The last 4 weeks have been extremely busy with advanced track skills and technique coaching courses. Beau Ralston and I have been working on a system of coaching that has been well received amongst the clubs and riders we have met along the journey from Somersby to Broken Hill, Canberra and Cowra.
Dirt Track racing is viewed by some as a “not necessary” discipline. This comment was told to Keith Davies and I during a Dirt Track forum back in 2008. Dirt Track racing would be one of the most important disciplines for any rider to begin their career due to the high speed bike control skills, high speed flat cornering without berms or ruts, racing intensity, line selection and braking techniques, body position, throttle control and race starts. Dirt Track really needs to be included into all competitors’ early beginnings, once the skills are mastered the riders choice of discipline becomes theirs to make.
Having Beau Ralston assist throughout the coaching courses adds another element for the young riders to understand and appreciate hearing what is required from a National Top Ten Pro Motocross competitor.
On a typical freezing weekend in Canberra, 18 young riders assembled for their first experience on a motorcycle circuit with the Kick Start Course. This introduction course carries no charge and all the riders enjoyed the exercises and discussions, not all riders passed the course but having the courage to keep practising and working on their skills will see them on the track in the near future. At the completion of the Kick Start course we conducted a Beginner to Intermediate advanced skills session for the competitors on 65cc and up to 150cc 4 stroke machines. Only a small group but most certainly not short on energy, all the riders responded incredibly well to the techniques demonstrated on track. Ben Lachlan is a young rider to look out for, some of his cornering skills are way beyond his years.
Sunday morning started well despite the bitterly cold windy conditions. This group targeted the senior and junior riders on full sized machines that have established riding skills. All day long the riders were drilled on essential advanced skills for building their confidence, by the day’s end all participants had changed their perspective on cornering and braking, body position and line selection. Before Beau and I departed we gathered all the participants for a feedback session that could only be viewed as extremely positive.
The following weekend had us back on the road to Cowra. Club President Steve Kurtz and his wife Sue hosted us for the weekend and the venue looked fantastic. 15 local riders all jumping out of their skins were put through solid skills sessions on race starts, race strategy, commitment to health and fitness, cornering, weight distribution and body position exercises. The feedback received from some of the parents has been fantastic with all participants improving and talking of how much enjoyment they received from the coaching course.
I would like to thank Beau for all his help, we have had the time sitting in the van to rebuild the world many times over. A huge thank you to the Central Coast Junior MCC, Broken Hill MCC, ACTMCC and Cowra members for having us assist you with your riding and racing.
Paul Caslick
For more information visit www.caslickclinics.com.au