| Author | Message | ||
     Grndskpr |
I am looking for input on a riding school, good and bad, i need to improve my skills, but would like to see what everyone has to say about the schools they have been to thanks Roger | ||
| Court |
Pridmore is more of a "riding" school. I enjoy the RIDING as opposed to "RACING" schools. Haven't heard much about Reg the last year or so, but there are a host of others that do well and are pretty much "riding" focused even though they tout "racing". Keith Code is a staple in the industry and some of his folks like Coby Fair have been with him for years and are good....very good. Court | ||
| Daves |
Depends on what you are looking for. Learning Curves is close to you and do a great job in my opinion. You could also come to one of the track days/schools put on by Edge Performance Riding Courses. Our next one is July 7th at MidAmerica Motorplex. I can sign you up! Ride to the edge! Dave Iowa HD/Buell (Buell Cycle Center) | ||
| Spiderman |
The one where you don't crash  | ||
| S320002 |
Roger, The August issue of Sport Rider has a listing of organizations that provide trackdays. Many if not most of them also have riding schools. The July issue of Motorcyclist also has a list of Trckday/School providers. Both issues include phone numbers and websites so maybe you can call some of them and see if they have what your looking for. Each issue also has an article on how to prepare you and your bike for a trackday. I've taken some riding schools and personally think Keith Code's school is hard to beat, especially for someone who has never taken a school before. Code is mostly a west coast operation which may not work for you. I've also been to the Learning Curves school at Blackhawk Farms which isn't too far from you and is also a pretty good school. Good luck and have fun! Greg | ||
| Blublak |
Hey man.. Just to let you know.. I'm attending Reg Pridmores CLASS Riding School tomorrow. I'll be happy to give you my opinion, thoughts and a basic report on how it went.  Later, | ||
| Court |
Peter: I wouldn't mention you know me, to Reg, until AFTER the class.  He's a Legend! Court | ||
| Ezblast |
Reg is awesome! - he finished laying out the course in SF and checking on it then whips out the XB9S and hits it full force but effortlessly - hell the kid who went balls to the wall couldn't have been going that much faster - but he looked like he was working it! Reg just made it look easy - and I know it was not! I hope when I get that many years under me I'll be able to ride a quarter that well - mutters to self - I got a lot of catching up to do just to get there - lol- Got Thump?! Just Blasting on the Dark side! EZ  | ||
| Grndskpr |
Dave, drop me a line, on cost, what you learn, is it taught, is there class room, kinda the run down, i would like to do the 7th, but the wifegoes under the knife on the 9th, so it may be hit or miss, but if you could send me the info so i can take a peek thanks Roger | ||
| Dynarider |
I dont know about learning curves Dave. Rick is a decent guy but on the track days its basically a damn free for all. There really isnt any instruction. I know they supposedly have classes..heres the list... There are three(3) different levels of schools available. 1. Race Licensing Class, the majority of our classes are in this category. When you are ready to start competing at the amateur level you must complete this course. 2. Sport/Street Track Day, this is a clinic designed to get as much track time as possible. you will get instruction on how to become a better street rider as well as all the track time you can stand. 3. Advanced Race Clinic, this is for licensed racers only. This is designed to make an existing racer faster! The race licensing class is not what I think Roger is after. He just wants to learn better habits & form. I think either pridmores or some of Keith codes classes would be much better. You need something with some actual classroom work & also individualized one on one training. I have heard that in some classes like Keith codes that you will be video taped from behind by one of the instructors & then they will sit down & watch it with you & show you what you are doing right & or wrong. With learning curves, even when we had people on the track that totally sucked & were a menace to everyone there, the instructors would still say "you all looked good out there, are we having fun?" | ||
| Dynarider |
btw rog, e-mail me when you get a chance. | ||
| Josh_ |
EZ, you talking Reg Kitrell? or Reg Pridmore? Both ride awesome, but Pridmore doesn't layout courses I did CLASS (Pridmore) at Road America 2 days each in 99 and 00. Kick ass. Amazing what you learn in just 150miles per day. Both Pridmore and Code teach classes around the AMA raced at Road America the first weekend in June. Sign up quick when they open as they go fast. Learning Curves probably has a much better schedule for you since Code and Pridmore are only in your area once a year and the Buell guys liked it when they did track days back in 00 and 01 (I think, I wasn't there) I hope to be back at CLASS next year. Josh | ||
| Tim |
I took the Edge class at BIR (level 1 novice)on Friday, along with my wife and son. It was definitely a racing class. The on-track instruction was disappointing, nonexistent. The classroom stuff wasn't too bad, but again, the focus was on racing. It was also a track day and there were more bikes on the track than I expected. BIR is a high HP track and our bikes(Blast, BMW F650 CS, and M2) were at quite a disadvantage on the 1 mile plus straightaway. compared to all the race reps. Nonetheless we had a great time and returned home safe and sound. Next time I would try to find a class with a tighter track and more of a focus on riding vs. racing. | ||
| Davegess |
The American Supercamps are quite fun and you learn a lot about bike control.. Strictly a dirt track school but the skills are useful and it is great fun to have Chris Carr or the like roosting on yo while you slide around in the mud. | ||
| Racerx1 |
Hey Roger, I'm an instructor for Sportbike Track time which offers an instructed session for first time track riders. It is aimed at street riders who want to develop their skills. There is also a non-instructed 'street intermediate' and advanced session offered. We try and make it as non-intimidating as possible.....first session consists of lapping the track at moderate street pace. There is an instructional tutorial right after each session, and we work on the lessons for the next sessions. I personally try and work with the students one on one. Its been very rewarding for me personally..... That said, my first track school i ever took was Keith Code back in 1995. Just like all the schools, (and most racers), he has some strong opinions on what works and what doesn't. That said, with 20/20 hindsite, there are some theories you have to take with a grain of salt (especially if you have an engineering background), but he forces you to think and not just ride around. I think the most valuable lesson I got out of his course was a drill where you are supposed to run around the track in 5th gear only and not use your brakes. An incredibly powerful lesson that i still use today the first time I'm at a new track. The absolute best way I've ever found to develop a smooth, high cornerspeed riding style. Code is a very effective, entertaining teacher. his twist of the wrist books are very good as well, and provide a lot of material to think about, even when street riding. Check out sportbiketracktime.com for our trackdays/sessions. We are coming to Road America again a couple of weeks. You can't go wrong with the code school either if thats the route you decide to take. | ||
| Grndskpr |
Dave, i heard that about super camps, there was a mention reguarding how learning on the small bikes is transfered to your street bikes, i am not really looking to race, per say, however i am looking to improve some bad habits i have gotten into over the years, funny thing is, i never really thought i was that bad, i acually thought i was pretty good, but i ended up at the gap, this past weekend and realized i was doing some things all wrong, it it really showed, so i think its time to go to school, all the info is great, please keep it coming, i guess i should have thought of this a little while ago, but better late than never Roger | ||
| Daves |
Tim, I was at Brainerd too!Was riding the blue Firebolt. I crashed out the 2nd session of the afternoon. I saw you on the M2 and Blast but never saw where you were pitted. Would've liked to have met you. Ride to the edge! Dave HD/Buell Cycle Center Waterloo Ia dave@iowaharley.com Iowa HD/Buell (Buell Cycle Center) | ||
| Grndskpr |
Hey Wes, are teaching at any of the other tracks that are listed on the site, it always nice to know(kinda) someone at the school, it makes it a little less intimidating let me know and thanks Roger | ||
| Racerx1 |
Hey Roger, currently I'm scheduled to instruct at the Road America event 8/5&6 and theres a possibility of instructing at the Putnam event as well on 8/3-4. Both tracks are very good.....Putnam is a very smooth flowing track thats also very safe. All the run offs are grass. Its one of my favorite tracks.... Road america is just outstanding....throws a little bit of everything at you. Costs a little more than putnam, but its a world class facility. On the down side, the high speed nature of the track can be intimidating, but we do sneak up on it . On the plus side, you have a lot of time to set up for each corner. That would be great to see you out there! We can definately arrange it so that we will be riding together. will be great to see some Buells on the track! Hope to see you out there...feel free to contact me offline if you need any more information. STT is also closely associated with BRAG (we will occasionally help run BRAG track days). May be able to get some additional benefits there as well.... Regards, Wes | ||
| Grndskpr |
I have a funny feeling is going to be the Duc, not the Buell if i do a instruction day, its just easier to set it up, the S3 can be a little bit of a pain, duc has a lot fewer things to take off, but i will take the X-1 out if its there thanks again, have to pass it along to the wife, also you need to let STT know to have a womans track day in the midwest, vegas is to far to haul the bike later Roger | ||
| Tim |
Dave, Walked by your bike a couple of times, but no one was around. After each novice session we had 20 minutes in the classroom, leaving 20 min. to take care of any business before heading back onto the track again. We skipped the last novice session, packed up and headed home. Question: Are the MAM track days as well attended as the one in Brainerd? | ||
| Daves |
Sorry I missed you. Yes the track days are well attended at MAM as well. Not as many racers though. The last one had a total of 71 riders. I hope you can make some at MAM, lot better Buell track! Ride to the edge~! Dave Iowa HD/Buell (Buell Cycle Center) | ||
| Grndskpr |
You going to tell us more about MAM?? or what Dave, give us some details, like price, where is MAM, the whole ball of wax later Roger | ||
| Daves |
Ok! MAM is my favorite track that I have been to. Price for the Track Day is 140.00 Track School Level 1 is 220.00. MAM is located near Glenwood Iowa at the intersection of I29 and Hwy 34 in western Iowa. The track is 1 year old. It is a 2.2 mile track with 15 turns. It has a 2200 ft straight. It is a riders track! You can check it out at www.midamericamotorplex.com you can check out Edge Performance Riding Courses at www.edgeracing.net I am an agent for Edge and can sign you up over the phone with a credit card. If you sign up with me we provide the tents,tables,bike stands,refreshments will show you around,introduce you to the Edge people and generally make sure you are taken care of. We bring along some spare parts,tires and things you might need. Let me know if you want to go and I'll get you signed up. My goal for the July 7th track day is to sign up 20 riders! Ride to the edge! Dave 1-800-342-7539 ext 211 Iowa HD/Buell (Buell Cycle Center) | ||
| Racerx1 |
Hey Roger, I'll have to check, but i think there is a reduced rate for women at all the STT track days! I think they only charge $75 for women entrants at most events and give them at least 1 session in the day with just women on the track. I instructed 1 womens only class and had a riot. they were some of the best students I've worked with! There are some real fast girls out there.... On another note, we are actually putting together a high performance riding school for cruisers....there seems to be a very high interest level in it and I'm pretty excited about it! Should be wild getting a bunch of baggers out on the track! Obviously we wouldn't be setting any track records, but I'm really excited to try and apply some of the racing lessons to cruisers to make better street riders.... roger, What kind of ducati do you have? I've got a duc as well and am usually torn as to which i ride! Regards, Wes | ||
| Grndskpr |
Thanks Dave, have to talk to the wife, but i am guessing Road America, its a lot closer in case something happens, have always been told to go with a freind, because your stuff could get lost if you have to go to the hospital Wes, its actually my wifes bike, but its so much fun, its an M900. of 2000 vintage, if you could check please if the woman deal applies, i may end up at 2 instruction days(gratan looks good, and it is after the wifes surgury with enuff time to heal), i am talking to John also, trying to see if i can get him out as well, sounds like a good time thanks again Roger | ||
| Blublak |
I'm Back!! Still having trouble getting the damn grin to go away.. Here's my lowdown on CLASS. GREAT SCHOOL! They broke us up into groups, "A" group for those that are more race minded and experienced. "B" group for those like myself still learning how to do this track thing. It's not a free for all, there are instructors on track with you at all time, watching, pacing etc. The classroom sessions are fun, quick and very informative, Reg (Pridmore) Gigi, Stuart, Derek and the rest use plain language, so you don't have to be a life long racer to understand what they mean. (This means very little 'tech' talk that sounds like gobbledy gook to the rest of us so we just nod along like the little bobble head on the dash) On the track it's more about learning the skills and being able to apply them, they really don't care if your doing 45 or 145 so long as your doing it safely. I (to be completely honest here)for example started out taking turns 1 - 2 at about 35mph and thought I was moving fast for the type of hard decreasing radius turns they are.. By the end of the day, with all the work on body, handling, braking, gearing etc. I was coming out of 2 at a good 70mph. And holding the tight line that Reg preaches and can safe my life on the real roads when I'm out running them. I'm writing it all up for my riding club and will post a copy here.. I also have some pictures, nothing spectacular as I don't think I 'touched down' more than once or twice all day and know there are no pics of it.. but there are still some nice ones and I'm proud of what I did out there. Also the pics really tell you more about all the various types that they encourage to attend their school. This is not a 'Turn you into Nicky Hayden' school (although Reg did train Nicky). If you want to be a racer, living on the track then take another school. If you want to learn to ride more for 'real world, real road'.. then I can't say enough about CLASS. Back to the important stuff. ALL the instructors there were helpful and friendly, they explained mistakes you may have made in a positive way, pointing out what and why and how to correct the problem. In my opinion they all had our safety first in mind, then our learning, then our speed (placed where it should be in this equation) Court, being the only Buell out there I was easy to spot and point out. After my day was done, and I was talking with a couple of them Reg came up and commented on Buell, he told me about a few of you guys.. (wildmen all) and considers Eric a personal friend. Oh, what was this about Buell wanting to come out and hooligan during his class? Inquiring minds want to know.. Oh, and before you get worried, I kept up the good impressions of the "Buell Hooligan" type. I'll tell you about it in more detail later. Later, edited by blublak on June 25, 2003 | ||
| Daves |
Roger, I hope you can make it to MAM with us. First off, always trailer your bike to a track day, that way you can still get home if you crash or break. Second, I wouldn't worry about your "stuff" at a track day. All the people I have met have been "good people" maybe I'm a little too trusting of other humans but I leave all my stuff in the unlocked and open trailer while I'm out on the track, shit even my wallet is in there. I've never had a problem. If you did have to make a trip to the hospital, I'm sure someone would take care of your stuff and make sure that the track day people got it to get it back to you. Ride to the edge! Dave | ||
| Grndskpr |
Dave dont get me wrong, i wasnt worried about theift, i just hate to make someone pick up after me, if something were to happen, i have no worries when in the company of bikers, but i have seen someone go down at a track, only to have a race official come by to gather this things, i really would hate to make someone do that for me, plus would hate to make anybody go out of there way, thats just me thanks again] Roger | ||
| Mike |
I liked Pridmore's school better than Code's. I did learn much from both. I'd LOVE to go the the Supercamp school. | ||
| Fly |
Roger, here is my experience and opinions regarding track days for street riders that I have attended: 1. Reg Pridmore CLASS--(Road America). Lot's of riding, less personal attention. Large enrollment, but not a problem at big track like RA. Highlights = Ride on back of Reg's VFR for $20, very enlightening. All types of bikes/riders/skill levels in attendance. Food and drink supplied. Bike/leather rentals. Lowlights = no corner workers, can be hazardous as you (unknowingly) approach a mishap ahead. High cost. 2. Learning Curves (Road America & Blackhawk). Highlight = Gotta love the low cost! Corner workers. Staff are very approachable (but you have to initiate the attention). Food and drink supplied. Leather rentals. Lowlights = "walking" the track (too much time, too hot). Somewhat unstructured agenda and training format. 3. ProMotion (Pocono Speedway). Similar to Learning Curves, with slightly more structure to training presentation. Highlights = low cost, corner workers. Bike/Leather rentals. Lowlights = a long way from Chicago! 4. Keith Code Superbike School (BlackHawk). Highlights = very personal attention, structured but not overly-restrictive. Keith is an effective classroom instructor. Food and drink supplied. Corner workers. Bike/leather rentals. Lowlights = cost. Personally, I really got a lot out of Keith Codes School. He covers the same basic stuff as his books, but hearing it from a slightly different slant and immediately applying (and experiencing the results) on the track was most beneficial. The personal and frequent attention of instructors while riding was very helpful. I rented one of their Kaw 636 to experience current hardware...incredible fun. | ||
| Blublak |
That's odd that you say at CLASS you had no corner workers.. At VIR we had flag men (and one flag woman) at each major section or blind corner. I got all the personal attention that I thought I needed, might have even made a few 'friends' there. Yes the cost is higher but you forgot to mention that for some of the other schools (Like Pro-Motion) your bike isn't easily returned to street legal. For me that was a concern. I did a lot of checking before going to Reg's CLASS and I didn't like the general "Safety wire everything, remove a BUNCH of stuff (including side stand please, turn your bike more pro-track than street)" At CLASS I removed my mirrors (3 minutes for the whole mod) and pulled the bulb in my tail light. DONE. Street ready that night if need be. Oh, don't get me wrong, I trailered in so I could be sure to save as much of those new Dunlops I had as possible. Now I have tire left for street use. Kept the old rubber, they go back on when the new ones are toasted.. not that long from now I think. Later, | ||
| Court |
Reg is, in addtion to being a fabulous rider, the epitomy of a Gentlemen. I brought one of his sessions, about 12 years ago, to a screaching halt. The S.H.I.T. (Special High Intensity Training) aware graces the wall of the Buell Basement. Mr. Buell dispatched me aboard the first S-1 in public view to Reg's Airplane Hanger in the hills North of LA where we hung out, drank Coke and laughed and he stared, in awe, at the S-1. I'd say there is a well founded mutual respect. I say we taunt them and get them to race...Erik on a Buell, Reg on a BMW. | ||
| Coolice |
I've been to CLASS schools at Road America for the last 5 years and sign up early each year. Reg,Gigi and crew do a great job and help you become a better rider with more info given out than you can remember. I do 2 days each year(350-400 track miles)so new tires are a must and worn out after 2 days. Been ridin with expert group last 3 years. 2nd year with Firebolt. This year however was short as I met the new chicane up close....... I'm typing this one handed-4 broken bones on left shoulder. Hopefully I can ride for the 20th in Aug. So until next year at Road America I Highly recommend CLASS schools Reg puts on. | ||
| Blublak |
Court.. I like the idea.. we get them together and let them just haul around for 'fun' and the rest of us can just enjoy the show! I for one was in awe of Mr. Pridmores' control and grace, especially when he wasn't pacing a student and just riding around the track enjoying the road. Hmmmm.. I see a little into that twinkle he had in his eye when he was talking about the 'Buell' ..uh.. group.. hehehehe.. Later,  |
