jodypresti

Hey there DE, congrats on completing Level I. Yes, the configuration is the same with the exception of pit-out. T-bolt is a fantastic track. I ran a sub 1:32 for the first time yesterday. One of those 'perfect condition' laps. Typically a good lap for me is around the 1:35 - 1:36 range. Lonnie ran or estimated that he was around a 1:28 or so.

It is really helpful for me to write down my goals in the morning, then again at lunch and revist at day's end. It also helps when you are doing a two day or more CSS event. I found that the goals I had in the morning like 'improving my hip flick' were best improved by practicing the foundation of throttle control and quick turn. In the CSS curriculum, everything builds from Level I and improving that base translates quickly to gains in more advanced techniques. What I initially was working toward was not at all what needed improvement. A journal or near real-time diary after each class and debriefing is critical for me.

Spot on! E, you are always welcome to pit with me. Really enjoyed your company and seeing friends from the May school. I have a few more track days on you so the experience that I gained during was invaluable. I hated leaving CSS and getting blown away by riders in the I groups in early June. It was frustrating and I didn't feel safe, as if I were holding up a pack of riders. Worried that I was in the way, I spent more time consumed with those around me rather than my line and level 1 skills. I moved down to B group and like you, enjoyed the experience much more. Yes, there will be more crashes but this tantamount to young riders who think that street riding translates to track time. I observed the rules for passing and am happy that I escaped 'down time'. Plus, you were dragging you knee on the first day on your new bike. I wish I could say the same! I am in no position to give advice but after my 3rd or 4th track day I was ready for the 3rd group. You'll probably be ahead of me on that curve. Looking forward to seeing you during Level 3. Let's get an cold one soon thereafter. Ride Safe, Jody

Well put B! I'm going to do three days of level four next week and am eager to revisit the basics with a coach. I'm also planning 'destinations schools' at Seca and in the UK and am hopeful I can hook up with your team while there. Thanks

I talked with Echo today and she was ho-hum on the idea. I would need two other riders in opposing groups to want to do the same. Anyone else in for GP shift at NJMP?

Hey Chocadile, yep that was me! Hope to see you at the CSS next week at NJMP!

I am using the Kawi's for three of my four days at Thunderbolt next month. Is it possible to request a bike setup for GP SHIFT? I know that the bikes are shared between classes, but I have grown accustomed to the shift pattern... Is this possible?

Very smooth and controlled. I'm not qualified to offer help but nice video all the same.

Steve, great progress. I think I have ridden with you at a NESBA day. T-bolt is my favorite track. Not to interrupt your thread, but will you be attending the T-bolt TD this Sunday?

Thanks Cobie. You, Pete and the rest of the team were super helpful when I did the two day camp at NJMP in May. Eager to do through the finer points during my 3 days of Level IV etc. I appreciate the replies! Jody

The other thread died so I figured I would start a new one. There didn't seem to be much debate over head up versus head down in favor of 'somewhere, find the middle'. I'm just a few weeks away from four straight days of CSS. So this might all change. Here is where we started.... Here is where I went... Here is where I landed.... Somewhere in the middle. All three are the same spot on the track. I definitely feel more stable with my rear off the bike but keeping my head above the shoulder line. Lap times have come down a full second, but I am also on different equipment. Anyone else playing 'head games' out there?

I agree with your instructor...it's the concept of getting the bike upright as soon so you can so you can add additional load (read: acceleration) onto the "fat part" of the tire. Kevin No sarcasm. Keith's article on Bands of Traction, paragraph 7. http://forums.superbikeschool.com/index.php?showtopic=877 Great article,thanks!

Maybe I'm off base but my instructor told me that the contact patch decreases with the amount of lean angle. Is this incorrect or am I misreading your note as sarcasm?

Thanks Bullet and sorry for the slow reply. This is not text book (don't have my reference material handy) but I hang off the bike so that the bike will be more upright during cornering, increasing the contact patch as much as possible for pickup / corner exit. I do find now (a few track days since my last post) that I am pulling my knee back attempting to increase corner speed. I'll drag and pull back using the benefit of my height to guage how much contact patch is left. Am I on the right track? Level's 3 and 4 in one month's time.

Good point Bullet. I am an abnormally flexible guy and this position is not uncomfortable for me. I feel I am getting better, transitioning quickly using knee to knee and setting up well in advance of the next turn. I have completed Levels 1 and 2 and have four days scheduled with CSB in August. I think I see where you are going. I need to improve my lean angle much more? In lieu of a private internet lesson, shoud I just improve quick turn and sacrifice some hang off to increase corner speed? Thanks again for your assistance.

Thanks Bullet. The more I look at the pictures (through the 2nd chicane at Thunderbolt) I feel that I am over just too much. I see pics of Ben Spies or Jorge Lorenzo with what looks like their chins on the ground. Should we all aspire for similar? Granted they have infinitely more skill than I posses and better equipment... Thanks for your help. Jody.

Jody; Beyond having fun, what did this riding position accomplished for you? I ask because maybe it's my advanced age but when I get low, especially when my head is down like your's is in these pictures my ability to see up the track is severly compromised. Kevin During levels I and II Keith was telling us about smaller riders on smaller bikes (namely GP 125's) combined with a 30 meter wide track have a tough time gathering reference points. I found that this position eliminates a lot of view above the horizon and helps me focus much more on the upcoming 2-3 reference points. It even helped me change them. I'm not saying this was right or wrong, but I really felt I could drive up off the corner better as the bike was in the 'pick-up' position sooner for my riding style. Certainly am eager to hear / read feedback.

At the risk of sounding like a narcissist it was really easy. My viewpoint changed and I elminated all of that stuff 20degrees above the horizin that I don't need anyway. It allowed me to focuse on more than one reference point and really enjoy the purview from a lower position. Keep in mind, I didn't get my knee down but once or twice in over 7 sessions. My guess is that with this new, lower, position I can carry a bunch more speed at a more progressive lean angle. The CR told me that I looked a little 'silly' hanging off the bike this much at my current pace. I thought I was doing fine. Most importantly I was enjoying myself. Speed will come later... Can't wait utnil CSB gets back here in August.

The answer to the question is.... Head down, what a hoot! Thanks all.

15 times at T-bolt, I couldn't be more jealous. Conversely Lightning is just not the place for me. Granted I have a long way to go but I found the track to be much too fast to enjoy its technical aspects (or lack thereof). The front of the track is fun until you make the left hand turn under the overpass. They should really use an airfence or similar under it by the way. Into the Lightbulb (can't recall the exact name) is much too fast exiting into the front stretch. Saw some really nasty wrecks there last week. Hey T-bolt twice this week for me. Super excited.

CF . Also, I think I saw Pedrosa using the same "trick"... Hell if it is good enough for Dani...

Yep I am in for all four days and Echo told me that is just about sold out. Bummer, I'm bringing three friends this time and they would love to do more than a day each. Early bird they say. Maybe we will need to travel to Vegas in the fall. FYI, I usually stay in the suites on the front stretch of T-Bolt but will be in the RV this time for the week. It only sleeps four comfortably but if you need a place to crash it is a roof over your head.

Wow Cobie, I would not have thought about that. I don't street ride anymore but I put my helmet on and road around the neighborhood on my track bike. your right. My ARAI sits too low on my brow for me to look appropriately. I'm guessing I'm going to need get an AGV or something that offers better provision for the preferred POV.

That picture is telling. Spies is just an animal. I am a bigger guy so the head down is going to take some getting used to. Hopefully there will be a photographer there this week and I'll get some better shots trying the new posture. Thanks again.

Super helpful, thanks guys. I have two track days at Thunderbolt this coming week and am eager to work on head position. I'll post once I return. Jody