California Super Bike School - level 2

Ok, did level 2 of the superbike school on monday at Eastern Creek. I got a hell of a lot out of the day - probably more so than I did at level 1. I don't think that was a reflection on the teaching though - more my attitude and need to build confidence following a couple of visits to the gravel trap! Also at $375 for the day, it is much, much cheaper than the UK! Having said that, I think the teaching in the UK is better. Andy Ibbott has become quite well known (via various bike magazines etc.) and has a very good way of teaching. The aussie guy was good, but felt that he was just going through the checklist/motions rather than making sure you really understood.

The day was geared around vision, and maximising the amount of perceived time and space you have before, in and on corner exit. Format was similar to their other days - 1st session = no brakes, 1 gear -> 5th session = all gears + brakes. Like level 1, they didn't tell me anything that I didn't already have an idea about, but the series of track sessions and drills break things down in simple segments and focuses on one thing at a time. Again, one of the advantages of the day is that unlike a trackday, you can quite happily get away with trying these ideas out in a simple slower format. For instance, part of one drill was to ride around the circuit around a metre from the left side of the track for 1 lap and look at corners from the different point of view. Then ride on the right side...then the centre of the track. Sounds pretty mickey mouse, but it is actually quite useful to determining what being in unusual parts of the track look like, how much grip/dirt there is, if you turn in early, how much space you have in hand on the exit etc. You couldn't do this on a trackday without risking an accident.

I only rode the day at 60% and really concentrated on the stuff being taught. I would say by the end, I was still riding slower than previous trackdays and Eastern Creek, but felt far, far smoother. I wasn't going to be and very tempted to book another trackday and work on what was taught, but at my normal pace and see how I can improve further.

I will definitely do level 3 + 4 now, though when I will get the chance next, I don't know!

Good effort Luke - am looking forward to maybe doing a CSS Day next year i wish it was AUD$375 though LOL - good report too