John Wheeler describes the benefits of "track day" training for regular motorcyclists.
It happens after nearly every motor sport event - a tiny minority of spectators seems to feel obliged to drive or ride on public roads at the speeds and in the style they have seen on the track. One can but wonder why, if they are that good, were they not competing on the track?
Public reaction is predictable. One observer who admits that he doesn't exactly hug the hard shoulder told me that some bikers were "going around" on the Dublin-Belfast road and up as far as Carrickmacross in such a way he was surprised any are still alive. Others living in Drogheda commented that the bikers in town were "total gentlemen" but "mad" when on the roads.
Sadly it's the few maniacs who get noticed. Perhaps that's what they want? Nobody notices the vast majority calmly and responsibly enjoying their riding, sensibly exploiting their two-wheel advantage and making brisk, unobtrusive progress.
Today's motorcycles, especially those of more sporting pretensions, are much closer related to out-and-out racing bikes than any ordinary cars are to Grand Prix machines. Many motorcycles can accelerate as fast as a Grand Prix car.
Understandably, there is the temptation to "see what she'll really do". Man's fascination with speed has always been there; the internal combustion engine simply lifted it to a higher plane. Not that there is anything wrong with speed per se - but, like most things, there is a time and a place. The track is the place, not the public roads.
On the track you ride, or drive, with other "consenting adults" of similar ability on similar machines. You all travel ithe same direction under proper supervision and with ample safety facilities. On the road, quite apart from legal limits, you are travelling with others of widely different skills and temperament, with a variety of machines, two-way traffic and in often all-too-close proximity to a whole host of potential hazards. It's one thing to take risks on the track with others who accept the risks. It's quite another to put somebody else at risk.
Motorcyclists are more fortunate in that more "track days" are organised for them in Ireland than, at present, there are for cars. There are six more track days scheduled at Mondello Park this year for beginner, intermediate or advanced riders. Before hurtling around the track you are properly briefed on safety requirements, flag signals and track behaviour.
You then go out in groups with the marshals watching carefully to make sure you're with the right group. If not you would be moved up or down a group to make certain you will spend the rest of the day riding with others of very similar ability.
The requirements are simple enough: your bike must be in a roadworthy condition, the headlight glass must be taped over and you must wear leathers, either one-piece of two-piece ones which are zipped together.
Track days are non-competitive - they are about enjoying your bike and its performance in the right conditions.
Cost is typically around €80 for the day. Track days are being held at Mondello on August 12th, September 6th 8th and 30th - and September 7th for novices only - and October 14th.
For more information contact Ian Beatty on 045.860200 or by e-mail to ibeatty@mondellopark.ie - or visit their website at www.mondellopark.ie