Track Review

Glen Helen is by far the most iconic track Socal has to offer; if you have been there, you know what I’m thinking. You either hate the track or you love it. I won’t pick a side just yet; let’s get into what I like & don’t like about Glen Helen.

Pros:

1. When you go here for the first time you realize that there is no other track in Socal just like it. The hills, dirt, weather, jumps & facilities are all in a class of there own.
2. The main track has that outdoor motocross feel to it. If you are a precise and selective rider who can put the bike where you want it when you want to, you will most likely love it here. It definitely favors the rider who is patient and precise with line selection.
3. The hills add a whole aspect to racing/riding you don’t really have a chance to experience anywhere else. Mount St. Helen is awesome; climbing that hill is such a rush, but keep your speed up and stay on two wheels; you’re going to have a difficult time trying to start a climb midhill.
4. Talladega turns/start straight, don’t get me started; a good rider could be 4th pinned, if not more, in the start straight and going into the turn.
5. This track is perfect for someone trying to get better in the slick or sandy areas of a track. It is perfect for learning your limits and what your bike likes.

Cons:

1. You have to be so carefull here almost to the point of slowing yourself down. The dirt is very soft which cause you to slide around everywhere at times.
2. Trying to make it down the hill is an accomplishment of its own; the braking bumps are huge at the middle/end of the day. They teach a lot of bike control, but they also beat you up.
3. The jumps always build lips/kickers. After about 10 AM, trying to jump off of any of these jumps in a straight path. You don’t need to know how to whip; becomes difficult, but you do need to know how to bring the bike back a few inches so you land straight or save a cross jump.
4. This isn’t a con per say, there are tons of fast riders out there. They won’t take you out or anything but they definitely will let you know your getting passed (as they should).
5. If you’re not in pretty amazing shape, two laps will feel like 20 just because of how rough the track becomes. Keep that in mind before you race/ride here.

Overall Thoughts:

• I believe everyone should ride here at least twice. That has the ability to allow you to learn so much about yourself and the bike. It teaches bike control, brake control, throttle control, & so much more. It may be difficult to ride if your not a top tier rider, but the more you ride here, the faster you will get. I will say it’s not my favorite, but only because it has every aspect of riding in slower in, which is something I need to work on. Thank you, Glen Helen, for keeping the track so true to its roots!