Ducati Sporting Club UK > General > Idle Chat > European Superbike School

[electricsheep]

I have just finished a 2 day class with the European Superbike School.

I took the Blue class which covers correct body position on both the straights and in the corners, also covers braking, throttle control, steering and machine set-up as well as maintenance/preparation so you have a broad database of information and skill by the time you have completed the course. This is the beginners/intermediate class. They have more advanced classes

There are classroom sessions and track sessions on both days. In addition there were workshops on suspension and bike setup

The classroom sessions were very good. Basically a presentation using Powerpoint but also using video clips which really helped illustrate what we should be trying to achieve

On the track session you were grouped with 3 other students and worked with the same instructor for the 2 days.

ESS did not use specific drills (unlike at CSS) but you were working on what was presented in the classrooms. After the session there was detailed debrief from the instructor. My instructor had video on his bike and that really helped with the feedback.

The Good
My on track instructor was excellent, providing great feedback and suggestions on how to improve. He also did a couple of sessions where he took each student in turn where you would follow him. He would show the correct lines, brake points, turn points but he would set also just a little faster that your pace just to stretch you slightly. This really helped me improve.

The Less Good
There were a few small organisational hiccups during the first day, but everything got drop, it just got a little off schedule.

Both Good and Bad (depending on you)
Because there were not fixed drills for the on track sessions you are really depending a lot on the quality of the on track instructor, mine was excellent and managed to do a good job with students of mixed abilities. But that might not always be the case.

Bonuses
ESS usually has a guest 'Cheif Instructor' normally Frankie Chili.
This time it was Mick Doohan. He did a Q&A session, posed for pictures and signed autographs. More surprising was that he came out on track for a couple sessions. In was interesting to see him go past and watch as he disappears through the next corner - no hope of keeping up

Overall very good and quite different from CSS which is both good and bad. I think that would depend on your individual tastes

[TP]

Mick!!! What a legend!!! He is one of my favourite racers ... along with Troy Corser, Troy Bayliss ... (see a pattern forming?)

You lucky *******!!!

[electricsheep]

He was really nice as well, made a point of wandering around the paddock and speaking with everyone. I got him to sign my shoei.

Rob

[TP]

Excellent, I would be absolutey chuffed to bits if I was you ...

ahhhh

[eccles291]

Rob,

How much did the 2-day school cost you? I've been wanting to go to this for a couple of years now and I'm hoping that this year I might just get there... finances allowing of course!

Between this and the California Superbike School, which would you say was better value?

Cheers,


Colin

[electricsheep]

The 2 day ESS school at Snetterton was £599. Most of the ESS schools are in Europe. The school is cheaper but you have to factor in accomodation and transport.

Value for money is hard to judge.

These are both good schools, but they are quite different. I think that it is better to choose based on your abilities and learning style

CSS offers its classes in a 1 day format so if moneys tight that should be easier to afford

Rob

[Edited on 20-6-2004 by electricsheep]

[Old Yella]

Did the ESS last year with Rocket, Jasper and Dude and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I felt like I learnt a lot and confirmed some of the things I was already doing were correct.
My on track instructor was great and I had similar experiences on track as you did Sheep.
Classroom work was good too but it was a little hectic through the 2 days.
Not much chance to chill and check the bike over as it was 20 mins class, 20 mins track then 20 mins rest.
Rest sounds enough but when your thinking over what you have just done and talking to your instructor then it flies and your back learning again.
Thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to most but think the price of the european ones is well worth a looking at?

[electricsheep]

Yella, which circuit did you do ?

Rob

[Old Yella]

Croft near Darlington.

Fancy the euro events but funds are been swallowed by my house this year, theres always next year eh.