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3
Joined
4/7/2016
Location
GB
ItsConer
4/7/2016 5:54am
4/7/2016 5:54am
Edited Date/Time
4/8/2016 3:26pm
Hello there, I'm doing some research into technique in this sport and how many people actually want to improve how they ride the bike. If you could take a few seconds just to vote here it would really help with the research.
I would also like to hear your opinions on this below, if you don't like going to riding schools, why? are they too expensive? etc
Looking forward to hearing your opinions on this matter.
Thanks
I would also like to hear your opinions on this below, if you don't like going to riding schools, why? are they too expensive? etc
Looking forward to hearing your opinions on this matter.
Thanks
The Shop
You can always learn something. Our ego's tell up it's all about leaving the throttle on, etc, but soooo much of it is technique.
That said, my belief is that you need to consistently work with a coach if your not disciplined enough to slow yourself down and make yourself learn the new techniques as second nature so you automatically use that tech in a race. If not, your bad habits will quickly reimerge. Another option is for a parent to be there and either video or memorize the training your child is getting so you can reinforce it when you're training/practicing at home. I would not suggest racing again until the new good habits are engrained.
Currently my son works with Bryan McDonald who is a riding coach with Privateer Racing League. He's worked with some major Pros like Weston Peike, Mike Alessi, and many more and is the only other trainer that I've found other than Bailey that breaks down technique from the top riders to instill it in the racers he's training. Our gains have been amazing and got my son to LL 3 times.
So training is key for safety and for becoming a much better rider, but if you're not going to put the work in after the camp is over it won't change a thing.
Some people like the schools, some don't. As far as the money is concerned, I always felt like it was worth the money to learn from the best, By learning from them, I never really fell into "bad habits" as far as my riding went. Try one. If you dont like it, you're out some cash and a few days of time...but you WILL learn something.
I did go to a Tony Distefano riding clinic once. He is in a wheelchair, so he had two instructors helping him out. I was immediately struck with the idea that Tony didn't really have anything to teach me... he is, after all, a product of the '70s and riding techniques had advanced quite a bit since his day. (This was in the '90s and even my own riding style was a little dated.) My feelings were reinforced when I soon realized that I was faster than both his instructors and could probably have given them pointers. I haven't gone to an MX school since, but it doesn't mean that I wouldn't. You can learn something from anybody if you are invested enough in the process.
I'd still like to go to a school with an articulate, talented rider. I bet Kevin Windham would be an awesome MX instructor. Chad Reed, too.
Donnie Hansen - After I was racing and it was better than Tony D
Gary Bailey - by far the most technical teaching. It rained that week and I became a great mud rider.
The man who really took it to another level was Ezra Lusk's dad. I think his name was Ronnie... man he is all about line choice and leaving the throttle wide f open!
The guy who recently bought my road motorcycle safety class kept getting on to me for having fingers on the clutch and break! Thanks Gary!
Pit Row
Drills he made us do during those few days I practiced at home and will still do.
I think MX schools can help everybody, but novices and intermediates more. He taught cool and fun practice drills that you can do anywhere and learn proper technique, learning how to practice. Things like that can help riders that don't have access to family or friends who ride to help them learn basic techniques. More advanced riders would do better in a private setting or with a small group with same skills. Gary kept his classes small and you get more attention good or bad lol.
Most important thing, it was a blast, a lot of fun
absolutely worth it. everyone can always use a little help on technique, setup, and fundamentals. learning how to practice was one of the biggest things i took from it. i'd go to the track every day after school and work on corner drills until dark.
strongly recommended.
Donnie Hansen. Learned how to jump, did my first double, lots of fun until clipped the landing, went over the bar and broke a finger. Lots of fun.
Larry Morton 5 Magics Motocross Schools. Really learned how to brake and turn.
American Supercamp: So much fun I've done it twice and I'm going again in May.
I learned something different from each. I'm still as slow as I've ever been, but now I'm slow with the correct form :-)
Fortunately for me, my employer covered the cost of the classes. If I had to spend my own money I might think a bit harder about whether or not it's worth it for my (casual) level of riding.
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