Feature Stories

Getting on the track

Like many of you, I started out my riding career on the streets of Philly.

It was summer of 98, I was just a young punk looking for something cool to do. My best friend at the time had an old standard bike, and everywhere we went to hang out, he always showed up on his bike. I was always jealous of the fact that he can't park anywhere he wanted, he got to places faster, and seem to get more attention even though my car was much cooler than his bike (well I guess I was wrong on that).

With his help, I went and bought a Suzuki GS500. After a summer of falling down on the thing, I finally could ride up and down the highway with some confidence and, dare I say it, skill.

Then one day, I read about this new sportbike coming out, the all-conquering Yamaha YZF R6. After counting every penny in my house I went out and bought the first one available. Boy was I proud of the new blue monster!

One day, hanging out at the local dealer, I was told by a "helpful" bystander that I didn't know how to ride a bike, because the "chicken strip" on the rear tire is over 1 inch wide. My pride could not take that kind of pounding for long, so I searched far and wide, and decided to go take a riding class and learn how to shut him up and become the king at the local hangout.

After much comparison, I decided on Team Pro-Motion and their trackday/school at Pocono International Raceway. It was a great day, as I received instruction from owner/former pro racer Glen Goldman, and got my knee down on the ground the first day! No more chicken strips!

I have been hooked since. I did not give up street riding, I still ride almost everyday. But what I learned on the track has carried to the street and I am more confident, more skillful, and safer on the street.

I have no doubt that every street rider can benefit from track riding and track schools. You don't have to want to be a racer to start track riding, it will help you in every aspect of street riding. Try it out!

Next time: getting started in racing

Dafan "R6_philly"