Smiling Faces

[Quasi]

What do you get when you take 40 biker chicks of varying ages, shapes, sizes, ethnicity, combined with 40 bikes of varying ages, shapes, sizes, ethnicity…., combined with a race track

40 fucking hugely smiling faces of course. We, the lucky 40, were all taking part in a rider training day with the renowned Karel Pavich (Pro-rider training), at Manfield race track.


Most of the riders had arrived the day before, But Cath and I, staunch chicks that we are, left Martinborough at 6.30 in the morning. Which was okay until we hit the icy climes of Eketahuna. We had to take a coffee stop to defrost our frozen hands, then onward to the hollowed track. I had forgotten what cold was like

Karel spent some time with us in the class room, then it was on to the track for a bit of familiarisation, then some basic handling skills and braking. Shit some of those ladies are fast - a fair bit of smoke was flying and we left some great skid marks down on the front straight.:slap:

And when Karel talks, its in an easy to listen to and understand way - girl talk, not guy talk!

After a bit of lunch it was time for the real stuff, riding smooth, in the right place, at the right speed. We did a few laps in small groups, then had some one on one training with our four wonderful instructors. This is where I got the most benefit – having Lester riding behind me for a lap and telling where I was doing it right, and, more importantly, where I was doing it wrong. A lap behind Lester helped me on the two corners I was having the most difficulty with, then it was ride, ride, ride and practising those lines. I came away just fizzing and the huge smile is still plastered across my face

I don’t think I have ever had so much fun and am still on a high. If anyone is considering doing one of these – then stop thinking about it and do it. It has helped me immensely. Given me much more confidence in my ability and my bikes ability. It’s the most amazing feeling to push your self just that little bit further, and still keep it all together.

I know there are 40 other women out there with those same smiley faces. Probably still bubbling with excitement, probably all ready for bed. It was a challenging day both physically and mentally, but the best things in life are those that challenge us and teach us. Go Ladies - you all rock and it was wonderful to share then day with you all

[Trudes]

Sounds like a wicked day! I had wanted to come but couldn't get off work for the day. Glad it was such a success so hopefully there will be more to come.

[Quasi]

Sounds like a wicked day! I had wanted to come but couldn't get off work for the day. Glad it was such a success so hopefully there will be more to come.

Hey yah trudes - it was magic. Karel is doing another one there in May

[Trudes]

Kewl will keep an eye out for dates.

[Genie]

Oh I'm so jealous!!!

Seriously, happy to read of your awesome day. Karel does have a way about her that makes it all so easy.

Glad you had such a great day ... happy riding ahead for you.

Still jealous!

[Okey Dokey]

Great write-up. Thanks for telling the rest of us about your wonderful day.

[kit]

Awesome to hear about your day! Can't wait till sunday now, for my turn

[Stirts]

What a most awesome write up Quasi, made me immensely jealous!! Sounds like this needs to go on my "to do" list!

[onearmedbandit]

My girl is doing the ChCh one this weekend.

[danielle]

cant wait to do mine in may!!!!!

[tate35]

Sounds like a great day. Great write up - I was'nt there but made me smile hearing about it - well done

[bikee chick]

Thank Quazi
I am doing the two days on Sunday and Monday here is chch and after reading your post, i am so now looking forward to it. thank you
Tanya

[squirrel]

We rode up monday afternoon and came back yesterday. Tuesday was sooooo much fun, I can't tell you what a buzz it was. I was probably the newest rider there and I learnt so much. The ride home was fantastic - kept seeing awesome cornering opportunities everywhere (except on the foxton straights!!)

If you are thinking about doing the one in may then stop reading this and GO BOOK!!!!!

Squirrel.

[chic 'n' charge]

I rode solo from New Plymouth starting at 6am - now that's dedication eh. Got over my first hurdle of riding in the dark after years of not having too - then cruised into Manfeild and got so excited. I had an absolutely blast learning new techniques and what my bike could really handle and can honestly say that even with around 18 years riding experience I still learned new skills to keep me safe on the road.

To any of the biker angels out there thinking twice about signing up for the training day in May - absolutely without a doubt you have to go and do the training. I totally recommend for all riders, whether on their learners or been riding for years. It is a day that is run to your experience level, they don't put you through anything you wouldn't have to do on the road.

Highly recommended course - and what's best is it was taken by a woman for women, she speaks the language if you get the drift. Go and enjoy and get the message out there that this day is worth every cent.

[Gone Burger]

Great write up Quasi!

And I absolutely agree. I am one of those 40 or so women STILL with that silly grin on my face ear to ear. Without a doubt - the best day I believe I have ever had!!! Learnt so many valuable skills, and put them all into practice on my ride up to Auckland the next day. The corners all of a sudden, became SMOOTH, I felt completely in control, I spent much less time with my feet on the ground going through towns, and I had my little 250 cruiser on a lovely lean on some fun corners all the way up. What a day!!!

I'm looking at booking in for the May day too. Karel and her team really are incredible, and I have so much respect for what they all do. Making us all (at all levels) safer, more confident, better riders. And that's exactly how I feel. Now to keep practicing all the way back to Wellington on Sunday. Don't think this smile will be fading any time soon. Still got my smiley face on my speedo Well done ladies - you all completely rock.