Firsthand experiences of NESBA trackdays?

CBRVFR · 08-09-2006, 11:31 PM

Not wishing to lose the opportunity to get to Barber this year, I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on the November Nesba weekend. ( And browbeat Baketech, GT702, Red Rider, and RAHVFR into doing the same..

)

In order to do that, though, I'll have to drop $75.00 on a calendar year of Nesba mambership. It seems like they have a decent number of events at Grattan, Putnam, Gingerman, Beaver Run, and some other tracks that aren't too far away to consider, and the trackdays are somewhat competitive price-wise.

I have a couple issues with their lack of required safety wire and coolant removal for all but advanced riders.

Their website talks a good game, limited numbers and caring family atmosphere. How is it in practice? Are they safety oriented, professional and organized? Compared with, say, STT?

Do tell!

CBRVFR · 08-10-2006, 9:34 AM

Somebody must ride with these guys..

Red Rider · 08-10-2006, 9:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CBRVFR

Somebody must ride with these guys..

Have you checked out their board? It sounds like getting moved up from one group to the next is the major objective the NESBians all have. It's apparently very hard to get the nod, as you have to have several Control Riders approve it. It also sounds like they get their fair share of crashes (not like STT though)...maybe due to the varied skill levels in each group. I think if you're a firsttimer you have to start in the beginner group.

...and the answer is no, I won't be joining you!

HondaGalToo · 08-10-2006, 10:04 AM

Disclaimer: I have no firsthand experience, but have heard the same things as RedRider. Also, you cannot pass a control rider unless they see you and wave you by. I'd think this would lead to bottlenecking.
All the big groups seem to have their fair share of crashing.

sheepofblue · 08-10-2006, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Rider

Have you checked out their board? It sounds like getting moved up from one group to the next is the major objective the NESBians all have. It's apparently very hard to get the nod, as you have to have several Control Riders approve it. It also sounds like they get their fair share of crashes (not like STT though)...maybe due to the varied skill levels in each group. I think if you're a firsttimer you have to start in the beginner group.

...and the answer is no, I won't be joining you!

I am in Intermediate and have not ridden with them.

sheepofblue · 08-10-2006, 10:28 AM

http://www.nesba.com/Info/downloads/manual.pdf and read the FAQ. If I read that correctly there is no passing of control riders in INTERMEDIATE without getting waved by

Not an issue for slow sheep but kind of a bizarre rule

Red Rider · 08-10-2006, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheepofblue

I am in Intermediate and have not ridden with them.

Sheep, read my lips...I said "I think. . ."

sheepofblue · 08-10-2006, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Rider

Sheep, read my lips...I said "I think. . ."

Yes but ..... poorly

j/k just correcting your though based on my limited experience. We need Bubba or CBR99XX to chime in as I think they have both ridden with them I think.

Zippy · 08-10-2006, 12:45 PM

I have extensive experience with NESBA, and some with STT.

NESBA does thorough tech inspections, where STT barely looks at the bike.
In STT, the skill range for each group varies greatly, where in NESBA is it much closer together.

You can start in Beginner or Intermediate in NESBA, but you cannot start out in Advanced. Be aware though, once you become a member and pick a group, you will need to earn your way into the next group. You can't just make a declaration without having the skills to back it up. This is one of the big reasons that many people like NESBA. If you are in the "A" group, you can depend on having a bunch of excellent track riders around you.

The control riders with NESBA tend to be very highly skilled. The standards for control riders with STT are much more lax. I found several the last time I rode with them that would never have been control riders with NESBA. Some were slow or erratic riders themselves. They would have been Intermediates or Beginners with NESBA, not control riders at all.

In STT, you can just put yourself anywhere you please. This leads to a lot of people with big egos but small amounts of skill and experience putting themselves where ever their ego says they should be. STT will bump people up or down if you are a hazard in your group.

In STT's "A" group, you will not have assurance that the riders have been screened. You will find a varied set of speeds and skills, with plenty of inconsistant and awkward and slower riders sharing the track with you. This can actually be kind of fun, because you can kick butt on most of the people there, but probably not the safest thing.

STT does have a couple of really fast racers that control ride, but that is not the norm.

It has been said that a NESBA day tends to have more bikes set up for track days or racing, while STT caters more to street bikes. A NESBA group might have 2/3rds of the bikes in race plastic, where STT would be about 1/3 or less.

Some have also said that NESBA is a bit intense for some people. There is common agreement that NESBA Intermediate is equivilent to STT Advanced in terms of speed, but the riders are more consistant in NESBA. NESBA "A" group can get darn fast. Lot's of winning club racers attend. The midwest group had 4 people qualify in the last AMA round at Road America!

The comraderie is best with NESBA though. It is a big family of folks who are regulars and take good care of each other. You don't quite get the same family feeling at STT. There are more new folks at an STT day than a NESBA day.

People who are just starting at track riding my enjoy STT's beginner classes more. There is a bit more nurturing environment than NESBA. It is also more limited in terms of speed and passing rules than NESBA.

But, NESBA has great, knowledgable dedicated control riders who have a strong concern for safety and growth of the skills of members.

I prefer NESBA, because they seem to work harder at controlling egos and keeping riders in the appropriate groups. Plus they actually care about tech inspection.

All that said, I'll be at Road America this weekend with STT, because I live just an hour away and I won't miss a weekend day at a track so close.

sheepofblue · 08-10-2006, 12:57 PM

Thanks Zippy. How about the passing of control riders in Intermediate? As HG pointed out this seems like a chance for bottleneck.

HondaGalToo · 08-10-2006, 12:59 PM

I'm under the impression that it can vary greatly by region, too. I've heard good things about NESBA from the southern contingent, but not as good things from around here in the northeast.

ConqSoft · 08-10-2006, 1:02 PM

Wouldn't that be SESBA?

Zippy · 08-10-2006, 1:04 PM

First, the control riders with NESBA are fast, so you'll have more of a challenge at times. Second, all you have to do is pull up along side, and get the wave by. They are not there to hold you up, and are usually very good at letting you by quickly. They do look behind as well as ahead, and help usher faster riders past slower ones. It is more of a planned ballet than a free-for-all. They may occasionally slow you down a little so that someone with more corner speed can make it past your motor.

In the "A" group, you can pass anyone, anywhere, anytime, as long as you are courteous. If you stuff someone, or cause a dangerous situation, your peers will come over and tell you to knock it off. But that seldom happens, because everyone in that group has a lot of experience with passing courtesy.

Zippy · 08-10-2006, 1:07 PM

I could see that it would vary from region to region. There are different people running the show. There are always some people with good or bad experiences with any club.

CBRVFR · 08-10-2006, 1:26 PM

Zippy, that's exactly what I was looking for. Thanks. You've been repped!

Anybody else?

sheepofblue · 08-10-2006, 1:37 PM

no danger of me being in "A"

thanks and what Dave said

evl_twn · 08-10-2006, 2:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CBRVFR

Anybody else?

Zippy gave you very accurate info. I've done 9 NESBA events, three in "B" group and 6 "I" group. I totally agree about the bumping from one group to another, you have to prove yourself instead of just signing up. I have seen some crashes at NESBA events, seems like more at Blackhawk than anywhere else, but that place is usually pretty packed. My only other organization experience is one event with Desmo of Indiana (very well run event, but no proving yourself. You can sign up for any group.) and the FBO days at Grattan. FBO was the best track experience I've had to date, but that was because of the people, and the safety requirements and quality of tech. We all pretty much knew each other before going, so you know the people you're out on the track with so a much lower chance of bonehead riding. NESBA is pretty close to that, I've met some really good people there. NESBA tech is pretty thorough too, but they do let people on the track with coolant (except "A" group"). And the "A" guys are fast. I'm consistent 1:20 - 1:22 at Putnam, and in the "I" group.

Red Rider · 08-10-2006, 3:24 PM

Do the Control Riders have mirrors on their bikes? Just curious since they must be looking over their shoulder a lot otherwise...

Zippy · 08-10-2006, 3:52 PM

No, they don't use mirrors. Their heads are mounted on swivels. It is a bit disconcerting when you are riding as fast as you possibly can, and some control rider is in the turn right in front on you, one hand on the bars, dragging knee, but looking backwards. Sometimes they'll ride kind of side saddle, with one leg hooked on, so they can pivot enough to see you and watch your form. Then they will give you pointers later, so long as you ask for them.

abtech · 08-10-2006, 3:55 PM

Interesting. At the Schwantz school they used mirrors and it worked just fine without requiring anyone to ride sidesaddle at pace. I heard they are working on a rear camera setup with LCD screen for the instructors as well . . .

rotorblade · 08-10-2006, 11:55 PM

Have to agree with what has already been said about Nesba... great org... in fact I'm going to see them this weekend

. I've never ridden with STT but Nesba is very organized with safety a priority. As stated the CR's can become a slight hassle, but usually by lunch they've got their group of riders (the same group of control riders will generally stick with the same group of riders) figured out, and they knwo who needs waved and who doesn't. And if you're fast, smooth, safe and consistent you will have no problems getting the bump.... it only takes two CR's to notice you need one, and you'll get it.