Ali, Jean and I did CSS today at Eastern Creek today.
First activity - have the bike checked to see that it's suitable for the track. This was one thing I was worried about but passed easily. Went to register, received me pack for the day, put my numbers on the bike and went into the classroom. Ali split off at this point to do Level 2 while Jean and I did the first classroom session.
All up there are 5 classroom sessions followed by approx 30min on the track with a coach.
First session - 2 laps to learn the track followed by -Throttle control. Forth gear, no brakes.
This was interesting - my cornering confidence has never been great. Initially I was pretty wobbly - turn 2 is officially the worst turn in the world and what the hell am I doing heading into a hairpin with no brakes (turn 9). After a while my coach came out and I followed him for 2 laps - that was much better!
Second session - turn in points. At this stage large white X's were put on the track at the appropriate turn in points. 4th gear, no brakes again.
Ok this made turning in much easier - it really was spoon-feeding. After a couple of laps I was hitting the turn in points easily - except for turn 2. I found my pace had increased a little on this one and I came in pretty happy. My coach came out and I followed him again - then he followed me. I hit turn 9 pretty quick and ended up going around it on a wide line. Adam (my coach) came past and motioned me to slow down then motioned for me to pass him. He followed me around again and I managed to get around 9 properly.
Third session - Quick turning. 3rd & 4th gear, light brakes only.
The idea is that when you counter-steer you can do it more firmly and hold it longer to achieve a quick-turn. Putting it into practice I found I could actually get around turn 9 very nicely and the exit was much quicker. In fact, my turning and speed seemed to have stepped up a notch - I knew I was moving faster but it didn't feel fast.
Forth session - Rider input. 3rd, 4th and 5th gear + brakes.
With this session it was about what was going on after the steering input had been made - basically, nothing! Grip with your knees, set you turn point, turn then let the bars go (not as in letting them go altogether but taking all pressure off the bars). This session was probably the fastest one for me - again I know it was fast but it felt like I had plenty of time to everything that needed to be done.
Unfortunately somewhere between turn 9 and 12 my rib managed to displace itself and pinch the nerves up my right hand side. I hopped it would pop back in in time for the final session but it didn't.
Fifth session was 2 step turning - looking through the corner to see where you want to go while not turning until you hit the turn in point. I didn't manage to ride this one but will be practicing this
The CSS staff were excellent - I enjoyed the interaction with the riding coach especially. This made riding really good.
At the end of the day I had a couple come and chat to me - they said I'd made real improvement over the day. That was a fantastic bit of encouragement. My front tyre doesn't seem to have chicken strips (in fact looks a little scrubbed) while the rear does have chicken strips but very tiny compared to my usual wear pattern.
It's a very long day. Lunch I'd have to say was pretty ordinary but I wasn't there for fine dining. I can really see the appeal of track days
Right now I'm stuffed - utterly. What an awesome day! Certainly recommend doing this to any rider wanting to improve
