Landracing Forum
Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials => Bville Motorcycle Speed Trials General Chat => Topic started by: DRW on September 03, 2016, 01:20:39 PM
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After my first run this year, Second time at BMST , I was a bit bummed out at not being able to fast due to wheelspin !
Two Older riders walked into my pits, We talked about my runs, As in how many ive made in life ( 3 )
And I was told,
So You Thought You Could Come To A Place Where Racers Have Been Going Fast For Over A Hundred Years,
And Get Right Up To Speed In Two To Three Runs ??
Thank You , Gentleman, Point Taken
DW
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It takes a while to get your run count up. I have learned from each run I have made.
This year I doubled my run total for the salt with 12 runs, making a grand total of 18 times down the salt sense 2007
There was something different about each and every run to make it unique to that run.
After a few more time out, I think I will start getting a handle on it.
Rouse
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So True, Every run teaches you something !
And Everyrun is so Damn Fun !!!
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After my first run this year, Second time at BMST , I was a bit bummed out at not being able to fast due to wheelspin !
Two Older riders walked into my pits, We talked about my runs, As in how many ive made in life ( 3 )
And I was told,
So You Thought You Could Come To A Place Where Racers Have Been Going Fast For Over A Hundred Years,
And Get Right Up To Speed In Two To Three Runs ??
Thank You , Gentleman, Point Taken
DW
A better course would have helped your feelings. A lot of wheel spinning, chassis bashing this year.
JL222
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DW, look at the wind socks. No wind means you can ride on either side of the track and avoid the center which is chewed up and looser. Wind blowing the socks to the side shows its direction. You can ride the side towards the wind safely. Do not look at the course markers when you do this. Looking directly at them draws you towards them. Look down the track where you want to go.
Look at the wind socks down the entire track length. There is this gap in the mountains to the west. A wind blowing from the west can cross part of the track but not all of it. Sometimes it is calm where you start and then you get into a side wing down the track. This works for me.
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OK, And I will !!
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YES, racing on salt is hard, AND, completely different from most other types of racing and racing surfaces.
There have been many racers who have thought: "Well I went so fast here, (or there), so I should go S(to the 'x' factor) faster, because I'll have 2 (or whatever) more miles to accelerate.
Doesn't always happen. Why? Various reasons, but mostly it is because Bonneville is a unique place with unique conditions, and most first time racers there are totally unfamiliar with what it takes to achieve higher speeds on the salt.
I'm still a salt neophyte myself, but my Bonneville motto is: "Learn from every run and respect the advice of more experienced competitors."
:cheers:
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BSF are the personification of MOTHER NATURE vs we mere mortals who love to play in her backyard ---some times a wonderful host with welcoming arms---sometimes a mean spiteful witch and all in between---right now on her BSF side---she is a little cranky and cross because the of the BLM has ignored her---she does not like those who ignore her!!!!!!
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At Speedweek I became a veteran at breaking down on your rookie run! (My ignition failed at 1.5 miles. Coasted past the 2 at 70mph to get my rookie license sign off. Couldn't get a new CDI box in time so my week ended.)
Lesson learned - bring a spare everything !
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BTW, one thing I did not mention, when you get to the starting line, touch base with the Track Starter, He will be getting feedback as the day progresses and may be able to tell you the best line to take on your run.
I have done this on every run I have made down the salt, and have found that the Starters usually give you good information about the track conditions.
Rouse
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Yes, Yes, Yes.........to starter advice :-) :-) :-) On my first run (International Course) I went faster than I have every ridden.......137+..........and noted that I drifted toward the timing-post as I cleared the pit-row. A few runs later I went 140+ and 'touched' a flag-pole with my right knee at about the mid-point of the measured-mile......ouch!......but no damage. I later ran on the Mountain Course and noted it was bumpy and listened to the starter's advice about staying near the edges.
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Next what you can do is, when you get to the end of your run -- somehow send feedback down the line to the starter. You might pass on something you encountered on the course -- that'll be really good for the next racer to know, just like you needed. :cheers:
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Been racing every year since 2009 and learn something new every year. This year I found out that as I passed the timed mile, I stopped concentrating on the flags, closed the throttle (big single) and the engine braking caused the bike to fishtail. Twice I found myself outside the track after the timed area. So don't just chop the throttle, and NEVER stop concentrating on those side flags as well as the horizon.
Tom
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Engine braking is not a good idea for more than one reason.
Not good for the engine, and certainly may not be good for your leathers.
Rouse
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My slow-down routine is to slowly roll-off the throttle while raising my head and then my body for effective air-braking. When my rpms are quite low I downshift and continue to slow until I am confident to begin to turn off of the course. I only use my brake to stop. I have yet to 'feel' actual wheel spin..........but I know that the loose surface enables side-drifting and requires quite a bit of time and distance to carefully correct your direction.
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Fordboy, Sparky, Sofa, Rouse, Old Scrambler, Yes to All of you ! I first ran in 2014, The day I returned home, I joined the Forum.
Man, I have loved every min. Good And Bad, You know guys can be a bit harsh sometimes.. But I love the insights, Just reading what you guys say, Makes me think, Damn There should be a handbook for new racers, There are sooooo many small things to pass on .. And im not talking Jokes and B.S. , , , Im talking Real Stuff that can help fellow riders, But most of all, And I think im gonna send this to the Powers That Be , The Promoters . In My Case BMST,,, In the riders meeting, Mention to the New to our sport , Just as a reminder... Listen to your Elders, And by Elders , We mean, Racers with Experiance , Doesnt matter what age, Listen to guys with more runs than you, There is a World of Information out there, Open your Ears and Mind , Because its Free For The Taking ! Thanks Every one, Damn, a whole year to go !
DW
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P.S. I think Bonneville makes you work for it, That way when you do achieve the speed you wanted, You Really Achieve Something !
I have gone way faster at other places, But 135 at Bonneville , Is 135 AT BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS !