British Forgotten Era Championship Rounds 1 & 2 - Cadwell Park

I was really looking forward to my first visit to Cadwell Park for nine years. I was hoping for better luck than I had on my last visit, where I ended up on my head first time out on the FZR 600 know to most people as the Black Pig.

I was pretty surprised to find that we were only getting three laps of practice, but was looking forward to using the new RG in anger for the first time. I went out riding it like I ride at the Manx, carrying loads of corner speed, but I was being passed left right and centre. I have to admit, I was astounded to see how quick these guys were going. I soon realized that I would have to adapt to the late braking, short circuit scratching my rivals seemed so used to.

Grid positions are picked at random, and in the first race I had to start from quite near the back. I ended up fifth, but again I was so shocked at the level I had to ride. I had not realized it was going to be like this at all, however, I was really starting to enjoy myself.

In race two, I was lucky enough to get a start on the second row, and I actually led the early part of the race. I was leading into the Hairpin mid way through when I overshot slightly. Anywhere else, one guy might have slid through, but typically I was passed by four riders in a split second. I managed to get back up to second by the flag, which I was delighted with, considering my opposition were so familiar with the track.

I never expected to have to ride so hard, and I ended the day with holes in both my boots and one of the knees in my leathers. My knee has never been on the deck so many times in one day! 

I was awarded the Man of the Meeting award, for my results and taking in the fact that it was my first visit here for so long. I really enjoyed the meeting ran by an excellent club who had twenty one races over and done with by about half past four and can't wait for the next round where hopefully we can get a victory out of the RG.