• The approach used by the Turn2 School optimizes fun, learning and thrills. There was none of this confusing “You brake here, then turn in here, etc…” in the morning session, but rather a review of the track layout to minimize surprises. Students are encouraged to ride the track in order to help them develop their skills as the day goes on, with judiciously placed pylons for those who noticed and can make use of them. There was never any pressure, just a constant gentle encouragement by the coaches to help the riders develop their skills safely.

• The Kawasaki Ninja 250R and 650R are great learning tools and a lot of fun. Both bikes are safe and non-threatening on the street, but the 250 is especially effective as a safe learning tool. The lack of immediate power on the 250R means less effort needed to keep it on the island, and more extra attention available to see where you are, where you should be, and enough time to remember and correct yourself on the next lap. Stay on the 250 until you are turning stready lap times and feel that you can stay on the correct line lap after lap. Then go to the 650R.

• And finally, if you are a novice rider or racer, or even an amateur racer, forget about learning anything aboard a 600 or 1000 Sportbike, as they are too quick and hard to ride on track at any pace for a novice.The Turn2 Superbike School can lend you a Kawasaki ZX-6R if you want to see what they are like, while the instructors and Pro riders, who live in another world in terms of track knowledge and lap times, get to ride ZX-10R crotch rockets – way too quick for me!

The track is wide and safe, as these CBR125R riders can see.

Start slow – then build up skills and safe speed
My recommendation is to leave your ego at the gate and get on a 250R, at least for the first two days on track. And when you think that you have mastered the little bike, ask Jonh(s) Bickle or Sharrard about good 250R lap times, then get back at it!

The Turn2 organisation can accommodate everyone from a raw novice to an experienced racer, with the bikes, riding coaches and knowledge to take you to the next step.

The price one pays for an error aboard a bike on a track or the street is too great to take the sport lightly. Learning how to do it properly is paramount for safety (Yours and that of the other riders) as well as enjoyment. In fact, getting better at it increases enjoyment and safety exponentially.

The Turn2 – Ninja 250R – Calabogie triumvirate have this thing sussed out – crazy for us not to take advantage of it!

Thanks to George, John(s) Bickle and Sharrard, Natalie Provost and Éric Moffette for you help, knowledge and patience.


Photo Credit : Philippe Champoux