Day 1 - Dry Lake Training Area
Jimmy really knows his stuff and his riding areas. He chose the dry lake (and made sure it was dry) to give us a really wide area to practice on without obstacles and because it offered a great combination of awesome traction with the ability to slide. It was fun zooming around at high speed or doing any maneuver.
We started out near the camper getting verbal instruction on what we were going to be doing throughout the day. Jimmy kept it loose and informal. Since we were a small group he basically said, "any question, ask it!" - he truly gave us all of his time and attention.
First discussion was basically about riding stance and position. We were a good group of intermediate-advanced riders so we all knew this part but he gave it new meaning in really focusing on control setup and how much small differences really make. He spent some time talking specifically about using the clutch to vary power delivery and how important this was as a technique used in combination with braking.
He told us that many drills would focus on us using this to basically get the bike to do what we wanted it to do smoothly. The classroom part was very quick (<30 minutes) as he said that before each drill that he would give us some basic instruction then watch us and correct us each individually.
With that he released us to the dry lake for some warm-up laps (okay so we rode flat out, it's a dry lake after all) and riding before corralling us together for the first drills.
Dry Lake - The gang goofs off before getting serious
Photo - The start area by the dry lake
We setup near Jimmy's camper a short distance from the entrance to the dry lake.
Photo - Barry and Bob on the dry lake
Barry (left) and Bob (helmet) were fun to ride with. Group
dynamics are important
and we we took people on a referral basis which really helped ensure the
quality, rider ability,
and group cohesion. I had very few moments without laughter when I was around
Barry and Bob.
Photo - Eli "Speed Racer"
Eli was the superstar of our group. Always gung-ho to do it
higher, faster, further
than the rest of us. I have fun riding with him as he is helpful in correcting
my technique
as well as pushing me to go to the next level of my abilities. In and out of
motorcycling he's
become a good friend who's fun to be around.
(*note - you can't see it because we're on the wrong side of
the bike but Eli has an
actual bottle opener for those post-ride brews which even impressed Jimmy as
'equipment extras')
Photo - Eli's other leg
So of course, our rock star rider would have to be the first to pick up a souvenir...
Photo - Early morning snack
That Eli! He's always hungry but doesn't leave any leftovers for the rest of us.
Photo - Jimmy's camper
<click photo for enlargement>
Jimmy rode around and demonstrated the drills and took his
time with each of us to explain
what we were doing right and wrong. The constant feedback and input was great to
have.