Mike Edwards' Motorcycle Racing

Hmnn. Cold wet Cadwell...

2012-03-04T10:20:00.001Z

Hmnn. Cold wet Cadwell...
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Problem is when you are a youngster, you're limited to the days when you can get on track; so I'm enjoying a chilly damp one to one coaching day with a young client here on an MSV day at Cadwell.

I'm pleased to announce...

2012-02-29T16:50:00.000Z

Action shot: Jamie Morris

I'm pleased to be able to announce that I will be riding the P&H Motorcycles Öhlins Ducati 848 in the Challenge this year. The whole team is focused on providing me with a top flight machine together with the necessary back up and support for us to be able to mount a serious attempt at the Challenge.

After finishing runner up last year, I’m looking forward to concluding some unfinished business.

It looks like there will be a strong field this season with plenty of new riders coming from many different classes and clubs. In addition to existing family and friends riding in the Challenge; apparently after last year’s endeavours, I’ve also inspired a few of my old sparing partners to dust off their leathers, so I look forward to them coming out to play, just can’t wait to start rubbing shoulders - already sharpening the elbows!

The team has already had a ‘shake down’ outing at Cadwell Park; both Matt and Ray worked hard to get the bike ready, and I’m pleased to report that it feels good.

I’m looking forward to some more testing before the opening round at Brands Hatch British Superbike event 6^th – 9^th April.

Paul Searle, MD of P&H Motorcycles Limited says: “We were looking for a top rider to do our bike justice for our second season in the Ducati 848 challenge race series. However we have done better than we could ever have wished. We are both delighted and honoured that Mike ‘Spike’ Edwards has signed to ride for P&H Öhlins this year.”

Donington day.

2012-02-28T11:09:00.001Z

Donington day.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Having a one to one coaching day bit damp and greasy hope it warms and dries up soon.

Just thinking about stuff

2012-02-26T11:32:00.001Z

Just thinking about stuff
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

...as I send off my 30th ACU licence application form, I'm reminiscing about all the great times and fab people I've met through the sport. Enjoyed meeting Roland Sands when he came to crash a Harley at Brands - signed his number board for me!

Brrr, splish, splosh.

2012-02-18T12:17:00.001Z

Brrr, splish, splosh.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Oulton park and my first UK coaching day this year. A bit chilly and wet this morning but brightening up now.

Update on 848 Challenge Collective

2012-02-09T19:42:00.000Z

Last week I mailed a select group of contacts to see if they could join up as a Challenge Collective to support me getting on the 848 grid this year.

I’ve had a small response, but to date, not anywhere near enough to ‘make my dream come true’ – but there’s another week to go to try and raise some funds before I decide whether to go for it or not.

If interested in supporting me, you can always bung a nice big cheque in the post to this address – but hey, all donations, no matter how small are most welcome – if you want to securely donate online, simply visit my website at http://www.mike-edwards.net and click on the ‘Financial Support’ link in the middle of the header; or to find out more about my original ‘Challenge Collective’ proposal click here: http://www.mike-edwards.me.uk/2012images/ChallengeCollective.pdf

What a surprise

2012-02-04T22:30:00.001Z

What a surprise
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

in Paris for the ICGP dinner prize giving; for my first year and winning from the back row of the grid at Catalunya I've been presented with a trophy as 'rookie of the year'. How fabulous.

Need to rustle up some chums with some cash!

2012-01-28T19:07:00.000Z

First day done.

2012-01-21T17:33:00.001Z

First day done.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Back at the hotel having a debrief reviewing the onboard video footage of the day.

They say the customer is always right.

2012-01-20T15:32:00.001Z

They say the customer is always right.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Two clients want coaching and they're in Spain. Who am I to argue? Almeria, good to be back!

all packed and ready.

2012-01-12T19:29:00.001Z

all packed and ready.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

We all got a bit cold waiting as the truck was over three hours late for the collection but now 'Frank' is all packed up and ready to start work for the 2012 season. First clients fancy a run round in Spain let's hope it's warmer.

How I get round Cadwell Park

2012-01-01T15:56:00.001Z

Mailing list all done...

2011-12-14T00:27:00.001Z

Right that's everyone on the mailing list done at last!

If you like your calendar a small donation towards the production and postage, even a couple of quid will help - click here: http://mike-edwards.fsnet.co.uk/e-shop/shopfront.htm.

If you haven't got one and would like one, click the link to reserve yours.

And now the 'fun' begins...

2011-11-21T19:12:00.001Z

Calendar time! Just starting on the signing, packing and posting...

Click here to reserve yours...

All cancelled.

2011-11-04T09:53:00.002Z

All cancelled.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

The circuit owners simply can not win the battle against nature. The relentless rain has caused mud and debris to be deposited all round the track; as it continues to pour down, they have called it a day offering a couple of replacement days 21st / 22nd May.

And still it rains.

2011-11-03T15:50:00.001Z

And still it rains.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Officially a local disaster area with land slides even a petrol station fore court has been washed away. I have to say it's the worst weather I have ever witnessed do I need to mention that we've not got out on track?

The rain in Spain

2011-11-03T08:25:00.001Z

The rain in Spain
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

...falls mainly on Moto Parc Castelloli. With a bit of luck it might brighten up...

No, it's not a CD it's my 2012 Desk Calendar!

2011-10-30T20:35:00.001Z

2012 desk calendar

2011-10-25T16:19:00.001+01:00

From some 40 plus photos, we have narrowed the choice to 21 on the short list, if you are on Facebook, click here and help us with the final selection:
Calendar photo choice

Final UK day.

2011-10-17T13:03:00.001+01:00

Final UK day.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Having a run round Cadwell with a coaching client, it might be a tad chilly but so far it's stayed dry for my last UK track day this year.

Great scheme to get involved with

2011-10-11T19:48:00.001+01:00

That'll do!

2011-10-09T13:30:00.001+01:00

That'll do!
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Managed a win for Graham, good end to the season. Had a nice four second lead at the end of first lap then lost it all when spending quite a lot of time and nearly crashing out on the grass at Graham Hill bend. Managed to hang on to the lead though and keep Dave Heal at bay who came 2nd in his first ICGP outing.

Oh dear...

2011-10-08T18:36:00.001+01:00

Oh dear...
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Did yesterday on the standard engine, it ran find but we were some 9mph down on Simmo's bike. Graham wanted more speed so a motor swap was done this morning. We were really late out on track for our long track practice tonight almost dark at 17.35hr. Lasted 4 laps before it seized; back on the bench and there is now the stench of midnight oil burning...

Perhaps should have put a fresh tyre on.

2011-10-07T17:39:00.001+01:00

Perhaps should have put a fresh tyre on.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

It was a bit difficult to keep up Chris who won and Simmo in 2nd but we are happy with 3rd as at least the bike kept going... Practice for the full circuit tomorrow and the second race on Sunday.

Going to be a hot one!

2011-10-07T14:06:00.001+01:00

Going to be a hot one!
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Well Simmo is on pole and I am next up with a 51.956. Then the order is Bishop, Bertin, and Heal within another second behind me. Race is at 16.15.

Fast and furious.

2011-10-07T11:45:00.001+01:00

Fast and furious.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Do not ever think classic racing is easy. Here at Brands today there is some real quality talent on track. My clutch is slipping due to a small leak from behind the seal. First session sees me 3rd behind Simmo on pole then Chris Bishop with Heal, Hart, Bertin and Carter. Next out at 13.20 check out live timing at www.tsl-timing.com

Something a bit inspiring.

2011-10-05T11:27:00.001+01:00

Something a bit inspiring.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Back at Castle Combe; here today with 'The Bike Experience' - just doing a bit of car park work to make sure everyone is confident and up to speed before we get out on track this afternoon.

Can't believe it.

2011-10-02T11:48:00.001+01:00

Can't believe it.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

What another gorgeous day at Cadwell. I've coached my client before when he was Suzuki mounted; he's recently changed to a Kawasaki ZX10, and poor old 'Frank' really has his work cut out today.

Shades all round.

2011-09-30T10:41:00.001+01:00

Shades all round.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

It is such a gorgeous day here at Cadwell that both me and my coaching client have had to crack out the sunglasses before 10am. Looks like it's going to be a scorcher!

2nd overall.

2011-09-25T13:38:00.001+01:00

2nd overall.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Third place in the race today has given me 2nd overall in the championship.

First race.

2011-09-24T18:21:00.001+01:00

First race.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Finished 4th, I'm in a grump and not talking to anyone so I'll put up the full race sketch later.

Qualifying session.

2011-09-24T14:13:00.001+01:00

Qualifying session.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Just wanted to do an out lap then bank a decent lap and then do a practice start. Much to my surprise I'm on pole with a 2.16-518. With Robbie and Kenny next. Today's race at 5.25pm.

Morning warm up.

2011-09-24T09:42:00.001+01:00

Morning warm up.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Just having a chin wag about the session. All agreed the track is abrasive yet with no grip somehow. I've changed to an Ohlins after running Ktech all season. Not sure which to go with.

Leisurely day.

2011-09-23T17:58:00.001+01:00

Leisurely day.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Steve and Harry came down yesterday with the bike and set up the awnings. We ambled down and stopped off to borrow 'Stan' Smiths caravan on the way. Out on track first thing at 9am.

Lovely Autumn day.

2011-09-19T13:30:00.001+01:00

Lovely Autumn day.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Not been to Cadwell for a week or so. Was worried that the weather might be a bit dodgy but I have been surprised; me and my coaching client are having a great day in lovely Autumn sunshine.

A grand day out.

2011-09-12T18:11:00.001+01:00

A grand day out.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Albeit a tad gusty, Alan, Steve and me have had a fun day out at Silvestone. Plenty of other 848 competitors here today as well having a run round before the BSB event in a couple of weeks.

Castle Combe, onboard for those who've never been, or need a reminder.

2011-09-10T19:41:00.002+01:00

Camera mounted above the exhausts...

2011-09-10T19:40:00.000+01:00

Cadwell Park Event overview - Ducati 848 Challenge.

2011-09-10T19:38:00.003+01:00

Ducati 848 Onboard Video from Cadwell Park

2011-09-10T19:35:00.001+01:00

And the rain came down...

2011-09-07T19:38:00.000+01:00

Photo by Alex James.

That's lucky then!

2011-09-06T12:20:00.001+01:00

That's lucky then!
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

My coaching client today wants to build his confidence for racing in the wet and difficult weather - so here we are at Snetterton where luckily for him it has been pouring with rain and blowing a gale...

Leon is champion!

2011-09-03T16:46:00.001+01:00

Leon is champion!
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Managed to push Leon a bit in the second race. Just kicked and crunched my way through the gear box. Almost thought about having a go at him on the dash to the finish but hey I was happy to cross the line 0.336 second behind him and be the first to congratulate him as the 2011 Challenge Champion.

well where there was one...

2011-09-03T14:39:00.001+01:00

well where there was one...
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

...there was bound to be several more. After Cadwell and losing the race with a false neutral I should have realised that it could be indicative of a problem. Just run the race with a whole box full of neutrals; finished 3rd - but not what I really wanted.

Busy day.

2011-09-03T11:42:00.001+01:00

Busy day.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Done the 10mins practice. Done the 10mins qualifying; there was a real mix of 43 different bikes on track. Very difficult to get a clear lap. 3rd behind Leon and Robbie. Lots of interesting people here; Gary Smith is showing me the progress of his mono. First race is about 12ish.

Arrived Castle Combe.

2011-09-02T19:15:00.001+01:00

Arrived Castle Combe.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Here we are ready for two races tomorrow. Love this Diavel - if someone ran these in a one make series I would definately be first in the queue to get my name down.

Back to business...

2011-08-31T11:56:00.001+01:00

Back to business...
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Had a day at home to unpack after BSB and then back here to Cadwell with a coaching client. Reasonable weather so far, just hoping it keeps fine for him.

Bloody 2nd again.

2011-08-29T17:15:00.001+01:00

Bloody 2nd again.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

I know getting on the box is always a welcome achievement but after leading the entire race with just 3 laps to go, a false neutral in to Mansfield meant that the top step still eludes me.

Morning warm up.

2011-08-28T09:07:00.001+01:00

Morning warm up.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Early morning! Track was nasty cold and greasy with scattered damp patches under the trees. No chance to prove anything other than my gearing change works a bit better at Charlies one. Race at 16.50.

Should be a good one.

2011-08-27T18:52:00.001+01:00

Should be a good one.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Qualifying is close so it should be a good race tomorrow at 16.50. Don't forget there is online timing of the race available at www.tsl-timing.com

Not again!

2011-08-27T15:14:00.001+01:00

Not again!
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

It was supposed to be fine now for the rest of the weekend. Unfortunately intermittant thunderstorms and downpours seem the order of the day. Just did 3 laps of wet practice. Qualifying is at 18.05. I wonder if it will be wet or dry or a delightfull mix of both!

Up and running.

2011-08-27T12:20:00.001+01:00

Up and running.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Despite endless rain yesterday we got set up while Steve and Sarah were stuck in bank holiday traffic taking 6 hours to get here. Luckily they brought their newly customised scoot for paddock transport.

Weather turnaround.

2011-08-19T14:09:00.001+01:00

Weather turnaround.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Beautiful day here at Cadwell today. Another client who is racing the Hottrax endurance this weekend; however as it's a general testing day I'm not surprised to see a few of my 848 competitors here as well.

Rain spoils play.

2011-08-18T15:25:00.001+01:00

Rain spoils play.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Never mind my client today here at Cadwell wants to try a couple of wet sessions as he's racing here at the weekend. Changing wheels gives me the chance to show off my 'factory' hand crafted caliper holders.

Frank's younger brother?

2011-08-16T12:42:00.001+01:00

Frank's younger brother?
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

On track today with my coaching client on an 08 R1; thought the weather was going to be dodgy at first but after the early morning damp has dried up it's been great!

Ducati 848 Challenge - Brands Hatch 2

2011-08-11T20:59:00.001+01:00

Waiting for the sun.

2011-08-11T12:53:00.001+01:00

Waiting for the sun.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

At Mallory waiting for the track to dry. Going to have a run round on this bike to check out and give feedback on the new front end that's been fitted before it goes to the Manx for 'B'Ryan Farquhar to race.

The sun is out...

2011-08-10T12:03:00.001+01:00

The sun is out...
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

...but unfortunately there's no escaping that it's rained all morning here at Cadwell. My client's running with a belly pan of water so there's really only one cure for that!

2nd again!

2011-08-07T15:25:00.001+01:00

2nd again!
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Leon got a great start and I lost ground not being able to get passed Robbie. And when I eventually did there was no way I could catch Leon.

Blistering race.

2011-08-05T15:54:00.001+01:00

Blistering race.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Had an absolute cracking race with Kenny. Led for a lot of it then he got in front towards the end and despite my hero lunge into Surtees on the last lap I got the lead but then ran wide. It was great. Leon was 3rd.

Qualifying done.

2011-08-05T12:19:00.001+01:00

Qualifying done.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Did my best. On a two tyre per event rule I have to race on this rubber this afternoon at 15.20 so I hope they'll be okay after this session.

Free practice.

2011-08-05T09:42:00.001+01:00

Free practice.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Only did 6 laps as I found a slippy bit of track out of Druid's and down I went. Hadn't even settled in to a practice pace and it was all over, Luckily doesn't look like too much damage. Qualifying is 11.45.

Here at Brands.

2011-08-05T07:37:00.001+01:00

Here at Brands.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Had a lovely track walk last night with Nicky Wilson and Steve Jordan. Harry and Steve were scavenging for bits and pieces.

Glorious weather today

2011-08-01T13:51:00.001+01:00

Glorious weather today
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

at Snetterton. Having a good day on track in the bright sunshine with one of my regular coaching clients.

Long way...

2011-07-26T12:00:00.001+01:00

Long way...
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

My coaching client today has come all the way from Aberdeen so I hope that the rain stays away. Its just trying to damp the track with heavy mist at the moment - with a bit of luck we might get away with it.

Interesting day.

2011-07-18T16:55:00.001+01:00

Interesting day.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

My client today at Cadwell used to ride bikes on the road in his regular day job. Now he's retired he fancies getting on the track. Weather has been very kind, damp on arrival, one session on wets then dry all day.

Overview of Monza - Ducati 848 Challenge.

2011-07-15T22:27:00.001+01:00

Just nice.

2011-07-14T14:08:00.001+01:00

Just nice.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

After the monster heat and torrential downpours of Italy it's just nice and comforting to come and do a coaching day at Cadwell where it is pleasantly warm and dry.

Monza 848 - onboard practice.

2011-07-09T22:26:00.000+01:00

Great video from coaching day with Keith Flint.

2011-07-02T15:06:00.002+01:00

No storms yet.

2011-06-29T14:56:00.001+01:00

No storms yet.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

I was a bit worried about the weather for coaching at Cadwell today as the forecast suggested storms and showers. Sunny and dry so far though...

Fun in the sun.

2011-06-26T15:57:00.001+01:00

Fun in the sun.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Glorious weather. We're having a great time coaching here at Pembrey today; adding to the laughs is Mark Hanna on the spanners!

Slowly brightening up.

2011-06-25T11:20:00.001+01:00

Slowly brightening up.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Wet and dismal first thing today here at Pembrey, luckily my client doesn't mind the rain and not having been here before it's ideal for him to check out the circuit. The weather forecast for South Wales is good for the rest of the weekend so we should be able to pick up the pace once he's learnt the track.

Something a bit different.

2011-06-22T15:51:00.001+01:00

Something a bit different.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Having a day coaching an ICGP competitor at Snetterton. He's not ridden the new circuit yet and will be racing here with BSB in a couple of weeks.

Slippery when wet...

2011-06-17T17:35:00.001+01:00

Slippery when wet...
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

So far so good.

2011-06-15T10:53:00.001+01:00

So far so good.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Still nice warm and dry here coaching at Oulton today. Although the forecast was lousy when we left home, with a bit of luck we might get away with it.

Great day.

2011-06-13T15:30:00.001+01:00

Great day.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

It was a bit gloomy this morning with a damp track; but now the sun has come out and it's glorious here at Cadwell.

Hopefully not a pattern...

2011-06-11T11:39:00.001+01:00

Hopefully not a pattern...
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

...for the day here at Oulton. Bright sunshine and then we've just had a shower. Dry or fully wet please otherwise it ruins the coaching day for my client.

Gorgeous day.

2011-06-09T15:29:00.001+01:00

Gorgeous day.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

The rain has held off so far and we're having a reet good charge round Cadwell in fact it is so warm an sunny 'Frank' is getting a bit hot.

just one shower

2011-06-08T21:12:00.001+01:00

just one shower
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

- had a good day at Cadwell today, just missed one session after lunch while a rain cloud passed and drenched the place; then typical, it was all sunny and warm again so got back out towards the end of the day.

Seat foam...

2011-06-02T10:37:00.001+01:00

Seat foam...
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

check. Levers ... Check. Great weather ... Check. Right we should be on for a good day at Donington.

How bizarre.

2011-06-01T12:55:00.001+01:00

How bizarre.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

First met Beanz in 2003 when he invited me to instruct at his Jerez track day. We're at a lovely sunny and warm Cadwell Park today to do some 'polishing'.

almost chilled now.

2011-05-30T17:45:00.001+01:00

almost chilled now.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Bit too emotional to do an update from the circuit after the race. Those that watched it on telly will understand. Calmed down enough now to potter my way up North back home. Will update more later.

In hospitality

2011-05-29T16:46:00.001+01:00

In hospitality
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Watching Huddersfield Town play football. Team owner Alan is there supporting his local team. Oh yes the race - led for the first lap, and then had some monster massive 'almost crashing' slides got totally mugged while trying to get back under control. Even Chris Northover bagged me and took 4th. Leon was in front of him. Kenny won with Robbie Brown in 2nd. Tomorrows race is on telly 1.15.

Qualifying.

2011-05-29T09:48:00.001+01:00

Qualifying.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Well that's our one and only qualifying session done. Not very happy really. Made some suspension changes but still not right. Ultimately got a problem with the tyre. Race is at 3pm.

First practice done.

2011-05-28T18:57:00.001+01:00

First practice done.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

We are sharing an awning and sharing the love with Steve and Sarah Jordan. I think Steve sees it more as an excuse for us to use all his stuff though! Back to practice - in three parts due to oil on track. Thruxton is still Thruxton, fast and difficult to set up for. Qualifying at 8.55am!

Getting ready.

2011-05-28T14:34:00.001+01:00

Getting ready.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Here we are at Thruxton for the third Ducati 848 Challenge event. Practice is about 4.30 so I'm just getting ready.

Trying stuff.

2011-05-24T14:21:00.002+01:00

Trying stuff.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

I have simply not ridden the bike enough with just the race event at Assen; so come to Oulton today to just do some laps and try different things.
We were on a UK Bikes Trackdays day, very well run with plenty of room in all the groups, very helpfull bunch of guys.

Spectating.

2011-05-22T13:50:00.001+01:00

Spectating.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Seized on the first lap. So that gave me enough time to get back, get changed and enjoy watching the race.

Morning warm up.

2011-05-22T11:19:00.001+01:00

Morning warm up.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Swapped the carbs over as a test as its been the right cylinder on each of the three seizures. Did six laps and a plug chop. Seems to be okay. Lea has come to help with set up to make sure. We will just have to see for the race.

Tried my bloody hardest.

2011-05-21T17:45:00.001+01:00

Tried my bloody hardest.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

They formed a special row for me being dead last on the grid. Did my best
rode through the field to cross the line first time in about 8th. Then got
up to 4th on next lap. Simmo was away at the front so I Was hunting down
Parker and Bishop looking to make 2nd place mine. And then it nipped up...

You guessed it!

2011-05-21T15:49:00.001+01:00

You guessed it!
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Although I posted the third fastest lap the organisers have scratched my
time as I did not have the borrowed bike scrutineered under my name. I am
allowed to race from the back row of the grid. Again. Spare engine fitted
and now Lea is sorting the ignition for us.

Same again. Not even a lap.

2011-05-21T14:17:00.001+01:00

Same again. Not even a lap.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Stopped furthest away from pits. Luckily Harry rode up to meet recovery
trailer on a Dutch bicycle he found. I managed with my little legs to cycle
back and with just 7mins left got three flying laps in on Stu Melen's spare
bike. Taped the numbers over but I reckon we could be in trouble again as I
never appeared on the telly. Off to see the organisers.

Morning qualifying.

2011-05-21T10:00:00.001+01:00

Morning qualifying.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

I knew something was wrong the minute I rode on to the track. At first I
thought the acceleration was just slow compared to the Ducati. Within a
third of a lap I knew it was serious and pulled the clutch in. Holed a
piston. Not even done a lap so now we have three hours to sort it before
afternoon qualifying.

Graham's worked hard.

2011-05-19T19:59:00.001+01:00

Graham's worked hard.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Here we are back at Assen; just uncovered the bike and I can see Graham has been working hard. A new rear seat frame that feels a lot better, new front brake master cylinder as per my request and the back brake actually works now - and it looks great!

Thanks Ken!

2011-05-19T10:28:00.001+01:00

Thanks Ken!
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Spent hours at K Tech yesterday trying to fathom the weaving issue of the 848. Ken gave us lots of time and checked everything thoroughly and the most weird thing is - we found nothing wrong with either the forks or rear shock! Now that really is a bu€$er. Thanks anyway Ken for all your time and effort.

Hard do.

2011-05-15T14:32:00.001+01:00

Hard do.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Managed to hang on to the bike and stay with Leon and Darren for the whole race this time. It was hard work. Thought I was third but Darren was penalised for overtaking on a yellow flag promoting me to 2nd and Mark Cheetham to 3rd. Nice glass trophy. But I dropped and broke it. Bugger!

Not what I wanted.

2011-05-15T12:14:00.001+01:00

Not what I wanted.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

I'd like to report that I had a great race but I can't. A cloud burst as we were waiting on the grid meant we got five minutes to change tyres if we wanted for a wet race. I just did the front. That wasn't the problem though. The bike was fighting, bucking and weaving so badly on the straights that I was having to back off the throttle. Got 4th with the usual suspects on the podium. Darren on the top step, then Leon and Kenny. Going to be radical with suspension settings now because it CAN NOT be any worse.

Sweet joy.

2011-05-15T09:03:00.001+01:00

Sweet joy.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

Another day forecast sunshine and showers...

So frustrating.

2011-05-14T18:00:00.001+01:00

So frustrating.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke

I am disappointed that I just can't seem to get the bike to work. I even ran with a camera on board for the last session so I could try and think of a solution. It's weaving in weird places and I am still struggling with stability. Ho hum. Straight in to the races tomorrow no morning warm up. Just have to get on with it...