Tracks/private roads/etc

seamus

Guys,

Following some pretty high-profile deaths in recent weeks, I'm beginning to think that it's less and less of a good idea to get back on a bike at any point and brave the traffic, no matter how safe you are. The number of cars just keeps going up, and the standard of driving is getting no better.

I do love riding bikes though. Is there anywhere in Ireland you could take your machine out for a few hours riding around a track, or even better, some private country/mountain roads one could ride on? Although there's no substitute for the open road, I'd like to think that at some point I could buy myself a 'busa and take it out on the weekends

Garibaldi

Track Days at Mondello?

Hotblack Desiato

seamus wrote:

Following some pretty high-profile deaths in recent weeks

And so, media sensationalism claims another would-be biker.

The rags all have it in for bikers in this country. They have to fill their pages with something during the silly season, targeting a 'dangerous' minority doing an activity the majority don't understand is just too easy.

How many people died in cars during that time through no fault of their own? Is anyone talking of giving up driving a car as a result?

I'm beginning to think that it's less and less of a good idea to get back on a bike at any point and brave the traffic, no matter how safe you are. The number of cars just keeps going up, and the standard of driving is getting no better.

Taking this to its logical conclusion, and you wouldn't drive a car or cross the road either. You put yourself at risk whatever you do. The best you can do is act responsibly and defensively, whether you're crossing the road, cycling, driving or riding a motorbike.

I'd like to think that at some point I could buy myself a 'busa and take it out on the weekends

No offence to anyone falling into this category but, per mile travelled, the casualty rate of 30/40something weekend warriors on powerful bikes is horrendous. They often don't clock up enough mileage to keep their skills sharp and because they don't have to ride to work when it's raining etc. they don't develop the skills to cope with poor weather and surfaces. Some treat each corner as if it was a racetrack with guaranteed good surface, no pedestrians no oncoming cars etc...
Typical post crash story "I went into the corner and it was covered in gravel/sh*t/whatever and what could I do?" :rolleyes: Well the first thing they could have done was expect the unexpected...

seamus

ninja900 wrote:

And so, media sensationalism claims another would-be biker.

In fairness, I drove a bike for four years up until February this year. Maybe it's just me getting older, but my own mortality has more influence on the decision than the media

The rags all have it in for bikers in this country. They have to fill their pages with something during the silly season, targeting a 'dangerous' minority doing an activity the majority don't understand is just too easy.

How many people died in cars during that time through no fault of their own? Is anyone talking of giving up driving a car as a result?

I agree completely. Anyone who's not a biker, or who's never driven a bike sees every biker as would-be bodybag, endlessly speeding and driving dangerously to get their thrills.

Taking this to its logical conclusion, and you wouldn't drive a car or cross the road either. You put yourself at risk whatever you do. The best you can do is act responsibly and defensively, whether you're crossing the road, cycling, driving or riding a motorbike.

Indeed, the same could be said of anything - no matter how safely you drive your car, you could end up squished under a forty-footer tomorrow. Pound-for-pound though, on a bike you have that higher incidence of risk (and death/dismemberment) regardless of how safely you drive. The ever-increasing volume of cagers who can **** everything up in an instant is the biggest factor for me in this.

No offence to anyone falling into this category but, per mile travelled, the casualty rate of 30/40something weekend warriors on powerful bikes is horrendous. They often don't clock up enough mileage to keep their skills sharp and because they don't have to ride to work when it's raining etc. they don't develop the skills to cope with poor weather and surfaces. Some treat each corner as if it was a racetrack with guaranteed good surface, no pedestrians no oncoming cars etc...
Typical post crash story "I went into the corner and it was covered in gravel/sh*t/whatever and what could I do?" :rolleyes: Well the first thing they could have done was expect the unexpected...

Indeed. If I don't get back on a bike on public roads in the next few years I probably never will.
I do intend though on having an uninsured bike for use off the public roads, where I don't have to deal with people who'd rather spend their time texting their mates than making sure I'm not near them.

Garibaldi

Why, yes! A track day in Mondello sounds like just the ticket. Thanks, Garibaldi.

Or we could just take the thread on *another* downer. :rolleyes:

seamus

Why, yes! A track day in Mondello sounds like just the ticket. Thanks, Garibaldi.

Are there any other such days/places? I assume the track days aren't shared?

subway

http://www.mondello.ie/one.php?page=track_moto

not sure about anywhere else, but there are lots of races here, and they cant all be in mondello - can they?
id guess its a lot bigger in the uk going by the bike mags i read.

Idleater

seamus wrote:

Are there any other such days/places? I assume the track days aren't shared?

ooh ooh! Nurburg ring for you and your busa...


My way of looking at the current increase in volume of car traffic is that it is safer for bikes because the cagers aren't moving anywhere and certainly not at speed so at least on a bike you can make safer progress (albeit at 50kmph).

I am amazed that my commute time is still about 45 mins despite the gridlock on the m50.

L.

Garibaldi

This looks interesting...

http://www.racedays.co.uk/n_diary_select.php