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Taiwan Highlights, 2012 I’ll do a short version and then a more detailed one for those that are interested. Short version: FANTASTIC! Better than I even expected. 2 flawless days, in virtually ever category: track is in excellent condition, interpreters did a fantastic job, both days were incident free, superb results for the students. The local organizers did an amazing job. Here is a link to some of the footage: More detailed version: The Taiwan California Superbike School is organized by Victor Chen, and assisted by his sister Gina. Can’t say enough about these 2 and how well they brought these days off! Arrived on Friday, a press conference on Saturday announcing the schools. Press conference went smoothly: attended by media, sponsors and celebrities (a top music producer, and a well-known singer were there, to name just a few). After the press conference, the crew traveled by bus to the southern end of Taiwan, a 6 hour drive—no, we didn’t take the high speed rail. The coaching staff was housed at the track’s hotel, while not yet open to the general public, it had delightful first-class accomodations. Sunday key personnel toured the track itself, and a general meeting coordinated with all staff: coaches got a chance to meet with their interpreters, got to know them and orient them on how the student training would be accomplished. At this point the coaches found out the interpreters had been studying the TWIST OF THE WRITS VOL 2 book, for many weeks, so they’d be familiar with the material—brilliant! The track is in a complex that was an old seaplane base. Aside from the circuit there is a first-class hotel, some old buildings not in use, and a few water activities (kayaks and paddle boats). One of the Oz coaches Jason was the ringleader in organizing the kayaking, the coaches used 2-man boats, and took their respective interpreters in what turned out to be an instant race from one end of the enclosed area to the other-- it just deteriorated from there. After being capsized by another, Oz school director Steve Brouggy got this evil grin leapt off the dock and made his day when he was able to capsize my kayak, as I was only ¾ wet by that time. The next day was our first on track, and all students were Level 1. School got off a little late, and we ended up running right until the end of the day. We got the full day in, no incidents at all, excellent results all the way around. Some of the walls are a little close, about the only downside to the track. Day 2 was off/on a little wet, but the track has excellent traction, wet or dry. All students were Level 2, Steve Brouggy doing virtually all the briefings over the 2 days. Again, a no incident day! A few interesting notes: After the initial press conference, a picture taken there was on the largest news outlet in the country the next morning. The 2 leading car magazines had their Chief Editors at the schools virtually the whole time. There is no dedicated motorcycle magazine, but they are enthusiasts and support the School wholeheartedly—2 competitive magazines. 3 students purchased motorcycles just to attend the event. 3 came from outside Taiwan: one from Manila, one from Hong Kong, and another from Beijing. These are just the ones we know about! Before leaving both students and the organizers were talking about future events were already asking about future training events! In my final informal debriefing Victor and Gina were asking me what could be done to improve the event. I had to think about it thoroughly, went over it with Steve Brouggy…the answer is very little. It was so well organized and run, it was as if they had done many. Personally, looking forward to going back! Best, Cobie Fair Chie Riding Coach World Wide