trackday advice?

[Laura]

So, I signed up to do my first trackday on April 30th, with STT at the Chicago Autobahn. I have no idea WTF I'm doing.

I'm probably going to be renting a Uhaul trailer. I have a Chevy Trailblazer. But I got it before I started riding, so I didn't get some option (rear differential perhaps??) that was supposed to make it better for towing. At the time I didn't figure I would ever be towing anything. That shouldn't have any problem hauling one bike should it? What if I found somebody to go with... could it tow two bikes, or would that be too heavy? Are Uhaul trailers okay, or should I go a different route? Any advice on loading/unloading?

Assuming I am able to get the bike loaded, and that I can make it to Chicago (I've never towed anything before), and can get the bike unloaded without any major mishaps, do you have any advice to make the track experience go smoothly, and to get the most out of it? I've read Twist of the Wrist II a couple of times, and I am currently reading the Nick Iensatch book. Today I'm going to reserve some rental leathers from Kneedraggers. I have some motorcycle specific boots ordered.

What kind of tape do you use to cover up your lights? Are you supposed to disconnect your lights as well? I'll be in the novice group, so I don't have to safety wire anything, and my bike is aircooled so I don't have to worry about replacing the coolant.

I know that is a lot of questions. But any and all help is greatly appreciated.

[octane]

First off, good luck and have fun!! Duct tape your lights - and do disconnect them so you don't melt the tape to the lenses. A UHaul trailer will be fine, but depending on how much it's going to cost you to rent one you may be able to buy one for not much more $$...assuming  you have a place to store it. Your trailblazer should haul 2 bikes on a trailer with no trouble. My 6 cylinder Dakota doesn't notice my trailer with 2 bikes on it. The tow gear would be nice if you were hauling a huge enclosed trailer, but an open trailer and 2 bikes shouldn't strain it. What type of hitch do you have? If it's a bumper hitch you should check the tongue weight capacity and towing capacity of the bumper.

Aside from that, make sure your oil is topped, everything is tight, tires are good, and pay attention to the instructors! It's not as intimidating as you'd think if you take it at your own pace. Have fun!

[dgyver]

I have never used a uhaul trailer but check to make sure there are tie down points.

I hope you are going with someone to help in the pits and with loading/unloading of the bike. Since my trailer has side swing doors, I use a 7' 2x12 for a ramp. It has the ends on it to rest on the trailer floor.

Please make sure you disconnect the lights as the heat will melt the tape to them. I have used regular duct tape (colored to match the bike) and some use the blue painters tape which is easier to remove. You may want to remove anything that you do not want to get damaged. A lot of first time riders will take of the tail plastics, just in case. I would remove the turn signals, mirrors and license plate.

Bring plenty of fluids and a shade tent is good to have. Have fun and we better see some pics.

[octane]

Most folks also recommend taping over the speedometer to remove the distraction!

[pantablo]

your blazer will be fine towing 2 bikes on a trailer. My 97 acura integra towed my one bike just fine.





Uhaul trailers are fine. just get a 4x8 or 5x8 trailer with the drop down tail to use as a ramp. loading the bike is easy. if you're not strong enough to get the bike up then use the engine, clutching it easy and slow (be careful it doesnt get away from you and you drop the bike).

Use 2 ratchet type tie downs at front, wrapping each around the top triple and down to the trailer somewhere. I put them both on loosely, then tighten the right side, which pulls the bike vertical. Then I tighten the left side and the right again if necessary. this is secure enough but I also use 2 additional friction type tie-downs on the back-route them diagonally across the rear tire from the passenger peg brackets to the trailer. Not necessary but cheap insurance if you have the tie-downs.

As stated above, disconnect the lights as well as taping them over. dont forget to tape the wheel weights too. you can just tape the turn signals or remove them, whatever is easier.

make sure there isnt anything that will prevent you from passing the tech inspection-brakes should be good (more than 50% on pads left), tires should be closer to new than worn, brake and clutch levers should move freely without too much slack, throttle should return quickly when revved.

Bring extra gas.

there will be people there to help unloand the bike (and reload it if neecessary). if they dont offer right away, you are a cutie after all, dont be shy asking for help.

check to see what they provide in terms of food and drinks throughout the day. you might consider bringing at least some water/sports drink for yourself just in case.

Go out there with a plan. what are you planning to do or work on. work on one thing at a time and dont worry about trying to be fast. just work on being smooth.

have fun!

[pantablo]

one last thing-dont use the hole in the bumper to install the hitch ball to. you need an actual tow hitch (not a special package on the truck). get one including installation at uhaul for about $300 or go to hitchmart.com and buy one for $140 (shipped!) to install yourself. Download the install instructions from hiddenhitch.com first to make sure if you need to drill or not. mine didnt need drilling and went on in 15 minutes.

wiring kit and hitch ball will run you an additional $30.

[octane]

Pablo,
A small trailer and 2 bikes should be fine on a bumper hitch. I've got a step bumper with a tow ball on my Dakota and have used it for 4 years with no trouble. She just needs to make sure the tongue weight and total weight of the loaded trailer doesn't exceed the ratings of the bumper. Either the owners manual or the actual bumper will list the load capacity - mine is stamped on the bumper.

Laura,
Also figure out what size tow ball the trailer will require before you buy one. It will likely be 1 7/8", possibly 2".

[The Buddha]

Bikes and bike trailers weigh nothing ... like 1000-1200 lbs combined, or 16-1800 for 2 bikes max ... Nothing ... cars trucks SUV's can handle anythign up to like 5000 lbs without extra help from optional stuff ... Its rear wheel drive right ... that's better than front ... You're fine. Start getting into the 7500 lb range and then you'd have to worry ...
Cool.
Srinath.

[D-Day]

The instructors at STT are great, and they will help you throughout the day.  You will get 20 minutes of classroom and then 20 minutes of track time (then 20 minutes of down time) in rotation throughout the day.

This is assuming you are doing the beginner session.

Have fun.

[Laura]

Thanks so much! That was all really helpful. You guys are terrific. I'm already feeling much less anxious about transporting the bike. I'll go to Uhaul tomorrow and see what I can reserve, what size tow ball, and I'll check how much weight my hitch can pull.  

[ChuckS]

I'm jealous!!

Towing the trailer should be no problem, just remember a few things:

It's there & needs extra room.  It will follow a tighter turn radius than your truck, so leave a bit of extra room.

Backing up requires practice!!  Always park so you can pull out forward.  It will be a short trailer and short trailers are very difficult to back.

And the most important thing:  

Don't worry & have fun!!

ChuckS

[raylarrabee]

U-Haul makes a bike trailer that has a sturdy ramp and tie-down points.  You can put up a set of tie-downs at the U-haul shop, or go to sears/Walmart/equivillent and get some for not too much $$


I'm jealous, by the way, riding on a track must be great--no cars to worry about!

[pantablo]

U-Haul makes a ...

site says "Maximum recommended speed is 45 MPH "...ugh. I thought 55 was slow with my trailer... Also says you need a class I tow hitch. I dont believe a bumper ball counts.

otherwise a good looking trailer.

[octane]

UHaul doesn't recommend towing ANYTHING at more than 45 mph. That's just UHaul covering their ass. Moderate highway speeds should be fine.