At the 2025 National Rally I was very fortunate recipient of one of the two gift certificate prizes for Ken Condon's Riding in the Zone Non-Sportbike Training Day when a family member won that raffle item. I was able to participate in the May 27, 2025 training day at Palmer Motorsports Park, in Palmer MA. This is a 2.3 mile, 40-foot wide racing circuit that has 14 cambered corners, 190’ of vertical elevation, and greater than 509’ cumulative elevation change.
This was my first experience on the track and found that the C14 performed well on the course. The training is an excellent way for riders on almost any type of bike to develop skills on a closed course, learning in a safe environment at real-world speeds, and without the typical hazards of street riding. The diversity of motorcycles at the training was surprising, and ranged from full-dressed, adventure, dual sport and everything in between. The training day uses a self-directed learning model. Riding technique information is delivered in the classroom, then apply the lessons on the track, followed by a return to the classroom with questions and to hear the next lesson.
There were 3 groups (slow, intermediate, fast) and during the day each group rode six 20 minute on-track sessions. A good number of instructors rode in each session observing riders. When they got in front of you tapping the tail of their bike, that is a signal to follow the leader and do what they do to improve your path of travel through the curves.
More to come...
This was my first experience on the track and found that the C14 performed well on the course. The training is an excellent way for riders on almost any type of bike to develop skills on a closed course, learning in a safe environment at real-world speeds, and without the typical hazards of street riding. The diversity of motorcycles at the training was surprising, and ranged from full-dressed, adventure, dual sport and everything in between. The training day uses a self-directed learning model. Riding technique information is delivered in the classroom, then apply the lessons on the track, followed by a return to the classroom with questions and to hear the next lesson.
There were 3 groups (slow, intermediate, fast) and during the day each group rode six 20 minute on-track sessions. A good number of instructors rode in each session observing riders. When they got in front of you tapping the tail of their bike, that is a signal to follow the leader and do what they do to improve your path of travel through the curves.
More to come...
