The best insight into the "Why" of the TT that I've come across to date

And not just because a couple of friends of mine appear in Simon's feature! This intelligent and thoughtful piece is the work of an experienced, quick and considered track-day rider. He is able to use his talents and fresh eyes to give an honest account of why the racers race the TT, why race team managers spend so much, why Marshals devote so much time and effort, and why once bitten we continue to return. Enjoy. All the best, Jim.

With the hope that we never need this...

A couple of years old but nonetheless a useful guide to how we might make things slightly better, not least the reminder to check the possibility of a pillion being somewhere out of direct line of sight. All the best, Jim.

And this was only good enough for second place!

Ducati Multistrada 1200S @ this year's Pikes Peak run, rider is Grey Tracey All the best, Jim.

Hopp Rider Training's "Better Riding Day" @ Cadwell 19th September 2012

The last "Hoppy" day @ Cadwell this year is set for Wednesday the 19th of September. These days are the very best, safest, and most competent days available in the UK for all those wanting to maximise their time on track, and receive top quality coaching and instruction, (I would say that wouldn't I?!). June's event was under-subscribed and, as a result, I lost two days work @ Cadwell! So, if you would like to enjoy the safest introduction to riding on the UK 's very best circuit point your browser @ -- http://www.hoppridertraining.co.uk/betterriding.html -- that way you experience the very best, (and I get paid to work doing what I enjoy most, and do best!). And for those of you interested in advanced machine control -- http://www.hoppridertraining.co.uk/advanced.html All the best, Jim.

Noise limits on track

Recently I've worked at two of the UK's premier tracks, and found a wide margin of operating standards, competence, and quality of service, afforded to those of us paying out money for access to safe tarmac. At the first track; Snetterton, my Multistrada was assessed as punting out 102.4DB, (the limit @ Snetterton is 102DB), and I was therefore prevented from taking my bike on track. N.B - I was fortunate enough to be able to borrow a friend's Honda CB1000R, (thanks Linda), so lost no time on track, was able to continue instructing, and therefore will lose no income. Two days later @ Cadwell Park the same Multistrada, with additional miles, but no adjustments, was assessed as running @ 100DB, (Cadwell's limit is 105DB & they operate a system where three members of staff supervise the noise tests to ensure that they are carried out competently), and I was therefore able to continue my work on track over the next two and a half days. Same company, same supposed levels of training, equipment, and operating standards, vastly different results. Now, I have learned that there is absolutely nothing positive to be gained by challenging the noise meter operator; even when he clearly is pointing the microphone directly @ the Ducati's engine rather than the exhaust. But if MSV, the company concerned in running both tracks, is to avoid annoying some of its best and most influential customers, it behoves them to ensure that the bod with the meter is adequately up to speed, and that they are accompanied by colleagues who can check the operation of their equipment, so that nobody has their day/work jeopardised by their inadequacy. As a postscript, a Ducati Pannigale running @ 109DB was allowed on track @ Snetterton by the self same member of staff that day because, "he's a punter, and you're an instructor". Sauce for the goose ....? The offending/non offending machine @ the bottom of Cadwell's Mountain -

All the best, Jim.

IXION @ Cadwell 2012

It's been a very busy time this summer, coaching on-road, off-road, and on-track - hence my lack of posts of late, apologies! One of the recent highlights was my annual participation in the last "not for profit" track-day club's annual two and a half day event at Cadwell Park.

"IXION" are a fine bunch of folk, (both female and male), who run a relaxed, well organised and non "willy-waving" event @ my favourite UK circuit.

This year I accompanied three clients; one for his first track-day experience, and all three expressed their delight in the relaxed and non-pressurised atmosphere - "Not one cut-up/dive up the inside/last minute charge all day, makes commercially run track-days look as sick as they are!"

Already I'm looking forward to next year's event and a repeat of an opportunity to refine my riding style on quality tarmac in the company of fine friends.

All the best, Jim.

And now an insight into a fan's TT

(See Shay you're not the only one he blows away!) All the best, Jim..

If you've yet to go, look on & marvel. If you've been, enjoy the memories.

The second backing track is dire; best to mute the sound @ 3:42. If you are thinking of blinking, don't do it @ 0:25, or 0:30, or 2:00. or 2:43. All the best, Jim.

BMW Club days @ Snetterton

From someone who enjoyed last year's day:- "It’s that time again…. The sun is out, our bikes have been dusted off and the roads are dry…… and yes, it is the track season! As outlined below, the BMW riders club do a great day that is friendly, informative and most of all safe. The day is at Snetterton, about 2 hours north of London and is on the longer 300 circuit with the extra corners and lots of run off. If you are interested, send a mail to robertbensley@btinternet.com who is organising the day(s)" Dates this year are - Monday the 18th of June & Monday the 6th of August. Enjoy!

Dougie Lampkin pretending to be Jodie Kidd pretending to steal some medallions

But worth a peek @ Dougie styling it up All the best, Jim.

If it's in the Telegraph there is a hope that someone might, just, listen & take note.

We know this, and it's to be hoped that others take heed. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/motorbikes/9272532/Why-commuting-by-motorcycle-is-good-for-everyone.html All the best, Jim.

Three days & counting.......

And I'll be here All the best, Jim.

Thank you Willem

I'm of the opinion that I learn/relearn something every time I ride, and that often my clients teach me something when I'm working with them.

This time it's Willem, a RoSPA Instructor with whom I've been working this year, who has come up with an apposite description of an aspect of my approach to riding. Specifically Willem terms it, "Letting the bike breathe", allowing it to flow and assisting in that process by being as soft and cohesive in your physical control inputs as possible - easier for your bike and easier on you. A veritable "win - win". And thank you to Willem for coming up with that bon mot, no doubt in no time at all I'll be claiming it as my very own idea! All the best, Jim.

An excellent couple of days.

Just back from two superb days spent riding around Cadwell Park in the Lincolnshire Wolds.

The first day was a Hopp Rider Training - "Better Riding Day", (http://www.hoppridertraining.co.uk/), and we enjoyed glorious weather, (having suffered thunder & lightening, plus hailstones on the trip down from Yorkshire), and had the added luxury of a full Instructors' Training Session in the evening. One of the lessons relearned was just how long it takes to dial yourself back into full track pace & style. A winter spent riding on road and trial sections does little to hone your high speed techniques, so I really enjoyed the time to relax and allow myself to readjust my reflexes. The second day was a Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership day, "Performance Plus" (http://microsites.lincolnshire.gov.uk/lrsp/motorcyclists/performance-plus/), allowing a full day at Cadwell to be had for the bargain price of £85. Either a morning or an afternoon in the classroom learning how to avoid accidents, and how to maintain your machine, together with half the day practising braking, slow speed skills, control and defensive riding, in addition to three 20 minute sessions of full track riding!

Weather on the LRSP day was less than ideal, ranging from dry, through overcast to drizzle and light rain. But thanks to the quality tarmac we were able to stretch ourselves and polish wet conditions techniques. All the best, Jim.

And for those who appreciate fine detail ....

Enjoy -- All the best, Jim.

A fortnight & I'm off to the Isle of dreams & heroes

Captures the awe All the best, Jim.

You'd be most welcome ...

To come along to either, or both, of my next two local speaking engagements. The first takes place just 19 hours after I'm due back home from the TT - Wednesday 13th June @ Birkenshaw Liberal Club,BD11 2HT. @ 20:00. Where I'll be addressing the WYIAM group, on the subject of - "Confessions of a professional bike trainer".

And then I'll be speaking about, "Motorcycling Myths", @ the WY RoSPA group meeting on Tuesday 24th July @ 19:30, @ the Bishopgarth police training college, Wakefield. WF1 3QZ.

The more the merrier, particularly if you'd like to ask a question, or raise an item for discussion. All the best, Jim.

Makes my toes curl!

I'm the world's worst passenger, even when watching a video, I instinctively reach for the controls in a vain attempt to control the ride..... All the best, Jim.

I just can't look!

Even though I know that the images are superimposed, and I recognise the original racetrack incidents, I still have the greatest difficulty in watching this safety video from South Africa. All the best, Jim.

CSS's - tutorial on basic cornering position

Oh, how I would like just such a rig when working with my clients! All the best, Jim.

Never assume that another road user is actually concious

The police rider survived. I have no information about the outcome for the driver of the yellow car. All the best, Jim.

"It isn't what you ride" part 2

Enjoy! All the best, Jim.

It isn't what you ride ...

But how you ride it! All the best, Jim.

Wait a minute ......

OK for the first minute, and then ......... ! All the best, Jim.

"When Playboys Ruled the World"

An ITV documentary screened in 2010,in which we are treated to some insights into the realities of Barry Sheene and James Hunt. Both champions of the world in 1976. All the best, Jim.

New World Record

Having "worked" as Team Lightening's gopher, (3rd class), @ last year's TTGPX, I'm chuffed to see the bike continuing to extend the world speed record - currently standing @ 215mph. Now all we need to win this year is to bring a fully sorted bike to the IoM and allow Joni Burrows to dial himself in ............. Video taken @ Chuckwalla Valley Racetrack last month - the camera bike is a BMW S1000RR racebike & the Lightening's ability to pull out a gap on mountains of torque is encouraging. All the best, Jim.

"Public" and Motorrad training courses on the Nordschleife 2012

The Nurburgring have now released full public traffic dates and times from the end of March through to 1st July, showing all weekday and weekend timings which are available for public traffic to enjoy the 21kms of the Ring. Go to http://www.nuerburgring.de/angebote/fahrerlebnisse/touristenfahrten-nordschleife/oeffnungszeiten-nordschleife.html Hopefully in the following 3-4 weeks the dates for the rest of the season wil be made available, The planning starts here! Once again Motorrad are providing their famous 'Nordschleife Perfection' motorcycle training courses on the Legendary 21 kms of track set in the heart of the Eifel region of Germany. For those of you not familiar with Motorrad they are Europe's largest motorcycle magazine and also provide a large number of touring and training possibilities throughout Europe, and in fact the world, with events as far away as the USA. For 2012 the number of Training courses at the Nordschleife has been reduced to 2 events and these are explained in more detail below. Of course only having the 2 events means that anybody who is seriously interested in attending needs to get their entry in asap to avoid disappointment, as places are very limited for this year. All instruction on both courses will be provided in English. Due to the pressure of events at the Ring for 2012 no hotel accommodation is being offered by Motorrad, meaning all participants are free to make their own arrangements locally, the two large hotel providers at the GP track both already being fully booked for other events. Ring Pure 3-4th May. For riders who are inexperienced on the Nordschleife, or lack the confidence to tackle the track without Instruction. Both days are in the company of a group of riders, (max 8), of similar ability and always under the guidance of an Instructor when on track. Both days will include 2 periods of section training which consists of the track being sectioned into pieces roughly 2-3km long, and one hour spent training on this section before moving to a second section. Following which the training takes the form of full laps for the remainder of each day. Participants may be asked to move to groups more suited to their abilities, quicker or steadier, if they are not comfortable or happy with the group they are in, following discussion with their Instructor. NO accommodation or evening meals can be provided on this course, so you are free to make your own arrangements. Again, this is due to the Dorint and the Lindner hotels being unavailable, but sandwiches etc will be provided at lunchtime. Cost 849 euro Ring Sharp 29/8-1/9 (Due to 3 evening meals provided, arrive on the 29th August, two days lapping 30-31st, leave 1st Sept) For riders who have taken previous training at the track, (highly recommended), or can prove themselves to be of a high level of competence on the Nordschleife and confident to lap the circuit unaided. If a participant is found by the lapping Instructors to not be of the required skill level they will be asked to join an Instructor for a period of supervised lapping. The Ring Sharp is 2 full days on track beginning with a period of refreshment and explanation of the rules and requirements for lapping the track without assistance from your Instructors. The circuit is then free for riders to lap alone and enjoy this unique experience. In the event of wet weather all groups will be reformed and lapping will take place as a group with Instructor. NO Accommodation is provided leaving you free to make your own local arrangements but 3 meals will be provided at the Dorint in the evenings along with sandwiches etc at the track at lunchtimes. Cost 999 euro. Anyone interested can obtain application forms from Neil Leigh who works as one of Motorrad's Instructors -- http://www.aeaventures.com/ All the best, Jim.

Useful site

Can sometimes save lots ..... enter your postcode/location and see which petrol station offers the best price http://whatgas.com/ All the best, Jim.

Riders with remarkable powers of recovery

This "Rode Safely" video from 1955 shows a time somewhat different from current reality - however, interesting to notice how some things remain unaltered with the passage of time. The riders featured in the staged accidents show almost superhuman powers of invulnerability, if only we all did! All the best, Jim.

British Nurburgring?

Something positive to get our teeth into? -- http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/19328 -- All the best, Jim.

IXION @ Cadwell - 2012

For those interested in back to back days @ Britain's finest track - in the company of the last, "not for profit", track day club - Ixion have just announced their dates for this year - 9th & 10th of August. Booking will go "live" late June/early July, and the cost will be in the region of £175 for two full days and one evening. If you are interested drop me a line and I'll let you have full details, plus info re booking. All the best, Jim.

BMW Club track days @ Snetterton - 2012

Details of the BMW Club's two track days to be held at the Snetterton 300 track this year - 18th of June & 6th of August. Cost will be £120, giving you 7 x 20 minute sessions, in one of three graded groups, "Experienced", "Intermediate", and "Cautious". Group and individual instruction and coaching is available at no additional cost. Groups attending via their local BMW dealer will be covered by BMW Motorrad insurance, and a fleet of BMW demonstrators will be available throughout the day! Full details and application forms from Robert Bensley the club's Sporting Secretary - robertbensley@btinternet.com - Can you afford not to join in? All the best, Jim.