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Dont underestimate the little ones, thats my motto! When offered a ride of a Yamaha R1 most people couldnt say No, for me there were a few other details to bear in mind. Being a half pint at only 4ft 11 I could barely touch the floor. The biggest bike I have ever ridden is my current R6. The bike was setup up with race shift gearing which I have never used. And finally, I was to ride around Cartagena, a circuit I had never been on before. Putting those minor details aside, what was my answer? Well Yes of course.
Between Christmas and New Year some friends were participating in a five day track event at the Spanish circuit. The schedule consisted of general practice time and a variety of races to cater for all. Even though I wasnt taking part how could I resist the sun, beer and revving of engines. Altogether there were seven of us who shared a villa for the holiday season. Two more would have joined us for the New Year celebrations if they hadnt missed their flight, oops The gang included Buddha, my partner in crime for transporting the bikes down to Spain, as well as being a general handy man and most certainly an entertainer.
Susie Grayson and Moosey (Deb Cartwright), Team managers of Feisty Racing (http://www.bikegirl.co.uk/) were two of those playing out on track with Susies new toy, an R1. This was in preparation for the various endurance events they aim to compete in and for Susie the 2008 European Womens Championship. Moosey will also be returning to the EWC on a 2008 Yamaha R6 in addition to competing in the debut year of the Austrian R6 Cup. Also from Feisty was Amanda Wake on her faithful ZXR400 taking up the opportunity to experience a circuit she had never been on before. She was accompanied by her partner Rich who joined her on track for the last couple of days practicing ready for their 4 hour endurance battle. He borrowed the final bike of the pack, a CBR600RR that belonged to David, Susies boyfriend. This was also his first time at the track, but as he was not participating in the races he kindly lent his bike to Rich.
The holiday was for sure full of laughs and memorable moments, ones that included playing in the games room in the midst of a power cut. We simply relied on the tiny amount of moonlight reflecting through the basement window and the fluorescent balls of the table football. It became a bit dangerous when trying to play pool or ice hockey though. Also, me never learning and yet again play fighting only to land head first onto a concrete floor making me look like Rocky for the next 4-5 days. However through it all the highlight for me has to be riding the R1.
Tammy on the R1
There was what was called a Mechanics session that allowed non track day participants to experience the circuit. What an excellent idea, it allowed riders to take friends or family as pillions, little kids to ride their mini motos, quads etc.. and for the helpers to have a bit of fun. It was a steady monitored session, which with the variety of experience and ages out there it had to be to ensure it was safe. As the session drew nearer I could feel my stomach twisting tighter and tighter from the mixture of nerves and excitement. My concern was that all my mishaps happen at slow speed or in car parks, so I stressed several times that when I was at a stop I needed people around me just in case and to assist me when hoping on or off, after all this wasnt my bike.
The R1 was high and to support myself I needed at least the balls of one foot down which left my other foot at least 6 off the floor, flexibility is a wonderful thing. On track days you are not at a stop very often so I could get away with it, but I wouldnt advise this for the road, day by day. Whilst waiting for the session to begin I never actually knew if my leg was shaking from the manic butterflies or from holding up the bike, but through it all never once did I not want to do it. As the lights changed I smoothly opened the throttle, slowly released the clutch and added a bit more gas to get moving. I was off! I relish the feeling I have when I first merge onto a track, lowering my visor in preparation as it means Play Time. Out on track when its just me and the bike I get such a free, mesmerizing sensation that takes me away from everything else.
The R1 was high
I used the first lap to get used to the bike with regards to the reaction of the throttle and to generally suss out the track. I didnt know what to get excited about or concentrate on first. Initially I definitely had a case of kangaroo juice, but with each lap I got smoother, slightly faster and more confident. I am not a racer or a fast rider, but I can certainly appreciate what it takes to race and especially on a bike like this, the throttle reaction was amazing. I already have full admiration for racers, either amateur or professional and I most definitely did not touch the basics of what the bike can do, but each bike is different therefore when are able to ride a machine they race to the limits, it brings everything into a dazzling perspective.
I had appreciated the point of race shift, this is where the selection of gears is the reverse to standard road bikes and it really does make a difference, even for me. Even though it felt a little backwards with being the opposite of what I know, the whole roughness of entering a corner just disappeared. With the extra stability it gives, you gain the confidence to push harder. This was fun. Overall I felt quite high up, yet at the same time the bike seemed rather small, it was smooth but had aggression and it was adorably sticking to the track like glue therefore wherever you wanted to go it most certainly went.
Cartagena circuit is a decent length of just over 2 miles and full of variety, you never got bored. Only one straight really exists and that is over the start/finish line. The rest of the circuit is full of sweeping bends, rights into lefts, one after another, complimented by only a couple of mini straights. And just to add a further twist (no pun intended) the circuit is situated on a slight hill so the level and gradients change with every turn of the wheels. You are always thinking about what coming next and enjoying every moment, no parts of the track seem the same. Lap after lap I just wanted more, both of the circuit and the bike, but unfortunately all must come to an end. On my return to pit lane I ensured the bike was safely out of my hands before proceeding into a jumping, screaming fit. Wow! What good friends I have, thanks again girls.
I wasnt fast and I was cautious, but I love trying new things and that opportunity was different in so many ways. I know there are a lot of people out there that feel they are struggling and I would like to be an example to show that confidence and technique is the key, this grows with experience gained by practice. This isnt just aimed at the vertically challenged, uncertainty exists in a several people for a variety of reasons. There was a time I couldnt imagine riding anything bigger than a 125cc, the same when I had my 400cc, now I have my precious R6 and have ridden an R1. Having support is a bonus whether it comes from personal friends or professional riding organisations, you still learn and improve. I am not saying go and buy an R1, I am saying dont give up, identify the issues and tackle them head on (with a crash helmet). Where there is a will most of the time there is a way.
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