[Editors Note:] This morning MotorMilt, my old man and weekend riding companion, and I were shooting the shit when he happened to mention that he enjoyed the CLASS course so much that he felt absolutely compelled to write Reg, Gigi and the gang at CLASS to thank them for the experience. After taking a few minutes to read his note I thought that it might be worthwhile to publish it here on Twisting Asphalt because perhaps it would be of interest for others of you out there who are thinking about attended a trackday with someone like Pridmore. [Editors Note #2:] I should also add that in the time since I posted my thoughts about our track experience a number of folks have written in asking for MotorMilt’s take… Well here it is… In a manor of speaking…

Reg,

I just got home after attending your March 28, 2005 CLASS session at The Streets of Willow. It was the third time I’ve taken your course and wanted to share some thoughts with you.

Like many people I had ridden a little in high school and then stopped because life simply became too busy. After college, I decided I wanted to learn how to fly, and got my private pilot’s license. That too stopped, as work, and family became all consuming.

Fast forward 20 years and a friend rides over to my house on his new motorcycle. Reminded me of how much fun they were and soon I had purchased a 500cc used Honda standard. I traded that on an 1100cc used Honda and finally, in 1990 I bought my first ever ‘brand new bike’—a BMW K75RT. That’s what I rode at my first CLASS course at what was then Sears Point. I remember thinking it was kind of a big boat for a track session even though one of your instructors, perhaps it was Fred, was passing everyone on a huge Full Dress Tourer.

Fast forward another 10 years, and I had gone from the K75RT to a K100RS and then an R1100S, which I rode at my second CLASS course, this one at Laguna Seca. At the time, I thought it was a real sportbike, especially compared to what I had started on.

Each time I took your course I was impressed with how much I learned and how much more confident I continued to become as a rider. So last year, I finally got the bike of my dreams, a bright red Ducati 999. That’s what I rode yesterday at Willow and it was an absolute blast.

I have never aspired to be the fastest rider on the track. My goal each time I’ve taken your course was to learn more and raise my own ability levels as a rider. And each time, that’s exactly what has happened.

Before arriving at Willow I read and re-read your book to help focus my mind on control, smoothness, and planning ahead. I do not have the ability to ‘hang a knee’ but yesterday I did find myself shifting body positions and weight, getting my head turned and level, looking through the corner, relaxing the arms, and many of the other things you teach.

I can’t thank you and all of your instructors enough for your guidance and inspiration over the years. All of you provide knowledge and insight without any sense of criticism, often in one-on-one settings that really help to drive the points home because the teaching is tailored to just me and my particular motorcycle. For example, the 999 is geared really tall, and at one point yesterday one of your instructors had me follow him off the track and talk about gear selection at various points on the course. His advice was keyed specifically to me and my 999. I got back out there and wow did it make a difference.

I don’t know why over time I have gravitated from standards, to full dress tourers, and ultimately an outright sportbike but I think what I’ve learned at CLASS has played a major role in that evolution. What I’ve learned has certainly made me a better and safer rider and I want to thank you, Gigi, and all your instructors for helping me to continue to learn.

Your CLASS courses have also increased my enjoyment of the sport of motorcycling over the years. I can’t wait for the next CLASS course and frankly, with the amount of outright fun I have on the 999, I’ll be back sooner rather than later.

Best Regards,
MotorMilt