Ducati Sporting Club UK > DesmoDue Race Series > DesmoDue - General Questions and Chat > First ride

[banger san]

Thought I'd better check out my new stead for 2012 before heading to Snetterton on the 19th and starting my racing career so Saturday rocked up at Snet for a cheeky trackday full of hopes, dreams and a 'to do' list as long as my arm. Entered into inters but as there were so many 'experienced riders' I was put into novice group, not the start I wanted but hey ho

Session 1 - start bike and warm up, bike over reving at idle, don't know why never done it before. A quick flick through manual see where idle screw is quick adjustment still not right but what the heck need to get out there. By the time I get round to pits only have to do one lap behind marshalls then give it some beans. OMG it's horrible, doesn't go, dosen't stop and positioning all wrong, what have I done? Where's my Daytona 675!!!
Session 2 - Still have an issue with idle but can't do anything now so go out and try again. Now it starts to rain, visor fogs up, what a waste of time as not learning anything.
Session 3 - Dries up okay, starting to get use to the old girl, drives okay if you change at 8000 not 14000 like on the Daytona, starting to over take a few novices.
Session 4 - Begining to gel and feel a bit more confident, get knee down so must be going like stink.
Session 5 - Play with guy on Daytona 675, out brake him, ride round the outside of him, he keeps coming past on straights only for me to go back past round twisties.
Session 6 - Have another good run and pleased with days work so pack up and start long drive home.

1st impressions, hated it, drive home giggling like a school girl, can't wait until first race, still have a lot to do and 'to do' list has roll grown but roll on Snetterton.

[Ghost]

Look forward to meeting you, what is your race number and are you in class A or B?

[bradders]

try and rev it to 14k, go on, I dare yer

[banger san]

Race number 15 / class B and I've already tried revving it to 14k several times as I missed a gear.

[antonye]

Sounds pretty much like my first outing, also at Snetterton!
The bikes are certainly an acquired taste but you will learn so much about riding them fast because you can't make up the difference "on the power" like the big bikes.

Also, just because it rains it doesn't mean you're not learning anything. What are you going to do if it rains before your race? Get yourself out there and learn what it feels like in the rain so you are prepared. You might actually enjoy it and have an advantage over the other riders.

[skidlids]

Originally Posted by Ghost

Look forward to meeting you, what is your race number and are you in class A or B?

Its Senna's old engine in a different chassis
Andy has fallen under the influence of us Monday night H-Cafe regulars and decided to swap european trackdays for a crack at DD. He's going to love it

[Ghost]

Originally Posted by skidlids

Its Senna's old engine in a different chassis
Andy has fallen under the influence of us Monday night H-Cafe regulars and decided to swap european trackdays for a crack at DD. He's going to love it

Well we all do no matter how young we are.