21st Feb 2009

Test Day 3

Cadwell Park - Focussed Events Open Pit Lane Event

4am...that's the time I had to get up to make sure we got there on time. Next time its a B+B. Anyway got to track 7:30 bang on only to find all the best paddock places had been taken. Sod it we'll make our own place far off in the corner. Set everything up then down to briefing.

I decided not to take my bike to noise testing immediately as I wanted the wet and greasy track to dry up a bit., its not like there is a rush with it being open pit lane. Well what a mistake that was. I knew about the R6 Micron exhaust problem and had enquired about replacement silencers etc but when your told 500 quid and we need your headers I decided not to. So thought I'd chance it. 109db is not a good start, especially as I had changed to my spare can with the baffle fitted. We actually thought it was louder immediately but said it could be the sound is different rather than the actual noise.

I can say a big enough thanks to my best mate Jody who just so happens to have two bikes, a wet and dry one. He told me to try his Akrapovic can to see how it would fit. After half an hour or so I had managed to get it to fit in such a way that it looks ok but I knew it couldn't last but I thought even if it just passes the sound test that will do. So down I go and this time 108db, I had a word with the bloke testing and asked how I could have such a high reading when the same can but on Akrapovic headers was 101db. He tested again and I didn't see the result but gave a thumbs up and wink as he walked off. Top man, cant fault the bloke.

So instead of a morning full of getting knackered I had 3 laps before the red flag came out. Took this chance to get straight back to the van and change to my std can again. Quick change round then back down to the holding area hoping they wouldn't notice the switch. They didn't and I managed about 10 laps before deciding on pulling in.

Now for those who haven't been to Cadwell before what a track. Being my first time here I wanted to build up some speed nice and progressively and learn the circuit well. Oh my god what a challenge!!! Why does everything on TV or video looks so easy. Now I must admit I haven't rode that many circuits. Donington a few times and quite a bit round Mallory but this stunning Lincolnshire track is something else.

After dinner Jody and I went out pretty much straight away. Started to get a rhythm going and was loving it. Not the fastest on track by a long way but content with getting used to each corner. With it being such a narrow track your lines and gears really do make a big difference round there. Must have done about 15 laps when all of a sudden I ride past the marshal and black flag. Black flag for me?? Oh no have they spotted my exhaust? What is it for? So round again and back in. Park up the bike and head down to see what I'd done wrong. After a very brief chat with Mark from FE he told me that it wasn't me it was the marshal who had been pulled in. Happy days so trek back to the bike and top up with fuel, quick drink and kit up again.

I went out for what seemed like an eternity. this time going hard at it trying to make the most of it. WOW, it really does take a lot out of you when pushing so hard. Couple of missed braking points and very late apex's but al together nice and smooth not too hard over the mountain. Still a wheelie chicken to be fair.

The afternoon seemed to fly by but then I did get out as much as possible only coming back in for a quick rest and rehydrate. By the end of the day I had my lap times in the high 1:40's, which for my first attempt and the high amount of traffic I was quite chuffed with. Cant wait to come back and have another go as the track really is nice but next is another ACU day at Mallory and I'm going full hammer for sub 60's......