Learning the track
The early morning presentation by lead instructor John Bickle was more impressive than instructive for me, as he sure knows the track layout and the quick lines around the track, and I could see the depth of knowledge there. I knew the riding theory but the pictures of the various corners left more confused than informed.

Green is everywhere at Calabogie, giving it a natural feeling that one cannot get at other pllaces closer to large urban centers.

The actual riding was great fun! I first went out on the track in early afternoon, on a Kawasaki Ninja 250R, my first ride in anger on that bike. The bike’s performance was just what I needed for a first seven- or eight-lap stint, whereupon I retired to the pits still unable to tell you which way the track went.

A good, long look at the course map was followed by an exciting session on a Kawasaki 650R, a wonderful bike but more than I could manage while still learning my way round the place. My last two sessions saw me back on the 250R, giving me enough time to look around for my marks, and remember where I had gone the lap before and how to correct it.

What did I (re)learn in one day with Turn” at Calabogie?
This is my moment of truth:

• You can always learn – even at my advanced age and generous experience level...

• The Calabogie track features layers of complexity that need to be learned gradually. At a Turn” Track Day, a raw novice can start by learning how to operate a bike, then move up his pace and learn about trajectories, then step up braking and cornering pace, then start to approach his/her limits as reference points are set.The track layout grows in complexity to match the increasing skills of a rider – always accompanied by experienced and ever so patient Turn2 coaches.

Not a lot of spectator installations these days. You go out there to be one with your bike and the track - no intrusions please!