Riding fast doesn’t come with having a powerful machine and
enthusiasm. It helps but, doesn’t guarantee it. Being quick is a skill and like
most talents, if you’re not born with it, you’re going to need instruction to
use it properly. Last month I spent a weekend in Spain with the Motocraft team at
Monteblanco race track. It’s a circuit used for F1 testing so, it’s definitely qualified
itself as a dynamic enough location for bikes too. Don’t be confused though,
this isn’t a trackday away from home, it’s a 3 day learning experience with
tuition. You will be allocated an instructor for the weekend who will orientate
you to the circuit first (braking points, turn in points, apexes etc) and then using
the onboard footage, will debrief you after every session. The tuition is aimed
at track riding but, many of the techniques also apply to road riding and will
make you a more confident and competent road user.
Suspension setup included
Power is nothing without control. Spending money to get 20hp
more than the next guy isn’t worth the expense if you’re bike is still
wallowing 10m after the apex when everyone else is back on the gas. If you’ve
never had your suspension setup, you’re doing yourself and your bike a
disservice. The level of adjustment on today’s bikes is enough to transform
your basic setup to a completely different machine. It’s also an important
service for identifying faults on your bike. For example, 10 year old fork oil
is past its useable date and the spring\preload on your rear shock absorber
wasn’t designed for your size and weight. Kieran Ryan is on tap all weekend to assist
with your bike.
The Monteblanco circuit
Set in the idyllic surroundings of Andalucía, the
Monteblanco facility is less than an hour from Seville where we were based.
Each garage is organised brilliantly with plenty of power points for tyre
warmers, adequate space for working on your bike, a comfortable restaurant and excellent
security at night. The hugely grippy track itself has everything from high
speed straights, tight hairpins, elevation changing turns and plenty of run off
when your ambition overcomes your ability. The surface is ideal for road and
track tyres and the level of adhesion is unbeatable. Tracktime is as good as it
gets with pit lane opening at 9am and carrying on until almost 6pm every
evening, so your fitness will be tested.
The package includes shipping your bike from Dublin on
purpose built crates on which you can also transport your helmet, leathers and
gear so all you need on the plane is weekend clothing. Your bike will be
delivered directly to the track and repackaged for return to Dublin for
collection. Accommodation is also included in the price and all of the services
such as suspension advice, tuition and video footage are also included.
The next event is February 22-24th 2019, ideal for
dusting of the winter cobwebs and racers giving bikes a shakedown in preparation
the 2019 race season. For more information, check out Motocraft.ie or contact
Paul direct on paul@motocraft.ie
Words and images - (c) Andy Quinn
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