Best track schools for 1st-timers?

Before I pose my questions, etc. about the best track schools for 1st-timers, here's my background history...

I'm 49 years old, and I first began riding in 2006 after I passed the Basic Rider Course. In 2006 rode ~8000 miles on a Honda CB750 Niighthawk. In 2007 I rode ~13,500 miles on a BMW K1200GT. Last year I rode ~6000 miles on my current 2007 VFR 800A. This adds up to only ~27,500 miles over the span of 3 riding seasons thus far.

I would describe my riding skills as 'intermediate, 2nd or 3rd class' at best. I've spent many thousands of miles teaching myself and practicing on a great many of Ohio's most challenging and treacherous rural roads, and I keep going back for more.

In 2007 (riding the K1200GT), I conservatively rode Deal's Gap, as well as many other difficult mountainous roads in southwestern NC, guided by my older brother, a veteran rider and former MSF instructor who lives in Newland, NC. (We had the advantage of riding together with bike-to-bike communication using Autocom, Kenwood FreeTalk radios, etc.)

I know that I would greatly benefit from taking and hopefully completing a track school. I've studied the web sites of many track schools, but as a 1st-timer I have a number of questions, concerns, and stipulations about which track school would be best for me, including the following...

1) I'm not at all comfortable riding and risking my own motorcycle during a track school, nor am I willing to jump through the many hoops such as showing up with new tires, taped-off headlamps, side mirrors, tail lights. etc. Rather, I will consider only those track schools that will provide me with one of their track-ready motorcycles for a reasonable additional fee, along with a reasonable non-refundable deposit of ~$1500.00-$2000.00 if I crash their bike, which is quite fair.

2) I'm seeking a track school that's very novice friendly, with instructors who are patient, friendly, helpful, and encouraging, rather than being short-tempered and prone to brow-beating, bullying, and humiliating their students.


Among the many track school web sites I've studied so far, it seems that Keith Code's school may be among the most intimidating and short-tempered for novice track riders. Moreover, here in central Ohio, his schools are often scheduled at Mid Ohio Raceway on the mornings of AMA races, which means that students are taking the course in front of a huge crowd of early spectators. Not my cup of tea.

On the other hand, the 12/08 issue of Sport Rider magazine featured a full length article on the Jamie James Yamaha Champions Riding School. (The Jamie James Yamaha Champions Riding School - Come Ride With Us!). According to this article, as well as the JJ web site, this school not only provides the bikes for those who seek this option, they also seem to be very novice friendly.

What are your thoughts on these issues?

 

I tend to like riding my own bike at track days so I know how MY bike will react when needed. I have been to 4 track days with my VFR and not down once. It is for pratice and not a race so no real chance of going down unless you are riding outside of your comfort zone. Any of the schools should be good for your first time. As far as track prepping your bike just make sure your lights dont work, remove mirrors and tape wheels weights over. You should have good tires, chain and no leaks anyways.

 

my recommendation would be California Superbike School. Everything in the school is tailored to being applicable to the street. I have done levels 1,2 & 3 (doing 4 in May at Thunderbolt if you care to join).

Motorcycle Riding School - California Superbike School

 

Actually, Kieth's school (California Superbike School) is very much geared toward novice riders. He doesn't run the schools in the mornings of AMA events but rather the days following the events. Unfortunately he's not going to Mid-Ohio this year. The Mid-Ohio folks charge an outrageous fee now and he can't afford it. Kind of stupid I think, considering how fun-and-games activities are some of the first to go during a difficult economy.

I'm bummed because I used to help him out with the school at Mid-Ohio each year. It was a nice way to keep my skills sharp without spending a bunch of money. I'm not sure what I'm going to do this year, but I'm sure it won't have nearly the track time and will cost a lot more. Plus I'll probably have to deal with jokers who showed up with their $250 and want to race someone.

 

couldnt agree more, Keith is very much geared to SKILLS first and foremost, many diehard trackers/racers have the incorrect assumption that other schools are more street or track or race oriented, but the CSS curriculum is SKILL based. Having done levels 1-3 the thing I like most is that I "know" what to do and why it works... if there is something I need to improve on, I can identify it myself, consult the training or the books, and focus on improvement.

Anyone can tow you around the track and deliver fast lap times, only Keith can teach you the skills (IMHO) that allow you do be a better rider without a TOW.

I am doing level 4 at Thunderbolt in May... see you there!

 

actually, they just added Mid-O dates, check the sched... good news.

 

Considering going to Mid-Ohio myself. I have a few vacations already planned this year so my budget is only about $200 bucks

 

you could do a track day at MidO with Sportbike Track Time - Get on the right track !! Toll Free #888-390-4020 for that