I went to Sittingbourne Speedway track last Sunday for a training day and what a hoot.
The day started at with the usual riders briefing and we were then split into two groups, Novices and track gods. I chose the novice group as I had never riden a speedway bike before and thought that it would end in tears had I had taken to the big 500's straight off. So off I trotted to the small practice track where a Honda 125cc powered machine awaited me. The good bit was it was not my bike. The bad bit... no run-off. What was I letting myself in for. I need not have worried. After four laps I had the bike driffing sideways around track like I was a duck taking to water. The only instruction was that my inside leg position was in the wrong place and it was likely to land me in trouble when I got to the big track. Then the instrucor pointed me in the direction of the big track.
This is what I was aiming for on the big track.
This lad is Jack Kingston who's a British Youth Champion so my aspirations were a bit high to say the least.
So after instruction about starting, stopping and my foot down technique I took to the track.
All geared up and ready to go.
Thinking about my lines and what the instructor had said.
What a hoot. The Jap 500 packs a punch when you let it go and with no brakes comitment into the corner is a must otherwise you very quickly hit the wall. After three laps I was stating to get the drift of things and spinning up. The big grin on my face was taking over the concentration that I needed. OOOOPS! and they say pride cometh before a fall. Down I went in what was a very gracefull lowside. I nearly kept it going and with both hands still holding the bars I attented to set off again but stalled it just as the back wheel touched the ground. First time I'd dropped a bike in eons. Never mind, it's not my bike LOL. For the remainder of the sessions I didn't take it easy but worked more on technique but struggled to get the back out on every turn.
In all a superb day out.
And a FOC-U salute for all you boys and girls.
There are some of the low-side that I'll add when I get the off the photograher.