Reg Pridmore CLASS HQ in Santa Paula

[03_SONIC_BLUR]

I never knew that his school was headquartered at the Santa Paula Airport

http://www.classrides.com/

[Brakelate]

Interesting. I had heard they used to do some Auto-X events out there years back, but never knew they ever had ANY motorcycles out on that facility, ever.

I really should go back and take this course after I am fixed up, healed up and ready to go back to riding regularly. Or, I should do it the week before my annual SoCal Rallye events week, just to shake off the cobwebs and re-calibrate my membrane. Especially since I know that my skills are constantly degrading due to lack of use, and I have the horrible habit and foolish mind set that I can swing my leg over any machine once a year and go just as quickly, just as smoothly, and just as safely as I could when I used to ride, practice, train and commute almost daily on any variety of two wheeled conveyance. And that, I KNOW is just plain and simple foolishness. ESPECIALLY when expecting myself to simply off load and instantly, not just go on a "ride about", but perform at a damn near race track level of performance, aggression and pace that are set by the likes of Tetge, Norton John and a few others in attendance who ride track, street or both on a very regimented, regular basis. Not to mention if I ever get back out there for a much over-due "Breakfast Ride" with MikeDBike and the likes of his limited, but very elite and well regarded group of local riders. Anyone on that type of pace damn well better be dialed in and wired tight, bringing the best game they and their machine can muster. Or have a good likelihood of not going home at all. Or just mailing off what little bits are left, in a Pine Box.

But, that is why I always TRY, especially in the early part of the day or ride, to hang back, warm up and both enjoy the scene, smells, sights and styles of other riders who may be tagging along at the back of the pack on lesser machines, or with a little less fire in their pants, but posses many miles, decades and countless experiences on two wheels, none the less. Then, sooner or later the fool in me flares up and I have to 'leap frog' up through the pack, checking them all - bikes, riders and talent levels - before finding my way to the front where I find Tetge NJ or MDB setting the pace for the "A Group" of any particular group ride. Then, my lessons of watching, learning and studying the masters truly begins for me. And every time is a complete treat. They always show me something new. Smarter, cleaner, quicker, safer or more efficient for me to apply next year. If I can remember any of it at all after bouncing my head off the ground. I still wake up wondering what year it is, and yes Ohio John, why in the hell the camp host in a Ford pick up truck is banging on my trailer door at sunrise after twelve-plus hours of driving and a broken two hours of sleep, I have to yell out that I am there looking for a "fresh water" hookup for the trailer. Crazy shit.

[03_SONIC_BLUR]

I have a spare bedroom, you can bunk at my place Jay

[03_SONIC_BLUR]

And I'll drop by and find out where they hold class

[SonicVenum]

It seems like they do the classes at local(ish?) tracks like, Willow, Laguna Seca, and Sonoma. Sounds like fun. I should get myself into one of these once the GPz is running, which should be pretty soon. Would be a good way to see if I want to hold onto it, or sell it.

[Brakelate]

I have a spare bedroom, you can bunk at my place Jay

I would like to think that the next time I am out your way, I would have an additional, new machine to accompany the ever-reliable rib busting DRZ.

Not that I would try and talk you into taking the class with me or anything as a return favor for a spot to park the "party palace on wheels", or so it has come to be known.

[Brakelate]

I am also sure that would be a horrible locale to check out how Tetge's Wazoooo KTM, Norton John's KTM and anything else that showed up performed against the DRZ-SM and whatever touring machine I happened to be fortunate enough to bring along in the future. Muahahhahaa.

Too bad Walker's schnazzy Scrambler will be mud caked and stashed away in Ol Mexico and unable to attend, should it ever come together. Now THAT would really round-out the whole thing, along with the appearance of Juan on his Gpz? Ahhh, the days of Chevrolet Test Events and such...