Anyone ridden Beford Autodrome?

[guru]

looks pretty squiggly, not heard of anyone who's been there though
http://www.clubmsv.co.uk/bike-home/circuits/bedford-autodrome.aspx

[motobiker]

slap banng next to RAF thurleigh. WW2 site. used by  USAF heavy bombers.

the museum there is rather interesting.

[bidges]

 I've driven it on an open pit track day. Was a good track with only a couple of bends with a wall for a run off area.

[grim reaper]

Yes I have.  It was on a journalists open day arranged by the MCIA to get the more mundane bikes tested and writen about.  Got to say, the track is flat and fairly boring, the worst one in MotorSportVision's group of 5 tracks ( along with Brans, Oulton, Snett and Cadwell.  Only my opinion though about the Autodrome, whereas I think Cadwell is probably the best circuit in europe, and the one most racers talk about when they are spinning the stories out.

I'm new to the forum but I've been reading with interest many of the posts, quite a lot start off or get around to track days.  I can say I've done most of the training that's available out there, Bikesafe with the boys in blue ( and yellow! ) IAM and ROSPA, and track days.  They all offer something from which to learn from, including track days.  But its track days that I've seen the biggest variance in quality.  The bike safe and advanced stuff is well put together and has a common structure of good and flanned organisation, many track days also but I've seen and given up on a few track days with no organisation or even a basic degree of control.  These tend to be the cheaper ones that are almost informal race days where you are out there with people who think they are much better than they really are and will do something completely unexpected. 

Its a good idea to start a track experience with a well reputed outfit, Hopp Training get a mention on here in quite a few threads.  They are the best I've experienced at a decent price, (California Superbikes are also good but so pricey).  Hopp don't let anything get out of hand or silly but still encourage you to have a good time.  All the while they are teaching skills for bike control and to stop you out riding yourself.  If it's any indication of Hopps credibility, Lincs police team up with them for their track days at Cadwell.  Also highly recommended as a sample of what its like riding at a track.  I've done 2 of the police days there and a couple of friends are booked in for 1 this year (its silly  cheap but learn loads).

What Hopps do with the police is a slimmed down version of what they do for their own track days.  Certainly boosts skills and in turn boosts confidence.

Sorry for rambling, thought above might be useful to some.

[guru]

Thanks forthe replies. Yep agree about the track days, they vary in quality enormously. Reckon I'll give Bedford a miss then. Are you a freelance hack or on one of the bike mags?

[The Red Barron]

Isn't this the Palmer Sport base?

[grim reaper]

Thanks forthe replies. Yep agree about the track days, they vary in quality enormously. Reckon I'll give Bedford a miss then. Are you a freelance hack or on one of the bike mags?

Sorry if I misled, no not a journo, I was working there for the organisers.  Re later post.  It is in the Palmer group, Jonathan Palmer owns MotorSportVision.

[mikiboy]

Can't agree about Cadwell being one of the best tracks in Europe or even UK.  It's a great track to ride, but facilities are dire and run off isn't great in places.  I've not ridden Outon but by all means it's as good if not better.
The new Silverstone track is superb.  That MUST be the best in UK.
Rockingham National is a great track.  Totally different from Cadders in that it's wide and plenty of run off and it's a smooth track which is technical but you can get a good rythmn.
Donnington was ok but you do need a faster bike there (I crashed big style there)
My favourite track has to be Vals in France.  Big, technichnical, fast, superb facilities and 50% cheaper than UK.  Pau is supposed to be similar to Cadders, but was away so missed that one.
Croix is like mallory.   I'm not a fan or either.
Brands is an excellent track but bloody expensive.
Nogaro is like Donny a bit from what I remember.  Nice track to ride.
The new Snetters looks better
Have done a few more but to be honest most UK tracks are not in the same league as the French ones I have ridden and seen.  Hopefully the Donny revamp will take it up there.

[guru]

You've got to go to Oulton, it's a lot like Cadwell in that it's like a rollercoaster, and medium speed overall. Yep facilities at Cadwell are basic, although much better than they used to be, but for just riding it takes some beating.