Rounding off
Exhausted and exhilarated, reflecting on the experience at the Ron Haslam Race School has made me realise how much of an absolute blast it all was. In all honesty I’d much prefer to do just one course and really focus on the individual aspects, as doing all three was pretty hard work in a single day, but it gave me a proper grasp of what the school’s about and the differences between the experiences on tap. It’s called a school, but it’s not one that bores you and holds you there as a prisoner; you’re there to have a great time and learn skills that will make your riding so much more enjoyable – trust me.
I learnt to ride here about 10 years ago, dropping my little 125cc in the car park more times than I’d ever care to admit. Yet 10 years later, I’ve come back, done each experience and taken key techniques and knowledge from each and every one of them, and I dare say I’d learn even more if I were to go back and do it all again tomorrow. The ‘On-Track’ retaught me the importance of using the clutch at slow speed which is absolutely perfect for nipping in and out of traffic – a bloody damn good skill to be having when you live just outside of the big smoke. The Premier course re-kindled my love for corner speed and kept me aware of how to use a 600cc engine to its full potential; revving the absolute tits off the thing. Last but definitely not least, the Elite class strung everything together and let me loose on a Fireblade, crafting my riding style to ride a big capacity bike with precision.
If you’re reading this, I’d say do all three courses. I like power and the added bonus of having an instructor to yourself which makes the Elite course the most enticing, but the Premier and On-Track options each have their own qualities to offer. Regardless of who you are or what your level of riding is, this place has got you covered. It’s the ultimate institute and I really can’t recommend a visit highly enough. I’m definitely going back.