The Friday trackday was wet and very windy. Only really learnt which way the track went, not race speed or lines. Brightened up late afternoon.
Saturday was a different story! Nice and sunny with a slightly strong breeze.
I was finding it all a bit scary really, if I`m honest!
I needed track time to get used to it again, my lap times were terrible. I was getting it all wrong at most of the corners. Anglesey is quite a technical circuit, really good track.
In the first race I got embarrassed by the kids on the Aprilia RS125`s riding around me, then got lapped by the fastest ZXR400 at the end of the last lap too! I finished one place ahead of my start position in 20th place. Probably about 5th F250.
The second race was more of the same really, only I didn`t get lapped this time and finished 17th I think?
The bike needed a little adjustment to the front forks. I changed the fork oil to a heavier weight to get better damping. Stiffened up the rear shock also.
Sunday was sunny with only a very slight breeze. Much better.
I was still riding like a big jessie though! First race was slightly better than before, I was feeling a little more comfortable. The tyres were looking like they were working better after the suspension adjustments too.
The clutch started slipping quite badly though, I suspected it was slightly slipping before. Managed to cure it before the next race.
This felt much better and I was starting to get the hang of the circuit. I got promoted up to 14th place as Dave Reynolds was penalised for jumping the start. It was a bit harsh I felt.
My attitude was much better for the last race. Managed to get the jump on Iain McDonald and Mark Jordan at the start, which meant I was leading the F250 field. Didn`t last for too long as I kept cocking up the back part of the circuit which let Iain through about lap four. While lining him up for a pass (which I faffed about for too long trying to do), Mark sneaked by on lap six. Managed to pass him again, only for him to get past again!
On the last lap as I was going to pass him again he started to pull across the track for the banked hairpin and we bashed fairings! I was worried I`d knocked him off, but he was okay. I just gave him a wave and we were off again! I`ve got some lovely black streaks down the seat unit!
He managed to sneak by again at the corkscrew and I had to follow him across the line for 3rd, or 13th overal.
I was quite pleased with the way it went in the end. At the moment the bike is faster than I am.
It seems to be quite quick. I think a slight little bit faster than Dave and Iain`s VJ23`s down the back straight. It was just me letting it down through the bends. Mark and his KR1 always impress me. He`s got it set up really well. It supposedly had a standard top end on it at the weekend. Apparently he was getting a good tow from my fat ass!
It was good catching up with Dan, John, Dave and Mark again. Unfortunately John had a little trouble in the last race. Broke a ring. Dan was riding an FZR400 as he is waiting for some parts for his NSR.
Anyway, sorry to ramble on.
Looking forward to Cadwell in September.
Roy.