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A Ride in the Rain
by Mark Drake
Well, the weather was good for ducks and wet leather motorcyclists. I completed my first CLASS school yesterday at the Streets of Willow in Rosamond , CA. In 45f temps and rain 3/4 of the day, I splashed, turned, and cursed my way to a better riding style.
Monday dawned in Rosamond with promising skies and only damp pavement. That hope was soon dampened by the storm that was the biggest rain this season to the LA basin. Did I mention that it snowed the day before at the track and really had me wondering about the ability of the CLASS school to operate. But having read the CLASS info sheet that read "Rain or Shine" we are riding (and also not wanting to toss my $$$$ away) I rode onto the track site.
Getting to the track I noticed that it was cold and damp with no rain falling. Great, the gods must be on our side and the rain is now departing. Oh what a fool these mortals are. Out comes the duck tape and the bike is ready for tech inspection and check-in. I passed check in with very fresh tires and my attitude stuffed away in one of my hard bags.
Being my first CLASS, I was informed to start in the "B" group and learn the basics of track riding and procedure. It slowed the riders and made us concentrate all the more. Each session seemed to puddle more water and generate its own code of ethics. One benefit was that the front straight did collect a nice puddle in the fast lane. This allowed riders to zoom through it to "accidentally" splash or be splashed. You must see the humor in all things to laugh at the fun times.
Each track session was prefaced with a specific task to work on. I had trouble in a corner or two and the CLASS instructors were always ready to talk out a problem and ride along to see a better method to my madness. Reg Pridmore really is a sweet guy and talks from his heart about the benefits of a smooth, confident, aware riding style.
Lunch time happened way to quickly and bench talk erupted during this break (Still no let up in the rain).
With lunch over, I decided to make the jump to the "A" group. I went from passing people to being passed (but I can make that ST1100 wide in corners). The afternoon sessions are what made the light bulb come on for me. Little changes to riding positions and techniques can make a BIG change to stability and smoothness even on an 800lb bike. Once that clicked, I found myself getting quicker without a loss of control. Suddenly, I
 was passing people that I could not stay with earlier in the day. Instead of cursing at yourself you are saying great job. (Reg said it is OK to talk or curse to yourself inside your helmet).
Finally, the last track sessions are running and what appears but a dry line on the track and sunshine. Off come the layers of clothing and on go the shades. The school is over and congratulations are handed out to all.
Now to put into practice the glimmer the knowledge that Reg Pridmore and the CLASS instructors have imparted on me to make the riding experience less stressful and more enjoyable.
Gotta start saving my money for the 2-day executive class next year and prayin' for a dry track to soak up more knowledge.
--Mark Drake
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