Guadix Test

The Lack of an internet connection at Guadix high up in the Sierra Nevada hills means this is being written in the thawed out comfort of West Yorkshire...

We knew the weather forecast was a bit sketchy for our second test up at Guadix and when we were setting up is was cold, v..v..v very cold. But it was still a shock to see three inches of snow when you open the curtains of the Cave window in the morning.

You may have noticed I used the word “Cave” then – it wasn’t by mistake that was our accommodation at Guadix... a cave.
As the credit crunch continues to bite is saw fit to book us into three bedroom cave carved into the hillside just above the city... don’t feel sympathy for us it did have windows...ah the glamour of British Superbikes!

Anyway back to the testing – with 3inches of snow the start of the first day was delayed whilst it thawed out – incredibly by 3 o’clock the track was pretty much fully dry – but very cold. I did a couple of laps to check the bike/radiator. The grip level was very low due to the low track temp and the snow washing the rubber away.

For some reason the laws of physics state that: “the temperature in a pit/garage always feels -10degsC lower than outside” – taking that into account it felt like -8degC in the pit and we were all looking forward to getting back to the comfort and warmth of our cave!

Day two dawned with clear skies and once the ice had thawed the track temp climbed into double figures by around 12/1pm. When it did I got back on track to get dialled into the circuit. I’ve been to Guadix before but only for a half day test. The track was still pretty slick and everyone’s times although slower than previous were dropping by the lap.

We worked on gearing, suspension, and electronics set up and although the conditions weren’t perfect it was good to work though things and with a new team structure in 2010 testing isn’t just for the bike and rider.

Due to our return flight that evening from Malaga, we had to cut the test short at around 4pm to get the van packed and back on the road.
The van set off to complete its 3300mile trip back to Yorkshire and it’s fair to say it took everyone a few days to get over the intense but very productive testing week...

TT#21

Cartagena Round Up

We’re up at a cold [5degC] and wet Guadix today(8/3/10) getting set-up and prep’d for [fingers crossed] a couple of dry days testing on Tuesday & Wednesday.

The Cartagena test went well although the last day was a bit eventful...

First session we tested a different: rear link, Front tyre, and electronic maps – all were positive changes and the guys fitted fresh tyres for the following session to push for a lap time. However the rain that had threatened throughout the test materialised and we went for an early lunch as the track dried.

Unfortunately when we returned to the pit we were greeted by a small pool of Water under the bike = Radiator leak returned....

Without the time to fix it the guys got the “EVO” bike ready and I headed back out on that.
Again it was a lot of fun to ride and I got to within 0.4seconds of my best time, consistently, which was good and I surprised myself to be honest.

It was a shame I didn’t get a chance to give the main Superbike a proper thrash with fresh tyres especially after we made the improvements in the morning but we left Cartagena really happy - and as long as the latest repair holds out – with two great bikes to choose from!

Now here at Guadix – I don’t know the track very well & the circuit owner has allowed me to do
some laps in the hire car so I’m off for a bit of that....

Quick formula: Motorcycle Racer + Hire Car x Race Track = Maximum Self Control Required!..

TT#21

Cartagena Day3

Photo courtesy of SMARTFotos – www.SMARTFotos.co.uk

Wake up... Breakfast... To the Race Track... I could get used to this!..

Another good day here in Spain although it has been a bit on the cold side today – that certainly isn’t a complaint as it has been dry.

This morning we wheeled out an EVO spec bike – well type of....
New for 2010 in the British Superbike Championship is a (EVO) class where full superbikes have a stock engine rather than the FIM spec World Superbike version. The only difference between ours and an actual EVO bike is the electronics – we’re running a kit system rather than spending a few grand setting buying the control MOTEC system for the test.

I was pretty impressed with how it went – after only 6 laps I was only 0.6 off my full superbike time. It was certainly easier to ride and ride aggressively. It doesn’t bite back like the +20BHP engine!

I went back out on the Superbike this afternoon and it was obvious that the cooler track temp had affected grip levels – Yukio Kagayama had a BIG highside just in front of me a few corners later a BMW was in the gravel trap, then Gary Johnson landed on his head...

Fortunately all were ok but when the session was restart I did build up for a few laps.

Long story short – I did a string of 14laps all faster than I’ve ever done around here before, considering the cold & strong winds I’m pleased with how it’s gone.

The EVO v’s Full superbike is going to be tougher than I first thought!

Hell I don’t care just pass me a motorbike point me at a race track & I’m happy...

Adios mon amigos,

TT#21

Cartagena Day2

Day two done and dusted – the guys are still prepping the bike for tomorrow so a good time to update the blog...

Another good day on track, although it was a bit of a shaky start.
At the end of the first session the bike’s belly pan was full of water – coming from a broken radiator.

Without a spare I’ve gotta say I was worried it might have been an early end to our whole test...
Fortunately Padre Tunstall patched it up and we got out for a lap at the end of session two to check the old girl was holding her fluids!

After lunch we got the balance better with the bike set-up [a touch more ride height] & that combined with a fresh rear tyre got me down to lap times as fast as I’ve ever done around.
When I got clear track it was consistent at that pace too – I’m pretty happy with that for the moment and if the forecast rain holds off tomorrow I’m sure we’ll get underneath it pretty quickly.

There’s a lot of BSB guys/teams here and at the moment it’s difficult to judge who’s doing what, though it is fair to say Tommy Hill is going strong. I caught & passed Josh Brookes but I’d be surprised if I could do it so easily come Brands Round 1.

Feels like I’ve done some work today too – blisters on hands and muscles starting to feel it.
Gym work never prepares you totally – all part of the preseason testing process.

Absolutely loving it can’t wait to get back out there...

TT#21

Cartagena Day One

Great first day of testing here at Cartagena – Sunny, 23deg’s and a dry track – we couldn’t have asked for better.

Any race bike always feels fast after a long layoff and this year is no different – it takes a bit of time to get your brain up to speed and judging speed and distance on a superbike takes a type of focus you don’t get in the gym.

Needless to say it’s fantastic to be back on a race bike after six months – I got back into it fairly quickly and we started to work on our test plan – starting with riding position.
It was a case of going backwards to go forwards – initially it didn’t feel too good and it pushed the front too hard but we changed the balance and I was able to get the time back down plus we know it certainly has the potential to go faster.

I’m only around a second off my fastest lap around here and considering we’ve been using old/part worn tyre today I’m happy with how it’s going.

The day flew by – now fed & watered time for some kip [& hopefully dreams of warm race tracks!]

Buenas Noches

TT#21

Finally getting on track... just about

Finally getting on track... just about

It feels like it’s been a long winter but finally it’s nearly time to climb into my leathers and swing my leg over the race bike again... I can’t wait.

I’m sat here typing this in the Cartagena Circuit Restaurant waiting for the Van to finish its 1500+mile trek from Yorkshire to southern Spain.

I got here yesterday evening and flew into Murcia. A warm welcome maybe but it was hammering done with rain.

Nearly started the trip with a bit of good old fashioned stalking as according to twitter 7-times Tour De France Winner Lance Armstrong landed at the same time and his “Radio Shack” team car was outside the airport doors. If it wasn’t for the rain I’d have given him a pester!
Aquaplaning the hire car [including bow wave] a few times on the way to the hotel wasn’t quite what I expected but fingers crossed the weather will be on our side...

Once the van arrives we’ll get the pit set up and bike prep’d for tomorrow – the sun is out now & hopefully it stays with us for the following 4 days when we’re on track!

I’ll keep the blog updated and you can also follow what’s happening on twitter...
TT#21