I'm a regular reader, but infrequent poster on this forum -- I wanted to share with you a great riding experience I had recently.
About a month back I had the opportunity to attend the 2-Day Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School at the Road Atlanta road course. Many of you might find the class worthwhile both from a sheer fun perspective and a skill standpoint. I've only been riding a couple of years, so maybe my experience will give someone the confidence to try it as well.
The class isn't cheap. $1200 plus another $400 for bike and gear rentals, but for me it was worth every penny. You get to spend 2 full days riding with a great bunch of instructors including Kevin Schwantz himself.
They split the 30 people in the course into 2 groups by experience, and then you spend most of the time alternating between 20 minutes of classroom instruction and 20 minutes of riding. You're always following one of the instructors, but it's generally only 1-2 of you per instructor. The students rotate being directly behind the instructor, and the instructor picks up the pace as they see your skills improve. Never once did I feel like I couldn't ride as fast as I wanted to go.
The instructors are the best part of the course. After each session, your instructor comes over and debriefs you on how you did. They're very laid back and have great feedback. One time I went wide in the esses and ended up going on to the grass. I kept the bike upright and just steered back onto the course. I felt like a slug, but when I got back for the debrief, the instructor just laughed and said that he never considered it a good practice session if he didn't get some grass in his boots!
You can bring your own Suzuki but I chose to rent the GSXR600's they provided. I'm glad I did. It was my first time on a 600 sportbike. That is one awesome ride. It felt comfortable from the minute I rode it. The engine and suspension are great. I still like my GS500F, but I'm thinking seriously of a new 600. They also have the SV650S to ride, but I definitely prefer the 600 for the track. I did one session on the 650, and I had trouble with it. The brakes are soft, and the engine doesn't seem as forgiving on the track for a newb like me. I'm sure on the street the 650 is great though.
I posted a couple of the pictures they sent me. The school has a professional photographer who took pictures of all the students during the two days. They then send you a CDROM with the digital photos. Very cool.
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h49/tm_dearborn/KSSS/KSSS_Turn1.jpg)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h49/tm_dearborn/KSSS/Turn4a.jpg)
Don't accuse me of being a plant for the school. They sell out quick, so they definitely don't need my help! If you've always wanted to try out the track, I highly recommend the school. I'm pretty sure I'm going back next year.
Whoa!! Thanks for sharing the story and pics....I want to do that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :thumb: :thumb: O0
same here just dont have the money for it thats the sucky part :dunno_white: :dunno_white:
That is insane. I'd love to do that too...
That's gonna be my vaction someday!
Damn that gixxer six is sweet!!!! Haha... Hmm.. I LIVE in Atlanta.. perhaps a little trip is in order, after a few months of riding (and saving $$$).... do they have a website? I'll just google it..
The web site is http://schwantzschool.com. Sorry if it doesn't link directly.
It was definitely the best vacation I've ever had!
that sounds like an awesome experience. good for you!!