SUNSHINE AND NO RED FLAGS

We know from past experience that the sun usually shines on the Folly — but not always at Cadwell. In fact the only day that we have ever had to cancel because of rain was at Cadwell — all disappointed riders got a £20 Cadwell day the following year. This year however, like last year. the sun shone and a cooling breeze wafted. It was almost a rural idyll.

Like last year we had no stoppages. I would like to say that was because we had no fallers, but just like last year, we actually had three. All three managed to come off very conveniently and tidily and the marshals were able to clear them away from the circuit with nothing more than a bit of yellow flag waving. We are very appreciative of the professional attitude and skill demonstrated by the circuit management and marshals in avoiding hold ups.

It’s the paramedics for whom I feel sorry. No outings and no chance to use the blue flashing lights all day. “Good day at the track dear?” “No, really boring. It was that Folly lot again”. Ah well, can’t please everyone all the time.

Lots of smiling faces amongst the riders, particularly those who had either not experienced Cadwell or the Folly before. “This is now my favourite circuit/track day organiser” (chose relevant alternative) was a refrain I heard on several occasions during the day.

Best smile I saw was on the face of fellow Guzzi rider Alan Godfrey. A Folly first timer he had responded to publicity in the Moto Guzzi Club GB magazine and turned up on his 20 year old Le Mans II. He came over to introduce himself when he saw me dismounting from my 1100 Sport. I’d noted his riding earlier and so had no qualms in asking whether he would like a go on it. An initial expression of disbelief turned into a very big grin when he realised I was being serious. We swapped bikes for the following session. I think he enjoyed the 1100 almost as much as I did the Le Mans — just like old times.

I was a bit disappointed at the Guzzi turnout as I had made an effort to get club members along. In the event Alan and I were the only Guzzi riders riding Guzzis but there were two others who were not on their real bikes. Also about half a dozen club members turned up to spectate, probably expecting a veritable Guzzi fest!

About thirty-five of us at the Admiral Rodney on the evening before. The place was crawling with Follyists. Have to mention Terry “Bladder” Harris. Known throughout South Wales for his prodigious powers of retention even he couldn’t wait long enough to get from the car park into the hotel after an incredible no comfort break drive from Dinas Powys. And I thought we were a respectable bunch!

In the hotel context I must also say a few words about Richard (“I’m going to be inconspicuous today and not get in the report”) Morris. Now I have previously mentioned a nameless sad old git showing everyone at the Castle Combe hotel a picture of him on his black Guzzi in the owners’ club magazine. Well Richard had featured on his ZRX1200R beast in that day’s MCN. Need I say more?

Richard was so keen to be inconspicuous on the day that he packed his bike up at 3.30pm “whilst the going is good”.

What was not inconspicuous was an enormous Vivaldi Racing BSB team transporter that was parked up by the scrutineering shed all day. This caused several nervous enquiries at sign on as to who exactly was going to be out there later. They were just fettling, not riding.

On the subject of Italian exotica: Les Skinner’s 1992 Moto Morini Dart 350 (looked like a sort of baby fully enclosed Bimota) was much admired as was, as usual, the lovely (and lovely sounding) Ducati 851 of Stephen Jones with its reverse cone megas. I’ve ridden 350 Moto Morinis, particularly the 70s model with the 16 leading shoe front brake. They’re quick for their size and handle fantastically.

For lovers of classic machinery a spectator turned up in rocker gear on a pre-unit (so 1950s) Triumph Bonneville with polished alloy tank, clip ons and lashings of oil in all the traditional, and unwanted, places.

We also had loads of police as spectators. First two bikers who declined (unlike their colleagues six years ago) the offer of a ride out in one of the sessions. Then later in the day a mixed sex group of eight, what looked like desk sergeants and the like, turned up in white shirtsleeves. They’d gone before I got the opportunity to talk to them so didn’t get to understand where they’d come from or why. I was subsequently informed that they were actually taking a break from some driving instruction in the Lincolnshire Wolds.

Graham Alcock turned up without his driving licence, as did Steve Dudhill. As an officer and a regular they should know better. Asgoo Pirbhai can perhaps be excused, as he had never ridden an MSV circuit before. The circuit and DVLA sorted the first two. Asgoo got his business partner to collect his licence from home and drive it up from Leicester to Newark where they rendezvoused at 10.30 the evening before for handover. Nice partner.

Have to thank Ian Sewell who organised a party of nine friends to attend (we like people who do that and give them a discount — bring nine, one rides free) and everyone who responded to my plea for numbers and promise of good weather of two weeks previously. In the event we were slightly short of numbers for advanced and novice but financial meltdown was avoided.

Man of the day award must however go to Robert Pritchard known to most people there as merely the “man on the Pan European”. Robert started riding in Advanced but after a couple of sessions asked to be moved down to Intermediate as he thought he might be holding up the fast boys. He was not, but he had been overtaken by a couple of them. In Intermediate he was the fastest rider out there and left several riders of out and out sport bikes feeling distinctly humble. He told me that he wasn’t an ex racer (they desperately wanted it to be so) but he had previously owned a Hayabusa and was occasionally allowed to ride his son’s Blade. He put his performance down to racing Caterhams (so he knew the circuit) and “knowing where to brake”. We think that probably means nowhere. We don’t usually have a rider of the day award but Robert was mentioned to me in awestruck tones by so many people during the day that I think I can say he got the honour by popular acclaim. The officers have agreed that next time we see Robert on track he will be awarded a Folly baseball cap to recognise his achievement.

That achievement was only slightly blemished by Robert turning up with friend James Ingham on a ZX6 who was the first faller of the day. He followed some younger bloods into Gooseneck, didn’t like their lines and found himself unlikely to avoid the kerb after the first RH turn in. He decided to take the short cut and discovered that grass lacks traction. Virtually no damage done and he was riding for the rest of the day.

As this was in the first Advanced session of the day and he was followed onto the grass by Jason Newman on his R6 at nearly the same place on the very next lap I thought we had a bunch of headbangers in Advanced and were in for a day of carnage. Fortunately it was not to be and it was only someone on an SRAD taking to the grass exiting Mansfield towards the end of the afternoon that brought the total to three.

At about the same time I was riding in Advanced, and feeling pretty pleased with myself at overtaking someone (anyone you understand) when I was overtaken going up the hill into Charlies by someone with a yellow cross on the back of their seat. These crosses are applied at the request of rider concerned if they feel that as a novice or cautious rider they would like others to be aware of their nervous disposition and give them plenty of room! I was only slightly mollified to find out, back in the paddock, that this was ex racer Dave Sexton riding novice rider Ruth Sexton’s bike. Only slightly, because Ruth has a 400cc “baby” Blade. Bah!

As promised we held a free raffle of tickets for the Brands Hatch BSB round. Tom Coleman, David Marsh, Les Skinner and Dave Pollen each won a pair of tickets. I hope they will make contact with one another through the Folly website chatgroup/notice board and meet up on the day.

Our next day is at Brands on Monday 11th July. There are still places in all groups and the hotel details for the night before are on the website. As it is Brands, probably the UK’s favourite circuit, booking early is advisable.

The tyre man should be coming to Brands. If you want to contact him in advance to book him to bring some tyres for you get hold of him at Moto Mondo on 07759 308283.

If you missed your photo of Cadwell action you can view and order all photos of the day by going to DE Photo’s webpage at http://tinyurl.com/8wyz9  Selected ones for viewing only feature on the Folly website.

Finally, Justine the Queen of the Pit Lane is doing a 5km “ Race for Life” for Cancer Research on 10th July and needs sponsorship. Go to www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/jus for easy donations. Jus says thanks to those who have already pledged. We all look forward to seeing her at the hotel the evening after the run.

Geoff.

Any comments on the day or this newsletter (not bookings) to me at geoff @ megalith.plus.com

Views or suggestions on our instructors/instructing to mike.edwards @ biketrackdays.co.uk.