Favorite Drill: My favorite drill in Level 2 of Keith Code’s California Superbike School was “Wide-View.” It teaches you how to maximize your peripheral view and avoid “target-fixation,” which can be a motorcyclist’s worst enemy. Our natural instinct of searching for danger can more often than not, make us focus on whatever it is that triggers that sense of danger. However, we must train ourselves to counterintuitively look away from danger, and instead look to where we want the bike to go. Another common mistake while riding is “tunnel-vision,” which gives the false sense that you’re going faster than you actually are. It can also block your ability to spot other significant pieces of data.
When looking at a reference point (e.g. turn-in point), being mentally aware of the next reference point in your peripherals (e.g. apex) will lead to a smoother visual transition. Once you reach that next reference point, already have your attention on a third reference point (e.g. exit marker) and so forth. This concept of “Wide-View” can also be applied when spotting any source of danger. Quickly process the danger, but be aware of where you want to go next. Smooth visual transitions can result in smoother riding overall.
Since things that are physically closer to you seem to travel much faster than those that are farther in distance, “Wide-View” also teaches you how to open up your line of sight to remove tunnel vision and help you gain a more accurate sense of speed. It will also give you a good bearing on your location. Accurate sense of speed and spatial awareness will boost up confidence on any motorcycle.
With 6 years of riding under my belt as a daily commuter who wears contact lens, I’ve experienced a fair share of visionary struggles. From contacts suddenly blurring up or blowing out of my eyes during rides to developing a habit of darting my eyes from one thing to another- cars, people, intersections, stop lights, debris on the road, etc., understanding how to analyze the road with a wide-view angle helps correct any instinct to target fixate or get stuck in tunnel vision. Practicing “wide-view” will require patience, but is well worth it. Tuning up visual acuity is something every rider should highly consider working on, because it’ll help eliminate bad habits. This drill opened up my eyes -wide- in realizing how much relevant information I’ve previously missed taking in. This newfound awareness gives me the power and confidence to ride more smoothly and avoid unnecessary danger.
Overall Thoughts: After graduating from Levels 1 and 2, I already feel like my riding abilities have made a significant leap. The classroom sessions range in size depending on the day and level you’re in. There were about 10 other students in my Level 1 class, but only 3 others in Level 2. Regardless, I was able to comfortably ask questions and receive thoughtful answers in both sessions.
The classes broke down some of the mechanics of a motorcycle with an easy-to-follow curriculum that also thoroughly explained valuable concepts and techniques. The on-track coaching from Connor gave me hands-on experience, which also allowed him to conduct assessments and correct any mistakes by giving me insightful feedback. I was able to apply what I learned in class in addition to Connor’s evaluation to ride more smoothly and consistently. I never felt pressured to do anything that was out of my riding capability. By Connor’s example, I was also able to set up my position for the best “line, turn-in points, apex, and exit marker.”
The whole team treated me with respect paired with an understanding that everyone comes from a different background and riding experience. In fact, the entire team is extremely encouraging all throughout! Looking forward to learning and riding more in the next levels. Thank you California Superbike School!
Also, please check out my Level 1 Superbike School motovlog on YouTube to see all the fun for yourself!