Training

[speed8]

I want to do a days training, partly to improve my technique and partly to help me get more confidence and learn how to move myself around the bike when I'm out having some fun.

I am planning on doing the IAM stuff but also fancy a one day thing, track based maybe. Travelling to a decent one isn't a problem but what are peoples recommendations. I've heard a lot about California Superbike School but would that be the best option or are there others more suited to what I want/need.

My main areas are confidence in turns, i.e. getting the bike leant over more and keeping the power on. I know I could go to a local roundabout and practice but I'd rather have some professional guidance and I would prefer somewhere that I could use their bikes.

ETA: If possible I would prefer to do it before going to Europe so I can practice on the mountain twisties. That would mean sometime early to mid June.

>> Edited by speed8 on Saturday 27th May 08:51

[rsvmilly]

Try Ron Haslam's school at Donnington. £250 inc use of their bikes.

[speed8]

Just emailed them to ask for more details. They have a course on the 14th of June which is perfect timing.

[mtbr]

I rate the California Superbike school very highly. I have never been to Ron Haslem's school so I can't comment on it.
I went on my first California Superbike school in 1999 and still go back to them regularly. (when there is something in my riding that need sorting out.)

[SVS]

Hi,

In my experience of both, the California Superbike School and IAM are to be recommended and should compliment one another. (My local IAM bike group encourages people to also do CSS.)

You might also enjoy Rapid Training, who not only do CSS-style circuit training, but on-road training too. Rapid would not only help you bridge the gap between IAM and CSS, i.e. how to corner well on-road, but can take your riding up into another league on-road. In my experience of all three organisations, Rapid have oustandingly good instructors

www.rapidskills.co.uk/

Hope this helps.

Enjoy Europe

[Al_g]

I did the Ron Haslam race school and it was a great laugh. But to be honest there wasn't much teaching as such just following the instructors lines etc Click here to see my review I think the Ron Haslam race school is ideal as perhaps a first track day as you get to use someone else's bike and get expert tuition plus you get to ride Donington park gp course .

A cheaper alternative is to go do a track day on your own bike, I'm doing one at rockingham which includes some tuition etc, it is run by no limits and only cost me £135 - result!

[Bike Ace]

Been using Rapid Training since 1998 and I go back every 18 months.

Given the comments you made I would go on a one day road training day with a 2:1 ratio. Try to pair up with a mate or just call Gary who will pair you with a rider of a similar level. At the end of eight hours you'll be totally knackered, your riding will have improved noticably and importantly, if you're like me, you'll pick up skills you'll carry for the rest of your biking life. After that you could do a track training day with them, although I think they're pretty booked up right now.

Don't be in the least bit concerned that they are all police class 1's. They have a very 'real world' attitude to riding and leave the badge at home, if you catch my drift.

Among them are former National 600 champions, Manx winners, the lot. I've done track days with most of the instructors and they are all quick with a capital 'F'.

Let us know how you get on, whatever you choose.

[speed8]

Sorry for no replies, had to go work for a few days....

Thanks for the suggestions, CSS and Ron Haslam are booked up into July. Rapid Skills are booked up too but the website says they have just opened in Hull so I'll email them and see if they have space there or if that is booked up too.

If no joy then I'll do it in July or August as I'm hoping to get back down to the Alps later in the year for another trip.

Cheers