First I would like to thank Ricky Orlando for the excellent (knowledgeable, well-paced) training he provided yesterday.

The class was held at IMI. We met at 8:00 a.m. and after handshakes, with Ricky and another student-Gary-great guy, we walked the track --talked conditions and mental/physical preparation.

Training lasted for 5+ hours and after the initial 1+ hour of classroom time we hit the track for laps. We would do 10 laps, switching positions-without stopping- each lap. Then a review with Q & A. Then 10 more laps, repeat. We started out the pace very easy concentrating on track "lines". As skills sets were added in the pace quickened. By the end of the day there was a dramatic increase in confidence and in sore muscles, ha !
~Other topics well discussed were: Joining the MRA/AMA, WERA, Track Safety-specifically Pueblo, pre-race logistics (right down to things like who's getting the Gatorade and hotel rooms), track vs. street techniques, to mention a few.
Alls I can say is that to those of you who do race within the MRA, AMA, etc is that my helmet is off to you! The time and money involved in racing can be drawing on your bank account (I've heard what some of you are spending to attend R2SL). Not to mention the effort you put out to support the sport.

To those of you that wish to increase your skills, I truly recommend Ricky's training. He has a variety of skill level classes that he teaches. He keeps the focus on what you paid for, training. The Orlando Racing School can be reached at:
I, for one, never thought I could push that Winnabego of a Kawi that I ride, to such limits. Lean angle and corner entry speed are different today... Later, in the afternoon I was riding at my new found pace. After I exited the track a rider came up to me and said, "You were in Ricky's class today, weren't you?" I replied, "Yes." he followed with, "I took his class last year and can't wait to take another later this year. Man, I was following you and you were keeping up some fast laps out there." I replied, "Thanks, but I'll leave the racing to you younger guys"
Mr. Orlando also said that he would be interested in putting on a training session for the CSC at one of our meets in Pueblo. I'm not sure what he would charge for such an event, but I'm sure it would be worthwhile for all involved.

Ricky would like to extend his best wishes to all that are participating in R2SL. He is racing this weekend in Pueblo and then preparing for an event in Hastings, NE.

On a side note:

I had the opportunity to tune in on the Freddie Spenser
Racing School at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway
a fews weeks back. This, too, is an excellent
race training course.

The main differences I noticed was that with Ricky you
ride your own ride, you do it in 5 hours and
the class was more one on one

(oh, and the track is smaller 90 vs. 160 on the straight, ha).

Ride Safe.

Regards,
Pilot