The intention in starting the British Superbike School as a ‘not for profit’ organisation was to provide the best professional motorcycle coaches for road riders in the best setting in which to master bike control away from road hazards, by introducing the
physics of how motorcycles stop, turn and accelerate, so riders can understand how bikes react to rider inputs, to improve rider technique and skills and help develop that vital confidence. We use not only Police Motorcycle Roadcraft, but also Vittore Cossalters
‘Motorcycle Dynamics’ with permission, as my background is Automotive Engineering, having originally been an apprentice with Ford Competitions at Boreham.
The trick has been to apply this and other proven theory (complete with all the maths), and make it of use to riders to apply.
We then found considerable interest from trackday riders, some of whom were already very quick, so looked at finding some more experienced track/race coaches. The School was initially composed of well known riders and experienced local coaches including
Pete Boast from Bike, Geoff Baldock (a former ‘King of Cadwell’), 120 mph TT rider Dave Hewson, as well as the track experienced Police, and DSA qualified motorcycle trainers. It is not enough just to be a great rider, you also need
empathy and know how to train others. We assess and train all our coaches and have a ‘Coaching Manual’ which we update every year as we find out what works and what doesn’t and as we react to rider feedback which overall has been extremely encouraging.
The courses and groups of riders were subsequently split into ‘Road’ which is designed to comply with Police Motorcycle Roadcraft, and ‘Track’ for riders which from 2016 complied with ACU guidelines as we now have 9 ACU race coaches, for rider either doing
or looking to do trackdays, or race. This separates riders to everyone’s benefit, and makes training easier (and panders to a very small vocal minority who regard any track training as encouraging reckless riding).
All courses cost £289 sharing a coach with 2 other riders, or £489 for 121 on-track coaching. There is also a course and bike hire special offer (Yamaha R6) for £419.
Level l – For Road Riders. Designed to comply with Police Motorcycle Roadcraft and delivered on track by Police, RoSPA and DVSA Post Test Instructors.
Level ll – For Track Riders or those considering a track day or racing. Complies with ACU standards and delivered by qualified ACU Coaches, experienced track coaches and ACU race licence holders.
Level lll – This is now an Advanced Track Riders Day for any rider who must have completed Level ll and wants to take his or her riding to the next level, and is a more conventional and less structured approach to track training.
A limited number of ‘One to One’ coaching places are also available for any rider who would like their own personal track coach for the day, on any of the Levels.
(NB – These are properly structured training courses delivered by professional qualified trainers – not trackdays where a coach follows you around for a couple of laps).