Cobie Fair

April 5, back in the office. Just finished 6 days at the Streets, a little cold the first day, the rest all good. It's official, the bikes are pretty darn cool, and our crash numbers are very, very low. So much for fast bikes==more crashing. CODERACE was very entertaining, Peter Lenz started from the back and still won. Lex Hartly has a 250 racetbike, but had mechanical issues on it, so had to resort to his 150 four stroke, no real match for the 125. We have now got 3 different classes so riders will race with others of similar experience. Except Thomas Patch. Thomas came out, did well, runs '38's, did all 6 days in a row with us--and he is 68 years old. All you guys (hereafter referred to as "whiners) that think you are too old, better re-think that one! OK, that's as close as I can get to blog/facebook/tweeting/myspacing. Maybe this thread is too old and I should nuke it anyway. Best, CF

Welcome Matt, There is more on reference points in Twist 1, but let us know what you think of Twist 2? Best, CF

Hi Two, Good picture in 8! I kwow what you mean about street riding, not quite the same. I honestly look at is at cruising for the most part, a whole different style of riding. I still go faster that most around me, but I leave a nice margin--and I don't like tickets! CF

Welcome George! Out of curiosity, have you been to our school in Greece? Don't know if we have had any one review it yet, you could be the first. Best, Cobie

I'd go for what will get you able to lock on to the bike the best. I have short legs, and last time I used rearsets I was ecstatic, really made it easier to get locked on. Another thing that you can try is either Tech Spec, or Stomp Grip tank pads. They can help quite a bit. Front to rear position on the bike I don't t hink that critical, much more imptant will be you being able to lock on, and then get loose with the upper body. If a fist's distance is too much, try a little closer, OK to experiment and get a good position. The Duc tanks I've riden on have been very square, and I couldn't hang of them much at all. Best, CF

Tom Roach--haven't heard from him in a while--they used to come and do our Harley only schools we did way back when, mid 90's. As I recall riding was pretty decent. Best, CF

Andrew, Stuman already answered, and Oz chimed in, but those 2 together is the source of more crashes than we can count. I had 2 guys at a previous school, worked with them all day long to NOT do this, and they both crashed later in the day, reverting to old habits. They were so happy, had made huge changes, but they still slid back into that old mode of doing the 2 together!! Neither was hurt, minor bike damage (both in the same slow turn, but I was unhappy--they were my guys! Best, CF

Great shot Benoit! Your riding is looking really, really good these days, no kidding! Best, Cobie

Hi AJ, Normally I get up here frequently, but we have been flat out since Sears, so just now got a chance to read this. Great on the way back, and I know exactly what you mean about skipping the freeways in LA! You made nice progress (very nice) during the day Lyle and I worked with you. One of my favorite skills (other skills help make it happen, like the level 2 skills you did) is turning the bike quickly. This can take a bit of practice, and move your skill level up a click at a time. Both for spirited riding on your favorite curvy road, or missing the odd 4,000-6,000 pound mobile metalic cage (car:). Let us know how that goes! Best, Cobie

Good observation Oz, tired is a big issue. One thing that can help is hydration and electorlytes (discussed at length elsewhere. A recent bit of information I got was, the body needs 1 quart of water to just handle the bile produced by the liver, much less a hot day in one's own private sauna (leathers). CF

Hi Nic, So you are hanging off a lot with the butt, and the bike isn't leaning over much, do I have that correct? CF

Has anyone been to the that track in AZ, Motorsports Ranch?

Nicely put Elton! But then I'm biased. I will say even in the rain, those bikes were impressive, pretty sure everyone left the bikes in rain mode (only 150 HP), seemed to be enough for all CF

No I hadn't seen that, thanks! CF

Hi 99--whee, L-3 at Streets, thats about as good a place as it gets to do that level. If you want any prep, work your legs a bit, won't hurt you any. See if you can borrow Stuman's Thighmaster. CF

1 or 2 days Steve? CF

I find it easier. Less work to get the same result. Does have to be timed correctly, but less pressure on the bars too--I don't have to have both hands open from the grips. Not saying its the only way, know a number of guys that do use the clutch, some do/some don't at the school. With the new bikes and the shift assist, upshifts don't even require letting the gas off, whee!! CF

Welcome Bobblehead, Now that's an unusual name! CF

DB, Glad to hear it, I really like those level 2 techniques, use them ALL the time, most even driving in the cage. CF

Hi JasonZ, Thanks for the nice words, didn't even bribe you We usually keep the video after the school in case for any reason there is a problem. I'll ask Pete to see if we still have it, but for sure next time let us know (if you didn't already), so we can get you another CD. Sometimes there has been operator error, but if we know often can get you on the bike again. Best, CF

Hi CaperKen, We will use the infield course for that school, it's inside the big oval. Fun course, we reverse it from day 1 to day 2. I saw someone looking at it, I think it was google earth, try that. I know what you mean about being excited, I still get that way! Best, Cobie

Feb 25, a few days away from our first schools, yahoo! The trailers are almost done. New paint, complete new wrap with new logos, they look very sharp. Will and the boys have been working hammer and tongs getting the bikes ready--wow, what a bunch of work that has been. Camera bike, NO B/S bike, brake bike--all being converted over to the new bikes. Looking forward to Laguna next week! CF

I haven't seen any pictures, I think this is all a clever plot though.

Hi 106, Responded to some of your other posts, but welcome! Best, CF

I'm a bit lazy, so don't get worked too much (don't hang off much, never use the clutch, etc.), unless I'm absolutely going as fast as I can. CF