Staff

Andy Ibbott

School Director & Class 4 Coach
Over the last few decades I have been through it all. I first read the books, A Twist of the Wrist in 1994, was a student in 1995, got trained to coach in 1997 and was trained to deliver the seminars in 1999. Over these decades I have seen the coach training develop massively!
And I want to let you into a secret of the schools, not only does Keith Code develop the riding technology but the coach development and coaching techniques too.

I look back to how we used to coach in the 90s and how we coach now. It's a huge difference and it's the one thing that really does separate us from other schools. It's all well and good knowing and using the tech that works (have a look at how many Champions have been trained on the US website) but knowing HOW to coach brings it all to a new level.

It is so satisfying to bring a rider to that lightbulb moment whether it is in the classroom or out on track, the smile you get back is one that you never forget and it is the most important motivation for all of us at the schools, as we have all been there as students too.

The coaches have several levels of training to go through and it's hard work I have to say. I am a Class 4 coach but I am starting the whole coaching process again, from scratch as I believe you can never know it all and it has been a long time since I started...

I hope you can come along and get the benefit in your riding of all this hard work and commitment.

Glenn Rothwell aka 'Lord R'

Riding Coach Class 2 / Seminarist
What do you enjoy about being a part of the Schools?

Its not that we have sex together (although a limited number of us do) but the School is a really good bunch of mates whose sole purpose seems to be taking the piss out of each other. The standard of coaching ability is excellent already but everyone is always trying to improve. It's a good place to be.

Likes:

Improving someone's riding. Improving my own.



Dislikes:

Students who come with an agenda and then won't listen - or worse, won't try.

Paul's comedy pants - they have to go

John Trotter aka 'JET'

Chief Riding Coach Class 3, Coach of the Year 2009
What do you enjoy about being a part of the Schools?

The hours, 5:30 is such a beautiful time of day. The work load, instructing and homework to boot. Not to mention the travelling, but the best part is working with a group of guys and girls who want to go through this routine with the sole intention of helping other riders improve. This may sound self indulgent but they are a special group.

Likes: Skiing, Motocross, Supermoto, true competition of nearly all forms except F1 and of course Stella Artois.

Dislikes: Rudeness, Laziness and the smell of Sherring in the morning(another thing we go through that the public don't realise)

Andy Peck aka 'Spidey'

Deputy Chief Riding Coach Class 1
Have you ever looked in to learning something then found that the more you learnt, the more you realised there was to learn? When I was a club-racing backmarker I looked to see what the California Superbike School had to offer. I did Level One and immediately realised that although I’d been riding for over 20 years, I actually knew very little about it! Level 1 made me think about my riding more than I ever had done and over the following season I ended up with more questions than I had answers. So that’s when I signed up for Level 2, then Level 3 and eventually Level 4. The improvements showed in my riding and I was transformed into a race winner and eventually a Club Champion; this stuff works! Now you could easily think that I had learnt it all and be satisfied with that but the more I learnt about riding, the more I realised there was to learn about riding. Then I became a Coach. Starting as a provisional Coach, going through the training programme you very soon discover that, you guessed it, there is more to learn than you ever knew existed! The more I learn about Coaching, the more I realise there is to learn about Coaching and about the Riding Technology that we use in our Coaching. And so it goes on. The Coach training is constantly progressing and everything thing I learn not only makes me a better Coach but also makes me want to learn more about Coaching. So, I now have the role of Deputy Chief Riding Coach where I am responsible for helping progress the other Coaches along their training programme. And guess what? The more I learn about training Coaches, the more I realise there is to learn about training Coaches, my own Coaching and of course the Riding Technology that we use!
I have to say that being part of this team of super-heroes with the common aim to improve YOUR riding is the most satisfying job ever!

Gary Adshead

Riding Coach Class 4 / Seminarist
What do you enjoy about being a part of the Schools?

The total commitment from every member of staff to ensure that every student on a school day gets the maximum benefit for their particular level of riding skill.

Likes: 5.30 starts!! Seeing improvement in the students at any level, the enthusiasm of all staff members, improving my riding and knowledge to better my coaching skills, Leffe when I can find it, riding my own bikes, watching Paul load both trucks.

Dislikes: Whingers, formula 1.

Johnny Haynes

Riding Coach Class 3
What do you enjoy about being a part of the Schools?



To have the opportunity to help riders who want to improve; even after coaching for 12 years with CSS I still get emotional when I see my students have a ‘light bulb’ moment and get to share their buzz!




Likes: Everything to do with bikes – with the bias towards racing and winning! The CSS crew; from top to bottom this is a dedicated bunch of people who are an inspiration to be with.





Dislikes: Health and safety, not taking responsibility for your own actions, old-mans beer J

Matthew Hartley

Riding Coach Class 2
Who are the best trained people on Earth? Doctors? Soldiers? How about a CSS coach? After graduating through the school back in 1998 I was approached by Andy to become one the school’s coaches. He explained that becoming a coach was a direct result of demonstrating an ability to listen and apply the drills, along with an understanding of the riding techniques being taught at the schools. On reflection he made it sound only so simple and easy. This is only true in that he used very few words to describe what it takes to be a coach at the California Superbike School. The real truth is in the non-stop development of the coach training that takes place at the school. I very much doubt that any other motorcycle riding coaches can honestly say that their training is never ending. Indeed, it is a very great privilege to become one of the school’s coaches, the ongoing training ensures that every coach is continually progressing. Applying the techniques is one thing, but to progress through the training as a coach and see students achieve their cornering nirvana is something else. There isn’t a lot that’s better than sharing the moment when a student first gets their knee down. Becoming an ever better trained coach helps with that.

Paul Debnam aka 'Hollywood'

Riding Coach Class 2
The training we receive as riding coaches has developed my observation, analytical and communication skills. I can spot a student's riding problems accurately and not only get him to understand what he needs to do, but to reliably do it. This puts a smile on everyone's face.

It's transformed my personal riding too. Being able to make the distinctions necessary to spot student riding errors make it possible for me to see my own, where I didn't before. The drills we work on at the school still make a difference in my riding each time I apply them.

Chris Sherring

Riding Coach Class 2
What do you enjoy about being a part of the Schools?

We get to see a very wide range of riders who are stuck with there riding, then at the end of the day you see this big grin and you know that you have now put them in control of there bike making them a safer better rider. Also working with some of the fastest boys in the racing scene and helping them to improve, going round the world and riding new tracks and the different types of students and working them both out.

Likes:
Being part of a very special group of people (the school) banofffee pie, Stella, SuperMoto, motocross, M Hartley’s wit, leaving big fat black lines from the rear tyre of the R1

Dislikes:
Getting up at 05:30. Students that don’t listen and learn. JC beating me to the bathroom in the morning he won’t get out. Paul's snoring especially after Stella. London traffic

Adam Griffin aka 'Killswitch'

Riding Coach Class 2, Coach Of The Year 2010
What do you enjoy about being part of the school?

Being one of an amazing family receiving input both productive and of the piss taking variety make for great evenings in the pub. Believe me, you can't rest for one minute.

Of course 'hooning around' various tracks of the world on brand new bikes is up there too. But it's my passion for coaching and being able to work 1-2-1 with students, helping them move into the realms of faster, safer cornering that gives me the biggest buzz.

Likes: Guinness, suspension, warm weather, pickles and the thought of soon becoming a Dad.

Dislikes: The cold(unless I'm on a mountain), Ill mannered people.... gets me every time!

Richard Browne aka 'Badger'

Riding Coach Class 1, Coach of the Year 2006
I've been hooked on the schools ever since I did my Level 1 as a student. It made such a difference to my riding that I just wanted to do more and it's an honour to be in a position (as a coach) to help others achieve the same sort of improvements in their own riding. Seeing such positive reactions is very rewarding and no two days at the school are the same.

It's awesome being a part of such a great team of people and I always look forward to meeting up with everyone and, of course, without these guys and girls I would have gone through life without the name 'Badger'! Oh, and being able to travel the world with great kit and bikes is also a very big Brucie bonus.

Likes:
My wife, kids and big Reg (my oversized dog)
Riding bikes (whether it be my old BMX or an R1)
Watching bikes, talking bikes... the list goes on
People who try
Coffee and biscuits

Dislikes:
Coffee with no biscuits (a drink is too wet without one)
People who don't try

Richard Snieg aka 'Snieggy'

Riding Coach, Coach of the Year 2004 & 2005
I started riding motorbikes when I was 13, bombing around Scotland on motocrossers and I have also owned something like 12 different models of bike, including a Harley! But it wasn’t until 2001 (when I was 37 and took my R6 to do Level 1 at the Superbike School at Lydden Hill) that I had a proper introduction into how to really ride a motorcycle.

I then went to Catalunya circuit in Spain with the School and had the best weekend I’d ever had on a bike; everything came together and I was awarded the best student prize. I was asked to try-out for the team in 2002 - that in itself an experience, but it gave me an idea of how much commitment it takes to become – and remain – a Riding Coach. The formalised coaching development programme is fundamental in helping you understand the technology of riding, which you then use to pass on to your students.

I am encouraged in my continuous professional development and have seen massive improvements in my own riding which also shows me how to help others improve theirs. I have been fortunate enough to Coach many students who have made huge progress in their riding and confidence using the Superbike School technology.


Being a member of this team has been a huge part of my life for nearly 10 years and I am very proud to be a Riding Coach.

David Cook aka 'Cookie'

Riding Coach Class 1
As with all the CSS Coaches, my first encounter with the School came as a student turning up one cold, damp morning wondering what I'd let myself in for.

That's not strictly true of course because like most students, I was only too aware of the deficiencies in my own riding and the abject need to become smoother, faster but above all, safer!

As with many other riders, I had gone down the path of thinking that the latest "go-faster gizmo" would improve my riding (not just my bike) and that these wonderful "bolt-ons" would make all the difference. Whilst on occasions, they can make a bike better they do not alter the fundamental need of the rider being in control of what is happening. I explored this interaction through the four levels of the School's training programme before coming to the realisation that "I" made the difference.

Becoming a Coach in 2004 showed to me that I had progressed as a rider but left me hungry for more. Like passing your Driving Test or becoming a Black Belt in Karate, you realise that you haven't finished your journey, you are in fact only really beginning it. As a result of some pretty intensive and on-going "schooling" as a Coach, I am able to work with students on a personal basis who are probably displaying the same misunderstandings that I had. It is a delight to then help that student apply the tried and tested technology, laid down by Keith Code, to come to the same type of conclusion that I did. "You" will be the one to make the difference.

I look forward to meeting you at a future School day.

Gary Walton aka 'Gromit'

Riding Coach
I attended Level One of the school in 2007 and instantly realised how little I knew of my favourite sport.
I have owned over 30 bikes, ridden countless more, completed numerous track days, and yet my riding made the biggest progression in 21 years, in one day!
Level 2 and 3 soon followed with even better results.
As a coach my riding is still improving. The on-going coach training syllabus has also helped me to further understand the technology of riding.
All the coaches are dedicated professionals who share the same goals; to improve as coaches and help riders to improve.
My passion for riding motorcycles is stronger than ever. Coaching at the school is a major reason for that.

Ben Smith aka 'Hippy'

Riding Coach Class 1
Why do you like being part of the School?

We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make our world.

Graham Smith aka 'Flash'

Riding Coach Class 2
What do you enjoy about being part of the school?

To be part of something that gives me so much satisfaction and enjoyment and to be able to see your students improve through out the day and to know that everyone in the team is working towards the same goal.
Also traveling to far destinations having all your kit supplied and getting an R6 to ride for the year are minor plus points.

LIKES
Getting to ride some great tracks in the sun, Moto GP, PSP.

DISLIKES
Riding in the rain, going back to work after a two day school in Spain.

Mike Ollington

Riding Coach
Enjoy:

Working with students and seeing their realisation of the difference the technology makes to their riding as they progress through the day and beyond. It's a real buzz to see students finding the same things that I found when I attended the schools as a customer and then as a Coach. It's great working with a dedicated, organised team of people doing their utmost to ensure that students have an enjoyable day and then relaxing over a chat and a few beers at the day's end. Riding all manner of bikes on tracks all over the world and meeting different people is, of course, hugely appreciated.

Likes:

My son and wife, the 2008 R1, German cars, Spanish race tracks and warm, sunny Summers.

Dislikes:

People suffering tunnel vision, most things have another solution.

Claus Diseth

Riding Coach (Norway) Class 1
What do you enjoy about being a part of the Schools?

If you could run a company's bike in the company's leathers with the company's helmets, boots and gloves - wouldn't you have a big grin in your face, too?
Seriously: To be able to pass over this great technology to other bikers, see them improve and see their big grins is very rewarding.

Likes: Bikes, travel, Coaching = my job!

Dislikes: Can I take this one in Norwegian, Andy?

Stew Christie

Riding coach (South Africa)
When I started riding 12 yrs ago I had heard of Keith Code and The California Superbike School. It was my dream to be able to do the School and when Andy Ibbott and the team came to South Africa I jumped at the opportunity and eventually completed all 4 levels. I was approached with the offer to try out as a Coach, and in 2006 after much study and a grueling GRILLING by Andy and Johnny, I passed - contrary to belief, becoming accepted as a Coach is when the hard work and study begins. Completing all levels of the California Superbike School has made a huge improvement to my riding - studying to become a Coach has helped me immensely to improve my coaching and riding skills as well as understanding the technology regarding cornering. From dreaming of doing the California Superbike School to actually becoming a Coach, I am now in the place I want to be and enjoying the hard work that encompasses being a CSS Coach.

Appanna Ganapathy

Riding Coach (South Africa)
What do you enjoy about being part of the schools?

The smile and confidence of a student when he/she has realised that they have learnt something that enables then to control the motorcycle better. Also the ability to make students feel more comfortable with their motorcycles and go around corners faster! Working with the best bunch of coaches on the planet!

Likes;

Bikes(suprise!), CSS, X-Box360, MotoGP, WSBK, Drifting, Kodagu,KT (Kert)

Dislikes;

Stubborn and dishonest people.

Hussain AlKooheji

Riding Coach (Middle East)
In 2007 I decided to race in the National 600cc Class. I was lucky enough to have CSS in town and did Level 1 just 3 months before I started racing. It totally changed my concept of riding. It took me a while to erase all the bad habits that I picked up in 10 years of street riding but applying the techniques from Level 1 surely made me a better and faster, rider. That year I finished the season 3rd overall. It didn't stop there as I went through Twist of the Wrist II seeking more knowledge and then did Level 2 & 3 and guess what?! In 2008 I won 3 titles!

Ever since that day, all I wanted to do is help riders improve just like I did with CSS. So after speaking with Andy, I finally got a chance to go through the coaching program and it was one of the toughest things I ever encountered in my life! It all paid off when I saw the improvement of my students and the grin on their faces!

The best part of it all is being one of CSS family, oh and getting to see the pranks that happen behind the scenes!

Spyros Koutras

Riding Coach (Greece)
What do you enjoy about being a part of the Schools?

To have THE opportunity to transfer knowledge that does make a difference and see the results at the end of the school day. The never-ending education of the fine art of motorcycle riding and the personal quest to continuous amplify the skills that transfer this knowledge. Being part of a great team and mixing it with an equally dedicated team of coaches from all over the world. Riding in well-known circuits and getting paid for it. Still trying to understand how difficult is the job a MotoGP rider. And the finally, what enjoy most by being a CSS coach is that I would be a different person if I wasn’t.

Likes: quality in people and in motorcycles, responsive front end, breaking misunderstandings, blue sky.
Dislikes: bad temper in people and in motorcycles, misunderstandings, loose front end, bad jokes.

Mike Wood

Riding Coach (Greece)
What do you enjoy about being part of the schools?

At the risk of being locked up and having the key thrown away for pure lack of originality, I must admit that the most satisfying thing is seeing that dawn of realisation and the uncontrolled grin that comes over a students'
face when they first understand a technique and are successfully able to apply it. The comraderie between the members of the team as well as the cheap, tasteless humour, guffawing and jollybanter with Mr. Ibbott come a close second...

Likes: Cold beer, Greek weather, English bottom humour, getting paid for something I enjoy this much...

Dislikes: Warm beer, English weather, English bottoms, the guilt that comes with getting paid for something I enjoy this much...

Nikos Tsoumanis

Riding Coach (Greece)
I enjoy the smile of the happy student at the end of the day and the satisfaction that he/she feels because of having discovered and learned the proper way to control the bike in real time situations. I also like the feeling of being part of a team which truely wants to transfer knowledge to other people and transform them into safer riders.

I like riding bikes fast, track days, sleeping, reading books (Stephen King is my favourite), spending relaxed hours with my girlfriend and my friends, making other people laugh, true communication in human relationships and being part of the CSS team.

I dislike cars in traffic, not having money, the idea of not being part of the CSS team, rude and selfish people.

Konstantinos Dallas

Riding Coach (Greece)
Things I hate most are: imperfect knowledge, sloppiness and half measures. In riding, our favorite hobby, the greatest enemy of imperfect knowledge is the California Superbike School. For everything a rider assumes, suspects or has not the slightest idea that occur during riding, CSS gives them name and surname. This alone would be enough to keep my interest increased, but the benefits of being a member of the CSS family does not stop there. Fifteen 20min sessions per day at the track with some of the best supersport motorcycles -and not only in Greece but also in MotoGP tracks-, continuous training and personal improvement, to exchange email with experienced coaches, including the legendary Keith Code, and to receive responses so warm as if they know you for years.


I kept the best for last. These magic moments of "epiphany of the Holy Spirit" as I like to call them, that all students experience in CSS, are simply invaluable. There is no better feeling than seeing your student to successfully apply the drill and get back to the paddock with his eyes wide open and an expression written all over his face that reads: "how the hell I was able to ride my bike till today?"

Dimitris Gakis

Riding Coach (Greece)
What do you enjoy about being a part of the School?

Being a part of the CSS, it's a thrilling experience.
You have the privilege of helping people understand the "hidden art" of riding a motorcycle.
At the end of the day, I can see from the student's smiles that they started to discover that art.
That smile, is the most rewarding thing for me as a coach.

Likes:
My wife above all, sliding a bike out of a corner, the checked flag in a race.

Dislikes:
People who think their self's smarter than everyone else.

Panagiotis Archontitsis

Riding Coach (Greece)
What do you enjoy about being a part of the Schools?

Riding all day in a race track with someone else’s bike is a dream for most of the people I know…

After all, being a part of the best riding school in the world is a great honour of its own. And it is really a pleasure discovering a new trick every day, and having at the same time about fifteen people happy to discuss about it

Likes:
Seeing the progress of a student. It is unbelievable how many riders seem completely lost in the first hour, but only a couple of hours later they know exactly what they are doing.

Dislikes:
School in the rain. School in the Greek summer. Having a racer as a student…

Dimitris Panokostas

Riding Coach (Greece)
It's not very common to be part of a team that really works and always tries for the best and it sure is a very rewarding experience. However, what really excites me is the communication with all the students. Having someone who gradually becomes better and better during the day ang knowing that I'm partly responsible for that, makes me a happy person in the end of the day.

I Like Happy faces, comics, computer games, photography, travelling, rock music. Oh, and motorcycles!

I don't like Hypocricy, that slippery sufface that passes for asphalt in Greece, waking up in the morning.

Savvas Giannitsiotis

Riding Coach (Greece)
What do you enjoy about being part of the School?

Passion for riding a bike is a fact.

But passion is not enoughto enjoy riding with safety.

While there's nothing wrong with being passionate about riding a motorcycle, it can give you the wrong impression that you know everything about the bike.

And that is what "School" is all about, it's here to teach you in a unique manner, how to make this passion safe and meaningful.

Finally, passion becomes greater when you see that you are able to share it and deliver it to other people, in the same way that you are enjoying it.

Likes;

Looking forward to a school weekend.
When the most skeptical student understands that there is also another way, than the one that he knows.
The positive energy at the track.

Dislikes;

When the school is over.
The "wise guys" who know everything.
1200km total from Serre to Athens on Sunday night-work on Monday morning.
Leaving the house in the morning when it's still dark.
Driving on a wet track.

Donna Ibbott

Marketing Manager
What do you enjoy about being a part of the Schools?

Being with the best bunch of people I have ever worked with and seeing the students progress from being ‘frightened rabbits’ at the beginning of the day to becoming enlightened and totally happy by the end.

Watching Andy coach Thomas Luthi to become 125GP World Champion in 2005 - waking up at some ridiculous times to watch him practice, qualify and race even though I could have recorded it.

Likes:
My gorgeous son's, my husband, my horse, my friends, the sound of a Honda Moto GP bike going down pitlane. But not always in that order!

Dislikes:
Finding out that Paul hasn’t loaded my clothes dummies for the shop!

Corinna Flynn

Course Control
What do you enjoy about being a part of the School?

I've been part of the team for over 10 years, I've seen the school grow and flourish into something I am very proud to be a part of.
Seeing happy students at the end of the day and knowing their passion for riding bikes has been enhanced is definately the biggest buzz.

Likes: Spending the day with leather clad men

Dislikes: The amount of ridiculous wet weather clothing I have to wear when the weather is crap.

Chris Rothwell

Wrangler
What do you enjoy about being a part of the Schools?

Bossing people around, telling them where to go and what to do – as I am unable to do this at home !!
Being outside on various tracks in all sorts of weather (even the rain)
Listening to the roar of motorbikes – especially Ducatis.
Being in the back of a Cab with Johnny and Andy and all three of us laughing our heads off !
The camaraderie

Dislikes
Getting up early and having to be on track by 6:30 a.m.
Food that is supplied by lots of tracks (especially in the UK)
Not being able to ride a motorbike

Beccie Bitmead

Shop Keeper / Wrangler
I did Level 1 of the School just before I tried my hand at club racing. The School came highly recommended to me by someone who had vastly improved their riding ability and knowledge - and in turn their racing results - by going through the various Levels. I went on to do all four Levels of the School and thoroughly enjoyed – and benefited – from every Level. California Superbike School is a totally unique experience and I’m very grateful to the person who initially recommended it to me (ok, so he is my husband and he is the Deputy Chief Riding Coach)!!

I am very proud to work with such a dedicated team of professionals. Never will you come across a group of people who care so much. They genuinely want nothing more than to impart the vast amount of knowledge to each and every one of their students that they have worked hard to gain themselves over their years of training. They want to ensure that every student leaves the School a better rider and knowing that they understand how and why they have improved.

Jo French

Assistant Course Control/Wrangler
I should firstly admit that I don't ride a motorbike - never have, never will! However I lived with a biker for something like 20 years and have seen first-hand the incredible difference that taking part in the schools made to his confidence and ability.
From Level 1 onwards the commitment and focus of the whole team - and that includes the ones you don't get to see - is on giving you the best environment to learn how to ride better, safer (and yes, maybe faster) ...
We hope that the smile we give when you Sign-on helps your nerves; that the Safety briefings ensure you know the rules of the day; that the Wrangler gets you to the right place at the right time; that your Coach gives you the confidence and support you require; that the Classroom sessions give you the technology you need; that the Coaches on track help you to put the tech into practice ... and that the food is good (okay - not always under our control, but important!).
That's all we do, that's what we care about ... you (and each other!) Come, have a good day, we can pretty much guarantee that you will!

Lynn Burdett

Office manager
What do you enjoy about being part of the School?

Well it’s all good here at sunny CSS HQ! In almost all cases I’m the first point of contact for potential students and it’s a very enjoyable part of my days work talking to them about their bikes, their riding goals and anything else!

I find it very rewarding when students who were particularly apprehensive about spending a day on track ring me up after the school full of cornering confidence and renewed enthusiasm for their riding. Absolutely fantastic.

Likes: Riding my bike around Scotland and Europe with my mates. My best friend Gibo. Meeting friendly people. Scuba diving in far-flung places. Men in leather, men in neoprene, whatever…..

Getting to see our riding coaches in their undies when they’re getting changed into their leathers (not so good in some cases - Paul!)

Dislikes: Miserable, negative people - bad Karma will sort them out eventually……

Scuba diving in Dosthill quarry – cold with mainly rubbish viz!

Men in dodgy baggy grey Y-fronts – get yer Mum to buy you some boxers! That means you Paul!