Click in the Eyewitness News Story Window above to watch the accompanying video to this story.
But there is an alternative for those wanting some two-wheeled thrills -- it's called a Track Day.
"You go out in the canyons and you see guys doing really crazy, stupid things. And so we thought, you know, we'd help give them a place that they can go ride," said David Pyles from Fastrack Riders.
Fastrack Riders does several Track Days each year at places like California Speedway in Fontana. Riders have to pay a fee (about $200 is typical), wear the right protective gear, and their bikes have to pass an inspection. But then it's time to put the hammer down on the speedway's road course.
Participants are separated into three groups based on skill level. First-timers are encouraged to attend the novice class, where instructors will provide coaching both on the track and in the classroom.
If you don't have a suitable motorcycle, you can even rent one right at the track.
Riders come from all walks of life, and you'll find a wide range of ages. But most all agree that this beats trying to go fast on the street.
So do Track Day riders still go fast on the roads?
"Not as much as I used to. It's a lot more fun out here. The streets get a little bit Dangerous," said Track Day rider Mario Yamnicky.
"We have a group, we do ride the canyons and stuff. Most of them say its safer here," said Track Day novice Rommel Urquico.
Some guys do this several times a year. And by the way, it's not just guys. Track Day veteran Chana Anderson got up to about 140 mph on the straight-aways.
"The track is the place to go fast," said Anderson.
The organizers of the Track Day Eyewitness News visited, Fastrack Riders, say they don't even care which track that you go to, just so long as you go to one and get your speed-craving satisfied in a safe environment, and not on the street.
"There is no excuse, because almost any day of the week in Southern California, between the tracks in the area, there is someplace you can go ride your motorcycle," said Pyles.
It's a lot of fun done safely, without worry of a collision with a car or an encounter with a police officer.
For more information:
- Fastrack Riders
Fastrack Riders is the organization that lets motorcycle riders fulfill their need for speed in a safe and controlled environment at tracks like Auto Club Speedway in Fontana. They offer classes for beginners who may have ridden a motorcycle, but not at this level. (Beginning and novice riders are kept in the own group, away from the faster, more experienced people).
www.fastrackriders.com - Sport Bike Rental.com
If riders don't have a "track ready" bike and want to give track riding a try, Sport Bike Rental.com has sport motorcycles available for rent at all Fastrack Riders.
www.sportbikerental.com
