Hey gang. I'm excited to announce that I will be instructing with Zalusky Advanced Riding School. I'm very excited at the opportunity to coach people with learning advanced riding skills. I'm hoping to see some of my peeps from here out there this year. There are two schools/venues this year and it's going to be great!
There is the advanced riding course at DCTC, and there is the trackday or school option at BIR! So far, two dates at BIR. The local advanced riding course has several Friday evenings on the schedule. This should work out nicely to go get some riding in after work on Friday, and still have the weekend with the family. ;) That should help those gentlemen here that are always requesting "kitchen passes" [cheeky]
Anyway, is anyone here thinking about taking the courses, or doing a trackday at BIR? Let me know. It would be great to see some of you guys and gals out there.
Here is the link to Jessica's website. It's seperated into the advanced riding school, and the trackday/school sections.
http://advancedridingschool.net/ (http://advancedridingschool.net/)
For those that don't know Jessica Zalusky, our local AMA pro roadracer, here is the link to her website.
http://www.roadracinggirl.com/ (http://www.roadracinggirl.com/)
So, what say you? Anyone coming out to learn with a little bit of playing sprinkled on top? ;D
Gabe,
Are you going to be at Grumpy's monday? I really would like to try to talk the brains of the operation into signing up for a class and I think she might listen to you.
Yes, I'll be there.
Anyone can take the classes on any bike...even you [cheeky]
I probably need some learnin' more than most. But we kinda come as a pair. See you monday.
I did this last night and it was a blast. Was great to be able to ride around on a track for less than $150 and to not be worried about hitting some of the MN potholes that are abundant this time of year. The course is fun and flows well, the instructors were great, friendly, and it was fun to talk bikes again. Everything was great except for some smart-ass on a 900ss smack-talking my homemade tail section, my ass, and Mo's cat. I would recomend people doing this I know I'll be doing it again. [bacon]
Quote from: atomic410 on April 25, 2009, 09:34:40 AM
Everything was great except for some smart-ass on a 900ss smack-talking my homemade tail section, my ass, and Mo's cat.
[laugh] good times
Last night was awesome! I would really like to see some of you guys on here go to one of these. You'll learn some things for sure and be hooked. I guarantee that you will learn something no matter what your skill level. Jessica's school has an incredible group of instructors.
For me, teaching people new skills and refining some skills that need it and seeing their excitement was awesome. I know that I'm hooked on instructing. [beer]
Ulf, are you planning any ZARS days? Or are you just doing the other schools.
First press release of the year for Jessica's school. [thumbsup]
http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=36433 (http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=36433)
There are still spots available, I guarantee that anyone taking the class will learn something.
Okay, I saw the web site and I'm confused. I have 3000+ miles under my belt, just not on my Ducati (which is new). I'm looking for an "advanced course" (I use that term loosely) which is more than the MSF course. I've never been to a track day, but would be willing to try. What should I sign up for?
Quote from: alligator on May 06, 2009, 07:20:48 PM
Okay, I saw the web site and I'm confused. I have 3000+ miles under my belt, just not on my Ducati (which is new). I'm looking for an "advanced course" (I use that term loosely) which is more than the MSF course. I've never been to a track day, but would be willing to try. What should I sign up for?
Sign up for the first timer course. That's recommended if you have not been to the course yet. You can go to one of the Friday night schools and it's just four hours long. Then you are ready for the beginner group. Or, go to one of the all day schools and you will start in the first timer group, then move to beginner that same day. This is for the training course at DCTC. It's not a racetrack but it's similar to one. You will be able to ride here like you never can on the street, and will learn tons of awesome information no matter what your skill level. From newer rider to experienced racer, there is something for everyone.
If you want to do a trackday, they are held at B.I.R. and are a whole other deal. I would not recommend doing that until you have some more seat time and have taken the school at DCTC first. [beer]
I did the 1st timer last time and will do the beginer next time. No matter how many homeruns you hit out of the park you still have to go to 1st base and so on before the run counts. [bacon]
Okay, I'm signed up for the first-time level in June. This is exactly what I was looking for.
I am doing the ZARS school on Friday May 15. Anyone else going?
[wine]
Cool, see ya there Ulf. And I may have my new camera mounted by then (working on a mount right now). If I get it done in time, I'll film you if you want. [beer]
Quote from: alligator on May 08, 2009, 09:18:59 AM
Okay, I'm signed up for the first-time level in June. This is exactly what I was looking for.
June 26th?
Quote from: Vino900 on May 11, 2009, 06:20:09 PM
I am doing the ZARS school on Friday May 15. Anyone else going?
[wine]
yes + [bacon]
Schwanger and Rose-Guy come join us on friday!
[wine]
are there slow spots still available?
Quote from: rose_guy on May 12, 2009, 08:52:21 AM
are there slow spots still available?
I think that you just register and if there are no spots left, you find out at that time. I have no knowledge myself. I don't even know which group I'm working with until I get there.
Quote from: Vino900 on May 12, 2009, 08:44:37 AM
Schwanger and Rose-Guy come join us on friday!
[wine]
I'm not going to be able to make it on friday, I have a prior engagement that I have to attend.
Quote from: Schwanger on May 12, 2009, 09:13:57 AM
I'm not going to be able to make it on friday, I have a prior engagement that I have to attend.
She better be hot if you're missing this! [bacon]
seems to me that as soon as you register someone checks to make sure that there is a spot for you, and if you go to the website it won't show as an option i think. I know this as I was bumped up groups within 5min of paying last week. [bacon]
Quote from: fasterblkduc on May 12, 2009, 10:06:55 AM
She better be hot if you're missing this! [bacon]
Unfortunately no.....I promised some buddies I go on a pub crawl with them. [drink]
Plus I don't have leathers [roll]
If it rains you can use my leathers and your buddys can buy me beers [bacon]
It looks spotty for rain tonight. Are we still on if it is wet?
[wine]
Quote from: Vino900 on May 15, 2009, 09:37:19 AM
It looks spotty for rain tonight. Are we still on if it is wet?
[wine]
I have not heard an update yet. If I get one, I'll post here.
i just heard that it's not suposed to rain until after dinner time. i'll be there [bacon]
Do we need full leathers for this? Unfortunately, I only have half. How intense is this course?
Quote from: alligator on May 15, 2009, 07:19:06 PM
Do we need full leathers for this? Unfortunately, I only have half. How intense is this course?
Full leathers are required for Int/Advanced. If you are in First time, or beginner, then you can have a jacket and jeans. You can get this info from the ZARS website under rules/prep info. Please go there and read it.
This course is not intense at all. It's all about cornering and not speed. The course is like a mini racetrack. The police use it for driving training. You will ride at your own pace and start to work on your cornering skills, while starting to break down bad habits that you have learned on the street. If you are a newer rider, then you will probably not have as many bad habits and you will benefit tremendously from this school. All bikes (last night there was a Harley full dresser!), and all skill levels will benefit from this course. Just last night we had brand new riders, all the way up to a very fast expert racer who was working on "backing it in". [beer]
By the way, Ulf, when did you leave? You should have stuck around...the track dried out and everyone got in a couple flying sessions. Geoff unfortunately got another gravity lesson but he's ok. Someone "collected" him in a corner.
Okay, I can get the equipment I need, but can you explain why there are the following rules? Excuse my ignorance, but I've never been to a track day or advanced riding school. I have heard about these rules for tracks, but I've never seen it done.
3) All glass, headlight, turn signals, and plastic lenses must be taped over or removed. Mirrors must be taped or turned down (mirror faces down to the ground)
and
4) Gauntlet style gloves with full wrist coverage.
I'm not sure how or why to tape over all of my headlight, turn signals, etc. I also have gloves, but not the gauntlet style. I should have read these requirements before signing up.
Taping over your lights will reduce the distraction that they cause, and minimize the amount of broken glass and plastic on the track if your bike crashes. I'm surprised that she is allowing mirrors to remain. She is allowing them to be turned down out of the way instead of removing. Mirrors are a huge distraction on a closed course. This can be downright dangerous if you spend your time looking in a mirror, or worrying about who is behind you. When I do trackdays, or performance riding courses, I remove everything that I can. The value of those parts is high and breaking them hurts the wallet. If you tape, just use duct tape.
I would never consider riding on the street, track, or anywhere else without full gauntlet gloves. I've crashed enough times to know that if you slide at all, that extra protection is ALWAYS needed.
Can you borrow some from a friend? Or, check around for some used ones? If that is holding you up and you can't come up with a solution, you can borrow some from me, providing that they would fit. Send me a pm if you get stuck. Even if I don't have a pair that would fit, I'm sure that we could find a pair from someone.
OK. this time I will ride!! (if it does not rain again)
I will be at ZARS Fri May 22. Anyone else?
Ulf [wine]
The rain was fun. I can honestly say that I've never slid a bike that much in one day...on pavement anyway. It was probably due to the brand spanking new street tires that I had on it combined with water...front end, back end, both ends [moto]
I like what the rain does for people's confidence. A lot of people avoid the rain so when they get on a closed course with rain and work on cornering, they learn how to ride in those conditions. For most people, it's the only chance that you ever get to do that so the experience is very valuable. [beer]
Quote from: Vino900 on May 19, 2009, 09:03:24 AM
OK. this time I will ride!! (if it does not rain again)
I will be at ZARS Fri May 22. Anyone else?
Ulf [wine]
I'm in again, provided that said parts arive [bacon]
Quote from: Vino900 on May 19, 2009, 09:03:24 AM
OK. this time I will ride!! (if it does not rain again)
I will be at ZARS Fri May 22. Anyone else?
Ulf [wine]
do you trailer to the track?
I have a couple questions regarding gear. Is a textile jackets with pads acceptable and is it absolutely necessary to have gauntlet style gloves? I would love to come on friday but I only have a textile jacket and shorty gloves.
Quote from: Schwanger on May 19, 2009, 07:39:44 PM
I have a couple questions regarding gear. Is a textile jackets with pads acceptable and is it absolutely necessary to have gauntlet style gloves? I would love to come on friday but I only have a textile jacket and shorty gloves.
You can borrow my extra 2-piece leathers and gloves if you want. It should fit you well.
Ulf
Quote from: rose_guy on May 19, 2009, 01:18:25 PM
do you trailer to the track?
Yes I trailer the bike to the track. It's already prepped with no turn signals/license/mirrors and all lights taped.
You coming?
Ulf [wine]
Quote from: Vino900 on May 19, 2009, 07:45:36 PM
Yes I trailer the bike to the track. It's already prepped with no turn signals/license/mirrors and all lights taped.
You coming?
Ulf [wine]
Do you have extra room on the trailer? That 1198 will pass anything but a gas station.
John, don't worry about gas. I'll have a gas can there. You live in Bloomington? That's not that far to ride. If you still want to trailer, I may be able to help but this week is a bad one for that.
Quote from: rose_guy on May 19, 2009, 08:29:58 PM
Do you have extra room on the trailer? That 1198 will pass anything but a gas station.
My trailer is only set up for one bike. Like Gabe said, we will have extra gas there so no worries.
You will not run out of gas for this evening session as there is a lot of class/downtime.
[wine]
I won't make it to this one either. I have too much maintenance to do on the bike and not enough time between now and then to do it. I'll get to one of these this summer.
Thanks Ulf and Gabe for the offers to borrow gear.
Quote from: Schwanger on May 20, 2009, 02:42:38 PM
I won't make it to this one either. I have too much maintenance to do on the bike and not enough time between now and then to do it. I'll get to one of these this summer.
Thanks Ulf and Gabe for the offers to borrow gear.
Don't worry, there's plenty more.
Ulf, actually there will be even more tracktime this Friday. We are doing thirty minute sessions back to back! So you will get more time in. There is a low number of students to instructors for this so it should be fun!
So how do i get there ? Where is DCTC ? I might swing by on friday after work and watch u guys have fun ...
Quote from: fasterblkduc on May 20, 2009, 05:21:47 PM
Don't worry, there's plenty more.
Ulf, actually there will be even more tracktime this Friday. We are doing thirty minute sessions back to back! So you will get more time in. There is a low number of students to instructors for this so it should be fun!
Great I am excited!
Will the track be open 4-5?
[wine]
Quote from: Vino900 on May 20, 2009, 08:49:58 PM
Great I am excited!
Will the track be open 4-5?
[wine]
Yes, there is a warm up time from 4-4:45 for Int/Adv. I will be out there doing a one-on-one during that time...see ya there!
Quote from: cyclops on May 20, 2009, 08:23:54 PM
So how do i get there ? Where is DCTC ? I might swing by on friday after work and watch u guys have fun ...
Why wouldn't you just ride in it too?
I just got needed parts via fedex, so I'm in for tomorrow. Fred at yoyodyne rules and I can't say enough good things about their customer service and quick shipping. Mo if you want directions call me, it's easy to get to. [bacon]
DCTC Directions:
Take 494 to Hwy 52 South.
Go passed Refinery and turn right (West) on Cty 42. Follow Cty 42 for 2-3 miles and DCTC is on the left (south).
[wine]
Quote from: fasterblkduc on May 21, 2009, 10:29:29 AM
Why wouldn't you just ride in it too?
Well because i havent signed up , and its already friday , and i cant get out of work till 5, so id get there around 6ish ... i dunno, would that be an issue ? And i cant load the bike on my own, so id have to ride it in full leathers , and I got a bonzai on my arse :-*
Quote from: cyclops on May 21, 2009, 08:18:22 PM
and I got a bonzai on my arse :-*
[roll] Oh Mo...this is why everyone loves you...we have no idea WTF you are talking about but somehow you have gotten into trouble again. It's a lot of work trying to keep you out of the messes that you get into...it's like I have another kid...a really hairy one that gets lost all the time [laugh]
Ok, I just cracked myself up there. I'm so glad it's Friday!!! Mo, will I see you tonight? [beer]
Quote from: fasterblkduc on May 22, 2009, 04:42:30 AM
...we have no idea WTF you are talking about
And how do u think that makes me feel ... pops ... :-* .... I was referring to the diamond on my back, but never mind, u never listen to me anyways :'(
Yes i will be there prob after 6 ....
Quote from: cyclops on May 21, 2009, 08:18:22 PM
, and I got a bonzai on my arse :-*
why is there a small tree on you bum bum? [bacon]
* Bonsai, the art of growing small trees and plants
* Bonsai Kitten, an old internet hoax promoting the "art" of shaping animals' bodies
* Bonsai (software), a CVS code management system
(http://i39.tinypic.com/zss8sm.jpg)
Kind of Prickly don't you think?
[laugh] I heart Mo! :-*
Here's a video from last night. It's a few laps that I did following Ulf and Mark...enjoy! http://gallery.me.com/gabrielblevins#100046 (http://gallery.me.com/gabrielblevins#100046)
Quote from: Monstergirl on May 23, 2009, 06:40:18 AM
* Bonsai, the art of growing small trees and plants
* Bonsai Kitten, an old internet hoax promoting the "art" of shaping animals' bodies
* Bonsai (software), a CVS code management system
(http://i39.tinypic.com/zss8sm.jpg)
Kind of Prickly don't you think?
so Mo's bonsai kitten is stuck in a bonsai tree all on his butt? better call the bonsai fire dept. [bacon]
Quote from: fasterblkduc on May 23, 2009, 10:04:16 AM
Here's a video from last night. It's a few laps that I did following Ulf and Mark...enjoy! http://gallery.me.com/gabrielblevins#100046 (http://gallery.me.com/gabrielblevins#100046)
Good stuff. Thanks for filming last night.
[wine]
Ok, so I'm pretty sure I want to get in on this one of these days/nights. Gabe are you doing any more of these? Anybody else want to go?
Quote from: minnesotamonster on June 20, 2009, 08:21:17 PM
Ok, so I'm pretty sure I want to get in on this one of these days/nights. Gabe are you doing any more of these?
Yes. I am scheduled to be at most of them. Hope you can make it.
Do I have to start out in the beginner/first time course?
It also says something about having to have medical ins...this true?
Cool video, Gabe! [thumbsup]
Quote from: minnesotamonster on June 21, 2009, 06:01:59 PM
Do I have to start out in the beginner/first time course?
It also says something about having to have medical ins...this true?
Yes, if it's your first time on the course then do the First Time class. If you are being held back and need to bump up, then we can bump you up no problems.
On the Insurance...I'm not real familiar with the requirements so talk to Jessica directly with questions. [beer]
Will do. Thanks!
I just registered for the first timer course on June 6.
Now to buy some real leathers.... [thumbsup]
Quote from: filter on April 05, 2010, 06:21:17 PM
I just registered for the first timer course on June 6.
Now to buy some real leathers.... [thumbsup]
Awesome! I may be there.
FYI...you don't have to have full leathers for the First Time, and Beginner group. I highly recommend it but it's not required. If you want to look at one piece leathers, check out, www.komodogear.com (//http://) I'm the racer rep. for this region. If you see anything you like there, let me know [thumbsup]