rebobd

dylan, agree completely. there is no one "right" way to ride a motorcycle in my opinion and alot of what you do on the bike depends on the bike you ride, pace, the tarmac you're on, etc. there are a number of non negotiables of course that basically align all the schools in common thought, and it gets interesting when you start talking about more technical/advanced skills and how the teaching differs. but you can google racing photos and techniques and it's not hard to see that there are many different ways to go fast and not crash. all that being said, i was lucky enough to have you (dylan) as my classroom instructor and you were steller, enjoyed getting to know you a bit, and look forward to seeing you out at more CSS schools in the future

also done a few other schools before doing CSS, including CLASS with Reg Pridmore, Yamaha Champions, and Lee Parks Total Control. now mind you, i'm 47 years old, and got my motorcycle license 4 years ago, and moved to CA just 2 years ago. i've done all these schools in a year and a half. why? i wanted to unlearn any bad habits from the get go, and embrace the technical aspect of riding and the relationship between rider and machine. i'm probably a slow A or faster B rider at an open track day at this point (or so i was told at CSS by my coach). so i'm no beginner and far from an expert. before i discuss the track schools, anyone who has not done Lee Parks Total Control should. and while i know most of you are thinking you don't need a day in a parking lot, you'd be suprised just how humbling it can be; and helpful as you increase speed and play with traction and it's limits. Lee takes you right to the fundamentals, breaks down cornering into 10 steps in an environment where you're going 30mph - 50mph, not 90 - 140. CSS is amazing on many levels and so are the other track schools i took, but i'm glad i took Lee's level 1 and 2 before doing CSS. Anyone wants more info i'm happy to talk offline but it really helped me get things going in the right direction as i incorporated track riding and speed into my life. people i know who have taken Lee's course and who ride at the track (and faster than me), all agree Total Control was a big help to getting them going. As for CLASS and Yamaha Champions, both great, and all three schools have many similarities and some big differences too. i'd say the good news is any one of these schools will help you be a safer, faster, and more competent rider. i'm amazed how many people out there ride powerful bikes and it's obvious they have had no formal training on how to actually handle their bikes; scary is all i can say. so any good training is recommended in my book. as for the differences, without naming names or starting a hotly contested debate, i'd say the biggest differences i saw were around body position and what steers a bike, trail braking emphasis versus quick turn, when to apply throttle, lines, and vision techniques as you're entering and exiting a corner. Again, happy to talk offline but not looking to categorize each school and pigeonhole them in any way, just my perceptions from being a student. as i said, i liked them all for different reasons. in the end, i wanted to be a capable rider, be in control of my bike in a variety of situations (good and sometimes bad as we all know!), ride at pace, and be able to enjoy a long tour through the twistiest roads i can find or a track day (or a ride with my wife who also rides). all of these schools were vital to that journey. now it's about more riding and figuring out what makes the most sense given the environment, speed, and elements around me. hope this helps.

will do

had a blast. learned a great deal and got to ride a sport bike for the first time. done a bunch of track days and a few schools on naked/standard bikes i own or was given to ride (own a CB1000R and rode an FZ8 at another school) so this was an interesting change for a guy who is 6'3" and 220lbs. overall a fantasticly well run organization, lots of information but not overload. you're always moving during those 2 days (camera bike, lean bike, track time, classroom, etc) but never feel rushed. after so many years of teaching it's not suprising they have it down. most importantly, all the skills taught apply to street and track and for those of us that ride both, that is important. i was the guy hanging off too much to compensate for my lack of connection to a new type of motorcycle and got great advice to bring it in a bit and that really helped. special thanks to my coach conner for all his insight, and trevor for helping me not look "so" GP (:-)). also big thanks to both dylan and keith for taking the time between sessions to talk about whatever... see you in the spring for level 3 at SOW. dave

my friends at BMW of Manhattan recommended the school to me last week, i'm an avid rider living in southampton NY, relocating to California this winter. i ride a BMW r 1200 r (naked standard) and love it. i've also participated in the motorgiro d'italia this year riding through the Italian Alps on a Yamaha TDM 900; trip of a lifetime. nothing makes me happier on a bike than the twisties so i'm definitely interested in refining my cornering techniques and becomming more skilled and safe. is the school right for me since i'm not a 'superbike' rider? thanks!