Blatant photo and video showing-off, track day at Portimao

[Lonewolf]

We'll just wait now OC for mecki to challenge the definition of a circle. 

[Silverback]

That's nothing but an urban myth and I could claim exactly the opposite. 

Mecki, I'm sure you would claim the exact opposite, you seem to claim the exact opposite of pretty much anything anyone says.

However I am fully aware that many KSI's on open country roads come about as a result of the rider failing to negotiate bends, and not as a result of collisions with other vehicles. I suspect that in many of these cases, the speed wasn't an issue, more to do with the rider bottling it at the last minute, and either backing off the throttle, or braking, unsettling the bike and causing it to run wide, when in fact had they had the confidence to keep the power on, the bike and rider would have made the corner safely.

I assume(I've never done one) that riding on a track would give you more confidence in the abilities of the bike, and reduce the risk of this happening.

What do I know though?!?

[Lonewolf]

SB, I have a feeling mecki will not know what KSI's are.....

[Silverback]

SB, I have a feeling mecki will not know what KSI's are.....

Sorry, assumed he would.  KSI = Killed or seriously injured

[O.C.]

I'm sure that improving riding or indeed driving skills is undoubtedly one of the benefits of participating in a track day.

Its also good fun to ride a bike around a circuit that you may have watched legends race on, in that respect I suppose its similar to playing golf at a famous golf course that you have witnessed world class players negotiating.

It's whatever floats your boat, life's about enjoyment, otherwise we would all be riding the same type of bike, driving the same type of car or living in the same style of house. 

[mecki]

We'll just wait now OC for mecki to challenge the definition of a circle. 

Why would I do that?
'Going around in circles' doesn't necessarily mean you move in a perfect circular line but can also mean that you spend a lot of time and effort doing the same thing over and over again getting nowhere. 
And all I said is that I would know a Thousand better things to do with my money than spending it to go around a racetrack for a couple of hours.
Is that so hard to understand? 

[Martin#30]

And all I said is that I would know a Thousand better things to do with my money than spending it to go around a racetrack for a couple of hours.
Is that so hard to understand? 

For me, yes. I can think of very little better to spend my money on, let's rejoice in our differences 

Regarding the thought that track riding can help on the road, for me it most definately does. As Silverback says, the fact that I know what a bike does close to the limit means I can react better to situations where grip is suddenly less than expected. I can cope, and recover, rather than panic.

The main benefit though is that I no longer ride everywhere like my hair is on fire, I am much more content to potter on the roads these days and leave the hooning to the circuit.

Just my 2p.

Martin.

[pistole]

The main benefit though is that I no longer ride everywhere like my hair is on fire, I am much more content to potter on the roads these days and leave the hooning to the circuit

- this !

.

[mecki]

Mecki, I'm sure you would claim the exact opposite, you seem to claim the exact opposite of pretty much anything anyone says.

However I am fully aware that many KSI's on open country roads come about as a result of the rider failing to negotiate bends, and not as a result of collisions with other vehicles. I suspect that in many of these cases, the speed wasn't an issue, more to do with the rider bottling it at the last minute, and either backing off the throttle, or braking, unsettling the bike and causing it to run wide, when in fact had they had the confidence to keep the power on, the bike and rider would have made the corner safely.

I assume(I've never done one) that riding on a track would give you more confidence in the abilities of the bike, and reduce the risk of this happening.

What do I know though?!?

To your first statement I can only say that I have been taught to think what is called dialectical.
Thesis - Antithesis - Synthesis?
This may be a bit too intellectual for some individuals on this list, but what do I know? 

That with the confidence is your hypothesis and it may actually be true for some people.
But what about the hypothesis that racing a bike on a track can also make you over-confident and reckless when riding on the road?
No problem - last week on the track I took a similar corner at 70 mph so I can safely do it on the road as well. 
And then it turns out that it isn't similar at all because on the track there are no potholes, diesel spills, dirt, sheep or idiots thinking the same way coming the other way.

[pistole]

- imho (coming from a background of tracking cars and racing go-karts) , spending time on a race track makes you a far far better rider/driver on the road.

- you learn not only the limits of your machine , your tires but also your own physical body .

- these translate easily onto the open road. A corner speed which may "seem" impossible to someone who has never experienced cornering speeds like those achievable on a track , would not surprise an experienced track rider/driver.

- this allows the driver/rider to manage his speed, his perception of speed and his comfort levels with the speed with which he is carrying into a corner. Ie , resulting in a smoother and calmer rider/driver.

- braking skills are also much much higher for someone who tracks his machines. You are forced to learn (on pain of falling off) how much grip you have under your brake lever at every corner entry.

- as for skills like how to negotiate intersections , looking out for drivers planning to turn across you , etc , granted , these you will not learn on a track and you would need to fall back on skills acquired "on the road".

- again , am speaking as someone who is familiar with driving on a closed race tracks. So , this opinion is premised on that basis.

- similarly , if you've never been on track before , then any opinion that you may have about what track driving/riding is about , is perhaps not worth very much.

.

[Bumpkin]

Nice one Martin!

Green with envy, always wanted to try as it is the perfect way to develop your understandig of the bike's limitations and to have fun, if it floats your own personal boat!

I think having given this careful consideration... if you like track days, enjoy a challenge and want to experience the thrill of varying conditions this one looks like it ticked all the boxes in style.

Love the video setup you've got and thanks for the posting :)

To those who don't think it's a good idea - congratulations for not booking this trip