My name is Misti and I'm an ex AMA racer and coach with the California Superbike School. I also write a monthly column for a Canadian Motorcycle Magazine called Motorcycle Mojo. I have two little kids that consume all my time these days so while I'm not out actually riding much I like to talk about it online (during nap time). I'm most interested in good discussions about riding skills and technique and stuff about racing and track riding.
Stumbled across this site and added it to the list of ones I like to visit. Looking forward to some good conversations.
Hello Misti! Perfect timing; I fell down some stairs today because of ice and it hurt a lot more than I expected. I too would like to learn how not to crash. Also, if you could let us know what kind of oil and tire is best that would be great.
"Security is mostly a superstition, it does not exist in nature: avoiding danger in the long run is no safer than outright being exposed. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing."-Helen Keller
My name is Misti and I'm an ex AMA racer and coach with the California Superbike School. I also write a monthly column for a Canadian Motorcycle Magazine called Motorcycle Mojo. I have two little kids that consume all my time these days so while I'm not out actually riding much I like to talk about it online (during nap time). I'm most interested in good discussions about riding skills and technique and stuff about racing and track riding.
Stumbled across this site and added it to the list of ones I like to visit. Looking forward to some good conversations.
Cheers,
Misti
Are you now ex CSS or still there?
I also seem to recollect that you made an appearance at Calaboogie, part of an MM article I think.
Enjoyed your articles, seen a few, not being a regular MM subscriber.
Welcome aboard, we are a rather eclectic lot of the nicely fanatic kind.
Look forward to your posts and threads.
My name is Misti and I'm an ex AMA racer and coach with the California Superbike School. I also write a monthly column for a Canadian Motorcycle Magazine called Motorcycle Mojo. I have two little kids that consume all my time these days so while I'm not out actually riding much I like to talk about it online (during nap time). I'm most interested in good discussions about riding skills and technique and stuff about racing and track riding.
Stumbled across this site and added it to the list of ones I like to visit. Looking forward to some good conversations.
Cheers,
Misti
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcromo44
Suggest we all capitalize as much as we can re the above stated interest.
Kinda sorta like that?
Only messing around...
Welcome Misti! Is it possible to do a strictly verbal track day?
.
__________________
Well, fire the engines! Spur this iron space-pony on!
Welcome! What are you riding when you can ride? there is a thread asking about CSB School you could provide some insight on that
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk
I have a Yamaha YZF 250 right now that I switch from dirt to motard when I have the chance
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcromo44
Are you now ex CSS or still there?
I also seem to recollect that you made an appearance at Calaboogie, part of an MM article I think.
Enjoyed your articles, seen a few, not being a regular MM subscriber.
Welcome aboard, we are a rather eclectic lot of the nicely fanatic kind.
Look forward to your posts and threads.
I'm still with the school, I don't do many days as I'm kinda stuck with the little ones but I went to Vegas twice last year and have done some private coaching through the school as well.
I haven't been to Calaboogie but I raced the Canadian Nationals and the Women's Cup and wrote about it in Mojo- I have a monthly column with them so I'm always on the lookout for article ideas (part of the reason I check out forums as well).
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Shadow
Kinda sorta like that?
Only messing around...
Welcome Misti! Is it possible to do a strictly verbal track day?
.
Not sure what you mean by a strictly verbal track day but I have done private coaching through the school in the past where I don't actually ride with the student but observe from trackside. Keith does this with his professional racers as well.
My name is Misti and I'm an ex AMA racer and coach with the California Superbike School. I also write a monthly column for a Canadian Motorcycle Magazine called Motorcycle Mojo. I have two little kids that consume all my time these days so while I'm not out actually riding much I like to talk about it online (during nap time). I'm most interested in good discussions about riding skills and technique and stuff about racing and track riding.
Stumbled across this site and added it to the list of ones I like to visit. Looking forward to some good conversations.
Cheers,
Misti
Hi Misti and welcome. I mentioned on another thread a technique that was fairly common when I started riding in the 1960's when tyres and suspension weren't very good in an effort to settle the backend going into a corner, especially on bumpy roads, to gently apply some rear brake. It seems to give a bit more damping effect. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts.
Hello Misti! Perfect timing; I fell down some stairs today because of ice and it hurt a lot more than I expected. I too would like to learn how not to crash. Also, if you could let us know what kind of oil and tire is best that would be great.
Welcome to the site!
Hi Andrew. I'm new here and I couldn't help being intrigued by the Helen Keller quote. I hadn't seen that one before and only vaguely new who she was so I googled her and spent quite a while reading further quotes from her. What an amazing person. I feel quite humbled. Cheers Philjay
Hi Misti and welcome. I mentioned on another thread a technique that was fairly common when I started riding in the 1960's when tyres and suspension weren't very good in an effort to settle the backend going into a corner, especially on bumpy roads, to gently apply some rear brake. It seems to give a bit more damping effect. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts.
A lot of people grew up using this technique and still feel that it has some benefit in riding today however at the Superbike School we discourage riders from applying the rear brake while cornering. It's fairly easy to lock up the rear which could cause loss of traction but more importantly there is a better way to make the bike stable (even on bumpy roads) and that is by using the throttle.
How does throttle control help make a bike more stable? What do you have to do with the gas to settle the bike and how is that a better option than using some rear brake?
Like the rest I am interested in any gems of knowledge you may share
Do you have any encouragement or advice for someone who has never had their bike on a track but it has been a goal for a long time?
Specifically how to get past the fear & trepidation and somehow enter the comfort zone to actually do it. At 58 likely I'm much older than most here with lots of riding before kids, then out of it for years (In 1986 had to sell my beloved '78 KZ1000 purchased new, because no time then no money to replace it later) Then I returned about 5 years ago with the purchase of my 919.
Not that it counts but I have done 5 track days at PIR in past 2 years in my car.
Last week I saw Mike Sullivan, one of our local bike heros, and he is suggesting I give his school a shot. Plus the new track is close. [ SULLIVAN RACE SCHOOL ]
Most important of all, wishing you many wonderful times with your two little kids because in the wink of your eye they will be teenagers, then off to college
What do you have to do with the gas to settle the bike and how is that a better option than using some rear brake?
Adding some throttle raises the rear, which gives more clearance, as well as putting the suspension stroke in a position to better respond to irregularities in the road surface. Is that what you mean?
I use rear brake in dirt, if I'm trying to get the bike pointed a different direction, but, I'm not a road racer. Still, on the road, I don't use the rear brake if I get in a corner too hot...I force myself to get on the throttle a bit and look as far ahead as I can see. It's much easier to accept the sliding when I do that, and, I feel like I'm able to better influence the line I want the bike to hold.
"Security is mostly a superstition, it does not exist in nature: avoiding danger in the long run is no safer than outright being exposed. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing."-Helen Keller
Do you have any encouragement or advice for someone who has never had their bike on a track but it has been a goal for a long time?
Specifically how to get past the fear & trepidation and somehow enter the comfort zone to actually do it. At 58 likely I'm much older than most here with lots of riding before kids, then out of it for years (In 1986 had to sell my beloved '78 KZ1000 purchased new, because no time then no money to replace it later) Then I returned about 5 years ago with the purchase of my 919.
Not that it counts but I have done 5 track days at PIR in past 2 years in my car.
Last week I saw Mike Sullivan, one of our local bike heros, and he is suggesting I give his school a shot. Plus the new track is close. [ SULLIVAN RACE SCHOOL ]
Larry,
I realize you asked Misti, but I think I can help a bit as we're not that far apart.
I turn 58 in March.
My situation was heavy riding in 70s, light in the 80s, hardly any in the 90s, totally off from 95 to 2005 when I bought the 919.
Did some Solo II for a few years as well.
I think it was 07 that I started doing some schools and track days.
At least one school a year, lots of track days.
Got my novice RR license last year, entered a GSXR750.
Did a short campaign, ended 11th in the points out of 36.
Over 3000 kms of track distance, no getoffs, but two off pavement excursions (1 on the 919 the other on the 750).
Your car track seat time should help, your brain already is conditioned for track atmosphere and pace, which is a huge help.
I ride on basis of being brittle and having a slower healing rate.
I ride on basis that I am not trying to make a career of it.
I ride of basis of staying within my limits, which are lower than the bike's limit, so there is always "chassis reserve".
I'm an absolute fiend about making sure the tires are warmed up before pushing harder.
I don't try to "race" at "track days".
When I race, I know I'm not going to win, but I also know I'll never be last even if I'm last into T1 on Lap 1 and take 2 laps to get good tire temp.
If I can start as late as I did, have big fun, not get hurt, and not trash equipment, then ANYBODY can.
I figure it's OK going to 70 or so age on a bike on the track, so you have lots of potential years left, maybe more if you can see yourself going past 70.
Go for it !!!!!!!!
My 9'er had a low side slide.....She's down but not out......and about to rise from the ashes! 
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