The Place

Mike Bellaby and Karl Underwood are both away racing in the Czech Republic this weekend.

I spoke to Karl yesterday. They were running first in practice until the big end failed.

Well done guys. It's a long way to go to not finish but ten out of ten for effort. Please post a full report on your return.

Simon

That is good and bad news. When is Mikes luck going to change?

Yep, all that way and the the engine started making awful sounds on the climb upto the start finish line after completing the first lap of practice.
We dropped Karl off at the airport this afters after what was still a fantastic weekend. We were made to feel so welcome and the circuit can only be described as awesome. I had chance to drive round at least 30 times before the practice sessions on saturday and Karl had a good tour round as soon as he arrived on the friday evening. So we were straight on it for the first session. The circuit had everything woodland sections, triple lefts with a climb straight after and the most unbelieveble downhill section before the town centre and a hospital at the end of the straight... Karl was working his knackers off on this first and only session but did an ace job and as far as I can tell enjoyed the short session on track and a considerable amount of beer afterwards.
After it was clear we were not going out the only other option was to hit the bar and watch Karl get surrounded by a bevvy of beauties for his birthday treat , pictures to follow.
Bad news though as Jean Pierre Capel who was there with both his outfit and a solo, not only did he knacker the sidecar motor warming it up but he a quite a bad off on his solo during the second practice , he was on his way home by sunday evening and dont quote me on this but I think his injuries were a broken arm and they had to operate on his throat to get some false gnashers removed from his windpipe. Best wishes to Jean Pierre and get well soon mate.

Would we go again ? we are already booked in !
The only question I have is when will my luck change with reliability....

"they had to operate on his throat to get some false knashers removed from his windpipe"

I hope you mean "gnashers" and not "knackers!"

See you at Donington?

yes i meant gnashers, u try typing on a johnny foreigner keyboard

Sorry to hear about Jean Pierre - I hope he is not too hurt and is soon on the mend.

Mike, glad you still had a good time and I hope you get sorted for Donington?

Donington will be a near impossibility as Im not back in the uk until the 15th and then John will need to look at the motor.

Guess we will have to wait until Brands to catch up with you then. We are not a Donington. Off to Mallory Wednesday with the rebuilt motor to do some running in ready. Can't wait

Having to stay in the bar did have a certain appeal. Karl had his birthday on the Saturday and attached is a picture of the girls wishing him the best.

It'll be my birthday on whatever day I am there also.

Simon Smith wrote:It'll be my birthday on whatever day I am there also.

Could that be a little bit of a fib

Hey Simon - don't forget me and Buddha - we are triplets afterall
And not forgetting Daddy Gristwood - we were born on his birthday!

Sorry you didn't get to race Mike glad you liked the circuit.... Robin and I had a great time on the old Enfield we stayed for 5 weeks and took in more of the "Old Timer" racing ....Did you meet Kalli there? rides a Triumph big wheeler with Gina .lovely folk .stayed with Kalli a night lives in a converted fire station massive workshop underneath the living part did you get to go down into the square to show off the outfits.? Annette

The second place crew, Annette - did they race in that gear?

NO ...they were lovely Robin and I were parked by them ,we were treated to german sausage and bread for breakfast....The rider is the man with the beard he had to start at the back because they couldn't push and had to have help very very fast we had such a great time ....