How long have I been into biking?
I guess I was a born again biker at 16! I first had a bike, a yamaha TY80 trials bike, when I was seven years old, but differences with my team manager/sponsor (my dad) meant that I only got to use it for one season before a new rider (my brother) was brought into the team to replace me! In 1993, aged 17, I went on my first holiday with Mike to the Bol D'Or at Circuit Paul Ricard near Marseille on the back of his CBR600. When we got to the ferry port about 40 miles away it was the furthest I had travelled on a bike in one stretch, the next day we covered a total of 550 miles! My mum was so cool for letting me go, and I think my dad was green with envy as he had often talked about going. We spent the weekend at one of the biggest biking parties around, it was quite an eye-opener for me, but I've loved bikes, particularly sports & race bikes ever since. I did my first trackday in February 2002 and have not been able to get enough of the adrenalin buzz ever since!

What inspired you to start racing?
I probably would not have even considered racing had I not ventured across the bikegirl website during my search for some new biking stuff during summer 2005. I first attended a Bemsee race meeting, and met the girls same weekend in September of the same year. Easter 2006 I went to Valencia with Racedays, and though the races their are of a time trial format as no standing grid is allowed I got a bit of a bug for wanting to beat the person in front. There were five girls riding that weekend and I won the lady's cup! I have spent a few weekends this year with the girls, learning how things work and partying hard (I won't get to next year so I might as well make the most of it now). I also rode at the Big Bikegirl Get Together at Anglesey, where winning "rider of the day" just confirmed that I wanted to race next year.

What are your ambitions?
To not be at the back, to beat the person infront, to get on the podium during my rookie year, to be faster than Mike and most of all to have fun out there!

Who who do you look up to in racing?
All of the riders out there in the National and International championships. The trackdays I have done have just given me a greater admiration for the racers out there. There are also a lot of riders at club level who, had luck and finances been different, could have made it at national level at least, I have a huge respect for these guys and hope to learn a lot from them when I'm racing.

Who's your favourite racing hunk?
... goes all girly and doe eyed thinking of various racers...
I can't name just one as there are too many gorgeous men out there, but if I have to name names I'd say Neil Hodgson was probably my first biking hunk, Leon Haslam and James Toseland are both very pleasing to look at, and Chris Walker has a special place there too, he has a spark in his eyes and a cheeky smile, I've met him a couple of times now and he has always had time for people, he was even encouraging Mike and I to go racing when we saw him in the Valencia paddock, and yes I did have tears in my eyes when he got that win!

Lydden Hill Circuit, Bemsee ACU 7th Race Meet: Clubman Minitwins – Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th June 2007

Having had a 5 week gap from racing and the opportunity to have my bike checked over and a couple of niggles sorted I felt ready and looking forwards to being back out on track. My aims were to arrive at the first corner in amongst everyone, to focus on my own riding, rather than what other people are doing, and most importantly to enjoy myself.

Wednesday night
I had the inevitable long journey that I am now becoming accustomed to of a race weekend and arrived at the end of the world, sorry I mean Lydden race circuit, after 2 in the morning. Time to unhitch and a get a few hours sleep before practice day the next day.

Thursday
First time that I had run the bike since its trip on the dyno. It sounded great when I started it up and I was really looking forwards to getting out there. Checked (most of) it over I knew to take it a little steady first session though to bed in the new brake pads. The bike took ages to warm through and was running a little cool, then started spluttering part way through the session, so in I came. Forgot to check the radiator tape – damn, but seemed OK. Couldn’t imagine anything being wrong so sorted that and went back out for the second session. All was OK to start with, then as I was getting into it the bike started to sound like it was firing on 3 coming round the long right, temperature was fine so came back in.

Had a chat with a few people and the general idea was I’d head out again for the next session and work out which cylinder was dropping (possibly a dodgy spark plug) by running for a lap before coming back in, so that I’d be able to check the heat in the down pipes. Nice idea, did a lap fine, 2nd lap I started dropping a cylinder at the hairpin, then another round the long right, then through the left it dropped a 3rd and refused to move. So I pulled off the track. It took me a while to work out where I could leave the bike without lying it down, then get myself out the way, so sorry to anyone else out there for the length of time that the yellow flag was out. Came back to the bike at the end of the session to find I’d left the ignition on and the fuel pump ticking away – fuelling issue maybe?

Now then, over the last year or so I’ve gone from barely being able to tension a chain, to changing gearing, wheels, brake pads… but I’ve not much clue once it comes to anything beneath the tank in that bit that actually makes the bike go! I’ve got to thank Pat Mills for his help and patience, working through the possibilities and . Though the pump re pressurised as soon as I got the tank out of the frame (kinked fuel pipe?) and it turned out I’d possibly turned the fuel to “on” instead of “reserve” too. (I’m blonde so surely I can be forgiven the odd thing and it wasn’t easy to work out which way was which front the markings on the fuel tap, honest)

I missed one session from all this, but got back out for the afternoon and was finally able to test out the gearing that I’d put in the bike. It was a little too low by the end of the afternoon, so there was a task for the Friday, but my riding was beginning to flow again and I felt a lot more like myself on the bike, which was the main thing. The weather had been surprisingly warm and dry too, which always helps the frame of mind!

Friday
There are definitely some advantages to being at the end of the world, where phones won’t work and I have no access to a pc, so when the suggestion was made to head into Dover for a greasy spoon breakfast, followed by a trip to the beach it seemed a great idea. The transport chosen by this trip seemed highly amusing, 5 people 3 bikes, only 2 of the bikes were equipped to take passengers at this time. So off we went, 2 on Gab’s ZX10, 1 on Hornet 600, and 2 on the Feisty scooter!!! When we finally found a beach the weather decided to have its own say and rained on us, so we climbed back up the hill, with those of us on the scoot trying our best to get a tow from the 10. Lydden must have its very own weather pattern as by the time we returned the sun was out and the weather warm. To make the most of the weather slightly unusual mechanics wear was to be seen as wheels were changed and bikes checked over ready for the Saturday.

Saturday
I’m fairly late on in the race schedule, but with needing to scrutineer there is still no lie in. Then I get out there for practice and just warm everything up.

I’m looking forwards to my first race, as being determined to be somewhere in the pack is nothing like as daunting when there is less than 20 people on the grid. My start position was 14, quite appropriate with that being my race number and all, and sure enough, I may not have gotten passed anyone really, but I was there with them all, in them all at the first corner. I felt I was riding much more relaxed, and moving around better than I had in a race for a while, so I was a little disappointed at the end when my fastest lap time was a little slower than I had been in March (49.7 compared with 49.6), still it wasn’t a bad start to the weekend and I wasn’t last which was such a relief.

On the grid 13th for my second race and again I got away OK! I was really getting into it, and having my sights on Radka ahead only gave me more enthusiasm, however I rapidly tired and couldn’t keep up as the race progressed. Lesson learnt and there is most definitely a time to get some sleep rather than being up to the early hours the night before racing. However, there was food to be cooked (for 16), a little drink to be drunk (only a little), tongues to be wagged and tales to be elaborated on before sleep could happen.

Sunday
Having had a fantastic lie in, getting up with enough time to be reading for the warm up just to shake myself down for the day, I was looking forwards to this one.

After some major delays due to so many incidents that were beyond anything even the most experienced in the paddock had seen we were finally called for our first race. I was back starting in 14th position and knew what to expect as we headed into the first corner, so this time I wanted to do a little better. I also wanted to last the race better, allowing enough for my second race of the day.

I got away from the line, not quite so well as the day before but made my way past a couple of people fairly quickly then held station for much of the rest of the race. My fastest lap time was still not up there with my March time, but my overall race time was better, and for my first race ever I did not tire during the race. I actually felt like I had energy left for another race. I also discovered that I needed to change my gearing as I was getting better through the hairpin (at last I was getting quicker through the slower corner). So that was done and everything prepared for the next race.

In between races the incidents continued and the nerves started to build. I went off to get ready for my second race and to turn those negative nerves into positive ones. Just as I was nearly ready I heard the announcements about the slight change in race order and that my race was to be run at a later date. Initially this disappointed me, but then I was pleased for Radka, as she’d come off in our 1st race, and although she was fine the bike needs a little attention that was not possible in the paddock.

I hope that the extra race is run at Snet, it’s the next round and our last visit was my best race yet. My aims for the are to continue to improve my fitness and to keep this positive and fun attitude to racing that I rediscovered for Lydden.

The stats

Brands Hatch Indy 12th & 13th May 2007

Friday
I got out there and was wanting to make the most of the weather being better than had been predicted. I knew which way the track went, but had no idea what it would really feel like going round the track So I took the first session steady then planned to build up as the day went on. Things seemed to be going well in the first and into the second session, then my throttle cable snapped, fortunately I was able to ride it in on idle and had a rapid lesson in how to change a throttle cable, not rapid enough for me to get out in session three though.

Real successes for me on practice day were beginning to feel the track flow and enjoying the surtees-clarke section and getting my knee down round Clearways (first time I’ve got my knee down in over a year).

Areas needing improvement were Paddock Hill, where I was suffering from lack of feedback from the front end, and Druids, where I was riding like a complete girl and just needed to do it quicker.

Scrutineering followed, and I suddenly discovered that the shark’s fin chain guard had been damaged when the bike had been knocked over at Cadwell, and a new one was required. Unfortunately I couldn’t get one and put it on in time to have it scrutineered before close of play Friday.

Saturday
Up bright and early (for me) and the bike passes scrutineering with flying colours. Then I get out there for practice and just warm everything up.

My first race came and the 45 bikes on the grid for a start into paddock Hill bend. I got off the line badly,  and kept being held up by a group of riders, I was really struggling to pass.  They’d get away from me a little through Paddock hill and druids. I’d be back with them through Graham Hill bend then they’d hold me up again until we got back round to braking for paddock hill.  I just couldn’t work out how to get past. Then the leading Thunderbikes started to come by and i decided to try to follow them through a little.  This got me past Kat Sanderson only for me to find I was approaching Clearways somewhat faster than I ever have done and I wasn’t ready to tip in, so had to apply the brakes and go wide, then tip in.  Kat got back past me. Fastest lap of the race was 1:00.19 – not happy as I really wanted to beat the minute. Oh well, there was a plan for the next race, as was sorting out my own overtakes and not getting lapped.

Second race start and the clutch was grabbing even though I was only holding 8000 revs, so another bad one. I then ended up behind Rob Pragnell and it took me a whole lap to make a positive move past, even though I have realised since that any of the other 3 attempts that i had made would have stuck if I hadn’t given way. By this time the group ahead had got away and I spent the remaining 5 laps of this shortened race chasing them down. The Bike misfire that i’d suffered at Snetterton reared its ugly head making me slower along the back straight than I should be. Fastest lap was 59.68 and didn’t get lapped (wouldn’t have been lapped if it was full distance either). Got my knee down in the race too.  After my return to the pits I was disappointed to realise that I didn’t have another race to do that day, then remembered the cake and pink bubbly to be had and was a very happy girl.

Sunday
The weather decided to take a serious part in Sunday’s activities and I spent the 3 lap warm up changing my wheels for my wets and adding some extra tape to the radiator to be ready for my first race.

Got out on the grid and in the warm up lap realised that I ‘d not added enough tape to the radiator and I’d have to go gentle. Pootled round to get a finish.

The second race was truly wet and I was a little nervous but looking forwards to giving it a go.  The clutch was grabbing off the line again. Got past one person fairly quickly and started to have a good little battle with a thunderbike, had it squirming out of Clearways but was feeling good, then lost my foot from the peg through paddock hill – this added to the previously vague feeling being even worse in the wet – and I decided I did not want to add to the crash stats for the weekend and finished.  Then had a look at my wets and realised they’ve passed their best.

All in all not a bad weekend, shame I couldn’t get more out of Sunday though.

Aims before Lydden – Bike to be refreshed and misfire to be checked, more cardio fitness and invest in new wet tyres

The stats:

Cadwell April 2007

After van troubles leaving me concerned that I would even be able to get to Cadwell I was packed up and relaxed and feeling ready for the weekend. I was concerned about my journey home, being last race out, but knew that it would happen sometime and at least I would be able to have a lie in. With the sun shining (and then setting) I drove to Cadwell with the traffic gods looking after me.

Thursday
Having gotten into all this and deciding that, although I’d been to a couple of track days at Cadwell in the past, I’d have plenty to work on I’d booked myself into the Thursday track day as well as the Friday practice. My main aim for Thursday was to remember where the track went and to try to get my gearing set up.  I’d put in the gearing that the bike is used to having for this circuit, but was expecting to need a change seeing as my pace is nowhere near that of the bike’s previous rider.  I was also a little nervous to see if the bike would have a repeat of it’s little coughing fit from Snetterton. The sighting laps – I’m sure they didn’t used to feel that slow – out of the way and onto the first proper session. Much of the surface seemed to have changed somewhat since my last visit and I wasn’t sure of the grip afforded to my bike, particularly into Park, so I built up my pace and moved my breaking markers gradually. I soon came to realise that the gearing was fine and started to get bored with no one to play with. Last session of the day changed that though and we had a good little play with a CBR600RR and its rider, including outbraking into Park and only just being able to turn in and stay on the tarmac, I could have pulled on the brakes harder but the bike was telling me that it couldn’t grip the road any harder.

Friday
I was looking forwards to testing out there on track with those that would be out in the same race as me and feeling really positive.  The change in weather and the delays made me a little apprehensive though, and the bike was calling for extra radiator tape to prevent it from shivering during the first session.

Once we got out on track I soon discovered that although my pace was good round my favourite sweeping bends of Coppice and Charlies, it was particularly poor through the slower corners of the chicane, mountain and hairpin. By the end of the day my slower corners had improved a little, putting together 2 or 3 flowing laps before calling it a day with one session left.

Scrutineering followed, and after a couple of adjustments to the bike’s new numbers, we sailed through. Then went off to fit new boots – to the bike not me.

Saturday
Following the best night’s sleep I’ve had in months I awoke with plenty of time to adjust myself to the day. I was so chilled out that I nearly forgot to get ready for practice!

I warmed up myself and the bike, then in we came and relaxed for a few more hours. My first race was called in the afternoon. I was still of a chilled mind as we all headed out on track, I barely even noticed the lights go out – another bad start there then! Soon I was going and caught up to Kat Sanderson and worked out a way passed her, by this time I might as well have been out on the track by myself. Soon I was getting tired and Kat passed me back, we were close all the way to the line but I didn’t get her back. It was certainly interesting being lapped though Hall bends, not something I’d like to happen again. Wasn’t happy as I realised I’d not been riding like I normally do. I might have been relaxed before the race, but I was tense in my shoulders throughout it and I hadn’t noticed. My riding was not smooth and flowing, it was like I was fighting. Lap times weren’t great at 2:00 and I finished last on track. Time to have a good talk to myself.

Last race of the day came around quite quickly and I was ready to go – to early and the bike got warm while waiting. So I turned off the engine while in the collecting area, and when we were let out on track, do you think I could get it to go? No, not in the slightest. I’d never had it stubbornly not start on me before, maybe it was trying to wind me up, it was working if that was the aim. Fortunately one of the guys came to my aid and suggested that even though the engine was really warm it might like a little choke. Now with the start butting on the left bar, needing to be able to blip the throttle to keep it going once it sparked and using the choke, which is operated by a wire between tank and frame would not have been possible without help so I grateful to the help of that person, whoever he was.

All this had taken so long that the others were about to be let out on their warm up lap, and I was going to have to leave from the collecting area. I was determined to be with them as we pulled back to the grid, so once I was let out I went for it, on that lap I found a much better and faster route through the chicane and comparatively flew through hall bends.  Feeling great and really up for it I pulled onto the grid. Lights went out and I went, getting a good (for me) start, but wondering if I’d grabbed back on the clutch a little as it wasn’t as smooth as I’d have liked. In front I saw a rider with his hand in the air, and adjusted my line to the left a little as he continued to pull to the right, then out of the corner of my eye I saw a silver machine fly up beside and past me, before pulling an amazing stoppie then hitting the bike in front. As I past the incident a small piece of something from one of the bikes hit me. Even though I could no longer see either of the bikes involved I knew that the race would be red flagged, and sure enough before we were even through Charlies it was.

I guess this was a time of mixed emotions for everyone while we were kept racing.  This would be my first ever restart and I’d just seen the incident, but more than anything I was angry. I was angry as I knew I’d been on it and I’d been looking forwards to a good race. I wasn’t as on it as we pulled up to the grid for the restart, and got one of my usual bad starts. Lost people a bit early on then towards the end of the race I was catching 2 other riders. We were all together at the end, but the order did not change. I cut 0.5s off my time.

As we pulled into the paddock my overriding emotion was guilt for having been angry about the incident. I just hoped that the rider involved was OK.

Sunday
My first race of the day was again after lunch, but I was ready. Someone had suggested covering the back break, like a hill start, while on the line to get a better start. So there I was, Red lights on, back brake holding, revs at 10,000, clutch at biting point. Out go the lights, and off I go. The back brake thing didn’t really work for me, I’m not used to using one so can’t feel what it’s doing. The clutch grabbed – and this time i knew it wasn’t me doing it, but as I set off it was like it didn’t want to set off quite that quick and pulled back in a little again, lowering the revs a little stopped this.

I was with others through the first couple of corners, but lost out at Park, then lost people a little. I was a little down hearted at this as I really didn’t come racing to be riding round at the back with no one to play with, but told myself to get on with it and did.  I was soon upon Rob Pragnell, then I passed him, next it was Kat. Having been told I’d pulled away for a bit the previous day I was determined that she would not get me back so I got my head down and went for it. While out there alone I cut more time off my laps bringing me down to 1:55.3 though the riders in front were now down into the 1:51s.

Last race on Sunday and I finally got a reasonable start, dropping the revs a little seemed to stop the clutch grabbing and off we went. There was a little melee at the first corner and I narrowly missed a crashing Kat. I was still with the pack turning into Park and determined to stay with them as long as I could, but soon found I was seriously lacking energy and struggling flicking the bike from one side to the other, so much so that a couple laps in I could make the right turn up the mountain and ended up on the grass.  All I wanted to do after that was get home safely and I concentrated on riding smoothly.  Finished last on track and very energy sapped.

To add to my mediocre weekend, at the end of the day while we were all packing up my bike got knocked off its stand, breaking the clutch lever and taking some paint of the fairing. It was an accident and the person who did it was very apologetic, so I won’t name names here.

Aims in the next 2 weeks are to sort something about race day nutrition, and try to do some more fitness.

The stats

Snetterton April 2007

And I thought Lydden was a long drive!! A combination of greater distance and heavier traffic made my trip to Snetterton 7 hours – though it felt much longer. At least the sun was out and promising us with its presence for the weekend.

During my Lydden race it had been commented that it was noticeable that I was using the clutch during changing up through the gears, so when over the Easter weekend I had gotten out on an enduro bike I used some of the time to practice gear changes with its forgiving gearbox. It would be interesting to see if I could put what I had learnt on the dirt bike into practice.

Friday
With the queuing for noise checks done and out of the way there was little time in hand to get myself ready for my first session, but out I went to have a shake down and get my first proper sighting of the track. I soon began to realise that it’s somewhat more complicated than it looks from the circuit plan. As the day progressed I was struggling with the right of the Esses and with Russells, turned out I wasn’t going down through enough gears and my lines probably left a little to be desired too. I was growing to really enjoy Corams, but needed to find more bravery – or is it insanity – for Riches and the left at the Esses.

The day ended with scrutineering, nice to get it out of the way, and a track walk – so that’s where I was meant to be!

Saturday
It was an early start again for the 400s out in the second race and this time the clubman and rookies were out on track at the same time as the superbike 400s. I’m not at my best first thing and in warm up I saw Ric Ballerini come passed me twice! I was not particularly looking forwards to having the quick guys whizzing passed me everywhere. At least it’s a long track so I would have a chance to settle in before they started to come by!!

Following my start problems at Lydden I had a cunning plan – to get off the line with everyone else, then to have fun. Sounds simple, but even after a few tips I still couldn’t get the start right and had to pull the clutch back in a little as my bike leapt a little more than desired. I had started 28th on the grid, on the inside, and found myself still on the inside and trapped there a little at the first corner. By the time I came through Sear I was convinced I must be last. I didn’t really see many people that race and had a nice Saturday morning ride round the track until the quick guys came passed to lap me. I was quite glad that they did as it really helped me along and brought me up to Chalky who I passed, then spent the rest of the race convinced he was right behind me, there was no way I was letting him back passed so I rode as fast as I could to the line, to find he was nowhere near.

My second race on the Saturday I can remember little about, except for the highly distracting cement dust and oil that was laid along a large section of the track. I didn’t deal with it at all well, though I thought I was improving on the rest of the track, and I was mainly pleased to finish the race.

Sunday
My first race of the day was another quiet one, I got away better, but locked up in the braking zone for Sear and had to run onto the extra tarmac using a wider than wide line. By the time I got it hooked up on the straight almost everyone was gone, and though the ones ahead of me were still in sight I could not catch them.

After the race I had two independent comments of misfires from my bike as I went by the pits. I put this down to my inexperienced clutchless gear changes, which I could do no with no problems along the Revett straight. For some reason I could not get them right, and sometimes found false neutrals, along the start/finish straight.

The last race on Sunday was fantastic! I actually didn't want to go out as I'd just witnessed a friend, Chris Cuckoo, being involved in a last corner incident at Russels, both riders involved had concussion and were taken off on stretchers. I'd heard that he was talking – absolute nonsense, but talking all the same (no change there then ;-) ), and that he was being sent off to hospital to be checked over. Then had to really psych myself up. Deb & Sooz helped so much (thank you both).

I got away with everyone (at last) and while the riders just in front of me got tied up in knots at Sear I hung back and got a really good run onto the straight. Don't know how many I overtook but it was quite a few. I then had a great battle for the whole race, think there were 6 or 7 of us together. I couldn’t help it but laugh out loud as we swapped places, then swapped again, now this was why I came racing!

One guy got passed me into Russels just heading into our last lap, then I hit a false neutral while heading up the straight and my bike decided to fire on 3 for about a second – that will be that misfire then – before it lit up, letting another person passed. A good run onto the back straight and I was lining up to take one, and possibly both, back round the left in the braking for the right at the Esses, then on through came the leader of the 400 superbike race, and rather than follow him passed the others I backed off (Doh!). There was no way that I could get back with them again. Found out when I got back into the pits that I'd been fighting for 2nd rookie spot! Getting 4th in the end didn't bother me this time, as it was such a fun race.

My fastest time for the weekend, at 1:28.5 also came in that last race.

My aim for Cadwell has to be to get away from the line with everyone else in more than just the last race on the Sunday. I want to be back there dicing with the others, on the borderline of insanity as I chuckle my way through the corners. This racing is just too much fun.

The stats

Lydden Hil March 2007

Having thought that I was fairly organised in the lead up to the start of the season, suddenly chaos ensued in the last couple of weeks. The nerves were building – not so much about the racing itself, more about the towing of the newly purchased race weekend home (a caravan). Eventually, and with a fair amount of assistance from my Dad, I got hitched up and was underway, the van certainly lacked its usual oomph, but the towing itself was no trouble.

A slight detour up to Heathrow to pick up Mike and we were on down to Lydden, arriving in the early hours of Thursday morning. Soon we were pitched up and in bed.

Thursday
We woke to a decidedly chilly start, but at least the sun was out, and even though the weathermen had threatened rain or even snow for most of the country I secretly had my fingers crossed that we would get a good day.  I’d never seen the track before, and I’d be having my first race here.

My nerves were jingling a little, but soon we were ready and out on track.  There’s some really quick novices out there and in my first session I don’t really relax and get into my usual riding, but it soon comes back and by the end of the day and after a front tyre change I am down to high 51 second laps and I know there is plenty more to come.

Friday
Should really be a chilled out day with little to do, but chaos returns. Imagine a group of people trying to set up an awning with the rain approaching and the wind picking up, yet none of us have actually ever seen this awning being set up before.  A telephone call between Mike & Sooz soon sees a transfer of instructions, and would you believe it? It’s quite an easy job after all!

A collection of bikes is gathered into the row of tents & awnings and the array of pink and black is really looking quite impressive. The final touches are made to the bikes, with fairings being changed, new tyres being put in place and everything double checked ready for Saturday morning.

The barbeque is on and the rest of the team gradually gather after their own chaotic journeys to Lydden. Before we know it, it is time for bed…

Saturday
At least the weather isn’t is bad as Friday, but it looks like we may get some rain later in the day. I suddenly realise that I though I am most definitely nervous about the start of my first race I haven’t really thought through all those things that I need to do before I head out on track. I may have been along to a few bemsee meets with Feisty, but I don’t think anyone ever saw me at this hour before. So I get ready and head down to scrutineering, queuing up turns into a sociable event with many riders seeing their friends for the first time in months. My beautiful pink bike (there was a time I could never have imagined saying, let alone writing, those words) passes the scrutineer’s checks without any problems. My kit is checked too, and off I go to sign in – stepping into the wrong office.  Thankfully a helpful soul takes pity on a blonde female novice and points me in the right direction. I am pleased to see that I have been put at the back of the grid as I don’t know how I’ll get on with the race starts.

Being first session out on track our practice is around almost before we are ready, but I get out there and get my few laps in. On my return the nerves really set in… Why am I doing this? What on earth possessed me to take up such a sport? How on earth am I going to deal with the start?

My answer to that last question was shortly answered as we were first race up; the answer was badly! I just forgot to be ready for the lights going out and everyone was off the line and headed for the first corner as I was pulling away – there’s somewhere I can improve then.

I am so tense that I forget how to ride, struggling to keep with people and knowing that I was riding much better and quicker on the Thursday. About half way through the race I realise how tense I am and that my riding is not flowing and I force myself to relax a little, enabling me to speed up a little. I decide to check how many laps I have left, only to see the chequered flag as I cross the line.  I come in from this first race annoyed with myself and a right grumpy thing. Apologies to anyone that spoke to me shortly after this race – it’s not my usual self, honestly.

After giving myself a talking to and reminding myself that this was meant to be fun and that I realised that I had achieved both of my aims for my first race - to finish and not to come last on track, I headed out onto the line for my 2nd race. The track was damp and all races had been declared wet until further notice. At least I got off the line at about the same time as everyone else this time, but not well enough as I was still at the back heading into the first corner. The damp conditions allowed me to relax (strange as that may sound) and start passing people. I passed one racer into the braking area of the left (thanks for the tip on that overtaking point Mark), leaving my own braking a little later than planned, pulling on a little too much break I locked up, suddenly it seemed like everything was in slow motion - I saw myself heading towards the gravel, but made myself let off the brake before reapplying, I saw the person I had just overtaken heading up the inside just as I decided I had to tip in, somehow I still apexed the corner and stayed in front of the other racer. As the race continued I caught up towards Radka, Kat & Kat, but a blown up bike and yellow flags prevented further progress.

I can’t say I was enthused by my first day’s racing, but I did feel like I had been racing and knew that there was more to come.

Sunday
The day dawned and the weather looked good. Out I went for practice, which at 3 laps was barely enough to warm through and wake up those muscles. The call for race 1 came and I had forgotten to check my grid position, and being towards the end of the call time the rest were headed out on track as I joined them. Unfortunately this resulted in my starting from the back of the grid again, and though my start was better than before I still arrived at the first corner towards the back of the pack, giving me a ringside seat to see Kat’s front mudguard fly off and bounce above everyone, but I was left battling my way through. I passed Radka in the braking zone for the hairpin in lap 7, then tired and couldn’t fight when she passed me back.

I was feeling good for race 2 and finally arrive at turn 1 with everyone else – aaaaargh!   I got caught up on the inside behind someone and was too nice to move out round them, it all seemed so close! – More learning to be done. I moved up through again and had a good battle with Toby Lewis, but again tired towards the end of the race, particularly as I had been concentrating on not coasting and trying to change straight from throttle on to brakes on which had definitely improved my times (thanks for the pointer Budge). My fastest laps in this race brought my times into the 49 second bracket, my fastest overall being a 49.648, 2 seconds improvement on my Thursday practice times.

Best I get back in the gym before Snetterton.

The stats
                                    Grid position                           Overall Finish           Rookie Finish
Saturday Race 1          20/21                                    17/18                           8/8
Saturday Race 2          17                                            14                                5
Sunday Race 1            Should be 14, actually 20   16                                6
Sunday Race 2            16                                            13                                5