I flick my ride for the day into corner number 7 and after passing the apex I begin to twist the right grip and accelerate hard as I enter the straight in front of the stands at Shannonville Motorsport Park. I pull the clutch, shift into second and let the clutch out in one fluid motion. As I release the clutch I simultaneously twist the hand grip for all it's worth. The 2005 Yamaha R6 pulls ferociously as the front wheel comes off the ground prior to shifting into third. My speed is unknown to me but it feels like a 160kph as I near the end of the straight. I pass the end of the cement wall that separates the staging/pit area from the track with only about a foot between me and the wall as I try to get as wide as possible in preparation for turn number 1. I start to lean into the fast right hand sweeper as I slowly slide off the seat a little more with every foot of track I cover until I'm hanging off the side of the bike and accelerating for another straight away before banking into corner number 2.

I'm not a racer and I'm not very familiar with sportbikes but after a day at the FAST Riding School, I would like to be both. This spring I attended Phase 1 at the school. The first ride of the day didn't start off with such aggressive riding but after gaining confidence and more importantly, the proper training of how a racebike will react and what it is capable of doing on a track, the aggressiveness just came naturally.

The FAST Riding School began in 1987 and is owned and operated by Michel Mercier, a veteran racer with 18 years of racing experience who has represented Canada in races all over the world during his career. Michel has 25 Canadian National titles in four divisions in motorcycle racing including three-time Canadian National Superbike Champion and five-time Canadian National Ice Racing Champion. The FAST Riding School is also staffed with race bred instructors, all with their own impressive race credentials, who look after each group.

Last year I attended the Advanced Cruiser Course hosted by Michel and after being on the track with my own street bike I vowed to return. I remember thinking before I even finished the first lap that if being on the track with my own bike is this much fun, imagine how much fun a race bike will be. I was not disappointed.

It was a full class of 30 students. Many of the participants are repeat students and most of the people in the class are there for two days, the second day was the Phase 2 course. The average age seemed to be high 30's or low 40's. There were also 2 women in the group I was in.

Michel introduced himself and began the classroom portion of the day by describing his racing background. Michel speaks with a French accent but his English is very clear and easy to understand. He has a humorous way of describing some of the specific ways a motorcycle handles which keeps the class entertained during the short ninety minute classroom session. Michel showed us a map of the track and shares some words of wisdom, "keep it on the black part". Michel also reminds everyone that "road racing is the same as drag racing except there are corners to slow you down in between straights".

Following the classroom session, we were divided into 3 groups of 10 students, each group having their own instructor. We were outfitted in the supplied Arai helmets and Joe Rocket leathers, boots and gloves. The FAST Riding School supplies everything you need to participate in the course or you can bring your own equipment and even your own bike if you pre-arrange. As for riding hardware the FAST Riding School offers 2005 Yamaha YZF-R6's, Suzuki GSX-R600's and Suzuki SV650 V-Twins. The excitement level was now beginning to build knowing we are another step closer to getting on the track.

The organization at FAST Riding School is top notch. As I mentioned the class was split into three groups. Group 1 is already outfitted with leathers and at trackside getting last minute direction, group 2 is getting dressed while group 3 is collecting their gear. While Group 1 is on the track, Group 2 is getting their last minute trackside direction and the remaining group is watching everyone on the track.

The first time out is a mellow ride around the track following your instructor as he shows you the proper 'lines' to follow into and out of corners. After each pass the rider directly behind the instructor hangs back and the next rider moves up behind the instructor so every rider gets a perfect view of the 'proper line' to enter and exit the corners.

Each instruction segment gets more in-depth with the techniques of handling a race bike on the track. While the riders are out on the track, the group's instructor positions himself at various corners on the track and makes notes for each rider. After your track session, which generally lasts for about 10 minutes, your instructor critiques your performance on the track. The critique plus the technical sessions make for large improvements in your riding ability each time out on the track. As the day progressed I found myself slowly moving off the bike in the corners, but as in previous technical sessions in the outdoor shaded classroom, it wasn't until Michel demonstrates on a stationary bike how and why it's better to hang off the bike in corners did it really come together. My next time out I was hanging off the side of the bike and increased my speed in the corners considerably. My knee didn't touch down but I'm sure it was close at times.

Although the laps are timed, you don't get the time sheets until the end of the day. By studying these sheets you can determine which times are for which laps and see your progression from the beginning of the day to the final lap of the day.

During the day there were three single bike mishaps off track which slowed things up a bit. The first resulted in a swollen knee while the other two resulted in no injuries. Hats off to the ambulance crew who were very efficient in getting to the one injured rider.

The Phase 1 course delivers exactly what it is intended to do. The course is designed to boost confidence, instill safety and skill while pushing your limits in a safe and controlled environment. From finding the right 'line' to enter and exit corners, to proper braking and downshifting techniques, it all applies to the street rider. It also makes you well aware that the street is not a place for racing. For those who do race on the street, there are track days available at tracks across the country where the pavement is smoother with no gravel in the corners, no cars to deal with and no police.

All Phases of the FAST Riding School usually sell out quickly. Look for the new schedule when posted at fastridingschool.com. I signed up in March for the only date available for the rest of the year, September 14. Luckily for me, Michel had a cancellation and I was bumped up to take the course on May 10.

Last year I told myself I have to attend the FAST Riding School, now I'm telling myself I'll have to come back for Phase 2. Phase 1 costs $460/day and any additional days in the same year are $390/day. There is also additional insurance coverage for $90/day which will considerably reduce the deductible in case any repairs are needed. Costs are less if you come with your own bike. It sounds expensive but when you consider the bike and all equipment is supplied and the amount of excitement and knowledge you get out of this, it's worth every penny. I had a three hour ride home after the course and I still had a grin from ear to ear when I pulled into my driveway.

The FAST Riding School holds three levels of courses, you must complete Phase 1 before proceeding to Phase 2 and 3. The FAST Riding School Phase 1 certificate allows the rider to purchase a race license if they did wish to pursue a career or hobby in this fast paced and exciting sport. There is also a Phase 1 and 2 executive course for the mature rider who may not wish to ride at an aggressive pace, as well as a Women's Only course. For more information log on to www.fastridingschool.com or call 418-422-5500. MMM


Photography by Flair Photography