Which School? Which Track? Which Continent?

BushrodW · 07-19-2005, 1:11 PM

I have a chance to attend riding school of my choice thanks to the kind understanding of She Who Must Be Obeyed.

I'm 54, have ridden since I was 12 on dirt and pavement on "standard" motorcycles. I've ridden sportbikes for 5 years. I want a launch to go to the next level.

I'm not a racer.

But I haven't ruled out race training as the best option to improve sheer technical riding skills.

Monetary considerations aside, what questions might I ask myself in making a decision?

Are there recommendations from my sister/brother 'Bladers as to what might be generally considered by yourselves or trusted influenfers as the "best" training available?

I would be very, very appreciative of what anyone might have to offer. Brutal honesty accepted.

Thank you in advance.

Bushrod

phobiaphobe · 07-19-2005, 1:19 PM

If I had the opportunity I would go to Freddie Spencers school in Vegas hands down.

RRWANTR · 07-19-2005, 1:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phobiaphobe

If I had the opportunity I would go to Freddie Spencers school in Vegas.

+1

abtech · 07-19-2005, 1:43 PM

I feel that my 3 day camp at the Schwantz School was money well spent.

sheepofblue · 07-19-2005, 1:51 PM

OK a dumb question maybe but instead of spending 1000++ on a school would it make more sense to do 5+ trackdays? Just thinking that if he has never been on a track the multiple track days might be a lot of benefit and just as or more fun

ReaperAZ · 07-19-2005, 2:14 PM

I would love to attend any school. Spencer, Schwantz, Pridmore, etc... I just don't have the funds nor the time to do so.

HondaGalToo · 07-19-2005, 2:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheepofblue

OK a dumb question maybe but instead of spending 1000++ on a school would it make more sense to do 5+ trackdays? Just thinking that if he has never been on a track the multiple track days might be a lot of benefit and just as or more fun

If you haven't been on the track before (or if you have and really want to improve your skills) a good school is the way to go. Otherwise, you may spend those 5+ trackdays riding around making the same mistakes over and over, ingraining those into your brain instead of good technique. Practice makes permanent.

Kuss929 · 07-19-2005, 2:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheepofblue

OK a dumb question maybe but instead of spending 1000++ on a school would it make more sense to do 5+ trackdays? Just thinking that if he has never been on a track the multiple track days might be a lot of benefit and just as or more fun

Most trackdays are not set-up and run like the .org ones.

Some days that I have done are everyman for himself.

abtech · 07-19-2005, 2:56 PM

I just noticed the "what continent" portion of your question. Interestingly when I went to the Schwantz school, there were 3 riders from England, 1 from Scotland (one very fast guy btw), 2 from France and 2 from Germany. Evidently they felt it was worth the trip as all were decent riders with lots of experience and the guy from Scotland was making his third trip to the school.

ReaperAZ · 07-19-2005, 2:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abtech

I just noticed the "what continent" portion of your question. Interestingly when I went to the Schwantz school, there were 3 riders from England, 1 from Scotland (one very fast guy btw), 2 from France and 2 from Germany. Evidently they felt it was worth the trip as all were decent riders with lots of experience and the guy from Scotland was making his third trip to the school.

Something to be said about that school if there are travelers from afar making the trip(more than once even).

abtech · 07-19-2005, 3:26 PM

Review of Schwantz School

BushrodW · 07-19-2005, 4:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HondaGalToo

If you haven't been on the track before (or if you have and really want to improve your skills) a good school is the way to go. Otherwise, you may spend those 5+ trackdays riding around making the same mistakes over and over, ingraining those into your brain instead of good technique. Practice makes permanent.

Having learned to play golf with too many bad habits, I must say Thanks for confirming my suspicion, HGalToo.

Once again, the smarter, stronger gender lends the voice of reason. If I be respectfully bold ->

Bushrod

ReaperAZ · 07-19-2005, 4:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BushrodW

Once again, the smarter, stronger gender lends the voice of reason. If I be respectfully bold ->

Bushrod

You got something on your nose.

BushrodW · 07-19-2005, 4:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abtech

I just noticed the "what continent" portion of your question. Interestingly when I went to the Schwantz school, there were 3 riders from England, 1 from Scotland (one very fast guy btw), 2 from France and 2 from Germany. Evidently they felt it was worth the trip as all were decent riders with lots of experience and the guy from Scotland was making his third trip to the school.

Thanks, abtech....THAT is golden data. You're in HGalToo's realm, but out of respect for you, I won't offer a smooch on the cheek.

Bushrod

BushrodW · 07-19-2005, 4:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ReaperAZ

You got something on your nose.

How'd you know I have a sunburn??

abtech · 07-19-2005, 4:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BushrodW

Thanks, abtech....THAT is golden data. You're in HGalToo's realm, but out of respect for you, I won't offer a smooch on the cheek.

Bushrod

thanks . . .

BushrodW · 07-19-2005, 4:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abtech

thanks . . .

anytime.

abtech · 07-19-2005, 4:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BushrodW

anytime.

I tried to find my original review after I went in April of 2002, but evidently it isn't around any longer. Although I'm certain Freddie's school is good, I know a graduate of his 3 day program that believes he has learned the secret of the gods because they teach trail braking. I should point out that this particular person has lowsided his bike some 4 times since taking Freddie's school. Although trail braking can work for several people, I don't believe (especially in this particular rider's case) that it's the holy grail of riding techniques, but that it requires a lot of skill and practice (at the possible expense of leather and plastic).

Please note this is all just opinion and obviously Freddie Spencer (and crew) have excellent resumes and qualifications. I just don't agree with some of the techniques they emphasize, especially considering the wide variations of skill levels involved in a track school. I like Kevin's focus on hitting the same optimum line repeatedly and making it second nature, as well as his take on body english.

BDA116 · 07-19-2005, 4:54 PM

Keith Code knows all. Go to his school and be enlightened.

BushrodW · 07-19-2005, 4:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abtech

his take on body english.

which, if you please, is? (in your choice of number of words or less or more)

Does trail braking by definition specify which brake to use?

please & thanks,

Bushrod

Red Rider · 07-19-2005, 8:19 PM

Pridmore's CLASS. Best bang for the buck you'll find anywhere. He's introduced thousands to the track, including myself and others here on the .org...

CBRVFR · 07-19-2005, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BDA116

Keith Code knows all. Go to his school and be enlightened.

Though I've learned some valuable things from reading his Twist of the Wrist books, I didn't drink the Kool-Aid that came in the package.

If anyone is thinking of enlightening their wallets to attend Code's California Superbike School, they should first read his article in the July '05 Roadracing World magazine--"The 48 parts of Riding." If that speaks to you, he's your man.

"Even the absence of terms that describe these perceptions is valuable data."

I was thinking of writing a satire of his teaching method, but after reading this, I don't think it would be possible to do a better job. If he was the National Director of Sex Education, abstinence would be rampant.