GAH!
The preparation for my F2/F1 debut had been less than ideal, but I kept the threshold for satisfaction low by setting very low expectations. After dropping my CBR at Taupo, in the first 2 hours of owning it last month, all I wanted was to stay upright.
Cross entry into F1 was part of my plan to get as much time on the new bike as possible so I tottered out with the others in qualifying on a damp track. Not planning on setting the world on fire, I kept my lovely warm Racetechs on, and was pleased to circulate and started to feel comfy on the bike. The pace was pretty sedate with most riders seeming to decide to take a gentle approach while the track was wet and cold. At the end of the session, I let myself relax more and began the cruise around back to pit lane only to lose the front end in turn 3. It seems that this corner has my name on it, but it didn't help that I took a wide line through here and ended up in some slipperyness. No real lean angle to speak of, moderate throttle but down I go. WTF?
Long story short, I had to get a bush for the rearsets made up in Taupo. Then the bike wouldn't start for the afternoon F1 race and I only got out in the last F2 race for the day.
My confidence was totally shot but I knew that I had to get out there and at least circulate. It is the only way I am going to re-program the little voice telling me that I'm about to slide down the track again. So, despite a bike that runs well with great suspension thanks to Kerry Dukie, I rode like a man expecting to crash. Not good, but it will be temporary.
Many thanks for the help from Steevie and Jarrod Wintle to get the bike back on the track. I also received some awesome advice and support from others like Kerry Dukie, BJ, Jamie and Drew. Apologies to those I have forgotten to mention.
I've certainly got some work to do on the biological component of my racing but I've been here before and will get it sorted.
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Originally Posted by Clivoris
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