Me and Krash went to Mid Ohio last year for the 1 day course. It's a great class. You will enjoy yourself. We used our own bikes so it was a bit cheaper. It is a very controlled setup so you really shouldn't be crashing. VIR will be a nice track.

 

I was going to use my bike but then decided to run the schools. A few reasons;

* Less time prepping = more time with the instructors, reading, relaxing, etc
* For the price of a set of tires I may rent their bike. (approx)
* The Cali bike is a full blown track bike.....perhaps I will learn something from it. (perhaps)

Last but not least - just in case I was to "damage" the ol 600...I don't have to make up a huge story for State Farm!

Hey Blue Fox, will you now do level two? or repeat level one?

 

I can understand why you would want to rent one, but just so you know what to expect.

When you are at the school, they have you do class, then track session, then private instructor session. You bike would have to be ready before you got there. no time for anything.

tires, you won't make a dent in the tires. I put new tires on and then put another 3000 miles of hard twistyson those tires after the school. It's not a track day and you wont really be running hard until the last session. You aren't even allowed to use brakes until the 2nd to last session. 1st session was 4th gear only, no brakes. next session was 3rd+4th gear only no brakes. They have it setup to where you are out on the track only focusing on the particular excercise that they want you to work on for that session. Each session is about 10 laps or so (20 minutes). There are 6 sessions.

Their bikes are setup for the track, sure, but I'm sure the suspension on all of them is stock and setup for the average rider. The argument could be made to use your own bike so that you aren't being distracted by getting used to a different bike that is not setup for you.

Also, State Farm covers track damage as long as you aren't in a race.

Just sayin, you should look at it from both sides.

 

cozye...thanks for the info.

I was given some bum info on State Farm then. I will have to think it over. I was torn because I would really like to see what my bike (an me) could do.

I take it you were pleased with the school?

 

Yes, I was very pleased with the school. Personally I would not have felt as pleased if I spent 650, but since I spent 450 I think it was worth it. If you read the code books, those are the things you will be working on. They take it very seriously and treat it as a school. I was kind of surprised that they were so strict with the program and the students, but it made for a good learning atmosphere and it is very professional. You will work on what they want you to work on and nothing else. You won't be going over body positioning etc.. in the 1 day class. You will learn how to corner very well and keep the bike very stable in the corner. You will learn good throttle control. You will get a lot better at judging corner entry speed. You will learn better lines. I had a great time and the last session I was cooking! It's not a track day though and they make that very clear. If you don't pay attention in class you will get ejected.. lol. one guy got two warnings and almost got thrown out. seious business. Keith and the instructors are very cool though.

 

650 to use their bike and get taught all that good stuff... wow im going to consider going to one, sometime soon.

 

Blue Fox, if he chooses can take Level II. I was told if I do May 19th I wouldstart atLevel I and then Level II on May 20th.

Here is a response I recieved from the School help form:

"
Hi Kevin,

If you did both days then you would do Level 1 the first day and
Level 2 the second.

We require that the tires have 90% tread. Other than that you just
need to show up and we will help you tape up the lights and take the mirrors
off or tape them up.

We run the North Course at VIR.

You will need boots, gloves, helmet and a 1 or two piece (as long as
the jacket full covers your back when you are riding) riding suit. If you
don't have all this you can rent gear which includes boots, gloves, helmet
and leathers for $75.

Please let me know if you have any other questions."

 

Thanks Crash.

I figure he will take level II since from his postings it is evident that he is above par. I am just curious if he is choosing to do level one again as others have.One person I chatted with did the level one twice to ensure they had the basics down before progressing on.

If you book for the 19th...let me know.

 

So....for $900 beans I could trailer my bike down for two days with Keith Code?!?!? I may have to seriously consider that.

 

I got that book as my christmas present from a friend and still reading it. Thank you very much for the post. I am from Charlotte and I was planning to attend one of those schools. Right now I would say, 85% I will be there with you. I need to go to their website and learn about the details.