Another Noob Trackday Report - KATT at Thill.

So as this is my third track day, I still think of myself as a noob.

Especially since trackdays 1 and 2, were on a very old, and probably had no business being anywhere near a track, Seca II.

I remember my first track day, I was young, dumb, and ready for anything. I had an amazing tutor pushing me to do it, and I was invincible! I didn't have any nerves, any fears, and since it was at Reno-Fernly, nobody to ride with. Each session they'd cut me loose, wait 30 seconds, and send the other 4 or 5 riders out. By the "tornado" I'd be caught and split, and then I wouldn't see another rider for the rest of my session. It was awesome, but it also was not what I expected for a trackday.



My second trackday I was more nervous. Not because of my riding, or because of the track, but because it was with Z2, and by this time, I knew people. The grid marshal, the instructors, the riders out there, I actually knew who I was riding with and being instructed by, and I didn't want to fuck up.

I did.

A lot.

I had a lot of fun, I loved riding Sonoma, but I also realized that the bike I was on had no business being on the track and I was stupid for doing it. It was the first time I thought as an adult and was worried about what I might do to others. Not for lack of skill, but because my bike would fail on me one way, or another, or a third, or all at the same time.





Fast forward 4 years...

I now shoot AFM and trackdays regularly working with Frozenuts of Oxymoron Photography. I live for my time at the track, but as a photographer. I spend hours of my day standing feet from the edge of the track watching my friends go by doing what they love. I ride often, in the North Bay I'm surrounded by amazing country roads. Berryessa, Skaggs, Hwy1, Lake County, 128, 253, Redwoods, the list just goes on and on.

But the track is something I didn't return to.

I switched from the Seca, to an FJ, to my current bike, a 2005 Kawi Concours.

And still, the track eluded me.

This year that changed. This year I got the bug to get out there one way or another. Rent a bike from Feel Like a Pro. Ride my own. Borrow a bike from a friend and pray I don't crash it. I wanted to work on my riding, I wanted to get some instruction on my riding, and I wanted some pictures of me riding damn it!

I picked up a 2 piece set of leathers on clearance in preparation and waited for my chance. I expected it to be with Fun Track Dayz but it turned out that Keigwins offered a $1 day. I saw it posted on Facebook and set an alarm for when the sale started just to see if I could get lucky. Sure as shit, I wind up getting a spot in the B- group.

Shit got real. My leathers it turned out, didn't match up. I had to get the zipper fixed. I had to prep out my bike. I had to figure out how I was getting to the track, and back, with gear.

Leathers were easy, I got them worked on by Yurtastic, AKA The Leather Guy in Vallejo. Strongly recommended, quick turn around, good job, friendly puppy to greet you.

Bike prep was a little more difficult. I reached out to BARF for help and was given lots of good info, to which I thank you. I had no idea what I was doing to prepare a bike.



I went through my list, checked everything twice, and washed the bike. My nerves were at an all time high. It was strange to me because my first two days I had no worries or concerns. This time, I had so many thoughts.

Don't crash.
Don't crash someone else.
Don't do anything stupid.
I hope my bike survives.
I hope I don't get laughed at.
I hope I don't get yelled at.
I hope I make it through the day.
What if _______________?
etc.

I finally said fuck it, whatever will be will be, and piled up my stuff.

5am, day of, I wake up and am practically dressed before I even get out of bed. I try and calm myself down, not wanting to forget anything or make a mistake on my way to the track. With one final check of my list, I get on the road.
_OI_0258 by i_am_the_koi, on Flickr

7am, I arrive in Willows. I am literally shaking with... antici...........pation. I pull over and collect myself for a minute. I go over my mental list. Be safe, be smart, smooth controls, learn, listen, practice, and most importantly, bring it home.
[/url]_OI_0270 by i_am_the_koi, on Flickr[/IMG]


7:30, I pull into T-hill and am immediately confused. This is not what I am used to pulling into a track. I don't know where I am going to park or pit. I don't know where anybody is at, or who is even around. I don't know where to check in, where to take my bike, where to put my stuff. Who am I? Where am I? Where's my blanket! I WANT MY MOMMY!!!!

7:33, momentary freak out completed I do a lap of the pits. I see a couple familiar faces but nobody I know well enough to come beg to be my track friend for the day.

7:35, I decide that I could spend all my early morning finding a pit, or I could prep my bike.

All the wrong people knew who I was anyways, so I figured I'm just gonna put up a flag and hope a friend sees it.

Click to expand...

I pull up to the brick wall by the clubhouse and I start to lay out all my stuff. I figured I'd be right up front and someone would see me and invite me over to their pits. My saddlebags were full of stuff for the day so those got emptied. I took my gear off that I rode up with, and then switch to my gear for the day. Pretty much changed out of my thermals and put on some of the BILT Heat Out gear I had purchased, but still. I notice that the tech line has opened so I decide to roll my bike over and find out what I needed to do before I did too much or too little.

I roll into the line of bikes and when I get to the front I have this ol' timer walk up to me with a grizzled looking beard and his Keigwin's t-shirt. The name on it?

I introduced myself, "Hey, I'm Koi," and he looked at me like this.... :|

I introduced myself again, "I am the Koi, from BARF, good to see you," :|

I then yell at him, "I AM THE KOI!"

He gave my bike a once over, checked everything over, was impressed with "the ol' girl" I was riding, and then asked for my hand stamp.

"What hand stamp?"

So I pushed my bike aside, went to the registration line, and got checked in and my hand stamp and returned to my bike. came back and told me that my bike was good, to take off the saddle bags and have a good time.

That's it? I mean, really? I dont' know why I was shocked but I was. I expected more.

I turned around and saw someone I knew, someone I liked, and someone who I thought might like me enough to let me pit with them. Not sure if she's a BARFer, but definitely an AFMer and a rider, An of City Bike fame.

I went up to her and her pretty Wonder Woman Ducati, and asked if she'd be my track friend. She said yes and told me where she was pitted at. I had a pit! I had a friend! I had someone to share in my day with! I was a happy Koi.

_OI_0278 by i_am_the_koi, on Flickr


I moved my stuff from the wall to the pits and finished my prepping of the bike. I had fuses to pull for headlights, tail lights, and turn signals. I had to put numbers on my bike for photos, not that whoever sorted would confuse my bike with absolutely anybody elses. I had to take the bags off, and then put my gear on. I literally had just enough time to do all this before the rider's meeting.

Rider's meeting was different because instead of listening to it waiting my turn to speak about taking photos, I was listening to the details about the day. I even got to ask a question as I wanted clarification about the KATT red flag rules.

Ken Hill was there and gave a lengthy speech as well, to which by the time he was done, we were very close to the first session of the day. I looked down and realized I was still in shorts, and had to move quickly to get out there for the sighting laps. I have shot T-hill enough that in my mind, I can visualize every corner, but I had never ridden it so I didn't have a visual reference for when I was on it and wanted to take advantage. I pulled my pants on and BOOM, the zipper broke.




Fuck. Fuck FUCK FUCK!!!!

I fiddled with it, I fought with it, and somehow I got it back together. Crisis averted.....

I rolled to the hot pits and waited. The nerves were back. My thoughts were going at a mile a minute. What's turn 1 going to be like? What speed do I need to go to not be a rolling chicane? What is going to happen in 3? in 5? In 10?

Stop.

Back to the list. Be safe, be smart, smooth controls, learn, listen, practice, and most importantly, bring it home.

They rolled us out. I followed an instructor and An onto the track. As I approached to turn 1, I felt my throat tighten. I resisted the urge to panic break and slow the fuck down. I followed the two in front of me into 1 and holy shit, I made it!

The nerves were gone. I focused on the task at hand. I rolled onto the throttle and approached 2. I noticed the point where An changed body position and slowed down, and copied her. 2 lasted for ever! It just kept going. I maintained throttle and tried to be smooth through the entire corner. As we approached the end of 2, I saw An and the instructor accelerate. I accelerated too and immediately regretted my decision.

Turn 3 was upon me. I crested the hill before it and put on the brakes. I tipped into the turn, and clinched waiting to low side and die. As the bike rounded the turn I hit the bumps and really learned what clinching was. I maintained throttle and decided I would either die, or make it. I made it and immediately was faced with 4.

4 reminded me of so many of my mountain road favorites and I nailed 4, (I think) and was into 5.

5. Where do I begin with 5? I had watched plenty of videos of 5 and various "lines" to approach. Wide and late over? Wide and early over? Middle and late over? But when you are going up that hill for the first time, all you can think is, "OMG What am I doing? Where does the road go? How much do I need to actually turn? MOMMMMMYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!"

As I exited 4 and went up hill into 5, the most noticeable thing, I was catching the bikes in front of me.... What was I doing wrong? Was I absolutely about to die? I saw every crash I had captured through my lens as I crested 5 and hit the apex. I saw the downhill ahead and rolled onto the throttle. I had survived another turn! The bottom of 5 though, brought me back to reality. As I hugged the inside my bike suddenly started bucking. Not in a bad way, but in a bumpy road way that I didn't expect for a track. I let off the gas, I rode the bumps out, and I accelerated into 6.

I probably fucked up 6 all day. Some of the times I'd hit it perfect, probably because I was going to slow, but a lot of the times I'd set it up and tip in, only to be to short on my apex and run wide. I loved it though. It was probably one of my favorite corners of the day because I knew I could do better each and every time.

7 and 8 were very similar. They were corners I was used to on any mountain road. I knew they were passing zones but I hoped that the riders I was slowing down would be considerate and not stuff me on the inside and instead pass me on the outside. I knew any crashes in those corners would be bad and I just hoped I wouldn't experience one myself.

The run up the hill into 9 was a lot longer than I expected. I've walked it hundreds of times but riding it was different. I accellerated up the hill. I looked through 9. I gave it a tap of the brakes and tipped into the turn. That's when it all went wrong.

No, I didn't crash.

I did however run to the edge of the track almost every time. The kink down the hill on the exit of 9 was not where I expected it to be. So when I would finish my turn in 9, I would then have to turn again to make it around the kink. I did this all day unless I had a visual reference of another rider cresting and going well left before turning right. I had heard about the water tower, but I still would fuck up 9 every time.

Down the hill into 10... OMG, OMG, OMG, where do I brake, where do I turn....... oh, that's it? Gee, what am I freaking out about? Turn 10 was awesome. I can see why it's difficult at times when you're under pressure but on it's own, mountain road turn of awesome.

I recently shot a car day at T-hill and got to ride along in a Porsche Gt4. I was amazed at turn 11 and how much he had to brake before the turn. I expected to have to practically stop my bike before tipping in only to find I could run it deep. This however, meant that I would be wide into 11 and have to decide whether to cut the paint or try and complete the turn.

I tried both all day, if I hit it right I felt the best turn would be to ride the edge of the paint into 12. If I hit it too slow, I would be able to stay off the paint completely. If I entered too fast, then I would have to be way off the gas to avoid going too much into the ripple strip. I don't know why I was scared of the paint. I thought of it as a fog line on the street and didn't want to loose traction and crash because of it I guess.

Back straight, big acceleration, this didn't concern me a lot though. I had taken enough pictures to know that the "slow" guys would be off the gas and sit up around the bridge. The fast guys would drive it practically to the start of the turn before letting up. I went with the slow guy approach and when I got to the shadow of the bridge, I'd let off the gas and prepare to brake. I was surprised how little I felt I had to brake into 14, but then again, I ran 14 wide quite a few times. The outside ripple strip comes up on you so quick if you don't hit the corner right and then the drive off of 15 is noticeably different. I fought this all day, but I never was afraid into 14, which probably meant I was going too slow.

2nd Lap was pretty much the same except for Turn 1. This time I wasn't approaching it at pit speed, I was approaching it at top speed.


I was not afraid, I didn't know what I was doing, but I felt I could handle it. I mentally tried to think about where I was braking, where I was turning in, where I was accelerating out, where I was ending up on exit, and where I was preparing for the next turn. I did notice that I had forgotten to tape my mirrors off. This wasn't a big deal to my riding except I was still in "group ride" mentality, so I was constantly watching my mirrors to make sure the rider behind me was still there... because that mattered.

The thing that worried me though was we were on "sighting" laps, and I felt like I was struggling to keep up with An and the instructor. This was supposed to be the slow laps where you learn the track, not race pace! What am I doing out here! I felt like a noob street rider. I'd lose ground on them in the corners and catch them on acceleration.

I completed my third lap and decided to collect myself so I went around one more time and pulled off. By the time we made it around again though we had caught other "sighting groups" and the were at a much slower pace than ours was. I felt better. I just figured we had open track in front of us and took advantage.

I pulled into the pits with An and when we got off our bikes, we looked at each other and just laughed. We both had our nerves dissipated and were giddy with excitement. This actually was happening. We were actually on the track. We had survived our first session. It was on!

[/url]an and I by i_am_the_koi, on Flickr[/IMG]


I set to work taping my mirrors off first thing because I felt like an idiot for not doing that to begin with. I then talked shop with An about the track. What was concerning and what wasn't out there. She had more experience than I did but had a gap in track time just like myself so we broke down our laps.


Session 2 was about to begin and I resisted the urge to line up early. I resisted, I resisted, and then I rolled over to the hot pits. Again, I was one of the first people out on the track. I watched An and I slowly get gapped by the bikes in front of us and set into my laps. I tried to be smooth and direct with my controls. I tried to maintain my throttle position in turns and not chop on and off. I tried to not make any abrupt movements out there because I knew that behind me was a long line of sport bike riders with much more experience than I had on a track, just waiting to get by me. With taped mirrors, I could not see behind me. I resisted the urge to look over my shoulder and just focused on the track ahead. I got passed on the outside of 2... ok, I expected that. I got passed into 10, again, expected that. I got passed on the back straight... again, totally expected. I got passed again on the back straight, ok, still expected. I got passed 3 more times braking into 14... ok, how many are back there?
[/url]4TR_0912 by i_am_the_koi, on Flickr[/IMG]


Lap two was very similar. Turn 3 scared me. Turn 5 scared me. Turn 12 scared me. I got passed a bunch of times. However, upon exiting 14 onto the front straight, I caught An enough that I was confident I could pass, and get slowed down for 1 so I went for it, and successfully completed the pass! I waited for her to run into my bike as I slowed for 1. I knew she was going to pass me on the entrance to 2. I was positive I would hear her woahing up for me into 5. I expected her to show me a wheel in 7, and 9, and 10, and where is she?

I finished that session and felt confident in myself. I hadn't crashed. I hadn't hurt myself or others. I hadn't had any serious "OH SHIT" moments.

But I wanted more. I wanted to know about what I was doing out there. So I went and grabbed an instructor for my third session. As I waited to go out, I had to run through my list a few times. Be safe, be smart, smooth controls, learn, listen, practice, and most importantly, bring it home. Now I was on stage. Now I really had to prove to myself I could ride the track safely as I had someone following me who was supposed to be out there. As I entered the track, I just focused on my riding. I tried to forget that there was an instructor following me and just focus on being smooth, being fluid, and being fast... ish.
GBMC5027 by i_am_the_koi, on Flickr


After a few laps he took the lead and showed me the line around the track. I was happy that his lines were very similar to the lines I had already been trying. As we entered he'd point to where he'd want my tires, and then on exit he would watch me finish the turn and flash me a big thumb up and some positive head shakes. After a few turns, I got a sense that I was doing something right because his thumbs and head shakes were more pronounced. As we got into turn 9 he showed me the right line, way left of where I had been ending up and it made much more sense to go down the hill that way. He also showed me I was way to "in the middle" of the back straight and should be more left as I approached 14.

We switched positions for the last lap or two and I tried to recreate what I had just been shown. I imagined the instructor pointing as I entered each turn and tried to hit his spots. I did well until turn 9, and then again, I completely fluxored it up and was way right at the top of the hill.

Last lap we go to enter 2 and there is a caution flag. I start scanning ahead through the outside of two looking for a lowside and can't see anything.... strange.... As we exit 2 I see the accident. Someone crashed between 2 and 3, their bike was laying in the track and the rider was off to the right. Instructors were coming to a stop to help. I threw up my hand to try and let anyone behind me know that I was reacting to the caution and I slowed down. I didn't quite know what to do. There were instructors on the track stopped. The bike was still laying down in the track. The rider who crashed was standing on the side of the track looking like he wanted to cross and get back to his bike. I slowed down and slowed down as the gap I had to continue kept shrinking. I knew I didn't want to come to a complete stop but I wasn't sure exactly what I should be doing. I decided to just cruise through and a slow pace and then continue my lap. I didn't see any black or red flags in the corner booth so when I got through 3, I accelerated back to track pace and finished my lap.
4TR_1734 by i_am_the_koi, on Flickr


That was the end of the session anyways so I pulled into the pits. I was eager to hear how I had did but decided to pull over before my pits so that if I got yelled at, those who I pitted with didn't hear. I know, vanity.
When the instructor pulled up to me, the look on his face was one of disbelief. I was confused and looked behind me to see if my bike was dragging something or falling apart. It wasn't so I looked back at the instructor.

"I am truly amazed at how smooth you were. It's been a long time since I've had someone that smooth on that big of a bike on the track for their first time. Really impressive mate!"

Not what I was expecting at all.

So I did ok then?

"Really you were excellent out there. Your lines were right on, except for 9 which I could see you already knew each time. Stay left until you you can see the other side of the hill. Other then that, go have fun!"


I couldn't believe it to be honest. I thought he was just being nice. Smooth means slow right? He must have meant he's never been out there with someone so slow. And by fluid he must have meant molasses.
4TR_1808 by i_am_the_koi, on Flickr


The next session was cancelled due to a red flag delay and lunch started. I got something to eat, I got a massage at Project Serenity with Correne, and I drank a bunch of water. The heat was starting to get bad and I was feeling it. I decided to skip the session after lunch and attend the Ken Hill class on braking. Braking is something for me that has been a recent project for myself. I have always been a rear braker and have wanted to use more front brake. I understand all the principles, just find myself using rear a lot out on the roads. His class was really good. I picked up a lot of details that I understood but had never put into practice or thought about. His 5% in and 5% out made perfect sense. His explanation of trail braking was excellent. Most importantly, I wasn't doing anything wrong out there and this made me happy. Twice now I expected to find out I was going to kill myself, and twice now I found out that I was not even close.

I went out for the next session and just went to have fun. I didn't want to worry about speed. I didn't want to worry about my lines. I just wanted to ride. It was awesome. I passed another rider, only to have them pass me back on the outside of two. I hit 3, 4, and 5 so perfectly it was like a dream. I crested 9 like an idiot and beat myself up for it. It was just like a day riding through the hills. I set up corners, rolled through them, and accelerated out as I wanted and just tried to be smooth. When I pulled in though, I suddenly wasn't comfortable with my riding. I don't know why but it suddenly concerned me that I was riding street pace on a track. It didn't feel right. I didn't know if I was now being dangerous for not having a "race" mentality.
[/url]4TR_3038 by i_am_the_koi, on Flickr[/IMG]


I decided that the best thing would be to get out of my gear, drink some water, and take a minute. I also decided that rinsing my head down in the shower would be an awesome idea and it was, except the water smelled like sulfur.

I talked with An about this and she suggested I go back out and do a couple laps just to see. If I wasn't feeling it, I could come in on any lap. I knew that it could be awhile before I got the chance to do a trackday again, and so I wanted to not feel like I shorted myself because of stupid concerns. I geared up and went back out for another session.

The first lap was awesome for me and I decided to do the entire session. The second lap, not so much. I guess I had timed it right early in the day because this time I was under constant barrage by faster riders. Turn 2 had multiple people outside of me. Turn 3 I had a few more pass on entrance and then come to a stop in front of me while weaving all around. Turn 7 I got passed on the inside at the last minute. Turn 10 same thing. I suddenly wasn't having fun any more. I decided that I was going to pull off only to have someone pass me on the outside of 11 and force me onto the apex, which meant I couldn't pit and would have to go around again. I was pretty much by myself this lap but now was so concerned about the other riders I couldn't focus on my riding. I focused on the line I was riding and trying to illustrate my moves before I made them so whoever was coming up on me wouldn't hit me.
4TR_1618 by i_am_the_koi, on Flickr


As I went through 11 I saw a caution flag coming out and figured I'd have a lowside in 14 but that I'd still pit so I kept my hand up and stayed off line down the back straight. As I got to the bridge however the worker in 14 was waving a red flag. I was torn on what to do. Red means stop safely, but I'm right by the pits.... I went with the basic rule, and planned to come to a stop safely and off line. I checked behind me to make sure there wasn't anyone coming down at speed towards me, and then noticed another rider had also stopped before 14 so I pulled up next to her. When the red was lifted I pulled into the pits and felt disappointed. I didn't want my day to end on a red flag. I felt gypped.

Here I was 2 seconds earlier saying I was scared and that I needed to get off the track, and now I wanted to get back out there.

Fuck it, let's do this.

My plan was to do 3 laps. My out lap, my flying lap, and my pit in lap. That was it.

I wanted to end my day, not have someone else end it for me. I don't know why that was so important but it was to me. I geared up and went out there.

Showing off for Dito of GotBlueMilk in 2, since I wasn't going to try and drag knee, elbow, or anything else.
[/url]GBMC7500 by i_am_the_koi, on Flickr[/IMG]


Also showing off for Toe and Joe of 4TheRiders out there in 2, because same reason.
[/url]IMG_7512 by i_am_the_koi, on Flickr[/IMG]


I felt good again. I did my laps, and I came in with a smile on my face. I popped a cold water and dumped it over my head to celebrate. My day was complete. I took my time packing my gear up and said my goodbyes. I had survived, I had brought my bike home, I had been safe, I hadn't crashed into anyone, I had accomplished my goals.

GBMC4938 by i_am_the_koi, on Flickr



As I rode down 5 and recounted my day, I couldn't help but feel proud of myself. I thought about all the people here when I was asking advice telling me I was crazy for riding to the track and back. I thought about my father giving me a skeptical look when I told him I was tracking a Concours. I thought about my own doubts throughout the day, could I make it through 3, 5, and 10 without crashing while still going, "fast"? Was my bike track worthy or would it fall apart out there? Was I track worthy?

And then I'd see myself out there, on the track, and would just take a deep breath and smile.
IMG_6016 by i_am_the_koi, on Flickr



I suddenly didn't feel tired or hot anymore. As I felt this, I also saw the sign for 128/Berryessa and decided that since I still had daylight, I might as well do a lap of my home track and see how the water at Berryessa looked.... :|


[/url]_OI_0297 by i_am_the_koi, on Flickr[/IMG]


_OI_0325 by i_am_the_koi, on Flickr

So now looking back on my day, where do I start?

First off, big thanks to Keigwins for putting on such an awesome day! I would definitely recommend it to others of any skill level.

Secondly, An, you were awesome! Thanks for being my track friend!

4TheRiders and GotBlueMilk were out there all day in that heat taking photos, I know what that's like and have nothing but mad respect for them.


Gear wise, I strongly recommend everyone go pick up the CycleGear cooling vest. Soaking that thing in water and putting it on is amazing for dropping your core temp. With some wind either from riding or standing in the breeze, it will almost make you feel cold.

The BILT Heat Out gear did ok. The shirt better than the pants I thought but both I'd recommend.


VNM Sport Wear has a cooling cap that I used as well. Soaking it down before putting it on is amaze-balls and I'm planning on getting more of their gear to try. Also thanks for letting me steal shade all day!

Ken Hill was awesome and a wealth of information. I grabbed him a couple times with quick questions and he was always willing to take the time and explain it until I understood what he was talking about. I do have to say I hated his guts out there at one point. He passed me on the outside of 14, which was very brave considering how often I ran that corner wide. At first all I noticed was the green FLAP 300 on my outside, then I saw his leathers and realized who it was. Then I realized that this little 300 was pulling me down the front straight. A 300!!! I'm on a 1000cc bike and this bastard is running away from me. Then turn 1 was upon us, he never slowed down and I never saw him again. It was actually beautiful if I didn't hate him so much for it.

Dunlop was awesome and helped me with my tire pressure all day.

And of course, BARF, for giving me confidence that I could do it, knowledge on how to do it safely, and the drive to do it for myself.
[/url]GBMB2119 by i_am_the_koi, on Flickr[/IMG]

Moved to General.

Cyclesuzy said:

Moved to General.

Click to expand...

Thanks

I was pitted directly behind you, if I had known I would have came around and said hello! I walked past plenty of times... next time I will stop to smell the roses

Awesome post btw!

Outstanding write up! I've done exactly 1 track day and it was a couple months ago. I'm very anxious to do it again! And not on my big arse touring bike this time!

Another 'Luma resident. Fun read! I remember my first track day in 2006. Many of the same feelings were processed that day.

Casey

Hurry the fuck up, Koi! I mean, STFU!

Hoho said:

Hurry the fuck up, Koi! I mean, STFU!

Click to expand...

Good stuff! Nice read tooooo!

i_am_the_koi said:

I roll into the line of bikes and when I get to the front I have this ol' timer walk up to me with a grizzled looking beard and his Keigwin's t-shirt. The name on it?

I introduced myself, "Hey, I'm Koi," and he looked at me like this.... :|

I introduced myself again, "I am the Koi, from BARF, good to see you," :|

I then yell at him, "I AM THE KOI!"

He gave my bike a once over, checked everything over, was impressed with "the ol' girl" I was riding, and then asked for my hand stamp.

"What hand stamp?"

So I pushed my bike aside, went to the registration line, and got checked in and my hand stamp and returned to my bike. came back and told me that my bike was good, to take off the saddle bags and have a good time.

That's it? I mean, really? I dont' know why I was shocked but I was. I expected more.
.

Click to expand...

Dude! The band and the strippers were late. We're sorry about that..

Not Sure said:

I was pitted directly behind you, if I had known I would have came around and said hello! I walked past plenty of times... next time I will stop to smell the roses

Awesome post btw!

Click to expand...

I'm sure there were a lot of people I knew out there. I just wasn't in social trackday mode, too focused on not crashing out there.

Hoho said:

Hurry the fuck up, Koi! I mean, STFU!

Click to expand...

I'm done, enjoy you bastidge!

afm199 said:

Dude! The band and the strippers were late. We're sorry about that..

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A little pomp and circumstance, is that so much to ask?


I just thought because of my bike, it'd be put through more of a inspection to ensure it's safety.

Oh hell yes I'm on BARF.

Great day riding and pitting with you Koi!!

I think this is the only time anyone has ever said the words "Struggling to keep up with An". Thanks for that.
I didn't pass you back because it takes an act of god for me to pass anyone. I followed you instead & watched your lines.
You were riding great!
See you at the next one!

i_am_the_koi said:

I just thought because of my bike, it'd be put through more of a inspection to ensure it's safety.

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While you were in the registration, getting your paper work done, four instructors were looking at your bike. Three of them wanted to require you to get new tires. I said they were fine for B-.

You sure you want more inspection?

Remember, WE are not there to insure your bike's safety. We are there to check that YOU have made it safe. It's YOUR responsibility to do this.
If we gave every bike a thorough inspection, there would be no trackdays.

The tension is palpable in your prose, Koi.

i_am_the_koi said:

I rolled to the hot pits and waited. The nerves were back. My thoughts were going at a mile a minute. What's turn 1 going to be like? What speed do I need to go to not be a rolling chicane? What is going to happen in 3? in 5? In 10?

...Lots and lots more words...

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Jeez, all that is what noobs are thinking during the sighting laps?

When I'm leading them all I'm thinking about is eating a muffin for breakfast when I get back to my pit.

i brought you an extra chair

and water too, glad you pitted up with some ppl you knew.

i think i was a few cars in the right lane behind you during the first track check sign in.

went out there solo and luckily pitted across 2x ppl that Ive met before and local to my hometown - such a small world!

soooooo when are you signing up for your next trackday?

It was great watching you out there Koi. I was in the sticks on the south east wall with Mojo and some people from Oregon. I got to watch one guy in B- go off in turn 1. Watched you go around a bunch. I got inspected right before you (after you got the hand stamp). You were busy asking questions to everyone around you. Good write up. Glad you enjoyed it!

afm199 said:

While you were in the registration, getting your paper work done, four instructors were looking at your bike. Three of them wanted to require you to get new tires. I said they were fine for B-.

You sure you want more inspection?

Remember, WE are not there to insure your bike's safety. We are there to check that YOU have made it safe. It's YOUR responsibility to do this.
If we gave every bike a thorough inspection, there would be no trackdays.

Click to expand...

Good point

thedub said:

Jeez, all that is what noobs are thinking during the sighting laps?

When I'm leading them all I'm thinking about is eating a muffin for breakfast when I get back to my pit.

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That's not even half of what I thought out there.

FXCLM5 said:

i brought you an extra chair

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Did you get it back? I wondered where it came from

northwood said:

It was great watching you out there Koi. I was in the sticks on the south east wall with Mojo and some people from Oregon. I got to watch one guy in B- go off in turn 1. Watched you go around a bunch. I got inspected right before you (after you got the hand stamp). You were busy asking questions to everyone around you. Good write up. Glad you enjoyed it!

Click to expand...

Thanks! It was a hoot. Now to figure out when I can get out there again.