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 con dent 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 pro cient 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 terri c 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 ne 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,

Terri c 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

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:

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Sally’s Henhouse Restaurant, 3978 US 4, Hudson Falls, NY, 12839, phone 518-746-0040.

We discovered it on our way to the Star Trek museum at Ft. Ticonderoga. Our kind of eatery - breakfast served all day, good food, good service, large portions, decent price, popular with locals, lots of tacky diner humor stuff on the walls, and best of all a nice friendly atmosphere.

A guy at the counter noticed my shirt with a Brockway Truck emblem on it. He was from Cortland, NY, where they made Brockways. He was friends with my son-in-law’s sister from that area, and at some point he asked where I was from. Lo and behold, he’d done some work for the farm where I’m employed part time., and had admired a specialized manure hauler I’d built.

This kind of “small world!” stuff can only happen in a place like this. It’s why I’ll wear a Harley shirt while riding a BMW. Harley guy’s notice this - and a conversation begins; happened more than once, and it’s mostly good.

Jake Herzog

Shira,

I’m planning a 4-day ride to either WV (Elkins area) or VT, which would you recommend? 3 of us are going and we’ve all done WV several times and love it but I keep hearing rave reviews on VT.

I’m loving Backroads magazine and take it with me on my airline trips for hotel reading.

Thanks in advance,

Tim

Tim,

Since you’ve all ridden WV, go for something new. Vermont in the autumn is super, and there are so many great roads – paved and not – to explore. Some suggestions for base camps: in the southern portion – Gray Ghost, Kitzof or Big Bear inns located in West Dover, the Snowed Inn in Killington or the Commodore Inn in Stowe. All are motorcycle-friendly and offer perfect spots from which to explore for your 4-day excursion.

Wherever you go – enjoy! Hi Brian,

I just wanted to let you know we did the 2-day enduro (Fall Foliage Tour of Armenia Mountain – Canton, PA) that was advertised in the back of the magazine. Wanted to let you know, good people, good food, good roads. The guy Frank Watson was a ranked road racer, he is a diesel mechanic and owns a shop that assembles specialty trucks. He’s involved with the Lions Club that organized and ran the event. Nice event, we had awesome weather.

We did this since the Giro was canceled….again. I rode my 1972 DT 250, Rich Holman rode my 2009 KLR. Went with two other friends. Have to say trailering your bike to an enduro is fun. Perfect bike would be a Suzuki DR 450 or Kawasaki KLX 450, something street legal and very light.

I know, just what you want to see…more motorcycles.

Gary