**CROSSPOST from the General Forum**
--Short Version—
I went to CLASS, led by Reg Pridmore. He’s a great guy with all sorts of information. The school was structured extremely well, and EVERYONE had a big smile on their face. We all had a blast, and can’t wait to do it again. Reg has made better, safer, and more confident riders out of all of us. Go to CLASS!
--Long Version--
Well, this past Monday was my first track school and it was held at Grattan Raceway (outside of Grand Rapids, MI). This was my second time on a motorcycle at this track, but the first time it was an organized and structured environment. The first time that I was on this track, I had a low speed, low side through turn 3 (off camber, downhill corner). Nothing major, just some broken bodywork, scratches, and a very bruised ego/confidence level.
The school was called CLASS (
www.classrides.com ) and it was led by 3 time Superbike Champion Reg Pridmore. He was a British fellow and had a great attitude and a wealth of information. All sorts of riders were present, especially a large number of BMW riders. We had a Harley V-Rod, SV650s, R1s/6s, Ducati/Aprilia, dual sports, sport bikes, and of course a good number of BMWs. The school was set up so that registration and tech inspection was first, followed by a riders meeting. From there, we grabbed our bikes and split up into two groups (basically a novice or advanced/experienced division). The format of the day was that you would ride for 20 minutes and then go to class for 20 minutes. Each classroom session, Reg would talk about a different aspect of riding (braking, body positioning, lines, street tactics, attitude/emotions, etc). He also threw in stories to make us laugh, or to drive home a point. The class time was terrific, much more so than I had imagined. I.E. he would discuss steering the bike through correct body positioning, and weight transfer on the pegs and tank. Also, staying really loose on the bar and not having a death grip was a big item. After, you could go out and ride and work on what he had just taught. It really was a terrific format to learn and progress as a rider.
The first session out was tough for me. I had made a good number of adjustments the day or two before the school, and I was still getting comfortable with how the bike felt. I installed new tires (the right size made a HUGE difference!), changed the throttle free play, repositioned the brake lever and adjusted the clutch lever. Downshifting (especially on the brakes) was a little challenge to get used to. By the second session, I felt quite comfortable with the bike and how it felt. I had one of the instructors, Aaron, lead me through a lap, and then I passed him and led a couple laps. We pulled off and talked about body positioning and setting up for the corners earlier. Throughout the day we kept the same rotating format, and it was wonderful. I noticed how much smoother I became, especially at the last session. Reg was really trying to teach us to be better riders, and the 2 main items we worked on was smoothness and always having control of the situation (be it a track scenario or a street scenario).
The most important lesson I learned was smoothness through proper throttle management and braking. He was adamant about teaching the rocking horse motion, during braking, or after braking. When braking, you roll off the throttle while progressively pulling on the front brake lever. After you have ‘braked’ enough, you begin to roll the throttle on while releasing the brakes. A tough and somewhat awkward movement at first, but it felt amazing when I started to understand and apply it to my riding.
I can’t say enough good things about Reg and his school. The instructors were damn good, and the day was well structured. If you have the opportunity to attend one of his schools, go for it!
EDIT: Sorry no pics, too busy for that!
First Track School
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