From: jon@ephor.tusc.oz.au (Jon Eaves)
Newsgroups: aus.motorcycles
Subject: Stay Upright - repost
Date: 23 Nov 1992 15:00:10 +1100
Organization: TUSC Computer Systems Pty Ltd.
Distribution: world
NNTP-Posting-Host: ephor.tusc.oz.au

I overtook the Italian racer, Robert, at the entrance to the main straight and
opened up the CBR down the main straight.  Following Robert was Mike, also on
a CBR600.  Coming through Turn One at the end of the straight, it's up a hill
into Southern Loop. Down to 4th gear and it's a long left hander that goes on
forever.  Robert is right behind on the run to Honda Corner.  At the 100m mark
it's off the power and onto the brakes for a 2nd gear right-hander.  At the
exit looking towards Siberia, I notice a slower rider on a GSXR-1100.  I look
into my mirrors and Robert motions me to go past.  Entering Siberia wide in
3rd gear I ride around the outside of the GSXR-1100,  Robert follows and Mike
takes him on the exit and run up to Lukey Heights.  At the crest of the hill
and 50m braking mark, hard on the brakes and down to 2nd gear.  Right up the
hill, it's short changing into 4th and lean over looking at the sweeper that
leads onto the main straight.  At this point Robert roars past and points at 
the pit entrance.  Mike and I follow him in, and over lunch discuss what we
were doing wrong.  This is the Stay Upright Advanced Defensive Riding Course.

The course consists of a 4hr "theory" session where Warwick and Ross (two
of the instructors) discuss "defensive riding" and the "right" way to ride.
"Right speed, right gear, right position" is a phrase that was oft used.  
Included are 3 videos on riding involving braking, cornering and general
riding.  Then there is an 8hr "practical" session at Philip Island where you
get shown the basics of braking, countersteering, low speed manouvering and 
medium to high speed cornering.  To say that you have a good time is an
understatement,  the instructors ( 8 of them to 40 students ) were all 
fantastic (Robert really is an Italian, and he does race), Warwick rode his
GSXR-1100 like it was a push-bike,  truly fantastic riding skills.

I really can't say enough things about this course, except that you really
have to be sensible when riding on Philip Island, as the instructors all
kept saying that "ride within your limits", "keep within 80%".  There was
never any pressure to ride quickly, although when riding with the instructors
you "tended" to keep with the group.  Two riders who started with our group
dropped out and joined slower groups ( we were the 4th fastest out of 8 ) and
one ran out of petrol ( bloody 2-stroke, ate petrol like it was a renewable
resource :-) ).  

Unfortunately there were two get-offs. One was a CBR-1000 which exited at
Southern Loop and ended in broken collarbone and badly twisted/broken ankle.
The second was an exit a Lukey Heights which ended with a nasty stop at the
earth embankment.  Don't know the extent of the injuries. 

At the end of the course you get a certificate of attendance which allows
eligibility for 10% of insurance (if you get the right insurer).

So for $225 (10% for me is $70, so really only cost $150) you get 12hrs of
quality training.  Very good value.  I'll be back for the next one, I think
is running in April.   Hope to see a few netters there.


-- 
------------------------< Jon Eaves [jon@tusc.oz] >----------------------
                   Non illegitamati carborundum.....
|                                                                       |
--- TUSC Computer Systems, 666 Doncaster Rd, Doncaster, Victoria 3108 ---
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