All, A good friend, Kevin Frantum, is coming for a visit this summer. I've known Kevin for over 25 years. He started racing db's at a young age and later became one of the lead USMC MC scout instructors. He's moved on to facilitating the Lee Parks ARC (google it). Lee Parks has a STELLAR reputation! If we can get FOUR folks to sign on, we'll have enough for a class. I'll work on logistics if we find interest. Late June/early July is the timeframe. Max class size is SIX. Myself and my son "JR" are already in. See below for remarks from Kevin. Jim Riders-So you want to try to take at least one motorcycle training class each year? Unfortunately, unless you want to go to a race school, your options are somewhat limited. The MSF's ERC Experienced Rider Course or ARC Advanced Riders Course are some options. These are good courses, and I always end up learning or re-learning something, but it gets a bit repetitious. Lee Parks Total Control ARC (Advanced Riding Clinic) Level 1 is a great place to start and is fun. According to his web site, the class is intended to help bridge the gap between the MSF ERC and a race school. If you haven't had the chance read Lee's book, Total Control - High Performance Street Riding Techniques, do so. He has other books out there as well but this one will benefit you most. Course requirements are that protective gear is required, including helmet, motorcycle jacket and riding pants, full-fingered gloves and over-ankle boots. The main thrust of this course is cornering techniques and other factors influencing safe and efficient cornering. There are segments on traction, fear, concentration, attitude, throttle control, throttle/brake transitions, vision, line selection, body position, and more. Did you know that your bike is actually designed pretty well? They do what they are designed to do, including going around corners, just fine. It's the rider that typically upsets things. The best thing that a rider can do is to do the minimum required, but when something is required, do it correctly and decisively. All the exercises are done in a building block format with, believe it or not, some actually done in the classroom. Like have you ever set a water bottle 15-20 feet in front of you, glanced at it and then closed your eyes, walked out, and picked it up. This helps demonstrate picking a delayed apex turn point and then shifting your vision into the turn, but not throwing the bike over until you intuitively reach your turn point. There is an interesting and informative section on suspension setup towards the end. Two student bikes are used as demo bikes usually. The suspension on these bikes is deliberately adjusted wrong, both tight and loose, and the effect demonstrated. We then show you how to adjust the suspension to fit a particular rider. We now know how to measure and adjust fork and shock sag, which is settling under load, and what it should be for various types of bikes. You will also learn about suspension friction, along with both rebound and compression damping. You are shown how adjustments are made if that feature is provided and told how changes might be accomplished if manufacturer provided adjustments are not available. The class is broken into lecture and riding. Do you know how the various parts of the brain affect riding a motorcycle? Do you know the risk you may take when you purchase tires from an Internet discounter vs. a local dealer? Did you know that there are distinct steps in cornering? These steps are initially practiced at zero MPH! Try sitting on your bike with the side stand up and six strangers holding it while you go through the steps, including the full bike lean. Two of Lee's three promises at the beginning of the course are that you would see a noticeable improvement in your riding and that you would be able to self-diagnose riding problems and fix them in the future. You will have to make that determination for yourself at the end of the class but I'd be surprised if the answer was no. What's the downside of the class? The cost for a one day class might be a little steep at $395. The student handbook is primarily a course outline with places to take notes. You really need Lee's book to fill in the blanks. Teaching the class in one day, we will run from about 8 AM to 6 PM with an hour for lunch, this is not enough time to cover everything in his book. When you think about it, the cost is miniscule when compared to a broken bike, a trip to the ER, and time off work. On a traditional Harley you may not be able to perform all of the exercises to the degree that you could on a sportier bike, but the techniques are the same. They just might save you from going down the next time you find yourself going a bit fast into a decreasing radius turn. Kevin [/COLOR]
Nope! If even one person noticed, then the power of annoying advertising has prevailed! Okay, now it's "sandy brown". J
Ask Lee if he needs a standard size range. It's 200x300 ft., paved, unobstructed. That will be the biggest hurdle. Barb
For all who responded, I am now working on obtaining a location, likely in Anchorage area, but not firm. (Barb! ) This will likely happen end of June timeframe so that shouldn't get in the way of D2D. Barb: The BRC range will work if that's what you were referring to. Can I call you tomorrow to discuss?
Anchorage range probably won't work, it is a modified size. It is also booked up 7 days a week through July. B
All, Unless we can find a spot that meets the 200x300' minimum ASAP we may have to postpone. Anyone have someone with a lot which is available on a Sat/Sun? Please PM asap!
Yup, gotta be paved, por favor! Mud, since you happen to know somebody there, could you please inquire???
