Cobie Fair
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Posts posted by Cobie Fair
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When the 2008 schedule went up I was pretty sure I saw a track date for Loudon, NH. I think it was the 2008 schedule because it also listed the track in NJ - which is new and only opens in 2008.
Any chance of a Loudon, NH track day? Is it under consideration or something?
Thanks
It was up there, and then got taken off. We were told they had double booked it, so we ended up not being able to do it. I think there was another date they wanted to book us, but we had a conflict, so that didn't work.
The track in NJ is coming along nicely, and owned by the same people that own VIR. That has been an excellent track, and the staff have been very good, so we are looking forward the the NJ track.
Best,
Cobie
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Hi,
Just saying hello. I am looking to try the level 1 course sometime this year, I am just awaiting delivery of Twist the wrist 1 and 2 and will be reading them. I have done a couple of track days at Cadwell and am 99% a road rider, I would however like to get more into track riding and think the course is the best way to get the most out of it. Hope to see some of you around!
Welcome aboard Rick!
The UK guys will look after you for sure, certifiable bike nuts they are! I'll be interested to hear how it goes after you take the school. The current program has evolved into a very nice gradient scale of adding skills, but let us know your take on it, and if there is anything we can assist you with. Having a look at the Twist books before the school will definitely prepare you better.
Best,
Cobie
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My wife had the first year Honda Hurricane: I got on that and was going faster, with more confidence than I had with almost anything I'd ridden to date, I was very impressed.
Cobie
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Im sure you have heard it a million times, but its rider dependant and climate can also make a difference.
Play with it, you will find what you like and what you dont like.
I don't know that rider or climate are the issues that they have been made to be. We have riders of all skill levels and weights, and run in either very hot temps, or pretty cool, and we don't change the pressures at all, nor do I think race tire reps do. I'll put in a question to Dunlop, and ask them.
Best,
Cobie
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Thanks
Let us know if this answers your questions or if you have any more. 2-day camps have been very popular with the students that can afford them, they get spoiled with the amount of service, track time, coaching ration (1 coach for 2 students) riding time (2 more sessions, if they can handle it:)), and the amount of riders on the track (only 13-14 students, max per group).
I think 2 days (even if not a 2-day camp) is often better than one. It's a steep learning curve initially, the 2nd day usually helps cement the skills, and students aren't in any kind of a rush when they know they will be there 2-days.
Best,
Cobie
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Dear All,
I posted this last year (and the year before), and we had good success with the coaching program. More coaches are still needed as it takes a while to train 1 coach (normally a season for a part time coach).
Read on, follow the steps if you are interested!
Regards,
Cobie Fair
Chief Riding Coach (Worldwide)
Here is the process:
1. Read the description below the dotted line for what we are looking for.
2. A very good riding skill level is required from our coaches. Some have met the other requirements, but had to work on their riding skill, and eventually became coaches. While riding skill is important, as or more important is ability to learn, ability to communicate and get along well with a wide variety of people, can endure hard conditions (school days are long!), and can attend enough school days in a year.
3. Please review the description and application carefully. This will ensure you won?t be wasting both of our time with questions that are already answered.
4. If you fit the description, or think you could meet the requirements soon, fill out the application that is attached and send it to me. In truth, I'd rather have you try out and let us decide if you meet the requirements, than not have you try out at all!
Cobie@superbikeschool.com
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If you can answer yes to all of the questions below then you may be just what we need. If you can't, let me know and we'll go from there.
1. Have you already taken the Superbike School (since 1995, preferably Level 1 and 2)?
2. Have you roadraced?
3. Are you already pretty fast? (don't have to be a track record holder, but can't be slow).
4. Are you friendly and personable--enjoy talking with people?
5. Do you learn new things fairly quickly?
6. Can you devote minimum 10-15 school days per year (not including travel time)?
7. Are you willing to do difficult homework, and have every aspect of your training skills scrutinized?
8. Have you read the Twist of the Wrist books?
9. Would you enjoy helping people learn how to ride better?
We are very selective and everything you say or do in the application process counts. I?m not interested in squids, dopers or short term relationships. I am looking for enthusiastic individuals that want to learn how to become great coaches.
If you think you have the right stuff, download the application and e-mail it to me!
Best,
Cobie Fair
cobie@superbikeschool.com
The file is available for download from the website and does not require registration with the forum. Just click the link below: http://www.superbikeschool.com/files/Application-2008.rtf
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I think sleepr's questions got answered, but on the first day (Sat) if you are in the white group, and had to leave after your last session on track, wouldn't be a problem, just let us know. 2nd day, we normally end off a little earlier, as we get on track earlier on the 2nd day.
If you are at all concerned, e-mail/call the office, ask to be put in the first group that will ride on track (white group), you'll have a little more room.
Best,
Cobie
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If anyone would like photos of this Silicone method pop a reply and I'll get it up here.
Cheers
Jason
I'd like to see it!
Best,
Cobie
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Does anyone have any experience with Race Tech products?
I am looking to overhaul my suspension on my 2006 R6. I'm thinking about installing the 25mm cartridge kit and fork spring in the forks and a possible rebuild of the stock shock with the Race Tech product line. I have read some good results with this rebuild (Sport Rider, 01/08 issue page78).
Furthermore, I'm in a bit of a conundrum whether to rebuild the rear shock or purchase and Elka 3-way Shock. The cost for the rear shock rebuild is about 400.00. The cost of the Elka 3-way is about 900.00. I will be doing alot of track days this year(Advanced) but no racing at this time. Any imput would be appreciated.
Don't know the Race Tech stuff as well, though it's certainly been around. We've been happy with the Elka shocks, and as for rebuilding, we have used GP Suspension (when Will was racing, he used their stuff a lot, and was very happy with it.).
They are out of Portland, Dave Hodges runs it.
Best,
Cobie
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Hello everyone. I've been guilty of being a "lurker" for a while now and thought I would get involved. My name is Tanner and I live about an hour south of Chicago, IL. Not really a prime location for roadracing. Plenty of crazy highway stunters, but not much in the track scene. I've done Levels I and II at blackhawk farms and Mid-Ohio. I used the school as my intro to the track scene and have yet to participate in a track day. I am excited though that they built an awesome facility about 15 minutes from my home, the Autobohn Country Club in Joliet, IL. I am signed up for some track action this summer. I see that blackhawk farms isn't on the 2008 school schedule, wondering what happened. Hopefully the school comes back, or better yet, comes to Joliet. That would be awesome!!!
Tgriff1222,
Glad you quit lurking and came out of the closet
There are a few things that all have to come together for a track date to work on our schedule, one of which is how does it fit in with the rest of the schedule, what does the track offer, is it a track students really want to go to, to name a few. Blackhawk didn't work out this year, and one thing that we would prefer is a track that had a better off-track training facility (so we can train the Lean Bike, Slide Bike, Brake Bike, etc.).
Hope we see you at another track in 2008.
Best,
Cobie
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Hi everyone! I'm new to the forum but have been riding for years now. I'm a track day junkie and my true passion is the art of performance riding! I have taken levels 1&2 of the Keith Code Superbike School at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. I'm a member of Sportbike Track Time track day club and hopefully will be a track day instructor this year. If you have any questions about Mid-Ohio just ask because thats where I do most of my track days!
Hi sduteil,
Mid-Ohio is for sure one of my favorites, has been for years.
Welcome aboard!
Best,
Cobie
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Hi Cobie,
Thanks for the welcome! We only have one race track here in the country and it's a good 2 hour ride from the city. So basically most of us bike enthusiasts here are road riders. Lots of twisty roads up the mountains here in the Philippines. I would love to take part in one of your classes but I guess I need to save up for my plane ticket. Australia CSS is also an option but still far away from me. So I'm just learning from my friend who took classes in US and Australia CSS. And also going over and over my Twist of the Wrist books
Hi Macky
Never been to the Philippines, like to some day. 2 hours away, that's not bad to get to a track, most in the US are further than that, you have to drive a bit more.
The books are excellent, but hope we do see you at a school some time!
Best,
Cobie
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I'm taking levels 3 and 4 in November. Which video would you recommend if I want to work on my body positioning between now and then? Thanks.
Video---there is of course the original Twist Video, that doesn't have what we will be working with you on in Nov. I imagine that you are going to be doing a 2-day camp, since we only have 1 single day school in Nov, and at that school you will get your own video. As for working on before then, best material would be Twist 2. Keith is rumored to be working on a Twist 2 video, but that's not done yet!
Best,
Cobie
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Welcome Erwin,
The book is excellent (and will help prepare you for the course). The UK branch of the superbike school are very keen, they'll work you over nicely
Let us know if we can help with anything!
Best,
Cobie
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Any input from CSS staff comparing the Stomp versus the Tech-Spec or why they changed from one to the other? I had Stomps on my previous bike but I'm wondering whether to switch to Tech-Spec for the new one.
Hotfoot,
Nothing that I have used has been better than the Stomp in terms of grip. But it has to be put on carefully (clean the tank well, let it sit for a day before using it, etc.). The Tech Spec also reportedly goes off and on, and looks a bit better.
Best,
CF
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Drew,
Keith and Stuman covered it. I personally like that years 636 a lot, it had great mid-range: so, if not racing, it's a great choice.
Best,
Cobie
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Michael,
I would pretty much agree with 2bigalow, maybe add that the Kawasaki 650 is another option (I HAVE to add that:)) Actually, I'd heard they can be made work very well, I think Stuman set a record on one...
I will say I've had to chase good riders on an SV 650 (while riding a 600) and at most every track it was all I could do to stay with them.
Best,
Cobie
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Hi Ben,
In the ranking of skills in cornering, it's not the highest, hence it doesn't get the most attention. We certainly will address it when asked, and on that point did you have a particular question? If you haven't looked at them, the Twist books have excellent data on braking.
Best,
Cobie
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I dunno about EVERY time, but yes it was quite consistent relative to the corner. I mostly remember it happening in turns 1 and turn 14 (top of the hill right hander) at VIR North Course. I don't recall it happening when braking for other turns but it was kinda a long time ago at this point.
If something doesn't happen every time, makes me think of the time Keith was working with a top factory rider, and he was going to re-build his front end (his mechanics were) because the front was coming off the ground in a turn--120 mph turn. Keith figured out it wasn't happening every lap, so it was not the bike, it was the rider.
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Hi! I'm Macky from Manila, Philippines....
I'm very far from any CSS event but I've read twist of the wrist 1 and 2. I'm a newbie, riding for 3 months now and racking up 4000kms on my GSXR600 K6. I was influenced by my friend, Jotle Viray, who is one of your students from the Philippines. I'm very happy to join this community and hopefully get some tips to improve my riding and make it more enjoyable.
Hi Macky,
Glad to have you up on the board and welcome. Never having been to the Philippines, what are your ridig options there---any racetracks?
best,
Cobie
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Hi Kristi!
Here's the officical, "Welcome"
Glad you are up here, post away!
Best,
C
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Michael,
I think Keith summed that up nicely. It's a key element I look for in a good coach. Natuaral ability in a certain area can be an asset, but guys that I didn't think would be really top coaches have become so, and due to that desire Keith referenced. Intending to make a goal, and doing what it takes to make it there.
Best,
Cobie
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Hi Far J,
That's a pretty good start that you have planned, with getting some coaching first. After that (and even at the same time) you might see about getting some other track days in to practice, and find out about racing in your area, check out the local racing scene. Local club racing is where you would go next. If you don't already have it, get a subscription to ROADRACING WORLD magazine (on line also). Of course the Twist of the Wrist books (and Soft Science) are the best reference material, get those if you don't have them!
Best,
Cobie Fair
ps---but of course, I'm biased
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I guess if you lead ever lap, it's less work passing the other guys, that's the ticket when not feeling well
good job stuman.
CF
2-day Camp Or Single Day ?
in School Questions/General Discussion
Posted
How long is a track session?
How many sessions during the single day?
How many people?
Coaching ratio?
Thanks again.
Fabio
Fabio,
I saw Eric's nice response, I'll just add a few things:
Track sessions are typically 20-25 minutes. Regular schools have 5 sessions, while the 2 day camp has 7. Most are pretty beat and some take breaks at the 2 day camps (7 sessions is a lot in one day). Coaching ratio is 3 - 1 at a regular school, and 2 -1 at 2-day camp.
Some riders like Eric prefer to take a day and then let it sink in. My biased opinion is that we usually get a better result with 2 days back to back (whether a 2-day camp or 2 single days). This especially for a first time to the track and/or first time to the school.
There are a few pluses with this, one being simply that the rider doesn't presssure himself if he knows he has 2 days. With only 1 day, some tend to try and do too much. Another is on the 2nd day we can often really maximixe the coaching, especially if the student lets us know how it went. Did he do really well with that particular coach? Were there things he wasn't quite clear on? With a 2nd day (while there is a lot of information) I think we get a overall better result.
Let us know if you have any other questions we are also in the during the day, feel free to call any time.
Best,
Cobie