Rider Brothers “Knee Down” School (By Neil Izzard)

Knee down, in a car park, 30 km/h in 3 rd gear, on a 250? “Yeah right”! Seems a bit far-fetched but in fact is a most enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.
Ian Rider’s “Rider Bros.” school based at Calder Park Raceway offers rider training from learner permit through to advanced, including the unique “Knee Down” course. The actual knee down portion is probably less than half the practical component of the 3 or so hours. Some basic low speed 2nd & 3rd gear riding on one of the schools VT 250 Honda Twins follows a classroom theory refresher. The students familiarize themselves with the bikes and the instructors assess the individual’s abilities using a simple course of tight turns and short straights, tips and feedback follows, then the fun really starts. The emphasis throughout the day is on relaxing as many of us have heard in other training courses.
Rider Bros. way to reinforce a light touch on the bars is to have the student negotiate the twisty course layout again, this time using only the throttle hand on the bars while left hand rests on their thigh, I guess you can’t hang on too tight that way. Next comes discussion on correct body position and transition to the classic knee down point, then we follow the instructor in a series of lazy circles and before you know it, the familiar rumble of plastic on tarmac (no not fairing but slider).
	The instructors assist with minor body position adjustments and further refining of technique has the students ultimately performing tight figure 8 transitions left to right, knee to knee in a slow and controlled manner. The low speed allows a safety margin while still highlighting the importance of smooth operation of the bike’s controls, the small riding area allows for almost instant feedback if the students require direction rather than on a large circuit where you may not be able to talk with the instructor for a lap or more. I would certainly recommend this to any of our track riding members who have an interest in understanding the nuts & bolts of this popular riding technique, also its always beneficial to have a professional look you over now and then, helps to chase those bad habits away. By the way, this course isn’t Superbike School it’s just a different way to look at things and I’ve always believed in getting as much information as you can and then making up your own mind. Ciao Bella

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