This year has seen the rise of e-biking and it has completely changed the way we think about motorbikes. Instead of just using them to get from A to B, we’re seeing people using e-biking to explore their city and to get a taste of what’s new and exciting. One of the greatest things about this trend is that it has opened up new avenues of exploration for those who love motorbikes. On October 31, 2017, the whole world will be able to watch Dawgwood Speedway become the first e-biking racetrack. The following is a breakdown of how much everything costs to get into and race at the famous dragway.
Entrance Fee
The entrance fee to the e-biking racetrack is $40,000. The fee covers the cost of the track, prizes, paddock area, timing technology, safety gear, and transport to and from the track. While that may sound like a lot of money, it’s actually a bargain compared to the regular admission price of $6500 at a traditional motorcycle race. Allowing for inflation and considering that the average person travels 12-15km per hour, the total time it would take to cover the race distance is around three to four minutes. Assuming there are no major accidents, that’s going to cost you around $25 per minute or $125 for the entire race. Plus, there is a 10% gratuity charge for services rendered.
Rental Bike
If you’re entering the event without your own bike, then you’re going to need to rent one. Fortunately, there are a few options available that will help you make your way around town without breaking the bank. First of all, you can’t legally rent a bike in New Jersey, so that’s out of the question. However, you can rent a bike in New York City, which is only a few hours away. There is also the option of hiring a bike for the day. You’ll need to contact the event organizers to see what their terms and conditions are before deciding whether or not that’s a good idea. Most importantly, make sure you’re comfortable with the person you’re renting the bike from. Are they going to drop you off at the track and pick you up at the end? Does the bike have a helmet lock? These are all essential questions, which you should ask before renting any bike. In addition, make sure you’re prepared for the worst case scenario. You might end up needing an extra set of hands to help you get the bike back to the rental firm. In that case, make sure you’re prepared to pay for the cost of a cab or Uber. In most cases, the cost is going to be around $25 per trip, but there are exceptions to that rule. It really depends on what time of day it is and whether or not there’s traffic. You can also ask the staff at the rental firm for assistance. Most of them are going to be more than happy to help you out.
Practice Day
On the off chance that you’re entering a race and aren’t exactly where you need to be, then you’re going to have to spend a bit of quality time working on your craft. Fortunately, there is a practice day prior to the race on October 31. During the practice day, you’ll have the chance to get everything you need for the big day. You won’t have to worry about lining up at the entrance or finding a place to park. Everything will be taken care of for you. The only thing you have to do is show up and prepare for the big day. The practice day is more than enough time to get ready for the big race and it’s a much better option than trying to do it all on the night of the race. However, if you have something else going on on the night of the race, then that’s when you should ask about alternate arrangements. Things like this happen all the time and it’s a pain in the ass when they don’t.
Gear Check
Before heading out onto the track, you’re going to have to check your gear. This part is pretty straightforward. You’ll need to drop it off at the gear check, which will be located just outside the garages. The gear checker will inspect your chain, oil it, adjust your gears, and top it off with oil. This is important for the safety of both you and the bike. It’s also a good idea to do this a few days before the event so that it has enough time to properly air out and clean all the dirt off of it. In most cases, this will be a quick and painless process and it will only take a few minutes of your time. However, if you’re using a chain that’s over 7/8ths inches in diameter, then you might have to wait a little while since they have to be manually processed. Still, it’s a small price to pay for the protection it gives you.
Timing & Scoring
The timing and scoring for the e-biking race is pretty standard. However, it’s still updated every year in attempt to keep with the times. The entire process, from drop of the flag to presentation of the checkered flag, is around three to four minutes long. In that time, you’ll complete one lap around the track. The closer you get to the one minute mark, the more intense the pace will be. For instance, if you’re two seconds off the minute mark, then it will be a pretty quick lap. You’ll most likely be going pretty fast. Conversely, if you’re two seconds over the mark, then it will be a much slower lap. You’ll probably be going around at a conversational pace. The whole point of this timing and scoring is to see how quickly you can complete a lap and the farthest you go is determined by how many points you accumulate. When the checkered flag is displayed, the one with the most points wins. In most cases, the winner will be decided by the time elapsed. However, in some instances, the order can be decided by the number of points scored.
First Aid & Volunteer Service
As a motorcyclist, you’ll most likely end up getting injured during your time on the bike. When that happens, you’ll have to spend some quality time in the hospital or medical facility. Fortunately, those who work at the hospital are going to be more than happy to help you out. While you’re in the hospital, you’ll have the chance to meet a lot of new people who are there for the same reason as you are. This is when you realize that biking is a dangerous hobby and you want to find ways to make sure it’s as safe for everyone as possible. One great way to do that is to become a volunteer at the hospital. It’s a great way to give back, make some new friends, and help others who are there for the same reason as you. In most cases, all you have to do is fill out a form with your contact details and then look for an available shift. However, you can’t just show up and expect to be assigned a task. It really depends on what’s available and what the staff needs at the time. You have to be quick on your feet and be able to multitask. Plus, make sure you’re willing to help out and that you have the necessary skills to do so. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved and it’s a great way to give back to the community.
Getting into and participating in an e-bike race is going to be a great experience. It’s an exciting new world that opened up to motorcyclists and it will be interesting to see how it changes the way we look at and interact with our beloved hobby. Still, as exciting as this new hobby is, it’s also really dangerous. Be smart, be safe, and have fun!