Looking for suggestions for Penguin Riding Series Articles

[Woodcraft]

Hey all....as the season is drawing closer and everyone starts to think more about the racetrack, I'd love to hear more ideas about the topics that everyone would like to talk about in the Penguin Riding Series. As many of you know, Penguin puts out a monthly newsletter that includes the discussion of an aspect of track riding. Past articles have talked about everything from body position to starts to braking methods. Like the school itself, we take cues from our audience with regard to what topics we discuss each month. It's amazing to me the amount of information that there is to process when we ride....it's one of the reasons that makes this sport so captivating - as soon as you master one skill, there is another one that follows that you haven't quite figured out. 24 years and still learning....

For anyone who wants to sign up for the newsletter, simply go to the Penguin home page and type your email address into the "Subscribe Now" box at the bottom RH corner of the site.

[Doc]

At the advanced school, even though it was raining and we were riding in the truck the RP's you pointed out were a wealth of information for me.

Also the classroom session where you broke down each type of corner was worth 12 pages (front and back) of notes.

I would like to hear more about weighting (or not) your feet on the footpegs and the subtle tips on body positioning. Like Arm/elbow drapped on the thank, inside are loose, head over the inside mirror type stuff.

[tls25rs]

Mental/Physical/Equipment preparation.

So many times we see fellow riders/racers running around last minute trying to get things together to get out for their practice/race only to have forgotten something in the process that makes it non-productive or potentially dangerous. Something along the lines of things to do before the practice/race in all these categories could be helpful.

Joel

[boloson]

Where to look in a turn? I've always had a difficult time transitioning from mark to mark, when to look at the next mark while in a turn....especially in t1a and certain turns in t-bolt. Is it once u see apex u immediately look at the next mark?

[BrianC]

First off, thanks for the newsletter! It's awesome and I love getting that email... very helpful info. I'd like to hear about body position during braking, especially before a turn. I know it's good to get over on a buttcheek and be prepared before the turn, but sometimes I have trouble getting into or keeping that position while braking because I'm squeezing the tank with my knees or using my arms to much to counter the force of deceleration.

[Imbeek]

I'd like some tips on what to do/what not to do with your body while crashing at speed, once you find yourself off the bike and still sliding on pavement, grass, or runoff area.

[Woodcraft]

Sounds like we are getting requests for both on and off track topics.....good stuff, keep it going

- - - Updated - - -

At the advanced school, even though it was raining and we were riding in the truck the RP's you pointed out were a wealth of information for me.

Also the classroom session where you broke down each type of corner was worth 12 pages (front and back) of notes.

I would like to hear more about weighting (or not) your feet on the footpegs and the subtle tips on body positioning. Like Arm/elbow drapped on the thank, inside are loose, head over the inside mirror type stuff.

We will definitely be touching on some of these topics

[Woodcraft]

First off, thanks for the newsletter! It's awesome and I love getting that email... very helpful info. I'd like to hear about body position during braking, especially before a turn. I know it's good to get over on a buttcheek and be prepared before the turn, but sometimes I have trouble getting into or keeping that position while braking because I'm squeezing the tank with my knees or using my arms to much to counter the force of deceleration.

We've touched on this a bit before but I'm happy to go into more detail. One note I'll make right now - using your arms under deceleration is no problem at all as long as you are straight up and down....

[Woodcraft]

I'd like some tips on what to do/what not to do with your body while crashing at speed, once you find yourself off the bike and still sliding on pavement, grass, or runoff area.

Quick answers - and I may expand on this later: #1 - try to do everything you can to avoid tumbling or flipping. #2 - if you do start tumbling, don't fight it as I have found that it tends to make injury more likely. Try to draw your limbs closer to your body and relax as much as you can.

[jasnmar]

We've touched on this a bit before but I'm happy to go into more detail. One note I'll make right now - using your arms under deceleration is no problem at all as long as you are straight up and down....

Related, and keep in mind I'm an idiot...

When is the proper time to setup for a turn, as well as to transition back after a turn is completed?

When should one transition back to neutral vs. transitioning "early" for the next turn?

In 1, 1a, 2 I just transition from left-right-left without any "neutral" position as they are close enough that it makes sense. But for example 3, 4 I stay right, but then always struggle whether or not I should make a single transition from right to left for 6, or if I should make 2 transitions, from right to neutral, then from neutral to left.

[Marc R]

...
When should one transition back to neutral vs. transitioning "early" for the next turn?
...

As the pace gets faster, to conserve energy, you minimize body transitions. You shouldn't go back to neutral position.
Good info in this video from Ken. At 2:50ish Ken comments on avoiding neutral body position along the NHMS straight...

[maxim_X]

Wow. He uses his brakes a lot more than I do. Into 10 11a and 2.

[Eddie]

Subscribed. Thank you very much!!

[Doc]

Wow. He uses his brakes a lot more than I do. Into 10 11a and 2.

He goes alot faster than you do too.

[BrianC]

Interesting that he grabs a little brake into t2... he does explain that he uses his thigh to keep pressure off his arms while braking and setting up for the turn. Cool video!

[tsorfas]

11-12 he is just incredible. i NEED to learn how to do that

[Kurlon]

No blips on downshifts, interesting...

[tsorfas]

No blips on downshifts, interesting...

slipper?

[Woodcraft]

For what it's worth.....I'm never in the middle of the seat at Loudon anywhere. The only places I bother to do that are tracks with straights long enough that getting into a full tuck offers a significant advantage (Daytona, Road Atlanta, Road America, etc...). On those tracks, I simply transition as late as I can (to maintain the aero advantage) without upsetting my braking (meaning I cannot brake 100% because of my movement).

As for the amount of brake used...there is a simple rule of thumb - if you have the ability to brake harder during decleration (which means you realize that you have extra front grip availble), then you will soon be passed by someone who does brake harder. Always use all the brakes that are available to you (as per your current ability level, of course). If this full brake effort slows you down for the corner too much, hold it on longer!

Going faster isn't complicated, but it does take effort (both physical and mental).

[carsick]

slows you down for the corner too much

Now there's an article I would read over and over- how does one explore the reaches of max corner speed without becoming a victim of physics? I know, it's THE question , but still, I wanna go fast and not crash (much).

[OreoGaborio]

Newsletter topic suggestion: The Art of Passing Ricky Doucette.

I have nothing to contribute to the article (other than a single experience in T1), but I still want credit for coming up with the topic (even though I ripped it off from here )

[Woodcraft]

....passing the King.....that's a life long journey for most racers. He's been too good for too long. I would suggest a plate of meatballs placed in a strategic location on the side of the track......probably your best shot.

[FirstDuc-1098]

[tls25rs]

....passing the King.....that's a life long journey for most racers. He's been too good for too long. I would suggest a plate of meatballs placed in a strategic location on the side of the track......probably your best shot.

Meatballs..............I was thinking steak but meatballs sounds good too!