Training day a success?

Let's hear how the Training Day at Zwartkops was?

The Sunday morning started off cold at Zwartkops.

After registration,we were divided into 3 groups, and led out onto the track to do the different exercises that were planned for us. It warmed up considerably out on the track, and with the training done, we all headed for the canteen for food and drink.

The execises consisted of swerving at speed, emergency braking and slow bike control involving riding around cones placed on the track..

We were then allowed out onto the track in our respective groups, for two 15 minute sessions. Except for a few instances where the directive of "DO NOT PASS IN THE CORNERS" was ignored, there were no unpleasant incidents on the track.

All in all, a much better organised event than the last time we were at Zwartkops. More of this is needed to promote safer riding.

Lastly, a big round of applause to the lady novice who completed all the exercises, and really seemed to enjoy the track time. Well done!!

On behalf of Kurt Schmidt:

A big thank you for the effort of everybody involved, from Renee and myself. We had a splendid day at the track and took full advantage of the training opportunities on offer. Renee made huge improvements to her riding skills, and for the first time got to actually get to appreciate her G650XC. She is still smiling. For me it was good to work with my K1300R, which because of the longer wheelbase, requires some extra training effort in slow speed manoevering.
Track time is essential riding time, the more the better.
When can we do it again?
Regards
Kurt & Renee

Graeme Jurisch sent these pictures - taken by his daughter.
Thank you!





Hi there Richard!


Graeme Jurisch (in blue on the 1200GS) and Johann Bothma (in red on the S)


Training time . . Jamie in front.


And then the cones ...

One cannot do this enough. I have been biking since 1976, and had the LT (previous model) for 2 years when i eventually got aroud to attending a training session. It is crucially important that all attend these classes at least every second year as it helps you to understand your bike better and helps you to handle it better.

As soon as you are of the opinion that you know all there is to know with regards to biking you are in trouble. I could not join this session because of personnal reasons - but will definitely join the next one.

I would however like to see a more advanced session also provided as i have now done this training anually for the last few years. Regardless - it seems you had an excellent day for this - albeit a bit cold.

Although a bit late, I gladly post the following comments received from Johan Venter a while ago.

It was really a great experience to me!
I got to know my bike in a way I never did before – I never drive and move as slow and in as tight corners as we did without using my feet.
And then I never drive my bike as hard as we did.

Some things to improve:
It was way too crowded.
I thought safety such as in sliding or slipping would be covered.
If I did not ask directly I would have had no advice re approaching and going through the cornering.

Thanks again
Johan Venter