One of the best days of my life? Probably!

[chilli]

Had my day at the Califonia Superbike School yesterday....Absolutely fantastic!

Had a session in the wet, and had the back spinning...albeit briefly!

Chicken strips? Chicken Strips? I've got blisters and bubbles all over the place....might frame those tyres.

Picked up quite a bit. A few simple tips for keeping the stable in the corners, therefore enabling you to corner faster and safer. I have so much more confidence in cornering now, and don't need to ride at 100% anymore....75% is fine, leaving me room for the unexpected!

The day went a bit like this...

Briefing
1st session... 1 gear...4th, and no brakes
2nd session... 2 gears no brakes
3rd session... 2 gears light touches on the brakes
4th session... all gears...light brakes
5th session... gloves are off...every man for himself!!!

I just don't have the words to describe how good the day was...I loved it so much. I rekon I lapped most people twice in each session, however there was a guy on as R1 who was pretty impressive....I only got past him once!
I realise it wasn't a track day blast, but overtaking (if safe distances were there) was totally acceptable.
Only got "told off" once when I passed an instructor on the inside of a corner.....well, I saw the gap and went for it!!!
If anyone is thinking about doing it.....DO IT!! Brilliant day...... I honestly want o start racing now...I'll post a new thread on that!!

Cheers.

ps - Did I mention I was the 3rd best rider of the day!!!!!!!!

[Steve_T]

Nice one mate! Sounds fantastic and congrats on the 3rd bast of the day.

[hobo]

Sounds like it was worthwhile then

Now get some track time booked to improve on what you've learnt.

Are you doing the next levels at CSS ?

[chilli]

hobo said:

Sounds like it was worthwhile then

Now get some track time booked to improve on what you've learnt.

Are you doing the next levels at CSS ?

It really was!
Deffo doing the next level, just have to get the Chillibank to release the funds!!

[Rawwr]

chilli said:

ps - Did I mention I was the 3rd best rider of the day!!!!!!!!

I bet the other two riders that day are gloating too

[r1_jon]

Sounds fun. Was this your first time on track Chilli?

How long were each of the 5 sessions?

Cheers

[chilli]

Rawwr said:

chilli said:

ps - Did I mention I was the 3rd best rider of the day!!!!!!!!

I bet the other two riders that day are gloating too

[chilli]

r1_jon said:

Sounds fun. Was this your first time on track Chilli?

How long were each of the 5 sessions?

Cheers

T'was mate, yeah.

Each session was about 20 mins, followed by the same same in the classroom.

[speed8]

This is good to hear.... Glad you enjoyed it. I'm booked in for the June session at Rockingham so hoping for a good day.

What track were you on?? How many were in your group?

[chilli]

Yep, Rockingham for me as well! I think there were about 20 in my group and around 60 in total. It didn't really feel like there was that many people on the track, but when you get someone who quiet a bit slower, people do get bunched up.....but not for long

You'll love it.

[speed8]

Excellent, better get some new tyres scrubbed in before I go. The current ones could almost keep the bike up without a stand after all the motorway miles.

[gr4]

Chilli,
Did anyone come off, and in your opinion is there much chance of it ? I'm just a little puzzled as to why CSS have a rentabike fleet when I would assume that most people want to learn how to ride their own bike.

[YamR1V64motion]

is this a really good invesment?, i have really good confidence on the road and am no stranger to throwing a bike through the corners and can get me knee down etc(although i find it far quicker to not bother) but i havent done a trackday since i was 18 and would love to have a go again when i get my insurance payout.

[MrsMiggins]

Well they do say it's easier to teach fast racers not to crash than it is to teach safe racers to go faster. Maybe you've found your calling?

[gareth h]

Glad you enjoyed it I'm booked for level 1 in June at Rockingham on the Speedie.

[Fats25]

I have Ron Haslam track day tomorrow (with Gordski) - will post back on the experience once done. Cannot wait - just hope the weather holds out.

[chilli]

gr4 said:

Chilli,
Did anyone come off, and in your opinion is there much chance of it ? I'm just a little puzzled as to why CSS have a rentabike fleet when I would assume that most people want to learn how to ride their own bike.

Not in my group, but we had one student down and one instructor as well... both ok though.

[chilli]

YamR1V64motion said:

is this a really good invesment?, i have really good confidence on the road and am no stranger to throwing a bike through the corners and can get me knee down etc(although i find it far quicker to not bother) but i havent done a trackday since i was 18 and would love to have a go again when i get my insurance payout.

For me, absolutely. You're not held back at 20mph and being baby-sat. If you wanna go through the corner at 100mph, then off you go. They'll just show you the rights and wrongs of what they see. And in my opinion, they know what thewy're talking about as I've learnt so much. I'm cornering much smoother and therefore faster than ever, and I am more relaxed about it knowing that I have some more in "reserve" should I need it. Gripping the tank with me legs, and my whole upper body is limp(!)Brilliant stuff.

[chilli]

Fats25 said:

I have Ron Haslam track day tomorrow (with Gordski) - will post back on the experience once done. Cannot wait - just hope the weather holds out.

Be interested to hear what you think. Done one of these kinda things before?

[Fats25]

No not done one before, there are 8 of us going up there, only 1 has ever been on a track before (on bikes anyway) - so it should be interesting!

This will be the 4th "advanced" riding I have done, so will see how it compares to:-

Wheelie School
BMW Off Road School
BikeSafe

All of the above have been excellent by the way - I just hope this is as good!