Posts
1538
Joined
7/23/2013
Location
Farmville, NC, USA
Fantasy
I would like some opinions on track prep. I want to ask a series of questions about tracks in general, but thought I would start here. Let me start by saying my track was built as a training track for my son, not a race track. He along with a few friends on the same level that ride, a couple of LL vet class guys, and then a I have an A rider that rides and helps me keep up the track.
I have heard it all, tracks not cut deep enough or the tracks cut too deep.
I am using a field cultivator with rolling baskets, Unverferth Perfecta 2
I generally cut ours as deep as possible, I can get from 4-8 inches deep depending on the area of the track. When very dry we can have a foot of powder on the track in spots.
At this depth ruts are king. With just a few bikes on the track we are dragging pegs in the corners in a moto! It gets rough pretty quick, braking bumps form, then the acceleration bumps come. Gets rough pretty quick. I know this is great training for the big races!
My son is still a C class rider so getting his speed up is important to me as well as rut riding. In most local races he only has 5 lap sprints on perfectly groomed tracks. Totally different than where we train. I feel like I may be missing something in his training by cutting the track so deep and him not developing the speed that comes on a harder packed track. I have been told by those that should know that the speed will come. If he can ride in this rough stuff he will just get better on the groomed stuff!
I would like to hear what depths you track operators cut.
I would like riders opinions on the track depth.
Trying to soak in as much info as possible!
I have heard it all, tracks not cut deep enough or the tracks cut too deep.
I am using a field cultivator with rolling baskets, Unverferth Perfecta 2
I generally cut ours as deep as possible, I can get from 4-8 inches deep depending on the area of the track. When very dry we can have a foot of powder on the track in spots.
At this depth ruts are king. With just a few bikes on the track we are dragging pegs in the corners in a moto! It gets rough pretty quick, braking bumps form, then the acceleration bumps come. Gets rough pretty quick. I know this is great training for the big races!
My son is still a C class rider so getting his speed up is important to me as well as rut riding. In most local races he only has 5 lap sprints on perfectly groomed tracks. Totally different than where we train. I feel like I may be missing something in his training by cutting the track so deep and him not developing the speed that comes on a harder packed track. I have been told by those that should know that the speed will come. If he can ride in this rough stuff he will just get better on the groomed stuff!
I would like to hear what depths you track operators cut.
I would like riders opinions on the track depth.
Trying to soak in as much info as possible!
http://www.tomahawkmx.com/
Their facebook page has more current pictures.
Since getting back into riding I've been really impressed with what he does.
As to my opinion, a little loose soil is nice, enough to form berms and get rough, but absolutely not to the point of having to ride ruts for any length of time. For training, getting used to ruts would be valuable though.
speed..a few years back I was mid C class or mid-front 40+ vet class.
I never liked rock hard tracks, but I also never liked tracks cut so deep the pegs drag in corners or straightaway ruts.
The absolute best tracks for racing imo are ones with the corners cut 5-8" and the straights a little less..ruts in corners are good as long as they're not peg dragging deep...but the last thing I wanna do is go thru a 50' long rut wide open in 3rd down a straightaway.There were times I've done that and actually did ok in em (weight back..front end light and don't let off) but to a novice trying to learn to go faster... its a distraction cuz without that 50' rut I'd be hitting that straight considerably faster..
Basiclly...corners cut semi-deep
straights...a little less but still cut.
The Shop
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
Not sure how you can plow hard ground that deep with it unless you break it up some first with something else.
Otherwise you will spend a lot of time and money replacing those spring shanks.
They are a great piece for finish grooming because the faster you go, the better they seem to work.
The exception is if it is wet. Then you will spend a lot of time cleaning out the rear rollers.
I am sure you have found some of this out but wanted to point it out to anybody else considering one.
The amount of moisture in the ground makes about as much difference as what you work it with.
Adding organic material (sawdust, leaves, rice hulls, etc.) helps.
I prefer sand myself if you have a reasonable way to get it.
Overall it depends on your soil type. There is no one way to do it. Just like certain obstacles/sections won't work as well with certain types of dirt..............
I have several big clay piles 20ft high. Over the winter we intend to cover all the jumps with 6-12 inches of clay to help prevent face erosion I am facing now. During hard rains the jumps faces wash out bad as they were built out of the more sandy dirt on the farm!
I also have been using the PTO tiller for years and it will go deep and make it pure powder. It just packs so hard after a rain I don't like using as much. Also puts way more stress on the tractor!
You are also very right about the mud on the rollers, that is a bitch lol!
Post a reply to: Track Prep! Part 1: Cutting Depth