European Trackday experiences
Discussion
I'm looking into booking a European trackday for later in the year, most likely at Cartagena.
I will be heading out there on my own.
I was wondering what peoples general experiences were?
What supplies did you end up taking?
How do the days work?
Where do you stay?
How do you get about?
What do you do about fuel, spares etc.
How are the groups? Are they different than UK tracks? I'm usually comfortable in the Fast group, but a lot of videos I see from Euro trackdays seem to have incredibly fast people in them? Is there a different breed of ride that go to these tracks?
Just any information really as I'm concerned about getting out there, being wildly underprepared etc.
I will be heading out there on my own.
I was wondering what peoples general experiences were?
What supplies did you end up taking?
How do the days work?
Where do you stay?
How do you get about?
What do you do about fuel, spares etc.
How are the groups? Are they different than UK tracks? I'm usually comfortable in the Fast group, but a lot of videos I see from Euro trackdays seem to have incredibly fast people in them? Is there a different breed of ride that go to these tracks?
Just any information really as I'm concerned about getting out there, being wildly underprepared etc.
Moopig said:
I was wondering what peoples general experiences were?
What supplies did you end up taking?
How do the days work?
Where do you stay?
How do you get about?
What do you do about fuel, spares etc.
How are the groups? Are they different than UK tracks? I'm usually comfortable in the Fast group, but a lot of videos I see from Euro trackdays seem to have incredibly fast people in them? Is there a different breed of ride that go to these tracks?
I've done 3 different trips all with Focused Events and they've all been absolutely brilliant.What supplies did you end up taking?
How do the days work?
Where do you stay?
How do you get about?
What do you do about fuel, spares etc.
How are the groups? Are they different than UK tracks? I'm usually comfortable in the Fast group, but a lot of videos I see from Euro trackdays seem to have incredibly fast people in them? Is there a different breed of ride that go to these tracks?
- Take everything you'd take with you on a normal track day tools wise, spare parts, spare base layers etc for multiple days.
- Days work just like a UK day, 9am start 3 sessions sorted by transponders after the first day of riding.
- Stay in organiser provided hotel as part of the cost, or can get your own place.
- Book a hire car for when you land at the airport, use it to get about and drop it back off when you fly home.
- Get a fuel can from circuit when setting up nd get fuel each morning whilst driving to track.
- There is some very fast people there, but you'll be put in the right group from your lap times.
The only different breed I noticed was they tend to attract a wealthier customer....some serious kit in the garages on Euros.
I've done a couple - with No Limits, Farside and Focused events. All been fantastic for me. I've done Jerez 3 times, Imola and doing Mugello this year. Some of the more frequent track dayers will tell you the wont use "x" again for some or other historic reason, but I've had pretty good support for all.
Quality of the hotel is very much track dependant. Had some great stays at Jerez, some rather generic at Imola etc.
All of them have a bike drop before a couple weeks before the event, and a collection two odd weeks after. Usually you get a stillage to load your bike and gear on. Have to itemise your stuff now and add value (Brexfast related) but not usually a problem. Supposed to drain fuel and disconnect battery, but I doubt many people do. You can transport your own bike, but I'm not sure you get much of a discount.
Looks like so:
Although I've been on one where you dont get one of these - they will load, park and tie down your bike in big truck - they do use lots of blankets to protect it. Although I did get a strap mark on my fender. I always take stands, warmers, toolbox with some stuff, a fuel funnel and then a bag with me leathers with the bike.
Once there - you need to attend a riders briefing at the beginning (if you come late they do do a special chat with you). You usually get a pit box too - one of the reasons to get there early is to ensure you get one with your mates.
As for the day - IMHO its a massive step up from UK days. Track etiquette is leagues above what I've experienced on various UK days. Quality of riding is also much higher. While I'm comfortably inters at UK days, I'm in the novice group abroad.
In the beginning they run timers and you get grouped accordingly, but as the weekend goes on, especially from day 3 it usually turns into open pit lane.
Hope this helps.
Quality of the hotel is very much track dependant. Had some great stays at Jerez, some rather generic at Imola etc.
All of them have a bike drop before a couple weeks before the event, and a collection two odd weeks after. Usually you get a stillage to load your bike and gear on. Have to itemise your stuff now and add value (Brexfast related) but not usually a problem. Supposed to drain fuel and disconnect battery, but I doubt many people do. You can transport your own bike, but I'm not sure you get much of a discount.
Looks like so:
Although I've been on one where you dont get one of these - they will load, park and tie down your bike in big truck - they do use lots of blankets to protect it. Although I did get a strap mark on my fender. I always take stands, warmers, toolbox with some stuff, a fuel funnel and then a bag with me leathers with the bike.
Once there - you need to attend a riders briefing at the beginning (if you come late they do do a special chat with you). You usually get a pit box too - one of the reasons to get there early is to ensure you get one with your mates.
As for the day - IMHO its a massive step up from UK days. Track etiquette is leagues above what I've experienced on various UK days. Quality of riding is also much higher. While I'm comfortably inters at UK days, I'm in the novice group abroad.
In the beginning they run timers and you get grouped accordingly, but as the weekend goes on, especially from day 3 it usually turns into open pit lane.
Hope this helps.
I did a two day with No Limits at Val De Vienne in France a couple of years ago. I had a Yamaha FZ6 at the time, which had three Givi boxes, so I chucked everything in there (spare levers, pegs, gaffa tape etc. - all the stuff you'd have to replace in a minor drop, plus pressure gauge and pump), and rode there. I think there were only a couple of other people there on road bikes. Obviously I didn't have warmers or anything like that, but if I needed petrol I just rode to the local Intermarche.
I didn't have a chair but I did what I usually do on UK trackdays, which is sit in the cafe drinking tea when it's not my session.
Standard of riding much higher than on UK trackdays, as was the pace (I'm slow in novice but I usually manage to pass someone!), but in two days I didn't pass anyone.
You have to get specialist travel insurance and submit this with your booking or No Limits won't take it.
Frankly the best bit was the last session on the second day. It was hot and they said it was an open session for anyone who wanted to go out. Nobody else did so I had a track to myself, which was nice!
I stayed in a very nice hotel locally although at Val De Vienne there is a hotel on the track.
I didn't have a chair but I did what I usually do on UK trackdays, which is sit in the cafe drinking tea when it's not my session.
Standard of riding much higher than on UK trackdays, as was the pace (I'm slow in novice but I usually manage to pass someone!), but in two days I didn't pass anyone.
You have to get specialist travel insurance and submit this with your booking or No Limits won't take it.
Frankly the best bit was the last session on the second day. It was hot and they said it was an open session for anyone who wanted to go out. Nobody else did so I had a track to myself, which was nice!
I stayed in a very nice hotel locally although at Val De Vienne there is a hotel on the track.
Moopig said:
I'm looking into booking a European trackday for later in the year, most likely at Cartagena.
I will be heading out there on my own.
I was wondering what peoples general experiences were?
What supplies did you end up taking?
How do the days work?
Where do you stay?
How do you get about?
What do you do about fuel, spares etc.
How are the groups? Are they different than UK tracks? I'm usually comfortable in the Fast group, but a lot of videos I see from Euro trackdays seem to have incredibly fast people in them? Is there a different breed of ride that go to these tracks?
Just any information really as I'm concerned about getting out there, being wildly underprepared etc.
will be heading out there on my own. I'd recommend going with a friend should anything happenI will be heading out there on my own.
I was wondering what peoples general experiences were?
What supplies did you end up taking?
How do the days work?
Where do you stay?
How do you get about?
What do you do about fuel, spares etc.
How are the groups? Are they different than UK tracks? I'm usually comfortable in the Fast group, but a lot of videos I see from Euro trackdays seem to have incredibly fast people in them? Is there a different breed of ride that go to these tracks?
Just any information really as I'm concerned about getting out there, being wildly underprepared etc.
I was wondering what peoples general experiences were? Amazing makes UK ones look expensive and lack of track time in comparison
What supplies did you end up taking? A multi toolkit that does the majority. Enough pants/socks for each day on track & evening out after. A decent kit bag (I use a 24MX one) and as much as you can fit in there i.e tyre warmers, euro plugs, ext leads, knee/toe sliders, odds and sods
How do the days work? morning briefing no noise tests on track 9.30 and depending on organiser sometimes on transponder so puts you in a group if not it'll be your choice based on your skillset.
Where do you stay? did mine with redline & focused who sort hotel accommodation
How do you get about? hire care split with friends that go makes it very cheap. Try get something with a bit of poke it makes the roads getting to and from track more fun (Spanish hire car GP)
What do you do about fuel, spares etc. Fuel done there. Hire a fuel 'can' for about 10 euro. Fuel stations all typically within 5 min drive fill up each night and use the fuel you got. Can always get more in lunch break. You get plenty of seat time. Spares are there as are tyre changing. Anything you can get in the kit back as spares I'd say take but a lot can be done at track to keep you going
How are the groups? Same as UK typically. Novice, Inters, Fast. Pace I've noticed is a touch quicker at times vs UK
Are they different than UK tracks? As above typically a bit quicker, I'm fast group pace and fine fast group on euros. I'm a track dayer only I dont race tarmac only mx
I'm usually comfortable in the Fast group, but a lot of videos I see from Euro trackdays seem to have incredibly fast people in them? Is there a different breed of ride that go to these tracks? Just read this bit after reading the last two questions. You get racers from club to BSB/TT winter practice and setup out there. You also get locals and people taking it a bit more serious I guess. Yes in short though it is faster - I wouldnt say loads and I have no experience in riding novice or inters as I've only ever ridden fast group but the pace is a bit quicker
Hope that helps, good luck with it and honestly have fun
Oh and get a revolut or monza card. Will save you loads of silly bank transaction fees + can track what you are spending
Lots of good advice already, so won't repeat what has already been said.
What I will say however is make a list of stuff that will go on the stillage (assuming you're going with someone like No Limits, Focused Events, Pacedayz, etc.) and a list of stuff you will take on the plane with you. I didn't the first time I went to Cartagena, and ended up leaving the bike key at home... nobhead.
What I will say however is make a list of stuff that will go on the stillage (assuming you're going with someone like No Limits, Focused Events, Pacedayz, etc.) and a list of stuff you will take on the plane with you. I didn't the first time I went to Cartagena, and ended up leaving the bike key at home... nobhead.
Thanks for the great replies everyone!?
They have been really useful and have answered most my questions!
Was weighing this up as a last hurrah for track riding as I think I’m in the midst of a mid life crisis and keep weighing up selling up, but not I’m really quite enthusiastic about the whole thing.
Am hoping to book a package which includes a hotel and shipping my bike out there.
Something like this
https://www.trackdays.co.uk/book/biketrackday/1756...
Might just book it after payday and deal with it.
My only main concern is the fact I will have to go on my own, but that’s something I really can’t solve myself.
How do the tyres last out there?
I have a spare set of wheels, would I need to bring wets or a second set of slicks?
Are tyres available at the track as with a UK trackday?
Will start looking into flight costs and car hire.
Do you fly into Murcia airport for Cartegena?
Do you get an information pack when you book one of these trackdays telling you about what airport, which hotel etc?
…I feel like I’m worrying too much already lol
They have been really useful and have answered most my questions!
Was weighing this up as a last hurrah for track riding as I think I’m in the midst of a mid life crisis and keep weighing up selling up, but not I’m really quite enthusiastic about the whole thing.
Am hoping to book a package which includes a hotel and shipping my bike out there.
Something like this
https://www.trackdays.co.uk/book/biketrackday/1756...
Might just book it after payday and deal with it.
My only main concern is the fact I will have to go on my own, but that’s something I really can’t solve myself.
How do the tyres last out there?
I have a spare set of wheels, would I need to bring wets or a second set of slicks?
Are tyres available at the track as with a UK trackday?
Will start looking into flight costs and car hire.
Do you fly into Murcia airport for Cartegena?
Do you get an information pack when you book one of these trackdays telling you about what airport, which hotel etc?
…I feel like I’m worrying too much already lol
Book it direct with No limits, that Trackdays middle man company is s
te. No Limits will walk you through it all leading up to the event.
Check weather as close as you can before bike drop off and decide if you want to take wets or not.
Depending where you are in the country I'd fly to Alicante and drive down. Flights are cheap and regular for me from Manchester, lots of hire car options too.
Nothing wrong with doing them on your own, you'll get pally with the lads around you in the garage.
te. No Limits will walk you through it all leading up to the event. Check weather as close as you can before bike drop off and decide if you want to take wets or not.
Depending where you are in the country I'd fly to Alicante and drive down. Flights are cheap and regular for me from Manchester, lots of hire car options too.
Nothing wrong with doing them on your own, you'll get pally with the lads around you in the garage.
SteveKTMer said:
I don't now if anybody offers Guadix now, but in the past that was a fantastic track, like a hot and dry Cadwell but tighter and more fun. Only issue was first thing in the morning it could be a bit cool as it's on the other side of the mountains.
Jesus christ, you're easily pleased, I've done Gaudix twice and its a tiny circuit thats on a postage stamp sized plot that makes Mallory Park look like Silverstone, we had 2 good trips but it was very restrictive, its ok for 400/600's but pants on anything bigger.I've also been out there when BSB used to test there, was scary watching them lol...
Joking aside im glad it exists.
I went to Cartegena last month with No Limits for my first Euro track day.
Flew into Murcia which is 25 mins to the hotel, car hire was 85 euros for a week!
Hotel is 10 mins from the track.
Didn’t take wets and don’t remember seeing anyone else with them either, it was 22-25 degrees over the 4 days.
Couldn’t fault No Limits, free instruction was great, well organised and one of the best trips I’ve been on.
Looking to book another with No Limits this year.
Flew into Murcia which is 25 mins to the hotel, car hire was 85 euros for a week!
Hotel is 10 mins from the track.
Didn’t take wets and don’t remember seeing anyone else with them either, it was 22-25 degrees over the 4 days.
Couldn’t fault No Limits, free instruction was great, well organised and one of the best trips I’ve been on.
Looking to book another with No Limits this year.
Moopig said:
How do the tyres last out there?
I have a spare set of wheels, would I need to bring wets or a second set of slicks?
Are tyres available at the track as with a UK trackday?
I'd talk to the organisers really. There has always been a tire fitter and tires there on the days I've been, but you don't get any choice then. I think it all depends on how you ride - I get just on 3 days on a set of slicks so I don't take any extra, but people much faster than me are changing mid way through. If the track is wet I don't go out either because I rather like my fairings I have a spare set of wheels, would I need to bring wets or a second set of slicks?
Are tyres available at the track as with a UK trackday?
Moopig said:
My only main concern is the fact I will have to go on my own, but that’s something I really can’t solve myself.
How do the tyres last out there?
I have a spare set of wheels, would I need to bring wets or a second set of slicks?
Are tyres available at the track as with a UK trackday?
Do you get an information pack when you book one of these trackdays telling you about what airport, which hotel etc?
…I feel like I’m worrying too much already lol
Wouldnt bother with spare wheels. I say this as you will share a spillage and it'll just be a pain. Spare tyres though definitely! Wear is personal I would go through a rear V02 every 1.5 days (1 day at best half day moving a bit) and about 2 - 2.5 on a front. Again depends on bike, riding style, pace etc. Mate of mine on an R6 managed 4 days on a Metz track day slick (I forget the version but you dont have to run warmers). It was hanging by end of 4th day but it did the whole lot and front was barely worn. She is low inters pace. I took a rear spare for every day at track, 1 front and fresh rubber on the bikeHow do the tyres last out there?
I have a spare set of wheels, would I need to bring wets or a second set of slicks?
Are tyres available at the track as with a UK trackday?
Do you get an information pack when you book one of these trackdays telling you about what airport, which hotel etc?
…I feel like I’m worrying too much already lol
Yes tyres are available at track but never needed to ask or check prices
They bombard you with emails to do this at a certain time, be here for drop off, do this, do that etc. You will get all the info you need from those emails
Flights you gotta work out your own. I did Alicante once when I went Almeria then next time did the Almeria airport. Was closer for hire care GP but flights are harder to get in date range. Thats the bit you need to work on
If you need an extra night a quick email or call to trackday organiser can sort that for about €40 a night
Forgot to add you'll have free euro data but worth downloading offline on google maps as I used it all the time in the hire car to get about + local for local restaurants, cash points, supermarkets for water bulk purchase cheap etc
I went to Catagena in October 2016 with No Limits. A while back, so things might have changed by now, but I doubt it's gone downhill.
Can’t speak highly enough of the trip. Had a decent chat with the owners of the company out there, and they were decent folk.
Groups are more or less the same as on their UK trackdays, novice, inters & fast. There were mostly dedicated track bikes, but some had brought road bikes.. can't say I'd want to strap my 1299 panigale into a pallet, but one guy did. As said on here, you'll get loads of emails that'll have all the info you need.
They'll loan you a big fuel jug out there, so no need to bring a Jerrycan. The garages also have power. Make sure you bring your usual essentials, ie: warmers, tools, parts or whatever it is you need, and buy a big roll of cellophane wrap to secure the bike at whatever collection point you go to. I didn't bother with my wets, as its generally dry in October, but the trip that followed in November, the track and garages were flooded, so just be aware. Take a spare set of tyres. They did have a tyre guy there, but all he had were Metzler Comp K (Road compound slicks) which are not really up to it if you're really going some.
I booked alone, and just found people on Facebook who were also going, got pally with them and shared the room bill. Hotel was decent, they usually find a good place. Some guys brought their family, as there is a lot of free time in the evenings.
I'd love to go again, but gave up track riding after a serious accident. If I ever start again, I'd buy a relatively modest powered bike and go for a Euro trip, the value for money is excellent.
Can’t speak highly enough of the trip. Had a decent chat with the owners of the company out there, and they were decent folk.
Groups are more or less the same as on their UK trackdays, novice, inters & fast. There were mostly dedicated track bikes, but some had brought road bikes.. can't say I'd want to strap my 1299 panigale into a pallet, but one guy did. As said on here, you'll get loads of emails that'll have all the info you need.
They'll loan you a big fuel jug out there, so no need to bring a Jerrycan. The garages also have power. Make sure you bring your usual essentials, ie: warmers, tools, parts or whatever it is you need, and buy a big roll of cellophane wrap to secure the bike at whatever collection point you go to. I didn't bother with my wets, as its generally dry in October, but the trip that followed in November, the track and garages were flooded, so just be aware. Take a spare set of tyres. They did have a tyre guy there, but all he had were Metzler Comp K (Road compound slicks) which are not really up to it if you're really going some.
I booked alone, and just found people on Facebook who were also going, got pally with them and shared the room bill. Hotel was decent, they usually find a good place. Some guys brought their family, as there is a lot of free time in the evenings.
I'd love to go again, but gave up track riding after a serious accident. If I ever start again, I'd buy a relatively modest powered bike and go for a Euro trip, the value for money is excellent.
Edited by Pebbles167 on Thursday 27th April 11:34
As others have said, book direct with the track day organiser, No Limits in this case - they are a great bunch and things are very well organised.
The hotel they put you up in Cartagena (assuming it hasn't changed) is nice enough and modern, but it's a bit in the middle of nowhere so make sure you get into the town/port too of an evening.
Tyres - I probably wouldn't bother with wets, but if you've got them and space on the stillage, you may as well take them in case the heavens open. The track surface at Cartagena is quite abrasive (and therefore dries reasonably quickly, too) so expect to go through dry tyres quickly - I did a Supercorsa rear in a day on a Daytona 675, but I think you could get at least 1.5 days out of a rear and 3+ out of a front.
Flew in to Murcia the last time I went, but Alicante isn't much further and there are a lot more/cheaper flights going there. Car hire is easy and cheap from either.
The hotel they put you up in Cartagena (assuming it hasn't changed) is nice enough and modern, but it's a bit in the middle of nowhere so make sure you get into the town/port too of an evening.
Tyres - I probably wouldn't bother with wets, but if you've got them and space on the stillage, you may as well take them in case the heavens open. The track surface at Cartagena is quite abrasive (and therefore dries reasonably quickly, too) so expect to go through dry tyres quickly - I did a Supercorsa rear in a day on a Daytona 675, but I think you could get at least 1.5 days out of a rear and 3+ out of a front.
Flew in to Murcia the last time I went, but Alicante isn't much further and there are a lot more/cheaper flights going there. Car hire is easy and cheap from either.
ccr32 said:
The hotel they put you up in Cartagena (assuming it hasn't changed) is nice enough and modern, but it's a bit in the middle of nowhere so make sure you get into the town/port too of an evening.
To add, you can normally pay a small premium to bring a non-trackday guest with you and stay in your own hotel room, or just have the room to yourself, otherwise the organiser will bunk you up with another random in a twin room. Nothing wrong with that, of course, as long as you don't mind wearing ear plugs to bed (in your ears and your nostrils...!), but personally if I was travelling alone I'd rather meet other people in the bar or at the track, rather than in a hotel room in their stained y-fronts. Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff