The format was 5 classroom sessions and 5 half hour track sessions (though we only got 4 due to weather). Each classroom session focussed on just one skill, which we then went out and practiced on the track. A 'coach' had three students each, allowing the coach enough time to observe each of us practicing and help to demonstrate each skill. Following the track session, the coach would give brief feedback (roughly 5 minutes only) on our riding, before heading out to coach the next group, while we headed back to the classroom for the next class session. There was also an off-track steering drill. A lot of the things that were taught were things I already knew about, or was at least aware of, but there's a big difference between reading something or being told something and actually having time devoted solely to that one specific skill to watch someone do it properly, to practice it for a while and to get feedback on how you're it.
Off Track Steering Drill
This was done one-at-a-time. A section behind the pits was marked out and we were asked to ride away from the instructor, swerving left and right, then do a U and return, swerving on the way back. The instructor then asked how you'd move your hands to turn left (to see if you understood counter-steering or not). Then he positioned me better on the bike, explaining and demonstrating the difference between pushing to turn while upright and pushing to turn while positioned correctly, (i.e, almost straight arms, compared to elbows being almost on your knees). This was extremely helpful for me, as my posture while riding is quite "stick-up-arse" since my arms feel quite short, but it was an eye-opener to find another style that was better, easier and more comfortable but also worked for a shorter person (even though I was sure it wouldn't work for me before I started)
Session #1: Throttle Control
This session was restricted to fourth gear only, and no brakes (unless absolutely necessary). That meant we could concentrate more on the skill itself, getting rid of several other distracting factors. In this session I learned just how soft I was
The coach would ride in front, left arm out demonstrating when to start rolling on the throttle, and at what sort of rate to roll on at. The first time I saw him signalling to roll on, the only thought I had was "Yeah right! You've got to be kidding me! I'm not rolling on now, I'm barely IN the corner, let alone out of the corner enough to roll on!!!" But, I was here to learn, no point wasting my money... So, I rolled on. And the world didn't end. And I realised I had it all wrong on when it was 'safe' to start accelerating. I learnt a lot from this session - though I don't suppose everyone would - I'm a bit soft on accelerating out of corners apparently. So that's something to work on.Session #2: Turn Points
While we were in the classroom for this session, they had taped big white X's at a good turn-in point for each corner. They explained that this wasn't "THE perfect turn-in point" or "THE race line", but a good point to work from. It really helped to have a spot to aim for. As expected, most of the turn-in points were waaaaaaay later than I had been turning, so it was good to get some guidance and follow someone and give a late turn-in a go. I found that the turn-in points helped me very much in every corner, but particularly in Turn 2, Turn 7 and Turn 12. This session was done in third and fourth gear only (no brakes). The big white X's stayed on track for the rest of the day (thankfully). Turn 2 was a major eye-opener and hard to commit to, IMO. On the other hand, nailing Turn 2 was an awesome feeling. But don't follow me - I probably will never repeat that again!
Session #3: Quick Turning
Session 3 was all about minimising the time it took to actually complete the turning part of a corner. I'm still processing this session, so I'm not confident in explaining it, but I did realise I was doing this all wrong too. It seems so easy to just turn faster, but I had difficulty doing this, and also stopping turning. Turns out I am consciously trying to keep turning the whole way through the corner and unconsciously fighting that incorrect behaviour with the other hand, resulting in tight grip, lots of mid-corner corrections, etc. So I am working on turning quickly, but then once I've pushed the bar to turn, relaxing in mid-corner.
Session #4: Rider Input
I am embarrassed to admit that this session made me realise just how much I did on the bike, and how much of it was either totally unnecessary, or more often, counter-productive. The main theme was being "busy" on the bike and how much this works against you. I am VERY busy mid-corner, when I should be doing absolutely nothing but accelerating. It really helped to have session 3 rght before this one, as it helped clarify some of that session too. I think I got the most from sessions 3 and 4, as they really gave me confidence in my ability to turn a corner well, instead of it being a constant on-edge experience.
Session #5: Two-Step Turning
The classroom session discussed how hard it is to turn or ride where you can't see. That led to head turning and looking ahead, looking for your turning point before you're there, looking for your exit before you turn, etc. Unfortunately, a huge storm came across during this class, flooding the track. It was so wet, they closed the track, so we did not get to practice this skill. I was a bit bummed, but considering it had been wet all week, I was thankful we had four completely dry sessions, instead of all-day wetness.
Overall, I'm very happy that I did this course. I have a large number of things to practice and think about. Today's jaunt up the Old Pacific Highway had me practicing quite a few skills, and though I didn't notice any speed improvements (though on the other hand, we weren't pushing hard), I did notice my cornering was much smoother and easier. I can't wait to practice the skills some more at EC next weekend
- you'll be kicking our sorry arses all over the place !! 
