If you want to start riding on track, it is wise to begin with instruction. Riding on track with instruction is a safe start. You will then ride under the supervision of an instructor. This has many advantages – yes, even for you, stubborn lad. But we also believe that you should not ride on track in an instruction group for too long. We will explain why.
First of all: YES. Just do it. Start riding on track with instruction. Don’t be stubborn, and don’t start riding freely right away. Because in 9 out of 10 cases, you’ll be a danger on track. Even if you think you’re a fast motorcyclist on the street – and maybe you really are – that doesn’t mean you’re a fast rider on track. And certainly not a good one right away.
Riding on track is different from riding a motorbike on the road. The lines are different, so your position on the circuit before a bend is also different. Whereas many road riders leave the half of the road unused by oncoming traffic to their left, on the circuit you use the entire track. So from the far right against the white line or on the kerbstones on the right-hand side, to the white line or kerbstones on the left-hand side.
You also ride faster on average. Now, riding fast is something that has to do with perspective. One person may consider a cornering speed of 50 to be fast on average. For another, that limit is 80. For Johnny, a top speed of 269 qualifies as fast, while Lisa fearlessly pushes it to 318 (fast ladies are sacred). No matter how you look at it, you often have to get used to those higher speeds. Even if you have already taken a few cornering courses on smaller circuits, you will start riding on large circuits in an instruction group.
But… don’t stay there too long. Riding on track with instruction is incredibly educational. We therefore recommend that you do this a few times first, no matter how much you want to fly around like a free bird. Take the time to gather information and learn to ride safely. Then, when you do start riding in a free riding group, you will not only be fast, but also safe. This will also ensure that you get home safely.
However, move on to free riding in good time. Think of a maximum of your first year or a maximum of 10 track days with instruction. Of course, there is no hard minimum or maximum to give. Do what suits you, but as soon as you know how riding lines works and you are used to the higher speed, move on to a free riding group.
Free riding allows you to find your own flow. Your own riding style and your own riding technique. Suddenly, you have to do everything yourself. Find your position on the track. You learn to be overtaken and you learn to overtake yourself. And you will see that your confidence in your own riding, your motorbike and in riding on track in general will take enormous leaps forward.
We see this happen a lot, especially among women on the track. Lack of confidence in your own riding skills doesn’t always have to come from yourself. Some racing organisations in the Netherlands keep women down. “Just go and ride in an instruction groep”. Or the group around you saying, “Come on, just take lessons. That’s always a good thing”. But there comes a point when you outgrow that. At least, for a while.
So take that step and don’t stay too long in riding on track with instruction. Go and make your own metres. Learn to ride independently and find your own flow. And then ask for instruction again later, but preferably private. Let a private instructor watch you once you have gained experience with free riding, and continue to work on your riding technique.
Riding on track with instruction is very valuable and educational. You learn how to ride lines and can slowly get used to increasing your speed. But don’t let yourself be held back for too long. There comes a point when you outgrow riding on track in an instruction group. Take that step to free driving and find your own flow. This will give your riding skills a huge boost.
