Testimonials From Recent Students:
"After taking the Lightspeed ART course with Dean, I've come away with a greater understanding of the capabilities of modern high performance motorcycles, as well as my own. The atmosphere was friendly and interactive and quite informative on a variety of topics and subjects related to performance riding. The small size of the class made one feel at ease and instantly comfortable, as there was no pressure from either Dean or the other riders.
The track time proved to be both fun and challenging. From a personal perspective, I was able to get used to riding at the edge of my comfort zone in a safe environment. Being able to repeat the same corners over and over again, I was able to quickly establish and then push my comfort zone in a controlled way. Ultimately, this increased my understanding of my bikes handling and capabilities, making me a better rider by knowing what to expect from my bike when it's closer to the limits. Overall the course was a blast and also a great way to hangout for the day with people that share the same passion as yourself.
Thanks Dean for providing a great course and a fun day."
Stephen
"I took the ART course with Lightspeed on May 9th. Money well spent in my opinion. Dean runs a nice program, and I'd suggest it to anyone, at any level. I learned some valuable lessons and lines. Just wanted to say that his teachings literally saved my bacon yesterday on East Sooke Road. Normally I was cutting a corner, hugging the shoulder to avoid the gravel/sand that's kicked into the middle, but I was focusing on late apexes. Going in late, getting all set up, and giving myself a great sight line out of the corner. I came out of a tight corner by Cheanan Marina (where Chris M. crashed his ZX10R), and a deer jumped from the ditch right into my path. Because I was already straight up and down, not still leaned over or running wide, I had plenty of time to stop and avoid the deer. Dean, I'd just like to say thanks for running the course. I wasn't sure an old hand like me would learn anything, but you showed me I still have lots to learn. Thanks again for the great course. Saved my butt, literally."
Glenn Steabner, Victoria BC
"I've only been riding a sport bike on the street for just over 20,000kms and have never had a safe environment to learn more about the abilities of both the bike and myself as a rider. Lightspeed ART provided me with a safe environment and an experienced instructor to teach me more about what my bike is capable of and how to control it correctly and efficiently and this has given me a lot more confidence when riding. It has made me a safer and more aware rider.
If an emergency arises, I have had the opportunity to experience the way my bike will respond to maximum demands for cornering or maneuvering traction and that is experience that most people will unfortunately not have until the first time it is required on the street. If you ever get into a situation where you're asking yourself if your bike is going to be able to navigate a line, you've probably already blown it thinking. There's not enough time to learn in that situation. Learn ahead of time and be as well prepared as you can hope to be."
Justin Rebelo, Victoria BC
"Through the Lightspeed course I gained a better understanding of my Ninja's abilities and limits. By increasing my own ability to be more in line with that of my bike's, means I now completely utilize my Ninja and squeeze every ounce of fun from motorcycling while increasing my chances of survival.
There was individual attention to technique including regular review of video footage of our riding that was assessed and critiqued. This course was a great way to build confidence with high speed braking and manuevering, have fun and experience the track in a safe, controlled and noncompetitive atmosphere.
I came away with a new understanding of what my motorcycle can really do and what I can do and what a force we are together. Since the course I have used the knowledge and confidence I gained from the course and have come away from more than a few sketchy traffic situations unscathed. Not only was it educational, it was wicked fun. Thanks Dean"
Nadine, Comox BC
"Like a lot or riders, Jane and I have got back into motorcycling after a long break. However, today, the bikes are more powerful with better handling and require more skill to handle well. And, there is much more traffic on the road. So, we saw the Lightspeed Advanced Rider Training course as an "Insurance Policy" which would give us a better chance of avoiding an accident and increase our riding enjoyment as well.
The classroom time was worthwhile...some of it was review, some reinforcement and some new information. The best part however was the more than three hours of track time. Our cornering confidence increased about 300% as did our lean angle. Turning at the apex, throwing the bike into a turn, rider position on the bike, trail braking were all practiced...I think we did about 120k on the track and by the end of it I was cornering in a way I never thought possible. Three days later, I am enjoying my bike more and feel safer and more confident if a unpleasant situation arises."
Bob and Jane, Comox BC
A follow-up note from Jane:
"Last week Bob and I (and another couple) drove our motorcycles to Tofino. On the way home I was rounding a blind corner in the right hand lane (my lane) with a rock face on my right hand side. A logging truck was in the left hand lane and a white truck illegally passing the logging truck. As I was rounding the corner there was myself, the white truck in the middle and the logging truck. My husband Bob was behind me watching all of this much to his horror. I believe that your Advance Riding course which I took with you last month saved me in this situation.
I knew that I had to allow more room for the squeeze, which meant that I had to tighten up my corner even more. I did what you taught in your course. Firstly, I did not panic or brake. I told myself to relax, to not look at the truck or the rock wall, but look to where I wanted to go, and lean the bike over more.
So Dean, thank you for making this course available to all new rider because Bob and I believe it save me in this case."
Jane
"Doing the same corners over and over again in a controlled environment, with good instruction and supervision is always going to improve your riding and confidence. Even after all the hard riding I've done in the past 3 years, I fine-tuned my riding position and got a fair bit more familiar with my bike's limits and braking. If you've been riding hard for many years and are one with your bike you probably wont get out of it as much as someone with less experience who has that much more to improve. There's always room but with diminishing returns.
It was amazing to see more than a handful of people improve their riding by leaps and bounds.
I've said it before and I believe it still, for most people you can get more out of a day riding hard on a track than years on the street. You can practice techniques that you just can't do safely anywhere else."
Scott, Nanaimo BC
"I attended an advanced riding clinic at Saratoga a few weeks ago put on by Dean. Previous to this, I had no confidence in my riding skills. Being new on a bike, with only a handful of times out to practice on the road, everything scared me! Corners especially, not knowing whether to lean the bike, lean myself, or steer through a corner. Throughout the day I learned so many things, my learning curve was huge. There were plenty of helpful tips, and explanations. Understanding how the bike works was the most valuable part. Once I understood how to corner, I was confident in knowing that I could lean without falling over. It would have taken me YEARS to figure out all that I learned in a matter of hours. Not only did we receive all the verbal information as a group, but we were watched closely during our practice time on the track, and individually given tips to help us with anything we struggled with!
I didn't consider myself an advanced rider, but I was there to improve my skills from riders better than me. It was an excellent place to learn with no pressure from the instructors or any of the riders. Everyone's skill level was respected throughout the day. I went from being afraid of riding, to now where I can't wait to hop on my bike again and practice all the things that I was taught. I am getting better all the time by following the suggestions I was given. Since I put so many thousands into the bike and the equipment, it just made sense to invest some in my skills. As it turns out, the money spent on the clinic was by far the best investment! I can't wait to attend more clinics."
Marianne, Comox BC
"I recently took the Advanced Rider Training Clinic at Saratoga Speedway and it was fantastic. As a fairly new rider, I was intimidated prior to the course as to what to expect. It turned out that I had no reason to feel that way. The clinic instructors were friendly, patient and extremely knowledgeable. I developed a new level of confidence in my riding abilities and the capabilities of my bike. There was a wonderful no-pressure atmosphere and the opportunity to learn in a safe environment was priceless. I would definitely do the course again and I would recommend the course to anyone; new rider or someone looking to advance their current skills.
I have never had my butt off my seat in the corners like that before and I improved the confidence in myself and what my bike is capable of under a no-pressure, low-stress environment. I would do it again - Highly recommended!"
Chantele, Comox BC
"I thoroughly enjoyed myself and learned a lot. It was great to push my limits in a controlled and safe environment, supervised by professionals. I learned great techniques and I'd go again."
Darren, Victoria, BC
