Advanced Riding Clinic, Level 2

Total Control ARC^® L2

Take Your Advanced Motorcycle Training To The Next Level

The Total Control ARC^® Level 2 takes off where Level 1 left off. More challenging exercises and riding technology from the best-selling book Total Control adds additional advanced techniques to any experienced rider's "toolbox." Where the TC ARC^SM builds proficiency in your riding, Level 2 puts you on a path to true mastery.

The TC ARC^SM L2 is the perfect next step for those wishing to continue their advanced training as part of a lifelong learning regimen. (Note: All participants MUST have completed Total Control ARC^® as a prerequisite. No exceptions.)

What It Covers

• Riding Psychology
• Speed Shifting
• Maximum Braking
• Trail Braking
• Tightening Your Line
• Chassis Tuning

You know what it is like when you are 'in the zone', everything just seems to flow, one corner seamlessly blending into the next, and you are always in the right place on the road. You also know when you are not in the zone, because everything seems to go wrong, the ride is harsh and jerky, cars take a swipe at you and it just feels like you are having a generally bad day. During the Advanced Riding Clinic Level 2, you will learn more about how fear, concentration and attitude can affect your riding and what simple steps you can take to ensure you have a perfect ride every time.

Even many experienced riders take too much time to shift. Shifting efficiently is important because during the time between shifts, the rider is especially vulnerable. When a sudden change in speed is required, like when a car pulls into your lane, it's vital to be able to accelerate immediately. If you're caught up in the shifting, you won't be able to speed up in an emergency. During our Advanced Riding Clinic Level 2, you will learn how to upshift and downshift quickly and skillfully.

Because emergency stops can be scary due to the limited amount of traction you have and how much it would hurt to kiss the ground, very few riders practice quick braking and even less have the actual knowledge and skills to do it safely. At our Advanced Riding Clinic Level 2, you will learn and practice the right technique to achieve the shortest stops possible so you become prepared when you need to brake hard and avoid a hazard.

New riders are usually taught to do all of the braking before making a turn. This is sometimes good advice, but there are times when it is preferable—or even necessary—to continuously brake before and while entering a corner. While many people consider this a racing technique, during our Advanced Riding Clinic Level 2 you will learn that there are even more benefits to using trail braking on the street than there are on the track.

Not all curves are created equal and there are times when you need to tighten your line mid-turn. Whether it is because you unexpectedly found yourself in the middle of a decreasing radius turn or because you need to avoid a hazard in the curve, knowing how to skillfully reduce the radius of your line can save you from crashing and getting hurt.

There is more to handling than just suspension setup—chassis geometry also plays an important role. Because your idea of the ideal handling characteristics for your motorcycle may be different from the ideas of the engineers who designed it, tailoring your chassis specifications can make a dramatic improvement in how your bike handles.

Additionally a comprehensive section on ergonomics will teach you the science of performance/comfort with handlebars, grips, levers, seats, footpegs and more. In the final exercise (TC Solo) we combine all the skills from Level 1 and Level 2, and experience them at significantly higher speeds, mimicking the g-forces of track riding, but without the associated risks of triple-digit speeds.

Who Teaches It

Chief instructor Lee Parks has been racing for 25 years and won the 2001 G.M.D. Computrack National Endurance Series Championship in the Lightweight class. He also finished 2nd in the 1994 AMA 125GP national championship in its exhibition year. He spent five years as the editor and chief test rider of Motorcycle Consumer News where he road tested every new street motorcycle available in the U.S. and became one of the top performance-testing journalists in the world. Lee's staff of personally trained instructors are located all over the U.S. and Europe and bring with them an impressive list of riding and teaching credentials. Lee is now the president of Lee Parks Design, a motorcycle gear and accessory manufacturer.

How It Works

Part of the reason for the program's success is the dynamic classroom training, which includes both theory and application of the Total Control ARC L2 techniques. By including a basic analysis of vehicular dynamics, riders get a clear understanding of how their actions affect their bikes. For instance, in the suspension portion of the class, riders learn how to analyze the effectiveness of their suspension and how to set it up for maximum control and comfort.

The range portion of the training is done in a large parking lot or skidpad where each of the skills are individually broken down and practiced. Working on only one skill at a time is the fastest way to make consistent riding improvements. The beauty of doing it this way is that the student is never asked to make a huge "leap of faith" in any one area. Each skill is built up in small two-mph increments until the desired result is achieved. This allows for high confidence and never gets too scary. In fact, cornering speeds never go above 25 mph. While this may seem slow, in a tight enough corner, 25 is very, very fast. Combined with a strategic "building block" formula for integrating the individual skills into a complete riding package, the Total Control ARC L2 enables riders to learn faster and easier than ever before. Equally important, all the Total Control ARC L2 skills are taught with their direct applications for street riding. After all, knowing how to do something is of little value if you don't understand when and where to use it.

What It Costs

Please contact your local provider for cost, which includes a workbook with explanations and examples of the techniques and concepts covered in the course.

Requirements

To be able to take the ARC Level 2, students must first have succesfully completed ARC Level 1. All students must provide their own motorcycle or scooter and have at least one year of riding experience or a minimum of 3,000 miles. Motorcycle or scooter should be in proper working order, including cooling and charging systems, and a battery that is in good condition. Protective gear is required for all students, which includes a DOT-approved helmet (full-face recommended), motorcycle jacket and pants, gloves and boots that cover the ankles. Jeans and fingerless gloves are not allowed, but Kevlar jeans will be accepted. Absolutely no race tires, race compound tires or car tires allowed regardless if they are DOT approved.