KH Coaching

KH Coaching Update August 2010

Summer riding/race season is in full swing and I have some good things for everyone this month.  I have a few open days available and get set for a great Pirelli promotion to be announced soon for next month. 
 
Bike Maintenance:
With all the summer riding, make sure you are keeping up on your bike maintenance. The summer heat really accelerates wear, so keep all the fluids fresh and remember to do a walk around every morning before you ride. I have attached a pre-ride checklist for you to print out if you wish. 
 
Open Dates:
Oct 14th Keigwins at Thill
Nov 1st Keigwins at Infineon
Nov 27th Zoom at Thill
Nov 28th Zoom at Thill
Nov 29th Keigwins at Infineon
 
Riding Tip:
There I was on our Bike Club’s Saturday morning race ride, getting dropped.  Crap….At about the middle point of the ride, there is an intersection where you can either go left or go right, going left is where the big boyz go and where the climbing starts. Going right still has climbing, just less of it and the pace is a bit more subdued, both ways ultimately meet up together at the top of the final climb. I of course, turned left. Not having quite the Alberto Cantador climbing physique, I do my best to hang on the climbs as long as I can. This particular day had a few local pro riders that decided to play with the rest of the pack by attacking at the beginning of anything that was uphill and I got popped off about halfway up the up the main climbing section. My first reaction was panic, I have to stay with them! I need to do whatever it takes to stay with the boyz, although that wasn’t happening with my heart rate only a few beats away from my maximum.  So now, my original plan was out the window and I needed to come up with something, fast.  I went with the basics, smooth, even pedal stroke, relax my arms and control my breathing to get my heart rate back to a manageable level. I stuck with it and with about a mile to go to the top, an amazing thing happened, the pack started to come back to me. I was even able to pass a few of them back in the final 500 meters.

How does this relate to your riding and racecraft?  At this last weekend’s AFM races, I had a few riders I work with get passed or have a poor start, then suddenly go 1-2 seconds a lap slower while they blew apexes, rushed entry’s,  couldn’t make a repass and then get physically worn out. When panic mode sets in, go back to the basics!  You were riding well before panic set in.  At my coaching sessions, we never leave the pit without a plan for our riding. Typically, those plans are working with the basics; apexes, eyes up, use your brakes, slowest point of the corner, get it pointed, when I can get to full throttle and the most important, what’s next.  Look for your report cards as you ride.  Miss an apex?  Slow down and get it the next turn. Didn’t use the entire track on the exit? Get your eyes up to the exit sooner. Want to make a pass? Take advantage of what lasts longest in a turn and pre plan it a few turns ahead.  Stick to the basics, keep knocking out the laps and the laptimes will go right back to where they were before panic mode set in.
 
Ken

KH Coaching May-June 2010 Update
 
It has been a few months since my last update and I have been really busy traveling with the Yamaha Champions School as well as doing a bunch of coaching days. The YCRS made an east coast swing stopping at some incredible tracks with some great champions and AMA winners as guest instructors.  What a great coaching and learning experience!  Once again, it just solidifies teaching what the best in the world do is the faster and safer way to ride.  We saw every imaginable situation in all types of conditions and were glad we could make a difference. This month I’ll have two riding tips, one highlighting the biggest issue we saw at all the tracks we traveled to and one with a great fitness comment from a World Champion.
 
Bike updates-I haven’t made any major changes to my R1 or R6 since my last update, other than a new rear shock for the R6 and a new set of forks for the R1. I found with the R6, to keep the bikes geometry where I wanted when the bike under a load, it needed to really stiff at the top of the shock stroke. While this worked well for the most part, at a quick pace it wasn’t the way to go.  I purchased a Race-Tech rear shock from Mike Canfield and so far, am very happy with it. The forks on the 2009-2010 R1 come with separate compression and rebound circuits for each fork leg. I have been using the 09 forks with stiffer springs, but still haven’t been 100% satisfied with them.  I wanted to try a set of conventional forks with a known set-up, so I installed a set of 2008 R1 forks with Ohlins 25mm cartridges.  I’m riding on them this week, so I’ll keep you posted on how that change worked. 
Pirelli-I tried a set of the new Pirelli Trackday Pro tires and was very impressed. Tire wear at Thunderhill has been such a big deal and Pirelli stepped up with these tires to address the tearing issues we all have had.  I rode the tires for 3 days on my R1 at Thill, varying the pace trying to make them tear and I couldn’t. Grip was excellent and the rear tire still looks brand new.  Pricing is great for these tires and hit up Chris at CT Tires or Viets Performance for a set.  Here is a link to see how the tires looked after 3 days at Thill.
http://gotbluemilk.com/web100504/perilli/index.html
Open Days-I still have a few days open in October and November and will post up if more days open up.  Keep an eye on the calendar on my website as well.
Riding Tips-Put the bike in the correct place to maximize braking and to maximize acceleration….It’s that simple.  At all the tracks we visited, bike placement was the biggest issue we saw. Not getting to the apex, the wrong apex, in too low, out too wide, not using their brakes, adding lean angle on exits….we had a situation where riders at one of the tracks were changing their bikes springs and geometry, all because they were on the wrong line. They thought being fast over 60 feet, was more important than being fast over 600 feet and they tried to fix it by changing their bike instead of changing their trajectory. It really was that simple.
Bonus Riding Tip-World Champion James Toseland visited the Yamaha Champions School when WSBK was in town and when asked about his most important riding tip, his answer was fitness.  He wants to be as fit as possible to stay focused longer.  We all don’t have time to be as fit as someone like James Toseland, but hearing him give that as his most important tip was great to hear.  Summer is here and out fitness levels will certainly be tested at the track, so getting in shape is that big a deal.
 
See you at the track…
Ken

KH Coaching Update April 2010

 April?? Seems more like February with all this cold and wet weather we have been having.  Hopefully the riding you have been doing has been fun and productive. I’ve had a great few months at the Yamaha School doing as much learning as coaching, which ultimately is good for all of us. This amazing sport never ends does it?  Alright, here we go: 

R1: I just posted a big update on my R1 on the website. Check it out at http://khcoaching.com/?page_id=232

R6: Yep! I finally got a little 600 to play with. So far, I love this bike. With just a few mods it is amazing how quick you can go on this bike. I’ll be doing some features and product reviews on this bike in the coming months.  

YCRS: The Yamaha School just finished up the winter in Vegas and now we are hitting the road for a few months. First stop is Willow Springs April 21-22 and then back east at Carolina Motorsports Park and New Jersey Motorsports Park. We then come back late May to stay at Miller Motorsports Park for the summer. Some great things happening with the school, we have a fly and ride program and our own race series starting up as well as our normal 2 and 3 day classes. Come see us at WSBK where we will be doing the 2 up rides which you have to do!  www.yamahachampionsridingschool.com

Riding Tip: At the school and with my coaching, I see and hear comments like; “As I go faster, I can’t get the bike stopped”, or “When I pick the pace up, I keep missing my apexes.”  Realize, the faster you go, the sooner everything has to happen.  Brakes have to come on sooner, your turn- in has to come sooner ,  your eyes have to move sooner, your body has to be ready sooner…So remember, the faster you go, the sooner everything has to happen.

 Be safe and see you at the track-

Ken

All-
 
I wanted to follow up from you last month’s update on fitness and nutrition.  I have been working with  James Hererra, owner of Performance Driven located in Colorado.  James is a nationally respected fitness and nutrition coach and understands the demands that motorcycling puts on our bodies.  Whether you are looking to have more endurance and strength for racing and trackdays, or just getting fitter and feeling better, he can help. He can custom design a real world program based on your time and needs to meet your goals and keep you healthy.                      
I have been using James’ nutrition program for a few months now and am blown away at the results.  James is in high demand and this is a rare opportunity to be able to have someone like him help us.  His rates are very reasonable and considering how much money we put into other aspects of our sport, this is cheap. 
His email is: info@pushyourlimit.com and his website is www.pushyourlimit.com/Site/Home.html                      
 
Pirelli-
Viets Performance is also having a special deal on Pirelli tires with some incredible deals to get your season started. Check the link below to see list of tires available and contact them directly to get even better pricing then what is listed on my website. 
http://khcoaching.com/?m=201002
 
Product Test:
I just posted a test on some Galfer brake pads on my website.  Other reviews on the way.
http://khcoaching.com/?page_id=232
 
Keigwins Race School.
The school is filling up, but there are still a few spots left for the Race School at Buttonwillow March 7th. Come on out and learn!
http://www.keigwin.com/

 Yamaha Champions School
The YCRS is coming to California April 21-22 at Willow Springs Raceway. Look for more info and press releases soon.
 
Now, if it would just warm up so we can ride…….
 
Ken

Viets Performance has available a limited supply of Pirelli Diablo Superbike Slicks in 120/190 sizes in SC2 or SC3 compounds at exceptional pricing:
 
Pirelli Diablo Superbike Slicks – Set of 120/190
This package includes a Diablo Superbike 120/70 front and 190/55 Diablo Superbike Slick rear with date codes from late 2008-early 2009. These tires are not discontinued models, they are an overstock sale of current Pirelli race tire inventory. At these prices they can’t provide free shipping, but they’ll have a date or two where customers can pick them up at their new shop in Novato and have them mounted, or pick them up at one of their events. Mounting and balancing is $10 per wheel, off-bike. If you need tires shipped, cost would be $32 for both tires.
 
They need to adhere to Minimum Advertised Price guidelines for these products, so order via their website and use Coupon Code SLK1 at checkout to receive additional discounts beyond the $430 Racer price for these sets.
 
Pirelli Diablo Superbike Slick Package – Set of 120/190 with Additional 190 Rear
This package includes a Diablo Superbike 120/70 front and TWO 190/55 Diablo Superbike Slick rears with date codes from late 2008-early 2009. These tires are not discontinued models, they are an overstock sale of current Pirelli race tire inventory. At these prices they can’t provide free shipping, but they’ll have a date or two where customers can pick them up at their new shop in Novato and have them mounted, or pick them up at one of their events. Mounting and balancing is $10 per wheel, off-bike. If you need tires shipped, cost will be $44 for all three tires.
 
They need to adhere to Minimum Advertised Price guidelines for these products, so order via their website and use Coupon Code SLK2 at checkout to receive additional discounts beyond the $430 Racer price for these sets.
 
They also have limited supply of 16.5” Diablo Superbike Slicks at reduced pricing – if you are interested in these please contact us.
 
These tires are in transit and should arrive on or about next Friday, February 19th
 
Supply is limited and it will be first-come, first served until they’re gone.
 
Please order early as we expect the limited supply to go fast. If you’d prefer to order by phone or have questions, please let Jeff or cRa1g know or call them at 866-766-5150.
 
Viets Performance
viets-performance.com
Sportbike Upgrades and Trackside Support
866-766-5150 x 3

I had few requests for some laps around the LVMS Classic Course…Video is posted in my Video section.

http://khcoaching.com/?page_id=11

All-

Winter time…cold, damp and no riding for the most part. Perfect time to start formulating your plans for 2010 and fix what was holding you back last year. Riding technique? Bike needs work? How about your fitness?

Riding technique:

I released my 2010 schedule and it filled up pretty quick, but there are other great ways to get you headed in the right direction. The Yamaha Champions School has some great things going for 2010 and a new website: http://yamahachampionsridingschool.com/ Lance Keigwin has also brought back his race school March 7th at Buttonwillow that is going to be a really informative and fun. See below for more details.

Bike needs work:

Don’t get caught out with a bike that needs maintenance or upgrading. There are some great deals out there and we are really lucky to have some of the best in the business so close to us. Mike Canfield and Mach 1 Motorsports can handle any of your bike’s needs and do great work. See their contact info in my signature line and contact them for special deals on parts and service.

Fitness:

Last riding tip we talked about Josh Hayes having focus for a longer period of time and fitness plays a huge role with that. Our sport is so physically and mentally demanding, being in top form is a must. We see all the top riders riding their bicycles, running or talking about their fitness. I know with all the riding I do, I stay more focused and feel so much better the fitter I am. While all of us can’t train every day, having some sort of regular exercise program works wonders. Still no time to train? Start with the basics, having good nutrition plan can be a great way to stay healthy and keep you in top form whether you are just a regular trackday rider or top racer.  I am working with a great fitness and nutrition coach and am putting together a program where you can use him for any of your fitness or nutrition needs. This is a perfect time to get started and I will have an announcement soon!

Website:

I keep messing around with my website and have added a few new things. Some extra pictures, (more coming) links to magazine articles and some product reviews. Check them out and let me know what else you would like to see.

Open Days:

I have an open date Feb 22nd with Red Shift at Infineon Raceway. Also check my website calender for some days in Oct/Nov.  BOOKED
Keigwins Race School March 7 at Buttonwillow Raceway:

Lance has brought back his race school and this is a great inexpensive way to get some coaching and to learn about Buttonwillow’s technical nature. I will be hosting some great classroom sessions and the KTT instructors will be out on track working with you on the things we are covering in the class. There will also be 2 mock races, 1 before lunch and 1 at the end of the day. The day will run as a 2 group format (A/B) and will alternate between 45 min classroom and riding sessions, both morning and afternoon. Email myself or Keigwins if you need more info. Here is a link to the KTT schedule:

http://www.keigwin.com/events_schedule.php

Riding Tip

Basics basics basics…..I went indoor go-karting last week and got schooled by two young kids.  They could get the kart pointed and off the slower corners much better than I could. (Ha! – Turns out they were Pro Sprint Car drivers) I realized I was giving up my exits by rushing my entry’s DUH! The second session, I calmed down and while they still schooled me, (young punks!) it reminded me to always go out with a plan and to take advantage of what lasts longest. So, can you find and fix your mistakes?

Ken

I have some “old” pictures I thought I would would upload…..Guess the bike and the rider(s)

Yep…An FZ1 can go quick…..

Sport Rider:

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/6/314/4/Motorcycle-Blog-Post/Yamaha-Champions-Motorcycle-School.aspx

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/tracktime/122_0912_yamaha_champions_school/index.html

http://www.motorcyclingmag.com/Yamaha_Champions_Riding_School_Review

My 2010 Schedule is posted! Check out the calender to see what days are availible.

I am working on finding some additional Infineon days early in the year so make sure you check back.

If you know of a date that I don’t have on my calender, let me know so we can book it.

Ken