Ducati Sporting Club UK > Sport > Trackdays & Race Schools > California Superbike School - Worth it?

[phillc]

At the risk of opening that can of worms again, I attended CSS at Silverstone yesterday.

It was a hot sweaty day in leathers, but I found it to be worthwhile and I'm pretty sure my riding has (and will continue to) improve.

The classroom sessions were easy to follow and taught some essential, basic cornering skills. The track time was essential in applying these skills. It was generally all very sensible riding on track, with only one session red flagged, after two crashes.

So was it worth spending £300 on? I think so. It picked up some real flaws in my riding, which I can now hopefully improve on during future trackdays, and on the road.

I've written a more complete review here - http://kapitalmoto.co.uk/node/112

I should also mention that my on track instructor was the illustrious (or is that notorious?) Chris Butcher. Seriously though, Chris is a pretty good instructor, asking questions and letting me explore the answers.

TP was also there, but I managed to avoid him most of the day ;-) He seemed particularly busy with one of his students on a new Gixxer K6.

[weeksy2]

Nice one... what did you feel was the most benefit to you ?

[phillc]

Personally, I got the most from the throttle application drill. Made me realise just how far I had been "coasting" into corners before applying throttle in the past. And second would be the relaxation drill. I'd never really thought about it too much before, but when focussing on trying to be more relaxed it's amazing to realise just how tense I had been in the past.

[Tonio600]

Right then, I just lost another place at Cadwell

[sye73]

I also attended a CSS day at Silverstone recently.
Although expensive, the organisation was very good and the team of people were obviously experienced not only in teaching people, but also how to run a training day efficiently.
On a personal level, I actually found it quite difficult to translate what I'd learnt in the classroom onto the track. The evironments are very different places and inevitably more things are 'going on' out on the circuit to take away your concentration.
The only slight critisism I had of the day is that when I booked, I had in my mind that I was actually going to be riding around Silverstone. In reality it was a part of Silverstone that I not only felt was too small, but also had poor surfaces in some areas.
Overall tho, a good day

[phillc]

Originally Posted by sye73

I also attended a CSS day at Silverstone recently.
On a personal level, I actually found it quite difficult to translate what I'd learnt in the classroom onto the track. The evironments are very different places and inevitably more things are 'going on' out on the circuit to take away your concentration.
The only slight critisism I had of the day is that when I booked, I had in my mind that I was actually going to be riding around Silverstone. In reality it was a part of Silverstone that I not only felt was too small, but also had poor surfaces in some areas.

I felt the same way on both points, to some extent. The "quick turn" drill I found particularly hard to actively do on track - expecially when still trying to think about getting the entry speed, throttle control and turn in points drill from previous sessions. However, the relaxation drill, which was next, helped a lot on the next two sessions and then I could think a bit more about quick turning.

The Silverstone Stowe circuit (I think it's called) is a bit Mickey Mouse with loads of left handers. However, I wasn't too bothered by it. Firstly I need the left hand turn practice, but also I wasn't bother about riding quickly, just practicing the drills. This track I think was fine for Level 1. If/When I do Level Two, I think I'll try for a different track though.

[Loz]

Phil
Thanks for posting this and also the link to your detailed report. Food for thought!

[Dominic Clegg]

when i asked the question about this this was just what i was looking for.

just £300 bit holding me back have to find a sponser hehehehehe

[TP]

Nice report Phill, I'm glad you had a good day.

[fil2]

im very interested in the CSS days....have even read a few things written by Keith Code ..!?!?.....its just at 300 a day, with racing its just not in the realms of possibilty...which is a conundrum..i would only do it to go faster on track but can only afford it if i stop racing..if i stop racing how fast i go becomes irrelevant.....hmmmm..i dunno......

Phil