A cracking day today. This morning didn't go as planned with a coilpack going on only my second lap on the 1199s, even though I had no problems on the ride up from London! Ducati and Snells were awesome and found a spare one for me, thanks guys I really appreciate it. I hired a Monster 1200s from California Superbike School for a few sessions in the afternoon as wasn't sure if my bike would be running. In the end I got my bike in the fast group sessions and the monster in a couple of intermediate sessions What an awesome little bike those are, big grins the whole way around! I was a bit wobbly on my first session on the Panigale with one particular big sideways moment that could have gone really wrong (same place as the unfortunate guy who got airlifted, hope he is ok), but it really started to feel good on the next session or two once I had worked a few things out. Most of the boys in fast group were flying past me, but I was quicker on the Monster than most in the intermediate group so it was nice to do a bit of passing for once
Yup, great day with the exception of the crashes. Really good to meet a lot of new faces and some more familiar ones again Hopefully catch some of you again in the near future Have to say thanks to Nelson too, 1 for his company and 2 for his bike tying down skills, now managed just over a week without dropping the damn thing
Good to say hi to a few of the folks. For those whom I didn't see meet, maybe next time. Sounds like it was an expensive day for some....which im all to aware of
Enjoyed it... Only grumble would be I thought the groups waaaaaaaaaaaay too large, also the novice group (where I'm normally quite at home) was VERY novice....Even made me look good/better! :Woot: Last session of the day was the best, when many peps had gone home. Massive thanks to Matt for the lift up! . And for the cup a tea from the nice lady in our garage... Few track slags from the day;
Glad you got it back out Royale, I did pop by to say adios but only Nelson was there Not sure if I saw you out there...tbh all panigales look the same at 160 whizzing past! Lol
Only grumble would be I thought the groups waaaaaaaaaaaay too large- agree largest groups I have seen on trackdays... enjoyable nonetheless This is the first Ducati trackday I have been on and TBH I couldnt really see the point of having dealers there.. they could have done more chatting to customers, building up rapport, maybe offer setup advice. They did seem very non existent.... Maybe they have a few priveleged customers they flock to where the money is at!!
Some corners were a bit M25 rush hour!!! - like I said enjoyable but having to go way off line going into corners 20/30mph or whatever faster than guy in front, surprised there wasn't more crashes...A lot of very passionate Ducati people.. I dont get it TBH,,,,,,,,its just a bike!!!
Part of trackdays is 'going off line,' thats how you overtake. It amuses me many will ride far quicker on their P&J on dangerous, debris laden public roads where every other user os trying to kill you than the safe, one way only grippy tarmac that is race tracks
I always have a ride through different lines and the outside of the corners on the sighting laps, just to have a look and see what it's like out there. Just settles my mind knowing there is nothing unexpected out there and plenty of grip should I need it. Seemed like a good idea but dunno if I'm just being pedantic.
Likewise, I always make a point of trying as many lines as I can once I'm happy with the 'racing line'. Especially where there's slower people in the group who happen to be on the line you'd preferably take if it was free.
My little toes right foot is a little bruised and heat rashed from sliding across tarmac, thanks for asking
Good day made a bit brighter by taking the baby pani out when project X gave up once againead: Pity a few people don't understand the difference between 6 ft and 6 cm:Facepalm: Hope the chap prone just as I arrived is ok. Missed the Ducati hospitality coffee!
Ahhh - that's your excuse now Matt for wandering all over the place eh?? I thought you were just lost
