Keith Code(Cal Superbike School) or Fast By Freddie School - Where should I go?

[CopperHeadMonster]

It is strictly between these two based on locations and what I have heard for now. Some day I will do Kevin Schwantz just to meet the guy.

Here are the basics:
* I am in mid 30s, have been riding for almost 20 years
* I would consider myself advanced for the street/canyon rides - mostly on my 996/monster
* No prior track experience
* Every year I ride better, I realize that my bike has more potential than I push it on street
* I plan to use the bike provided in the school
* I may rent leathers or use my dainese
* I plan to use my own helmet, gloves, & boots
* Main goal for going to class: get formal education and safely explore my envelope, ride smarter
* Since I do not have time, I just want to the 2 day course in either school
* Time frame: May/June

Why I like Freddie's School?
I think it is super cool to be schooled by 2 time world champion. Having Nick Ienatsch (I love the book sport rding technique book) teach would be good link to my current techniques based on the book. In my book Honda bikes are cooler than kawasakis. the 2 up ride with Freddie would scare me silly and be fun

Why I like Keih Code Cal Superbike School?
It looks like keith code invests more in imparting education through training aids - the simulators, lean bike, slide bike, control trainer etc etc and also the use of the video bike. They also have more dates and tracks closer to bay area where I will be soon (yes moving from canyon heaven Denver to the concrete jungle). ok the ninjas are not bad either..they also have very good description of their 2 day class.. again a sign of how of they do business.


Question:
1. Has anyone done both? thoughts?
2. How was your experience, if you have done either?
3. Any comments /criteria that will help me decide?
WHICH ONE SHOULD I ATTEND?

[vtwins4life]

I say it depends on what you want to do and what your current level of riding is. If you're fairly new to riding and are not interested in racing, I think Keith Code is the way to go. There's so much basic information that they drill you on that it only serves to improve your riding for the street and the track. Freddy Spencer's school is kick ass if you're planning on getting serious about the track and possibly even considering racing. You'll learn about trail braking in this school unlike at Keith Code, but there's not much use for this on the street IMO.

[Triple900]

Yes I have done both. I enjoyed both and thought I got my money's worth. I would go back to the Swantz School and I am going back to the Code school this spring. SO unless things have changed from Sept 03.....
Kevin has two groups that alternate so if you go to the school with some perceived skill you can go with the faster group from the start. Coming from Florida I was intimidated by the hills and had no concept of using reference points. So the first day I switched from the Fast to the less fast. On the start of day two we walked the course and he pointed out the reference points that made a big difference for me + I was getting used to the track.
Great to be out with Kevin , Trey Batey, Jamie James Others. Good organization, good teaching. Lots of one on one with the teachers on the track.
Learned a lot

Went to Code school at Barber Sept 05. You must move through the school in Levels. Every session builds on a set of learning exercises and goals.(Kevin Probably did that also but that was a while ago and Code made it more memorable) Very quickly put out duck tape turn in points so I didn't have to worry about lead follow and falling back. Good teachers who had to spend time with each student and document that time as well as formal feedback after each session. Barber had elevations but since I had been to Kevin's school I was looking for references + I had remembered one of the Hayden's saying downhill is just like a flat only faster so I had fun.
Going back to Keith because they do many track and I want to do and advance level at VIR a new track for me .
So IMHO if you like structure and incremental learning + many track choices go with Code. If you need advance skill set quickly or like a less structured setting at a great track go with Kevin
This is two paragraphs on two great schools so take it with other input

[Chuckracer]

That would be a tough choice. I heard great things about both schools...Freddie is a really good teacher, Nick is cool, too, good staff.

Keith's teachings are legendary...the kind of school where the teachings don't stop after day two. More "cereberal", I think.

Because you don't have any track experience, I think Keiths school would serve you better. In the meantime, get a head-start by getting his books...all of them!

[twowheelcossack]

In the Freddie school, you will be guaranteed riders with more skill than you. As far as the comment about one school being better suited to riding better on the street vs the track, what's the difference? If have you seen the Spencer school site there's plenty there for the canyon addict.

[Chuckracer]

Yup, tough choice...they are both great schools. Didn't mean to polarize...

[RickRinaldo123]

I would recommend getting a few track days under your belt prior to either school. The track experience is so different than the street I can almost guarantee you that you will be on sensory overload without even thinking about what they are telling you to do.

I have taken the Freddie pro school and (for me) it was great. But, as other have said in this thread, the 2 day pro school is really for racers. I am a fairly fast club racer and was one of the slowest guys out there. I also found it difficult to adapt to the four cylinder bikes. The 2 or 3 day street school may be a better choice for you with drills more geared towards street riding.

Good luck and let us all know what you decide.

Rick...
WMRRA 123
www.anatracorsa.com

[ubermensch]

I did thru level 4 with Keith and had never even ridden on a track or sportbike prior (canyons with my monster) to going to a 2-day camp with code. Great schooling for me and I think most everyone there learned a lot.
I plan on taking Spencer school or Coderace next.

Can't really go wrong, save up and take both if you can.

[kurtfriedrich]

I did Keith level 1, then next year level 1 and level 2. I don't think the fancy "extra's" (like the lean bike) were that important. The simple step by step class instuction/then do it on the track style worked really well. Also, the on the track "follow me and do this" was fantastic. I would suggest track day AFTER, in which case you are now practicing good habits, instead of just hacking and risking injury.
Kurt

[brianmdavis]

I went to Keith's and learned a ton, it was safe, and I had a blast. What else isa there!!