Slipway 11/4

[hmurphy]

Hey! It was my first time at the Slipway today and I thought it was pretty awesome! Definately different to Kaitoke! I learnt a lot about racing again today and can't wait to get back on the track tomorrow! However I have a few hours of work to do on the bike in the morning to make sure it is ok to ride on Kaitoke (mostly just nyloning the bike better).

Cheers to everyone, especially the organisers, for the fun day of racing! Also thanks to a lot of the riders for giving me tips and showing me how it is done. Guys like koba were very helpful about improving my bike setup (brakes etc.) and decision making on the track.

Also a big thanks to Chris (nudemetalz) for letting my brother have a really decent crack at riding today! It was his first time riding and a kid like him gets a real kick out of doing this sort of thing. He really is over the moon!

If there are any photos of today, feel free to chuck them up in this thread (could possibly have thread name changed I suppose) because I am especially keen to show my mum how well my brother did!

Cheers guys!

[Kendog]

Check the pics in the Easter weekend thread (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=93899&page=13).

Hope you are up early in the morning, it's a 8.30 start tomorrow (9.30 riders briefing)

[Trudes]

Hey glad you had fun (and your bro too, hope his leg isn't too sore!!). The Slipway is funny eh, it can teach you all sorts of things that Kaitoke can't for some reason, especially depending upon who made the track that morning (eh Fishie;)) You were going really good out there too, awesome!!!!:rockon:

[Sully60]

Yeah man, you were going good out there allright. You definatley belong in A-grade:yes:
Good starts too!

[Number One]

Well done you certainly ain't no slug.

Your little bro was funny. He came up to the box while we were lap scoring the A grade race and regailed us with the tails of his 'high speed motorcycle crash' he has it 'pinned' don't ya know ;)

He'll no doubt enjoy telling his mates about his awesome 'motorcycle racing crash' ;) Just look out if he gets the fever he'll be trying to knick off with your leather pants and bike!

[hmurphy]

Haha cheers guys. I am enjoying every moment of being out on the track. Still have a lot to learn! The aggression of A grade is really exciting! I am enjoying the sliding and nudging and all the battles that go on. Really exciting stuff! Just have to get my FXR handling better (straighten things!! Trusty hammer) and to smooth up my cornering and brake later. Those are my main goals at the moment.

While I am here, I would just like to give a big BIG shout out to Chris (nudemetalz). I don't think he knows how much he has done for my little brother Dan. To have an experience like the bucket racing is a huge HUGE thing for him and I honestly don't think I have seen my brother happier EVER!!! Seriously dude, I owe you huge. You made my weekend, and you sure as hell made my brothers!!

[koba]

You both did VERY well out there.
Well done. :)

[nudemetalz]

Not a prob, H.
He seemed to be having the time of his life, whether it was flaggying for me or revving the nuts out of the poor FXR !!

Like Fishy said, people like him are the future of bucket racing, hence that's why we're really trying to get the C class established.
Think of it like the 125 class in the MOTOGP. Capirossi, Rossi, Stoner, most of those riders in the MotoGP class all evolved from the lower classes. They all started from a very young age.

[Number One]

Steel yourself - what I have to say will not be liked or what others probably want to hear...but it is my opinion nonetheless and I don't hold that back too often - causes ulcers don't ya know!

While your bro had a great time and I wouldn't want to stiffle his enthusiasm at all I personally think he needs a bit more practise in a car park mastering the art of 'basic handling and engine control'. I am not in charge or anything so take what you will from this (or not) but FRANKLY I don't believe even the C grade (on what is admittedly quite a technical race track) is the place to be learning that stuff.

Just my two cents - feel free to give me shit but that's my thinking

Get him out riding around cones and practising gear changes etc - try the riverbank carpark in LHutt or similar - there are heaps of really good places he could get some practise in before he hits the track again.

Just means that when he comes back to the track he will be more confident to have a really good go at it ;)

[hmurphy]

We are teaching him in carparks at the moment.

[Number One]

We are teaching him in carparks at the moment.
Good stuff! Got some basic skill books so you can set up some drills for him? He will do much better on the track if he is more confident with his general basic handling and gears. First gear can be so snappy he would be much safer and probably a lot more comfortable were he able to use at least 2nd gear.