dmj120

. That's da word on the street; with a heavy emphasis on lots But would you really want anything less from an instructor? I don't think the "let me check" answer would please too many students.

Really.......... "Hawaii" and "work" in the same sentence??? ya , I think that's some sort of grammar faux pas

That's a good point. In fact, I've stated getting back into shape -- at least to build up some stamina for long ridin' days

Could this be one -if not the primary- reason why most racers don't attempt this maneuver several times (aside from 'showing one's hand')?

FoRealz !! All the nicknames I've had were all earned, in one way or another

Similar to Cobie, I've been ill - just not too bad, but then again I was on vacation too bad timing. Street: I don't have any specific things, but I do have two scenarios: 1.) Commuting - 65 miles, one-way; although lately in the mornings I through on some extra stuff... sweat pants, rain jacket and pants, sweater, and some rain over gloves, which I love. After tucking the front coming home from work with only a helmet and gloves (had work shirt and slacks), I've learned 'it's better to sweat than to bleed' -- plus getting road rash debris'ed by a smartass reinforces the need for gearing-up; 2.) Riding the twisties with friends, which is a quick gear check, bike check, and go. Track: Nothing out of the ordinary. I make sure my bike is prep'ed, pack the night before, start hydrating (usually beginning the morning before going to the track), get plenty of sleep, have a couple bananas in the morning and try to get my mind right [pay attention to procedures, ride my own ride, etc.]. For me, my mental status is the driving force. For example: I did a weekend thing at Pahrump with Trackxperience, which was my first weekend experience. Had a blast the first day, a great BBQ at the track with them, but during the second day around 11 am, I couldn't hold a line or hit a turn-in / breaking point to save my life -- my mental status crapped out so I bailed out. To be dreadfully honest, after leaving the Marine Infantry life (line corpsman, babe) I pretty much quit exercising, for which I'm now paying the price. One thing that I have come to enjoy and appreciate is the participation in bike forums. Not only here, but in the other bike forums as well. True, there's a bit more trash talking in a few forums (hehe ) but I think whether in jest or in guidance, the mere act of talking and reading about riding further solidifies skills, traits, ideas, thingies, do's-n-dont's, etc. Before my first time at a track, I'm readin and chatin... preparing myself for the tricky turns and those little tips from the guys who've been there. Knowledge is key, which is why I went to my first CSS class.... without the key, you can't unlock the life-altering fun, that is, riding.

If I could add my take... No, yes/no, and yes. when you quick-flick, you're not upsetting the chassis; you're instead, getting the bike turned with the "correct" speed/timing. There's obviously a fine line, but I understand the process as: brakes and gear change, brakes, lean (counter-steer - we don't want the front to tuck under), at the max-lean roll-on the gas to get suspension working right - which takes the load off the front right before there's an issue. I see stuffing someone as: getting under them with a little lean and once on the 'normal line' flick-it faster; or, diving in sooner, using a different turn-in point but taking a wider exit (to maybe set the next turn up). There's definitely a greater chance of loosing the front due to losing the smooth throttle control, or turn-point causing more of a jerky turn, etc. But if you get on the gas once you're supposed to (which I think is right before max lean angle) to get the weight transferred -- you are okie-dokie. I would also suggest, for us mere mortals, getting to that point tain't easy; if it were, we'd probably have a different career. Remember too, counter-steering.... there are other steps taken which also help mitigate tossin' it away. Some of the best on-board stuff I've seen is the pros' hand shots. Seeing them grad a handful, roll-on slightly and then pin it, is just awesome. When you are on the brakes or on the throttle, you are controlling the bike's momentum; what's in control if not you... centrifugal / centripetal forces, gravity... what? During my class Keith, and everyone else, stressed if you're not on the gas, you're on the brakes - coasting is where disaster lurks.

The ear thing was on reason I'd ground pilots when in the military. It was fun to tell a cocky brass-type 'hit da rack' as a lowly little enlisted guy

I learned at my first track day the importance of good suspension set-up. In fact, it was Dave who did it - and what a difference!! I don't remember who here gave this http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/6516891 link, but it is awesome. How to tell when you're off-throttle, which he actually told me when I had him set me bike up... he could tell which turns I was off-throttle. I consider Dave is too suspension, as Keith is too cornering; both has spent many years researching and teaching, and both are passionate about their crafts. If I could add one thing to Pete's response, it would be: Check your spring rates. RaceTech has a nice search tool. I say this because my '08 zx10 had the correct fork springs for my weight but the shock's was more suitable for my itty-bitty wifey. After getting the correct spring for my shock, dialing it in was much easier and more centered in the stroke (something I believe that is covered in the Twist 2 DVD as well -if memory serves correctly). I created an excel sheet to help me with my settings (http://www.4shared.com/document/yGsRJ383/StockSuspensionSettings.html). I copied the service manual settings and descriptions so I could start 'playing' with various settings - but could track and if needed, return to a particular setting (you have to look at all 3 tabs). Feel free to download and modify for your bike's specs. I put this up on the zx10 forum too, and got a few thumbs up. I've actually posted many simialr excel sheets for peopl to use... I really love excel. Anyway, hope the links or spreadsheet can help.

First, let me say "yup!" the day starts too late and ends way to soon... but then again I've felt the same about every track day except 1 (a weekend thing). I HATE the last time out... I feel that little boy inside starting to through a fit when it's time to start packing up . But that is one of the reasons that I know how much I truly enjoy being out there -- for a track day for training. Also, as Keith has said, there's a lot of advise out there - my main objective was to get my friend to begin to understand what the book and dvd was saying, and to get him, at least, a little safer. Especially, when I was able to say "dude, you're doing ____; I know, 'cause I did it too. See the difference these couple things make?" Just the few things from the dvd about throttle control made such a difference in his riding, confidence and enjoyment that even though we went slow - so much so, that the ride was 4 times longer than I (a beginner/intermediate guy) would have ever taken. But at every stop, once his helmet came off and the Ora of 'yeah' that surrounded him made it one of the best rides. ---ok, rant done. The techniques and crawl before you walk methodology works -- without you even realizing it. I think that is the part of the program that I like; not the do this, but the if you do this, it'll feel like that -- in other words, attacking the cause, not the symptom.

Abso-poz-itively. That would be something nice to see. It might not be the most-used, but a would likely provide another "learning" aspect. THe more I've gotten into riding, the more interested I've become in the mechanics as well - and I'm sure I'm not the only one.

So I got the flick-rate part, but for the follow-on, I was thinking about passing (ie stuffing) someone in the turn - instead of just being quicker. ....good thing it was just a mini quiz and not a final

For us less mechanically verbose... What is a "snatch?"

Proper set-up being the key.... coupled with total commitment, of course. How many times have the announcers said "he's looking like he wants to pass" or "he's setting it up" or "looks like he's looking to set something up for later?" OK, and what also has to change with the riding if the entry speed goes up? This is your mini-Twist 2 quiz for the day . CF Well, the first thing that comes to mind is, your flick-rate. But in this context, I'd have to say, many things; turn-ins, braking point, turn-in point, apex, the point at which you're on-throttle, your line. You're obviously thinking about running-in a bit deeper and tighter, which would alter 'all points at which a technique is perform' but not the manner in which they are performed... ie wide vision, smooth roll-on, good body position, etc. Si o no?