hey im 14 and have a yamaha blaster 200. in 2 weeks im going to a track with a couple of my guy friends. its my first time riding on a track and most of these guys are experienced. i just need some tips on how to go around corners (if its like going around with a dirtbike) & going off doubles and triples (how to take off, and how to land them)
thank you so much for any comments back!

 

BE CAREFULL. I don't race my self but I do try to coach my sons, this was there first year racing as well. As far as the corners go, the more you lean the faster you can take them to the point of spining out. As far as doubles and triples be carefull. Unless your Blaster has had some mod work I am not sure that you can make a triple with out a long straight away. While in the air keep two things in mind. Rear tire rotation keeps your front end up and when you lock your rear tires up in air makes your front drop. You can see this if a experienced rider has his front to high you can see him stop his back tires from spinning which lowers his front. I have seen crashes though from riders who stall their motors and their front really drops. You need to know what speeds you can acheive in each gear. Experienced riders have it like a science, meaning they know exactly how fast they can go in each gear and what kind of distacne they can clear. Once you commit to a double don't back out at the last minute, my nephew did this and nosed it in. Just be carefull, you have a long time at the age of 14 to get it right just go out and have fun and it will come to you.

 

If this is your first time on a track, then I'd highly advise you to not go out there wanting to clear every double or triple in sight. Focus on the smaller jumps on the track, analyze the angle of the takeoffs ... where you want your body to be, how much throttle you need, etc. Every track has different jumps. They are different angles and different lengths. Some doubles are forgiving if you land a little short, some are not. Try out your jumping style and dial-in your length on every tabletop you see, as they are MUCH safer to work with.

It took me a good 10 trips out to a track before I started hitting anything at any appreciable length ... I tend to be very conservative when it comes to such things however. Getting a little sideways in the air can have dramatic results. Think of it this way... I had 2 friends crash last season ... one of them didn't ride again that season, and another one might not ride again for a full year. Not being able to ride at all when your friends are all out riding would be torture.

Other advice for you ... just like a dirt bike, don't go chopping off the gas on the face of the jump if you get scared. Like hotblooded said, you'll nose right in. Make sure you are balanced on your quad (not too far forward, not too far back) so when you take jumps with the proper speed your "attitude" will stay the same in the air. Always try to land with the front end a little higher than the rear. Don't worry about brakes in the air just yet ... leave that for the "B" and "A" class riders.

I commend you for hitting a track for your first time, as it can be a very intimidating experience sometimes. Start out slow, go out there and have fun ... even if things aren't going well at first, stick it out. By the end of the day, you will have some jumps completely mastered. Practice, practice, practice!

 

Brian, seeing you are from MN do you race the D23 series?

 

I don't race, yet. I'm usually in Motokazie pits, as I have a few friends that race all the Jordan races in Quad Open and 250C. I do have a friend of mine that will be in a Quad class in District 23 this year, so I'll probably be in those pits too. Motokazie needs more of a "Vet Quad" class or something, as I don't want to be out there with the crazy teens. Haha. Then maybe I'd get out and do a little competitive racing.

Until then, I'll just keep hitting practices at our own track, Hurricane Hills, Arkansaw, etc...

 

You should bring your quad with your friend, D23 has a +25,+30+35 classes. Pretty much run what ya brung. After this winter raps up we will have to hook up at Arkansaw. We live about 15 miles from the track and the kids would love to have someone to ride with and pick up some tips. Throw my email in your address book. WEST2785@yahoo.com

 

I will definitely do that! Arkansaw is a real fun place to ride. I'll keep you posted.

By the way, the name here is Brian, and I'm from Faribault, Minnesota. I use Myspace quite a bit to keep everyone posted on where we're riding. Link -> MySpace Link. You can also message me at:

b r i a n @ k l i e r . u s

(Without the spaces of course)

 

have either of u been to the sandbox arena in wisconsin?
cuz thats probably the track i was heading to.

 

I was only there before the track was built and I stopped in to see what it looked like, since I was in the area.

I thought somebody had a really nice description from a "Vet" standpoint of what to expect from the track ... I think it was on the Thumpertalk Forum. Ahhhh yes, I found it. Check this link out (includes a Youtube helmet cam video of the track).

I personally don't think I'd go there if it was my first time ever being on a track... Jumps will be Supercross style, steeper take offs for sure. Also, from what I've heard, when you pay, it's for a half day (one "session"), and then it's organized practice on top of that ... so you will only get to ride the track with "your class".

You should come out with us to Hurricane Hills in Mazeppa or Arkansaw (in WI) sometime this spring/summer. I think you would really enjoy it out there. You can roll everything, or clear everything, it's your choice. Definitely a better match for a conservative old "vet" like me. Haha.

hotblooded might be able to tell you more, since he seems to be "up" more with the D23 beat.

 

o yea ic.
yea thatd be cool to go ridin sometime! idk what my parents would say though!