warregl

Many thanks for the tip Brad! I hadn't thought about YouTube. I didn't expect whole races to be available there (you know how militant Dorna is on MotoGP videos). I'm watching the first race on my web-enabled plasma right now. It's not HD but its much better than not seeing it! And like you said it adds all kinds of viewing options. As for Speed, I'm with you. Fox's cadre of geniuses strike again. Knobs.

Agreed.

I would highly recommend trying on the suit with back/chest protectors (as you plan to ride) and getting on a bike (even if it is just on a center stand). While a suit will strech, you really don't want to find out that it cuts into you in a bad spot once you add layers and try to hang off for that first knee down corner. Personally I find a little too big (not so much the armor is in the wrong place) to be preferable to a little too small (i.e. putting it on raises my voice an octave or two). I used to wear two piece leathers on the track and they never fit quite right (even altered). Once I had a suit that fit right I realized how much of my $10 of attention I was spending on being uncomfortable in my leathers. Spend the extra time before you spend the extra money.

The hook turn is a method for tightening your line mid turn. You'll learn about it in level 3.

I'm not built like most riders either. I have a 52" chest and very broad shoulders. Suits off the rack wont fit me so I went custom after a few years of mixing track pants and jackets and I can tell you having equipment that fits makes a huge difference. To put it simply, its one less thing to spend some of you $10 of attention on. I'd recommend the shop that did mine (Ayden Lee Racing) but it appears they are no longer in the leathers business. I understand Pilot suits are nice and Vanson's are popular with some riders (but they can be slow - its part of their charm).

Try jojo@motonation.com I think the "j" was a typo.

You can expect two very busy days with lots of riding (~7 sessions on track), a massive amount of information, and fantastic feedback from some of the best riding coaches in the world. Get plenty of rest, eat and hydrate well before you go, that means several days before not just the night before. I cant stress this enough. To get all you can you have to be sharp, mentally and physically. Here's a link to my review of the two day camp I did for levels 3 & 4. And post up and tell us how it goes!

I did try the stars Brad, and they definitely helped. Last August at VIR Joe C. was my on track coach and was the one that noticed my wide view closing in when my pace picked up (get faster as something esle breaks right?). As soon as he mentioned it it made sense and so Lyle (as my off track coach) recommended we try the stars. They worked really well and I left them on my visor for quite a while. For those that havent tried them, they give you a reference point for your wide view. When you arent practing wide view they will "disappear" from your consious observation, maintain wide view and they are just visible. Another CSS magic trick...

There are too many to mention all of them but one I am working on is "wide view". I have a tendency to narrow my focus especially as my pace increases, which of course makes it even worse. Its going to be the focus of my next level 4.

The article Keith posted yesterday got me thinking about this again last night. What do most inexperienced riders do to exceed the capabilities of these technological wonders we ride? Last year I started riding with a new track day organization. They tend to be a friendly lot so I found myself meeting all sorts of new people and (as you would expect) talking riding experiences. One thing I noticed in those early conversations and in observation on that (and subsequent) track days, was the number of accidents in the beginner/novice group (most, thankfully, were simple lowsides). Now I’m sure this is not surprising (it is called the novice group for a reason) but what was interesting to me was how many of these were riders ran a very modest pace and how many of them had no idea why they went down. Or worse the wrong idea (“my corner speed was too high for the tires” – I was on track with this rider and his pace was not his issue). So what specifically were these riders doing to override all of that modern technology (not to mention some of the physics) that was working to keep them upright? I started spending time between sessions watching (and listening) to some of these riders specifically (and later to others) and one of the biggest things I noticed was improper use of the throttle. Specifically violation of throttle control rule number 1: “Once the throttle is cracked on, it is rolled on evenly, smoothly, and consistently throughout the remainder of the turn.” So what seems to be the most common mistake (or mistakes) you notice in other riders? Do you find yourself casting a more discerning eye on other riders after exposure to CSS or do you just see them as passing drills?

Great video Dylan. It seems like the school is really doing well in India. Hopefully they are able to stretch out the schedule and begin doing full seasons of classes. You all have to be proud of the work you are doing developing the sport around the world. Well done sir! Best, Carey

I've often wondered if this element of improved motorcycle technology has had the unintended result of increasing the incidence of inexperienced riders pushing the limits too far. Does it in essence cause the inexperienced rider to feel like a better rider than they are, and therefore be more inclined to push even further? Or does it actually reduce the larger number of incidence by protecting the inexperienced rider? Or if we were able to graph that out would we see that it only moves where the boundary is and the rest is human nature ? Either way, as with so many things, replacing the inexperience with education is the key.

Great question Hotfoot. One thing I can speak to is the bike getting out of shape (rain grooves will do it, slides, head shake, etc). That used to scare the {expletive deleted} out of me. Understanding more about what causes that, and more importantly, what to do about it, has made me a much calmer rider.

Welcome to the forum! I was in the same boat a few years ago and took the CSS class on the advice of my local shop owner. The only thing I could think afterward was I wished I had done it years earlier. Let us know if you have any questions. There is a lot of good information here on the school, as well as on riding technique and individual experiences. If you are curious about the school experience specifically, I wrote reviews of my experience through level 4 and would be happy to share them. Best, Carey

For what it's worth I recommend driving your SUV. If you are an active track day rider then you will know if you are going to be ok to ride home after 5 sessions on track. If you have not done a track day I would highly recommend trailering your bike or renting one of the school's bikes. Track riding will wear you out. I did my first school at 42 and by the end of the day I was very happy to be riding home in my cage. Additionally, if you did have an issue with the bike (mechanical or...other) you still have transportation. Track riding is hard on equipment and a minor incident could leave you without a ride home! And I believe the school usually has all of their bikes rented in advance of the school date. There's always the chance someone will no-show but I would recommend having riding plans set ahead of time. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. Best, Carey

I booked my room at the Lodge yesterday so I'll be there, probably on the porch with a few other repeat offenders smoking a cigar and sampling some of Dave's Kentucky brown water (it's the only reason we let him come). It's a nice place to spend the evening talking motorcycles (and other less important topics). I will say I like to call to make my reservations. Dave has had a couple of mis-cues with the online reservations. They have always made it right but he did have to switch rooms between days on one trip last year. Of course it is Dave so user error cannot be ruled out. You know how those engineers are....

Welcome to the forum Fernando. I've always wanted to visit Buenos Aires; how are the track days down there? I wonder if I could get my bike through customs?

Welcome to the forum Don! A few years ago I made the same statement to Lizzy (of Lizzy's Leathers - great girl if you need leather work) while she was altering my first set of leathers. I'll tell you just what she told me..."Drugs are cheaper". All kidding aside, we're glad to have you. Jump in the forums and start posting, we love hearing about new members. Best, Carey

Sounds interesting Cobie. I look forward to hearing the details!

That's Max Biaggi in a race this past season. I was watching that race and based on the evaluation the announcers made, Hotfoot is dead on. He came in hot, over braked, and lost the front. If I remember right he had passed Lafferty and was trying to make up some time on the lead group when he over cooked the entry. It's a good lesson (as he still won he SBK World Championship) that anyone can make a mistake. Especially in reduced traction situations.

Glad to hear you had a good show. Its too bad Whitney had to spend the trip in the hotel room. Flying this time of year is a real gamble. It's good to hear that she is getting better.

Welcome. What part of Florida are you from? I'm originally from Citrus County myself. And considering the snow we've had here in Richmond of late, I've been missing home quite a bit.

I'm thinking you are correct! So which came first, the Kawa or the Mustang? We'll look for you. Who do you normally ride VIR with?

Confidence comes from understanding. When you know “why” something is going to happen you can then learn “how to” or “how not to” (depending on the situation). You will really enjoy CSS as they will teach you both. Good luck with the waiting list.

Brad offers sound advice (as always). Having gear that fits and you are familiar with is less distracting. I usually suggest good gloves and boots even if you don't buy your own leathers as you can always use them on the street (feet and hands being so vulnerable even in a relatively minor off). By the way, level 1 is not a beginner’s course. CSS has broken down the technology of riding and teaches it in levels 1-3 (with level 4 customized to work on what you need to develop). Everyone starts at level 1 and your coach will tailor the focus to your riding skills based on your input and what he/she observes of your riding on the track. But your approach is sound, go in willing to learn from the ground up and you will not be disappointed. BTW…when/where are you signed up for? Best, Carey