What a FRIGGIN GREAT weekend!!! Thanks to the organisers for it all.
Saturday morning I couldn't be arsed making a stupidly early trip over, so we got on the road just before eight, while the gorgeous Vicki considered that still too stupid and purred away in her sleep to ride over later. Pick up Helen and off we go.
Managed to get there on time by some miracle, and off we went on the sighting run. First impression..."Why the fuck did they patch it? The road was better with ruts than loose friggin stones!"
Anyhoo, couldn't do squat about it, and everyone has to deal with the same shit, lets have a crack. Off I go on my first timed run, was fastest, but a 2.21 wasn't gonna cut it this weekend. I was having massive rear traction issues, and tweaking the factory Ohlins on the 999s to the best of my limited ability, (yeas Kerry, I should have gotten you the DU number and given you a chance to sort it, I'm a stupid stupid man/boy, take your pick), the biggest problem it was causing was to my confidence though, I as losing heart and quick. Times came down, but once Jay's bike arrived and he got out there I was second by over a second.
The rally was a blast, and anyone who may still be under the mis-conception that MrsKendog is a lovely quiet girl with good manners, THINK AGAIN!!! I got just the right amount of alcahol in me to get rid of my few inhabitions and had a crack at showing the band how to do it, (boy did they not like the mic in the hands of me) time for bed now
Race day dawns and it's ON! I'm determined the traction can be found, and my first run is slightly (like .001) quicker than Jay's last effort from Saturday. Thinking I might have a shot, Jay arrives at the top quicker still.
Back down to change a tyre and see what I can do. This was how it went for three runs. After lunch, I set the record, so Jay wakes up and totally obliterates it, by now I'm kinda at the end of my tether trying to get the bike to hook up, but I have made remakable gains in controling slides, and would happily bet the rear tyre has MOOOCHO smoke comin off it after hangin out for 30 odd meters of the course in certain places. Anyway, of all people, the stirling chap Andrew Lawrence, (yep, Jay's dad) gives me some more input and I head off for my last run. I really turned it on, and was sliding more than ever before, from turn three to the top, the rear would step out on every exit, one moment of doubt had me coast around the hairpin having given up, a second thought ("losers give up, HARDEN THE FUCK UP, and get on the gas!!!") occured and quickly down shifted a couple times and back on it hard! I did manage my best time, but was .037 seconds off Jay's time, I could have cried.
To tell the truth, I am proud to be so close to such a great guy, and wicked rider, and the sting of second is almost gone, from the respect I have for the whipper snapper.
The thank you list...
First is Flame, as there is no-one I get as much support from, (or other things from for that matter) Kerry Jeffs of Ktl motorcycles, for sending down the 999s out of the showroom, and sponsoring the C2 class we entered. I could never have dreamed of that kind of faith in me, and selflessness. Robert and Cherry Taylor, you guys rock, Anglo American motorcycle club, Siverdale landscape services, Biketranz, Kerry our local Ohlins man, (even if I was too dumb to try and get it fixed).
Special thanks go out to the men of the hour, Weaver (Allan), and Canterbury (Phill). The help you both gave us was totally un-expected, and way above and beyond. I really hope I can someday repay you, for all the help with bikes, warmers, shop runs, (filthy smokers), and the encouragment. Both Flame and I couldn't have asked for a better pit crew, the only missiong ingredient was skelstar, and you both will have done the man proud.
Deano again, you make sure you have your own shit in one sock, then ring around all of us and make sure we dont need anything, you're a star, as is yo lovely wife, and well behaved offspring.
And last but not least, Jay. I am happy to get teh second overall behind you mate, well done, you earnt the top spot.
There are many others to thank too, Numberone, Chancey, Mel, Trudy, and many more I know. You were all fantastic!
Deano, Vick wants to note further thanks, for your support to her, at hill top meant the world to her.
Peace out
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