I'm getting e-mails asking what Visionsports will be doing next year. Details are in flux right now, but I'm kind of trying to run with some ideas.
Visionsports' Racer University
I think this is where our niche has been for quite some time, but it seems that I have been discounted by some as a school for "newbies", guys that only need a racing license.
For those that don't know, we do cater to amateur and expert road racers.
This isn't a school for the biggest guys on the face of the earth that have the opportunity and the money and the background to get into AMA Pro and international road racing; they have other opportunities and people to work with that pretty much no one else can even contact. This is for the real world.
Anyway, I don't know any details exactly right yet, but I'll be building some new ideas.
Your thoughts and ideas are appreciated.
SD: I liked the idea you had mentioned when we talked the other day, about a limited class size, for more cost. I think that would work VERY well.
I think that would be the format for this, at least this is a formal name.
I'll deveolp some details over a period of time, and see what I can come up with.
Question:
Does the date matter? Does it need to be the day before an event? For those of you that have been out before, would it be worth taking a weekday off and coming out?
SD, For Stumpy and his crew (me), having it in conjunction with a race weekend is critical. We are so stretched for time off and weekends off needed to deal with real life as it is.
Sounds interesting though...I'll have Stumpy think about his needs as an up and comer...Homework for tonight...
Heather
Yeah, I know it's hard when you have a long distance.
The trick in 2003 was when CCS took the Thursday dates. I don't mind working during a CCS Sport Rider Day, but I don't want to for this program. Too inflexible, and it just seemed like we were, in a certain way, unwelcomed. Guess our money wasn't green enough? Not sure. Not related to CCS in Texas, but some of the local staff.
(Stroking chin with thumb and forefinger)
Mmm... sounds intriguing...
Day before....day after.... weekday.... weekend... it dont matter to me seeing how I work 2nd shift. Count me in.
Obviously, pre-race Thursdays were the best. Whatever day you come up with, I'll find a way to make it work.
I really like the Thursday school, Friday Practice, Sat and Sun Race. It gave me time to absorb.
It also was alot to think about during the 4 days! And a bit tiring.
The one day during the week for me isnt too bad, (its only a 5 hour drive) but not as good as a weekend.
What about a friday before a NESBA event ??
I stated my other thoughts before, VIDEO !! so we can see what we are doing wrong.
Video is/was in the works. And time. Not enough time to do it under the previous format.
As for Friday before a NESBA event. Don't know. Would need to know the dates, would have to be a weekend that I'm not doing something else. Would have to be during a weekend that other racers aren't racing somewhere else.
Lots of juggling... schedules won't be set until late January, at the earliest. Would you consider doing Fridays before NESBA/STT events at other tracks?
Well, to counter Kim's comment... ;) I personally like it at BHF. It's the track that is run the most in the MW region, and I know the best, so your input/advice would be absorbed the best there. If we do it at a track where other riders aren't so familiar with the layout - then they're going to waste half the day learning the track before they'll really be able to put your riding advice to full use.
True, Blackhawk is "home base" for most of "Dave's Kids"... but expanding to places like Gingerman or Gratten (or even Gateway) would give him more options in terms of "University Days". Not to replace any potential Blackhawk days. It might even help him expand his "client base".
QuoteLots of juggling... schedules won't be set until late January, at the earliest. Would you consider doing Fridays before NESBA/STT events at other tracks?
I think I answered that here...
As for Friday before a NESBA event. Don't know. Would need to know the dates, would have to be a weekend that I'm not doing something else. Would have to be during a weekend that other racers aren't racing somewhere else.
I don't see that there will be more than five dates at Blackhawk. So, I cannot promise how many days I would have where. I'd actually do the program anywhere, as long as the opportunity were available with the riders. SMALL GROUPS ONLY. Maximum of maybe ten, but five to eight would be better.
This might be a case where the riders that want to do this might need to take responsiblity in renting the track for a "practice day".
I'm not against going to Putnam, Summit, Jennings, Topeka, Second Creek...whatever.
I haven't exactly decided what to do for 2004. Everything is an option.
I like the small group idea, and also the attachment to a race weekend too, but I also understand the scheduling difficulties with that.
I like the idea of being able to take your school and then apply that knowledge fairly soon after that in a racing situation. For that reason I don't know if the Monday after an event would be as exciting or productive, not as much to look forward to immediately. Maybe if it was a Monday after an event that had another event the next weekend it might be better (even if at another track)? I would also be concerned about people maybe not being able to show up that crashed or had bike problems over the weekend.
Mike, you're hitting it on the head. I have a racing school. If you fell during the weekend, there wouldn't be a way t refund the money on an event like this.
Great input, all.
Dave,
Oops, I mean Mr. Rosno ;) , have you looked into MAM? Lots fewer immovable concrete walls than Gateway or Heartland Park...
Did about two years ago.
MAM is an Alan Wilson designed track, and he does hate motorcycles.
The trick with anything near the Omaha/Kansas City area is that the population of road racers is so small. Always has been a problem. However, many of the other tracks are in areas where there has been a racing community on going for decades.
I'd be happy to do MAM, but this might be one of those cases where the students might have to take the responsibility for setting up the date at the track and then coordinate the time with me to come out.
The prior information I had from MAM made it completely unworkable. There are some other issues too that I won't go into also that are somewhat related. I would do it, but it would require work on other peoples parts.
I was at Grattan on Monday working with two riders. Worked well, and the cost was reasonable.
Dave
when at gingerman last weekend I talked to a guy who knows the owner and he mentioned quite reasonable rates for a barebones track package, around couple of thousand less than the number you gave me for blackhawk. That may be a viable option as well. One question I have is what do you need at the track for workers, ambulance, etc. to do a dedicated day like you were talking?
Interesting. Curious as to why all the other race schools secure track time themselves directly with the track in question while VRS seems to put this burden back on the student. So, not only do I have to secure track time directly with the track but I am also required to secure services? It is all clear with me now ::)
QuoteInteresting. Curious as to why all the other race schools secure track time themselves directly with the track in question while VRS seems to put this burden back on the student.
Dave did secure track time on his own for several years, but last year CCS decided to muscle in on his dates (look back about November of last year on this board for full details). This year looks no different. There comes a time when a person has to say enough is enough...
NESBA provides a service and so does Dave. The services you two provide are different. I know there may be some issues between you two, but the year is done, leave it alone.
Dawn :-/
QuoteCurious as to why all the other race schools secure track time themselves directly with the track in question while VRS seems to put this burden back on the student. So, not only do I have to secure track time directly with the track but I am also required to secure services? It is all clear with me now ::)
I won't get angry and go off on you, but I will put this quite straight forward.
I have put on schools for quite some time. Ten years now. I've done it for CCS for the standard "racer safety school", and I have offered an independent stand alone school for five seasons now.
The stand alone school was also for non racers. So, the rental rate is different, insurance, etc. I bear the responsiblity for scheduling the dates, paying anything that is not covered by fees etc. It is a big expense.
Garth, I don't think you own NESBA, so if you don't get enough guys, I don't think you take your check from John Deere and pay the cornerworkers, the track, or the insurance.
In fact, NESBA gave answer to a racing license holder when he wanted to ride intermediate...
QuoteI just got off the phone with NESBA home about them letting me ride as an intermediate rather than a Beginner. When I told them that I was and have been a licensed racer here's a precise quote;
" Well they give out licenses to anyone who can ride around in circles
without falling down "
Even tho I remained calm and did not respond, I found this to be personally insulting, demeaning to CCS, WERA,.... I take a certain degree of pride in successfully qualifying for my license and that pride is totally justified.
The second side of this is that I RACE. I regularly go out and pound on my bike in competition. Keeps my table full. When I wasn't racing, I was a consultant at AMA Superbike races.
Responsibility back to the student? Yes, because I can go anywhere and help anyone. If there is a group of guys that want to be faster racers at Jennings GP, I can go there. I'm not going to schedule a program there myself.
I was at Grattan on Monday. There was already a program there, and the people involved made the arrangements. Kept everyone's expenses down.
I can't have dates for everyone in every region. I'm not prepared to ask my school staff to go to Mid-Ohio or to the Dakota County Community College. They have to work and all, drive there, and I don't get paid, so I certainly don't have the opportunity to pay them myself. I, at least, have the ability to be mobile.
Many tracks will rent time on a practice basis. That's a lot cheaper than what I pay, what NESBA pays, what CCS pays, Sportbiketracktime.com , Star, etc... It only makes sense.
Additionally, race school...
Really, who has a school that is really for RACERS? Not a safety school that allows one to purchase a racing license, that's not a racer school. And you don't need a school where you're told, "You look good out there." And this new program is something different. You wouldn't know. You really don't know what I do.
So, Garth, for your statement...just let it go.
QuoteDave did secure track time on his own for several years, but last year CCS decided to muscle in on his dates (look back about November of last year on this board for full details). This year looks no different. There comes a time when a person has to say enough is enough...
NESBA provides a service and so does Dave. The services you two provide are different. I know there may be some issues between you two, but the year is done, leave it alone.
Dawn :-/
It seems as though you know more about any issues than I do.
Actually, the year is not done. It's getting close but NESBA still has over ten events. Four of which are in the Midwest: Two at Road America and two at Putnam.
While the services we provide are different they are much more similar than some will admit.
I just find it all peculiar that is all.
BTW, Leave what alone?
QuoteIt seems as though you know more about any issues than I do.
While the services we provide are different they are much more similar than some will admit.
Indeed, NESBA has events at race tracks, so does CCS, STT, and so do I.
I've attended all the other events, you, however have not.
QuoteI won't get angry and go off on you, but I will put this quite straight forward.
What is there to be angry about? What happened to keeping this straight forward. Seems a bit of a ramble
QuoteI have put on schools for quite some time. Ten years now. I've done it for CCS for the standard "racer safety school", and I have offered an independent stand alone school for five seasons now.
No one is questioning your skills, qualifications or experience. I applaud the fact that you are giving back and sharing this vast knowledge and expertise.
QuoteThe stand alone school was also for non racers. So, the rental rate is different, insurance, etc. I bear the responsiblity for scheduling the dates, paying anything that is not covered by fees etc. It is a big expense.
This is what makes business, BUSINESS. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication in order to be successful and typically those who take this approach are successful. in reality, no different than a lot of non-owner jobs.
QuoteGarth, I don't think you own NESBA, so if you don't get enough guys, I don't think you take your check from John Deere and pay the cornerworkers, the track, or the insurance.
Yes, you are correct I do not own NESBA. Just like I do not own John Deere. It is a choice I made with regard to the risk/reward component involved. I will say that those in the know would argue your point about me taking my check book and paying for things. Yes, I got reimbursed but I still had a great deal of exposure with a large amount of money. Again my choice.
QuoteIn fact, NESBA gave answer to a racing license holder when he wanted to ride intermediate....
I have no insight nor response for this as I was not there nor did I directly witness the event in question, other than to say; Although I do not agree with the tactfulness of the response you said was given, I do agree with the premise that having a race license means very little towards identifying and classifying riders per skill level. I think you will agree to that. In any event I tend not to put too much faith with "He said, She said" situations.
QuoteThe second side of this is that I RACE. I regularly go out and pound on my bike in competition. Keeps my table full. When I wasn't racing, I was a consultant at AMA Superbike races.
Responsibility back to the student? Yes, because I can go anywhere and help anyone. If there is a group of guys that want to be faster racers at Jennings GP, I can go there. I'm not going to schedule a program there myself.
I was at Grattan on Monday. There was already a program there, and the people involved made the arrangements. Kept everyone's expenses down.
I can't have dates for everyone in every region. I'm not prepared to ask my school staff to go to Mid-Ohio or to the Dakota County Community College. They have to work and all, drive there, and I don't get paid, so I certainly don't have the opportunity to pay them myself. I, at least, have the ability to be mobile.
Again, several other people day in and day out face these dynamics, regardless. I think I have a firm grasp on the concept of being busy and having a lot of irons in the fire. Time management is a premium skill to have in today environment. Fortunately, I have been blessed with some of this. If it were easy everyone would do it.
Again, I am not questioning your program or your dedication and what you give back to the sport. It is quite evident Dave that you walk the talk. Sometimes we all have to look beyond what we are doing and except what others are doing as well. I don't ask for anything else.
QuoteMany tracks will rent time on a practice basis. That's a lot cheaper than what I pay, what NESBA pays, what CCS pays, Sportbiketracktime.com , Star, etc... It only makes sense.
Additionally, race school...
Really, who has a school that is really for RACERS? Not a safety school that allows one to purchase a racing license, that's not a racer school. And you don't need a school where you're told, "You look good out there." And this new program is something different. You wouldn't know. You really don't know what I do.
I agree. But why would I be expected to know? Why would I know? More importantly why would I want to know? If I remember correctly VRS came to NESBA. NESBA did not come to VRS.
QuoteSo, Garth, for your statement...just let it go.
Noway, I'm keeping it all
QuoteIndeed, NESBA has events at race tracks, so does CCS, STT, and so do I.
I've attended all the other events, you, however have not.
Oh contraire. In addition to the above mentioned I have also attended Edge Performance, TraxAddicts, and MAM Moto
But more importantly, I know what NESBA does. I also feel I know what needs to be improved on and continued with in order to be successful in the future.
What happened to: Just let it Go?
QuoteIf I remember correctly VRS came to NESBA. NESBA did not come to VRS.
Noway, I'm keeping it all
Actually, your riders come to me and look for help. And it is the decisions after that that determine the courses of action.
For various reasons, all of my dates cannot necessarily accomodate everyone's needs. Some riders are just bleeding for some real one on one work. I can offer that.
Regardless, this thread had a purpose. You're really not adding much to the task at hand which was my intention for gathering information from racers for what they would need.
NESBA has a purpose too. And that is for trackday type practice. Some racers might want that kind of input, and that is fine.
As for letting it go....
Not sure if you can make a case on this thread. I'm not sure of your whole point other than taking a jab at me, personally. Try to make the case otherwise, Garth.
No jab what so ever - No personal reference made on my part what so ever. In fact I extended several affirmations touting your skill etc. Did I not?
Just clarifying a previous issue with regard to the task of securing track time. My apologies for heightening your sensitivity with this subject. I stand on my own merit. Here is a part of what I said:
No one is questioning your skills, qualifications or experience. I applaud the fact that you are giving back and sharing this vast knowledge and expertise.
Again, I am not questioning your program or your dedication and what you give back to the sport. It is quite evident Dave that you walk the talk. Sometimes we all have to look beyond what we are doing and except what others are doing as well. I don't ask for anything else.
I can not prove a negative and there is no case to be made. Oops, I think I just made the case.
If you two can't play nice... I'm gonna seperate you two! :-X Dang, did I use my out loud typing again? I hate that!! ;D
Ok so in an attempt to get the thread BACK on topic (I will keep my NESBA comments to myself...) - Dave, have you considered hitting up WERA for dates? I know CCS isn't the only org whose riders need help. And I know there's a couple of us that have been lightly contemplating dumping CCS next year for WERA...
QuoteOh contraire. In addition to the above mentioned I have also attended Edge Performance, TraxAddicts, and MAM Moto
But more importantly, I know what NESBA does.
The important part is that I have been to a NESBA day...
You have never came to my day.
That is the contridiction. You have no idea what I do.
QuoteNo jab what so ever - No personal reference made on my part what so ever.
QuoteInteresting. Curious as to why all the other race schools secure track time themselves directly with the track in question while VRS seems to put this burden back on the student. So, not only do I have to secure track time directly with the track but I am also required to secure services? It is all clear with me now
QuoteIt seems as though you know more about any issues than I do...
It's rather condesending, Garth. Plain to me.
QuoteDave, have you considered hitting up WERA for dates? I know CCS isn't the only org whose riders need help. And I know there's a couple of us that have been lightly contemplating dumping CCS next year for WERA...
Well, WERA doesn't own any tracks, so they would not be the people to ask. You really go to the track. The problems this year were related to the fact that the dates that I had secured with the owner of Blackhawk Farms before Thanksgiving were eventually taken by CCS for their SRD program.
Other tracks are available, sure. Doesn't matter where, just as long as the program can work in small groups. I have information about Grattan. MadXX has info about Gingerman, etc., etc.
Regardless, a person or a group can rent a race track, generally, if they have a racing license. Just a matter of putting it all together. Indeed, this is all early, there are no schedules and so on. So, it's all theory right now, but I'm looking at some other avenues also.
Jim, what are you guys going to do?
QuoteResponsibility back to the student? Yes, because I can go anywhere and help anyone.
How about the SW? Can't beat our winters down here. ;)
SW? Sure.
Not sure if you know John Aylor...I think that's how he spells his last name. Races a Kawasaki H2 in vintage classes down there.
Anyway, I was kind of doing some research, through him, on that little winter racing series that's going to happen in AZ. So, yes, there might be a way to do one down there. Travel cost would be more than what it would be for me to go to like Blackhawk down the road, but anything is doable.
I'm just trying to plant the seeds now.
Does the school HAVE to be tied to a race weekend with a racing organization?
I wasn't thinking of AZ, rather, NM. I can e-mail you my thoughts, if interested.
just to reiterate one of your MANY thoughts on this subject David, i do feel that it was most important
to have the constructive critisism by your staff.
for me personally, if it weren't for you telling me things like "what is with your elbows?" or P.J. saying
things like "you look like a constipated monkey out there, relax!" or my favorite when Mark Stiles said
" your looking better, now if we could just keep you out of the dirt"
everyone made me feel watched...observed...like there was a point to me being there really, rather than just getting some track time. I feel as though
i really needed that. Honesty. and what a difference it is to relax and stick my elbows out.... kept me on the track too. oh also thanks for the gearing change
advice too. i may not get to some of your schools next year, but i will definately be needing some
advice as we go ice racing this winter.
Benj.
QuoteI just got off the phone with NESBA home about them letting me ride as an intermediate rather than a Beginner. When I told them that I was and have been a licensed racer here's a precise quote;
" Well they give out licenses to anyone who can ride around in circles
without falling down "
Even tho I remained calm and did not respond, I found this to be personally insulting, demeaning to CCS, WERA,.... I take a certain degree of pride in successfully qualifying for my license and that pride is totally justified.
Dave,
I would really like to know, who this was that i talked to because NESBA does not make it a habit of degrading people or race orgs.
We ask the member to choose which class he/she feels most comfortable in, however we strongly suggest if you have not ridden with us and/or have never been on the track before you must start in the beginners group, to ensure you understand our procedures.
So, if the person you quoted wanted to get into the Intermediate group, the mention of a race license would have never taken place!
The only way we even mention a race license is when a person wants to go right to advanced, then he/she needs to fax in a copy of the license. BUT, even with a race license, there may be additional requirements.
Chris Moon
I'm not a liberty to give out the name either here or in private.
Attempts that I made to contact NESBA were usually made in kind of a form set up, and I was never given an answer. Couldn't get into the class I wanted, and I'm an intermediate rider in your program.
Garth will be happy to elaborate the whole thing for you, I'm sure. Everyone comes to a point where they want help, but we, meaning the riders that come to me and myself, haven't found any way to really work to buy time in your program. Done it with others, but there seems to be some animosity toward me in the Midwest NESBA group.
Quotei do feel that it was most important
to have the constructive critisism by your staff.
Thanks, Benji...
At times, it gets hard, under the previous program, to try to work with each guy/gal. As you know, the ridicule you received, didn't stop after class.
I think you're lucky in that you seem to have a good amount of ability to just ride quickly. Our trick was slowing things down in your head to get you to smooth out and clean things up. Once you start doing that, then things get easier, etc. Tellin' ya that "you look good" really doesn't always do the trick, now does it. But, then again, sometimes, a rider is "off" and that's all they are doing...looking good. No changes, no nagging problems, etc. But for a rider that is striving to achieve, that's still a bad answer. Unless you can actively challenge a rider to try new things, ask them questions about what they are doing, suspension thoughts, a rider will just stagnate. And that takes us back to the why riders quit thread, right?
Lap after lap after lap just doesn't cut it.
QuoteI think you're lucky in that you seem to have a good amount of ability to just ride quickly. Our trick was slowing things down in your head to get you to smooth out and clean things up. Once you start doing that, then things get easier, etc. Tellin' ya that "you look good" really doesn't always do the trick, now does it. But, then again, sometimes, a rider is "off" and that's all they are doing...looking good. No changes, no nagging problems, etc. But for a rider that is striving to achieve, that's still a bad answer. Unless you can actively challenge a rider to try new things, ask them questions about what they are doing, suspension thoughts, a rider will just stagnate. And that takes us back to the why riders quit thread, right?
Lap after lap after lap just doesn't cut it.
I'd taken 3 schools before coming to your program Dave, and in EACH school, I rec'd that EXACT response. "You look good." In fact, in one of the schools, the instructor couldn't even keep up with me - so I guess it was silly of me to get pointers from the guy. I probably could have given HIM a few pointers. I know I'm one of the "fast out of the box" guys, but I also know that until I'm winning AMA nationals, there's always room for improvement. Heck I probably couldn't even top-10 in an expert race yet - so I'm not THAT fast. But it's been disappointing/discouraging to say the least. If it wasn't for Roeser talking up your program, I'd probably never have done it.
What impressed me the most about your program, is the first SESSION out on the track, I come into the pits, and you ALREADY had something to offer me. It felt good to know there was finally someone who was paying attention to me and what I was doing - rather than collecting the money and just letting me ride around the track.
As for what we're doing next year, well, it's still "in the works" so to speak. I think it's pretty much a done deal that Shallcross will be chasing Suzuki money next year. As for Roeser, DanO, and myself, the thought of switching to WERA has come up. A) just to try something new, B) there are some frustrations over the current organization we're in, and C) better contingency. Roeser has also kicked around the ideas of running FUSA.
We really have yet to sit down and compare all our choices, tho I'm betting tt's probably going to ultimately come down to scheduling, and how dates compare for next year. I don't have the budget to race EVERY weekend (like what happened in what, May and August of this year?) Also a concern is the vacation time. I think I'd rather do fewer weekends, be able to run an entire series (rather than go broke 1/2 way through) and get to see some new places in the meantime.
QuoteI come into the pits, and you ALREADY had something to offer me. It felt good to know there was finally someone who was paying attention to me and what I was doing - rather than collecting the money and just letting me ride around the track.
Can't say I can come in the first time around and tell eveyone something, but I try. Thanks....
QuoteAs for what we're doing next year, well, it's still "in the works" so to speak.
Hey, just make sure you guys keep talking to me about all this. I'll usually have a different take on it all, and attitude adjustment sometimes is part of my game. So, don't be silent. Keep me in the loop. I'm here to help you guys.
Dave, you probably already did this last Monday, but if not then make sure you talk to Monte. He might be looking for something to differentiate himself against all of the other track day orgs and offer up some advanced/intermediate level instruction which costs more. Since he is already renting out the tracks then you might be able to work something out where you attend specific events and people sign up for the additional instruction. He will have the track rented out and paid for already, it is just a matter of getting enough ppl to sign up to make it worth the trip for you.
BTW, thanks for this past Monday. It was *very* helpful. I feel like I have a much better understanding of how the bike works with respect to geometry changes. Hopefully I will get some time to continue working on "the dance". I am going to Deals Gap next week (318 curves in 11 miles, woohoo!) and will use the slower pace to concentrate on my feet a little more. Hopefully by next year it will become 2nd nature.
I will also very likely keep in the budget another round of training from you. It was well worth the expense (finally... I have spent too much on classes from others and not gotten a return).
As for doing small group instruction at other tracks... you will find it isn't inexpensive. I checked several in my area for our event and Grattan was the cheapest place I could find. All of the rest wanted between $5000 and $10000 for the day. Unless you have a lot of people, or a few people with a lot of money, then financially it becomes difficult. Grattan (coming in at around $2500 for the day, including ambulance and corner workers) is by far one of the most reasonable places around to rent.
Larry, we're working on details and all now.
I would agree that Grattan is cheap. Not sure how EJ stays in business, but that's his business, I guess.
Glad what you and I did worked. Would have liked a bit more traction so that we could do some more things and all too. I think you have a working grasp on things, though, and that's important.
You riding this weekend and next weekend too?
Garth,Garth,Garth,Garth,Garth,Garth, body slam, body slam, body slam, body slam. OHHHHHHHH. he's got him on the ropes???????????!!!!!!!! ;D
I really enjoy these type of threads. I have known dave for a long time, i can honestly say he does a good job at his schools. The point of telling people they look good is because the person saying that has no idea what to say to help that rider. Most people that look good are going so slow it is absurd.I also think NESBA does a good job at what they do , provide reasonably priced track time for street riders and wannabe racers that are not interested in racing a series. There is room for all these types of groups to coexist. Dave can only handle so many people at a time the same as NESBA. Some people like a certain group or org because of the atmosphere at the track.No right or wrong reason why they choose. The bottom line is that the racing community or track day community are small fish, so everyone should work together.
Bada Bing!
Knowledge from the master.
Jim, we love you!
You're gonna take care of the "boy" at Daytona, I understand. I think they have a good supply of stuff, but is there anything that they might need from my bike to take down? Trying to get them just to take all my wheels so that they just have too many. Who knows, might need a rotor, etc.
Jim, I agree. The motorcycle culture in this country is a limited one. Then drill down to sportbikes/performance bikes and the group gets smaller. Then drill down again to racers and track enthusiast and we are truly working with a tiny demographic. We do all need to work together in order to grow our sport.
No need to get into details and specific other than to say that I have previously stated that I would never restrict anyone from NESBA as long as the abide by and conform to our processes and procedures. We do have SOP's in place. However, I was never afforded the opportunity.
Believe me I have tried to work several things out with regard to this. I realize NESBA is not for everyone because we are structured and controlled. We do strictly enforce rules. It is a concept and attitude that the individual rider has to buy into. Those riders that do not understand this are generally disappointed.
Didn't get out this weekend. Family stuff intervened (birthday for one of my kids). Next weekend should be full of riding though. The weather is looking good with lower 70's for temps. Should provide a good opportunity to continue working on things. Deals Gap has a *lot* of turns back to back and the slower street pace should provide a good atmosphere to practice getting smooth with "the dance". Hopefully after riding for 2 days doing that it will just become 2nd nature and next year I can work on some other things with you. I am definitely budgeting some cash for another day of instruction.
Just keep me posted on what you're doing, Larry.
How's the search for the new bike? Did you break it to the family yet? ;D
QuoteDidn't get out this weekend. Family stuff intervened (birthday for one of my kids). Next weekend should be full of riding though. The weather is looking good with lower 70's for temps. Should provide a good opportunity to continue working on things. Deals Gap has a *lot* of turns back to back and the slower street pace should provide a good atmosphere to practice getting smooth with "the dance". Hopefully after riding for 2 days doing that it will just become 2nd nature and next year I can work on some other things with you. I am definitely budgeting some cash for another day of instruction.
The two main problems with Deal's Gap are logging trucks and serious lack of cornerworkers. ;)
Have a good time!
AAAAAH, street riding just scares me.
Give me my '90 Sable, my blue socks, and my plaid sport coat...l ;)
QuoteAAAAAH, street riding just scares me.
Give me my '90 Sable, my blue socks, and my plaid sport coat...l ;)
Dont forget the "beenie cap"...! ;D
QuoteAAAAAH, street riding just scares me.
It's okay, don't be skeered.
Eh, Deals Gap isn't so bad. It can be if you like to push it too hard. I have been going for the past 7 years now (already went this past May). I tend to ride it at a brisk pace but leave myself lots of cusion for mistakes, cars in my lane, and the notorious semis that *think* it is a short cut.
The new race bike is old news to the family. My wife was actually the one who convinced me to keep the 929 for this year since I was so used to it. She figured it would be one less thing I would have to worry about while out on the track figuring this racing stuff out. But she has known all year that at the end of the season the 929 is gone. I just have to start moving on getting it sold so I can pick up "the new bike" (whatever that turns out to be) and start working on it.
I do think it is funny, however, that as time goes on my wife is more and more comfortable with me doing track days and racing and less comfortable with me riding on the street. When I first started riding at the track it was the exact opposite.
Speaking of Deals Gap. have you tried the Cherahola Skyway? It's right down the road, and a very cool ride as well. About an hour and a half further down is Two Wheels Only campground in Suches Georgia. That is a great place to stay. Wolf Pen Gap is the road that leads from HWY 129 to the campground, and it's a blast as well. We used to do a day trip from TWO out and around through Ducktown to the Cherahola, and then over to Deals Gap. Then we'd head back on assorted other twisties. The route made somewhat of a diamond shape on the map, but it's been 10 years, so I don't remember it exactly. Racing got me off the street...
Cherohala is a lot of fun but it's a lot faster than the Gap. Lots of high speed sweepers. Beware of police choppers up there. There are a lot of good road in northern GA not far from there. Highway 60 I think? Oh yeah, there is a pretty good BBQ place on stilts at one end of Cherohala. ;D
Um, BBQ...
Seriously, thanks for all the input.
I'll post when I get some things in order...
As a reminder...
The sponsors of my program this year...
Jim, Shawn, and Ed at 4&6 http://4and6.com
So, nice to work with someone I chased for so long...
Vanson Leathers
Suomy Helmets
Woodcraft
Mason Racin' Tires/Michelin
Micron Exhaust
Hyperpro Suspension and Dampers
Vesrah
Sportsmans Park Yamaha http://www.sportsmanspark.net
sliderphoto.com
Power Mist Racing Fuels
And Chicken Hawk Tire Warmers
Yeah, I guess we *are* hijackign Dave's thread... ;)
The Cherahola is cool, but I agree it is too fast. Lots more people die there than the Gap. After 50 minutes of sweepers those last couple of really tight turns tend to sneak up on people and bite them hard. The gap is much slower so as long as you don't get hit by an oncoming vehicle then your chances of surviving a get-off unscathed are pretty good.
BTW, the BBQ place on stilts changed ownership last year and isn't as good as it used to be...
Oh, and NC sold the helos so you don't have to worry so much about cops up there any longer. Tenn is getting tough on the Gap though (they even lowered the speed limit to 35MPH).
I don't mind it from you...
You guys eat at the Sandwich Construction Company in Charlotte?
QuoteI don't mind it from you...
You guys eat at the Sandwich Construction Company in Charlotte?
Wow, that's a blast from the past...
I was working as an instructor in a Formula Ford school at Charlotte Motor Speedway in about 1985 when that place first opened, and we used to take the whole crew there.
Don't get to Charlotte much anymore, so I'm amazed it's still alive.
Back to your regularly scheduled programming...
QuoteBTW, the BBQ place on stilts changed ownership last year and isn't as good as it used to be...
Now that makes me sad. Hmm... maybe I should buy it. Barbecue, excellent motorcycle roads. What more could I want? Maybe I could even find myself a southern belle... ;D
(Sorry to continue the hijack Dave, but this is important stuff, don'tcha know? ;) )
QuoteDon't get to Charlotte much anymore, so I'm amazed it's still alive.
Back to your regularly scheduled programming...
Don't know if it's still there. Last was there in 1993 for the AMA Road Races at the CMS. Was good then.