track etiquette

Psalm31.24 · Jan 26, 2003

I can't seem to find a list or info on basic track etiquette during practice sessions & racing. (Did a search on "etiquette" already). I'm still a newby, love riding, want to race, but I don't want to be a hazard or a pest on the track -- I'm usually one of the slowest ones out there. 99% of the guys I've met have been there for the same reason as I -- fun. But every now and them I'll get someone who blasts by right next to me on a track that's wide enough to fit 7 bikes. I know every sport has got it's share of people who take things way too seriously, but I wonder if I did something to warrant this? Hence, I'm asking about track etiquette. Thanks.

mx547 · Jan 26, 2003

the faster rider is probably just taking the fastest line, i doubt that he means anything by riding close to you. if your track is busy, try asking the promoters to run the beginner practice seperate from the other riders. that is what most tracks here do.

Psalm31.24 · Jan 26, 2003

Thanks for the clarification on the faster line, MX.

Beside holding my line, are there any other etiquette/safety issues I need to be aware of? This question is for anyone, not just MX.

oldguy · Jan 26, 2003

Don't enter the track without first assuring it is clear and safe to (check with the owner where they want you to enter)
If you are stopping to watch an obstacle and how others ride it get well off the track
Always maintain a steady line -do not move over for faster riders they will get around you.
Anticipate (after a couple laps) where the faster line approaching obstacles is and if there is other faster traffic let them have it before you get to the area.
If there are small kids out there be sure you are responsible when overtaking them and if you are about to pass and realize a faster rider is approaching act as asignpost behind the kid (they are hard to see for faster riders in corners and behind jumps)
Ask questions of the better riders every track has its own home park rules and in the process you may hook up with some higher level riders

My son has a friend at our track that will both use him as passing practice and teach him riding technique on the same lap. They discussed it in the past and both know that when Tyler blows passed him and then a couple turns later is blockingg him or slowing for him what is going on. They both benefit in that my son sees great technique and lines while Tyler learns new line to pass or areas to avoid

Last and biggest rule- always wear all your gear (even helmet in the pits) and have a safe fun day

Jeff Gilbert · Jan 26, 2003

I agree with the above. If in a practice situation a faster rider is approaching just be sure to hold your line. That means also not to slow down or try and speed up to move out of thier way, they will get around.
I personally hate it when someone I'm passing that I'm clearly faster than will try and move one way or the other, beiing they are trying to get out of the way or block me. After 5 laps at arenacross a couple of weeks ago of trying to get around the guy in front of me I resorted to a love tap on his back wheel in the corner. It wasn't enough to knock him over but it could have been. I still don't know if he was trying to get out of my way or block me, he was all over the track and for safety's sake I didn't try an aggressive pass sooner.

WaltCMoto · Jan 26, 2003

Originally posted by Jeff Gilbert
I agree with the above. If in a practice situation a faster rider is approaching just be sure to hold your line. That means also not to slow down or try and speed up to move out of thier way, they will get around.

Ditto on this one. A faster rider will already have a plan on how to get around you, so if you swerve left or right, itt might be into his path---bad

91KDX · Jan 26, 2003

What should slower hare scramble riders do? The course width varies from a couple of inches to 40 feet. What should a slower rider do when a faster rider come up behind him and starts to yell, when there is usually no where to move out of the way on the course.

Jeff Gilbert · Jan 26, 2003

Originally posted by 91KDX
What should slower hare scramble riders do? The course width varies from a couple of inches to 40 feet. What should a slower rider do when a faster rider come up behind him and starts to yell, when there is usually no where to move out of the way on the course.

The topic was in regards to track riding but my experience in the woods at DW was the faster riders still have no problems getting around me or the trees. ;)

Rich250F · Jan 26, 2003

Hey Psalms I love your screen name. How long have you been riding? And are you going to DW, I would highly suggest it. As far as track ED, around here there is none. The first day I got my KX250, I went to a local track with some friends, before the first practice session was through I probably had 3 or 4 guys trade plastic with me in the corners. I guess I was a good block pass practice target or something. Anywho I always try to pass wide and then speed up, but hey I do it for fun, I have a job to go to on Monday.

osheen · Jan 27, 2003

I wish that the track owners would post some basic rules and/or make you read them at sign up.

Three biggest things I tell people about riding on a track:

1. Hold your line
2. Make sure track is clear upon entering
3 RAISE YOUR HAND AND LOOK BEHIND YOU WHEN LEAVING THE TRACK!!!!!!! I don't know how many times I've almost clobbered a guy because he just swerved right in front of me to exit the track.

limitless · Jan 27, 2003

91KDX - with hare scrambles it's a whole different game, because you race all the classes at the same time on the same track. So you have people that are getting paid to ride and are 20 times better than you.

You still need to hold your line & the faster riders can/will get around you no matter what. Be curtious, If you are really slow like me and you know/hear the pro's are coming up on you (really tight sections) just pull over & wait,unless you have a wide{r} trail in wich case you don't need to do anything but hold your line. Ohhh, always let the AA riders have the fast line, they need it more than you or I!

Good luck
Tom

a454elk · Jan 27, 2003

Everything above is right, I agree 100%. Holding your line so the faster riders can predict your movements are the key, they are practicing as well and learing to pass you also helps them. You paid your money to ride just as the others did, be smart but don't be rude. Enjoy your riding and don't ever cut the track unless it is totally clear and you HAVE to. We ride Elsinore alot so if you'd like, you can join us, I'm sure we'll be riding there real soon again.;)

Psalm31.24 · Jan 27, 2003

Thanks to everyone for the advice. I'll do my best to heed it.
A454elk, I ride Elsinore too -- dark blue 97 F150, 02 YZ250 stock no numbers, ghetto wood ramp. Today I'm going to try Starwest in early afternoon.

a454elk · Jan 27, 2003

Check the SoCal Chapter threads, we'll post the ride there. Be safe.

c&b745XX · Jan 27, 2003

Ditto to all of the above , especially holding your line . I have had guys run up to a double hard , so I'm behind them saying no problem on the double , decide to go for it . The only problem , the guy checks up and changes his line at the same time , well I'm allready committed , gotta change my attitude enough to totaly case the double :think: . That can be real bad !. Years ago , I went out for a practice session, first lap just checking out the track , as I just rolled a double and all the way to the left side, some idiot jumps and lands on my shoulder. He went tumbling and I stayed on somehow , hopefully he learned his lesson . I had to pry my face out of the crossbar . :thumb: Good luck.

motomike137 · Jan 28, 2003

The flipside to all this is that the "fast rider" needs to use good judgement also. I'm a pretty decent rider who frequently practices at a very popular local track. This track attracts a lot of casual riders. I have learned to be patient with most of these guys. It is not worth risking ny health or theirs just to make one jump on one lap of practice. I save all my commitment type stuff for motos when I'm out there with guys I know.

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