Roys Hill, 3 July race report

[Dutchee]

I know things will change before the next bucket meet, and as soon as I'm back on track, will totally screw it all up.

What I haven't realised is that things have started to change for me. I'm a shocker at concentrating. I've watched birds (seagull at Mt Welly, falcon at Roy's Hill), pulled off to watch racing because it was more interesting than actually riding, decided I'm too hungry to bother riding and generally can't be bothered.

First practice on Sunday (well, only one), I worked out that lunch seemed way more interesting than riding, so pulled off early to grab a bread roll (it was good). I don't eat breakfast usually, but had forced some cereal down my gullet, so wasn't really hungry. Anyway, I think it all helped for a change. I actually concentrated on what I was doing and rode okay for me.

Flagging I chose a couple of points I was having issues with, and paid attention to what lines people were taking, and what they were doing. Not sure what lap times I'd been doing in previous races, as didn't really have time to look before handing it over to Henk. But, I did notice in the last race that my times were around 3s better than whenever I'd last looked.

I need to work on starts, acceleration, braking, gear changes, overtaking, confidence - so not much really. Concentration should be remedied by that.

I do enjoy riding, I'm just not really convinced about the racing scene, but I know I'm not a good supporter either (hence me even bothering to learn to ride in my 30's). I get on the road bike, go for a blat and thoroughly enjoy exploring our beautiful countryside, and wonder why I bother riding the bucket.

Thanks again to everyone who made it a fantastic weekend, I do always enjoy the social side of it, it's just the racing I'm not convinced about (I've had plenty of people trying to force me to be competitive in other sports, and just given up on them, rather than arguing - first time I remember doing that I was about 6).

Anyways, those who injured themselves, heal quickly. See a lot of you again at Kaitoke in October or Roy's Hill in December for the N.I. rounds

[Shorty_925]

From what I saw, you were going all good out there on the track. Im sure everyone can work on acceleration, braking, gear changes, overtaking, confidence, so wouldnt let that get ya down, hell your out there doing it which is the main thing!

The weekend was the first time in 2 months that my bike had been started and wheeled out of the garage, kept it on two wheels and completed all three races(first time this year I think) and turn 1 is still as much fun as ever sliding the rear wheel into the corner.

[Clivoris]

I do always enjoy the social side of it, it's just the racing I'm not convinced about (I've had plenty of people trying to force me to be competitive in other sports, and just given up on them, rather than arguing - first time I remember doing that I was about 6).

Sounds fair enough to me mate. You have to be doing for yourself, whether it is for the pleasure or the challenge. When I started, the biggest learning I did was about the emotional ups and downs. I wasn't expecting them. For other people the challenges will be completely different.
You could always sell your bike to a bald middle-aged guy who should be painting his house and building a deck
See you in October Chicky.