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Just learning how to make theses I have over 100 hours video to go thru. https://youtu.be/zhpEhnz1UPY

(Long read, wrote this on my return flight) I first learned about California Superbike School after seeing their booth at MidOhio back years ago when the AMA races were something to behold. At the time it seemed very intriguing but a complete pipe dream. A few years later for my 40th bday I did run my very first track day at MidOhio, but under the guidance of their own instructors. Fast forward 10 years and about 60 plus trackdays and I finally committed to CSS, mostly because I really wanted to ride Laguna Seca and CSS's program was the "easiest" way to do it. If you consider the $3000 cost plus travel expenses, the word "easy" doesn't come to mind for most normal people, but I said screw it, life's too short - turning 50 this month, kids both out of the house, work bonus, and wife got fancy new job. Yah, it's time, now or never. So here goes, starting with some interesting stats from day 1- * Number of students in my group: 12 * Number of students that have Never been on a racetrack: about half * Number of students that have Never heard of Laguna's famous corkscrew turn: 3 * Number of students that dropped the practice bike during the parking lot pre-test: 1 * Number of students that that stalled the practice bike: at least one It started to paint a pretty dank picture of the days ahead, and pretty quickly I found myself in the exact situation I suspected (and feared) would occur- I was back in novice class and instead of enjoying Laguna at speed trying to burn fast laps I was stuck with very well-to-do motorcycling enthusiasts who like me wanted instruction on becoming a more proficient rider, albeit at a much different level. See, EVERYONE is required to start at Level 1 regardless of experience. Yep, I was one of those guys that thought Level 1 school was beneath them and was becoming more and more frustrated by the rudimentary training drills, especially with notice that day 2 may be cancelled due to rain and we've yet been allowed out of "4th gear only, no brakes" novice mode. Some more stats to chew on- * Number of times during CSS history that everyone has completed session 1 without blowing the corkscrew and Rossi'ing it through the rough: 0 * Which lap I did it on: 1 * Number of red flags both days: 0 * Number of black flags I got for close passes: 1 Clearly, an attitude adjustment was in order. At the conclusion of day1 we were asked to complete a satisfaction survey, and I took the opportunity to voice my frustration, not expecting any real result or repercussion. As I was about to hop back in my rental car, Dylan Code (Keith's son and lead instructor) stops me for a very candid discussion. It was the turning point for my experience - as everyone bothering to read this can appreciate, we all have issues with our technique and Dylan in his courteous and articulate way basically said "you ain't all that" and unless my attitude changes I will be wasting money and opportunity to do exactly what I need to do - fix the fundamentals. He was right about my attitude, and after critiquing my 'camera bike' video, my technique too. I slept on it and started day 2 with a concertedly open minded outlook. Even before class started Dylan took me aside to show me other example videos of good and bad technique. And mid day I noticed Dylan suiting up to ride (unusual). The morning rain had passed and the track was as good as it gets. At the end of my riding session he grabs me, now back in his plain clothes, and says "I took video of you riding.. Let's review it". Wow. That's customer service. And that pretty much exemplifies the whole CSS experience. Not just the main guy, but the entire staff was exceedingly approachable and eager to help. It's as though they were the new guys trying to make a name for themselves instead of the preeminent organization they've been for years. So, is it worth it, did I get faster, would I recommend it? If you can find a way to afford it, there's no better trackday org out there. Could I have affected the same improvement by doing a dozen local trackdays instead? Probably not. With coaching? Maybe. It hasn't happened in the last decade why would it magically change in the next. I can tell you this, improving your skills and knowing they're squared away translates to confidence, and that's ultimately where the speed comes from. CSS squeezed that into two days. Final stats- * My best lap time: about a 1:49 (with chicane between 5 and 6) * My best lap: the very last one * My favorite lap: chasing the skinny black mark leaving the rear tire of my track coach for an entire lap (AMA pro Travis Wyman). * Likelihood of doing level 3 & 4 with CSS: 99% (nothing's for sure in life!)

Woo. Excited it's racing season. Hoping to make a lot more races this year.

That lady's voice is creepy man!

You know it!

You're alive? Good. Was wondering and even the wife asked about you the other day.

Oooohh, so angry! Let it flow! No morons voted for king obamba, right?

NERD FIGHT!!!!!

http://video.weibo.com/show?fid=1034:4fb153c58d835edacee289ebcecd1230&type=mp4&from=timeline&isappinstalled=0 iGun 4 s

My Free 850 is running with only ~$65 in parts.

I won the game of air travel today. First time ever, I think. Meeting today in Maine, meeting tomorrow in Boston, so I'm staying in Manchester. Was to fly into NH and then drive 1.5-2 hours north to Portland. First leg of flight from Columbus to Manchester lands me in Baltimore. As I exit the plane, I see a gate with a flight to Portland leaving at the same time as my flight to New Hampshire. I go up and ask about a change and it's a go with no charge. I was able to change flights for free and save 2 hours of freeway hell. As I board the plane to Portland, I get a call from SW that my original flight to Manchester has been delayed by 2 hours. I win.

The paradox in this country is that the things you have to do to become president make you unfit to be president.

Heddars gonna hate.

This is news? I've been drinking sam smith's and young's chocolate stout for years.

http://www.tombstonetactical.com/catalog/pws/5bm107bc-bauer-briefcase-for-mk107-pistol-with-sig-brace-and-amp-2-mag-by-kenneth-cole-reaction/ :gabe: