California Superbike School - Level 1 - Brands

[morpheus20170]

I am thinking of doing CSS Level 1 at Brands but the thought of not using your brakes for the first two sessions going into Paddock Hill scares the gateaux out of me, well that was overboard, but you know what I mean.

Has anyone on here done it and if so please advise me on what it was like?

Cheers and Happy Xmas to everyone, Paul

[Wheelspin]

Not using your brakes is no big deal.  Just don't open the throttle as hard or for as long.  Besides, Paddock Hill bend is pretty quick so it won't be an issue.  The whole point of the exercise is learn to judge your entry speed properly.  Most road riders when they start on track are far too heavy on the brakes and consequently don't carry enough corner speed.

[morpheus20170]

Cheers Wheelspin, me included on that one :0(

[guru]

Do it, you'll learn a lot. It's all basic (i.e. fundamental) stuff, and if you asked everyone at the start of the day if they needed to be taught e.g. throttle control, they'd say no, only to go on to prove in the first lesson that about half of them don't really know after all.

As Spinno says, you don't use the brakes because you're not going fast enough, you're going slower so you can concentrate on practising the things you're there to learn. Don't worry, the guys are really good and take of you very well. I think it's no brakes for most of the day, IIRC.

[Wheelspin]

No, only no brakes and 1 gear for the first 2 sessions.  Then they introduce light brakes and then 2 gears.  By the last session it's whatever you like but if you revert back to numpty riding then we'll give you a roasting

[mikiboy]

Its not like you are flat out and no brakes.
I raced there and I couldnt force my self not to brake at the brow before Paddock even though I knew I had loads of time after.  It's just going into something blind and trusting!!!