On a daily basis, motorcycle riders are faced with distractions and hazards that can interfere with one's enjoyment of the sport of motorcycling-but, what if you could go to a place where it is just you and your machine in a controlled, distraction free environment? Sound like heaven? Well, in reality it is in Arizona , and at Firebird Raceway during Arizona 's Spring Bike Fest, if you are a sport bike rider then you and your bike can test each other's limits in an environment free from distractions and the daily hazards of traffic.

At Arizonatrackday.com, riders have the opportunity to hone their skills in different classes to make themselves become better riders. Recently, Brian Jackson spoke with Macc Crocker, Director of Rider Training, who told him a bit about what this event means to local folks. "People lose basic skills in Arizona because of straight roads." In other words, there just aren't a lot of "twisties" where a person can push a sport bike to the limits other than in traffic and that location offers certain hazards to the rider. Here at Arizonatrackday.com riders can practice in a safe environment, and gain confidence in their abilities. Here's the way it works: At registration, riders are assigned to four groups: beginner, super street, intermediate, and advanced. It is all about skill level and improving that talent. Peter Cramer, owner of Phoenix International Motorsports, says that the real benefit is that this place is a safe environment with no worries for the rider. Ted Rich, owner of Arizonatrackday.com, told Brian that this event offers first-time riders the opportunity to learn without distractions and that is extremely important.

Now while riding is the chief objective here, the event has also developed into much more! There are now a variety of vendors offering the latest in riding gear and other accessories. Also, while you bring your own bike to the track for riding, there are also some sweet demo rides from a variety of manufacturers! As far as some of the other fun stuff, there is go-cart racing on a separate track, and there are some great stunt riding demonstrations! And, there is also something else that is pretty unusual: pocket racebikes! These mighty-mites deliver fun with some surprising "get up and go!" In addition, while you are fine-tuning your racing skills, you can have your bike fine tuned as well! While there are loads of things to do at Arizonatrackday.com, perhaps Macc summed it up best when he told Brian, "The goal is to enjoy the sport of motorcycling." We'll agree with that.

If you would like more information on Arizonatrackday.com, you can give them a visit at www.aztrackday.com . So until our next ride, "Keep the shiny side up and Ride On!"

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