fossilfuel
-
Posts
572 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Days Won
3
Posts posted by fossilfuel
-
-
I am attending the school at Barber on 8/23 and 8/24 (Sat & Sun). When can I drop my bike off at the track on the Friday before the school (from what time to what time)?
Normally the organization that is renting the track will make arrangements with ZOOM to have security sign you in between 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. on Friday. The last CSS school I went to in June had no such arrangement. We tried to get in but were turned away. You might want to call CSS and see if they can arrange for you and everyone else that is coming in on Friday to be able to get in. I don't think it is a matter cost but just notifying security at the gate to sign you in...They will need a list of all participants to be able to do that..Have fun!
-
Hi Shane,
First, I was wondering are you a NESBA member and if so what region? I am in the Southeast region. I saw this post and realized what problems I was having committing to the quick turn and since Barber is my home track I thought I would chime in on turn 14 and 14A. I am assuming you are talking about the turn near pit out? I had asked the question before on other threads about the dilemma I was having running down off the tunnel into 14 at max lean angle versus the quick turn approach at the TP. I had a tendency of just holding my position down through the apex of thirteen all the way to the entrance of 14 and 14a because I thought I was going "really fast".
But I discovered through the help of CSS instructors that I go faster through these turns and all the turns if I am decisive about my TP and committment to the quick turn. Believe me, I have never ridden faster and I have never been more consistent. The CSS school will help so free your mind of what you think and try what they think...be patient with some of the less experienced riders in level I and don't go so fast that you don't apply the technics they teach. I hope to see you at the track someday.
DT
DT,
I am a NESBA member and ride in the South East region. The NESBA CRs and Directors are a great group of guys. My home track is Road Atlanta, but I usually get to Barber 3-4 weekends a year. Unfortunately I have only been to Barber one day in the past year. That will change this year since I will be doing the CSS weekend and 3 more weekends with NESBA before the end of the riding season.
Thanks for the advice and information about CSS. I am sure they can work with me to get rid of my bad habits and help me build better habits. Let me know when you will be at Barber with NESBA, I would love to discuss riding and CSS with you.
Thanks,
Shane
Shane,
I hope to see you in October...best time of the year at Barber! I will be very busy until then with other committments. One other suggestion about the school...and about change for anyone that reads this thread. It is very easy for us to be resistant to change. I am guilty of that believe me. I have commented on other posts about my experiences with CSS which have all been glowing recommendations. When evaluating what I learned or experienced at level I, the lowest marks have to be given to me. Low marks for preparation and for communication.
What I failed to do for my Level I and Level II:
1.) Read the book....Stupid!
2.) Be prepared - Imagine riding the track
3.) What are my strengths, weaknesses...write it down
4.) Be positive about every exercise regardless, even if you are following grandma on the warm up lap, look for reference points, Break markers, camber, asphalt conditions etc, etc.
5.) Resist the urge to be negative. We are human and much of the time negativity gets in the way, in every aspect of our lives.
6.) Think before you ask...How can I frame this question?
7.) The class should be PRIMARY...the urge to ride the track SECONDARY
8.) WHAT IS THE CURRENT EXERCISE.....Am I working on that exercise? See 7.)
I finally got my act together for Level III and IV.
-
One issue that I have noticed over the past couple of years is that I have problems with tight technical corners. Some examples would be turn 7 at Road Atlanta, turn 4 at VIR, turn 13 at Barber (well I think it is 13, the last right hander). I know these corners give me fits at times due to coming in to the corner to fast. This seems like an easy problem to cure, but the corners continue to suck me in faster. So Twist of the Wrist explains very well how to approach turns that give you the impression that you can enter them faster. So I have a plan to overcome this issue. Now for the other problem that occurs with this type of turn, and this one is completely psychological. I can not for the life of me get comfortable with quickly leaning the bike in to these slower turns. I know the objective of turn 7 at Road Atlanta is to make one quick steering input and get to the appropriate lean angle for the turn and speed through the turn. For some reason I just tense up on the bike and make what I would call a lazy steering input. I know I am carrying a lot more speed and lean angle into faster turns on the track without issue, but can not get comfortable with these particular turns. Anybody have any ideas? This is one of the 3 big question I will bring to the school at Barber in August, but I though someone might have some insight to how they handle these particular turns.
Thanks,
Shane
Hi Shane,
First, I was wondering are you a NESBA member and if so what region? I am in the Southeast region. I saw this post and realized what problems I was having committing to the quick turn and since Barber is my home track I thought I would chime in on turn 14 and 14A. I am assuming you are talking about the turn near pit out? I had asked the question before on other threads about the dilemma I was having running down off the tunnel into 14 at max lean angle versus the quick turn approach at the TP. I had a tendency of just holding my position down through the apex of thirteen all the way to the entrance of 14 and 14a because I thought I was going "really fast".
But I discovered through the help of CSS instructors that I go faster through these turns and all the turns if I am decisive about my TP and committment to the quick turn. Believe me, I have never ridden faster and I have never been more consistent. The CSS school will help so free your mind of what you think and try what they think...be patient with some of the less experienced riders in level I and don't go so fast that you don't apply the technics they teach. I hope to see you at the track someday.
DT
-
I sold the stock suspension with Racetech guts and bought an Ohlins suspension from Dan Kyle Racing. Great Guy! Great set up. The Racetech suspension was working fine but wanted the best I could afford under me....
-
Thanks Racer,
I thought I was to old to get to those lap times but I have been on a mission....What really made it special was that I didn't ask for it. I let my riding do the talking and new one day if the technic and lines were right, I would get it. My son was there doing his very first track day so the whole day was just as cool as it gets...
Your comment means a great deal....Thanks Racer.
-
I just wanted to thank everyone at CSS that has been helping me along the way....I attended May 31 and June 1 level 4 at Barber. I did my first track day after the school this weekend at Barber and got bumped from Intermediate to Advanced group with consistent 1:42 lap times.... I know I'm no threat to Spies or Mladin but the bump was a goal.... I'm not done yet...but just wanted to let you know that you guys have made a difference.
Darryl T.
P.S. See you at VIR in September
-
Good Day All,
I had the Racetech upgrade done on my CBR1000RR and was very pleased with the results...I think it all comes down to having the right springs and the shims stacked properly for your needs. I personally feel that mechanically shims are shims and springs are made to a standard specification...It comes down to trusting the people that are doing the work for you and giving them the correct information so that they can give you the product you need and a suspension that can work for you. Most of these guys that build shocks have the information archived for styles, weights and products so they can put you where you need to be. Good luck and have fun.
-
Racer.
Thanks for the reply!
I am really excited to come back out and the fact that I can play a small role in helping the CSS is a VERY proud thing for me.
I am honored to be assisting you guys.
And what you said about the CSS being top notch is really true, imho. If you just take a peek at the trackday listings in Road Racing World....look at the prices of the other schools AND their student to instructor ratio.
Its almost impossible to find a school that has a 2:1 student to instructor ratio that doesn't cost thousands for a single day.
My hats off to you all!
Chris.
Chris,
What weekend will you be at Barber? Just curious, I might be there and would like to say hello. I hope you are prepared for Birmingham in August. I was there last August and in the paddock the temp was 104F in the shade.
-
Hi all, I'm Kristi, local to Southern California.
I'm new to the forum, but not to the Superbike School. Whether being a student, corner worker or Mechanic's Little Helper, I find a way to be around the track as frequently as possible. I've been riding for 1 year, and have been getting into club racing with my '06 Kawasaki ZX-6R. Nice to meet you folks.
Dobro po¾alovat'
Willkommen
Benvenuta
Witamy
Aloha
Racer,
Did you just tell Glamazon she was hot!
-
Hi Guys,
I wanted to thank all of you for a very enjoyable weekend. I especially enjoyed the structure for level IV. Thanks to Cobie, Paul, and my coach Lou (both days) for making this experience a really great one. I can't wait till next time (VIR)!
I am glad you all made it back safely
D CBR1000RR #2
-
yeah - the camera bike's lines are nuts, but the footage is good enough to get an idea of how the track is hooked up. Looks like a nice tour of the Birmingham country side.
The main thing in regard to lines is: make sure it starts and ends on the black stuff not the green stuff.
You get a whole different perspective if you get a chance to walk the track. Something you won't see on video or while riding it. Maybe the powers that be will let you walk it Friday if you get there early enough.
-
What is the proper technique for locking into the tank?
This is something I have constantly struggled with. I have attended level 4 at CSS three times now and this is the first year I will just do a few track days and not attend any school.
I have found it easier to rest my inner thigh against the tank while cornering. This seems to relieve most of the handlebar pressure I apply while in a turn. It also seems to help me relieve bar pressure when I make a mistake and need to roll off the throttle mid-turn. Now, I know I shouldn’t be doing that. But, again I’m not the best rider out there and I make mistakes.
I’ve just bought another set of Stomp Grip pads. I’ve used them in the past but, I always seem to remove them because my technique of locking onto the bike is horrible. I usually go back to resting my inner thigh against the tank (this seems to work ok in the turns, but its pretty horrible under braking). Under braking it seems like the bike is going to lift the rear wheel; whereas, when I’m on my toes and using my knees against the tank, I can hit the brakes pretty much as hard as I can without that feeling of lifting the back tire.
But, again when I’m using my knees against the tank I don’t have the same feeling mid-corner as with my thigh against the tank. When I do make a mistake and need to roll off the throttle, I have to stand the bike up instead of leaving it in the lean. I think this due to my handlebar pressure. It seems easier to remove my handlebar pressure, especially in that situation, when using my thigh. One side note, my body position is twisted when using my thigh. And my body position is relatively good when using my knee against the tank. It’s just that I can’t seem to lock my body to the bike when using my knee against the tank.
I have been on the Lean Bike twice specifically to work on my body position. The instructors seem to tell me my body position is good. But, I just don't feel locked into position. I can ride around the track in that position, but again if I have to slow mid corner (or risk running off the track); I seem to give the bike a lot of handlebar pressure instead of being light on the bars when rolling off the throttle mid corner (again I know I shouldn’t be doing that but, errors seem to be part of my riding at this point).
Any help of locking into the bike would be useful and very appreciated.
I really started to think of locking in because under braking I have a horrible time when using my thigh against the tank. Also, it’s pretty bad when accelerating off the corner because I have used the handlebars to pull myself up closer to the tank (can you say tankslapper).
Again any help would be appreciated.
-Jim
Jim,
I am not going to give you advice that goes against what instructors might be trying to teach you. I have an analogy about learning to ride with proper technic. Have you ever tried snowboarding? When you first started, I said "what in the hell am I doing", " how many times am I going to fall". I got tons of instruction and advice but there was a learning curve that I just couldn't bypass to learn. Everyone has to go through it, there are really no shortcuts and I think this is the same for riding. Don't over analyze. Step back and look at the whole picture and don't get muddled over situations that cause SR's. This is counter productive.
Take what you learn in school and use a systematic approach to applying what you learn......for example..have you ever thought that where and how you brake might have something to do with your position at corner entry? Wouldn't it be nice if you could apply the brakes at a point where you had enough time to feel comfortable and relaxed at mid corner?
I can say from experience. I went to my second Keith Code school before I realized that I was to caught up with these little crazy details that I couldn't hear what my instructor was saying. His mouth was moving I know! What everyone should realize is that you have to put all the tools together to be a good rider and you have to practice what you've learned. Visualize where you want to brake and how you apply them....what will that feel like? Where is my reference for turning? what should my turn in feel like? Standing the bike up at mid corner is not good! Bad! Bad!
I used to brake so hard that my knees were sore from pressing them into the tank and I was so tired at the end of the day I could hardly move but guess what? The faster you go the smoother you get....the smoother you go the faster you get. My knees don't bother me anymore. Patiently practice what you are taught.....and you will find it.
-
I was wondering if I will be able to bring my gear in Friday evening for Saturday May 31 school at Barber. I would like to set up in the paddock.
Hey Fossilfuel, did you find anything out about this. I'd be interested in setting up Friday as well.
This will be my first class and am not quite sure how things work. Do we need to set up in the paddock? Should I bring an ez-up, stand, gas, tools etc.
Topher56
Here is the deal......First of all don't try calling Barber or Zoom to find out anything.....Secondly, the way it works is you have to get to the office next to the gate to sign in between 18:30 and 21:00 on Friday to sign in and get a wrist band. Once you have a wrist band you can go in and out 24 hours a day if the same rules apply as do on track event weekends....If you are going to stay on the grounds, you can sleep in your camper, your truck, the trunk of your car or in a sleeping bag on the ground but no tents in the paddock area, no cooking with charcoal, propane or natural gas only. If you want to pitch a tent, camp grounds only or like a friend did setting up his tent in the back of his pickup in the paddock.
The second level has restrooms, showers, gas pumps, and electricity. You will need a standard 120v 20a plug or a 125V 30A TT-30P, or a 125/250V 50A 14-50P for the electrical stations on the West side second level..If you need power on the first level you have to get a converter box $$$$ and run you cable across the pit area ( a royal pain). If you blow a breaker you have to walk down the fence line to the gate back down to you plug and back out again not so bad if you have a pit bike.
If I bring my bike which I do for Barber, I bring stands, ez-up, tire warmers, tool box extra this extra that....The ez-up is a great idea for storing your bike at night and in case it rains.
Once you start the class you will be on the track or in class all day....but a nice cold one after a hard day under your ez-up is great...I hope this helps. Barber is an unbelievable venue and you will learn a great deal at CSS..
Thanks for the info Fossilfuel. I'll be getting there Friday afternoon if all goes well. I'll set up and EZ-Up drop off the bike and head to the Hotel for the night.
Toph
Go by and check to see if they will let you in earlier than 18:30? Maybe? I am going to do the same. Look me up. I will be towing a CBR1000RR and CBR600RR.
-
I was wondering if I will be able to bring my gear in Friday evening for Saturday May 31 school at Barber. I would like to set up in the paddock.
Hey Fossilfuel, did you find anything out about this. I'd be interested in setting up Friday as well.
This will be my first class and am not quite sure how things work. Do we need to set up in the paddock? Should I bring an ez-up, stand, gas, tools etc.
Topher56
Here is the deal......First of all don't try calling Barber or Zoom to find out anything.....Secondly, the way it works is you have to get to the office next to the gate to sign in between 18:30 and 21:00 on Friday to sign in and get a wrist band. Once you have a wrist band you can go in and out 24 hours a day if the same rules apply as do on track event weekends....If you are going to stay on the grounds, you can sleep in your camper, your truck, the trunk of your car or in a sleeping bag on the ground but no tents in the paddock area, no cooking with charcoal, propane or natural gas only. If you want to pitch a tent, camp grounds only or like a friend did setting up his tent in the back of his pickup in the paddock.
The second level has restrooms, showers, gas pumps, and electricity. You will need a standard 120v 20a plug or a 125V 30A TT-30P, or a 125/250V 50A 14-50P for the electrical stations on the West side second level..If you need power on the first level you have to get a converter box $$$$ and run you cable across the pit area ( a royal pain). If you blow a breaker you have to walk down the fence line to the gate back down to you plug and back out again not so bad if you have a pit bike.
If I bring my bike which I do for Barber, I bring stands, ez-up, tire warmers, tool box extra this extra that....The ez-up is a great idea for storing your bike at night and in case it rains.
Once you start the class you will be on the track or in class all day....but a nice cold one after a hard day under your ez-up is great...I hope this helps. Barber is an unbelievable venue and you will learn a great deal at CSS..
-
You know it is funny that you mention that. I was reading some of Racer's post this morning and was wondering who Racer was. Its like the wizard in Oz!
Erm... pay no attention...
Seriously Racer, It is great that you post as much as you do. You have been a great help. I am always glad to read your take on things......Keep it coming. You are the "Man behind the Avatar!"
-
I'm not sensitive, just shy.
I didn't realize it was important to those on the forum. I guess that's why Cobie posed the question. Hey racer where's your signature pic? You have more posts than me. Ha!You know it is funny that you mention that. I was reading some of Racer's post this morning and was wondering who Racer was. Its like the wizard in Oz!
-
I was wondering if I will be able to bring my gear in Friday evening for Saturday May 31 school at Barber. I would like to set up in the paddock.
-
The "quick flick" is STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE for CSS and should be for anyone looking to improve their lap times but.....I can give you one example where there might be opposing theories of approach, Barber turn 13? and 14? if you come down off the tunnel turn flat out, you are leaned over through the apex of 13 coming into 14 which is the turn at pit out. WHy should I try to pick the bike up for the entry of 14 to "flick" when I could stay at maximum lean angle for both....It seems to me if I am quick flicking in that corner before the last turn for the straight then I am not going fast enough?
Alright, I've never been to Barber, but, I pulled up their website and I am looking at an elevation drawing of the track that appears to include camber. (Man, that looks like a cool track!) So, my comments are based on what I can see in this drawing.
We (you, me, my dog and CSS) have been discussing a fundamental skill applied to single turns in isolation (easiest way to communicate and grasp fundamental concept) ... as opposed to more advanced combinations of turns that require a slightly more complex approach.
So, T13 looks like a dip with some camber as you approach T14 that appears to sweep uphill and due to the elevation change and camber could effectively create a continuous decreasing radius situation. Or perhaps what appears to be DR but effectively is CR or only mildly DR. Not sure what gear you are in or how fast or how much the hill affects acceleration, ie. how much speed do you actually gain up hill toward the crest at the transition to entry for 14a? Do you upshift on the hill? Do you need to brake or downshift for 14a? It looks like there is a lot of camber through there. I don't know if that is exaggerated on the track map or if that is to scale or what.
So... it sounds like you are saying that you personally are able to simply maintain lean angle or lean it over a little more for 14a without picking it up to "reset" like a double apex? Apologies for my lack of track knowledge there. Can you give me more detailed info, ie. gear, rpm's, gear changes, braking, etc?
racer
I come over the tunnel in 4th gear and on the throttle through turn 13 apex....you are correct, on camber, uphill where the hill actually scrubs some speed...(I love this part of the track) I shift into third gear before the entrance of 14 and maintain smooth throttle through the turn....let me also say that my gearing is not right and I am in the process of changing this for the next track day. I need to go up a couple in the rear. There might be a slight lifting of the bike before the turn in point where I am shifting into third but not much at all.
Since you have a map in hand, look at the apex of thirteen and draw a line to the turn in point of 14....I was thinking it might be possible to pick the bike up for the turn in point and flick it but it just seems like that is to much movement. Now if it were you or KC or a CSS instructor you might be so hot through thirteen that you have to actually stand the bike up and squeeze like holy hell to scrub enough speed off to enter 14... but i have watched multiple AMA races in person and playback dvr and don't see to many doing this at this part of the track.....
-
My take: Slow in, quick flick, less time in full lean = sooner up out of lean and faster back on the gas, quicker to next corner.
A-HA!
Right. The faster you flick, the sooner you can get back on the gas and begin to accelerate and/or the less lean angle you can use so the more throttle you can apply throughout the corner AND/OR spend less time at max lean and begin the exit phase and hard throttle sooner. Especially important on a bigger bike that has lots of horsepower to put down!
Let me say it again for my own benefit...
Slow in... sacrifice a little speed for a faster flick = earlier throttle and higher corner speed AND/OR less lean and more throttle throughout the corner AND/OR less time at max lean and the sooner you can pick it up and whack it WFO!
Hey, I think I'm starting to get it. All those years on little bikes got my head wired for turn entry and corner speed. Never really turned it around to think about how a quicker flick could affect my exit ...
As usual Racer...a great response.
The "quick flick" is STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE for CSS and should be for anyone looking to improve their lap times but.....I can give you one example where there might be opposing theories of approach, Barber turn 13? and 14? if you come down off the tunnel turn flat out, you are leaned over through the apex of 13 coming into 14 which is the turn at pit out. WHy should I try to pick the bike up for the entry of 14 to "flick" when I could stay at maximum lean angle for both....It seems to me if I am quick flicking in that corner before the last turn for the straight then I am not going fast enough?
Is this true? or do I need further counciling from the "Cornering Master"?
-
"lowest overall time by cornering more slowly" say what??? this doesnt make any sense at all. the amount of throttle that can be applied while leaned over is limited (more accurately, the rate at which throttle is applied) but if i am applying the throttle at the same point in the turn (at, just before, or just after the apex depending on the corner) as someone entering slowly how are they going to be faster than me, especially if i have a higher corner speed and we are taking similar lines??
im not doubting the philosophy, im just trying to understand it and im a little slow.
OK, when I say "slow" in, it is a relative expression. I should say, slow enough to be well in control and the bike settled, hence, able to flick it faster which enables you to get back on the gas sooner as opposed to charging in, out of balance, running wide and having to wait while the bike settles before you can get back on the gas.
The amount of throttle applied while leaned over is limited not only by how far you can twist your wrist or the rate at which the throttle can be opened at full lean to acheive 60/40 best balance for best traction, it is also limted by time (how long) on the throttle. How long you can be in the throttle is dictated by how soon you can get back on the gas. And, the fact is, if you are going too fast on the entry, you aren't able to get back on the throttle at the same point in the turn as someone who is a bit slower and able to flick it faster. Also, I think you should always be getting back in the gas before the apex and accelerating through the turn. I can't think of a turn where that isn't true. How do you define "apex"?
racer
What about looking at it from the standpoint of the shape of the turn? If you are coming into a combination turn such as a decreasing radius into a right hander. There is no point in getting exited coming into the first turn because it will screw up your line for the right hander? So wouldn't it be better to make sure you come into the d.r. turn slow enough so that you can drive out for the correct line of the r.h. In this case "Slow in - Fast out" ?
-
what exactly does this mean?? obviously higher corner speed while maintaining the ideal line is preferable so why do people say this? i always took it as a reference to movements i.e slowly shifting my body weight, slowly rolling on the throttle at apex etc.. and as a reference to perception i.e. looking through the turn to decrease the perception of speed or "slow it down" in my head.
to me, it should be: slow in=fast out
i havent signed my world superbike contract as a factory ducati rider yet so please guys tell me where im getting this wrong
Quote "get the lowest overall time by cornering more slowly so we can get back on the gas earlier. It's always tempting to corner a little faster, but it frequently does not pay off in the context of the rest of the track." Brian Beckman PhD.
Sometimes you can only go so fast in to some corners without screwing up your exit. That is why they have those corners, to test your patience. Make up the time somewhere else. I suggest reruns of Kung Fu.
-
I just wanted to say how great it was to see Misti and Josh at the Barber AMA event this weekend. There were a couple of us that had been to the school and both of us had Josh for an instructor at one level or another. It was fun sitting up on the hill of the back straight watching their progress through the race. I think Misti was recognized over the P.A. for being the only woman rider in the event. They were really gracious with their time and symbolize what a great group of instructors CSS has. I wish them the best in the future and will follow them for the rest of the AMA season. All the best.
-
Cobie,
I do have gp shift and look forward to the two days coming up May 31, Jun 1.
OK, next question: do you downshift w/out the clutch? If not consider trying it. It can be done with or without braking, just a tiny blip to unload the transmission for a moment. I guess I'm assuming you clutchless upshift, but if you don't, that's very easy to do, just roll off for a moment (unloads the transmission) and shift. The only 'DON'T's' on clutchless shifting is preloading the shiftlever for a long time, or banging it in if you get a missed shift.
If this doesn't make sense, now sure how to do it, let me know at the next school, we'll go over it.
C
Cobie,
I do have GP shift and I do clutchless up shift. I have thought about the clutchless downshift since you mention it before in a thread. So you blip the throttle and between the higher rpm's of the blip and before the engine starts to act as a brake, you down shift? Does it make any difference whether you have a slipper clutch with clutchless upshift or downshift? Thanks.
-
Someone mentioned the Alabama Roller Coaster at Barber. This one is very tuff for me. going down the straight at a good clip, down into turn 7, straighten the bike up for the curbing, brake for the curbing, down shift, off the seat over the curbing, down into the seat and drop it into the right hander. Very busy little corner for me.
I would like to work on this one in May.
You're right, there is a lot going on there. For sure we can work on this. A side question: do you use gp shift? I find it easier in general, and there specifically.
C
Cobie,
I do have gp shift and look forward to the two days coming up May 31, Jun 1.
I didn't realize it was important to those on the forum. I guess that's why Cobie posed the question. Hey racer where's your signature pic? You have more posts than me. Ha!
Dropping Bike Off At Barber On Friday 8/22
in School Questions/General Discussion
Posted
I have been to Barber many many times and have stayed at the Days Inn on the south side of I-20 and at the Comfort Suites on the North side of I-20 with my Bike in tow. Usually there are other participants staying at the same locations. I have never had an issue but I do take certain precautions on how I park and what I leave in my trailer. Just remember for ten more dollars you get four feather pillows, a cold A/C and a kick ass shower at the Comfort Suites.
There are several different places to eat with pretty good food....Try the steak House with the "BIG ASS FAN" There is a huge fan hung in the middle of the steak house that has fan blades at least 15 feet long...may be not the eight wonder of the world but a big hit in Leeds Alabama.