Posted: Fri Aug 31, 2007 5:19 am Post subject: KSSS - 23rd August 2007 - defraine's story
Day 1 – Thursday 23rd August 2007.
The alarm went off at 3am (UK time). Hadn’t had much sleep due to the excitement factor and also worry that I would sleep through the alarm and miss my flight! I was out of the house by 03:15 for the 2-hour drive to Gatwick airport. It was cold and raining, nothing new there then. I made good time to Gatwick, parked up, transferred to the terminal and was about 10th in line at check-in for my 9-hour flight to Atlanta, Georgia. After grabbing some breakfast at Starbucks the flight left on time and I was away.
We landed a little ahead of schedule and as soon as I walked off the plane I could feel how hot the next few days were going to be.
From cold and raining to hot and humid I was already starting to heat up. After collecting my bags (the 1st time) I hit immigration, I must have looked dodgy or something as “CPX” was written on top of my customs form and I was stopped, searched and questioned. Anyway, nothing to hide, so I was soon on my way again, giving up my bag another time to be delivered to the terminal. I had never experienced anything like the south terminal at Atlanta before, thinking I would be ok walking, but was soon on the train as the walk seemed to go on forever. I collected my case (the 2nd time) and headed for the concourse to meet up with my lift to the track.
I was met by Michael Martin and Brian Floores, two of the Schwantz School instructors. Introductions out of the way, we collected the hire car and raced to the track only as x-racers would. Hire cars get some abuse I can tell you. It was a little hazy so I didn’t get time to see much of the city as we left it. We were soon out into the rolling green countryside and after a brief stop of at Wendy’s for a burger we arrived at Road Atlanta where I was to spend the next 3 days at the ‘Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School’. The first thing that hit me on entering the circuit was what turned out to be the hill down from turn 11 to turn 12, wow! I was already nervous, now bordering on terrified. We drove to the classroom, there was a certain Mr Schwantz. I had arrived.
I met Kevin, Marnie, Joyce and a few of the other instructors before having a nose around the classroom. Old helmets, leathers and memorabilia everywhere.
It was still quite early, the arrival meeting still a few hours away so I helped put up a few flags and ready everything for the registration meeting to follow. Must have been about 5:30pm (US time now!) and I was getting tired when I headed down to a little picnic area for registration and to meet the other students. There was some food to nibble on as everyone got introduced, registered and acquainted with each other. I wasn’t that hungry, the Wendy’s burger had sorted that, but I was sure was putting the fluids away, water only! It was still real hot n humid, even at 6:30pm. Kevin welcomed everyone and then invited everyone up to see the bikes, surprise time, not for the students but the instructors. He had got them all an early Xmas present, personalised mountain bikes, they were all gob smacked and soon wheeling and mucking about as racers do.
One by one people started to leave, it was to be an early start the next day. I had a gift to give Kevin before I left for the hotel, a signed (by me!) old crew shirt from his Lucky Strike racing days. Presentation out of the way I grabbed a lift to the hotel from my new friend and taxi driver (thanks mate) Vito.
We checked in at the Country Inn & Suites back in Oakwood and I was asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow, it had been a full 24 hours since leaving.
Day 2 – Friday 24th August 2007.
I was up bright and early and feeling okay after the previous long day and headed off to breakfast. After a light breakfast, honestly, Vito and I headed for the track. After the final few students registered we were ready to go. Michael was to be the classroom instructor for the next few days. Michael introduced the instructors and Kevin. We were spilt in to 2 groups, A and B, depending on previous track/race experience, not having any I was in Group B. We were informed of the basics, this course ultimately was to improve your riding capabilities to whatever standard YOU wanted, there was no pressure and safety was their #1 concern. No one would be pushed, just take it step by step increasing speed as you became more comfortable with the track, your bike and your limits! We had already got leathered up (rentals if required)
and the first thing was to get acquainted with the track (daunting) and the bikes, brand new 2007 Suzuki SV650’s and GSXR600’s all lined up looking awesome!
The format of the next few days was classroom and track time. 20 minutes in class, 20 minutes on the track until the end of the day. Group A went out to learn the track and the bikes whilst Group B stayed in class.
Michael started to explain riding techniques, the track, the bikes, safety advice etc. Over the next few days we would cover everything, speed, gear changes, foot peg weighting, throttle control, clutch, positioning (both body and bike), lines around the track, crash techniques, breathing, there wasn’t a stone unturned. Sitting there listening I was as nervous as you like, knowing anytime soon we were to go out. Then it happened, the sound of bikes returning from the track meant it was our time. The first time out we were to take it easy and learn the flow of the track, nothing more.
The Arai went on and we left the classroom. It had been mentioned the SV650 was a good choice to learn the track on, not as racy and more forgiving than the GSXR, so I headed for one of the immaculately prepared SV’s, fired her up and headed for pit lane. There were three lanes to choose 1, 2 or 3. 1 being fast, 2 medium and 3 slow. The queue for 3 was the largest! I think people were unaware of what was to follow and wanted to start slowly, I know I did. The instructors led the way on their GSXR750’s.
2 or 3 students to 1 instructor.
Single file, no overtaking unless instructed, nice and easy kept going through my mind. We were flagged away, bbbbbbbbbaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, as we rolled down the exit lane in to turn 1. The nerves had given way to excitement and immense concentration. Turn 1 an up hill right hander into 2, a blind left switch, 3 another right, 4 a left, down hill through the esses into 5 a left that goes up hill, 6 a fast cambered right into 7 a tight blind right, down the back straight with a slight left 8 and right 9 before downhill to 10A and 10B the left/right chicane. Out of 10B up hill and over the top of blind 11 into “OH MY GOD” the downhill drop to turn 12 and the front straight.
Awesome track, super smooth as it had been resurfaced recently too. Lap 2 underway meant the first time through turn 1 on the correct line, that was some corner too. We carried on around for a good few laps just getting used to which way the track went. Red cones had been placed at the side of the track of corner entry and exit points with a green cone on the apex to the corner. The instructor still out front constantly keeping an eye on us in his mirrors making sure the pace is okay and we aren’t getting in to any situations. I swear the toughest part of those first few laps was remembering to breath! Later Michael would explain breathing in one of the classes so obviously a common problem. Before you know it, the chequered flag was out. The first session completed we headed back to the classroom. The smiles on peoples faces as the lids came off was clear to be seen, everyone chatting getting out what they thought of the bikes and the tracks, incredible. So Group A back out, we went back to class for de-brief and more instruction. It was hot, and getting hotter. I was drinking water and re-hydration fluid a plenty whilst in the classroom trying to keep my fluids up so I didn’t collapse out on track! I was perspiring like never before and that wasn’t to stop, great way to loose weight! We had class and time to go out again. I was more nervous this time than the first as I had had some track time and thought we would be stepping it up again. Off to the pit lane and lane 3 (slow) had gained a few extra riders, which was reassuring. Out on to the track again on the SV, getting the laps under our belts, learning the way around, the pace nice and slow, it hadn’t been up’d at all, the instructors had it all under control. Again smiles aplenty when we returned, we got 1 more session in before lunch where everyone already had their own stories from the first hour of track time at Road Atlanta.
After lunch the same format followed. This continued the whole 3 days. The classroom sessions held by Michael were paced and informative with Kevin on hand to jump in when/where required.
Michael complete with sound effects, as Kevin had too, would often jump up on the bike in class to demonstrate bike position and handling etc. The classroom sessions were structured in such away that it lead form basics to more advanced topics as the track sessions progressed and we would get smoother, faster and more comfortable out on track. Buck Schwantz was around to offer advice too.
We got 2 track sessions in on that first afternoon, the first I used the good olde SV and for the last session I got my hands on one of the stunning GSXR600’s. The SV was a great bike, just buzzed around the track nice and easy, kinda bouncy, but you knew what was what. It didn’t have that razor edge to worry about. We later learnt if the instructors go have a play, they take the SV’s out. The GSXR was a different beast. My kind of bike. It was racier, smoother and more planted. I was already going faster and on returning to the pit my smile was bigger than ever. I had found my weapon of choice for the next 2 days.
We finished up as ever with Michael asking how it went and what to think about over night before heading back to the hotel for a shower, boy I needed one, before heading out to dinner. Kevin took us all to a Mexican restaurant not far form the track that was enjoyed by all. The two sat-navs in Vito’s hire car couldn’t find the place, we were off the map most of the trip. A bit of good old sense of direction and hand written instructions got us back on track. We weren’t the only ones to get lost in the ‘Atlanta triangle’ sat-nav zone. Dinner over, stories told, back to the hotel for a good nights sleep.
Day 3 – Saturday 25th August 2007.
Breakfast out of the way, off to the track. First thing today whilst it was cool (!!!) was a track walk. A full days track time behind us Kevin loaded us all in to vans and took us out on to track to show us the lines and reference points around the track.
I kid you not he was pointing out marks and lines on the track he uses for corner entry etc that I never saw the previous day, scary when you miss great big painted white lines!!
At each corner Kevin would tell us his secrets on how he addresses them and then 3 instructors would come through the corners at speed so we could see what he was saying. 3 speeds, slow (but fast for me), medium and ‘Opie’ speed.
Opie came through the corners at warp speed, awesome to watch, so fast, sparks flying everywhere. We stopped at various corners on the track, advise was given and demo corners provided by the instructors.
We finally got to turn 11, the blind crest leading downhill into 12.
This was by far the scariest place on the track and I personally couldn’t wait to see Opie through here. He did disappoint, 1st lap, WOW, 2nd lap wheel pointing skyward, double WOW.
We later found out he had mucked up through 10B and grabbed a handful of throttle to recover which got him kind of out of shape, kind of??!?!? glad it wasn’t me.
Track walk over we headed back to class, Group A off out to use the newly gained knowledge, us back to the classroom to learn some more and obviously discuss ‘Opie time’. It was then our turn for track, GSXR again in hand off to the slow lane we headed. First lap of the day, it was amazing how different the track was now we knew what we had learnt form the track walk. It seemed so much easier, the GSXR stuck like glue. Lap after lap, smoother and faster, the smiles got bigger. I had kind of paired up with Kieron by this point. The instructors try and encourage you to find someone of equal standard so you don’t ride too slow or fast. We had also had a fair few instructors leading us now, each one riding around spending more time looking backwards in their mirrors at us than forwards. We were offered advise whilst on track via hand signals and the instructors would slowly up the pace whilst at all times making sure we looked in control. The 2nd session of day 2 was the first time out I actually didn’t feel nervous. I had learnt where the track went and what the bike could do. I know looked forward to implementing everything that Michael had taught us in class with everything the instructors were telling us on track, each time getting quicker and quicker but still smooth making sure I hit all the right markers. Kieron and I were developing a good pace; we joined or were joined by others too. Riding with most of Group B before the course was over – except those that lined up in lane 1!! We went out with Peter (great lines mate) and Aaron (knee-down achieved and cool celebrations) a fair few times amongst others.
The camera bike was in play on day 2 too. Not that you knew it but instructor Lee was out on track stuck to you back wheel so your riding could be analysed back in the classroom after the session, this was very helpful. I only ever seemed to get videoed on the back section and not through my favourite part turn 1 through 6, shame as I swear I was well rapid through that sweeping section! Lunch in between another 5 class and track sessions saw out the day. It was a great day, better than day 1 by far. We ended up following Tray Batey out on one session, I had never been through turn 1 as quick trying to follow him, by turn 2 he was gone, we caught up with him having a nap at turn 6, my god you think you are going fast, these guys are in another league. I had developed cramp to in my leg right at the end of the day, reminder to keep those fluids up for day 3. We were sent on our way that evening with instructions of visualising a lap with your eyes closed that evening, something that Kevin had used during his GP career and if you could master helps no end. So with the final sessions out of the way it was time for the World Famous Schwantz family BBQ.
Jim (Kevin’s dad) and Stacey (Kevin’s sister) had driven the BBQ all the way in from Texas (19+ hours) to provide the evenings feast.
I tell you what, ribs n chicken to die for.
The food was just awesome. People sat around swapping stories of the days whilst chowing down on some top quality BBQ grub, stuffed by the end I tell you. The gods were with us as we had all finished when the heavens opened and the mother of all storms rolled in to town. The drive back to town was something, Vito should have hired a boat! The wipers couldn’t clear the water fast enough, you couldn’t see 10 feet, something smashed across our windscreen, branches were lying on the road – scary! We made it back and I just hoped it would be dry for the morning, I didn’t fancy a wet track on bit. As for doing a lap of the track with your eyes closed before bed, I think I made it to turn 3 before I was asleep.
Day 4 – Sunday 26th August 2007.
The previous nights rain had cleared off, it was a misty damp start but the track was dry. It did have water on the kerbs and some dirt on the track through 5, but advised to take it easy first out is what we did. It soon dried out completely, the sun was shinning once more. Same format as usual, class followed by track.
In the morning we had a practical, accelerate in 1st, clutchless to 2nd, blip throttle, change back to 1st and stop. All about matching revs to gear changes and not using the clutch on up shifts, with that accomplished it was track time. It really did feel fast and smooth on the last day, not having to worry about where the track went at all, entry and apex points mastered. Just concentrate on everything learnt and put it into practice. I had a couple of laps out front of the instructor on day 3. You follow them for so long when finally they think you are good to go they wave you by! Your heart goes up a beat and I think I held my breath the whole way round. Rather than tear off trying to emulate ‘Opiewon’ I backed off slightly, didn’t want to rubbish all the good stuff I had done up till now. It was amazing, for the first time no one out front you were leading the pack, still at a pace just make sure you hit all the markers and have some fun. When the instructor re-takes you, you wait for his assessment, thumbs up, yee-haa! Led a few laps on day 3, each time different instructor thumbs up, well chuffed (as we say in England). Kieron and I even dared lane 2 a couple of times, it was no faster than lane 3, all in the mind I think, just go as fast as you are comfortable with. Those last few sessions we even zooooomed by the lane 1 guys. By this time Kieron and Aaron were sliding knee’s on regular basis, me, not my style, more like my joints wouldn’t let me, but I had found my way of riding, fast, smooth and safe.
Kevin black Dainese leathers on ‘Darth Vader’ style was out on track, screaming around at crazy speeds, the noise that GSXR600 made when he came by, it was like something out of Star Wars for sure.
Dave who was out taking photos later reported he was going through corners looking backwards like it was the easiest thing in the world, probably at least 3 times faster than us too, the man still has it! Jim Schwantz was out on track too.
We had classroom sessions as usual, but that 3rd day was all about feeling real comfortable out on track. Unfortunately the storm rolled in a little early and we didn’t get our 5th session of the day out on track, but with tired limbs and mind maybe that was a good thing.
So with the rain lashing down outside we were done. A great three days. Kevin, the instructors and staff were superb, the track was amazing, the students brilliant, the environment spot on, what would I improve? Not having a 4th, 5th, 6th…..day!
It was graduation time where the students were presented with a certificate and cap to show they successfully accomplished all 3 days.
In turn Kevin presented, a picture taken, the class clapped, top job and well done all.
Awards were presented to Safest Rider – Vito, and most improved, Aaron getting running up with Harley James who had spend a fortune riding his Harley in from the moon getting Most Improved, well deserved mate. The class of August 24th was finished, Kevin signed all my memorabilia
including my one of a kind Arai, email addresses and phone numbers were exchanged, thanks given to the instructors, those last stories told and photos taken. One by one everyone went on their way. Everyone smiling, it had been a great experience, thanks to you all.
That evening with Vito already hot pacing it back to Florida I grabbed a lift and went to dinner with Kieron, Dave and their friends and family. More ribs at the Braselton Grille with a few beers over at the sports bar finished off a great day 3.
Day 5 – Monday 27th August 2007.
Home day. With my flight not until 9pm I was kind of at a lose end. I was having breakfast and got talking to Jim who invited me back to the track to kill off a few hours. Back we went to pack up the monster BBQ on to the trailer for Jim and Stacey’s mammoth trip back to Texas. With the BBQ all secured and attached to the truck we were all ready to roll.
I said a final farewell to Kevin and Marnie who were getting ready for the AMA Superbike showdown in a few days time and after a fuel stop Jim and Stacey dropped me back at the hotel. I checked out and went for a wonder around Oakwood. Not much to report there I’m afraid. The shuttle to the airport arrived as scheduled and driver ‘Whiz’ (I kid you not and I bet he could race his van round Road Atlanta pretty quick too) gave me the tour back to town. The haze that was present the day I arrived had lifted, so I got to see much more of the city, ok from the back of an airport shuttle van, but it looked cool all the same.
Kiosk check-in out of the way, through security no problem, I was set. The flight was slightly delayed, but I slept like a baby the whole way home, think I was tired.
Day 6 – Tuesday 27th August 2007.
Landed back in the UK, it seemed cold but not raining, I eventually made it home safe and sound.
Wow, what a few days, if you are thinking about it, don’t waste your time, do it. It is an amazing experience whatever level of rider you are. I cannot rate it highly enough. Now I just need to find some money to buy a GSXR600 and trip back!
Sean (aka defraine)
P.S. More pictures available on request and once the action shots arrive I'll post those up too
Sean.!!!! Awesome summary.
I have tried to capture the moment as I tell my family and friends of all that happened... Now I think that I will just give a link to the forum.
Next time you are in town. Beers are on me. Give me shout.
Aaron _________________ Vroom Vroooooooooooooom!
irelandmax Schwantz Fan
Joined: Sep 01, 2007 Posts: 1
Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2007 4:56 pm Post subject:
amazing pics how much did it cost. cant wait to get myself there to do and try the course and more over meet the man himself he's like a god to me _________________ gixerrgv
Joined: Jan 01, 2005 Posts: 6 Location: Union City, CA, USA
Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2007 2:12 pm Post subject:
Awesome read, thanks!
defraine Admin
Joined: Jan 01, 2005 Posts: 662 Location: UK
Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 3:15 am Post subject:
VIDEO of a lap (2nd day) here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFp2U3Sm0WA. The 1st lap is me in front of the camera bike following Kieron and the instructor, the 2nd lap is the camera bike out on it's own and the 3rd lap is Mr Schwantz showing how it should be done
Last edited by defraine on Thu Oct 11, 2007 3:30 am; edited 1 time in total
defraine Admin
Joined: Jan 01, 2005 Posts: 662 Location: UK
Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 3:00 am Post subject:
Just got a couple more pics from Dave the photographer...
I took Kevin a gift....
and he signed the KS Special....
potzy Schwantz Fan
Joined: Nov 06, 2005 Posts: 39 Location: UK Wiltshire
Posted: Wed Oct 10, 2007 2:09 pm Post subject:
Spot on write up mate, glad you had a good time but then its hard not too
Thinking about going again next year and taking the missus as, shes a fairly quick rider and has had a bit of racing experence
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