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TT 2008 UPDATE 1

Hi everyone, I seem to be starting my updates with apologies these days! And it is no different to day. I have been so busy this past few days, I just haven’t got round to getting this article updated!.

After a long drive, (Stranraer to Heysham), Hugh and I arrived here in IOM on Wednesday last.

We took Thursday for setting up the awning etc, whilst on Friday, it was the usual signing on procedure as well as attending the Riders Briefing, the usual TT format you could say.

Got all my tyres sorted etc.

Rachel, Simon and trigger arrived on Friday night, Simon armed with the bodywork for the R6. I am sure many of you are now aware, that we have purchased William Dunlops R6 Yamaha.

Saturday, and the first day of practice, we got organized in good time, and had our bikes first in the scrutineering que, but I wasn’t best pleased, when I was put on Stop!, I had to go and do a medical, following the spill I had at Croft, which was six weeks ago!, and considering that I have done Cookstown, Tandragee and the North West 200!, But Thankfully I was passed fit .

I took each bike out for a lap , and I must say, it is so strange getting back out on the mountain circuit again, but it sure felt great!.

Monday night practice , I was looking for two laps on the Superbike, I wanted a flying lap, but I started to feel a burning sensation in my leg !It was about Ginger hall that I started to feel this, and it got worse as I went on, so I pulled in to pits, only to find that the fuel tank had bursted!, and the fuel was seeping into my leathers!, But when I found out that I was just shy of 119mph, despite the fuel tank bursting, and slowing down, this helped ease the burning pain!.

I then took the superstock machine out, and again was looking for a flyer on lap two, but I heard mysterious noises , so I pulled into the petrol station at Kirkmichael, but all seemed ok, so I was able to continue.

I hadn’t planned on taking the 600 out, but did so, took a few miles to get the feel of it, and then Ian Lougher came past me at Greeba, I followed him to Glen Helen, so I was pretty chuffed here, I was impressed with the Yamaha, as I feel it is more suited to my style of riding.

Not much to report from Tuesday night, practice went ahead, but it was so wet, I didn’t bother, then on Wednesday, it was again cancelled, this time, we knew at lunch time, so the lads went off for a few beers.

It was good to see Simon renewing old acquaintices again!.

It is now Thursday afternoon, and the weather is looking good for this evening, so fingers crossed, that we all get out to night.

Don’t forget, if you are on the island, Please call round to the race truck, where you will be more than welcome for a chat.

JB#16 @TT 08

Pics by Baylon McCaughey