Question re: FAST school - phase 1 vs phase 2

[voyageur]

Anyone who has done FAST school at Shannonville, I want to hear your thoughts...

I have been considering FAST for a while now. I have previously done Racer 5, VRRA race school this year, and have raced once with VRRA this season at Shannonville (long track). I would love to do FAST school next year and considering the price point I want to do a course that builds upon what I learnt earlier rather than going through the same info again.

I emailed them to check what they recommend. The rep mentioned I could do Phase 2 with my own bike but if I'm using their bike, I am required to start at Phase 1. I have a track/race bike, but don't have a trailer or a vehicle I can use to tow. So, I'll end up with the same cost - phase 1 or phase 2, give or take. Is there a benefit in brining my bike and starting at Phase 2 or should I start at Phase 1? Anyone who has done Phase 1 and 2 at Shannonville, if you have any advice, I'd appreciate that. If money wasn't a concern, I would have happily started at Phase 1.

I'm by no means a great rider, there's still a lot I have to learn. If I have to start at Phase 1, I'm happy to do that - just wanted to make the most of the course. Thanks!

 

[Lightcycle]

Back when I did FAST, there were only three Phases and then the Race school. I just looked at their website and it seems that they've added an additional Phase.

Reading their description, Phase I seems very basic. Reading your curriculum vitae, I think Phase I would be a waste of time and money ($865 - oof), especially with the new 4-Phase program. Seems geared towards non-track riders, IMO.

How do you normally get your track/race bike to the track? If it's not too expensive, I'd just do that instead of spending the money for Phase I. Don't forget, you're also adding an additional night's accommodation if you do take Phase I.

 

[voyageur]

How do you normally get your track/race bike to the track? If it's not too expensive, I'd just do that instead of spending the money for Phase I. Don't forget, you're also adding an additional night's accommodation if you do take Phase I.

Usually a home depot or u-haul van rental. I try for home depot as they have a flat rate on daily rental with unlimited km. I might just rent a pick up truck for future if it works out cheaper.

 

[Lightcycle]

Usually a home depot or u-haul van rental. I try for home depot as they have a flat rate on daily rental with unlimited km. I might just rent a pick up truck for future if it works out cheaper.

Is it feasible to install a hitch on your car?

After a few van/truck rentals, surely the break-even cost must approach the $400-$600 to get a hitch installed?

Then the cost of the U-Haul motorcycle trailer becomes fairly cheap compared to renting a whole vehicle.

I hear these ones are quite popular:

 

[Jayv]

Usually a home depot or u-haul van rental. I try for home depot as they have a flat rate on daily rental with unlimited km. I might just rent a pick up truck for future if it works out cheaper.

Or buy a cheap minivan instead of renting every time.

 

[Ash]

What balance between theory and track time are you looking for?

I did FAST phase 1 20+ years ago and found it was a lot more classroom time than I needed. If you've already read the Twist of the Wrist or Proficient Motorcycling books then you've probably got the theory covered. These days there's also the ChampU online course if you specifically want more theory.

As for transportation, I've been towing a single bike on a tiny 4x4' trailer like this with a subcompact car for many years now. The 4x8 folding trailers should also be fine with anything larger than a Yaris. Harbor Freight has 4x8s on closeout for less than $200 USD right now if you're willing to do the importation stuff. Both trailers can be leaned up vertically against a wall in the garage for storage.

 

[TwistedKestrel]

I did FAST 1 & 2 almost... 20 years ago (cough!!!)

If you have a racing license I feel like even Phase 2 might not be that educational for you. It was very educational for me, but it was my first time on any track

I suppose there is another element to this - how reliable is your track bike? If you rent their bike, you WILL get on the track. They can swap out a dud. It's one thing to be fiddling with the bike in the pits to find an electrical connection that suddenly went marginal on a track day, it's another if you're paying for instructor time

 

[justride]

Go to the Uhual website. Check if you car is compatible with the motorcycle trailer $20/day.
I bought my Curtis 2" hitch from PartsEngine.ca for my crv.

 

[voyageur]

Is it feasible to install a hitch on your car?

After a few van/truck rentals, surely the break-even cost must approach the $400-$600 to get a hitch installed?

Then the cost of the U-Haul motorcycle trailer becomes fairly cheap compared to renting a whole vehicle.

I hear these ones are quite popular:

lol, nice catch. I had a friend's car for a weekend with a hitch on it. I just had to buy the ball mount and install the wiring harness for it - and was able to do that weekend relatively inexpensive. Mine is a 2005 volvo sedan (currently listed in the GTAM classifieds), and despite it being in decent shape, I'm not sure if I want to test the towing ability of the car, given it's age.

What balance between theory and track time are you looking for?

More track time than theory is what I'm hoping for. I registered for the ChampU online course and doing that as and when I have time. Also, feedback on my riding would be helpful - deliberate practice than just practice.

Thanks for the links to the harbour freight trailers, will definitely take a look at this.

how reliable is your track bike? If you rent their bike, you WILL get on the track. They can swap out a dud. It's one thing to be fiddling with the bike in the pits to find an electrical connection that suddenly went marginal on a track day, it's another if you're paying for instructor time

Mine is a 2001 sv. It's kinda new to me, just had it for this season. Have a couple of things that I need to get sorted, but generally it's been predictable. But I hear what you're saying.

Go to the Uhual website. Check if you car is compatible with the motorcycle trailer $20/day.
I bought my Curtis 2" hitch from PartsEngine.ca for my crv.

Uhaul has a hitch listed. Hitch installation is easy of the car, but they won't touch the wiring harness - given it's a bit complicated on the volvo. I honestly think I can get a hitch sorted, but worried if it's a reliable solution given the car's age.

 

[voyageur]

Or buy a cheap minivan instead of renting every time.

Was reading up on this on track forums and on FB in general. Ford Transit Connect seems to have a lot of transmission issues (though transmission for those are available dime a dozen). Then there's Transit 250 and the bigger ones, and those ones might be slightly bigger for another purposes than transporting bikes.