I was dreading today's coaching as the weather forecast was lousy. I'm pleased to report so far we are enjoying a warm sunny day.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Friday, July 27, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Best I could do!
Stu said if the bike did not feel right I should pull in. But in fact had a cracking race with Guy. Made a dash for the line and think I just missed out by 4/100ths. Should have moved the transponder forward.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Long circuit.
For today's practice on the GP track we got permission to run with cameras. I couldn't believe it when on the way out the bike stopped and wouldn't start. I scootered up to pit lane and jumped on the spare. Set pole and came back in where the camera bike was now up and running. Out on it to compare bikes, first lap and the back came round at Hawthornes and it was all over! Kept pole time though. Race tomorrow 10.45am.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Now that definately did not...
...go to plan. Same old same old - downpour on the grid. Red flag for someone and I put my hand up. Race stopped and everyone given 15 mins to change tyres if they wanted. I had spare bike in pit lane. Then I was really suprised by backlash from a 'gang' of other competitors accusing me of stopping the race to allow those with money for wet tyres to have more success. I tried to explain that safety was the issue and that I race for fun and riding in those conditions was not fun, but they continued jabbering and shouting at me. Stu said only race if I wanted to - so I didn't. In shock really that everyone had turned on me so nasty I thought it was supposed to be family style!
Pole secured.
Well now that's done I'd like to try and get the bike a bit more how I personally like it before tonights race at 5.25pm.
Time for a bacon butty!
That's practice done, rode two of Stu's bikes as Graham's is unwell. It was timed and eventhough I think there are a couple more seconds still to find I was fastest with Simmo 0.301 back. Proper qualifying is at 1.30pm.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Late night sorting
Had our supper and now just having a look over Stu's bike. Practice is 20mins at 10am.
Seldom seen...
part of Brands Hatch. Yes we are in the very very very bottom of the paddock. Travelling round some of the nicest tracks in Europe for the ICGP competitors it's come as a bit of a shock for them. Toilets are on their way apparently...
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Interesting to see
How today's coaching client has developed as a rider. It must be over a year since I last worked with him on track.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Thank goodness for "Gladys".
Back at Cadwell today where the weather is wet and windy. Luckily me and my coaching client can take refuge in 'Gladys' to go over the video footage in relative comfort.
Friday, July 13, 2012
It's glorious
Here at Cadwell Park today with my coaching client. I am still in shock that it's not actually raining.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Seems good so far.
Weather is warm and dry at the moment. Off from pole today, so Rick is just giving me a few tips. Race is about 1.35pm.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
All things considered...
Very happy with 2nd place. A tough race with lots of see-sawing of positions at the front. From what people have said after the rostrum it was very entertaining to watch. James Folkard won and Robbie 3rd.
Qualifying.
The session was not too bad. Did not really tweak much, the boys seem to have put it back together ok. On the front row in 3rd; Dennis Hobbs is on pole with Robbie next.
Boys worked hard.
Thanks to Matt , Ray and Harry for all their hard work. Thanks to Tony also for the use of his welder and workshop. I am just putting the finishing touches to make it look nice. Qualifying after lunch. Off to medical centre to hopefully get all clear.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Not to plan!
Just managed to squeeze 20mins practice in to schedule for us. However, I bug$ered it up for everyone. Three laps of great grip then there was none! Highside at the chicane - red flag - trip to medical centre. Luckily I'm just a bit sore but now it's time to crack on and fix the bike.
Oh dear.
Mike Green, says it all really, enjoying himself here at Oulton Park as it continues to rain. The time schedule is very tight and over running already. Last on the list, we may be 'lucky' and still get out for practice.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Pleasant day
here at Oulton Park with my coaching client. If I was picky I could say it's a bit close and muggy. But hey, at least it's dry!
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Bonnet and doors are available for promotional graphics / advert.
'Gladys' my coaching support vehicle is looking good, but the space on the cab is still up for grabs if anyone wants to get their message across to a targeted audience at circuits / trackdays.
Don't forget if you need bike / race / trackday insurance call 01480700979 and tell em 'Spike' sent you.
If you need any restorative 'bits and pieces' or 'nic naks' for your bike or car, have at look at http://www.frost.co.uk/ they will have what you need - again, tell them 'Spike' sent you.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Wooo Hoo!
No wets today! Sunglasses instead for coaching here at Snetterton. Having two days with "The Bike Experience" clients.
Friday, June 15, 2012
Today's client
For coaching here at Oulton is really in for a difficult wet / dry / wet day - again! I wish the weather would just make up it's mind.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
848 races at Misano - I did think that I could do practice sessions on the Friday, fly home that night, miss qualifying, and then get back to Italy late Saturday night.As there’s a date clash with my daughter’s college speech day and prize giving on the Saturday, I was fully prepared to race my heart out from the back of the grid to try and get decent results for the Öhlins P&H Motorcycles bike on Sunday.
I thought it’d be workable – even booked the return flight from Leeds to get me back into Italy late on Saturday night.However, I’ve been scuppered by the organisers who are insisting that I can’t even line up to race unless I complete a minimum of one lap of the qualifying session.So, as I don’t have a Learjet to pop home, after one lap of Saturday’s qualifying in time for the speech day, I won’t be racing at Misano.Obviously, I’m a bit sad at the thought of missing such a momentous event as Ducati World Weekend, but hey, one thing’s for sure, there’ll always be another motorcycle race, but there’ll only be one daughter's prize giving!
I enjoy racing in the 848 Challenge as there’s a friendly ‘family style’ atmosphere, so when thinking about a replacement rider for the Öhlins P&H Motorcycles no.121 machine, I didn’t have to look too far.
I’ve previously coached Claire ‘Lily’ Myler when she was running her 750, so I know she’s a competent rider who’s also raced Ducatis before. It’s incidental that she’s married to my Nephew Ryan, and currently supports him as pit crew in his 848 Challenge quest.
I think it’s about time this year that ‘Lily’ put her leathers on, and am very pleased to announce that Claire ‘Lily’ Myler will be riding the Öhlins P&H Motorcycles no.121 machine in Italy!
The Misano event is likely to be unique in the respect that with Mr. and Mrs. Jordan riding, for the first time in solo racing, two married couples will be competing on track together.
Photos:
Bonnie Lane – Mike leading the way at Snetterton.
Alan Wesley - Claire ‘Lily’ Myler out on her hubby’s 848.
Monday, June 11, 2012
It's a bit grim.
Here at Snetterton with a coaching client. Weather couldn't be different from when last here with BSB. Wet cold and murky.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Latest new report - 848 Snetterton
Report, lots of photos, and video overview now online click for the: Latest news
Photos: Bonnie Lane
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
A great run round
with a repeat coaching client here at Oulton. He's racing here next week but hasn't ridden the circuit in years so we are having a 'full on fun' refresh.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Balmy day.
After the fierce heat of Snetterton I am enjoying a pleasantly warm day coaching at Donington.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Untimed practice.
Changed one of the fork springs looking for more front end feel and just found more weaving! So that's being put back for tomorrows qualifying. Just five of us on 1.59s with me in 4th. Bit cross with myself really as I know I should have done better. Qualifying is at 9am. Nice.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Lots of elevation.
Well it's dry today so managed to get out on track. Built in a quarry Castelloli is not like anything we have at home, there's plenty of monster elevation changes. But it's very bumpy.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Arrived back at Castellioli
near Barcelona to honour the coaching clients that were all disastrously rained off last November. And guess what? It's raining!
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Frank on the road
to Barcelona for next week's coaching so doing a bit of work with Sarah using the 848. Just had a run on her bike.
Stealth mode.
Here we are after all Ray's hard work rebuilding the bike having a nice run in the sun at Snetterton.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Untimed practice.
Just done the session. Bit of discussion amongst 848 riders as we are sharing the track with the Nordic BOTT. The organisers are wanting us to race and share the start with them. ok we're lapping faster overall but I don't want to arrive at the first corner on the opening lap to be confronted by a gaggle of slow 1098s who simply powered off the line.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
What a difference a week makes!
Back at Oulton Park with a coaching client. It's dry, warm and dare I say, it's even a bit sunny!
Monday, April 30, 2012
'Gladys' works well.
Back at Cadwell with a client today. Our new coaching support vehicle 'Gladys' although not totally customised yet, seems to work well for the video debrief.
Friday, April 27, 2012
'Frank' is making new friends.
Coaching at Cadwell on a classic trackday. 'Frank' has special dispensation to be out with his new friends. It's very cold and very wet. Again.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Not so lucky today.
Here at Oulton it's definately wet, wet, wet. Just went out for our sighting laps, and now it's time to change...
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Back to Donington.
I hope the weather holds for my client today. He rides a lot on the road round London, doesn't use warmers and has no wets or spare wheels.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
A brew and a video review.
My coaching client today has never ridden Donington before and he's due to race here so we're having a run round. Was awful and wet when we arrived but drying up nicely now.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Sunday, April 8, 2012
War of attrition.
Well the win has come at last; but to be honest the track was horrendous. Slippy and unbelievably greasy. Led off the line but lots went down behind me. Then someone blew up and it was called to a halt seven laps in. Half points but hey, 'a win's a win'.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Qualifying.
We just have the one session. On pole right until the last bl@&dy lap when both Marty Nutt and Sam Coventry sneaked up on me. What is good for the class though is that 14 bikes are within a second. I'm so proud of my nephew Ryan who has qualified 25th. Go Ryan go!
Free practice.
At last we got out on track. I don't think there's a lot of grip to be had, as experienced two monster slides. Swapped top times with Marty Nutt; I came in to alter something with a couple of minutes to go and he snatched the top spot from me. We both did a 49.3 with Darren Fry next on a 49.6 - but it was only practice. Qualifying is at 17.05hr.
Ready to rock.
Another hour to go before untimed practice. Seems to have been an eternity waiting to get on track.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Seat bump specialist.
Done Sarah's and now just tailoring Steve's to fit. We're not on track today so plenty of time to do jobs.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
On the way.
Van is loaded and we're all on the way to Brands Hatch for the opening round of the Ducati 848 Challenge.
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