Joe's Journal

Well, here we go again. A new bike for this year, an SV 650 we called ‘Vinegar’. jTo kickstart the season went to a new circuit for me, Cadwell Park.

First thing Friday morning, I had to be up early to sign on. Was looking forward to it. Then it was time for the necomers’ briefing. That was went I started to get a little nervous. John was out on the ACU test day so I watched him, then came my turn. ‘Oh Dear’, I was first out behind the travelling marshal. I followed him for 3 laps at a slow pace, just to try and learn the way around the circuit. Then we were released to go around on our own. ‘Wow’, it was different to a flat airfield.

Picture courtesy of www.britishsportspotography.com

The first few sessions I tried to get to know my way around, as well as getting used to riding ‘Vinegar’ for the first time.. By dinner I was starting to get some confidence in the bike and my own abilities. I started to move off the bike when leaning into the corners.

After lunch, Curly got the stop watch out. The first lap they timed was 2:38:00. The more sessions I did the faster I got and in the last session of the day, I caught up and passed a few people. I was really enjoying it so much, that I didn’t want it to end. On the very last lap of the day I set my fastest lap of the day. 2:23:00.(I was well happy) and I even managed to get it up (the wheel I mean) over the mountain.

I would like to say a massive thank you to Bagpuss, Curly, Rob and Nat for all your help.

Joe90