Introduction
There is no particular criterion of age or seniority of license to be interested in the improvement of its driving. It is indeed always useful to question oneself and to learn or relearn the good reflexes. That said, it is up to each one to find what suits him best. Circuit driving is certainly intended for speed addicts who cannot practice their passion on public roads, but its practice is also an excellent way to improve your performance. The courses and training courses on the road are very often, them also, on circuit, but can also take place outside. It is then a question of improving one's technique and of progressively going beyond one's apprehensions in order to have a safer driving on the public road, for oneself, one's passenger... and for others. It is also an opportunity to learn a lot about the real capacities of our machines.
Driving on a circuit
There are about thirty speed tracks in France. However, some of them are closed to the public, forbidden to motorcycles or allowing them only a few days a year.
Some of these tracks are public and free of charge, most of them have to be paid for, with prices and access conditions varying greatly from one place to another. Some circuits only open their doors to organized groups, but allow the possibility of joining these clubs without being a member. In any case, it is not allowed to come to the track without having previously inquired about the opening dates and times, which vary according to the season, the weather conditions and the availability of the track. For those who are close to the Paris area, the Carole motorcycle circuit (Tremblay en France - department 93), offers nearly thirty free weekends of riding open to all. See the website www.circuit-carole.com
Many circuits also require a pre-registration in order to organize the riding groups. If you want to improve your riding skills on a speedway (and not on the road), almost all French circuits offer riding courses, led by former professional riders.
The objective of riding on a circuit is to improve your driving skills and to push your own skills and the capabilities of your machine to the maximum. This exercise often results in a crash. It is therefore logical and highly recommended to wear a perfectly protective outfit. In fact, almost all the circuits impose or recommend the wearing of leather suits with back protection, either integral or in two pieces (jacket and pants connected by a zipper), as well as the wearing of a helmet, boots and gloves.
Regarding the motorcycle, it is advisable to prepare it for a possible fall by removing the mirrors and any accessory that could break in case of slipping. As the headlights are useless, their optics can be covered with protective adhesive. For obvious reasons of maneuverability and aerodynamics, any top case and tank bag should be removed. Most circuits accept road bikes with a valid driver's license, registration and insurance certificate.
Depending on the schools, circuits and courses, it is possible to rent all the necessary equipment, from the motorcycle to the full leather suit. A FFM license is sometimes required for insurance purposes. In this case, the "Training" version is sufficient.
It is also possible to discover the main circuits approved by the FFM (French Motorcycling Federation) during open days organized each year. Ask directly at the circuit closest to your home.
Refresher or advanced courses and workshops
To get back in the saddle after a long period of abstinence from motorcycle riding, you can turn to certain motorcycle schools and organizations or associations that organize on-road riding training. However, if you are still on your feet (i.e. you own a motorcycle that you use) and you want to improve your riding skills, it is better to contact the latter. Controlling the weight of your machine, handling at low speed, cornering, avoidance and braking techniques, riding at night and/or on wet ground... In short, a wide range of things that you thought you knew well but in fact only knew the minimum.