BACKROADS • NOVEMBER 2021
BACKLASH CLASS Performs - Looking to 2022 I was aware that VIR stood for VA Int’l Raceway but I wasn’t sure what CLASS stood for. I looked up the CLASS courses and if you don’t mind, I have a couple of questions. I have been riding on the street for 15 or so years but my main focus comes from and still is off-road. I was a decent B Class motocross racer/rider and now race mainly enduro and off-road. I have always felt that my off-road riding has helped me on street in some cases but hurt me in others. I would like to increase my skills on the street but I am not interested in track racing. Would a CLASS course be a good place to look or do you recommend something else? I did run through the new rider course with my son when he got his motorcycle license. It was a good experience but focused more on very basic things (I was already aware of the difference of my clutch and front brake…). Cathi and I are beginning to take more trips. I am confident on the street but I also want to be as sharp as possible. Any insight or thoughts you have would be appreciated. Thanks, Brandon Kendig Brandon, From what you are saying, CLASS may well be a great experience for what you want to do with your riding. As we’ve learned over the many years of attendance, we always come away with new knowledge and feeling that our riding has become smoother and more controlled. While it is held on a track, CLASS is NOT a track day, simply a controlled environment to practice the skills you NEED and use on the street. Perhaps another venue you might investigate is Ken Condon’s Riding in the Zone session: www.training. ridinginthezone.com/on-street-training-options. Ken is a proficient on- and off- road rider and passes his street knowledge along expertly. His training is done on the street, making it directly applicable to your riding. Just the fact that you are looking to better your skills gives you an up on so many other riders. Enjoy and maybe we’ll see you next year at VIR (Reg and Gigi, no pressure…) Dear Brian & Shira, Thanks so much for arranging another terrific track day and Backroads get together! It was great riding with you and meeting old and new friends from NJ. I hope your ride home wasn’t too unpleasant. Thankfully I did fine during the monsoon but wish I was riding the FJR with more weather protection and GPS. Looking forward to riding with you again soon. Take care & stay well! Joe Giuffre Editor, Terrific to see so many of the Backroads crew at VIR for CLASS! Clearly demonstrates their commitment to constant skills improvement, attention to safety and having a heck of a good time! Like you’ve said dozens of times, “The farkle with the greatest value is an investment in the rider!” Larry Cain
Aw, Shucks Great magazine, great service, great way to inspire better riding destinations! Keep up the great work! Andrew Berman
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Letters to the Editor Enclosed is a check for $40 for a one-year subscription to Backroads. David, my husband, loves BACKROADS and reads it but I am a complete addict – I think the writing is superlative and the history lessons fascinating. I read every issue cover to cover several times, including every ad. Problem is, we weren’t getting enough issues. I went a quarter of a mile on the back of David’s bike about 50+ years ago and that was it – do not like to ride in cars either. Thank you so much, Carol Taylor Thank you, Pamela Collins, for the excellent review on Bridgestone Battlax T32 sport-touring tires. I’m currently running Battlax T31s on my sport touring motorcycle and love them, so based on your review, when they need replacement I’m going to seek out a set of T32s for my trusty GPz1100. Good stuff! Bill Denton Brian and Shira A suggestion for an All-American Diner run if you make it to Americade this year, or whenever you’re in the area: Continued on next page
