Speedway Training Adventures

Exciting news....

2010-10-28T13:05:00.001+01:00

Just found out my local speedway track where I have learned all I know is holding a training session especially for female speedway riders. Now that is great in itself (not ashamed to admit that a woman in speedway kevlar is quite tasty).

Here is the really kicker though... the training session is going to be held with help of Sam Ermolenko (multiple speedway champ), Andy Meredith (ex-Coventry Bee) and Charlie Webster (Sky Sports).

It is so great that female speedway is suddenly getting recognised, you never know it may get some air time and even some journalists from the Speedway Star to take notice!

Let's hope the weather stays dry and the day goes off without a hitch.

If you are interested, there are more details here : http://is.gd/gmyGU and this facebook event : http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=135959973089505

Charlie Webster learns Speedway

2010-10-21T19:22:00.001+01:00

She looks about as nervous as I was when I started!! :D

Relaxing Sunday Afternoon

2010-10-10T10:41:00.003+01:00

All set for a day watching speedway today down at Iwade. The Dragons shall provide good entertainment, stay out of the boards! :) http://www.dragonsspeedway.co.uk/

Faster faster faster!!!

2010-09-07T11:41:00.001+01:00

Managed to do 4 runs. 2 full ones but had to deal with the chain hopping off on the 3rd and engine trouble on the 4th which would end my day. Energy level was fine, but really need to work on confidence still. Slap me on the helmet an psyche myself up! :)

Bought some Kevlars!

2010-08-18T10:54:00.001+01:00

sexy huh? :)

Keep that throttle on!

2010-08-12T12:05:00.001+01:00

Another hot day but progress was made. Becoming more comfortable opening up that throttle into the turns. Actually managed a standing start and kept the wheel spinning into the corner. Next time I hope to get more time on track with other riders to increase my speed!

Need motivation!!

2010-07-04T12:08:00.002+01:00

Very hot day out there!! Borrowed Adam Sheppard's bike (many thanks!) Total change to set-up I am used so I had to learn to use a new type of throttle and different frame. The weather and the fact we had limited time to squeeze our practice runs in didn't help. Usually I wait a minimum of 15 minutes between runs before going out on track again, this time was much less.

I really need to kick myself up the arse because ever since my accident in December 09 I have been shutting off mid corner because of the fear of it happening again. Other people have noticed this as well. Need to increase my fitness, get back swimming and psyche myself up more!

Next time I get out there on track I'd maybe like to start from scratch and build up slow again, maybe I am just pushing myself too far right now. Another thing would be is to chase someone, give me a bit of inspiration with lines on the track and technique. I really need to get my own machinery but it is difficult when I don't drive. Sittingbourne Speedway is great that they help me get track time. Just wish I had more money coming in so I could afford a bike I could adjust to suit myself rather than riding other people's which are set-up for them.

Need someone to chase, hold that throttle open! WEEEE!

2010-06-07T10:13:00.001+01:00

Confidence growing on the bike, and it shows. Nearly got over confident and high sided! Next on the agenda is to go faster into the turns, opening the throttle earlier and keeping it on longer.

Confidence grows...

2010-05-10T10:08:00.002+01:00

Great day of practice at Sittingbourne. Weather was mild, hardly any wind and sun crept through. Enjoyed a damp track growing in confidence with throttle control... got tired as track got drier. First time riding with contact lenses as well! :)

Thanks to Chris Neame for filming trackside.

Back with 500cc power!

2010-05-02T11:58:00.002+01:00

After recovering over the winter with a bruised thigh from an accident in December and waiting for so long until the weather had cleared in the new year I had no idea how long it would take me to get back on the pace. Finally getting my first ride back after the forced 2 month break and getting to improve my technique on the training track. It was a culture shock how much my confidence was dented and how I was struggling so much with leg fitness. Three sessions on the training track and I was somewhat ready to return to the main track on a 500cc machine.

The day looked a bit bleak with clouds coming over and I had a sense of foreboding about weather it would stay dry. I definitely didn't want to go out if it was raining. I had made that mistake before and have learned from it. I would have been happy if it had stayed damp, just not raining. Just goes to show you can't always get what you want because as soon as I kitted up the sun came out!

The paddock was a hive of activity with many riders coming from many different parts of the country. Sittingbourne Speedway remains a track of choice for some riders that have grown up using it as a training facility. It is a great venue to get advice and learn from other riders. I like to have a good walk around the paddock before and after getting suited up just to see all the various forms of machinery. If I'm ever gonna get my own bike I need to learn as much as I can about the things!

As mentioned before the weather had turned from damp to sunny and I knew I was going to suffer in the heat a little. For my first run out the pits I wanted to try out my new helmet with a dark visor. This meant I could not attach my helmet camera, nor wear my glasses because the cheek pads made it uncomfortable. I instantly remembered what it was like to be back on such a powerful machine and how much of a pounding my leg muscles would take. The dark visor seemed to give a distorted view of the track and not having glasses on didn't work out too well.

I switched back to my normal helmet for the second run, hiding in the shade until it was time to go out on track. I made sure that once I was out in the sun I put it on to keep the sun off. I found myself over the next couple of runs getting into the habit of opening the throttle, feeling myself get out of shape then shutting off... which is not ideal! I kept being aware of the exit to the first bend where I had my off in wet in December. Instead of focusing ahead I rode with my head down and constantly watching the track and not riding through it.

I grew in confidence a little later in the day but by then my fitness was letting me down, but not as bad as I had imagined. I have been doing swimming recently which I hoped would help this somewhat. Before my latter runs I sat on the bike and closed my eyes and visualised my ride. I had been trying to psyche myself up and increase my confidence.

I took a trip down to the circuit on Saturday 1st May with lots of people wondering why I was there and not riding. I have noted down which rides I want to do which I think I can cope with physically and financially. So next Sunday is the next time I'm on the track and I'm hoping I can get my confidence back. Again I am looking to get my own machinery so I can concentrate on making myself comfortable on the bike, I'll need to open up a speedway bike fund I think!

Too wet to ride?

2010-04-06T17:53:00.004+01:00

Zoomed to the circuit in super-fast time again while looking out the window all the time checking the weather. The forecast didn't look good but the practice hadn't been called off, yet. As soon as I got off the train the heavens opened and the wind picked up. I cycled to the circuit like I always do while tilting to head to shield from the wind blowing the ice cold rain into my face. Even after half a mile half my face was numb from the cold. I made my way up to the entrance of the circuit and suddenly the wind and rain just disappeared! I had turned up early so I would have more prep time and the staff looked bewildered at my coat and trousers soaked through, because they hadn't even felt a drop!

As time went on we all got kitted up and walked the track. It didn't look good because of the rain on the run up to this day had soaked into the circuit and made it rather muddy. I certainly wasn't volunteering myself to be the first on the bike to try churning up the shale to dry it out. A tentative start on the wet shale hoping not to repeat what happened the last time I hit a wet track (http://blip.tv/file/2968774). So I was more than a bit nervous! Even after 3 weeks away from last practice I still felt a bit hesitant to unsettle the bike for the fear of falling off.

Like last time we had a few races on the training track and yet again I got beaten mercilessly. All the time I was trying to be more aware of the bikes around me and try to be as competitive as possible. At some points my body was just saying no, it couldn't quite hold up to the strain which was annoying me no end! Is this just because it was on a bike that I couldn't rely on it's power? How would my skills transfer back to a 500cc. I received a bit of advice about my hand position on the throttle and for the clutch, and moved them forward. The ride after this advice I received a pretty big jolt from the handlebars after a bit of a sideways moment which twisted my wrist.

I became more comfortable on the bike as the day wore on. The track got graded, the lumps disappeared and it dried out. Did I break my losing streak? Well... you will have to watch the videos to find out but let's just say "to finish first, first you have to finish" ;)

I adjusted the bitrate settings on my helmet camera which meant each video doubled in size. I got the last ride on camera up to when I got onto the start line, only for the camera to switch off because the memory card was full. The last race of the afternoon had to be the most dramatic (but hey I would say that considering I didn't get it on film). It lead to a photo finish at the line after I had held off a young rider for all four laps.

At the end of the month, I take a trip back onto the 500cc machine. Will I be able to handle the power? Will I have learned anything while on the training track? We will have to see...STAY TUNED!!

The Tales of Two Rides in Two Weeks...

2010-03-21T09:47:00.002Z

This is probably something I never thought I would do, two rides in two weeks, Was it a good idea? Well from my aching I had this morning maybe not. At least the pain wasn't as bad as last week, being the first ride back for 3 months. Does this mean I am getting fitter?

Decided to leave a bit later this week and catch the now faster service from Strood to Sittingbourne... didn't have to bother stopping and waiting for a connection at Rochester. So instead of the two hour journey it was not down to just over one! As I got off the train at Swale I felt the wind and looked at the murky sky, didn't bode well for the day!

The paddock was less busy today as it was just members practicing so I met up with a few speedway buddies again. The 500cc laydown machine, I usually rode, was in there as well receiving open engine surgery. So again I was on the 125cc's on the training track, which wasn't a bad thing it is good fun and increases my fitness and keeps my reflexes active.

As with last week I had a couple of runs out on track on my own to get used to the bike and the track, then we again started the little races. The first couple I couldn't quite keep up, I was struggling a bit. Sucked back on my monster energy drink, had a banana and regrouped. Psyched myself up a bit and actually went out there to take it to these guys. I was able to hold my own for a little bit until my self preservation instincts kicked in and I settled for staying on the bike and unhurt. Had some exciting moments where I was side by side with some fellow racers for a couple of laps in row before they got the better of me.

A couple of the guys that were new last week were back for another bash! Motocross riders in the past, they were now in the swing of things and pushing hard and confident on the bikes, just wish I had their confidence but feel my body just isn't letting me right now. It is hard to explain to others what it feels like to ride with back problems and I never really feel like going into details and just make other excuses.

In the middle of the day we had a shower, started to chuck it down midway through one of my rides which you can see from one of my videos, I was vary wary of what happened last time in the rain.... when I went splat on my face and got this thigh injury. It cleared up enough in the afternoon and we got in the usual 10-11 rides. I only got 10 on camera because I mistakenly turned off my camera while on the circuit thinking I didn't turn it on before I set off, was a good race to... DOH!

Later in the day I say my old friend, the 500cc laydown machine, revving away in the paddock and sounding lovely. How long before I tackle it again? I don't know. All in all a good day... what have I learned? Will I be able to transfer what I have learned to the 500cc machine? I have three weeks to recover until the next practice so we will see!

Oh the pain!

2010-03-15T09:04:00.004Z

Who'd have thought that three months away from riding a speedway bike could be so hard! After the enforced break because of the weather I would step back on a speedway for the first time since my crash on 13th December with slight trepidation.

Over the winter period I had continued to cycle and walk to keep my legs fitter but it certainly showed how much work I need to do now to get my body to remember how to ride.

The day started how it always does, by a 2 hour train journey from Maidstone to Swale, followed by a cycle from the station to the Sittingbourne circuit. I was able to catch an earlier train connection by cycling from Strood to Rochester which cut half hour off my overall journey time. This meant I had time to relax before getting kitted up and stepping foot on the circuit.

The main track was hired by Somerset and Bournemouth speedway clubs, and by the look of the pits area there was a lot of brand new machinery around! Some very fast guys on track today and I was glad to steer clear of them. I thought it wise to reel myself in a bit and take to the training track, I wasn't sure how my bruised thigh would cope anyway. I kept teasing Chris Neame and Ross Lingham about the fast guys on track... felt strange for them to be sharing a circuit with the pro guys.

Started my first ride on the 125cc on my own, started easy and after four laps I was out of breath. I thought this was gonna be a tough day. The weather would be good to us with sun for most of the day, but clouded over and threatened rain that never came. After a couple of runs the few riders that were on the training track started 1 vs 1 races with gates. It was wicked fun!! I won't give away the results... but check out video five and you decide whether I was lucky!

I did my last run and I was exhausted, falling into the trap I remember from when I first started which was turning my body upright... didn't have the strength! I let another rider borrow my goggles which had my helmet camera attached... was my luck that this rider had a coming together on track with another rider. The camera has now been crash-tested and survived with only a dent in the metal casing, not bad! ;)

I ache a bit today which was guaranteed anyway. I am going to ride on Saturday.... foolish or brave? You decide!! :)

When will this weather end??

2010-02-12T23:35:00.001Z

Wow it feels like forever since I was last on a speedway bike. Since my last video on the 13th December... Sittingbourne Speedway has been waterlogged, snowed in, you name it! In the time away from the track I have been "recovering" from my little excursion.... or as it might have looked.. my faceplant! I broke my duck and finally had a crash. Very wet that day and only managing 3 runs before getting injured and limping to the car for the lift home, tail between legs. Right thigh which was trapped under the bike, between the handlebars and frame was bruised. Over 6 weeks later bruises have subsided and I am now left with what might be a torn muscle.

Every week I look at the practice dates set and watch them get cancelled time after time. Kind of frustrating as I want to keep up my bike fitness because I felt I was making a lot of progress with confidence on the bike. Body is loosening up but it will still probably take a while for it unlearn the tense nature it has had to have to protect itself from injury because of back problems.

While I watch the practice dates come and go I try my best to find work that can feed this habit for speed. Even though the money for a bike is a long way off, the cost of new equipment is in reach... Ebay has been good to me! The only things I have bought new are helmet, gloves, goggles and motocross boots. The rest of my gear is off Ebay but not necessarily second-hand. So I may look the part, even if my speed and ability on the bike look shaky.

Lets hope the next time I blog it will be after my next practice day when I have blown out the cobwebs... and hopefully not injured myself further my catapulting myself into the next field.

Right... I'm off to pray to the sun gods to give us some drier weather!!

2009-12-13 - Bit wet today!!

2009-12-13T21:32:00.005Z

2009-11-21 - Sittingbourne Speedway Trackday

2009-11-25T12:03:00.004Z

Weather forecast had been awful leading up to this day and even a speedway meeting due to be held on the 15th was cancelled because of a waterlogged track! This made me dubious whether practice was indeed going to go ahead. Checking weather reports said wind and rain so it didn't look good. Checked the track answer machine and it said practice was going ahead so I thought... screw it, let's go!

I made my way to the track a bit later than planned as it now started at 11am instead of 12 since the clocks changed. It would get dark around 4pm so we needed as much time to get some rides in. When I arrived most riders on the corporate day were already suited up. I am now lucky that I have my own kit apart from the jersey and trousers (which I plan to buy later on). On with the armour most of which was new and this day would be its first try out. The trousers were a bit tight... 36" waist my arse!! I think I need to go on a diet.

Number 10 on the bib and raring to go... although it always happens that I need a pee just after I have put everything on!! Ah well… helmet cam worn again on the day and I managed to pluck up the courage after my first ride to ask one of the other corporate track day riders to film me on my outings on track (Many thanks to you!). The weather was sunny with a slight breeze and looking up I could see a big hole in the clouds over the speedway, looked like we could be lucky with the weather I thought.

I had something in particular I wanted to work on in this session which was trying racing starts. We had an Elite league rider at the track to help with the bikes and also help me with confidence on the bike. After 2 rides I thought it was time to try the racings starts. Made my way out on track and did one circuit got up to the finish straight and pulled the clutch in to get ready to stop. I was ushered forward further and further until I was between the middle of the front straight and the first corner. Leaning head over handlebars and elbows up I was told to raise the revs… higher… higher… higher… then let go of clutch. ZOOM… off I went out the “gate” at what felt like 100mph! This was all new, scary but very exciting at the same time!! The Elite league rider gave me advice on my posture and wanted me to keep the throttle open and the back wheel spinning all the way to the corner. I thought to myself this is going to take some time to get used to. I tried it a few times on my 3rd and 4th rides only managing to keep it open a little on the 5th ride. Think I will need some practice with this next time out. What I had trouble with was that I wasn’t used to the take off speed and I wasn’t comfortable with my feet or throttle hand position, I felt I needed to feel in full control. Most this I am sure will come in time, because as I never thought I’d be able to slide the bike when I started and now I am able to get the tail out just after corner entry.

By the 5th ride the clouds had come over and it looked debatable whether we would get more rides this day. Rain began to spit just before my 6th ride but luckily stayed away and I was able to round of a great day with some sliding and a last try at gating on the back straight.

What a great day! The corporate track day riders may have caught the bug as I did and many said they would be back. They were lucky to have ridden on such a great moist surface on this day, the track was in great condition. Fingers crossed the weather doesn’t play a part in cancelling my next ride on 5th December. I am already counting the days till my next adrenaline rush!!

Be sure to check out the videos I have been posting recently to see what I have been explaining above.

2009-10-03 - Sittingbourne Speedway Trackday

2009-10-04T09:39:00.006+01:00

9th Trackday : Wow what a windy day!! ContourHD helmet camera didn't like wind at all but it died down enough to hear the lovely engine noises. Actually got it to slide and hold the throttle open for longer which was great fun! Got some footage taken from trackside which I may try and sync up with this footage later, if not it will go on here unedited.

Pre-9th Sittingbourne Speedway Trackday

2009-10-03T01:08:00.001+01:00

As I lay here in bed tapping away on my laptop, having checked my train times for tomorrow, it seems I have some pedaling to do before I even step on a speedway bike. Again my train journey seems to have engineering works going on so I would have to take a bus. I was able to get a lift from my dad two weeks ago when this happened but not this time. I looked up the times and the bus replacement service is only between Strood and Gillingham Station. Now I could just go on foot and take this bus, or I could save myself some pain and get cycling between the stations which is only 3 miles. Hopefully not uphill! :)

Looks from the forecast there will be some rain in the morning and temperature only topping out at 18 degrees celcius. But from experience the weather system on the coast can be different so I have packed my coat, hat and sun lotion just in case.

As yet I don't know which bike I will be riding because the laydown machine (engine lays near horizontal in the frame) was under repair 2 weeks ago. As you may have seen from my last video (http://woodee.blip.tv) I got to use a great punchy 500cc which put a big smile on my face!

Lets hope I am able to grab some more footage from my helmet cam, along with my mini DV cam. Hoping to put both bits of footage together for an "onboard" and exterior view of a ride. Have some ideas of getting some extra footage to promote the circuit on their website but I won't give anything away just yet ;)

I have a packed schedule next week so I hope the riding won't hit me as hard as last time when I struggled to move around for 3 days. Suffering from a sore throat which turned into an annoying cough hopefully shouldn't get in the way tomorrow. I'll be pissed off if it does.

So... best get some rest and see what tomorrow brings and watch this space for the footage! :)

post - 2009-09-20 Sittingbourne Speedway Trackday (8th)

2009-09-22T01:23:00.000+01:00

Arrived at the track early and it was strangely chilly, stands to the reason considering it's the only time I didn't bring a coat. I was hoping it was going to stay cool as I would be fine with all my gear on. Sun came out just as I was putting all my kit on and I headed out of the changing rooms. Unfortunately I forgot I was wearing a steel shoe and it slipped out from under me on the concrete and splat! Wow... that didn't hurt, lucky I had all my pads on!

John Carpenter had kindly let me hire his bike for the day which made me slightly nervous as it looked too good to get dirty when sitting sparkling in the pits. It would be a different machine I rode from the 7th time out and I was hoping it wouldn't be too hard to adjust to. It was running a higher gear with special carbouretter... oh I don't know the terms, but it's on my first video I posted from this day.

The track was pretty quiet and there were only 4 of us using the main track which gave a nice relaxed atmosphere. Had a bit of trouble starting the bike on this day (or was I just trying to get the push starters fit? tehe) It took a little while to get used to the punchier throttle but as the day wore on I settled in and began to love the gearing and the speed. I think I even managed to get the back wheel to spin and I was managing to open the throttle mid corner and keep it on.

I thought I had lined my helmet camera up better this time but it was still pointing too much towards my helmet and downwards. I will get it right someday! You may hear me squeeling with delight on the videos because I had a few wobbly moments which made me chuckle. Opening the throttle and getting the shock of my life! Someday I would like to be able to get footage from my helmet camera and some from trackside then put it together simultaneously.

It got hotter towards the middle of the day but the adrenaline was pumping so much that I was able to make 6 good runs with a chance of a 7th, but I didn't want to push it. I live to ride another day!! Next practice will be on 3rd of October so I look forward to more fun and frolicks!

Enjoy the videos :)

2009-09-20 - Sittingbourne Speedway Trackday

2009-09-21T18:46:00.005+01:00

8th Trackday on a day when it started cold but ended up quite warm. Only 3 riders on the main track including me so we got lots of practice time. Managed 6 runs altogether, actually got the back to slide a bit... nearly chucked over handlebars once o...r twice, but it's all good fun :D

Pre 8th Speedway Trackday

2009-09-19T22:28:00.000+01:00

Only been 2 weeks since my last trackday I think this is the shortest amount of time I have had between each practice. I will be riding one machine all day like I was last time out on 5th September so that I have a chance of getting in some real progress. This time may be a little different as I will be learning more about the operation and upkeep of the machine as well as riding.

It should be a cool day but I must remember to take my sun lotion and hat just in case because it can get a bit sunny and windy at the cost. I should have some helmet camera footage to post when I get back a long with other stuff hopefully.

Wish me luck!!

2009-09-05 - Sittingbourne Speedway Trackday

2009-09-06T04:22:00.004+01:00

7th trackday on a hot Saturday afternoon! Working on confidence and building up speed. I ache a bit the day after!!

Camera was always pointing towards my eyes so the viewpoint is deceptive. Not bad for the first time using it though!

Let it preload a little to get it to play smooth

pre-7th Speedway Track day

2009-08-23T00:41:00.000+01:00

This will be my 7th time on 5th September, I can imagine it will yet again be a sunny day and far too hot! Track will have been resurfaced and bends altered so it will be great to see what they have done with the track. I may also be going to see a bike to buy on the day... and get to ride it!!! Watch this space!

2009-08-08 - Sittingbourne Speedway Trackday

2009-08-09T15:46:00.003+01:00

Always seems to be hot on the day I go for Speedway practice! Anyway.... bike was running well and I didn't have any of my usual troubles with starting. Worked on my posture on the bike and taking a wide line into corners to turn the power on mid turn. Spoke to the trainers and next time (Sept 5th) they will help me with my confidence. I may even have my own bike by then which may help. Need to get that back wheel spinning and make sure I am counteracting the bend in my spine and leaning the bike over more.

pre-6th Speedway Trackday

2009-08-07T16:15:00.000+01:00

Yet again 2 weeks after my last one I will head out to Sittingbourne to try and slide a speedway bike. I go through the usual measures the day before by buying energy drinks, making sure I have some bananas and checking the weather reports.

As usual the weather looks like it will be a hot one!! (I can never catch a break). This usually means I will get in 5 rides and when I'm not on the bike I will be ducking into some shade.

So far this hobby has been quite expensive but I feel my investments so far have been worth it. I have my helmet, goggles (oversized to fit over my glasses), gloves and boots (which I can't find a steel shoe for!!!)
Recently invested in some armour for my hips, knees and erm..... arse :) I dunno who wears these things which feel like wearing tights (not that I have worn tights before...ahem!) but they don't seem to have the same proportions as me!! I will hopefully be trying on some kevlars tomorrow if all goes well. Anyone remind why I am bothering?? Aren't wulfsport tops and bottoms enough?? :)

This buying of all the equipment comes unstuck when I have to travel to the venue because I can only cycle. Helmet/goggle/gloves in the rucksack, boots in a plastic bag on the handlebars. Time to invest in some bags for my bike and a bigger rucksack!

Subjects have come up of me investing in my own bike. With a budget of under £1000 lots of bikes have turned up but none close enough to pick up. I have been putting it off for so long because the logistics are complex.

A few points stand in the way :

I can't drive
I have no storage at home
I know nothing about bikes (although learning all the time)

There are advantages to owning my own machinery rather than renting all the time. I won't have to keep adjusting to the rental machinery and will become comfortable. The running costs for casual trackdays are what scares me off. How long will I be able to put off buying my own bike?

Anyway... wish me luck! Ride it like a sack of potatoes right? :D

2009-07-26 - Sittingbourne Speedway Trackday

2009-07-27T10:51:00.000+01:00

Fifth track day. Another hot day, a touch too windy.
500cc I was set to use this day unfortunately had technically problems. So this time I was on a 350cc which I felt right at home on! Didn't have the top end grunt. I was pushing a bit more... a little too much, as you will see later in the video... opps :D

2009-06-28 - Sittingbourne Speedway Trackday

2009-06-29T10:49:00.000+01:00

Fourth track day. Blooming hot day but did well to keep out of the heat.
Managed 5 runs (with 4 runs caught on tape) improving shifting my body weight around on the bike.

Next one is in under a months time... these aches and pains from this time should have gone by then. Need to get fitter! :)

2009-05-16 - Sittingbourne Speedway Trackday

2009-05-17T10:46:00.000+01:00

Third time on a track day. Aching all over again, and a real hot and windy day! Poor camera man was having trouble holding camera straight. Unedited footage here... and I hope to get it stabilised.

2008-12-07 - Sittingbourne Speedway Trackday

2008-12-08T11:06:00.001Z

This is my second track day on a Speedway bike... a very big contrast to my first go. Before it was in 30 degree heat on a very dry day, now it was wet (no rain), muddy and a few degrees above freezing.
I apologise for the first part of the footage with no zoom, it was Dad's first attempt at filming and I for to tell him about the zoom buttons ;)

Lots of riders were there that day, the ones in the yellow bibs were the corporate track day people (me included), we were mixing with the pros showing us how it's done, and how it's not done at times! (slippy conditions out there!!)

My dad only filmed my 1st or 2nd run of the afternoon, out of about 5 in a total of about 3 hours. I was exhausted! I am the chap in the white helmet going damn slow and steady at 2m 15s mark ;) Next month... that's is when I unleash the fury!!! (I promptly fall off :D )

Enjoy!

2008-07-26 - Sittingbourne Speedway Trackday

2008-07-27T10:12:00.001+01:00

my first ride on a speedway bike... in fact... first ride on a motorbike!!
Such an experience, I ache all over... and I AM going again soon! The pain was worth it!

Correction in the video, the web address is http://www.sittingbourne-speedway.co.uk

Music
The Devin Townsend Band - Away
The Jelly Jam - Drop The Gun