At the school, it is no different. "It’s always the details
that count," Spencer says. "If we can handle those and really tap into the
clients’ needs, then we’ve really achieved something." To this end, Spencer has
assembled a first-rate team to help him. Experienced racers Nick Ienatsch, Jeff
Haney, and Dale Kieffer make the learning process interesting and effective.
Although their smiles and light-hearted banter help keep the student-teacher
relationship easy-going, these men take their jobs very seriously. By mixing
on-track demonstrations with motivational techniques that encourage riders to
push their own envelopes, Spencer and company ensure that students come away
from the class more confident in their riding abilities.
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| Taking lessons directly onto the track. (Click image to enlarge) |
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Sessions are held for both road riders and track racers, and a
new dirt track program has been added for 2004. Prices range from $2,265 for a
two-day session to $2,900 for a three-day sport racing class to five figures for
customized instruction (see sidebar). Fees include the use of a late-model Honda
CBR600RR, ground transfers, and meals. Students can also rent leathers and
helmets from the school.
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| Personal, hands-on coaching from the master himself. (Click image to enlarge) |
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Lessons include detailed instructions before students hit the
track. Once there, riders roll through carefully designed exercises and are
critiqued after each one. "If you fall off a bike, we take it personally,"
Ienatsch says. I assume he means not just at the school, but also after any
student completes the course. Most accidents are avoidable, Ienatsch notes, and
he begins the first classroom session by stating, "One or more of four things
cause a crash: lack of mental focus, abruptness at the controls, rushing into
situations, or repeating the same mistakes." After discussing each of these
issues, we head to the track and put the lessons into practice. Focusing on just
one simple task at a time and then being shown what to do—and sometimes what not
to do—can be frustrating initially, but this subsides as I practice and improve.
These lessons will stay with me forever because they are simple, brilliantly
presented, and damned difficult to execute.
If there is any pressure on a student, it is self-imposed.
There are no winners or losers in this class. There are no passing or failing
grades, no timing of laps, and no undue criticism for errors. There is, however,
encouragement to get it right. I listen attentively to try to figure out how on
earth I could perfect the riding techniques Spencer and his team perform with
such ease. Spencer cautions me to ride well within my limits. "I’ve never
learned anything riding at ten-tenths," he says. Consistent themes throughout
the two days include instilling confidence and eliminating anxiety. I am
constantly encouraged to learn at my own pace and within my comfort zone.
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