Women’s Track Days Hot

All over the country, it’s track season!  Whether you’re a racing enthusiast looking to ride in a cop-free, no traffic environment or you’re a street rider looking to improve your skills, you’ll love the fun and excitement of getting out on the track!    Track days are a great way to meet new people who share our passion for two wheels, and while many of women bring plenty of race experience to the table, you don’t have to be a road racer to enjoy the day.  But be warned: once you’ve tried it, you’ll join the thousands of riders hooked on finding their next fix.

Many women seek ladies-only track days for their first time out.  And hey, there are a couple of them held around the country --  for instance, Femmoto has held an annual event in the past, and  Women’s Riding School is having a women-only session this year on July 23 at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, NH.   You don’t live anywhere near New Hampshire?  One approach is to go online, find your local riding schools, and see when and where ladies’ track days are being held.  But I encourage you to just head on out to any track day that’s convenient; you’ll be welcomed and will find a level that fits your experience.

Keep in mind that a track day is not to teach you to ride your motorcycle, but if you’re comfortable with highway speeds, you’re ready to experience the fun of a closed circuit course.  Generally, you’ll be placed in a novice group if you’ve never been on the track.  Once you have satisfied the instructors, you can move up through intermediate and advanced rider sessions.  Requirements, policies and procedures vary with the school and the venue, but here are some typical things to know before you go:

1) Riding gear:  at minimum, a full face helmet, boots that cover your ankle, gauntlet gloves, one-piece leathers, back protector.  Sometimes two-piece leathers that zip together are allowed.
2) Motorcycle: If you ride your own, it’s going to have to pass certain inspections and meet requirements that vary from school to school.  It’s not recommended that you ride your bike to the venue, and you should consider having a friend accompany you.  Find out what fuel requirements you need to meet.  You may be expected to bring your own fuel. 
3) Food:  Your bike isn’t the only machine that needs fuel!  Food and drinks are usually provided for the participant, but not your friends.
4) Start times and classroom sessions:  Be aware, if you are late you frequently are not allowed to participate and you’ll forfeit your fees.  Double-check all start times and be early!

The track is actually the safest place to ride your street bike.  After just one session, you’ll discover the power of your motorcycle in a way that’s not possible to experience on the street (without a ticket), and you’ll have more confidence in your machine and your skills.  You’ll be smoother and probably a lot faster.  But most of all, you’ll have a blast!  So find a program in your area, get out there, and share your story with us.  Here’s a video of our LadyMoto editor, Yvonne, at a recent track day: