I was wondering if there was someone out there that has ridden in the Novice group for STT during a recent track day event? If so, could you describe breifly how it is handled? For every session are you following an instruction or do you get to be out on your own?
In the morning after the riders meeting you have a novice meeting. Then they break you up into groups based on skill level and familiarity with the track. Then after each session in the morning you have a meeting and they teach you to work on one aspect of riding. Then that session you go out and practise it. After lunch it's more relaxed, no more meetings, and you just enjoy the day and practise what you learned. You'll love putnam, it's one of my favorite midwest tracks
Thanks for the information. I was at the Putnam track back in May to watch a friend ride his GSXR-750, and it did look like a cool track to ride. The only track I have been on so far is Road America, which is another awesome track.
I rode in the novice group last year, to me it is the best way to start track riding. I learned alot and it helped me get comfortable with riding at the track.
I went to Putnam this weekend with some friends of mine. I’m new to bikes and wanted to tag along for the day. We got there and the whole morning was really hectic. We had a lot to get done in a short time. Maybe it slows down after you do some track days but it was a little intimidating to watch. I’m glad that I got to see the process without having to go through it. The instructors that I spoke with were really good people that were really interested in helping the riders get better. We got really lucky and were parked next to the group coach that was coaching my friends (Troy). He was would get off the bike a tent away and made a point to speak to each of them as they walked to the meeting. I know both of them were really happy with his help. I’m looking forward to my first track day with STT. Thanks to all the people (like Troy) that made Putnam a success for the novice riders and this not-so-innocent bystander.
Im glad you guys had a good time. Im always good for somekind of advice. haha The early morning rush gets better with time. When you know what to do after doing it a few times, you can be there early set up and even have time to relax a bit before the riders meeting.
I ended up doing the Novice group on Saturday, which ended up being a good day to do it. The morning weather wasn't the greatest with a lot of misting/light drizzle, so doing the morning drills was good for keeping things in check and not riding to aggressively for the conditions. I was in group 3 with a great instructor, I think named Mark (boy I suck with names). We had a great group, all riding equally and equally wanting to ride a bit faster in each session in the afternoon. We were passing the #2 group for many of the sessions in the afternoon and riding with the #1 group. Overall, it was a good experience to run in the Novice group, although I probably won't do it a second time. If I ride with STT again, I will probably look to move to the I group. I hope to have some video posted soon, I had a video camera on board for a couple of runs. I will post the links when they are available.
Not one to give advice :lol: I would suggest that you do the N the a few more times. Since there is usually quiet a bit of time between TD's the lessons learned need to be reinforced. Intermediate can be pretty scary, given the large range of abilities in that group. From those that maybe should have done a few more novice days to those who really should bump up. Just my 2c