2023/3/4 “2nd Sporty Ride Challenge”
This day was Suzuka Circuit Motorsport Fan Appreciation Day.
I went out as usual, but got caught in traffic and was just about late.
I underestimated the “fan atmosphere.”
The roar of Honda’s MotoGP machine was so loud.
Orientation
This time, it was the “Intermediate Sporty Ride Challenge Course.”
There were three instructors, including two assistants.
It was apparently part of the training for new recruits.
A few people were caught in traffic and were late, but
we were able to start the exercises at 9:50.
Warming up
Today, the temperature was forecast to rise to 15°C, so
I was wearing only a layer of heat tech, a protector and a mountain bike jersey,
but the wind was cold on the outer perimeter.
The speed was instructed to be constant at 50km/h.
Usually, I would accelerate and brake,
but today I followed this instruction.
I swung left and right widely,
but even here I kept the accelerator constant and did not accelerate or decelerate.
I stopped the bike once and checked the vehicle.
S-shape
After a more detailed lecture than usual on how to use your upper body and how to turn the steering wheel,
I drive in an S-shape at a constant speed.
After a few laps,
I drive with one hand as usual.
I can turn to the right, but I can’t turn to the left very well.
When I turn right, I usually just hold my left hand on the wheel,
so even if my left hand is fully extended, it doesn’t interfere with self-steering,
but when I turn left, I have to operate the accelerator, so I can’t let go of my right hand,
which seems to interfere with self-steering.
Do I need to twist my body more?
Braking
This time, there was a lecture on how to apply the brakes.
The correct way to operate the brake lever is to slide your finger in.
To vary the strength, move your finger from side to side.
We had a more detailed lesson, but now I understand why, when we were told in the end-of-year lesson that I was grabbing the lever too hard, I was told to grip the outside of the lever. I was doing emergency braking just before the lever locked, so I was told to put my fingers on the outside.
Turns
I’ve noticed something odd lately, but I’m doing better at right turns, which I’m not very good at.
As I noticed when driving with one hand, my right hand gets in the way when I turn left.
But today I’m feeling good, and my right turn is perfect!
頂きました！
Lunch break
After lunch,
I went outside, but I couldn’t get into the circuit like usual.
That’s all for today.
When I returned from my walk, I spotted my regular instructor,
heading to the garage,
wearing protective gear, which is unusual for him!
He said he was about to start serious practice.
When there was only a little time left of my lunch break,
I looked over at the course and saw that they were still practicing, so I went to see what was going on.
We ended up chatting.
He talked about MOTO-ACE, which he watches on YouTube.
He said he’d seen them ride, and said they were really good.
When I first started coming here,
he was just an apprentice, but now he’s a full-fledged instructor.
Pylon Slalom
In the afternoon, it’s time for pylon slalom, which I’m not good at.
Straight pylon slalom
I’ve been practicing in my head, but I’m defeated!
I wonder what’s different. I’m still lost.
After driving for a while,
everyone got a lecture on accelerator work.
He showed us how to switch from accelerator OFF to ON without a sudden jerk,
while revving the engine.
The best advice I got this time was,
Make sure to accelerate to the first pylon!
Usually I pick up speed smoothly and start slaloming around the second or third pylon, but this time I prepared before the start and ran well from the first run!
In fact, by accelerating well and applying the rear brake firmly,
I was able to make a nice turn on the first run.
In addition, by starting diagonally,
I was able to wrap around the first pylon,
which felt similar to an offset slalom turn.
I think the person who ran the longer distance had the best run he’d ever had.
Afterwards,
I was given some personal advice that it might be a good idea to try to follow the line of sight.
This was a really good hint.
I was able to find a nice rhythm.
Next time, I’ll brush this up even more and run!
Offset Slalom
I’ve been enjoying offset slalom lately.
Using the front brake
it feels great to go round and round!
But I can’t go very fast.
Even when I think I’m going fast, I can’t close the gap with the other runners.
It just makes me tired.
Hmm? I wonder why.
Course Slalom
Before the run, there was some advice given to the whole team.
Instead of going fast through the corners,
try to reduce the amount of time the bike is leaning and find the line that will take you to the next corner in the shortest possible line.
That’s exactly what I’m going to do now, turn quickly and go straight to the next corner!
Driving
After a reconnaissance run from near the back of the pack,
I was forced to change the order a little and started around 6th or 7th.
Last time, I was too enthusiastic from the first run and ended up slipping and getting scared,
so I used the brakes carefully while driving.
As always, when going around a corner, I wait and don’t operate anything in the second half.
I guess I’m not braking hard enough or at the right timing.
I was once told, “It’s going to get harder to brake,”
and I think this is what it meant.
Slowly and carefully
At times like this, drive slowly and carefully to check.
In particular, check the timing of braking and the release position.
As I gradually increased my speed,
I realized that the rear brake was weak.
I felt like I could apply more pressure to the rear brake,
but the vibration switch kicked in and I couldn’t.
When I focused on the rear brake,
for some reason the front brake became weak and I felt like I was going to fly out.
I’m not going to push it today.
After the break
As time was running out,
the instructor came up behind me.
I used the rear brake a little harder.
After the ride, he gave me some advice.
There are times when you can ride the waves and times when you can’t.
Today you can use your body flexibly.
Keep it up!
Eh! No one pointed that out?
After that, I was able to ride as usual,
and before I knew it, I had risen to third place in the running order.
I always feel best when I’m tired and letting go of all my unnecessary energy.
Chat after the event
This member at the front, go technical!
Well, the people who come to technical classes
have a certain character…
The characters are very strong.
They’re coming together.
(lol)
I’ll give you five times as much fun (lol)
Summary
I think I can see the exit of the slalom.
Next time, I’ll make sure to turn properly from the first turn and be conscious of my line of sight.
For course slalom, I’ll try to use the brakes more.
I think I can still use the rear brake, so I’ll try to be conscious of that.
I don’t think I’ll be doing any technical races for a while.
Most races are held on Sundays, so that’s not possible.
I’m interested, though.
