Ron Haslam Race School/ California Super Bike??

Has anybody been on either or both of the above?? Or maybe something similiar you can recommend. I have only been riding a year (SV650) and my riding skills are below average, despite averaging about 200/300 miles a week on a bike. I am concerned I shall go to one of these race schools and make an ass of myself.

Thanks for your help.

Ed

Ed
I had a long think before replying.
many years ago, I booked 2 places on the 1st ever 'course' at Knockhill (Fife)
It was a birthday present for my son (and as I was paying, I too went)
Our 'instructor' (no names) went round, we followed. I had to figure out that the cones at the corners were the places to start turning and aim for.
It was a miserable day and most of the time, I stayed very close to instructor as I realised that I could follow his line (tyre trails in the rain).
My son enjoyed it and I said I did too, but I would be lying if I said I was taught anything.
Maybe not all events are like my experience.
If you do not feel confident, I would say, don't.
Do you go on runs with other bikers?
If you do not go mad, you will gain valuable experience.
200/300 miles a week is a lot of riding but if it is all commuting, it will not get you ready for a race school.
Whereas a 100mile run on a sat/sun with others will (in my opinion) get your confidence level raised.

No doubt others will add their thoughts
Stephen McG in windy Glasgow

I no a few people that have done the Ron haslam when it was at donnington.
And everyone said it was amazon.
I did something similar at mallory. And it was great. Very helpful. And they teach you all sorts. Graham

I haven't done either, but I've got to ask the question - what are you looking to get out of the course?

If you're going to be riding on the road more than on track, then I'd recommend road-based training (IAM/RoSPA et al) as something to think about.

[Nobbylad]

Look at going on a bike safe course if your local plod run one. They teach you a fair amount about road positioning/awareness etc.

Yeah sorry should have put down I have dont Bike Safe and am currently having lessons/observed runs with the IAM. I am looking at doing this to improve my conering and trust in the bike/tyre grip etc... As currently this is where I am stuggling.

And about the miles I do about 100/150 miles commuting in town and about 60/150miles ridding as a group.

THanks for all the advice.

Carry on then... there probably isn't a better way to see exactly how the tyre grip tradeoff works, under controlled circumstances.

Originally Posted by orose

If you're going to be riding on the road more than on track, then I'd recommend road-based training (IAM/RoSPA et al) as something to think about.

Just to clear up any misconceptions- CSS isn't a race or track riding school. It is a cornering school and what they teach is just as applicable on the road as on the track. They just teach at the track because of convenience and it is a safe and controlled environment. I have done all 4 levels and would highly recommend it to anyone who rides a bike!

Done a few Haslam days at both Doni and Silverstone, also done CSS level 1.

They're very different in what they do. CSS is a school, you have theory lessons followed by practical application of the theory on track, speed is not the direct aim, being able to implement the drill is. If you implement the drills correctly and add them together, then you should find yourself going faster...

Haslam day is far more, follow the instructor and see how fast you can go. You do get some very good hints and tips between sessions and it's made a huge difference to my riding. The thing it really gives you is confidence. The instructor is usually on a CBF1000, it's a big bouncy monster of a bike. He's often riding one handed to give you signals and keeping a good lookout in his mirrors to see what you're doing and if there is anyone quick coming up behind you.... That said, you'll generally find that you're going faster round corners than you have ever done before. I work on the principal that if the instructor can get the CBF1000 round the corner that fast, then so can I on a CBR600RR!! Teaches you to trust in the abilities of the bike...

Originally Posted by edmc

Has anybody been on either or both of the above?? Or maybe something similiar you can recommend. I have only been riding a year (SV650) and my riding skills are below average, despite averaging about 200/300 miles a week on a bike. I am concerned I shall go to one of these race schools and make an ass of myself.

Thanks for your help.

Ed

Im in the same position
Really want to do one or both of these schools in hope that I'll become comfortable with cornering and more confident with my bike when riding.