Back to Motorcycle.
Street or Track
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1. Main 2.
Conclusion |
by Jérôme Daoust. Revised 2010/5/24 |
Safety/risk
As safety is concerned, the track is probably safer, where
there is a stronger relationship between your riding and consequences. Not sure
if it remains safer if you divide the incidents by amount of time spent riding,
but the worst case scenario (death or worse: paralysis) seems typically less at
the track. I lost a friend (I sold my bike to) who was hit by a driver going
through a red light. I remember the evil eye his mom gave me while at his
funeral. My past accidents were 50% other driver's fault. All has been sobering
and I live with "ghosts" from motorcycling and paragliding.
Mindset
No doubt that track experience can only improve one's
skills. Hopefully one will use that to increase his street safety margin and
not just push harder. A big problem with street riding is unexpected and large
variations in traction, which is less of a problem at a track. ABS and traction
control in recent motorcycles are helping with those aspects. Unlike me, If you are young (less than 35), I would be careful not to
be entrained by the "group effect" and that applies to both track or
street, where you feel validated to push the limits further.
Getting your fix
But quitting street riding altogether to only keep riding the track, seems like getting into a long distance relationship. I like that I can start enjoying my motorcycle close to home, or ride it to a local social event.
Cost
Track riders typically spend more money on modifications than street riders, but the reverse can happen. If you use your street motorcycle at the track, your normal insurance will most likely not cover the cost of repairs if you crash it. Track riders also typically spend on transporting their track-only motorcycle to events, sleeping accommodations, track fees…
Adventure
Something about the track says "conformism", where
one enters a well-oiled machine offering pleasure but dictating what/when you
can do it, and shops all too happy to cater to your modification needs. Street
riding opens the door to more personal adventures, like where do I want to go
this weekend, which road have I not yet explored?
Switching works both
ways.
What about riders who quit the track? I have met a handful
in OC Moto members that say they have "paid their dues", and seem to
be now enjoying the streets and social events. So there seems to be life after
the track.
Stopping
Good luck to all in finding your ratio of life pleasure and
managing risks. A single event can make you look wrong, but we still must seek
what seems right for us throughout our lives. The right time to stop (I am not
saying quit forever) something, is when you are focusing more on the dangers
and the pleasure has tapered off. I
know something about stopping. But don't just quit something because of
your first scare, now can be the start of your safe period based on a reality
check.
Good rides,
Jerome
Enjoying and risking it on the streets.