The ContiRidingSchool teaches rider safety in diverse conditions
The ContiRidingSchool teaches riders safe and more efficient riding techniques. The training takes place at Continental’s special proving grounds, the ContiDrom, located in Wietze, Germany. The ContiDrom has various testing tracks that replicate different road conditions, ensuring that customers receive the highest quality tire on the market.
The ContiDrom was built in 1967 to meet Continental’s goal of producing the best tires in the world. Since then, Continental has tested thousands of tires, resulting in the development of new and innovative tire technologies. The ContiDrom is the perfect setting for the ContiRidingSchool, where dozens of riders and journalists from all over Europe are invited yearly to try out Continental’s latest products. One such product was Continental’s halo sport-touring tire, the ContiRoadAttack 3.
As always, safety is the top priority. VisionZero represents Continental’s commitment to making riding safer. At the ContiRidingSchool, riders learn and practice a variety of riding techniques and receive feedback from professional instructors. Since the proving grounds feature various riding elements that affect the bike’s behavior and the rider’s safety, riders have the opportunity to improve their riding skills in a controlled environment.
One of the first rider safety demonstrations shows how the new Continental inflatable jacket functions in an emergency situation. Afterwards, riders get comfortable with their bikes for the day and learn a bit about the tire that will be tested. This is followed by a number of special exercises focused on safety and how to handle the motorcycle in specific situations.
Related
Testing the new ContiRoadAttack 3
To test the new ContiRoadAttack 3 tires, riders practiced a variety of riding techniques. The first exercise consisted of handling a Kawasaki ER-6n equipped with special lateral bars with wheels to limit the lean angle to a maximum of 55 degrees and to prevent the rider from falling over. The goal of this test is to get the rider to trust the ContiRoadAttack 3 tires at lean angles and to lean confidently on the road. This exercise is done dynamically by completing a figure 8 in second gear. During this test, riders realize how hard it is to reach the limit and are impressed with easy of handling of the tires. In the end, they admit that it is their own mental barrier and not the real grip limit of the tire that affects riding at high lean angles.
During the second exercise, riders can choose from an array of bikes including a Yamaha MT-09, BMW R nineT, BMW S 1000 XR, Yamaha XSR900, Yamaha Tracer 700 and BMW S 1000 R. All of these bikes are equipped with the ContiRoadAttack 3 tires. Riders can then enter the ContiDrom’s 2.4 mile traditional circuit. Here, riders appreciate how fast the ContiRoadAttack 3 tires reach optimal operating temperature as well as their superior performance in challenging conditions. Some riders are so impressed with the ContiRoadAttack 3 tires’ performance that it is hard for them to believe that they are DOT approved.
The third part of the ContiRidingSchool experience puts riders to the test with 2 special exercises. The first exercise puts the rider through a cone slalom at idling speeds with the use of the rear brakes only. This exercise tests the riders’ ability to balance at very low speeds. The second exercise consists of a series of emergency braking techniques at different speeds and conditions with and without ABS. Doing these emergency braking maneuvers makes riders realize how important ABS is. It also teaches riders how to become more aware of their surroundings, how to be polite on the road and how to maintain the minimum following distance at all times.
Quotes from European journalists about their experience at the ContiRidingSchool and the ContiRoadAttack 3:
Juan Carlos González (Motorbike Magazine): “I left this experience with a very positive impression of Continental products as well as their whole research and development processes. Sure, Continental has a great market presence especially in their dual-sport lineup, but their SportAttack and RoadAttack are just as impressive. They simply have great quality products.”
Javier Pérez Rubio (SoyMotero): “This third edition of the Conti Riding School has definitely worked well to make riders aware of riding with proper quality tires and show them how far Continental tire performance technologies have come. And when I say tire performance, I do not necessarily mean faster times on the track, but the pursuit of safety as the ultimate goal.”
Álvaro Guardia (Moto1Pro): “This has been a formidable experience, not only because of the environment and facilities which speak for themselves, but also because of the riding school, the instructors and the potential of the ContiRoadAttack 3…”
Very surprised that you don’t run anything like this in North America.
Hey Harris,
Unfortunately we don’t have anything like this in the US yet but we do organize rides throughout the country. If you are interested in participating, please send us an email at [email protected].