Heading to the track?

There are some things that you will want to bring with you. I am assuming that at this point you have a bike, all your gear, and a way to get your bike to the track.

1. Some method of getting you and your bike out of the sun.
   
2. A friend - You will need help, no doubt about it. Preferably someone who likes bikes and can move one around on their own.
   
3. Sunscreen. Leathers are not even remotely comfortable if you have a sunburn. Not even a little bit. I'm serious, you have NO idea.
4. LOTS of water. Leathers are not known for being cool to wear on warm days.
5. Enough tools to completely tear your bike apart. In most cases this is only a few different sizes of wrench, but DO NOT show up with just the tool kit from under the seat. You WILL hate yourself for it later, trust me, I have seen it happen. Not to mention that people will point and laugh.
   
6. Tire pressure gauge. When you get to the track, talk to the tire vendor, if there is one, and find out what pressures he recommends for the track and air temps.
7. Chairs. Unless you want to spend a small fortune, and you run triathlons in your spare time, you will a. need a rest and b. will have plenty of time to wait around.
8. Clothes to wear at the track when you are not in your leathers.
9. Food. There is not always a place to get food at or near the track. Some tracks don't even have bathrooms.
10. Something to do while waiting, that is, if you can pull yourself from action on the track.
11. Some means to get around the outside of the track. A mountain bike, BMX bike, 50cc dirtbike, scooter, we don't ride motorcycles because we like to walk. Check with the racing organization to see requirements for pit bikes.
12. Gas can - Fill this up before you get to the track, get at least 5 gallons. If you are riding a lot, get 2 of these. You would be surprised at how many times people don't have gas at the track. Some tracks sell 'race gas' which is over 100 octane and usually costs something like $5 a gallon (or more), you REALLY DO NOT need that gas.
13. Don't forget your rear stand!! Its a real bummer having to lean your bike up against a fence all day.
14. Stopwatch. Even if your bike comes with a lap timer, or you bought one to mount on it, it is nice to be able to tell who is really getting it out there. You can watch that person and see what lines they take to get around so quickly.