CLASS student and Force 5 member Dave Pigden is one of a couple of guys that are actually having Reg take their bike on the road to do every school with us! His first adventure was Barber in Oct 05 and he was totally hooked! We asked for some stories, and here's Dave's first input on some thoughts leading up to two great days at Streets of Willow.

When I think of the last Class track days (At the Streets) these are some images that came to mind:

Sunday evening April 23^rd I am climbing up the hills on the Hwy138  from Hwy 15 coming north from San Diego, the grade is steep and with the “peddle to the metal” the old truck can hardly make more than 55mph. I remember feeling both apprehensive and excited about the morning to come. My thoughts drifted to Debbie (my wife) and the dogs (my buddies) left behind at home and back to what lies ahead. The truck crests the hill and it’s like a roller coaster ride descending westward.

The sun has faded as I turned onto Hwy 14 north, the last leg before arriving at the Devonshire hotel in darkness. I drift to sleep as all my “everyday life” thoughts and issues dissolved away replaced by “the Streets” and who’s going to be there? How fast will the pace get? How much can I learn? Don’t drop that bike! (It’s got a new paint job!) This was to be my first 2 day event at the “streets” and my first AA day too.

5:30 AM Monday, eyes open! I realize where I am and hang there for a bit thinking, then get moving, Fred is in the car-park when I go out and we exchange greetings, time for a coffee, the pace picks up and I head for the truck and off to the track, I see Reg walking out as I pull away.

6:45AM as on the previous streets track-day in March I pull up behind “Chuck” at the entrance of the track. We exchanged hellos and enjoy a moment looking at the sunrise over the Mojave Desert which is very nice but it’s not long before we grumble about the closed gate. “When will they let us in”?

7:10 AM we are in and unloading - seems like the world has arrived. I grab the usual coffee and banana, lots of hello’s as we register ….signatures and initials! Bill and Gigi are manning the desk and I hear Reg outside as he rounds up the late comers.

It’s not long before Reg is standing in front of us getting our thoughts aligned to the business at hand. Practiced teaching skills and natural people skills convey a confidence that is hard to miss. Reg gets us focused and introduces the staff of Class, each member of the staff is uniquely different but share common goals and culture that demands our attention, Gigi outlines the importance of getting helpful input from the instructors and the help desk. I sense the anticipation of the group and yet a sense of humor persists and I feel safe for it.

With our heads straightened out Reg cuts the group loose. Before I know it I’m on the bike entering the track staging area and see the “A” sign ahead. This is where time stands still for me. It is the transition point from my “regular life time” to “Class time”.

The instructor ahead circles his hand in the air and we move out. The morning air was warm compared to March and we take a “Sunday drive” around the track. I look ahead to the instructor who is cutting a nice line, I try to follow exactly. My turn comes up to follow directly behind the instructor…… Wow! - It’s so great to be on “Class Time”!  

DP