What other groups should I be looking at running with?

[BLINGMW]

I was pretty set on Cornerspeed for a first school, but unless I'm mis-interpreting their pricing, they seem rather expensive. NESBA seems to be a better deal, they've got a few schools in October I'm considering. Do they run their schools safely? Who else should I be looking at that runs a pretty tight ship?

[.RJ]

Superbike (Keith Code) is awesome. Great events, great classroom instruction. I've heard alot about the cornerspeed schools, they seem to be geared a little more towards 'going fast' than 'learning technique' - but I could be wrong, I havent taken one.

Most trackday orgs (nesba, tpm, etc) dont do classroom sessions. I dont understand it but that seems to be the prevailing MO.

[stevegula]

I did Cornerspeed Level I and Level II and Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School. Cornerspeed was worth every penny, KSSS was a waste of money. You get more track time at CS in one day than two days with KSSS. My girlfriend did Keith Code's school and hated it after having taken Cornerspeed. Can't say I remember the specifics tho so I'm not sure her complaints carry weight in regards to how much/well they teach.

As with all things you get out of it what you put into it. But atleast with Keith Code and Cornerspeed you're getting instructors with real race experience. Hell, one of the CS instructors holds the lap record for 250s at VIR. With something like MARCC (and probably NESBA) typically you're intstructors have only done CCS/WERA stuff. The physical trainer at my works for TPM but I can't say I've ever talked to him about his school.

But really, in the end you're learning to ride a motorcycle fast and safely, do you really want to skimp and search for cheaper schools? NESBA may teach you some basic riding position stuff but really you need to be learning the stuff that keeps you from getting seriously injured (or killed).. don't be cheap about it.

[BLINGMW]

..but really you need to be learning the stuff that keeps you from getting seriously injured (or killed).. don't be cheap about it.

Just curious.... couldn't you guys tell me that stuff? I mean, other than getting out there and slowing adding speed and skill, following the control riders around, not taking big bites of speed, what are they going to tell me in the classroom sessions that I haven't already heard or read about? :dunno: And do I really need instructors with tons of race experience when I don't even know how to get a knee down? Seems like I'd have a long way to go before I can absorb that information.

[stevegula]

..but really you need to be learning the stuff that keeps you from getting seriously injured (or killed).. don't be cheap about it.

Just curious.... couldn't you guys tell me that stuff? I mean, other than getting out there and slowing adding speed and skill, following the control riders around, not taking big bites of speed, what are they going to tell me in the classroom sessions that I haven't already heard or read about? :dunno: And do I really need instructors with tons of race experience when I don't even know how to get a knee down? Seems like I'd have a long way to go before I can absorb that information.

Yea it's worth it. Learn it first in the classroom so when you get started you don't start doing bad things and get used to doing bad things. Breaking bad habits isn't easy, especially when it's what you're comfortable with in high risk fact paced situations. You should be doing the same stuff the racers are doing in any track group, you just won't be doing it at the same pace they are. The principles never change, just your speed.

[Ginger]

Chan - kind of yes and kind of no. There's a lot of stuff that can't really be taught correctly without actually being able to learn it at the track. I don't have time to explain what I'm referring to this moment, but I'll post more later when I get the chance.

[Apoc]

I haven't done a track event but I'd guess it's a bit like any classroom instruction... whether it be MSF, Drivers Ed or HPDE. There just are things you need drilled into your head before you go try it out.