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Thanks guys. The biggest issue I have is I'm a big guy so when I practice transitioning on the bike the stability just isn't there with a spool rear stand and the Baxley. I need to mod the brake lines on the S1000 so I can use the pin front stand, that would probablybe more stable (and be more functional for working on the bike). Since I ordered a Pit Bull Trailer Restraint, I will have the Tyre Down just laying around so I'll let you all know how the experimentation goes. Maybe this will get me on American Inventor.

For those of you that have taken Level 3 you will recall that you had a static motorcycle setup for demonstration and practice of the drills (Hip Flick, Knee to Knee, Hook Turn). Like many of us, I do not get nearly enough track time (regardless of what our significant others might think). I would like to setup my bike in the garage on a static mount to work on my form and muscle memory both between track days and during the long cold winter (all you SoCal guys can look up winter on Wikipedia, or ask Eirik he can explain it for sure). The rig CSS had when I took L3 looked like a purpose built (and probably expensive) chock much like a Baxley (any one know if that is commercially available?). I personally have a Baxley and a Tyre Down strap I was planning to use when I saw the attached picture in a CSS UK video Andy is on a bike being held down by a Tyre Down so I’m encouraged as to the feasibility of the idea. If anybody has any better pictures of this or any experience creating one of these I would love to hear from you. If not, I will endeavor to create something and if it works at all, I will be happy (if somewhat surprised) and glad to share any learnings.

Hey Cobie, I'm jealous of your trip to the Ace, what a piece of living motorcycle history! As sportbike enthusiasts we owe quite a bit to the cafe riders who where "chasing the ton". Also glad to hear you are having a good season on this side of the pond. Best, Carey

Great write up ChiGuy! Your comments on the coaching are spot on for all of the coaches I have worked with at CSS. I do have to say though, I've worked with Mikey as well and he is exceptionally easy to develop a rapport with. He even went out of his way to see that we were assigned together on the second day of a two day stint last year so we could build on what we'd done the first day.He's a fantastic example of what makes CSS coaches very effective. They are a special group of people. I look forward to reading about your level 2 experience.

Done it, just without the engine noises. (ok so that last bit was a lie).

Since most of my riding is also geared to the track I like to work on my skills even on the street. But you have to be conscious of whats appropriate, trying to work on something like body position can attract unwanted legal complications (not to mention it can be difficult a street pace). I've found that I can work on throttle control (somewhat) and vision skills (esp. wide view) on the street. During track days I like to have a a focus on almost every session, usually based on the drills and feedback I've gotten from my coaches.

Anthem and Jeff make a good point on custom. I am not a "normal' size. I'm 6' with a 52" chest; the off the rack suits that fit me through the torso are made for some on 6'4". I tried mixing and matching two piece suits but the fit was never right (plus the safety factor is not as high). Once I went to a custom suit I was amazed at how much of my $10 of attention was being wasted on my leathers not fitting. And the armor never seemed to be exactly where it should be so in a crach that would have been less than optimal. If you consider custom, Pilot and Vanson are well thought of however I dont have direct experience with either. Sadly the maker of my leathers, Adyen Lee Racing (which have proven to be very well made) is no longer doing leathers.

Great question Dan. I'm in the same boat on the Q2 vs the 211 GPA so I am interested in what the Q3 will be like.

I thought that was Cobie's new look? Welcome to the forum capnjack. The kid in you is in for a lot of fun and the adult in you is in for some fantastic education. BTW...I'm an old florida boy myself (5th gen no less) and I love St Agustine. As a kid my folks would take us there every few years to see "Cross and Sword" and tour the Castillio. Good memories. Best, Carey

Welcome to the forum Yousif. Glad to hear you head a great experience with the school, the entire team is really dedicated to their students. We also have a few coaches who are regulars on the forum so if you have questions or need advice post up. This is usually a very supportive crowd.

Welcome to the forum Paul. I'll second what Tyler said, you are in for a fantastic experience. CSS was my first trip to the track as well and it opened up a whole new world of riding. Not to mention a renewed respect for the roadracers we watch. Let us know if you have any questions about what to expect. And then make sure you let us know how it goes! I'm jealous you got to go to the COTA race. We were planning on going but sadly work got in the way. It must help to have it in your backyard . Keep Austin Weird. Best, Carey

I'll second that. I also did another couple of level 4s this week and as always the team delivered. I got to work with Cobie on track on Monday and Adam Tuesday. Having Keith as our level 4 consultant was fantastic as well. It was amazing watching him take in the rider and coach comments and work backward to a root cause. He makes it seem so simple...

That's what it is when I do it

Eric, Apologies as I missed this when you first posted it. I used to ride a K1200R (naked version of the S) and while sporty it was not a track bike so I used the school bikes and really loved them. As said, the track is the natural habitat of the S1000RR. But they are smaller than the K bikes. If you are worried about the riding position then your KS will be fine (its very capable in a track environment) but if you are worried about damage then maybe one of the school's bike is better (you have a fixed limit to your liability). One potential drawback to riding the school's bike is you may fall in love with the S1000RR and want one for the stable. I know I did. Best, Carey

Nice. I would like to get to NOLA one day. It looks like a lot of fun.

That was scary. A couple of weekends ago one of the TD organizations I ride with had a rider get a tank slapper coming out of the last turn onto the straight. He rode through it but when he got to turn 1 he had no brakes because the brake pads had been pushed out by the tank slapper. It ended with an airlift to the hospital. A lot of the guys in the paddock were unaware that a tank slapper could do this so if it happens to you, remember to check those brakes immediately after you regain control.

I know what you are saying, your SRs want you to slow down however if you reduce throttle you are increasing the load on your front tire thus reducing available traction. Adding lean angle also uses up traction but you have a larger contact patch on the rear, thats why we use the throttle to keep the weight balance 40% front to 60% rear. Additionally good throttle control keeps the suspension working in your favor. Training and practice will get you there. Some track skills are harder to practice on the street than others but not throttle control. You can work on that one anytime (which is a good reason to ride more ).

In case you don't have your copy of Twist II handy, Keith discusses this in the "Survival Training" section of Chapter 2. When discussing the 1% of the time Rule #1 doesn't apply he says: "even here you shouldn't really roll off the throttle; you should just stop rolling on for a moment", especially if you are adding lean angle. Adding lean angle and throttle together = bad. When we roll on throttle to maintain the 40/60 weight distibution, what is that doing to the available traction on the rear tire? When we add lead angle what is that doing to the available traction for the rear tire? When you chop the throttle what does that do to the available traction on the front tire? Balance is the key. Reread that section when you have a few minutes and let us know if you have questions. Also, when you do your Level 3 you will get into the "Hook Turn" which could also be useful. Best, Carey

VIR is a great track. We are fortunate enough to have 3 tracks all 2.5 hours or less from Richmond and VIR is my favorite. The north course is very technical (great for cornering dirlls) and has some really fun elevation changes. On the attached map the North Course starts on the right, runs clockwise, and cuts across the middle (across the 430 and 480 ft elevations). I'll be there on the 13th and 14th with a few other repeat offenders. I'll be in a khaki Wrangler so stop by and say hi. Best, Carey VIR Elevations a.bmp

Hey Trouble, You will really appreciate finishing out the levels, it really pulls everything together. Of course, it just makes you want to come back, and back, and back.... Best, Carey

Hey Rob, It's great to hear the guys helped you get sorted on the body position. Gerry was my level 3 coach as well and did a lot for me as well. But luckily for me I didn't have nearly as long a trip to get to the school. BTW my Blue Heeler says g'day... Best, Carey

Tyler, I DVR'ed it. It was early (even here on the east coast) so I watched it that evening. The one advantage to being a motorcycle race fan in NASCAR country is there is little chance of someone spoiling the race for me in casual conversation. Best, Carey

Lyster, They guys are spot on. As another repeat offender, I have seen all kinds of bikes and students at the school and they do a fantastic job of managing the differences. And everyone I have spoken too after the school has learned something. Last year we had a couple of self-professed "Harley Guys" (probably in their 60's) who had never been on a sportbike before. At the end of level 1 they had smiles so wide you couldn't see their ears. If you are interested in the school at all, then it is probably for you. If you would like to read a first time track rider's opinion, I wrote reviews of levels 1-4 (and the 1 vs 2 day formats) when I got started: Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 & 4 (2 day camp) You might also want to pick up a copy of Roadracing World's Track Day Guide. They do one every year and this year's came out a couple of months ago. It has great information about track riding in general and insightful articles about motorcycle education. Barnes and Noble usually has a copy unless the have sold out. Be warned, I went from no track experience a few years ago to managing a serious track day addiction today. There is a reason it rhymes with "crack". If you have any specific questions feel free to PM me. Best, Carey

I have to admit I would love to ride COTA, even given the points made. It might not be perfect for a school but for a track day experience I would enjoy giving it a shot. I would even be willing to pay a bit of a premium. There is at least one organization doing "classes" at COTA (per Roadracing World) and the cost was high (for a track day - I cant speak to the educational value of the school), but not outside the realm possible (if we were a frugal lot we would not be track riders, just sayin'). And there has been a bit of back and forth about COTA cancelling non-racing events. That said, give them a few years maintaining that beauty and they might be a bit more accepting of us regular shlubs.

Welcome to the forum Striker. CSS will be a great way to get reacquainted with the track. Is there anything specific you know you want to work on or is this a "fresh start"? There's a lot of great information and some really helpful people on the site. Jump in an start posting. Best, Carey