Freddie Spencer School Progress Video

bwhip · 08-18-2006, 7:10 PM

After months of waiting, I finally received the instructor video footage from my three days at Freddie Spencer School. Unfortunately, it only included days two and three, so you won't be able to see the improvement from day one to three, but there is some from two to three (I think

).

The instructor, on the chase bike with the camera, takes the perfect line around the track, and stays right on your tail so you can see when you deviate from the correct line. The students also were able to clearly see whether their butt was indeed off the seat, knees out, head over the windscreen or off to the side, etc.

All of the students found this to be one of the best learning tools of all, and all the videos were shown in front of the whole group while the instructors offered their critique.

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CBR929RE · 08-18-2006, 7:22 PM

now don't take this the wrong way, you did look pretty damn good out there (and certainly faster than I could go) but the instructor almost makes you look foolish out there. who is that?

you can definetly see the progress from each day.

bwhip · 08-18-2006, 7:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CBR929RE

now don't take this the wrong way, you did look pretty damn good out there (and certainly faster than I could go) but the instructor almost makes you look foolish out there. who is that?

you can definetly see the progress from each day.

Thanks. The instructor in this case was Jeff Haney, who is pretty much a riding GOD. I wish they'd also included the video of him chasing another amazing rider, fellow instructor Dale Kieffer around the same course. Perfect lines for both, at BLAZING speeds, with perfect form.

They've been around that track thousands of times, which certainly helps, but that doesn't change the fact that they are just incredible riders!

sheepofblue · 08-18-2006, 7:50 PM

Pretty neat. The only thing that occurs to a slow sheep (that maple craving blue one) is that you seemed to change lean angle a couple of times in turns (less on day 3) Other than that your form looked pretty decent (wish mine was as good)

Hammer · 08-18-2006, 7:51 PM

I hate you!

bwhip · 08-18-2006, 8:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hammer

I hate you!

RRWANTR · 08-18-2006, 8:12 PM

Man..I so want to do this class.

GreginOz · 08-18-2006, 9:41 PM

Just picked up my '03 954 this morning from www.teammoto.com.au! Can't wait to do an advanced rider course at Eastern Creek Raceway. This is one serious mofo, I picked it to spar with my bro, who's got an aprilia Factory Erre R. Heh heh, Hopefully will do as well as you, mate!

phobiaphobe · 08-18-2006, 10:04 PM

THe progression is definitely obvious.

bwhip · 08-18-2006, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sheepofblue

Pretty neat. The only thing that occurs to a slow sheep (that maple craving blue one) is that you seemed to change lean angle a couple of times in turns (less on day 3) Other than that your form looked pretty decent (wish mine was as good)

Thanks.

It was actually very intimidating to everyone in the class, because after working on drills for a while the instructor would just come to you and say "your turn." Then you knew you had one lap for the day that you wanted to be absolutely perfect, because later the whole class would be watching you on video, with the instructors critiquing you all the while. You would be thinking about 1,000 things at once - trying (in my case) to be fast, but maintain perfect lines through each apex, great body position, weight forward, arms relaxed, butt off the seat, head leading you through the turn, etc. etc. etc. Then you'd blow an apex and be cursing yourself because you knew how it would look on the video. While you were cursing yourself you'd be screwing up the next turn and so on.

The instructors knew of the intimidation factor, and actually wanted each of us to experience it, because of the fact that it would be indicative of how we'd actually ride in a pressure situation, like certain times on the street or track.

In the day one video (which I don't have), I remember thinking I wanted to impress the instructor by being really fast when he was filming me. Pretty stupid! Both he and the other instructor said they were sure I was going to lose the front end going into turn two (I came this close!). From that point on I tried to focus more on being smooth and correct rather than fast (mostly

).

bwhip · 08-18-2006, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phobiaphobe

THe progression is definitely obvious.

Thanks. The same thing I noticed from you on days two and three at Grattan.

kawboy69 · 08-23-2006, 12:07 AM

Hell I think you done a good job.You can only improve with time..cool vid..

Nevermore · 08-24-2006, 2:27 PM

Cool video bwhip. Was this Level 1? I just signed up for the 3-day Level 1 in September, both because I've heard good things about the school and I just really want to try Miller. I looks like an awesome facility and great track! Any thing special I should watch out for? Thanks, Chris

phobiaphobe · 08-24-2006, 2:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nevermore

Cool video bwhip. Was this Level 1? I just signed up for the 3-day Level 1 in September, both because I've heard good things about the school and I just really want to try Miller. I looks like an awesome facility and great track! Any thing special I should watch out for? Thanks, Chris

Is your R1 the "Raven" edition?

Nevermore · 08-24-2006, 2:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phobiaphobe

Is your R1 the "Raven" edition?

Yep, good guess. I'm lazy and use the same screen name on several boards. I came here and found bwhip's threads on the Spencer school. Best write-ups I have seen anywhere.

FrenchieR6 · 08-24-2006, 3:02 PM

awesome vid....

phobiaphobe · 08-24-2006, 3:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nevermore

Yep, good guess. I'm lazy and use the same screen name on several boards.

Haven't seen you on other boards, but I am a fan of Poe.

sheepofblue · 08-24-2006, 3:18 PM

and they even have classes in the winter

BDA116 · 08-24-2006, 3:25 PM

December in Vegas isn't exactly winter.

sheepofblue · 08-24-2006, 3:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BDA116

December in Vegas isn't exactly winter.

True but I might be able to do a track school and skiing in a vacation....

bwhip · 08-24-2006, 4:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nevermore

Cool video bwhip. Was this Level 1? I just signed up for the 3-day Level 1 in September, both because I've heard good things about the school and I just really want to try Miller. I looks like an awesome facility and great track! Any thing special I should watch out for? Thanks, Chris

Thanks, Chris. That was at level one school, which you will absolutely love. Miller is an amazing place. Your riding will improve more than you can imagine. Have a great time, as I know I will next week at Level II.