RideSmart Track Day - ECR Extravaganza 2 - Aug 16-17 - $100/day+Prizes

[ciaka]

For those who did not attend the highly successful ECR Extravaganza in July, it was a great day, filled with riding and giveaways.

It is now time for us to announce our ECR Extravaganza 2 !!

Here is a summary of some things that will transpire during the weekend:

1. $100/day. Yes, once again, you get to ride for a greatly reduced price - $100 gets you in for the entire day. For $200 you get a full 2 day weekend of riding.

2. Track riding starts at 8am and closes at 6pm. YES, again we have purchased extra track time. THAT IS 10 HRS OF RIDING FOR YOU.
Last time we saw that even those who took breaks in between had more than plenty of riding to do on each day. Excellent opportunity for those seeking to squeeze the maximum seat time for a track day.

3. Once again, we are holding a 'coolest bike' contest.
1st prize: $100
2nd prize: $ 50
So if you have that bike and you want to show it off, bring it by and enter the contest. I am sure the winner of the last contest was happy he entered it.

4. PARADE LAPS ON BOTH DAYS - We will hold parade laps on Saturday and Sunday. Depending on demand, we may have afternoon laps too. Perfect opportunity to check out a track and not have to pay for the track time.
Last month's parade lap participants had nothing but good things to say about it. So come on down to try it out. With free food and drink, and motorcycle action all around, sounds like a perfect weekend.

5. This event is not just for the riders. It is open to spectators as well. If you have the weekend off, and want to see what a track day is all about without having to pay for it, this is your perfect chance to do so. Come on by (no entry fees), and enjoy free food/drink, while watching track riders doing their thing. While you are at it, you can enter the various dealer prize contests for a chance to win cool prizes.

6. No gate fee - all are welcome.

7. On Aug 17, come out to watch round two of the Rossi/Stoner battle at Brno. If you have seen the first round of the battle in July, you will not want to miss this one. I believe the race will be a t 1pm Central time (make sure you double check-we will too) on CBS. It is promising to be great. We will show it on the 50" TV we have at ECR. Depending on ability, we may be able to record and replay it later in the day.

8. FREE FOOD and DRINK!! Yes, hamburgers, hot dogs and sides, will all be provided free of charge to all attendees (riders and spectators). So stop by if you are hungry. Get filled up before you move on.

9. FREE CAMPING on Friday and Saturday night. No charge. Gates will be secured for overnight camping.

10. We are planning many dealership prizes. As last time, they should be very nice. So if you plan to stop by, make sure you get yourself a draw ticket and fill it out. You do not have to be present to win.


With all this happening, the ECR event will surely be a blast to attend.
We do hope to see you all there.

To register for the ECR event, please follow the link(s):

SATURDAY REGISTRATION: http://ridesmart.info/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=R&Category_Code=081608R

SUNDAY REGISTRATION: http://ridesmart.info/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=R&Category_Code=081708R


IF you are interested in corner work, please let us know at ridesmartcw@gmail.com. The weekend is also a great opportunity to get additional free track time by doing cw work.


As always, thank you for your continued support.



RideSmart staff
www.ridesmart.info

Here is the poster to the event

[Tourmeister]

:tab I won't be able to make this event. We are expecting kid 3 on Aug 18th... Ya'll have fun and be safe.

[ciaka]

:...I won't be able to make this event. We are expecting kid 3 on Aug 18th... Ya'll have fun and be safe.


Congratulations for 'kid 3'. I am sure you will have your hands full for a while.
Take care.

[OldTLSDoug]

I have a question for the Ridesmart folks.

Do all riders have to attend classes between sessions? I think one of the best parts of the trackday experience is the bench racing between sessions.

I would like to ride this one, I am pretty sure I am coming. I know I can always improve. But my buddies ride in the intermediate group, so I usually go there too. I am a member at a competing track and have been for a few years. So my big draw is riding the new track and hanging with like minded folks. I also realize I need the instruction for the track and such, it just seems that all day for the instruction will burn us out a bit.

Just a comment, looking forward to the track day. :rider:

[dhdrider]

I have a question for the Ridesmart folks.

Do all riders have to attend classes between sessions? I think one of the best parts of the trackday experience is the bench racing between sessions.

I would like to ride this one, I am pretty sure I am coming. I know I can always improve. But my buddies ride in the intermediate group, so I usually go there too. I am a member at a competing track and have been for a few years. So my big draw is riding the new track and hanging with like minded folks. I also realize I need the instruction for the track and such, it just seems that all day for the instruction will burn us out a bit.

Just a comment, looking forward to the track day. :rider:

I am an instructor for Level 1 and I will answer you this way...

Everyone can always learn something. Even V. Rossi works on improving his performance by discussing technique etc. You are expected to attend the classroom sessions at RideSmart Motorcycle School.

However, we don't peruse the pits looking for guys playing hooky. ;-) See you out there.

[OldTLSDoug]

Don't get me wrong, I can learn a lot, especially on a track that is new to me. I just wanted some time to play in the pits. Thanks for the answer. I bet I hit every class, I couldn't stand paying for something I don't use

[dhdrider]

Don't get me wrong, I can learn a lot, especially on a track that is new to me. I just wanted some time to play in the pits. Thanks for the answer. I bet I hit every class, I couldn't stand paying for something I don't useOne thing we have been really trying to do this year, is stay on topic/schedule in class and get you out of the classroom w/ 20-ish minutes to spare. I know I can speak for level one, since I instruct threre, but we have been much better about that this year.

I heard that last time out at Eagles Canyon, the level 2 class was running a bit long, but I will bring that up w/ Dave (owner of RideSmart) as something we need to pay attention to...

[shirazk]

I sat out a session because it was amazingly hot and at times i would join the session 5 minutes in so that i could avoid traffic. This gave me time to run around in the pits as well.

Don't get me wrong, I can learn a lot, especially on a track that is new to me. I just wanted some time to play in the pits. Thanks for the answer. I bet I hit every class, I couldn't stand paying for something I don't use

[Loyd]

Sounds like fun.

[tardypizza]

I'll be there on Sunday, I need to learn the track for the September CMRA round. Looking forward to meeting some of you guys.

[OldTLSDoug]

I am in, should be a hoot. Looking forward to trying a new track. I think 5 of us are coming in a bunch. Can't wait. I signed up out at MSR Sunday. Pumped up for it. All I have to do now is make it through the workweek and get to the track day. Woo Hoo!

[ciaka]

...that will be the hard part...gettign through the week. lol

[Loyd]

Ride report:ECR

After having heard about this track for some time now, I finally made my way to it. I Stayed in lvl 2 for both days and had a ball. Dave was a little off on his "to the track" announcements on sunday, the marshall took over and order resumed. Dave even takes his teasing with a grin. You can say what you like about the man, but he is ever a nice guy. Lunch was good, and we had LOADS of tracktime. I'm really glad no stairs/inclines are in my way today.:yawn: Saturdays weather was damp/humid/cool and the track didn't really come in til the afternoon. Sunday the track was on all day..we were even blessed with a cloudcover the latter half the day!:mrgreen: I'd also like to commend the level two teachers approach to the whole schmeer. We reviewed each other onfilm and it was presented in a very relaxed, informative manner. Even the occasional "ontrack" incidents were handled in a relaxed, yet professional, manner. It appeared to me everyone got alot more out of the teachings this way than in the past. Not to say prior experiences were any better/worse...I'm merely saying I got a lot more out of this weekend than I have with previous Ridesmart events. I significantly altered my bodypositioning enough to go from the passee to passer by the end of day 2. I was impressed how much the little things mentioned in class made such large improvements on my laptimes...and how smoothly I started making my entries/ exits. No more armpump! The fellows that made the classroom also seemed to be having a good time learning. A few folk missed the classroom stuff for whatever reason...why miss the chance to see yourself on film in the a/c? I liked seeing the different bikes (mis)placement around the track in relation to the instructors camera line. (Nice to know I'm not the only one the instructors reel in with such ease.) Schools are about the learning no? The vendor doing suspension really helped me settle my bike in and "Snapper" as well. He also managed to explain what he was doing and why in a manner I understood. I didn't have any reason to visit the tire vendor so no comments there. I'm not sure how I became so slow again, but I can honestly say I wouldn't have what speed/smoothness I had without the help of the instructors. I met more than few friendly folk from as far away as Ar too. Sure wish I'd thought to get a few emails. This was the kinda group I'd love to ride with again...All in all, I give the event a :rider:.


About the track:
If I was going to compare ECR to other local tracks, I'd have to say it's a mixed bag of all of 'em I've seen. I'd say it's got something for everyone. If you like to blast down the straights there's a couple of those. If you like technical stuff, there's ample fare there as well. I'd say it's more technical than cresson or hallett...I'll touch on that again later.

First off the surface. Easily as grippy as TWS. Not the greasemokey that cresson is early on, nor as hard on your tires. There's ample patching. The patches however are easily avoidable thru most of the track on the line. The couple spots that aren't didn't seem to affect my traction. By comparison, Hallett has the whole bike moving around at speed for most of the track. While you get used to it, it can be unnerving for beginners. I didn't get any more wheelspin than I would at any other track. I ride a 600 though so wheelspin isn't as much a concern as folks on bigger bikes. By sunday I was driving thru the entire lap with no worries about sticking. Even the few times I blew into a corner too hard under brakes nothing seemed amiss. There are a straight or two however that are a little "uneven" and there is rumor of a minor "wheelie" bump out of one of the turns. I could never find it.. I'd say the front straight at TWS can be just as bumpy.. All in all, I really didn't see ANY of the problems I had heard fussed about. Hallet's surface is overall way rougher, cresson has just as many, if not more, wrinkles from evil car drivers. The track is also paved I think in a manner that helps you stick to it. There aren't really any of the offcamber turns like you'd find at cresson...at least on the line. The track does fall away some in a spot or two, but not in any place you should be. There is a low spot that collects dust after a rain. Nothing any different than any other track. The elevation changes were amazing too! I really can't say anything bad about the surface. You can fault any track in spots. I was happy with it here.

Secondly, runoff. Spotty at best. There is a line of hay bales off the end of one straight. I never once had a problem with it as you were slowing way down for the turn anyway. It is a bit of a mental "uhoh" though. I'm not sure if final grading has been done to the dirt around the track...but again, have you seen some of the ruts cars have left at cresson? I'd say it's best to not plan any "off track excusrions" here. I've never run at Oakhill due to MY opinion of track safety to an amatuer rider. There's no real reason here I'd wave anyone off this place. Having said that I will also add if you stray too far from ther pavement your likely going to fall over.

Third, facilities. There were indoor potties, ,shower, a covered deck to watch the track, and a/c in both upstairs and down. Parking/pit space was adequate for the event. THere was also some other areas paved I'd guess could be used for additional pitspace. No real electricity though. I guess everyplace can't be wired like TWS. The only real ding I can give the place here is a lack of signage at the entrance. If not for a Ridesmart banner, I'd have blown right by it...again, it is still a work in progress I think.

ECR is a place I'd recommend any of you folk giving a go. It's a work in progress in a few stages true. I was left with the impression that this palce will only get better. :sun:

[themadwelder]

The G/f and I rode the parade laps at ECR on 8/17, great time.

[connick]

Loyd, I think I remember you. Red-black leathers, sitting at the front and center in class, right?

I had a good time... I was only on the track Sunday, though I did swing by on Saturday for a few hours to hang out with some friends who were riding. I think I got the better of the two days. It was pretty cool and somewhat damp on Saturday, while Sunday was clear, dry, and warm, and the track was nice and grippy.

I started out slow, had trouble getting comfortable through the frequent double-apex lefthanders at the end of every straight, but by the time we went out after lunch I was getting far more comfortable at stringing them together. I still think I prefer MSRC, but I can say that I like ECR alot more now then I did before this weekend (this was my 3rd time there, though once was before the track opened and there were differences in the layout, and once it was pouring rain).

I think Blair got some good shots of me (we'll see when they get uploaded), including two laps with the topbox on just for kicks (got blackflagged and had to come in and pull it off). That took some of the fun out of it... I wanted to see people's reactions when they got passed by a bike with hard luggage. :lol2:

Anyway, I had a great time, got alot more comfortable with the track, and neither I or anyone I was with had any OTEs. Now, when's the next one of these I can make... :trust:

[Loyd]

Si, that was me. Had fun watching that viffer "idle" around the track. ;-)

[connick]

Some pics (still debating whether to order the event CD or just a few individual ones)...

Coming out of the dustbowl
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i147/sckego/ECR%20trackday%208-17-08/a88-2.jpg

Up the hill onto the final straight
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i147/sckego/ECR%20trackday%208-17-08/a43-6-2.jpg

Around the first double-apex left
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i147/sckego/ECR%20trackday%208-17-08/b24-5.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i147/sckego/ECR%20trackday%208-17-08/b44-3-1.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i147/sckego/ECR%20trackday%208-17-08/b88-1.jpg


And of course... rockin the topbox!
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i147/sckego/ECR%20trackday%208-17-08/t-063-1.jpg

[tardypizza]

I had a blast as well, the Ridesmart staff is fantastic. And Hart Photography supplies superb photos:

http://tardypizza.com/Images/CMRA/eaglescanyon2.jpg

http://tardypizza.com/Images/CMRA/eaglescanyon1.jpg

[dave c]

I had an awesome time out there. Glad I made the last minute decision at 11 Saturday night to drive out to Dallas for this =).

[OldTLSDoug]

I had fun, ran in level II. I am a member at MSR, so I am a bit biased. That said, I loved the track, specifically the elevation changes. Coming out of 7, the 8-9-10 corners are awesome. I hit the wheelie bump a lot going up the hill. I also enjoyed coming out of 3 going in the 4-5 corners, even with the dust it was fun. Mr, Tuono got to stretch his legs on the straights. My only complaint is lack of run off, and lots of hard things next to the track. Such as the braking markers on metal poles going into the corners. The surface was good, and has some challenges. I find it fun, when the tires were hot it was grippy, the front slid a bit, but nothing dangerous. I like MSR in the mornings, once the tires are hot it is plenty grippy. If ECR gets some viewing area and fixes the run off it would be the best around, however I think MSR is way ahead in spectator areas and facilities. (Plus it 7 miles from my house)

Anyway, a great trackday, Ridesmart was excellent, the track was great, the instructors were fantastic. I would do it again, plus it was only $100.00 and lunch was free!

Here is a video of some laps

clickety-click (http://photos.imageevent.com/tlsdoug/bikeridesandtrackdays/ridesmartecr8172008/Chad%20Wins.wmv)

[OldTLSDoug]

I meant to post this video

click me (http://photos.imageevent.com/tlsdoug/bikeridesandtrackdays/ridesmartecr8172008/GTSSECRTRY4.wmv)

[gixxerjasen]

I was out there also...was the guy in Level II on the yellow DRZ motard. First I'd like to comment on the instruction. I've kind of not really ridden ridesmart because of the semi-required classes. I understand that while even Rossi can learn a thing or two, the older format (several years ago) didn't seem to teach very much. It was simply out of the book droning and it seemed that every time you came you got the same class. I learned much more from hanging out with my friends after sessions discussing the track and looking at one another's videos.

I'm so glad I came this time and attended the classes. The new class format is fantastic, especially if it's your first time on the track. I'd say the instructors are to be commended in the kind of free style of the class and the use of videos and critiquing that they employed. Thanks for a wonderful learning event.

As far as the track goes, I'm a little disappointed in the condition of what seems like it should be a brand new track. I'm not sure what happened to cause so much patching so early in it's life but I kind of expected it to be better. That said, there was pretty much traction to be had everywhere, even across the patches. I love the layout, all except that loooong back straight where I was contemplating a liter bike instead of a motard. But once in those double apex's I was't wanting anything else. Favorite turn of the track? Turn 10. Sometimes it seems if you run in a little hot (in your head) to a turn you will blow your line a little. It didn't seem to matter how fast or from where I ran into 10 I could grab my line and hold it alllllll the way around. Knee on the pavement then transition the knee to the curbing. Loads of fun. The 400 though couldn't seem to find that wheelie bump though...maybe next time.

I'd also like to thank the riders who could sense me behind them and let me around. I understand it's usually up to the passer to get by and not really for the passee to make room. This however is a difficult situation when you are only allowed to pass on the straights because many are ready to light it up. I did have several pull to the side and wave me by which is a welcome relief. Thanks guys!

Food was good and I have to give positive comments to on-road/off-road as they were very helpful in assisting me get my new bike set up for me. My first trackday on a tard and my first time on ECR were a huge success and I had a blast. Thanks to everyone.

[Loyd]

We let you buy to watch you try and accelerate on the straights. :-P

[gixxerjasen]

I'm sure that was pretty hilarious. I had that throttle tube twisted for all it was worth in as full of a tuck as the DRZ would allow....and I still wasn't going anywhere! :D