Discover the thrilling world of motorcycle racing, coaching, and riding with Heath Miester - a seasoned racer and experienced coach who shares invaluable tips for new riders, and his ultimate passion for riding on the track in the rain.
👋 Hi there, I’m an HVAC professional by day, but I’d prefer to be in my garage, hiking in the Pacific Northwest with my Great Danes, or overlanding my Tacoma in remote Moab.
I’m an Illinois native and started riding motorbikes when I was a teenager (my parents weren’t thrilled). I saw my first road race when I was 19 and was hooked! I’ve been racing ever since.
I’m very competitive on the track and I like to push limits. I’ve been called brash once or twice; there’s nothing like out braking the competition! But I’m also always aware of who’s around me and I ride accordingly. I take integrity very seriously, and there’s no room for dishonesty or cheating in road racing. If you need to cheat to win, you’re a loser, even if you’re not caught.Have you ever participated in any organized racing events?Â
Yes, I’ve been racing with AMA/CCS since 1987. I got my expert plate in 1995 and my AMA pro license in 2000. I raced professionally until 2009.
What inspired you to start coaching other riders?Â
When I started racing there were no track days. My first teachers were VHS tapes of Kevin Schwantz, Wayne Rainey, and Kenny Roberts during the 500cc heyday. Once I started racing, I had opportunities to ride with some of the fastest guys in the world and they taught me a lot. How could I not pass it forward?
How do you continue to improve your riding skills and technique during track days?
Riding with people who can challenge me is the best way to stay sharp and keep learning. I also love to ride in the rain! I never complain about less-than-ideal track conditions because that’s where I can really push myself and try out new strategies. If you can ride well in poor conditions, you’ll be hard to beat when the track is clear.
Can you talk about any modifications or upgrades you’d say are the most important to do first for track days?Â
Good brake pads are an obvious first upgrade, and track day tires will give you the grip you need to practice hard braking and fast cornering. I’d also strongly suggest getting your suspension set up for your weight. There’s usually a suspension shop on-site at track days and they can get you set up in no time.Â
How do you prepare mentally and or physically for a track day?
I’m afraid this answer won’t be satisfying, but I don’t do much prep for a track day. My day job is very physical, so strength training is an everyday thing for me. I enjoy the physical and mental challenges of rock climbing, and I’ve seen how it helps my students develop trust in themselves- it can be hard to convince yourself to leap to a grip that’s out of reach! When you practice overcoming mental roadblocks off the track, you’ll be more confident when you need to do it on the track.
What is your favorite track to ride on and why?
Road America, hands down. There are plenty of tracks that are either superfast or very technical, but not many deliver both. Road America can be a humbling track for riders who think speed is all it takes to win- if you don’t understand late braking and fast cornering, you’re going to be the last guy coming out of the turn. And we all know you’re not fast if you can only pass someone when you’re going in a straight line and your bike is bigger.
What mistake do you typically see new riders to the track always make?
The most common mistake I see new riders make is failure to look where they want to go. Vision is crucial! Are you looking at the ground? Guess where you’re going to end up? Did the rider ahead of you ride off the track? Unless you want to follow them, you’d better not be looking at their back! Target fixation is a major cause of ride-offs, but if you’re consistently looking in the direction you want to go, you won’t fixate on a place you don’t want to be.
Another mistake that slows new riders down is getting too much new information. I know it seems counterintuitive to limit the amount of information you’re getting, especially when it seems like everyone is faster and knows more than you- why not learn from them all? The problem with this is that it doesn’t give new riders the chance to learn how they ride.
Watch any two riders and you’ll see different styles, even if they’re racing neck-and-neck (and who’s going to tell Mick Doohan he’s riding wrong?). The most effective way to develop your riding skills is to find one or two reputable coaches who can guide you without trying to change your innate style.
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Thanks for the time Heath and if you'd like to follow Heath's coaching and track day updates visit his Facebook Page.Â
Interested in getting on the track? Read the ultimate beginner track guide.Â
Love this site,happy to be a part of it!