Friday, October 7, 2011

Going to be a hot one!


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.


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

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Something a bit inspiring.


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.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Can't believe it.


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.

Friday, September 30, 2011

Shades all round.


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!

Sunday, September 25, 2011

2nd overall.


2nd overall.
Originally uploaded by no1bloke
Third place in the race today has given me 2nd overall in the championship.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

First race.


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.


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.


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.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Leisurely day.


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.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Lovely Autumn day.


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.

Monday, September 12, 2011

A grand day out.


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.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

That's lucky then!


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...

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Leon is champion!


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...

...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.


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.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Arrived Castle Combe.


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.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Back to business...


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.

Monday, August 29, 2011

Bloody 2nd again.


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.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Morning warm up.


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.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Should be a good one.


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!


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.


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.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Weather turnaround.


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.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Rain spoils play.


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.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Frank's younger brother?


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!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Ducati 848 Challenge - Brands Hatch 2

Waiting for the sun.


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.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

The sun is out...


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!

Sunday, August 7, 2011

2nd again!


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.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Blistering race.


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.


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.


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.


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.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Glorious weather today


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.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Long way...


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.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Interesting day.


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.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Just nice.


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.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

No storms yet.


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...

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Fun in the sun.


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!

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Slowly brightening up.


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.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Something a bit different.


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.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

So far so good.


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.

Monday, June 13, 2011

Great day.


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.

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Hopefully not a pattern...


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.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Gorgeous day.


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.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

just one shower


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.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Seat foam...


Seat foam...
Originally uploaded by no1bloke
check. Levers ... Check. Great weather ... Check. Right we should be on for a good day at Donington.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

How bizarre.


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'.