Claim your space

I struggled all day during a recent track day with finding the confidence to pass other riders.

It was a funny day out there... Lots of guys finding speed in a straight line then grabbing a fistful of brakes right in front of me after passing, to enter turns super slowly. I didn't get much open track (which is fine - I don't need to just do reps on wide open track all day) and spent a lot of time putting slowly through corners behind dudes focused on their inside knee, not their references or lines or actual speed.

During a break I taped my dash to remind myself - I've come far enough I don't have to ride to let people pass me (my habit is still to position myself on track and adjust my speed down on the straits to be easily and predictably passed since I've been so slow for so long).

It's going to take time to change those habits. I didn't manage to find my rhythm passing this weekend, but I am starting to remind myself: If they can pass me, they will. I don't have to let them.

The wiring to defer to others - - riders, partners, colleagues - - is so deeply ingrained. Putting myself first is so foreign to me, still. Definitely a one step forward two step back thing.

Next time out, more of the same.