, 09:28 PM
would love to but i don't have a leather jacket
as long as you have an all around zip ( not just the back bit) you can do it in textile kit, It's fairly cheap to get one sewn in.
Cheers Mark.
i can zip my leather trousers to my textile jacket will that be ok
rictus01
27-03-06, 09:37 PM
would love to but i don't have a leather jacket
as long as you have an all around zip ( not just the back bit) you can do it in textile kit, It's fairly cheap to get one sewn in.
Cheers Mark.
i can zip my leather trousers to my textile jacket will that be ok
all the way round? not just that 10 inch bit at the back, that won't do.
Cheers Mark.
hall13uk
27-03-06, 09:40 PM
would love to but i don't have a leather jacket
as long as you have an all around zip ( not just the back bit) you can do it in textile kit, It's fairly cheap to get one sewn in.
Cheers Mark.
i can zip my leather trousers to my textile jacket will that be ok
all the way round? not just that 10 inch bit at the back, that won't do.
Cheers Mark.
yes all the way
rictus01
27-03-06, 09:42 PM
Good enough.
Cheers Mark.
i would love to do a track day but my bike is fooked :(
Mr Toad
28-03-06, 11:17 AM
What about helmets :?:
Do you need to have the ACU Gold sticker - mine hasn't got one as it's a Schuberth, although it is rated at the EU standard - ECU R 22-05
What about helmets :?:
It would be advisable :lol: .
.
Mr Toad
28-03-06, 02:48 PM
It would be advisable :lol: .
:roll: :lol:
I'm trying to be serious here
rictus01
28-03-06, 03:23 PM
What about helmets :?:
Do you need to have the ACU Gold sticker - mine hasn't got one as it's a Schuberth, although it is rated at the EU standard - ECU R 22-05
Just had a look and no companies I could find mention the EU standard at all, just the BS or acu gold, you'd have to give them a call.
(Just a note, I can't seem to find any companies allowing textiles, they did, but this could have changed? so best to check).
contact info for Lydden (http://www.lyddenracecircuit.co.uk/contacts.htm) circuit.
Cheers Mark.
hall13uk
28-03-06, 05:16 PM
i have made other plans now for that date, also brands is only £75
Flamin_Squirrel
28-03-06, 05:32 PM
i have made other plans now for that date, also brands is only £75
I doubt it. At least not for a whole day where it isnt snowing.
hall13uk
28-03-06, 05:33 PM
i have made other plans now for that date, also brands is only £75
I doubt it. At least not for a whole day where it isnt snowing.
thats what the web site says
Flamin_Squirrel
28-03-06, 05:34 PM
Link please?
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