The Training Tour crosses Bardwell?s Ferry Bridge (c. 1882) over the Deerfield River. At 198 feet, it?s the longest single span lenticular truss bridge in Massachusetts. Just before this bridge, we applied slow speed skills to make a tricky downhill hairpin turn with a bumpy railroad crossing in the middle. Photos by the author.
I?m zipping along serpentine State Route 23 near Otis, Massachusetts, and Ken Condon is in my head. As each corner approaches, I trail brake to scrub off speed, settle the chassis and load the front tire. I lean toward a delayed apex, feather off the brake in exchange for lean angle, ratchet on throttle?click, click, click?and exit the corner. My bike is pointed right where it needs to go.
I?ve been riding for more than 30 years, I know this road well and yet I?ve never felt so in control of my bike. Why" Because Condon was in my head all weekend: I just completed his Riding In The Zone Training Tour. Ken Condon (center) goes over ?brottle,? the simultaneous control of the brake and throttle to promote stability in corners. With him are John Jarnagin (right) of Key Largo, Florida, and Don McIntyre of Bristol, Connecticut.
Instead of sitting in a seminar or ripping up a track, this experience integrates training in chassis dynamics, cornering, braking, throttle control and slow speed maneuvers?and then puts students on scenic New England roads to apply new skills as Condon provides real-time coaching via in-helmet communicators. With a nice dinn...