On November 2nd, 2001 I attended Keith Code's California Superbike School. It was held at Willow Springs Raceway on the Streets of Willow Springs track.

I ultimately decided that I'd rather improving my riding on my bike with my own gear than rent someone elses so I decided to take my Superhawk and my own leathers. My leathers don't have any sliders, but dragging the knee isn't a requirement. I had enough dragging happening with VicToRia's stock peg feelers, (pretty much every time in turn 2)

Track Prep

Track Prep

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The Class is scheduled from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. I arrived early and got some help from "Honda" Ray (works for Honda) unloading Victoria. I registered and put my assigned number (#6) on Vicky. I then had time to walk around a take a few pictures from the garage area before the first session started.

Morning Arrival

Team Honda ?

Rental Bikes

Since this was my second time to this school I was in the Level 2 Class with 10 others. There were at least 25 Level 1 riders attending. There were about 8 Level 3 students and 5 Level 4 studets. On of the Level 4 students, Speedy Pete, was at the Level 4 class when I took my Level 1 class back on Easter. I dig his cool British accent and his regular attendence and sweet Duc 998 were clear testements of his commitment to learning to ride well. I also meet some other really cool riders there. Like "Honda" Ray (his 929 in next to the cone in the "Team Honda" pic.) And Paul on his track ready R1 AND Dave on this 600F4i:

(both of which also own Ducs).

The class is broken up into 5 sessions. Each session has some classroom training on a particular skill and was followed by some track time to practice this skill. Keith Code is a legendary instructor for a reason. This guy simply knows how to communicate to riders and understands the "Art of Cornering". The entire operation seemed very professional and well structured yet casual.

The Level 2 Class includes some time on 1 of their specially designed "Skill Bikes". Level 2's get to use the Lean bike. It helps teach you how to properly position your body when hung off in a turn. I discovered that I was fine on the left side but didn't get my shoulder down far enough on the right. Quick adjustment, and my right turns are now sharper.

You're only as good as your visual skills. That's why visual skills are the focus of the Level II course. The first session focuses on Reference Points. The goal is to get enough that you always know where you are on the track. The second sessions focuses on discovering how much space is really on the track by trying different lines. The third session focuses on vanishing points. The goal is to understand how far you really can see down the track. You don't necessarily always want to look at the vanishing point, especially if it's really far away. This drill helps train you to look down the track. The fourth session focuses on wide vision. Since tunnel vision is a form of target fixation the goal of this session was to teach you to take the blinders off.

The fifth and finally session is actually a prelude to the specialized machine handling techniques focus in Level III, Pickup. Essentially, once you get to the point in the turn that you're starting to get on the throttle heavily, keep yourself leaned over and pick the bike up so you can apply the throttle more aggressively.

Out Front

Hard Cornering

I will not get further into the details of the course because I don't want to discourage anyone from ACTUALLY taking the course. The books Keith has written "A Twist of the Wrist", "A Twist of the Wrist II" and "The Soft Science of Road Racing Motorcycles" explain the concepts and ideas that Keith conveys in the classroom. The sessions right before the track time, and focusing on one things at a time on a track, is really what helps significantly improve your skills. Check out how much my average lap times increased with the sessions. Keep in mind, in session 2 I was trying different lines.

Track Dress

Rt. Peg Feeler

"New" Back Tire

Front Tire

I have been riding now for year and have put about 20K miles on the street. After my Level 1 Class I thanked Keith for helping me move from operating a motorcycle to riding it. Now, I know how to ride it, but realize that riding is a skill that requires contants refinement. CSS has a great program for all levels of riders. Thanks Keith, I'll see you (and my new buddies Dave, Paul & Ray) on March 29th.