CSS or ESS?
 

Following yesterday's Norfolk Fun Session, I've decided to do either the CSS or ESS. Have trawled the archives and come up with a great post from a guy who did ESS at Croft. But I also have Il Duce applying some subliminal pressure to do CSS. (insomuch as I would lijke to have him as an instructor)

What's the concensus as to which is the better school? From my ill inofrmed perspective, CSS seems to be the more popular, but ESS appears to offer better value. Would be interested in anyone's else experiences, especially those who have done both.

[Edited on 2-11-2004 by yeti]

Yeti,

I did level 1 CSS early this year, Lily and TP-996 were there also, and TP has gone onto level 2. I didn't know what to expect to be honest, but by the end of the day I'd learnt so much, I would recommend it to anyone.

Why did I choose CSS over ESS? no idea, I guess the main one could be the ESS doesn't do much up North, whereas CSS seem to do most of their days at Rocky or SS

I'll be back for level 2 and possible 3, 4 next year depending on finances etc

SS? Am I thick? Where the heck is SS? Sunny Snett?

Silverstone matey!

I have done CSS levels 1,2 and 2 and ESS Blue.
I have posted details before,
but the short version is that imo CSS is better :D:D

Rob

[Edited on 2-11-2004 by electricsheep]

R much a thi john,i'll mek one,when weather picks up !!!

:puzzled:

I have done both CSS level 1 and ESS and felt that the CSS definately was the better.Others will no doubt disagree!;)

[Edited on 2-11-2004 by Jasper]

Haven't got any experience of the ESS but I have done level 1 and 2 with the CSS and I'm happy to say that it is simply the best money I've ever spent on biking!!

I'm going back for level 3 and 4 next year.

BTW if you can stretch the pennies go for a two day camp, they are awesome.

My perfect (fantasy) plan for CSS would be Level 1, then a month later Level 2, then a month later a two day camp (levels 3 & 4)

Rob

I haven't done ESS but I've done CSS 1-3. I just echo the comments of those people who endorse it as money well spent.

There are lots of people who are just as good or better than me through having loads more experience or just being more natural riders, but I've raised my game far quicker by doing CSS than if I had relied on natural ability or learning through the trial and error of experience.

My dream scenario? Getting one of the business trips to Palo Alto, that I go on three or four times a year, to sync up with a two day CSS training camp at Laguna Seca. I can live in hope.

I have done levels 1-4 CSS.
For me levels 1+ 2, back to back take some beating.
This summer I did a S.P.O.R.T.S day with ESS at Croft - is this the post you were refering to earlier?
If so, it's a hybrid between a track day and a race school / day-ish.
Thus I have only pure tuition via the CSS and whilst the ESS did have some unusual features, I'm not sure I am the man to tell you one is better than the other.
Hope this helps.

Tim

as with others not done the ess but have done css lvls 1-4 and can recommend them 100 %

All I can tell you Yeti is. With the CSS, each instructor has to go through a strict teaching regime. They are trained to look out for rider faults and correct them. I don't know what set up ESS has.

Sounds like CSS then, shall we badger them for a DSC only school?

Yeti,

That sounds like a topper idea mate!!!!

Any idea which dates you'd be badgering them for??

I'll be up for it whenever - it's a helluva trek for us north of the border but I'd be pretty confident in getting at least a couple of us to come down for it.

We'd already been talking about heading down for the 1st school of the year on March 26th - if there was a DSC only day, we'd sort somethin out!

Cheers!

Scott

I have a long range forecast for the summer of 2005 and I suggest you dig out your wets!
;)
Can't be any worse than '04 ......

Tim

I'll have a chat with Il Duce and see what he thinks as to how viable this might be. He is one of their instructors after all.

Have CSS released dates for next year yet?

I'd be up for this, but would prefer to go to Silverstone again, don't really like Rocky, I imagine quite a few on here don't either after TA3

JPM,

All the dates for next year are at Rocky or overseas only.

Dunno why, but it's either Rocky or nowt if you want to do CSS in the UK next year.

Or at least that's what it said on the e-mail I got.

Cheers!

Scott

[Edited on 4-11-2004 by Scottch]

i tried to arrange a DSC only day and there was alot of interest but very little take up. i guess its difficult to get people to committ near xmas. for whats its worth i did manage to negotiate a 10% discount if we got 20+ people so it might be worth a go. i think they release most of their dates at the NEC but last year they added others such as brands dates much later on in the year.

i will do level 4 again so keep me in touch with any prospective dates and i will try to tie in. i always like one around may.

If there's ever a time/excuse to do a t/day or school at Laguna, this could be it :D

[Edited on 4-11-2004 by jpmercer]

See my post regarding who fancies a DSC day.

Dickie, rather than re-inventing the wheel, can you let me know what snags you hit other than low take up?