September 9th, 2013 was the 7th annual Women's VIP Day put on by Zoom Zoom, and my 3rd VIP day - in fact, my very first one 3 years ago was my very first trackday ever (and the only one that year)! Unlike that time, however, I'm starting to feel like an old hat at this - bike was ready, I was packed, and I actually slept the night before lol. After working out some kinks on how exactly I was going to get me and the bike to the track (huge thanks to Dennis for the carpool!!) I was set to go.
Money was tight, but I definitely needed a good day out at the track. I was looking forward to the opportunity to refine some of the progress I made at my last day at THill, and to work out some kinks on a few corners (8, 9, 10, and 14 specifically). On 8 I wanted to work on where I was looking and opening up that corner; 9 I needed to work on my brake markers and speed through the corner; 10 was the same thing as 9 only even more so, also getting my eyes up and over sooner; 14 was solidifying the turn in I had adjusted my previous time there.
The day dawned warm heading towards hot with a VERY strong breeze. Okay, it was downright windy, the worst I've seen at THill. It was pushing me all over the track, messing up braking, turn ins, etc. This slowed me down a bit as I wanted to still hit my points, but kept having to adjust for the wind. As the morning wore on it started to just get plain old hot, and eventually the wind calmed a little bit...unfortunately the heat was taking it's toll quickly. Most of the morning I was doing both A and the W group - by lunch I was happy with what I was doing, even if it was a bit slow for what I had hoped for. At least I was doing what I came to do though.
Lunch came and I had a rude awakening about just how much my back hadn't totally recovered from the incident with my street bike...I was freaking sore, literally miserable...so took a ton of ibuprofen and waiting for that to kick in. Once the afternoon sessions started I decided to just hang out in the W group - between the heat and my back I just wasn't in the mood to go all-out the entire session. In the W group I could do a couple laps at full speed, then go back and chill for awhile. Worked well for the remainder of the day.
Overall, things improved yet again. Opening up my field of vision in 8 made that corner far less scary and a lot faster for me, even at my slow speeds. I was making into 9 MUCH better, with a noticeable decrease in people taking me on the brakes there compared to normal. I moved up my brake marker on 10 (still didn't quite get it to where I wanted it) and my speed was a little better but could still use improvement. 14 was going well most of the day, got the proper line a little more settled in my head.
It was a good day, and I had a ton of fun. With the heat I was thrilled that it was the VIP day since I could chill in the W group but still get some much-needed saddle time in. Mentally it was wonderful to finally be on two wheels again. I also enjoyed getting to see all my girl friends and spend time together doing something we love! Can't wait for the next one :)
Oh, and yes, I lost the bet last year about wearing a tu-tu - so, much to my dismay SOMEONE had to remember that and brought a nice, green tu-tu for your's truly to wear :)
Money was tight, but I definitely needed a good day out at the track. I was looking forward to the opportunity to refine some of the progress I made at my last day at THill, and to work out some kinks on a few corners (8, 9, 10, and 14 specifically). On 8 I wanted to work on where I was looking and opening up that corner; 9 I needed to work on my brake markers and speed through the corner; 10 was the same thing as 9 only even more so, also getting my eyes up and over sooner; 14 was solidifying the turn in I had adjusted my previous time there.
The day dawned warm heading towards hot with a VERY strong breeze. Okay, it was downright windy, the worst I've seen at THill. It was pushing me all over the track, messing up braking, turn ins, etc. This slowed me down a bit as I wanted to still hit my points, but kept having to adjust for the wind. As the morning wore on it started to just get plain old hot, and eventually the wind calmed a little bit...unfortunately the heat was taking it's toll quickly. Most of the morning I was doing both A and the W group - by lunch I was happy with what I was doing, even if it was a bit slow for what I had hoped for. At least I was doing what I came to do though.
Lunch came and I had a rude awakening about just how much my back hadn't totally recovered from the incident with my street bike...I was freaking sore, literally miserable...so took a ton of ibuprofen and waiting for that to kick in. Once the afternoon sessions started I decided to just hang out in the W group - between the heat and my back I just wasn't in the mood to go all-out the entire session. In the W group I could do a couple laps at full speed, then go back and chill for awhile. Worked well for the remainder of the day.
Overall, things improved yet again. Opening up my field of vision in 8 made that corner far less scary and a lot faster for me, even at my slow speeds. I was making into 9 MUCH better, with a noticeable decrease in people taking me on the brakes there compared to normal. I moved up my brake marker on 10 (still didn't quite get it to where I wanted it) and my speed was a little better but could still use improvement. 14 was going well most of the day, got the proper line a little more settled in my head.
It was a good day, and I had a ton of fun. With the heat I was thrilled that it was the VIP day since I could chill in the W group but still get some much-needed saddle time in. Mentally it was wonderful to finally be on two wheels again. I also enjoyed getting to see all my girl friends and spend time together doing something we love! Can't wait for the next one :)
Oh, and yes, I lost the bet last year about wearing a tu-tu - so, much to my dismay SOMEONE had to remember that and brought a nice, green tu-tu for your's truly to wear :)
Let's do that again! I'm even due to pick up a popup camper from a couple of retired folks, so I can camp out posh-style, trackside! Space will be available for budding, though broke Afemmers!
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