Most of you will have to reach way back in the past. What riding recommendations do you have for your first intermediate day? thanks
If you were bumped by an STT instructor from the novice group then you're already doing what you need to be doing. Focus on BP and smooth lines. 6ft passing rule. Bike in front ALWAYS has the line
Well its been a little weird the last year with the bump rule ect.... Some have drifted in and have never sat in a Novice Class hence why I ask....I will help anyone I can in anyway I can to get comfy in N, I or A... Its our job...:thumb:
Grab a coach, first thing, and let them know that you would like some help as it's your first time in the I group...... we are there to help.
The jump to "I" group isn't as big as you think it is. If you're running smooth predictable lines and a faster Novice pace you won't have any issues. There are some people in "I" who should be in the back of Novice, while some people should have been bumped to "A" years ago, but they don't move up because they don't like getting passed, or never bother to ask a coach. It's a wide skill range and usually the fullest group in my experience, so just make sure YOU do the same thing every time. You should be able to read the mind of the rider in front of you, as the rider behind you should be able to read yours. Just get used to passing and being passed. Ride your pace. Don't get passed, then try to trailer behind a much faster rider and get over your head.
be cautious, give people plenty of room. there is typically a large differential between the fastest and slowest I riders. statistically, more accidents occur in I than any other group. be cautious, give plenty of room. be cautious, give plenty of room. be cautious, give plenty of room. and, unfortunately, you can expect some others NOT to follow the suggestion above
I'll echo everyone else... if you were bumped. Just continue doing what your doing. Focus on being smooth and consistent. Mind the 6ft passing rule. Be mindful you will be passed. Huge difference in the fastest intermediate riders and the slowest.. you might be right In the middle to start out. And of course grab one of us first thing in the morning after the riders meeting Tell us your trepidations we're here to help.
I came off my last session at Barber recently. My coach said all I needed to bump was for him to follow me for a lap or two & confirm my abilities. I had to leave due to family issues. (I will have a coach follow me on my next track day for permission to bump). In the Novice class I literally had to pull in each lap due to catching packs of slower riders. I didn't want to pass them aggressively, so I would pull in for things to clear. The tables will now reverse...thanks! Your input is excellent....
It took me 1 yr to finally realize that I is the meat grinder group,:crutch: 1 pro-school later and A, all is better now.
Novice - Let's have some fun! Advanced - Smooth and professional. Intermediate - WELCOME TO THE THUNDERDOME
Damn, not many confidence inspiring people here... I did my first "I" day last NCM. By lunch I was ready to throw up in my helmet, stress, anxiety, fear. Things were a bit messy, some people riding over their heads, some that shouldn't be in "I" at all. On the later sessions I got used to it and found my place, had a blast and kept my food inside my body! The way I saw it, intermediate is just a faster novice. Less bad moves, but still some unpredictable ones with a mix of slow and fast riders. Two things I instantly realized: be double-triple-quadruple cautious with passes. In novice there is plenty of time to react if you find yourself in a tight spot. Not so much in intermediate, every pass needed to be carefully planned and executed, as the rider you are passing is going fast and can still take an unexpected line. The second thing I realized is that getting a tow from another I rider might not be a good idea. They might be riding over their heads and taking bad lines, and you are behind them doing the same thing. They might be faster than you are and push you beyond your limits. Best is to find a CR and ask them to give you a tow, they got the experience and will adjust their speed to your ability. I used the morning to ride at a 70-80% pace, get my bike, body and mind warmed up and scan the field for other riders, remind myself of gears, brake markers, apexes. Then after lunch I increased pace slowly to 100% and had fun going fast. Ride your pace, ride your line, be smooth and predictable, and have fun!
Agreed! But now I just have the issue of fitness for A... its great in I because I can go pic off a bunch of bikes then have a clear track to take a break! lol In A its all go all the time.. I'm good for about 10 min max!