I’ve been hankering after a Euro trackday for some time but never been able to find the time or money to justify it. However, a few months ago I thought to myself I’m gonna do it, I couldn’t stand the thought of not riding anymore this year. Through a friend of mine we managed to get on to the No Limits Jerez trip, this was for 3 days from 25th to 27th November. There were a few other friends going which made it all the better. As I was a novice to a Euro trackday and my mate was a seasoned professional he showed me the ropes and made it all worthwhile. Now if you think this is a nice little holiday with mates relaxing and taking it easy then think again. Euro’s are full on, from the minute you set off to the airport to the minute you get back home, there is no rest. Obviously if you travel a few days before and return a few days after then these days will be more relaxing! Back to the good stuff, we flew out from Stanstead on Thursday evening, Spain bound and arrived at our Hotel close to midnight. A long journey but I was just glad that we arrived safe and sound (I hate flying). Up at 06:15 so we could get to the track and unload the stillages, sign on, prep the bikes and gear, have a briefing and then the day begins…… Suns out, its bloody warm and you then realise that you are going to ride one of the most iconic tracks in the world, Happy Bloody Days!! It’s a cracking first day, I feel good, the bike feels good, and my pace is good to say I’ve never ridden this track before. It’s all going so well until I drift wide at T5 (travelling at approximately 90-100mph), get target fixation with the gravel and I’m off track. Shit! I’m going to die! Nope it’s fine I’m gonna ride this one out until ahead of me there’s a massive rut running across my path, fuck!!! Bike digs in and launches me into space and I come down with a thud. Air bag deployed, a bit dazed and beaten I stumble around a bit, soon realizing I can’t bloody breath! Leathers unzipped, helmet and gloves off, I survey the seen. The bike is on its side in the gravel, and I hold my head in shame. I walk away in disgust and can’t bear to look at her. Back in the pits and the bike is surprisingly good, zero damage. The only damage is my helmet, it was wrote off so in the bin it went. Day 2, purchase new helmet and away we go again. I was very clunky and lethargic, and it took some time to build back into it. I completed the day, and I enjoyed it, in the end!!! Day 3 and it was all about getting back to my pace of day 1 and improving on that. I improved and managed a 2 minute dead lap, in fact I did several which I was relatively pleased with. Penultimate session of the day ended with one of the coolant hoses blowing and spraying coolant all over me and the bike, fortunately this happened at the end of the back straight in the braking zone rather than on one of the fast lefts! My day was done, so it was time to pack up and go and home. All in all an amazing time, lots of sun and riding which was great. I had a crash, carried on, had a technical, didn’t carry on, but I got home in one piece, total result! I also managed to meet Mr @Dibble lovely chap and great to talk to. Hopefully see you at another Euro trackday soon!
Right tourer & riding gear you can ride all year round. What is this charade of civility & luxury...man up!
Terrific account of your trip and two minutes is not bad at all for first visit etc... I managed a 2:015 and thought I was world champion . I imagine with NL your photographer was Pete, who sadly has not caught on to the "slo-mo" craze. I think this turn five......
It was a guy called Simon who took the photos. Really nice guy and actually took some great photos. T5 takes you into the back straight.
Good to meet you Tim, and well done on getting back out Shame you didn't smoke Steff, but you can do that next time Graeme
I never knew you were on here G man! Great to meet you too and i'm sure it wont be the last time you see my beautiful face! I'll smoke that litlle pikey next time don't you worry!!!!!
Jerez is always a great trip, it was my 4th time there on track. We were in the garage next door, your bike looked the business. I too did the gravel walk of shame on Day1 after the oil filter let go in T7 in the 3rd session. They're great these airbag suits, though I had to buy new boots, the Black Friday sale made crashing almost worth while! My bike was a little more terminal with a holed clutch casing. Luckily I had a mate who shared his 899 with me.
Good to hear that you enjoyed the trip , shame about the bike but at least you got out again.I was there with Dibble and his mate Andy Banes on his immaculate V4 great bunch of guys. My 1299 standard exhaust pipe work cracked and couldn’t ride it on last day but Dibble let me have a blast on his 1199S, cheers mate.
I did overhear you talking about your exhaust and was watching you spin a few laps on Adidas! You looked good mate and the bike sounded mega!
