(NEW - 1/6 updates) SoCal - STN Trackday. STAR School, Feb 23/4th (sat/sun).

[Lawn Dart]

And here's the latest Paid in Full List as of Jan 6th:

Paid in full
Robert Novielli                                          
Trina Novielli              
Kevin Stevens                  
Chad Cook                    
Chris Burgess                  
Chris Roy                      
Myles Todd                      
Crystal Platt                    
Rick Salmon                
 
Balance of $325.00 Due
Michael Mason          
James Grant              
Troy Kreitz                  
Nick Finken  
Vernon Strickland      
Ross Gagnon







*****************************
ATTENTION:  As of Nov. 20th, WE ARE FULL!  

All 12 slots are accounted for.  Let the daydreams and nightmares commence!  


********************************************************************
ATTENTION:  As of Nov. 14th, There are TWO slots still open for the Track Day at the reduced rate.  They are offered on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS.  This means that ANYONE who registers (STN or otherwise) can register to get the reduced rate.  So, if you have NOT registered, you darn well better asap!




********************************************************************
11/14/07 NOTES:  

The following STN'ers have already made their Nov 12th deposits!  ($300...)

1.  BMW-K
2.  Mrs. BMW-K
3.  Viffer Vern
4.  Mr. Sunshine  (Paid in FULL!)
5.  Tar Snake
6.  Miles
7.  Kevin Stevens
8.  Mr. Sunshine's Tire Guy (Michael Mason)
9.  Atypical1
10.  (Chad Cook) Someone Else...I think one of Chris' friends.
11.  Troy Kreitz
12.  Nick Finken
13.  Released
14.  Released
15.  Released.



Maybe next time?

Desert Rider
KSANN



And those who've had to cancel:

EatPasta Cancelled.
rgbeard


***********************************************************
10/23/07 Updated Notes:  Please READ!

You know, I just love it when plans keep getting changed slightly each time I call.

1.  Deposits:  are $300...PER PERSON.  (obviously this is different.  Suzie wasn't clear on this point.  I had interpreted this as $300 for all...)
2.  The $300 Deposits are due no later than Nov. 12th, 2007.  
3.  The $625 Payment in Full is due January 1st, 2007.

Those are the terms of the deal.  I wish it was a bit more favorable...

STAR: Phone - 805-658-6333
STAR Contact:  Suzie Pridmore


When you call to place your deposit, reference STN Groups 1240-1244.  

I have reserved a total of 15 spaces for two days each.  This reservation will ONLY be held until Nov. 12th - so you have to get your initial deposit in prior to Nov. 12th.  

The special pricing is only valid for people doing the TWO day event.  Anyone doing the Single day event will have to pay single day pricing.  

So at this point folks, please start calling STAR to get your reservations in!







***************************************************
10/22/07 Updated Notes:
Also, please see email w/ notes from Suzie Pridmore, on the bottom of Page 3.

***************************************************
Summary:  Ok, this is pricey.  If you commit, you HAVE to commit to retaining your spot.  If you don't, then ALL will have to pay a LOT more to attend the event.  

There WILL be a $300 deposit to cover the 4-groups reservation.  I'll cover the $300 (because I can apply that to my fee directly in the end).  That covers us for 12 riders for two days.  Obviously I'm preferential to STN'ers attendence for these first 12.

PLEASE coordinate through ME for the next week or so.  I want to make sure that we have appropriate commitment to this event.  

Final note:  ALL FEES will need to be PAID IN FULL no later than January 1st, 2008.  

***************************************************
Group Titles & Projected Attendees (in no particular order):
BOLD = Confirmed!

STN - 1240:  BMW-K, Mrs. BMW-K, VifferVern
STN - 1241:  Atypical1, Miles, KSANN
STN - 1242:  Kevin Stevens, rgbeard, Desert Rider
STN - 1243:  Tar Snake, Mr. Sunshine, Mr. Sunshine's Tire Guy

STN - 1244:  Req, , De5115 ,Eat Pasta

Stn - ????:  Mr. Sunshine's Friends.

 

Folks, IF you are committed, it's going to Cost $625 for the TWO day event.  Also remember to factor in Hotels, food, and transportation (gas) into the mix - likely another $200.  I just want everyone to be aware of the actual total pricing.









*************************************************************
Current Projected Attendee List:

12 Confirmed + 1 "Possible" + 4-5 "Others"

BMW-K
Mrs. BMW-K
Atypical1
Desert Rider
EatPasta
Kevin Stevens
Tar Snake
Miles
VifferVern
rgbeard
Mr. Sunshine
Sunshine's Tire Guy
KSANN (but he don't know it yet!)
...and...
4-5 other Sunshine "friends"


*******************************************

Ok All,  Here's the deal.  I try to do one formal training weekend at least every other year.  It's great fun, it's safe, and there are no cops!  Plus, the training is fantastic.

I called up Jason Pridmore's STAR School today http://www.starmotorcycle.com/ - their calendar for 2008 is not officially out yet, but they are 80% there.  The ONLY weekend track event they will be doing this year in the SoCal region is going to be February 23rd & 24th, 2008.  It will be held at Spring Mountain Motorsports Park near Pahrump, Nevada (just outside of Death Valley).  The rumor is that this is the last year Spring Hill will allow motorcycles...

Anyway, I'm going.  I'm reasonably certain my wife will be going.  That's TWO.  (remember this).

Price for one day (2007 prices) was $360/$675 (two days).  

GROUP DISCOUNTS ARE AVAILABLE.  If we can get Six or more riders we get a few bucks off.  (Buy 5, get the 6th free, IIRC.  So the math = $562/2 days...for each of 6 riders, over $100 savings per rider).


THIS EVENT WILL SELL OUT FAST!  It's their ONLY weekend date for next year.  If you want in, post now.  I'll work the math on the event and keep in touch with the peeps at STAR.






Final notes:  no, you do NOT need a track bike.  You can ride whatever you want, OR rent one of their CBR's if needed.  I've ridden my ZX11 and my R1100RSL on the track.  I'll be bringing my GS this time.  Bikes do NOT need to be track prepped (ie:  safety-wired.).  Just pull a couple of fuses (headlight, taillights, brake lights) and a bit of tape and you are done.  I've seen everything from Duc 999's on slicks to GoldWings at a Pridmore event.  So let me know fast if you want to do this.

[atypical1]

Let me check on this. I definitely want to attend a training event early in the year. Are you doing the two day course?

james

[Lawn Dart]

Yes, I'll be doing the two-day course.  I've done both the one and two day courses and the benefits of a two day course are much greater.

[atypical1]

I agree. I did the two day Code school and it was great to have two days back to back.

james

[desert_rider]

What kind of instruction do they provide?

[eatpasta]

This looks like fun...


   Ill have to pick between my CB1100 or my GS ..... tough choice!


 What is required as far as safety equipment for those of us without leathers?

[Lawn Dart]

What kind of instruction do they provide?

Straight from their website:

Welcome to STAR Motorcycle School.
The Skills and Techniques for Advanced Riding Motorcycle School was created to help you become a more proficient, more confident rider. Whether you're a street rider who wants to improve your skills to gain confidence and become a safer rider, or a track day junkie and racer looking for answers on how to go faster on the racetrack, the STAR Motorcycle School has a training program designed specifically for you.

Chief instructor Jason Pridmore is the 1997 AMA 750 Supersport Champion, 2002 AMA Formula Extreme Champion, and the 2003 FIM World Endurance Champion. He is also the only American to ever stand on the podium of a World Supersport race. JP retired after the 2006 season with 21 AMA National wins including 17 Superstock class wins, (second only to Scott Russell), and countless podiums.

STAR Motorcycle School's team of experienced professional motorcycle instructors include co-owner Mark Gallardo, 1998 AMA 750 Supersport Champion Richie Alexander, Jon Nichols, industry insider Bill Syfan, veteran moto-journalist Andrew Trevitt, and many others. Our instructors cover thousands of miles, working with hundreds of students a year. They win local, regional, National, and World Championships. They are motorcycle industry veterans with roles small and large; proprietors of multi-line dealerships, engineers of motorcycle performance parts, AMA Superbike Crew Chiefs and Team Managers. They have worked for the Big Four, and tested and developed tires for Dunlop. They are television commentators, and Motorcyclist, Sport Rider and Roadracing World editors and contributors. In short, they have more experience, and more invested in the sport of motorcycling, than all the others combined. Want to learn more about STAR? This ten minute video is a great place to start.

The entire STAR staff prides itself on being open, approachable, and focused on helping you gain the skills and confidence to accomplish your riding goals.

We always run a two-group format at STAR. The first group is for street riders and newcomers to the track who are most comfortable at a lower pace, the other for more advanced students and those with track experience who wish to explore their limits with fewer restrictions.

 STAR Motorcycle School will teach you skills in:

- Concentration, Relaxation, and Breathing
- Smoothness
- Visual Skills and Awareness
- Discipline
- Body Position
- Cornering Lines
- Steering Techniques
- Shifting Techniques
- Braking Techniques
- Reference Points
- Managing and Optimizing Traction
- Overcoming Panic
- Suspension and Chassis Basics
 

[Lawn Dart]

And for those who've never read it, here's a link to my first ever track day.


http://www.lengtheningshadows.com/trackday1.html


An Excerpt:  

Tuesday morning rolled around far, far too quick.  At 6 am I was packing my gear, and at 7:00 I fired up the ZX11 and made my way to a gas station to fill up the bike and the requisite 5 gallons of spare fuel.  

I should say the day was glorious.  70 degrees, just a couple of wispy clouds in the air.  I rolled down the main entry into Willow with my nerves just screaming.  What the hell was I doing riding the bike that I most assuredly would crash on the track with no other means to transport me home?  Even more important, was I crazy to even be doing this???  WHY am I doing this on a 600 pound behemoth???

I checked in at the entrance and rode around to the staging area.  I just couldn’t believe it.  There must have been 15 trailers there, all sorts of cars, trucks, trailers and the like.  People were scrambling around, pulling spare tires off their trucks, setting up canopies and tents, and putting the gas cans in the shade.  I was a bit dumfounded.  I parked my bike in an open slot between a Hummer H2 and a Mercedes SUV, each with track tents already set up.  

As they rolled their bikes off their trailers, I simply unstrapped the gas can from the back of my bike and put it on the ground with my
tank bag just behind my bike, along with two bottles of water (from my tank bag of course).  I pulled off my helmet and Hi-Viz ‘Stich
Jacket and the rest of my gear and set to work “track prepping” my ride.  Let’s see, pull the fuses for headlights, taillights, and brakes.  Tape off the mirrors, tail lights, turn signals, and headlight. Errr, I think that’s it.

I proudly announced at that point “Well, I am ready.  Anyone need a hand?”  

I think you could have heard a pin drop.  The two groups of people next to me just kinda stood there and stared for a couple seconds.  “Oh!” said one lovely little Canadian girl.  “You’re renting one of the bikes here!”  

I looked back and said, “No, I thought this was a run-what-you-brung kinda of event and that the only requirement was that the bike had to be more than 250 cc’s…”


****************

The Pridmore STAR School is a professional motorcycle training event held on a track.  There are around a dozen instructors.  Two groups ride:  an A Group  - aka, the fast group and a B group - aka, the street or slower group.  In general, it's 20 minutes on track, 10 minute break/regroup, 20 minutes instruction, and then back to the track.  I recall hitting about 7-8 20 minute track sessions.

As you ride around any of the instructors may follow you and by flagging you down pull you over for instruction.  Peg weighting, body english, lean angles, reading the road, selecting a line:  all of these things are items that they work to ingrain in you.

I had around 30-40k miles of riding experience when I did my first Pridmore day.  The day completely revolutionized my riding.  I became far, far more aware of my riding.  My smoothness increased at least three-fold.  I had more confidence and increased my safety margin in street riding.

I can't say enough good things about the Pridmore STAR School.  Everything about the event was top notch (except the box lunch - but hey!).  Instruction, the tracks, the personalities of the instructors:  what can I tell you.  I'm going back.  

[Lawn Dart]

 What is required as far as safety equipment for those of us without leathers?

Hmmm, when I did it I wore an Aerostich jacket and Teknic leather pants.  I don't think they zipped together...

Basically, decent condition, decent quality Textiles are fine.  I've seen guys in JRocket text suits, Tourmaster suits, full Aerostich's, etc. all the way out to full custom leathers.  

From the STAR website:
Here's what you need to attend STAR Motorcycle School:

A minimum of one year of streetbike riding experience.

Medical insurance. STAR Motorcycle School provides no medical insurance.

A well-prepared motorcycle of at least 250cc(125cc GP also allowed). Preparation includes:
No fluid leaks, good brakes, etc.
Remove or tape mirrors
Disconnect brake light, or remove bulbs/fuse, or tape brake-light lens
Adequate chain slack (read your owners manual)
Excellent tires (We prefer new, and suggest that you contact the manufacturer for recommended racetrack pressures. These are not the pressures on the side of the tire, nor are they the pressures cited in your owners manual).


Proper riding gear, including:
A DOT or Snell-approved helmet manufactured after 2000.
One-piece or zip-together leather riding suit (or Aerostitch™ or equivalent)*
Motorcycle riding boots that COVER your ankle
Motorcycle-specific gloves with wrist enclosure (no “stunting” gloves!)
* If you need to rent leathers, boots, or a back protector, STAR has a limited supply of Joe Rocket leathers and accessories available for rent. Arrangements should be made in advance.

[kevin_stevens]

Ok, I'm definitely in.  One rider, two day.

KeS

[Tar Snake]

Dumb Question, especially after reading about your 1st trackday, Riding over?

I have no way to haul my bike, plus I would prefer to take Fri/Mon off and ride too and fro.

[Lawn Dart]

Dumb Question, especially after reading about your 1st trackday, Riding over?

I have no way to haul my bike, plus I would prefer to take Fri/Mon off and ride too and fro.

I rode to my first track day.  It was great!

I rode to my second track event (a two-day school) and then backed it up with 2 days in the Sierras.  Another great time.

FYI, of all the crashes we saw, they all happened in the FAST group, by very experienced riders, on top equipment (ie:  Duc 999 & tire warmers on Super Corsa's).  6 out of the 8 crashes were on the first lap.  Basically, they pushed too hard on the opening lap of a session when tires are still a bit cold and bit it.

IMO, the ride out is actually riskier than the track time!

I'll be trailering out for a few reasons.  #1:  it's my wife's first time and I don't want her to be trying to ride home, exhausted.  #2:  I've got access to a friends trailer.  #3:  it's a back up.  If someone in SoCal does biff it, I can get their bike home without much issue.  That will save a lot of headaches.

[atypical1]

+ 1 on the first lap.

You aren't going to be hitting the limits of the bike at the school. If it is like Code then they really want you to work on the fundamentals that they teach you. I will probably trailer my bike simply 'cause I don't want to have to go through prepping the bike when I get there. Plus I get pretty worn out at these things. But if you are taking Fri and Monday off then fatigue should not be an issue.

james

[kevin_stevens]

Ok All,  Here's the deal.  I try to do one formal training weekend at least every other year.  It's great fun, it's safe, and there are no cops!  Plus, the training is fantastic.

I called up Jason Pridmore's STAR School today http://www.starmotorcycle.com/ - their calendar for 2008 is not officially out yet, but they are 80% there.  The ONLY weekend track event they will be doing this year in the SoCal region is going to be February 23rd & 24th, 2008.  It will be held at Spring Mountain Motorsports Park near Pahrump, Nevada (just outside of Death Valley).  The rumor is that this is the last year Spring Hill will allow motorcycles...

BTW, what's the issue with motorcycles at Spring Hill?

KeS

[Lawn Dart]

BTW, what's the issue with motorcycles at Spring Hill?

KeS

Not a clue.  The gal at STAR said that this may be the last year they are allowed to run there - she didn't elaborate and I didn't push.  I suspect either noise regs (not likely) or insurance costs (more likely).

[miles]

BTW, what's the issue with motorcycles at Spring Hill?

KeS

It's a car-club owned track, and much like a golf country club members are supposed to be able to drop in and play when they want.  I guess (the rumor has it, anyway) that the car guys are getting pissed at losing potential fun days to (gasp) two-wheelers, when they can't run.

[miles]

I might be up for this.

[kevin_stevens]

It's a car-club owned track, and much like a golf country club members are supposed to be able to drop in and play when they want.  I guess (the rumor has it, anyway) that the car guys are getting pissed at losing potential fun days to (gasp) two-wheelers, when they can't run.

That's odd.  Is he still doing the Chevy performance driving schools there with the Corvettes/Camaros?

KeS

[miles]

Well, story I heard is that they specifically want bikes off the track.

[Lawn Dart]

I might be up for this.

Oh, you're going alright.