So, you want to try club racing do ya?

[87gsxrnut]

Costs for the last weekend:

$765.73

Includes:

New set of Dunlop 208GPAs (DOT RACE): $311
Hotel (2 nights): $149
Racing fees (one practice day + one race): $165
Race Gas/Truck Gas/food/ATM etc: The rest

Now, I get 2-3 race weekends on a set of the Dunlops. And, when we race at Infineon, I stay at home. This is more realistic if you are racing a newer bike, and have to drive more than an hour from home. Some fellow racers are running several races with 2-3 bikes. You can see how the costs will multiply there. Most of the fast guys will swap tires every weekend. Some twice in a weekend. Slicks are more expensive than the DOT race rubber as well.

I usually run 2-3 races, but I am in the points in Super Dinosaur, so, eh, I'd rather run balls out on the one and I can hope for some class trophy at the AFM banquet in January!

Yeah, I could camp out, and save the $149. F--k that. Army burned me out on that Bulls--t!



- Nut

[SuzukiGirl1]

Wow!! Almost $800 for one weekend!!

It must be worth it though, right? If you continue to do it?

I'm thinking about going to a track school day next year on one of our tracks in MN (brainard, MN). I think it'd be fun to learn more about that type of riding...although I'm a little nervous about all the things you've got to do to your bike to make it "track ready" as well as the possibility of crashing my bike and not being able to ride it the rest of the season (since it's my only bike)...

...hmmmm...I think I'm talking myself right outta that one!

Maybe I should just look into getting another bike to do that stuff with.

[FIVEINCH]

Isn't there a prize purse or anything?

[87gsxrnut]

Isn't there a prize purse or anything?

Yeah, I pull prizes out of my purse all the time.

as well as the possibility of crashing my bike and not being able to ride it the rest of the season (since it's my only bike)...

Why wouldn't you? Just fix it! Unless you endo the bike real bad to where it is a twisted mass of junk, most crashes are fixable real fast.

- Nut

[Louis]

That's REALLY an expensive hobby!

[87gsxrnut]

Yeah it is. The start-up costs are pretty high as well, that is why a lot of people don't do it. It takes dedication, time and money.

- Nut

[87gsxrnut]

Basic Start-up:

Z-leathers suit: $1,700
2 pair gloves: $250
2 helmets: $650
Sidi vertebra boots: $250

Front stand: $125
Misc tools: $500
Generator: $1,000

We got lucky and snagged a trailer for $500.

This doesn't count all of the tools etc. that I already had nor the bike/spares.

- Nut

[FIVEINCH]

Originally Posted by 87gsxrnut

Yeah, I pull prizes out of my purse all the time.

HA! 'Nut's got jokes! Say that while holding your tongue, 'Nut.

[87gsxrnut]

I can barely say it normal!

- Nut

[Janis]

Oh yeah, this is a quite expensive hobby, and Nut forgot to mention many items (what about the cost of the racing licence and medical expenses to get it?).

That's why many people think about becoming a racer, but a few actually do. It takes a real, strong passion. I went through many of the expenses Nut points out> bike modifications, trailer, gear, etc. even if I'm not a full season racer.
I think the strong emotions, thrill and excitement that riding the tracks and racing give back to us ARE worthy every cent we spend on it!

Another nice thing is that cars are a lot worse!

[Louis]

I'm not saying it ain't worth it. I'd love to do that (well I don't know since I haven't tried it) but I just don't have the wallet.

[87gsxrnut]

I think the strong emotions, thrill and excitement that riding the tracks and racing give back to us ARE worthy every cent we spend on it!

Exactly. It invades your mind all day, every day. When you are not thinking about racing, you are thinking about racing. I have seen many relationships destroyed because of racing. It is all consuming.

It is the best mistress ever!

- Nut

[007]

there are several other very expensive, as well dangerous hobbies - with God's willing I'm gonna try them all:
- helicopter skiing: they drop you off on the mountain of your choice in Alaska - 5-10 people share the helicopter rental for the day (you must be able to ski 'black diamond' trails if you want to come home alive from helicopter skiing - I'm not there yet, but I'm trying to improve myself).
- skydiving: costs something like $150/jump - if you become a club member it costs less, but still, it will evaporate all your money.
- ocean sailing: sailboats are insanely expensive and insanely dangerous on the high seas. Been there, done that - it is awesome stuff. Recommend it with all my heart.

[SDSUsnowboards]

Do you love the thrill of hanging on the knife edge of centrifugal force? You like being wrapped in a veil of wind screaming at you, pulling you back as you lean deeper and deeper into the turn as if trying to become one with the ground? You like fugging up without consequence: a mistake resulting in a broken bone or two at the worst in most cases? Try snowboarding. Start up cost: 1,000 to 1,500 depending on your tastes.
This includes a snowboard, boots, bindings, and reasonably priced snow wear such as gloves, goggles, beanie, jacket and pants.

Going to a nearby moutain for a week can cost as little as 400-600 bucks including all forseeable costs of lodging and lift tickets and food and misc expenditures as well as travel (by car).

Yup, snowboarding, the poor man's sport!

[themeatmanlandry]

Originally Posted by 87gsxrnut

When you are not thinking about racing, you are thinking about racing.

- Nut

That's a "Zen" thing ain't it?

"He who truly is . . . is not."

[87gsxrnut]

Yeah, basically!

- Nut