IOM 2013 - Day 1 - First Practice

Up early to get the wheels off the Ducati for new tyres. Thanks Mike Dawson for the tyres and transponder loan, thanks Si Gilbert for hauling them to the IOM for me :-) It was raining in the morning, but the forecast said it would clear up later in the afternoon and should be dry for first practice that starts at 18h00.

 

Parc Firme

The first day is always a bit manic. Last minute prep on the bikes, finding paddock space, some grocery shopping, sourcing things you left behind and getting fuel. Gear checks, signing on, transponder checks, riders briefing, technical briefing, insurance, getting the paddock/pit passes sorted, picking up the SIS riders pack... and then getting all your shit together to get up to first skrootineering.

Some bikes have been shipped in from afar to compete...

Nic and I made good time and got the bikes ready (Ducati with new tyres - went for a set of intermediate Michelins because of the damp roads) and to the paddock on time. It's awesome having and extra pair of hands to help.

As we unloaded, the heavens opened up. It was then that I realised I had forgotten the bike covers :-( It chucked down for 20 minutes. The bikes got soaked.

Pissin doon!

 

First skrootineering is always a little nerve-wracking. Suzuki got thorough skrootineering no problem. Then we took the Duke up. We got a few approving nods on the way up and in the skrootineering bay. The skrootineer was meticulous with her... he took so long going over her that I was getting a bit nervous. Eventually... he looked up and said "Nicely prepared.".

Holy-cow! That is the first time I have ever heard a skrootineer say anything positive about any bike!

Patiently waiting...

The roads were still wet and was doubtful whether we could get out for practice. We got the bikes ready on the chance we might still get to give the bikes a shake-down and re-familiarize myself with the 270 plus corners. I got into my gear and we headed up to Parc Firme, As we got there... the Clerk of the Course announced the cancellation of the practice - roads too wet and not enough marshals :-(

Super-cool Moto Guzzi

Bollocks! Third year in a row that first practice has been cancelled. Oh well, will have to do it all again on Monday. Forecast is good for next week... but on this wee island, you never know.

I flip the Ducati ignition switch to ride her down to the paddock. The fuel-pump primes. I hit the start button. I hit the start button. Nothing. Again. nothing. Fuck!

Loading and unloading bikes on Bray hill... health and safety risk!

 

The 23 year old Ducati didn't appreciate getting soaked. A job for tomorrow. We packed up and headed out for some good pub grub with the Herbertsons. Day 1 - done. On the shopping list for Sunday: waterproof bike covers.