We have several preferred vendors that we work with for rental track bikes and track programs. There are other vendors we will not work with because the quality of the bikes and service is not to our standard. Your safety and the quality of your experience matters more to us than a good deal on track bikes. Mainly, we want to make sure that there is good tire changing service and mechanical service available to take care of the bikes. They must be in top condition as you head out on the track at high speed.
How much track time do I get and what is the format?
Most of our track and tour escapes feature three days on track
Riders get 4 to 6 20 minute sessions per day
Most of the time we run with a regular track day, where a separate session is dedicated to our riding school
If we are running with a track organization and no school, you’ll be placed in the appropriate riding group
Is it just us or are there other people on track?
With the track schools we work with there will be other students
The overall number of people on track is still low just please pass responsibly
All of our track events happen at regular track days
Track people are track people all over the world. They are just like you.
Will I get to see my lap times?
Yes but we encourage you to not ride at your max ability but instead try to learn the track and the new skills the school is trying to teach you
Your lap times will often be shown to you at the end of the day just so you can see how you’re making progress from day-to-day
The organizations we work with typically provide each bike with a transponder for lap time recording
How are MotoGP tracks different?
They are bigger, wider, smoother and faster
They also have lots of good reference points to help you choose your breaking turn in and exit points
Their facilities are more extensive
You get to ride where your heroes ride
What are the track bikes like?
The motorcycle provided to you will be the current year model.
The most common model we use is the BMW S 1000 RR
It’s very neutral and easy to ride
The electronics package is excellent
The adaptive suspension works very well. No suspension changes are necessary.
Overall, you don’t have to spend much time concentrating on adapting to the bike you can just work on your riding and learning the track
Fuel is included, and your bike will be fueled up as needed
Your tires will be set to the proper pressure and chain lubricated
With regard to riding mode, some vendors will require that you start in a lower mode and get used to the track before advancing to race mode
Some vendors offer warmers and slicks as an upgrade option.
If you do not use, slicks and warmers, your bike will have the high-performance street tires that normally come stock in that country
If you choose slicks and warmers, your bike will be put inside a paddock pit box for power
Most riders can get by on one set of slicks for three days however, you can purchase an additional tire if you need it
In many cases, the mechanics will alert you that your tire is getting close to done
Some vendors have track gear for rent
You will need to have a standard euro size
You can choose to just rent leathers or an entire kit
Leod Escapes recommends that you bring your own leathers and track gear to ensure perfect fit and comfort
Some track vendors have suppliers on site that will let you test helmets and gloves. We encourage you to enjoy this feature.
Our most common track vendors offer a full day, schooling, and coaching program
The one on one coaching video review and classroom sessions are all included with your Leod Escapes package
The coach to student ratio is usually three or two to one
If you want to forgo the coaching and just ride, all we ask, is that you do so respectfully on track and pass safely
USA riders will find this program closely resembles YCRS in its curriculum but is explained in a different way.
What about pictures?
Every event has a photographer that will sell you photos and often slow Mo video
We encourage you to get these pictures and video
Sometimes we are able to arrange an overall Leod Escapes group discount
What about rain?
Our favorite vendor has a supply of rain tires
It takes time to switch over a small amount of the bikes to rain tires, so, in many cases, we will just try to wait out the rain for a few sessions in the hopes of sun.
If it is clear, it’s going to rain most of the day then rain tires will be put on some of the bikes and those who wish to ride in the rain will take turns on the “wets”
The rain tires and taking turns is hardly an ideal situation. Understand that we schedule these track events in accordance to typical climate, but as climate change continues to throw things into disarray, we are faced with this situation at least once every few years.
What about insurance for the track bike?
Insurance packages are available and the numbers change every year
The standard deductible is between two and three thousand euros
You can often purchase additional insurance for complete coverage
Can I mount a camera on the track bike?
The answer, for this depends on the individual circuits
With the school program cameras are required on the coaches bikes
You will get all the video from your coach
It is sometimes possible to mount a camera on your rental track bike but please make sure the mount and the secondary securing device is approved by the mechanics on site
What about all the paperwork involved?
Leod Escapes works with our vendors to try to get you to fill out most of the paperwork before the day of the event
Paperwork must be done on paper and not digitally. We send it out before so that you can bring it with you.
Filling out, the questionnaire helps pair you with an appropriate instructor. Please do it.
There will still be the standard track waiver that you will have to sign on the first day
What about food at the track?
Your Leod Escape includes lunch and snacks
Sometimes our track vendor will provide lunch and other times lunch will be provided by the local restaurant at the track
We encourage you to drink 4 to 6 L of the bottled water made available to you each day
