NESBA Basics
Riding Groups
NESBA operates it’s Track Days with three distinct riding groups;
Advanced, Intermediate, and Beginner (Includes Intro the first two sessions.)
Schedule (Track open 9-5, closed for lunch 12-1):
Advanced - Up at the top of every hour
Intermediate - Up at 20 minutes after every hour
Beginner - Up at 40 minutes after every hour (Intro in first 2 sessions)
These are skill-based groups, and organized according to speed, consistency and riding ability. While there is always overlap between the groups, it is designed to keep similarly skilled riders together, to the benefit of everyones safety. In order to assign, manage and coach the riders in each of these groups, NESBA has appointed Control Riders (CR). Control Riders wear bright Orange shirts when they are on the track so that they are easy to recognize and many times they wear a yellow staff shirt during tech or in the pits. CRs perform a multitude of functions, some of which are registration, tech inspection, meetings, on track coaching, and on track rule enforcement. The CRs are here to help you get the most out of your day, while trying to keep the groups safe and in control. CRs also are responsible for assigning riders to various groups, and to move riders up and down between groups where necessary. Sometimes, the single best thing that they can do for a rider is move them down to another group. NESBA believes strongly that this merit based system related to group assignments is far preferable to allowing any rider to sign up in any group at any event. It enhances the consistency and the predictability of the riders around you.
Beginner - The Beginner Group is for riders who are either new to riding on the track, or are working towards their Intermediate Group bump (promotion). This group will have people ranging from their first time on the track, to those that are almost Intermediate level riders. If you are new, expect to get passed, and passed a lot. Don’t worry about it! Don’t look back. And DON’T try to go faster than you are comfortable riding. It is ALWAYS the overtaking persons responsibility to make a clean and safe pass. Hold your “line”, and try to pick up more and more speed where appropriate as you become more and more comfortable on the track.
Note: NESBA has a FREE Introductory session that allows anyone to ride the first two sessions. These Intro Riders have reduced gear and bike prep requirements. See the NESBA Riders Manual for details. Registration is still required.
Intermediate - The Intermediate Group is for riders who have a very consistent line, and a higher pace than the Beginner Group. These riders are working on picking up their pace, learning more aggressive cornering, and how to set up passes on the outside of corners. They have a consistent line, and are comfortable with passing and being passed. Intermediate riders are also expected to understand and exercise good judgement calls on the track with regards to passing. This is NOT a race, and there are rules in place and CRs to help coach, as well as to enforce the rules.
Advanced - The Advanced Group is for riders who have a significantly higher pace than the Intermediate Group. NESBA describes this group as “much like” an open race practice. Everything goes with the exception of race-like and/or stuff-type passes. We are all here to have fun, and this is the group that the Control Riders get to “relax” in. Any and all Advanced riders must be clean and predictable. I feel comfortable passing and being passed within inches in the Advanced group. Any rider who cannot handle clean and close passing on the inside or outside should consider moving down to the Intermediate Group.