Nerves nearly got the better of me....

**flame** · 18th February 2008, 17:27

PAEROA 08

...Im gonna keep this short (ahuh)

When I got to Paeroa, I really wondered what the hell I was doing there. I totally believed I would:

A) come last B) get lapped C) CRASH!!!!

...but I gritted my teeth and said to myself that "I'm here"...."my awesome sponsors REALLY want to see me out there".....and dam it "I'm not comin last on my street debut"

I'm so glad I did it. Paeroa is the most exhilerating experience I ever have had. Scary as all hell, crazy as a bitch, but the MOST AWESOME experience I've had in my life!

I went out in practice, the bumps were like riding the Rimutakas but 10 x worse. I nearly binned in the hairpin as I unknowingly went in WAY too hot! dragged a bit of haybale with me for the next 100m and though hmmmmmm I wont do that again!!!!

Qualifying was predermined by Wanganui's results (we weren't there) so I started on the back of the grid.

Race one: after 97 trips to the portaloos I actually managed to vacate them long enough to get geared up and on me bike. Riding out of the dummy grid I was well prepared to come last! and well nervous

Got a bad start due to a very worn clutch, and the nervous twitch, so last off the grid,but reeled in a couple of bikes, started to relax, then saw the chequered flag finally after much scaryness and bumps and wheelies over the rises.

Rolling into the pits I was sure I must be near last, though I hadn't been lapped, and I didn't crash, I had a sneaky peek behind me to see if I may NOT be last, only to be shocked by the view of at least 3 bikes rolling in, of which 2 where big red Duc's. And then I smiled

LOTS! One I knew for sure was a 996 worked Ducati that was a regular at Paeroa. So 16th from 22 and I was pretty well happy, and able to breath again

Race two: Got moved up to the third row

. another bad start and lots of dicing with another Duc. The highlight of that race for me was the wheelie down the back straight once we had finished... lots of scary stuff in between of course!! ...but I won't bore yas with all that. So 14th in that race. Leaving me 15th overall for my 1st time on the Street.

Highlight: THE WHOLE BLARDY DAY!!!

Totally happy and was the experience of a lifetime.

So many people to thank. Drew.....just for being Drew

(who was so blardy awesome out there, one day I will ride like you hahahaha.)

My fantastic friends and sponsors... Kerry KTLbikes, Rob and Cherry Taylor, Anglo American Motorcycle Club (all you boys n gals), Henderson motorcycles, Silverdale landscape services, Ohlins, BikeTranz. You guys n gals are just amazing, without your support and encouragement I would have been once again a spectator with a dream.

All my blardy awesome mates there are so many of you that take the time to encourage us.... I wish I could list you all,but some of the names that are amongst the precious.... Jimmy, your riding ability is so inspiring,and Sue your calming influence is awesome, you make me smile without even trying!, just make me go all mushy inside. Dan (Sanx) and all the other talented photographers that make me look fast than I really am), NC (Rutty bum) for riding down and calming my brain too!
Aff-man - my sexy brolly boy!! your a star! (not many guys would wanna do that!!!) I owe ya matie! and Veronice your encouragement was priceless!...and cheers Deano (and lovly Nicky and Rex), you're with us all the way and you rode like a champ. Sean sux cause he didn't even come with us. Loser

(its ok, skel* still wuf ya)

Your all my stars that are with me every time I try and ride!!

And thanks to the people that made me feel really more special than a special thing by coming and asking for autographs......wow!

Roll on Sound Of Thunder this weekend

**Pussy** · 18th February 2008, 17:36

You looked great out there. Good on you, Vicki!

**Drew** · 18th February 2008, 17:51

Well done my love, you were fantastic. Gutted I couldn't see you out there.

**aff-man** · 18th February 2008, 17:57

Was really awesome to see you strut your stuff and see your confidence grow in leaps and bounds through the practices and races...

Looked spectacular out there...

I'll brolly for ya anytime....

**MVnut** · 18th February 2008, 18:10

Bloody good show Flame, looking forward to your racing at SOT

**Nasty** · 18th February 2008, 18:13

Awesome write up Flame .. well done on the races .. and getting those nerves under control long enough to race .. and compete well!!!!!

**Trudes** · 18th February 2008, 18:18

Great stuff Vicki, you're a bloody star!!!

**robertydog** · 18th February 2008, 18:22

That front wheel was off the ground every lap on the back straight. Awesome riding.

**Riff Raff** · 18th February 2008, 18:33

Well done my honey munchkin (mmmm you smell nice).

So damned proud of you.

**007XX** · 18th February 2008, 18:43

What the beautifully rounded belly owner said...

And everyone else before that...

we luv ya lots V...Keep up the good work Hun

**Cherryrob** · 18th February 2008, 18:45

Vicki well done.Your riding really shut up alot of people.You kept the hay bale thingy quiet huh.

LOL. As the sponsor, we could not be happier.You strutted your stuff and the Boys couldnt keep there eyes off you,as usual.The 749R looks real sexy with your butt on it.Something Drews bike doesnt have.LOL. Really well done

,we are really proud and honored to have you in the Anglo American race team. Look out SOT,here we come....

**MadDuck** · 18th February 2008, 18:46

Originally Posted by robertydog

That front wheel was off the ground every lap on the back straight.

yes I noticed that too.....

Well done Flame. You did so well and I had a huge grin every time you headed off for a race. You are an inspiration and hope that all gals thinking of getting into racing - TAKE NOTE!!!!

PS: Maybe next time get your sponsors to organise a pit where you dont have to go up hill then try and negotiate through a whole heap of ignorant bikers that have blocked your entry back....last thing you need after a race

**skelstar** · 18th February 2008, 19:09

Well written report Vicki

**et al** · 18th February 2008, 19:16

Well done Vicki - that certainly looked like a real scary track to ride, especially for first timers like yourself. Takes real guts and determination to do what you do, and you look so good doing it. Sorry I didn't get a chance to bless you with a wave of the Ducati Umbrella.