I won the free track day at Grattan for July 4th, and it was definitely the best day of my life. Prior to this, I had only ridden my Ninja 250, Nina, in a parking lot and around the block; I had maybe 30 minutes of bike time total. I was majorly excited to hear that I would be allowed to ride on the track until about 3 minutes before it was actually time to get on the track. In fact, I was literally shaking in my boots! My first couple laps I hit a max speed of about 20-25 mph. Nonetheless I came off with a big smile on my face. I was paired up with the most amazing CR I could have hoped for, Eric Cell. He dealt with the turtle speed I started at and gave me great tips and always encouraged me to just go a little faster. It seemed like every session I was increasing my speed my 20 mph, and by the end of the day, I hit a max speed of 90! Holy crap! My last two laps of the day I stayed on the race lines for nearly the entire track, and I was rewarded with a thumbs up not only from my own CR, but another one as well. It was a huge confidence booster, and I was smiling ear to ear by the end for the rest of the night. I just want to give a huge thank you to STT and everyone that made last weekend possible. I also can't forget to give my dad, Jim Fritz, a huge thank you for driving 7+ hours to just watch and support me. It was an unforgettable day, and the beginning of a track addiction for this 17 year old.
This is an awesome read! I hope you come back!!! I'm so happy to hear about other women getting involved in track days!
Good for you! I saw you at the end of the day and it was great to see you all pumped up. I'm sure we will see you and your dad again. And yes all the instructors are super.
Awesome, the 250 is a great bike to learn on! Take your time and learn to push it to its limits, at the track.
I think you made the wisest decision. Going to the track while you have no bad habits that you accumulate.
Eric was my first coach at Grattan too, at the Ladies Day, two years ago. Can't say enough about how much confidence he gave me and how my riding has improved over time because of his great coaching. :thumb: So glad you had such a great first-time experience!! I saw you out there during your sessions, looked like you were really having fun! Hopefully I’ll see you back to Grattan again before the season is over! :cheer:
So excited to hear this. The ladies only day was started for this purpose. The track is definitely the safest way to ride & the 250 is a great bike. I ride a 250 on the track when my 125 is being serviced & I love it Cyndi
I talked to Eric later that evening and he was so excited about how well you did and how much you improved over the course of the day. You could just tell that he was just pumped up about the whole day as you were! Hopefully the whole day was positive enough that you get to keep coming back and doing it some more!
Proud Dad's comments Hanna, Glad you had a blast and I'm very proud of you. Although the drive was a long one, that's what dad's do for their kids and I'll do it again in a heart beat for you. I knew you could do it, but still I was nervous as hell for your first session. Your big smile after the first session as you pulled off your helmet will never be forgotten as well as your comment about going out and wringing lil Nina's neck later in the day. I also want to thank Eric, for his patients during the day and I owe him a new set of spark plugs, I'm sure his bike hasn't ever seen a day like that on the track. I also want to thank STT and curse STT for allowing Hanna to ride as it appears my TD costs just doubled. I'm looking forward to riding together with you on the track and for the day when you stuff me in a corner.
So glad you had an awesome day, that is what Ladies First is all about! And no matter the speed, it's fulfilling for us when we see our students go home grinning ear to ear! :thumb:
Oh man, I think I just teared up! We're making family memories and improving father-daughter relations! STT is just so awesome like that! Also, your review of your instructor was so awesome! Eric Cell, can I get a tow next track day?