I went back to school yesterday. And realise I know nothing...!
They just have "drills", step by step things you're told in lectures in the classroom, then you do out on the track. There are on track "instructors" who follow you, catch up, tell you what to do more, less, quicker, etc. I am sure I am now a better rider. I dunno if I'm 300 quid better, but the bike's more stable, my turn in is better, and (holy of holies!) my knee is on the deck a lot!
Drill 1: get some laps in in 4th gear, no brakes. Harder than it sounds
Drill 2: they put turn-in points on the track. Turn on these. I was miles off previously (too early). The knee starts to touch the deck. So does my massive home made fairing. At least the surface of it is flat now!
Drill 3: Counter steering, to turn in faster. I thought I know this already, but concious practice (as opposed to getting round during a race) really sorts it out
Drill 4: Let go of the bars! Well, not quite, but loosen up, on the bars, on the spine, etc. Amazing, it handles *much" better!! And turns quicker. With no money spent on the chassis!!
Drill 5: Look for an apex before the turn in point. About a second before. This I found quite difficult, and was knackered, so probably didn't do too well.
I mean, its not like we dont all KNOW the theory- nothing here is totally new. But when you have someone to explain it (theory) and then another guy who helps you do it in practice, its as iff blinkers have been taken off.
On the downside, I spoke to a "Set Up Man" who was there at the track, and the bike is definately bent- I could have told him that! Both the swingarm and steering head he thinks...
Feels ok to me...! I reckon I'm riding round it.
He said, "if you're doing ok with that, you'll be amazed what a true bike is like".... So I dont think I can throw in the sweaty towel just yet!! I will have to get it on the MotoLiner I think, tho thats unlikey before pembrey
Also the riding instructor said the bike looks impossible to ride. Its certainly *very* painful!! The seat is too low (I like low!), the pegs too far back for me (quite tall- me a*** is almost at my heels) and not adjustable. My legs are seriously killing me after only a few laps.
ie. Compare:
http://www.g3racing.co.uk/html/snetterton_21.html(and now I'm on the ball of my feet, compounding the problem. not the instep as here.)
and
http://www.g3racing.co.uk/html/snetterton_30.htmlA higher seat was suggested, I have the one from last year. Not as pretty as the current one, but maybe better to ride.
The instructor said "You're like a bloody jockey sitting on that thing..."
And "What are the bars there, thats a funny position"
Ahem, thats where the fairing cut-outs are.... Anywhere else and they
foul it!
So I'm at the point of saying "thats fine I've tried it", but still feel
that I haven't quite done justice to my foray into racing....
Maybe I should get something cheap and easy, like a classic Aston Martin,
or a crack habit.
Hope to put a bit of work in at pembrey. I'll still be bringing up the tail (dog-last! Those who come, expect nothing more!), but in theory I'm a better rider. (and I tried to put some into practice on the way into work on the DR. "By Christ, that turn was quick!)
cheers
andy
