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Looks like ill be rocking the Recon this year. Meeting a builder tomorrow to discuss my garage getting planned.

Yeah I'm very happy so far. He did want me to run quad awhile, then remove tank and valve inspection cover to make sure still has plenty of oil up top. Yeah I just need a trail pass, I renewed my sticker alrdy. The weather at this point looks like it will be nice as hell next weekend.

(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!)

http://i.imgur.com/cO6S9Th.gif

ThisCleveland the public sector is awesome and will forever be better than Columbus. Cleveland the government is the worst. That will never change

You should too, it's important. http://ohioccw.org/201504215126/ofcc-sues-city-of-cleveland.html

Gun safety should be taught in the schools along with training on how to shoot. .

Bought a 2nd Tshirt - and now I shall have both versions

How about we just hire people to do this for us, ride by and flip them off.

I only deal with the Amish in my hood bubby..lol

All the talk about tire plugging made me think of a story about a friend of mine who was out riding and picked up a nail in the middle of nowhere. Tire went flat. Fortunately his BMW came with a tire plug kit and co2 cartridges to fill the tire back up. It got him home. After hearing his story I picked up a kit from the Pony and keep it under the seat of my bike. The next riding season I was out riding with Derek and Whaler when I noticed Derek's tire going down. We were in the middle of nowhere and pulled off. We used the kit and was able to get to a fire station to get the pressure up to normal. Made it all the way home without a leak! If you are reading this you may want to consider picking one up.

Tip of the day, don't go with Global Restoration...

No, but that's better.

I'm in. Let's do 595 so we can party at the campers afterwards.

My friends. Imagine Hillary, Obama or Bush are members of OR. Imagine how stupid they would sound debating how to ride a bike. Now think about how you sound debating politics in comparison. Jesus, that was my best post ever.

And I disagree with your inability to disagree with me. Unless you agree to disagree with my disagreement of your agreement, then, well, I got nothing and we're stuck without an argument, and that's no place to be online.

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