Lee Parks' Total Control Advanced Rider Clinic

Who It's For

In today's age of high-horsepower superbikes, large-displacement cruisers and super-heavy-weight tourers, riding skills are more important than ever for safe, fun motorcycling. Unfortunately for experienced riders, there is a large gap between the Motorcycle Safety Foundations Experienced RiderCourse (ERC) and the many racetrack schools around the country. Many riders are interested in improving their skills but are unwilling to take on the additional risks associated with a high-speed environment. If you fit into the "I'm interested, but"group, you're not alone. In fact, if you add up all the attendees of all the race schools together, they only represent a tiny percentage of street riders. This is not to say they are not good schools. To the contrary, they have much to offer. But they are not for everyone. Fortunately, Lee Parks' Total Control Advanced Riding Clinic (Total Control ARC) has a solution for those experienced riders caught in the middle, as well as those track-day junkies and racers who want to be able to further enhance their skills in a controlled environment with expert instruction.

Who Teaches It

Chief instructor Lee Parks has been racing for 25 years and won the 2001 G.M.D. Computrack National Endurance Series Championship in the Lightweight class. He also finished 2nd in the 1994 AMA 125GP national championship in its exhibition year. He spent five years as the editor and chief test rider of Motorcycle Consumer News where he road tested every new street motorcycle available in the U.S. and became one of the top performance-testing journalists in the world. Lee's staff of personally trained instructors are located all over the U.S. and Europe and bring with them an impressive list of riding and teaching credentials. Lee is now the president of Lee Parks Design, a motorcycle gear and accessory manufacturer.

At SUNY Canton, the TCARC Instructors are: Marc Connelly,  Dave Perry, and Townson Lee.  Each of our instructors has been personally trained by Lee Parks himself.

How It Works

Part of the reason for the program's success is the dynamic classroom training, which includes both theory and application of the Total Control ARC techniques. By including a basic analysis of vehicular dynamics, riders get a clear understanding of how their actions affect their bikes. For instance, in the suspension portion of the class, riders learn how to analyze the effectiveness of their suspension and how to set it up for maximum control and comfort.

The range portion of the training is done in a large parking lot or skidpad where each of the skills are individually broken down and practiced. Working on only one skill at a time is the fastest way to make consistent riding improvements. The beauty of doing it this way is that the student is never asked to make a huge leap of faith in any one area. Each skill is built up in small two-mph increments until the desired result is achieved. This allows for high confidence and never gets too scary. In fact, cornering speeds never go above 30 mph. While this may seem slow, in a tight enough corner, 30 is very, very fast. Combined with a strategic "building block" formula for integrating the individual skills into a complete riding package, the Total Control ARC enables riders to learn faster and easier than ever before. Equally important, all the Total Control ARC skills are taught with their direct applications for street riding. After all, knowing how to do something is of little value if you don't understand when and where to use it.

What It Covers

Cornering technique is the primary focus of the Total Control ARC. Individual skills include corner entry, line selection, body position and corner exit. There are slightly different versions of these depending on the type of bike ridden, but all follow the same philosophical principals that are taught in the course. Throttle control and throttle/brake transitions are also covered in great detail. Additionally, super-tight, low-speed, parking lot turns are taught.

What It Costs

The cost for the standard eight-hour Total Control ARC is $295 — $350* depending on location, which includes a workbook with explanations and examples of the techniques and concepts covered in the course.

*additional charges at some sites may apply.

Requirements

All students must provide their own motorcycle or scooter and have at least one year of riding experience. For students with less than two years of experience, it is advised (though not required) that they have completed an MSF ERC. Protective gear is required for all students, which includes a DOT-approved helmet (full-face recommended), motorcycle jacket and pants, gloves and boots that cover the ankles. Jeans and fingerless gloves are not allowed, but Kevlar jeans will be accepted.

Absolutely no race tires or race compound tires allowed regardless if they are DOT approved tires.

When and Where

If you're interested in attending a Total Control ARC, click on the link fo rthe class you would like to register for. For classes ot listed, please send us an e-mail and we will put you on our mailing list to let you know when the next course will be available in your area. Classes are limited to 18 students and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to serious demand we are currently in the process of setting up new locations in several regions. If you live in an area not yet covered, drop us a note and let us know where you are. Site administators should contact us if you are interested in setting up a new location in your area.

The Total Control ARC's Promises

• The Total Control ARC is committed to making you a better and safer rider and in doing so makes these promises:
• Noticeable improvement in your riding. No matter what skill level you are now, the Total Control ARC will make a recognizable difference in your ability to control your bike.
• High teacher-to-student ratio. Each class is divided in groups with never more than six students per instructor for lots of individual attention and support.
• Friendly, professional service. The Total Control ARC instructors are highly trained and carefully handpicked for their teaching abilities and friendly dispositions. Your experience at the Total Control ARC will be a positive one.
• The ability to self-diagnose riding problems in the future. While it’s great to be able to ride better in front of a skilled coach, it’s equally important to be able to coach yourself when you detect a riding problem in the future. There are enough support materials in our package to help make sure you won’t forget what you learned during your training.

What People Are Saying About the Total Control ARC

I thoroughly enjoyed your course and have been practicing the skills. It's a great idea and a perfect next step from an ERC class...

—Jeff Whitlock, Glenmoore, PA

Thank you very much. I had a great time taking your Advanced Riding Clinic at the Square Root Rally. It was fun and I learned so much...

—Eve Silverstone, Gaithersburg, MD

After seven years and five CLASS schools I still couldn't drag my knee. But in your Clinic you showed me how to do it by slowing everything down so I could work out each individual skill. Now it seems so easy I wonder why I ever had trouble in the first place...

—Peter Tavernise, Hillsborough, NC