I'm pleased to announce...

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.