Getting into Track Riding: What You Need to Know

This article is for all fans of standard sport bikes, naked sport bikes, adventure bikes, or even semi-trail/road bikes, because I want you to learn more about track riding and its environment.

In fact, you don’t have to ride a sport bike exclusively to go track: many types of motorcycles can be ridden on the track.

Why try the track? There are countless beneficial reasons to hit the track, both physically and psychologically. This article explains these reasons from a purely personal perspective.

What is track racing like in Quebec?

(Where can you practice this sport?)

In Quebec, track racing is much more about discovery than high-performance racing. What I mean by that is that most people ride for fun as amateurs.

Of course, it’s possible to train hard, find sponsors, and turn professional (CSBK, for example).

You should know that here, a rider who goes professional will have to spend a lot of money out of pocket. In my opinion, track racing in Quebec isn’t popular enough simply because it’s not well-known enough! That’s why I want to share my passion for track racing with you.

There are several trails in Quebec and Ontario. To avoid spreading misinformation, I’ll only talk about the ones my friends and I have ridden. As for the others, I’m really looking forward to trying them out! One step at a time, as they say.

1. Riverside Speedway Ste-Croix 1: The Track Where I Spend the Most Time

Let’s start with the track where I spend four weekends every summer: Riverside Speedway Ste-Croix. Located in Quebec, in the small municipality of Sainte-Croix, this track is a perfect blend of technique and speed.

There’s a good acceleration straight before the bowl, a medium-length straight before an “S” curve, and then the hairpin, the tightest corner. On this track, the biggest bikes reach 200 km/h on the straight and stay between first and third gear for the rest of the track.

Not too many gear changes, but enough to make it fun, in my opinion.

The downside of this track, like most tracks in Quebec, is the condition of the pavement. Asphalt work is planned and much needed! This track holds a special place in my heart, I’ll tell you more about it later.

2. Montmagny Autodrome: The New Track I’m Trying Next Summer

I haven’t had the chance to try this track yet because of my pregnancy in the summer of 2021. However, several of my friends have been there a few times. In fact, I’m planning to go at least once next summer (2022) since I’ll finally be able to get back on the track! It’s called Montmagny Autodrome.

This track is quite different from the previous one, as it requires much more skill. It’s not a fast track, but it’s perfect for honing your skills! The top-of-the-line cars reach speeds of around 200 km/h and are mainly driven in first and second gear. For anyone interested in practicing their body position in the curves and turns, this is the perfect place to do so.

Unlike Riverside, which is only open for motorcycles four times a summer, Autodrome Montmagny offers a much more comprehensive schedule throughout the summer.

The specifics of the schedule are described and continuously updated on Pete Moto’s Facebook group. In addition, there’s the opportunity to participate in private events, such as Aprilia Day, during which only that brand is allowed on the track for the duration of the event, or the event organized by SM Sport. As for the road surface, it’s excellent.

Finally, if you have questions about your technique, or if you’re eager to learn and improve, Pete Moto and his team are often on-site to help and advise you; simply check their schedule and book accordingly.

Little Alexanne can’t wait to hone her skills at Montmagny next summer!

3. Autodrome St-Félicien: My Favorite

The next track is my favorite: Autodrome St-Félicien, in Lac St-Jean. This track is the complete opposite of Autodrome Montmagny: it’s less technical, but much faster!

The perfect track for practicing your skills at top speed! The biggest bikes reach speeds of up to 250-260 km/h on the long straight before the first corner. It’s also a track where you can practice your gear changes.

If you feel like it, you can shift into fourth or even fifth gear, depending on the motorcycle.

In addition, Autodrome St-Félicien is a longer track. For the fastest riders, it will take approximately 1 minute 30 seconds to 1 minute 50 seconds to complete a lap, whereas at Sainte-Croix, it’s more like less than a minute.

Every summer, the MRQ team organizes an event on this track called the “100% Motorcycle” event. I’ll tell you more about it in a future article.

Of course, there are several other tracks, including some I’d like to try, notably those in Sanair, Mont-Tremblant, and Calabogie (Ontario). There’s no shortage of tracks; what’s lacking are the motorcycles and the fans to make them more profitable and more widely used.

Taking the Plunge

First of all, if you’re thinking of just showing up at one of the tracks and riding around as you please, let me stop you right there. Motorcycle track riding is dangerous and involves several safety regulations that you absolutely must learn.

Again, have you done your homework? Have you learned the rules on and off the track from a friend? NO, you still can’t ride the track however you want…

The question you’re probably asking yourself is: how do you go about taking the plunge?

Let me help you.

First, you need to decide where you want to ride. If you’re starting out in Quebec, you need to shop around for a course. YES, YES, you have to take a track riding course to get access to the track. I took mine with MRQ.

The driving school teaches you not only the rules, but also how to ride on the track, how to interact with others, and gives you driving tips and tricks to practice the sport safely.

Once the training is complete, the instructor will decide if you need Stage 2. If not, you will receive a certificate and will then have access to the tracks.

Some tracks require additional specific training, which they provide on-site the day of; I’m thinking specifically of Calabogie, Ontario. Otherwise, the course is only required once in a lifetime.

Furthermore, you don’t need to modify your motorcycle to attend the track day. The mandatory mechanical modifications will be required after you complete the course.

I went with my 2019 Honda CBR650R, which I ride on the road. You just need to fold the mirrors and cover the lights so as not to dazzle other riders on the track.

***The mandatory modifications will be detailed in a future article.

From Passion to Specialization

Completing track riding school will permanently change the way you ride a motorcycle. The certificate adds a “specialization” endorsement to your license, which means you receive a discount on road motorcycle insurance. But it’s not just about the certificate.

You become more cautious, develop greater confidence on the track and with your machine, reduce risky behavior around other road users, and curb the urge to push your limits and ride fast off-track.

You also use the techniques you’ve learned, thus reducing the risk of falls and accidents. You develop new reflexes to better handle unexpected situations. In short, you become a better rider.

If I were to tell you about my own experience, I’d say that before attending track riding school, I was a fearful rider. I used to slow down excessively before turning, whether left or right. I didn’t know the limits of my bike’s brakes, I was nervous in traffic or in the city center, and I sometimes speeded at inappropriate times.

I was a danger to myself and others. The confidence I gained on the track completely eliminated my undesirable behaviors.

Today, I ride my motorcycle as naturally as I walk, without any stress and much more attentive to my surroundings.

A Multi-Season Sport

As summer draws to a close, the winter track riding season begins. Did I say WINTER?

Indeed, there’s a lot to keep you busy during the winter. You have to prepare your motorcycle and gear for the following summer.

The bare minimum?

Change all the fluids, get new tires and brakes and install them, check that all your essential gear is in good condition, replace or repair anything that needs doing if you’ve had a fall, check your suspension settings, start any desired modifications, whether aesthetic or mechanical, and finally, put your gear and motorcycle away.

If you have more than one motorcycle, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy between work hours and snow removal.

No, I wasn’t mistaken when I used the term “sport.”

 

Track riding is demanding, both mentally and physically. It’s nothing like a Sunday ride. You ride on the track in 15-minute sessions, and often at the end of the day, many riders slow down to finish their session, or even skip sessions altogether.

You have to constantly focus on the rider in front of you and the track layout, but also maintain impeccable technique and line choices to avoid a collision with the rider(s) behind you.

Furthermore, you have to check the officials’ posts several times per lap; they’re the ones who inform you if anything happened during the session and what actions you need to take.

You need to be in relatively good shape to ride on the track. If you think you’re sitting on your bike the entire session, you’re sorely mistaken!

The muscles in your arms, legs, and abs are constantly engaged. Your only moments of respite are the few seconds of acceleration on the straights, and even then, it’s not guaranteed.

And that’s not all! It’s often hot, making it difficult to keep up the pace between physical exertion and the intense heat off the track. Motorcycle racing on the track is a fantastic sport; it keeps you in shape and gives you a real adrenaline rush.

MRQ: What is it, who are they?

As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, Riverside Speedway holds a special place in my heart. The reason is that it was precisely on this track that I completed my motorcycle racing training with MRQ (Moto Racing Québec). MRQ is a family-run organization that offers track riding courses and also organizes related events, such as the “Super Weekend 100% Moto” in Saint-Félicien.

If you ride at Riverside Speedway as part of an MRQ event, you’re guaranteed to have a great time and feel satisfied. It’s an incredibly friendly, family-oriented environment; everyone is respectful of each other, both on and off the track.

No matter who you ask for help or advice, you’ll get it. With MRQ, you truly feel like you’re part of the family. Photo credit: SXP

Why are you still hesitating?

In conclusion, there are countless good reasons to start riding motorcycles on the track, whether it’s to quench your thirst for adrenaline or to gain confidence and an unshakeable sense of security on a motorcycle. In my opinion, the best way to test your interest in the track is to take a riding course.

In any case, it’s not a waste of time: you’ll definitely get something positive out of it in the end!

Looking forward to seeing you in my element!

Alexanne #96