I am not sure if there is an official rule on that so Trevor will have to correct me if there is, but back when I was new to the track and first got my bump to Int, that is exactly what I did. My first time at a new track I would sign up in N on Saturday then Int on Sunday. I struggled with learning new tracks (and still kinda suck at it ound) I loved being able to ride in the groups in the morning and learn the track at a reduced pace. I'm sure it goes without saying, but just remember to adhere to the rules of the group you sign up in.
I agree….once you get to "I", you're an "I"rider, and you will be fine learning a new track. Plus, if the next day is sold out, you won't be able to jump back to "I"
Ok, I tried, but had to chime in on this one. It is only "open discussion" in the sense that you asked the question. That does not mean that the answer will be to your liking. The reason for the Novice group format is very simple: It is a SCHOOL. Yep, a learning environment. In order to impart our curriculum in the most effective manner, the group is broken into sub groups based upon ability. This ensures the safety of all and cohesiveness of the groups. As an added benefit, it also enhances the enjoyment of the majority of customers. Safety: Groups of inexperienced riders of different pace left to their own devices are simply a danger to themselves and others. This follow the leader format is proven effective in this group in order to give riders comfort and a safety margin while the coaches address safety issues and moderate traffic flow. School: Have you looked at the format for the DiSalvo School, or Code's school, or STAR, or Mystery, or Spencer's school (rip)? They are ALL based upon the lead/ follow format. Did you know that our curriculum is more than loosely based upon the Code books and school? Did you know that one day of his class is well more than a weekend at Barber? So, not only is it a learning environment, it is a heck of a BARGAIN. Did you also know that if you are tired of going to classes, or lead follow, or feel there is nothing more for you to learn in Novice, there is a place for you? It is the intermediate group and it allows the very freedom you desire. no class no leader (save for first lap). This horse has been sufficiently beaten, and believe me when I say that if there was a better way, it would be in place yesterday. I have been with this company a LOOONG time and I have witnessed first hand the evolution, but safety will NEVER be compromised. Yes, the customer aspect is extremely important to STT, and as such, one person's desire must be weighed against the safety and enjoyment of all. My suggestion is quite simple: Bump to Intermediate and reap the benefit you seek!
:grouphug: :getdown: Yup!! :woot: You never stop learning it's a promise. I learn something new at acc everytime I go. Learned some new brake markers following disalvo for just a few laps. You don't only learn from coaches, if you feel you've out learned the novice pace move to I, you will benefit from the faster riders just by seeing what they do. It's a constant schooling.
Feel free to call me anytime and we can discuss.... 404 414 three three 07 I am on calls most the AM but am available after 1ish.... I will gladly tell you about our Advanced Novice structure and answer any q's you have.... I hate typing..:thumb: Marc
Exactly why i posted as I did Rchase... the Novice group is designed for exactly those people: NOVICES. Our school structure is what it is because of WHAT it is, a school. Your inquiry as to why its necessary for the lead follow for "three whole sessions" tells me that you should move out of that group and into the intermediate group. You seem to want instruction "only when you want it" and that is exactly why there are coaches in the intermediate group. Its that simple.... your question is summed up tht simply. Why do we do it? because its the best way to accomplish the goal we have set forth as a company, and nothing more. If you want open track, we have a group for you, that is the reason behind the 3 group format. In fact, on some occasions we have split the intermediate group into 2 and run 4 groups. I in no way mean to sound rude or mean, it really is that simple! It has also been stated over, and over. There is really nothing to understand! Go out in the group you choose, if you choose novice, you get groups and classroom. If you choose intermediate, you get open track and instruction if you want it.
I am curious…a few times, it was mentioned that somebody might sign up for "N", then the next day sign up in "I", then back to "N" if they felt like it. Is it that easy to just pick a group? I thought you had to earn the bump to "I", not just decide to go there.
I think the idea is that even though you earned the bump to I, you may choose to ride in N the first time at a new track if you don't feel comfortable learning it at your usual I pace. I think you can choose to move down for a day by signing up for N, but you cannot choose to move up to I until you get bumped.
Well, i cant even imagine doing an I pace right now, so i'll happily sit my butt in Novice classrooms all year! I like the "follow the leader" thing in the morning. If only because i've had great luck with finding the N group riding at a pace that works for me. I could do a day at ACC North by myself and still make improvements, but iI never even considered not following a CR until this thread.
I saw ppl mention that, but i counter with the question, Why go back to the slower riders if your goal is to get faster, you just backtrack which does no good in this sport.
I'm pretty quick to pick up a new track and I can mentally run laps around a lot of tracks I've never ridden, but Intermediate can also get messy pretty quickly. It's always mentioned to grab a coach in I and such, could this be one of those moments? If I could start a day at a new track with even 3-4 laps to see the line that would be enough. My biggest concern would be causing trouble in braking zones where I could pull up too soon being overly cautious. I posed the question mostly out of concern of what is expected of an I rider. The same things that allowed me to move up - run a consistent line, hold a line both on/off the optimal line, be predictable, etc. can be compromised the first few laps on a new track. I know I'd be unhappy in N beyond the first couple of sessions, but I was definitely curious to hear what others had done or what their thoughts are.
What if the goal isn't to "get faster" but have a safe environment to ride your sport bike in a manner you feel comfortable at?
Just be careful which "faster" rider you watch, or try to follow......dont just jump in and follow the fastest guy into a turn! Do your thing (ride your own ride) and find a guy that is just "slightly" faster than than you to follow. I even find value in following a guy that is slower than me, but faster than about half the group. Especially at a new track, you can learn a track quickly if you find "that" guy, because typically if he is navigating traffic fairly easily, he already knows the track and is following correct lines. This has worked for "Me" in the past so I thought Id share.......everybody learns differently so it may not work for you. Disclaimer: Generally I do this if I cant hook up with a COACH for a tow for whatever reason (late for session, hot pit because of traffic, etc.) Good luck and most importantly, have FUN in whatever group youre in. If youre not having FUN, having "pucker" moments and white knuckling your laps, your brain has shut down to learning in favor of self preservation. Its exhausting and DANGEROUS.:wheel:
Sign up for the group you belong in and find a coach at the riders meeting. Explain your situation and have them take you around the track for some laps. They will be happy to get you going. As for I getting messy. Try finding a spot about 1/2 way around the track you can see. When the first person that pits out passes that spot then go out. Gets you some open track most of the time.
Fair enough, we all want a safe environment and I think we have been provided that for years. If the goal isn't to get faster then maybe novice is the place for that person, but go into it KNOWING their procedures. I believe and always will advanced is the safest group to be in. Most all of the guys there know how to pull their way out of a situation that WILL happen, most novice riders will panic & then crash boom bang. For instance if I make a mistake and it gets close I know a guy like jeremy or Steve etc will make a quick decision out of harms way, the novice an some intermediate will have no clue.
Like when you shitty pass and the other person would take your nose off if they dive, but instead decide to back out?:lmao: