Well, I think its fair to say that's I've just had a torrid 24hrs. Those of you who follow me on Facebook will have already seen what happened, but for the rest, let me tell you a story.
Monday started out well, if a little damp. A mate and I headed up to a Silverstone trackday early, where we enjoyed some good dry roads in little traffic. We got to the track nice and early, by which time the sun was covering the circuit. Looked like a great day was ahead of us.
It was all going so well and three sessions came and went without incident. The bike was going well and I was getting back into it. Sadly, it all came to a thumping end on the super fast left Farm turn, when I lost the front flat out in forth. This was the result.
Monday started out well, if a little damp. A mate and I headed up to a Silverstone trackday early, where we enjoyed some good dry roads in little traffic. We got to the track nice and early, by which time the sun was covering the circuit. Looked like a great day was ahead of us.
It was all going so well and three sessions came and went without incident. The bike was going well and I was getting back into it. Sadly, it all came to a thumping end on the super fast left Farm turn, when I lost the front flat out in forth. This was the result.
I was down before I knew what was happening and thankfully the bike stayed on one side, but destroyed anything that was sticking out. Left clip on, sidestand, rear set, gear lever, switchgear and of course the fairing were smashed into pieces. It wasn't so easy for me on the other hand. I was tumbling for what felt like ten minutes. I thought I was coming to a stop, but then reached the gravel and tumbled four or five more times. God know how fast I was going. Thankfully my head stayed clear of the tarmac and my gloves and boots did exactly what they are employed for and are still able to live another day. My leathers on the other hand, are mullered. The whole crash could have been a whole lot worse.
My theory about the crash was basically down to a cold(er) front tyre. I had a Supercorsa on the back, which was probably hotter that the Rosso Corsa on the front. Long story why I had mismatched tyres, anyway, the Supercorsa was probably gripping a hell of a lot more than the front and just ended up pushing the front of the bike too far, so down I went. Running a Supercorsa with the Rosso Corsa was probably fine for the the road, but clearly isn't advisable for track running, even at my level.
After spending an hour in the medical centre, with a great medical team, I hobbled back into the paddock, all taped up and already feeling very sore which is where I started making some phonecalls. So here where we stood. Im stuck at Silverstone, with an unrideable bike. The AA wanted £350 to come and get it, SOS Motorcycle recovery wanted £240 and I had to wait three hours and my insurance company apologised, but said they couldn't help at all. The great team at Silverstone agreed to hold my bike until I could come and get it, but that left me, with the problem of how to get home. One plan was to get a cab to the station, which I was very against as I only had my leathers on. I could go pillion on the back of Bens '08 Fireblade, which sounded exceedingly dangerous. My folks were hours away or I could get a hotel. Thankfully Sarah came all the way down from Birmingham and I ended up spending an impromptu night with her. Every cloud.
By morning, it was a struggle to walk so I had to spend the morning in her house keeping her cat company. Once she got back from work, she gave me lift to Birmingham New Street where I got a train home. This time I was wearing jeans and proper shoes, so it was a slightly better prospect. I arrived home just after 18:30 injured and shattered and my bike is ninety miles North of me.
As I was already due to head North on Saturday to collect my '02 FireBlade, I'm going to tie it all together, rent a van and go and get both bikes in one hit. Having the 'Blade at home, will give me time to fix the 1098s. I've got six weeks before I'm going to Italy and I dont want to ride the Honda.
So there you have it. A rubbish few days, but this is the photo with which I will remember the day for. I just like it. If I only knew what was just around the corner.
After spending an hour in the medical centre, with a great medical team, I hobbled back into the paddock, all taped up and already feeling very sore which is where I started making some phonecalls. So here where we stood. Im stuck at Silverstone, with an unrideable bike. The AA wanted £350 to come and get it, SOS Motorcycle recovery wanted £240 and I had to wait three hours and my insurance company apologised, but said they couldn't help at all. The great team at Silverstone agreed to hold my bike until I could come and get it, but that left me, with the problem of how to get home. One plan was to get a cab to the station, which I was very against as I only had my leathers on. I could go pillion on the back of Bens '08 Fireblade, which sounded exceedingly dangerous. My folks were hours away or I could get a hotel. Thankfully Sarah came all the way down from Birmingham and I ended up spending an impromptu night with her. Every cloud.
By morning, it was a struggle to walk so I had to spend the morning in her house keeping her cat company. Once she got back from work, she gave me lift to Birmingham New Street where I got a train home. This time I was wearing jeans and proper shoes, so it was a slightly better prospect. I arrived home just after 18:30 injured and shattered and my bike is ninety miles North of me.
As I was already due to head North on Saturday to collect my '02 FireBlade, I'm going to tie it all together, rent a van and go and get both bikes in one hit. Having the 'Blade at home, will give me time to fix the 1098s. I've got six weeks before I'm going to Italy and I dont want to ride the Honda.
So there you have it. A rubbish few days, but this is the photo with which I will remember the day for. I just like it. If I only knew what was just around the corner.
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