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.