Ducati Monster Forum

So, I'm taking keith code's school (level 1) in April.

Advice? Criticism? Regrets?

Constructive comments appreciated.

It's changed a bit since I last attended...November 1980...

Have you read the books?  Seen the DVD?  

The confirmation letter said they wanted me to read both books.
Any point?  I've heard the writing style is pretty pathetic.

Twist of the Wrist 2 is readable.  At least better than the first.  Havent read Soft Science.  DVD is decent.

I took level one a while back and it was decent.  The books give you a few reference points for what will be presented in the class so it can't hurt to read. I think, mentally, I got more out of the books from the stand point of trying to be as tidy as possible when riding aggressively (i.e. getting through the curvy bits).  Read 2 as it recaps most of what is in 1.  It's not a waist of time, IMHO.

My biggest beef with the class is Code's way of talking but not really saying anything that you can consume on the spot.  for example, Code, rhetorically, "How fast can you go through turn 8?" Code's answer after a pause for affect, "As fast as you can go through turn 8!"

All that said, I have been meaning to go to level 2 for some time now.  It is always nice to go to the track and not have it be a race (with yourself and others) and spend some time really thinking about all of your riding inputs and being smooth.

Enjoy.

Great feedback.  Thanks to all.  Been wanting to do a track class ... As
Opposed to just track time ... For years.  Would really like to take one of
The multiple day Freddie-Spencer type schools but can't afford it right now.

Paging gm2 to the white courtesy phone...

I know Garrett loves the thing - he may have even converted to scientology he liked it so much, but I may be hazy on that topic.  He also has done tons or cornerwork for them, so he can probably give you some good insights.

the level 1 and 2 i took on a weekend its basically the twitst of the wrist 2 book in its entirety almost.

if you read the books you have a handle on the terminology he is going to use and you will ahve a good idea of the drills you will do on the track.

the course is good in that its not a race day or trying to go fast (dont' worry you will go fast just give it time), more like you will be there to try out drills to see how they affect cornering and such and there is a method to the madness that he does, though like other says he does have the sort of pseudo socratic method going on that can be tough to digest at times.  after the morning sessions you will start to feel more comfortable with his teaching style and drills and by the end of the day they finally give you what essentially amounts to 2 free sessions to put it all together.

if you have never really been to the track before its a great class, if you have been to a few track days you might find the first half of the day somewhat boring, but go with it and you will have a good time regardless.

goodluck.

lol...  haven't quite converted.  ;)

imo anyone that rides a motorycle at all, anywhere, should take level 1.  even if you never step on to a track again.

yes, HOW they teach is very scientologyish.  but (despite there being material available to browse, should you wish) they never push any of that on you at all.  if you didn't already know it and there weren't some stickers about etc, you wouldn't know they are nutters.

what they do have is a system.  a very refined, time-tested, deliberate system.  it's NOT a go-fast school.  it's a cornering school.  your first few sessions in L1 will using 4th gear, no brakes.  you're going SLOW.  picking up the pace comes later as a function of lessons you're learning; there's no point where they say, ok, do that, only faster.

i obviously got a lot out of it.. i've been through 1-4, and did 4 twice (4 is basically a private coaching session, sorta).  and as noted i've cornerworked a lot for them.. so if you have questions, ask away.

Ah, Scientology.  To quote L Ron Hubbard, "to be truly rich, you must
Start your own religion".   [thumbsup]