Survival reactions

I learned first hand about Keith Code's survival reactions on my trip to the Izu Peninsula.

Survival reactions encountered : entering a turn whose radius was sharper than expected.  Misjudging my speed as 'too fast', looking a little towards to edge of the road panicking about gravel (which wasn't actual gravel but just a different color road), and giving the brakes a light squeeze.

Was out on Nishi Izu Skyline and hit the brakes lightly while leaned over pretty far.  Felt the front stutter and slide a bit, but was able to remember all the advice I've read and seen videos about.

So I let go of the brakes, looked further into the turn, leaned over more, and gave it throttle.  You'll be surprised what a bike can do.

A scary moment, but learning safe riding even while off the road has really paid off in helping my decision making.

Yamanshi Sly and late night brake maintenance

Before heading to the track I stopped my Pete's place and he showed me how to:

Clean the brake callipers and pistons
Bleed the brake fluid
Change the brake pads

We were there until about 3am, when I finally finished in time to get a bit of rest before the next day's track sessions.

I was really able to improve my speed and get my knee down a couple more times. Only the right knee though since my left side is still a bit lacking and there is only one real left turn on the course.

I got tons of advice from Kawaguchi-san, Sam, Keith, and Pete.

A really fun weekend, and I learned a lot.

[Video coming soon]

I was really tired but took the long way home rather than the highway and hit up the mountain twisties in the dark.  Not the smartest idea and I sure did regret it a little bit when I got home exhausted.