BwanaDik
Well-known member
Sparky and I finished out first SS1k here SS1k and the next day proceeded to Cleveland airport to pick up Bambi and Nadine. The truck traffic was heavy but the scenery nice. We picked them up at the “arrivals” drive by but no time for pictures, the TSA were giving us the stink eye for being parked there for so long. Sparky and I had the girls gear on the back of our bikes so all they had to do was grab it and go change inside the terminal.
Off to Bridgeville, PA, for the first night so that we could arrive at the pre-course meeting at the restaurant first thing in the morning. The ride along the turnpikes in Ohio and Pennsylvania were great – managed to make our way past the Pittsburgh airport without any G-20 traffic stops. The police were everywhere.
Saturday Morning
The next morning it was raining when we met up with Eric Trow and Roger Wiles (of BMW fame) who were our instructors for the two days. Also there was our third member, Ann on a Kawasaki Versys. She’d done both on and off road riding and was taking her first on-road class. Introductions were made all around while we had breakfast.
From there we suited up and did some parking lot maneuvers so the instructors could evaluate our riding skills. The parking lot covered the basics for a few rounds—turns & braking – enough to give the instructors a good idea of our basic abilities to handle the bikes. The parking lot was wet / light rain falling. From there we rode SW down towards Wheeling, WV.
I can’t say enough good things about these courses. This is the second course Sparky and I have taken. The Stayin’ Safe course is a totally “on road” course, unlike the vast majority of other motorcycle training available. I’ve taken the Pridmore course, used to road race (including the required classes), and had a few Track Days sessions. Without a doubt, this is by far the BEST class out there for learning “real world” riding skills. Anything oriented around a track just doesn’t do the job right. The track stuff is excellent for teaching you about motorcycle control but, until you apply it to the “real world”, it will always remain a bit of an abstraction.
The basic set up is to have each rider (and pillion if along as ours were) have a speaker headset so that the instructor can give minute by minute advice and counseling as far as speed, lane position, braking and cornering skills, etc. You can’t talk back, probably for good reason! The instructor is not invasive into your space (I think they plan it that way) but is more like a “voice in your consciousness” reminding you and guiding you to better riding. Each rider takes a turn out in front with an instructor immediately behind them to study and coach their riding. The other students follow behind but can hear all of the comments directed to the guy in front so as to be able to think about what they too may be doing wrong. The primary goal of the course is to develop safer on-road riding skills, not to figure out how to go faster on the street (that’s not to say we didn’t indulge in some “spirited” riding on the second day, once the instructors determined we weren’t idiots or squids).
On thing I really like about how the course is taught is the “tools in your tool box” approach to going around a corner. Eric doesn’t have the narrow approach of Pridmore (weight shift, kiss you mirror. Countersteer? What’s that?) or Code (Countersteer!!! No BS!!). Don’t know what Parks teaches. Instead, Eric encourages you to make it around any corner in your own most comfortable way. Start with countersteering, add upper body weight shift. Or weight shift, bring the bike to you and possibly add countersteering. Or use you feet like I sometimes do for shifting weight in combination with other techniques. In the end, it doesn’t really matter as long as you are smooth, consistent, and effective at getting safely around the corner.
In addition, because both Sparky and I had our wives along, Eric made a point to add some extra time to cover pillion responsibilities and actions. Pillions are part of the riding experience and, if you’ve got a competent one (like I do) it can make the ride all the more interesting, safe, and enjoyable. (See my comments below about the Dragon).
After the parking lot, we covered how the group was expected to stop at lights – we started to cover lane positioning (not riding in pairs like Movie Pirates do) and evaluating road entry and exit points (drive ways, intersections, etc.) Moving between the “3” lanes in your lane; “home base” the left most position in the lane; the right side of the lane, presenting yourself to oncoming traffic; and the center of the lane, maximizing your space from potential hazards in places where visibility is limited (like approaching a hill).
The list of riding skills goes on. Check out Stayin' Safe for more detailed descriptions.
The course may seem to be expensive at first but it includes almost personalized all day training (it actually was for Ann) plus first class deluxe accommodations and food. And the biggest bonus is that these guys know the most fabulous motorcycle friendly roads in any given area (yes, we did 555 but there are better roads out there that we found!)
On the road
There was a state-park where we made a pit stop in the visitors center – pretty sure it was West Virginia.
Clicky
Rest stop with personal coaching
The Gang
Jeeze Eric, you need to ride with your 'Stitch a little more often, maybe break it in a little!
We encountered torrential rain during a transit on Interstate 70 between Wheeling, WV and St. Clairsville, OH. We were only on the interstate for a few miles when it started pouring down. But, again, this is one of the reasons Stayin’ Safe is so good, real world conditions are encountered, and dealt with safely, throughout the course.
We had lunch at the Beallsville Diner and took a break from the rain. It continued to rain for the remainder of the afternoon until we reached our evening destination.
We stopped for the night at the Stockport Mill Inn, a converted mill along the Muskingham River. A beautiful Inn with rooms overlooking the dam. Good dinner, lots of good conversation then off to bed for an early start. Started off the day with some video and stills illustrating things the instructors covered on the road. After breakfast, we loaded up for another great day’s ride – there was some light rain, but it cleared within a few miles and the rest of the day was ridden on dry pavement.
Stockport Inn
Sunday
We had lunch at Burr Oak Reservoir where we continued with some braking and slow-speed parking lot drills before lunch. We did some braking exercises on a long hill. We also did some “study” on how to make tight parking lot turns. After a little coaching and practice, I have now figured out how to do full lock turns, two up, just like the video of Lee Parks of “Total Control” fame. And on an AE too!. Pretty hard on the brakes and clutch but do-able none the less. Sparky and Nadine were also successful with executing the “full lock turn”, two up, in the parking lot. We also had a “study hall” along route 78 where we could practice in the twisties and Eric went out and took some pictures of us in action.
We left Eric and Roger in Caldwell, OH and headed off towards Charleston, WV, for the night. A nice ride down I-77 in the evening with lots of deer sightings. Made it there and, yet again, Sparky started to do his “it’s only this much further” routine (see my SS1k report). We had to do a lap around the city and two crossings of the river (was the State highway guy drunk at the time of design?) before we could get to the streets downtown. Nice hotel, steak restaurant across the street. We made it just in time before closing, good food.
Monday
Next day, off we went towards Bristol, TN. Went across Hwy 60, a stunning stretch of road that follows the Kanawha River. Lots of coal and steel here, little hamlets next to big factories and mills, including a sign on a Caterpillar dealership that advertised “clean coal”. Kinda sad, hope these folks make it thru the recession.
Monday night was in Bristol after riding down from Charleston, WV along 60, 20, 1, 16, and 58. We had rain for much of the morning ride, but things turned out nice after we had lunch in Bluefield. The ride along 19 was nice – divided highway until we reached Tazewell where we picked up 16. The weather was clear and cool after lunch – great day for riding. 16 was more technical than 58—some gravel and branches along the road. 16 intersected with 58 and took us through the Mount Rogers National Recreation area – the road was great – some more gravel, leaves, and branches kept things interesting. The combination of afternoon sun and shadows played havoc with our view of the road. Stopped for coffee in Damacus and decided to head to Bristol for the night. You guys that live around here have some world class stunning roads!
Power Rangers on Holiday (no, Sparky generally couldn't see a thing :lol: )
More later, shitty internet connection here
Off to Bridgeville, PA, for the first night so that we could arrive at the pre-course meeting at the restaurant first thing in the morning. The ride along the turnpikes in Ohio and Pennsylvania were great – managed to make our way past the Pittsburgh airport without any G-20 traffic stops. The police were everywhere.
Saturday Morning
The next morning it was raining when we met up with Eric Trow and Roger Wiles (of BMW fame) who were our instructors for the two days. Also there was our third member, Ann on a Kawasaki Versys. She’d done both on and off road riding and was taking her first on-road class. Introductions were made all around while we had breakfast.
From there we suited up and did some parking lot maneuvers so the instructors could evaluate our riding skills. The parking lot covered the basics for a few rounds—turns & braking – enough to give the instructors a good idea of our basic abilities to handle the bikes. The parking lot was wet / light rain falling. From there we rode SW down towards Wheeling, WV.
I can’t say enough good things about these courses. This is the second course Sparky and I have taken. The Stayin’ Safe course is a totally “on road” course, unlike the vast majority of other motorcycle training available. I’ve taken the Pridmore course, used to road race (including the required classes), and had a few Track Days sessions. Without a doubt, this is by far the BEST class out there for learning “real world” riding skills. Anything oriented around a track just doesn’t do the job right. The track stuff is excellent for teaching you about motorcycle control but, until you apply it to the “real world”, it will always remain a bit of an abstraction.
The basic set up is to have each rider (and pillion if along as ours were) have a speaker headset so that the instructor can give minute by minute advice and counseling as far as speed, lane position, braking and cornering skills, etc. You can’t talk back, probably for good reason! The instructor is not invasive into your space (I think they plan it that way) but is more like a “voice in your consciousness” reminding you and guiding you to better riding. Each rider takes a turn out in front with an instructor immediately behind them to study and coach their riding. The other students follow behind but can hear all of the comments directed to the guy in front so as to be able to think about what they too may be doing wrong. The primary goal of the course is to develop safer on-road riding skills, not to figure out how to go faster on the street (that’s not to say we didn’t indulge in some “spirited” riding on the second day, once the instructors determined we weren’t idiots or squids).
On thing I really like about how the course is taught is the “tools in your tool box” approach to going around a corner. Eric doesn’t have the narrow approach of Pridmore (weight shift, kiss you mirror. Countersteer? What’s that?) or Code (Countersteer!!! No BS!!). Don’t know what Parks teaches. Instead, Eric encourages you to make it around any corner in your own most comfortable way. Start with countersteering, add upper body weight shift. Or weight shift, bring the bike to you and possibly add countersteering. Or use you feet like I sometimes do for shifting weight in combination with other techniques. In the end, it doesn’t really matter as long as you are smooth, consistent, and effective at getting safely around the corner.
In addition, because both Sparky and I had our wives along, Eric made a point to add some extra time to cover pillion responsibilities and actions. Pillions are part of the riding experience and, if you’ve got a competent one (like I do) it can make the ride all the more interesting, safe, and enjoyable. (See my comments below about the Dragon).
After the parking lot, we covered how the group was expected to stop at lights – we started to cover lane positioning (not riding in pairs like Movie Pirates do) and evaluating road entry and exit points (drive ways, intersections, etc.) Moving between the “3” lanes in your lane; “home base” the left most position in the lane; the right side of the lane, presenting yourself to oncoming traffic; and the center of the lane, maximizing your space from potential hazards in places where visibility is limited (like approaching a hill).
The list of riding skills goes on. Check out Stayin' Safe for more detailed descriptions.
The course may seem to be expensive at first but it includes almost personalized all day training (it actually was for Ann) plus first class deluxe accommodations and food. And the biggest bonus is that these guys know the most fabulous motorcycle friendly roads in any given area (yes, we did 555 but there are better roads out there that we found!)
On the road
There was a state-park where we made a pit stop in the visitors center – pretty sure it was West Virginia.
Clicky
Rest stop with personal coaching
The Gang
Jeeze Eric, you need to ride with your 'Stitch a little more often, maybe break it in a little!
We encountered torrential rain during a transit on Interstate 70 between Wheeling, WV and St. Clairsville, OH. We were only on the interstate for a few miles when it started pouring down. But, again, this is one of the reasons Stayin’ Safe is so good, real world conditions are encountered, and dealt with safely, throughout the course.
We had lunch at the Beallsville Diner and took a break from the rain. It continued to rain for the remainder of the afternoon until we reached our evening destination.
We stopped for the night at the Stockport Mill Inn, a converted mill along the Muskingham River. A beautiful Inn with rooms overlooking the dam. Good dinner, lots of good conversation then off to bed for an early start. Started off the day with some video and stills illustrating things the instructors covered on the road. After breakfast, we loaded up for another great day’s ride – there was some light rain, but it cleared within a few miles and the rest of the day was ridden on dry pavement.
Stockport Inn
Sunday
We had lunch at Burr Oak Reservoir where we continued with some braking and slow-speed parking lot drills before lunch. We did some braking exercises on a long hill. We also did some “study” on how to make tight parking lot turns. After a little coaching and practice, I have now figured out how to do full lock turns, two up, just like the video of Lee Parks of “Total Control” fame. And on an AE too!. Pretty hard on the brakes and clutch but do-able none the less. Sparky and Nadine were also successful with executing the “full lock turn”, two up, in the parking lot. We also had a “study hall” along route 78 where we could practice in the twisties and Eric went out and took some pictures of us in action.
We left Eric and Roger in Caldwell, OH and headed off towards Charleston, WV, for the night. A nice ride down I-77 in the evening with lots of deer sightings. Made it there and, yet again, Sparky started to do his “it’s only this much further” routine (see my SS1k report). We had to do a lap around the city and two crossings of the river (was the State highway guy drunk at the time of design?) before we could get to the streets downtown. Nice hotel, steak restaurant across the street. We made it just in time before closing, good food.
Monday
Next day, off we went towards Bristol, TN. Went across Hwy 60, a stunning stretch of road that follows the Kanawha River. Lots of coal and steel here, little hamlets next to big factories and mills, including a sign on a Caterpillar dealership that advertised “clean coal”. Kinda sad, hope these folks make it thru the recession.
Monday night was in Bristol after riding down from Charleston, WV along 60, 20, 1, 16, and 58. We had rain for much of the morning ride, but things turned out nice after we had lunch in Bluefield. The ride along 19 was nice – divided highway until we reached Tazewell where we picked up 16. The weather was clear and cool after lunch – great day for riding. 16 was more technical than 58—some gravel and branches along the road. 16 intersected with 58 and took us through the Mount Rogers National Recreation area – the road was great – some more gravel, leaves, and branches kept things interesting. The combination of afternoon sun and shadows played havoc with our view of the road. Stopped for coffee in Damacus and decided to head to Bristol for the night. You guys that live around here have some world class stunning roads!
Power Rangers on Holiday (no, Sparky generally couldn't see a thing :lol: )
More later, shitty internet connection here
