Total Control Training

[Timboosh]

So - I dunno if this "technically" counts as a product, but it's not really a dealer either... sooo... sue me, I'm putting this review here.

I just completed the Total Control Advance Rider Course.
Total Control Advanced Riding Clinic
Total Rider Tech

... and I have to say, I'm really quite happy with it. I think during the whole day I put about 10 miles on my bike doing the exercises, but it was probably the furthest I've pushed my skills -in a good way- on any bike to date. I finally have no chicken strips!!! HA!!! (ok ok, they're still there, but they're only about 1/4-1/2" off the absolute edge. Before they were like 1" lol)

The course is based on the Lee Parks book, Total Control: High Performance Street Riding Techniques. It's supposedly designed to fill the "gap" between MSF ERC and full on Race Schools. Now, I have to openly admit that I've never taken the ERC, so I can't personally substantiate that, but a few comments were made by students during the class that this was a bit more technical/advanced. (And, that's not at all to say that the ERC isn't a good class too, Just trying to give a frame of reference for those that may be interested)

As with most MC classes, it's a combination of Classroom and Course/Range riding drills.

They talk about the concepts of the skills in the classroom to support the riding drills that you do on the course, and generally, they were pretty well organized and able to "ease" the student into the more advanced techniques.

Beyond that, they do address some of the mental aspects of riding - Not necessarily from the "real world" standpoint of "what to do if the car next to you _______'s??", but more so from the mental aspect of pushing your limits or your "comfort zone" to both expand and hone your skills of controlling the motorcycle... Getting you to the edge of your current limits so you can learn and grow as a motorcyclist.

I can't say any of the classroom stuff was really truly earth shattering or groundbreaking, but it absolutely was interesting, practical, and useful for sure. I dunno about anyone reading this, but I can read until I'm cross-eyed or fall asleep about riding techniques and try to put it into practice for myself, BUT, sometimes, there's really nothing better than someone "teaching" it to you. (that's kinda true in all things, and not specific to this course necessarily, but definitely applicable here as well.)

The Range work covered the topics of throttle control, brake control (even the concept of trail braking on a very basic level), head positioning/vision, body positioning (setting up for turns and transitions). They start off pretty simple and add on a little bit at a time, and do a really good job of giving you honest criticism of what you're doing well, and what you need to do better. By the "additive" process (learn a skill, practice, add a skill, practice skill 1+2, etc.), it doesn't ever really give you more than you can handle, and by the end of the day you start to really put it all together a bit and - for me personally at least - feel MUCH more relaxed and in control of my motorcycle.

My only real critique of the class is that it really is a LOT to cram into an 8 hour day, so there's not as much time to run drills enough to REALLY let things settle in. For instance, if the class identifies a bad habit you have, there's not really enough time to force yourself out of those habits by learning new "patterns" and reversing those habits. I think it would probably be better for the student if they could stretch it over two days and get a bit more range time in... BUT...

That said, they do offer a skills day (tomorrow for me ) that has all the skills courses set up on the range and instructors there for feedback/critiquing for the whole day. Basically "practice at will"... it should help tremendously in refining some of those techniques and making some/most of them habit (hopefully). ((I just think it could/would do a bit more for the student if it was part of the curriculum instead of an option)).

In any event, I'd HIGHLY recommend the course to ANYONE who wants to be a better motorcyclist!!!

[Timboosh]

Well... Just finished the skills day - If you take the course, DO THE SKILLS DAY.

The whole day, with all the "courses" set up that you can just ride at will. Instructors are there to help you refine and give you input.

In all the miles that I've done on bikes, the last 40 were in a parking lot, and to me were (close to) the most fun, and definitely the most "useful" miles I've ever done...

[Vladens]

This is SO unfair.... I never knew about this class....
I would love to take it, but next time they are in Chicago is July 24, and I will be out of the country until 26th. And looks like there is nothing else scheduled after that date neither in Chicago or Milwaukee.
I have taken riding classes 4 times already (1 basic, 2 ERC's and 1 Street Riding Technical Training with Ride Chicago). But this class looks to be even more technically advanced.

[Timboosh]

Well... I'm going back for more... lol.

Total Rider Tech announced that they scheduled another Skills Day (not the class...) September 25th - AND offered a coupon code. $75 for a day of practice in a controlled environment and professional feedback. Gonna see if I can wear out my new tires in one day!!!

[RoadWarrior17]

That class looks awesome!! I think I'll try to take it next yr.

[Vladens]

I guess it will have to be next year for me.....