http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/en-EUMokoFeed10http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/10/f529d5131ffdd821c99540c2835a0b_160x200.jpghttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2009/09/01/and-they-hatch-6869332/tag:curzonweb.blog.co.uk,2009-09-01:/2009/09/01/and-they-hatch-6869332/Tue, 01 Sep 2009 18:45:07 +0200 <p>And right on cue, the eggs hatch! I couldnt see them for a while, then i realised that she had moved them. They weren't on the underside of the wood anymore, but instead, the wrigglers had been picked up one by one, and deposited on the side of the wood!</p> <p>As they were so tiny, and still attched to the egg (they hatch, but stay attached and consume the rest of the egg), and in a dark crevice, i could only guess that there was somewhere between 30-50 of them!</p> <p>I didnt think that on the side was such a great place though, as the hoover that is Barry could easily get to that piece.</p> <p>During the evening, we had a bit of a Rambo-fest. I was brought up on those films but SWMBO had never seen them, being that much younger. We watched 'First Blood' a few days ago seeing as i'd recorded it on the V+ box, and she loved it and wanted to watch the rest of them. Blockbusters only had the latest as a rental so i bought the box set instead...</p> <p>After watching Part 3, it was getting late so we decides to leave the final one for another time. I glanced over and noticed Barry's giant tail swooshing at the side of the bogwood where the babies had been latched... </p> <p>Oh No!!!!</p> <p>And there were none to be seen </p> <p>It looks to me as though mum had seen this coming, and had moved them all again to the underside of the wood though! I cant be sure as its even harder to see, the wrigglers are dark in colour as is the wood, but every now and then i glance a wriggler falling off the wood and being scooped up by mum and put back, so it sure seems like they are in a safe place again.</p> <p>I still dont know if the other pair have eggs or not, but theyre behaviour reflects that of the bogwood pair. If they did have eggs, they should be at the same stage as the others.</p> <p>It will be a few days before they are 'free swimming'. </p> <p>The tension between the 2 pairs has risen, they break out into more spats now, with 'peachy' coming out of her hiding place in the ornament more often to join in with the fights. </p> <p>The unpaired 'spare' fish are having a hard time of it, theres not many places that they can swim without getting grief from the paired couples.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2009/09/01/and-they-hatch-6869332/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2009/09/01/and-they-hatch-6869332/#commentshttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2009/08/27/oh-we-got-eggs-6831230/tag:curzonweb.blog.co.uk,2009-08-27:/2009/08/27/oh-we-got-eggs-6831230/Thu, 27 Aug 2009 07:18:40 +0200 <p>yes we do! the dom pair that have the bogwood... i spotted the female waving her fin at the underside of the bogwood... after a bit of laying on the floor and squinting hard, i could see that there were definitely eggs attached to the underside of the bogwood and she was busy fanning them!</p> <p>i cant tell how many are there though as they are so hard to see. I'm half tempted to lift the wood out and have a proper look, but that would disrupt them so best left alone i think. if i had to guess, i would say anywhere between 50 and 100 ickle teeny pinhead sized eggs! She spends most of her time right by them fanning them. The male has moved outside of the wood ready to fend of any other fish from coming close.</p> <p>and that is exactly the same behaviour as the ornament pair! he has moved outside of the ball so he can stand and defend, whilst she is still tucked up inside. It looks like she is fanning as well, but very difficult to see.</p> <p>so, 4 days after introducing these young (there less than a third of there full grown adult size) fish to the tank, we have at least one set of eggs, and highly likely two sets. Unbelievable!</p> <p>They should take 3 days to hatch.</p> <p>i'm not sure that this is a good thing... It means i'm probably going to have to locate a small tank so i can seperate the babies before they become food... then i'm going to have to find new homes for them too. </p> <p>Perhaps my local fish shop would take them, but i know that they would give me a pittance for them but sell them for £6 each as youngsters and £12 as adults.</p> <p>Maybe once they are in a seperate tank and a few weeks old, i'll try to sell them for 50p each... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2009/08/27/oh-we-got-eggs-6831230/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2009/08/27/oh-we-got-eggs-6831230/#commentshttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2009/08/26/barry-and-dominant-convict-male-face-off-6825052/tag:curzonweb.blog.co.uk,2009-08-26:/2009/08/26/barry-and-dominant-convict-male-face-off-6825052/Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:33:45 +0200 <p>so i was sitting watching eastenders, and as usual, the eyes wandered over to the fishtank, and i noticed that the large pleco (Barry is his name) was laying along the front face of the tank, with his head near the bogwood that the dominant pair have 'owned'. I haven't named them all yet! </p> <p>The male of the dom pair was staring straight at Barry, about 2 inches away from him. Just holding ground, staring at him. Uh-oh! i thought... although Barry is peaceful, he is huge, heavy and strong. If he wants to go somewhere and something is in the way, he will just keep pushing until its no longer in the way! </p> <p>whereas the dom-male Convict is about 4 cm's in size, but very aggressive.</p> <p>Now, im not sure exactly what goes on in their minds... Barry might have been thinking 'oi you, your in my way'... and dom male may have been thinking 'best you find another way then sucker', but after about 30 seconds of facing off, Barry turned around and gracefully (!) laid down on the plants, before eventually piledriving back to his favourite piece of glass to clean...</p> <p>these little fish sure do stand their ground!</p> <p>no floating casualties as yet, but 'hiding in the ornament' pair definitely arent getting their share of the food down to their refusal to come out of their hole. I'm laying food down at one end to draw the majority down there before laying food down at the ornament end to give them the chance to pop out and eat. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2009/08/26/barry-and-dominant-convict-male-face-off-6825052/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>plecfishconvictplecotropicalcichlidhttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2009/08/26/barry-and-dominant-convict-male-face-off-6825052/#commentshttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2009/08/25/new-hobby-to-replace-the-racing-6818730/tag:curzonweb.blog.co.uk,2009-08-25:/2009/08/25/new-hobby-to-replace-the-racing-6818730/Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:46:47 +0200 <p>well, not really a hobby per-se, but the missus wanted a dining table. The only way to make room for that, was to sell the gym. So a comprmise was drawn between us where i would sell the gym and she could have the table, and i would get myself a big fish tank with piranha's!</p> <p>i ended up with a 4x2x2 tank which came complete with external filter, cabinet and some fish. The fish werent part of my plan, but i figured i'd do something with them.</p> <p>Onto the fish! i was told it had a couple of goldfish, and a pleco. On my arrival to collect the tank, one of the goldies was 9-10" big, and the pleco around 14"!!!</p> <p>Long story shortened, i had to find a new home for the goldies and they went to a local lady with a pond. Then i considered the option of putting Red Bellied Piranha's in with the big plec. Mixed views from experts... 50% saying they would be fine, the rest saying they wouldnt. </p> <p>In the meantime, Barry was proving to be very entertaining and we decided we didnt want to risk it.</p> <p>So, on saturday 22nd August, we collected 6 Convict Cichlids from the local fish shop. A mixed bag (literally) of males and females, all around 1.5" long. These were then put into the tank to have a look around!</p> <p>anyways... the convicts starting forming pairs on the sunday, and by sunday evening, territories were being fought for. </p> <p>On monday, the territories were as such:</p> <p>The ornament in the above video has one pair housed inside the ball at the top. They seem adamant not to relinquish this patch to the second pair, by refusing to come out. i suspect they plan on laying eggs inside there.</p> <p>The second pair are clearly the dominant pair. They have holed up under a piece of planted bogwood next to the ornament, but keep trying to push the first pair out from the ornament as they clearly consider it as theirs. im expecting eggs to be attached to the bogwood and when they hatch, for the fry to be moved into the pit they've dug under the bogwood.</p> <p>the final 2 fish arent pairing up. one is definitely a female but the other is hard to tell. They just keep getting chased out of the established territory by the alpha fish, but havent realised that they could team up and be stronger. It's a shame as the female is a nice looking fish (as far as fish go...) but these 2 i suspect will be found floating at some point. However, nature's a funny thing so we'll see what happens! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2009/08/25/new-hobby-to-replace-the-racing-6818730/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2009/08/25/new-hobby-to-replace-the-racing-6818730/#commentshttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2009/04/15/ducati-desmo-race-bike-for-sale-5949116/tag:curzonweb.blog.co.uk,2009-04-15:/2009/04/15/ducati-desmo-race-bike-for-sale-5949116/Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:00:02 +0200 <p>yes, the bike that all my vid footage was filmed on, is FOR SALE!</p> <p>a competitive bike that has finished strongly and is ready to race!</p> <p>contact me for further info... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2009/04/15/ducati-desmo-race-bike-for-sale-5949116/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2009/04/15/ducati-desmo-race-bike-for-sale-5949116/#commentshttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2009/04/15/retired-from-racing-other-projects-etc-5949110/tag:curzonweb.blog.co.uk,2009-04-15:/2009/04/15/retired-from-racing-other-projects-etc-5949110/Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:58:18 +0200 <p>So i finished the 2008 season, winning the Superclub SV championship, finishing 4th in the NewEra club SV championship, and 7th in the Ducati Desmo championship... all in all, not a bad year.</p> <p>Reckon i could be in with a shout in the 2009 desmodue championship! The top 3 from 2008 (1 ex bsb rider, 1 current BSS rider, 1 ex factory) have dissapeared, and 2 others that finished ahead of me have all pulled out for 2009. That bumps me right up in the pecking order!</p> <p>Except from the small detail of my having retired. Retired? Maybe just postponed for a bit, who knows... I got a little 'un due at the start of June, so the racing has gone out the window. The finances are very thin, and its now only a matter of counting down the weeks.</p> <p>The house move hasn't helped financially and the monthly outgoings are currently more than the monthly incomings...</p> <p>FOR SALE!!!!<br> Ducati Monster 620 race bike, as featured on the video's in this blog!</p> <p>Contact me for further info </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2009/04/15/retired-from-racing-other-projects-etc-5949110/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2009/04/15/retired-from-racing-other-projects-etc-5949110/#commentshttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2008/07/24/brands-hatch-4494483/tag:curzonweb.blog.co.uk,2008-07-24:/2008/07/24/brands-hatch-4494483/Thu, 24 Jul 2008 21:16:13 +0200 <p>Since i've been videoing all the races, iv become pretty lazy at race reports!<br> Brands Hatch races were on the sunday, with 2 non-championship races onm the saturday. As i'd fitted new tyres, saturdays qualifying was a somewhat slippery affair but somehow i'd qualified 11th, with team mates Tim and Matt both qualifying on row 2 ahead. Saturday race 1 and we crossed the line in 6th, 7th and 8th. I was pleased with 8th, especially as i was scrubbing those tyres in. race 2 and i crossed the line in 11th (i think?) which was 9th in class.</p> <p>Sunday, and what a disaster! Qualifying started dry, but started chucking down the rain within a few minutes of getting out on track. Many others had managed to get a decent outlap and a quick 2nd lap, BEFORE the weather came down. I(, on the other hand, put my fastest lap in when the rain was heaviset, and qualified way down the grid in 31st. Managed to finish the races in 16th though, and that equated to around 11th in class, so a reasonable recovery!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2008/07/24/brands-hatch-4494483/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2008/07/24/brands-hatch-4494483/#commentshttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2008/07/24/assen-4494389/tag:curzonweb.blog.co.uk,2008-07-24:/2008/07/24/assen-4494389/Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:56:51 +0200 <p>So we trekked out into Europe, the land of the shoddy drivers and dodgy accents, and slightly north into Holland to attend Assen!</p> <p>What a nightmare... all i can say is, wet race, running on one cylinder, left and rejoined the track, finished midpack.</p> <p>As the weekend was split with 3 practice sessions on friday, 2 qualifying sessions on saturday and 1 race on sunday, i took a lot of vid footage and created a montage of the weekend (above). All other footage can be found on my youtube account <a href="http://www.youtube.com/dcurzon1973">www.youtube.com/dcurzon1973</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2008/07/24/assen-4494389/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2008/07/24/assen-4494389/#commentshttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2008/05/08/title-4146691/tag:curzonweb.blog.co.uk,2008-05-08:/2008/05/08/title-4146691/Thu, 08 May 2008 09:10:06 +0200 Having to work on lateshifts, due to my inability to wake up in time for the earlyshifts, meant that i wasn't loading the van for the trip to Cheshire until after 9pm, and finally setting off around 10pm. I arrived at around 2:30 saturday morning and settled in for an hours sleep and several hours of tossing and turning whilst trying to stop the passenger seatbelt attachment from becoming a permanent attachment to my kidney.</p> <p>Up and off to scrooting, all ok, yay! Although i was advised that my numbers weren't big enough, and the seat numbers should be on the side fairings... what??</p> <p>After scrooting, i fitted up the camera, and fifued inside the airbox would be a pretty safe spot to put the recorder, after all, it would be protected by the inch foam that i wrapped it in, the airbox, AND the tank...</p> <p>I wanted to ensure that the guys that i'm usually dicing with, were finishing behind me at this one. Oulton is an 'alien' track to me, along with Mallory and Assen. After those, we're back on familiar territory. If i could stay in touch or pull ahead of them at this round, it would make it easier going later in the season.</p> <p><strong>DD qualifying...</strong> having been out for SV qualifying, and messing around switching camera equipment on, i got out towards the back of qualifying and found there was a lot of traffic. My attention defecit disorder soon kicked in and after 2 timed laps, i pulled back off the circuit. I found i was down in 19th place on the grid, row 5. I've never been much of a qualifier type person... which is a shame as i personally think i get away from the line pretty well and could save myself a lot of work if i could qualify better.<strong> p19, 2'10.59</strong></p> <p><strong>DD race 1...</strong> Worked up to 12th in the first lap and pretty much stayed there. I could se my arch-nemesis Cashmore just ahead but couldn't close him down, and Ali B and David A kept me working hard throughout. Ali B came past on the last lap and i couldn't do anything about that, and David kept showing me a wheel here or there right down to the final line, even rubbing shoulder with me in the final 2 turns as we tried to avoid Shep's rizla blue laying in the track. <strong>12th, 2'05.99</strong></p> <p>One of the Ultimate Finish guy's asked me if Dave and I made contact in the last corners, showing concern for the paintwork on the #98 bike... <strong><em>"i shouldn't worry about the paint, i'm sure it can be blown in..."</em></strong> i assured him...</p> <p><strong>DD race 2...</strong> As the lights went out i remembered passing Shep on the apprroach to turn 1, then he slipped back inside on the entry. I squeezed by him on the exit and was surprised that he gave up that spot without too much of a battle. Ali Knight, Ali B and Nick B were now just ahead of me so i slipped by AK at the first chicane, then Ali B on the approach to Lodge, and Nick B seemed to brake early for Lodge so i slipped up the inside there, to complete the first lap in 7th. Ahead i could see my teamy Otei, and JPM (those 2 ahead was like dangling a big juicy carrot...), and knowing that Ali B, Shep and Ali K wouldn't be far behind, i cracked on. I hoped those 3 would get involved in there own private battle and leave me be... i didnt take a look behind, but up until lap 5, i thought i might actually be on my own and that they HAD involved themselves with each other! Lap 5 and approaching chicane 2, Ali B nudged on by, and i realised that actually, i wasn't alone... d'oh! In fact, all 3 of them had been on my tail... i was pretty determined to take back my 7th place... i could have let it lie and settled for 8th, but if i was going to do that then i may as well go do trackdays instead. I felt i had the pace on the Bison at Druids, as during race 1, i had been held up into there a little bit. So most of lap 6 was spent trying to make sure i remained close enough to make the attempt... Ali had been getting superb drive out of chicane 2 and i had to make sure he didnt gap me there. As we approached the bridge towards Druids, Ali had stayed fairly central on the track, suggesting he was expecting the move up the inside, so i went to his left and thought i had inched past him under the bridge, hit Druids, went to turn in and he was right there inside me still!!! I ended up attempting to make the corner on the grass, which was never going to work... and went down quicker than an Essex girl who's short of enough change to buy a pack of fags. <strong>DNF, 2'05.10</strong></p> <p>To say i was gutted was an understatement. However, i was made to work hard and had a superb day's racing even if the end result wasn't quite what i was looking for! I was however, pretty pleased to retrieve the footage of the race! Yes, that 'safe spot' inside the airbox wasnt so safe, as the airbox got split into 2 and the screen smashed on the PVR...</p> <p>If the rest of the season is like that, it'll either be a superb season, or i'm going to have a coronary.</p> <p><strong><em>"yeah, about blowing in that paintwork..... maybe it'll be better to replace it, it was a deeper scratch than i first thought"</em></strong> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2008/05/08/title-4146691/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2008/05/08/title-4146691/#commentshttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2008/04/07/season-opener-mallory-30-march-4012582/tag:curzonweb.blog.co.uk,2008-04-07:/2008/04/07/season-opener-mallory-30-march-4012582/Mon, 07 Apr 2008 22:55:46 +0200 <p>I rolled up to mallory last weekend with a rolling chassis, and assurances that all my parts would be arriving at the circuit on saturday for me. Sure enough, in several vans that arrived in the afternoon, was the rest of a Ducati! We spent a few hours building her on saturday night</p> <p><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/989/2450989_6a35a85be5_m.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Having not been out to do any testing prior to this round, this was more about testing the bike than being competitive. As such, the times were of more importance to me than positions. Last time i rode the bike, i barrel-rolled it across Cadwell, and came to Mallory on the same worn out tyres...</p> <p>DD qualifying...<br> Didnt go too bad. 16th on grid, and only 1 second down from last seasons qually. Bike felt ok, didn't want to make any adjustments at this time.</p> <p>SV qualifying...<br> Improved by another second to equal my pace from last seasons qualifying. 18th place on the mixed grid of SV's, Hornets and Formula400.</p> <p><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/521/2456521_9ef7ea9b1b_m.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Onto the races... decent enough starts, but lost places in turn 1, i was struggling with confidence in this corner. This ultimately cost me 1 second per lap EVERY lap, but in retrospect, considering the tyres that were fitted, i think i was wise not to push too hard here. I was able to put the Bendix brake pads to the test in the hairpin, and found that i was very happy with their performance through the hairpin and overloading the front end the bike seemed to cope with it well. With JPM and Lily both harassing me during race 2, they would make ground through turn 1 and Edwina's, but i was able to comfortably re-take them at the hairpin and gap them through the bus stop and the devils elbow.</p> <p>Final race positions<br> DD race 1 - 12th<br> DD race 2 - 13th<br> SV race 1 - 3rd</p> <p><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/863/2449863_6d809ed380_m.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>My fastest lap was 1 second QUICKER than my fastest lap of Mallory last season! And knowing i could have gone quicker still, if i'd had the confidence in the tyres to push through the fast turn 1, i'd say it was a successful day's testing.</p> <p><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/519/2456519_c9536987e5_l.jpg" alt="" title=""> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2008/04/07/season-opener-mallory-30-march-4012582/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2008/04/07/season-opener-mallory-30-march-4012582/#commentshttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2008/02/28/so-the-season-s-date-are-announced-3793238/tag:curzonweb.blog.co.uk,2008-02-28:/2008/02/28/so-the-season-s-date-are-announced-3793238/Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:26:29 +0100 <p>although they aren't yet absolutely finalised, we have been told that they are unlikey to change.</p> <p>30 March - Mallory Park</p> <p>26 April - Oulton Park</p> <p>23 May - Assen (Holland)<br> 24 May<br> 25 May</p> <p>14 June - Pembrey<br> 15 June</p> <p>5 July - Brands Hatch<br> 6 July</p> <p>9 August - Donington Park</p> <p>20 September - Snetterton<br> 21 September</p> <p>4 October - Cadwell Park<br> 5 October</p> <p>So a nice season there! I should be able to attend ALL rounds. Now all i need is enough tyres <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2008/02/28/so-the-season-s-date-are-announced-3793238/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2008/02/28/so-the-season-s-date-are-announced-3793238/#commentshttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/11/09/cadwell_park_october_7th~3269132/tag:curzonweb.blog.co.uk,2007-11-09:/2007/11/09/cadwell_park_october_7th~3269132/Fri, 09 Nov 2007 11:04:23 +0100 <p>And so for the final round of 2007, we headed up to Lincolnshire. As per previous rounds, many of my competitors had attended some trackdays here recently. I didn’t. Instead, I packed myself up with lots of racing on the Saturday as a refresher course ready for Sunday’s point scoring Desmodue races.</p> <p>Saturday, I was entered into the Hornet/SV/400 races, the (non points) Desmodue races, and the Moto60 race – a 30 minute 175-1300cc mixed class race! Sunday was going to be comparatively more laid back with just the Desmodue races.</p> <p>Satturdays first qualifying session was a slippery affair. Cadwell is slippery enough when its cold, but with new unscrubbed tyres on, I had to pull over after 2 corners to check I didn’t have flat tyres! They were fine, just a bit slippery. Turns out that a few of the Desmo guys had the same issue.</p> <p><img src="http://www.curzonweb.co.uk/images/cadwell4.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>SATURDAY<br> All my qualifying sessions ended up with me just trying to enjoy myself and trying to get both wheels off the deck over the mountain…<br> SV/Hornet/400 qualifying time 1’57 – P32 of 48<br> Desmodue qualifying time 1’53 – P8 of 31<br> Moto60 – no qualifying, P34 </p> <p><img src="http://www.curzonweb.co.uk/images/cadwell1.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Race 1 – SV/Hornet/400. I managed to become the leading Desmo for the first few laps until I decided to inspect the tarmac at the foot of the mountain. Nothing that couldn’t be fixed/replaced but I had to miss the first Desmo race of the day whilst undergoing repairs…</p> <p>Race 2 – Missed </p> <p>Race 3 – SV/Hornet/400. Took things a little steadier and bought it home as the 2nd Desmo over the line.</p> <p>Race 4 – Gridded 8th in the Desmo race, I managed to cling on to 2nd for a bit but eventually finished 7th.</p> <p>Race 5 – Moto60. Interesting! I was gridded 34th and ahead of me on the grid was all manner of 600cc/1000cc sports bikes. Only a few Desmo bikes entered in this. There are no race stoppages in these races (except in a serious incident) but a pace car comes out to keep the flow of bikes under control in the event of an incident needing to be attended. And the pace car came out quite a few times! I was able to finish 14th overall after having a race long battle with an MCN journo.</p> <p>My fast lap of the day was 1’51, with 1’53’s being my pace in the 30 minute race. I was expecting 1’49’s for Sundays proper races.</p> <p><img src="http://www.curzonweb.co.uk/images/cadwell2.jpg" alt="" title=""><br> I was given some pep talk from my sponsors advising the best way across the mountain, but I think my way was far more fun!<br> <img src="http://www.curzonweb.co.uk/images/cadwell3.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>SUNDAY</p> <p>Qualified in 4th row, P15<br> As far as championship positions went, Hawk was way ahead, followed by Dom, Rattler and Stumpy. Stumpy and the retired Geoff Spencer, holding 4th and 5th, were too large a points gap for me in 6th to bridge. With (previous cadwell race winner) Ian Leah just a couple of points behind me, Crasher Woods on a charge, Paul Payne and Richard Cashmore also in the hunt, the race was really about who would be occupying the remaining positions of the top 10.</p> <p><img src="http://www.curzonweb.co.uk/images/cadwell5.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Race 1 – Stumpy had already said that if I was all over the back of him, he would let me pass without a fight as his 4th couldn’t be improved on and he couldn’t afford to risk a crash. So imagine my surprise on the first lap, when the Stumpster bailed off his bike in the Gooseneck, causing Chris Wood and myself to brake hard and tighten up to avoid him, and Richard Cashmore to take to the grass. I was able to circulate in 8th for the first 3 laps, then I got passed by Lily and Freak. This wasn’t too much of a problem, doing the maths in my head, they were no challenge as far as championship positions were concerned and I couldn’t risk crashing whilst battling. I decided to hold post and finish 10th.</p> <p>Race 2 – this was a pretty short race, as I crashed on lap 2 on the exit of Charlies. I went down quite hard and the bike received quite a bit of damage, all round. Eric Howe took a bit of avoiding action as I bounced across Lincolnshire!</p> <p>Fortunately, I’m indestructible. Took a bit of a knock to the knee and lost a bit of skin on the arm, but I was able to pack up and drive home. Strangely, the following night, the impact damage to the knee flared up and I ended up in accident + emergency, x-rays, etc. a couple of weeks off work and I'm now able to walk again, albeit a bit wobbly.</p> <p>Finished 9th in the championship</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/11/09/cadwell_park_october_7th~3269132/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/11/09/cadwell_park_october_7th~3269132/#commentshttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/09/16/snetterton_01_02_september~2987884/tag:curzonweb.blog.co.uk,2007-09-16:/2007/09/16/snetterton_01_02_september~2987884/Sun, 16 Sep 2007 11:38:43 +0200 <p>Well anyone who knows me will know that i have a bit of a hangup with the Norfolk circuit. My very first ever trackday was here and last all of 3 laps, and its a circuit that i just could never get my head around. Having inspected the gravel at EVERY possible corner barring one at some point in time, i was aware that a single visit to the deck would drop me straight out of the top 10 in the championship.</p> <p>I'd been to the dyno a coupe of weeks previous, convinced that there was something wrong with the bike. Gary at SDC ran the bike up, overlayed the graphs then told me to start riding the thing properly. Sure enough, the bike was identical in power to how it was in January.</p> <p><img src="http://www.djg-photography.co.uk/NE_Snet%2001_02sep07/Sun/Race%207/images/Snet_020907_R7-030.jpg"></p> <p>A lot of my rivals were attending a trackday on the friday, but instead, i decided to enter the SV/Hornet/sb400 races on the saturday as a shakedown. I've done enough laps there to know my way round so i just needed to do a few laps on the Ducati.</p> <p>It was quite a surprise to see no SV's in the Sv entries, instead there were 18 Desmodue bikes obviously with a similar idea to me! Although Dom hadn't entered, the usual suspects - Hawk, Rattler, Ian Leah, Stumpy, Rich Cashmore, JPM etc etc were all out to play. Qualifying went well, with Hawk managing to put himself on row 2 of the mixed grid, and the rest of the Ducati's were from row 5 backwards. I was on row 6 with a 1'27.3, but pleased with my qually time. Imagine my surprise in both SV races when i was following Hawk through the first couple of corners! It didnt take him long to show his class and dissapear off into the distance, leaving me to dice with Rich and Stumpy. I finished 4th (of the SV class) in both the races, having pipped Stumpy across the line by exactly 1/100th of a second in each race, and posting a 1'26.15 fastest lap.</p> <p>Overall, i was really pleased with the saturday races, it's possible that i'd put my Snetterton demons to bed at last!</p> <p><img src="http://www.djg-photography.co.uk/NE_Snet%2001_02sep07/Sun/Race%201/images/Snet_020907_R1-003.jpg"></p> <p>Come sunday, i was ready. The plan was to get straight back onto the pace in qualifying and try to match my quickest lap of saturday. i ran a 1'26.24, and i picked up 10th spot on the grid, my best qualifying to date. Well pleased. I've always said that if i can start on the front 2 rows then i can lead a race, even if only briefly. Well i was on row 3 so i was aiming to at least get myself tangled with the front runners.</p> <p>Race 1, and we took to the grid. It was a bit odd being this close to the lights, and with very little traffic to avoid in front. On the front row were Hawk, FB (guest rider from MRO series), Rattler and Dom. Dom actually wasn't there and Rich Cashmore hadnt taken up his 5th spot either. Perhaps they were asleep? Lights on, lights off and i launched the 60bhp beast, passing the row in front and passing FB and Rattler on the way to turn 1. Excellent! i was in 2nd place by this time, but FB and Lord Rattler showed their first corner strength and got by me again. Dom went by a few laps later. Turns out he and Rich had started from the back as they got out late. Great ride! Eventually, i was left to battle it out with Stumpy for a few laps for a repeat of the SV races, this time i managed to put a strong defensive line in after passing him and kept 6th place (it was actually 7th, but FB was non points scoring guest) and my best finish within DD so far! I wandered off to get the results sheet, looking to have pipped into the 1'25 bracket, and the sheet showed a 1'25.4.</p> <p>Race 1 boring facts:<br> I qualified P10, with stumpy alongside me on the grid P11. I'd pipped him by 1/100th of a second twice on saturday. DD race 1, we had IDENTICAL laptimes for the first 2 laps, both posting a 1'33.44 and 1'27.04. My last 2 laps were both exactly the same and were my fastest laps of 1'25.47</p> <p><img src="http://www.djg-photography.co.uk/NE_Snet%2001_02sep07/Sun/Race%201/images/Snet_020907_R1-110.jpg"></p> <p>Race 2 was a similar affair, good start into 2nd (first lap was 2 seconds quicker than my first lap in race 1) and started to struggle with grip, the bike was sliding a lot more and i wasn't comfortable with it. on lap 2 i saw Rich having problems on the straight and he had to pull out of the race. As he was my nearest competitor, i was able to sigh with relief as it meant i didnt need to push so hard and risk binning the bike. So i did just that. Eased off the gas a touch and went 1 second a lap slower than race 1. My tyre's were definitely shot, having been fitted back at Castle Combe. I lost a lot of places having had to roll off the gas, but that didnt really matter too much, it was more important that i get a reasonable finish than a crash! I finished 9th across the line, 8th once the non-point scoring guest rider was removed from the results, with a 1'26.2 fastest lap being posted in lap 2.</p> <p>Summary: 4th, 4th, 6th, 8th. Thats the best set of results i've had in this series, performed at a circuit that i historically dislike. </p> <p>That pushes me up into 6th in the championship, having leapfrogged Rich Cashmore, however i had forgotton about Ian Leah, who is now up into 7th and just 3 points behind me. Only one round left up at Cadwell. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/09/16/snetterton_01_02_september~2987884/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/09/16/snetterton_01_02_september~2987884/#commentshttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/09/12/stolen_sv650_w54_mdt_yellow_blue~2966124/tag:curzonweb.blog.co.uk,2007-09-12:/2007/09/12/stolen_sv650_w54_mdt_yellow_blue~2966124/Wed, 12 Sep 2007 08:18:25 +0200 <p>Yellow SV650 with blue lower fairings, has VaultGraffix logo's on fairings and swingarm, and UnityRide graphic on the screen. Cant miss the hi level scorpion exhaust in titanium flame effect.</p> <p>If seen, call Hertfordshire Police first, on 0845 3300 222 quoting crime ref: k2074438</p> <p>then call me...</p> <p><img src="http://www.curzonweb.co.uk/images/fairing_right.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/09/12/stolen_sv650_w54_mdt_yellow_blue~2966124/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/09/12/stolen_sv650_w54_mdt_yellow_blue~2966124/#commentshttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/08/16/title~2816516/tag:curzonweb.blog.co.uk,2007-08-16:/2007/08/16/title~2816516/Thu, 16 Aug 2007 08:47:49 +0200 <p>desmodue and sound of thunder... i returned to the scene of my crash earlier in the season, with plans to, erm, not crash!</p> <p>Aha! Well aware of the fact that almost everyone was doing a trackday at donny, except moi, i decided to enter SoT as an extra race. Unfortunately, i was only a reserve. The race's were scheduled as 12 lappers. Thety call it a 'long' race. Having spent a couple of seasons in endurance, i call it a dash.</p> <p><img src="http://www.pljphoto.com/photos/New%20Era/070812_Donington_Park/098_Darren_Curzon/BIG/MP3E2571.jpg"></p> <p>Having not had a decent ride around the circuit for a couple of years, my SoT qually threw up a 'brisk walk' paced 1'35 lap. i wasnt slowest though, with a couple of 998/999's behind me. Not important, i was a reserve anyway so would be off the back row if i got out.</p> <p>DD qually went a bit better. I went out on the tail end of the second batch let out onto circuit, and got clear of the preceeding bikes within the first few corners with the hope of getting one's head down. i saw a 5 second improvement, but still only 22nd on the grid of 39. 14th through to 25th was covered by just 1 second. Must get my head into qualifying...</p> <p><img src="http://www.pljphoto.com/photos/New%20Era/070812_Donington_Park/SOT_Open_Shots\BIG\MO1P1719.jpg"></p> <p>SoT race, and i was informed that there was no room on grid. so i sat in pitlane. As the lights came on, i thought 'well, thats that then'. 3 seconds later and the flags were out for a rather nasty grid incident, and i was able to join on the grid alongside Lily on her 998. Having got a good (and legal) start, i tipped into the first corner and felt the rear end take a wallop. I looked over my left expecting to see a bike going down in the gravel, but didn’t see anything. I eventually found myself at the back playing with a 999 but he got the better of me in the end. One of the fast boys passed me on the way into the chicane but his engine let go and showered me with oil, which was nice, but I have plenty of my own, thanks! Paul Payne approached me afterwards to ask if I wanted my paint back after the first corner contact… d’oh!</p> <p>After sitting around for a few hours, fitting a tyre/wheel onto the road bike, discovering that my genny was knackered whilst I was trying to microwave my dinner etc, the DD race eventually came around!</p> <p><img src="http://www.pljphoto.com/photos/New%20Era/070812_Donington_Park/098_Darren_Curzon/BIG/MP3E2455.jpg"></p> <p>Back on row 6, the lights seemed a long way away. I found if I squinted I could just about make them out though, so it was ok. As the lights WENT OUT and I propelled my steed through the pack, a bike to the right of me moved left and as I couldn’t go anywhere to avoid, I had to keep it nailed to pass, and a slight bar/arm impact occurred. I don’t know who that was but it was an honest 50/50 so sorry whoever you are! I found myself around 13th in the first turn and as the first lap opened up, I was dicing with Cleggy. A few laps in and myself and Clegg were still dicing, I glanced back to see no one else immediately behind. I was aware that we were holding each other up, but Dominic carried some serious pace through Craner’s and Old Hairpin and would pass me, but was holding me up on the uphill stretch and I couldn’t find a way past him there. I found I would pass him on the straight but he’d either pass me into the chicane or in Craner’s again. It was frustrating me that we were holding each other up, and no doubt the same for him. Another look around revealed that our dicing had let JPM latch onto our tails. On the last lap, I was ahead of Clegg and was hoping Freak was behind Clegg. I hesitated momentarily to pass a backmarker on the approach to McCleans and JPM stuck it up my inside and block passed, causing me to shut off and also letting Cleggy through!! I thought I’d fallen off the tail of Dominic too much to make a pass on the straight stick, but I put it in anyway and took a tight line into the chicane to hold the place for JPM to lead me followed by Clegg across the line with about 1 second between us.</p> <p><img src="http://www.pljphoto.com/photos/New%20Era/070812_Donington_Park/098_Darren_Curzon/BIG/MP3E2366.jpg"></p> <p>Fastest lap now 7 seconds improvement from SoT qualifying for 1'28.</p> <p>Maintained 7th place in championship, but 8th/9th/10th closing rapidly now, and bike not feeling too healthy. No time/funds available for garaging, so i'll run as it is at snetterton. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/08/16/title~2816516/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/08/16/title~2816516/#commentshttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/08/06/castle_combe_july_28~2763138/tag:curzonweb.blog.co.uk,2007-08-06:/2007/08/06/castle_combe_july_28~2763138/Mon, 06 Aug 2007 11:54:37 +0200 <p>New track for me, so arriving on friday evening, i considered walking the track. But at 2 miles long, i decided to go out on the town instead. the locals in Chippenham are hardened drinkers, and never before have i seen a 6 stone girl be able to drink her weight in cider, and remain upright.</p> <p>I was entered into both the ducati desmodue races and Sound of Thunder.</p> <p>New tyres were on the bike and needed scrubbing in, so saturday's first practice was spent a: scrubbing tyres, b: discovering that theres actually 3 chicanes, not 2 as per my mcn guide. imagine my surprise! put in 1'35's, rest of field 1'28's - 1'38's. Work to do.</p> <p><img src="http://www.pljphoto.com/photos/New%20Era/070729_Castle_Combe/098_Darren_Curzon/BIG/MO1P9753.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Second session for me was Sound of Thunder qualifying. First chance to start opening it up as tyres now more or less scrubbed. Qualified 35th of 42 with 1'32 laptime. Still more work to do.</p> <p>Third session was Desmodue qualifying, laptimes now 1'30 and qualified 24th of 40. Times definitely going in the right direction.</p> <p>4th session was desmodue race 1. Lined up on the right side of the track, there was a clear path for me as everyone ahead had lined up further to the left. Fantastic start!</p> <p>so good, that i was quicker than the person that controls the lights! Damn. stop? already got 10 second penalty, just keep it nailed! anyway, finished the race in 12th (1/10th sec off 11th) with 1'27 laptime, but ten second penalty shunted me back to 21st (mixed grid, 14th in class). moved up to 6th position in championship.</p> <p><img src="http://www.pljphoto.com/photos/New%20Era/070729_Castle_Combe/004_Dominic_Clegg/BIG/MO1P9752.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>5th session was the Sound of Thunder race. not a proper race for me, just an extra to get some more experience of the track. Ended up finishing 21st again so not too bad.</p> <p>sunday... after heavy rain overnight, i was hoping for a wet race (wet specialist) but sadly not, it became dry and sunny.</p> <p>1st session out was a practice, so i bimbled around doing 1'33's. thats fine, its just a practice.</p> <p>after a long wait (practice was 11am, race was at 3pm) we went out to race. back on my grid 24th. i was aware that all eyes were on me to check for jump starts, so i played very safe and waited until i could see everyone had moved). eventually finished in 19th (13th in class). now 7th in championship.</p> <p>On the cool down lap, i suddenly had no drive although the engine was running, and my chain had snapped - phew! how lucky was that? switched engine off and coasted to a halt. i tried to get a tow back from one of the other bikes (motogp style) but these things weigh a lot more than motogp bikes! </p> <p>The marshalls very kindly offered me a bump start, and even after i told them it wouldnt work, they were adamant that they could bump start a ducati. Until i pointed out that my chain was over at the exit of chicane 1... so a nice ride in the back of a recovery truck back to the paddock for me prbably saved me 12pence in fuel. result!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/08/06/castle_combe_july_28~2763138/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/08/06/castle_combe_july_28~2763138/#commentshttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/07/10/oulton_park_july_7th~2607138/tag:curzonweb.blog.co.uk,2007-07-10:/2007/07/10/oulton_park_july_7th~2607138/Tue, 10 Jul 2007 09:48:23 +0200 <p>Oulton Park<br> 7 July 2007</p> <p>It was a bit touch and go as to whether I would be able to make it to Oulton at all for this round, after a major electrical component failure on the bike.<br> But a trip to Rattler’s down in sunny Camberley not only brought back fond memories from my glowing military career….</p> <p>“That training exercise went fairly well, except for a couple of incidents... firstly, can anyone tell me why, during a military exercise with NO cilvilian interaction, a brown Morris Marina was parked in the battlefield??”<br> Cue lots of giggling from the lads, by everyone except the red faced shouty man… and Harrison.</p> <p>‘yeah, that was Harrison’s. We stole it last week and dumped it there for a laugh’</p> <p>"which leads me on to a far more important issue… considering we are on British soil, and the Marina posed no direct threat military or otherwise… WHO THE <a href="mailto:F@CK">F@CK</a> ORDERED THE AIR STRIKE ON IT??!!!!??!!!"</p> <p>‘umm, yep, but did you see that <a href="mailto:f@ckin">f@ckin</a> hill blow apart?? <a href="mailto:F@ckin">F@ckin</a> awesome!!’</p> <p>“CURZON!! You’re a disgrace to the unit, you’re a disgrace to the regiment and you’re a disgrace to the human race! Now get out of MY ARMY!!!”….. </p> <p>Anyway, getting drunk, starting fights and blowing **** up isn’t a real career… more importantly though, the trip to Camberley also brought me back some borrowed electronics and a working bike, wicked!</p> <p>Set off at death o’clock on the Friday morning to arrive at the Cheshire circuit at 7am, alert and awake and ready for the trackday. Being an Oulton virgin, I figured a day would be enough to learn the circuit. I was wrong. It’s a fast and very technical circuit and too much to learn in one day. Still, I was able to get an idea of where those blind corners went off to, even if I couldn’t learn a decent line through them. </p> <p>Raceday arrived and having been through scrutineering and signing on the evening before, I was able to chill like a man of leisure until qualifying. I hadn’t been able to change my tyres on Friday like I had hoped, so I was still on the same tyres that I had crashed on at Donington.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/521/1779521_a140fd777c_m.jpg"></p> <p>Qualified 17th with a 2’14 Not as good as I’d hoped and sat me down at row 5. </p> <p>Race 1 was called, and Rattler and Domski decided not to turn up to the grid until after they’d finished they’re ready brek… tsk! Sighting lap, oh arse! I stalled it! Stuck my hand up and let everyone else past before restarting the bike and setting off, then reforming for the start of the race. I got a cracking start and set off passing the rows ahead of me, to lay in 7th place! I knew I didn’t have the pace here, so my race strategy was to get as good a start as possible and try to prevent as many people getting back past me as I could. Top plan, eh? I thought I’d managed to only let 3 or 4 people by, but at the end of the race, I had dropped down to 14th. Still an improvement on my qualifying, and my laptime had improved to 2’09.</p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/520/1779520_01b827eaf9_m.jpg"></p> <p>My strategy for race 2 was more of the same, good start, weave around lots. And so it went with me settling into 8th place on the start, and then seeing Otei’s bike cartwheeling across the grass and him doing a 10foot high flying starjump! This caused race stoppage so a restart went ahead. My start this time wasn’t so sharp, it was ok, but I got unsettled in the first corner and came through in 10th. Freak was able to show me his local knowledge of the circuit and swept by me, then a couple of laps later, so did Lily. Rich Cashmore also snuck by, but I was able to outdrag him down the straight to put him back behind me. Unfortunately, Freak (JPM) dumped oil at chicane 1 and had to pull off track, and the oil flags came out. Lily eased off for the chicane and I considered passing her back, but with the flags out, and not being able to see why Lily had slowed, I didn’t. I waited and took her on the entry to chicane 2 instead! This was short lived though as she showed me a clean set of heels through the woodland section. As we approached chicane 1 again, we saw Hawk and Chris Wood had gone down in the oil and the race red flagged. Lily, myself and Cashmore took 11th, 12th and 13th respectively, covered by less than a second. </p> <p><img src="http://data4.blog.de/media/519/1779519_9c889a57ab_m.jpg"></p> <p>Wicked race! Shame about the red flag, and gutting to find Otei being carted off to hospital with concussion and a snapped collar bone. </p> <p>Get well soon dude! But not too soon, I want those extra points!</p> <p>An incident in the GSXR Cup race caused the air ambulance to land, which sparked some excitement amongst those watching… they just don’t understand the flashback it causes me, the smoke, the noise, the smell of napalm in the mornings…</p> <p>i'm now sitting 10th overall in the champeenship. Photo's by Monster998 :-) </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/07/10/oulton_park_july_7th~2607138/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/07/10/oulton_park_july_7th~2607138/#commentshttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/06/23/mallory_race_1_first_corner~2505968/tag:curzonweb.blog.co.uk,2007-06-23:/2007/06/23/mallory_race_1_first_corner~2505968/Sat, 23 Jun 2007 16:54:03 +0200 <p>hmmm... so i improved on my grid position of 22nd to move into 11th/12th place, then ran off the track and gave everyone a head start! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/06/23/mallory_race_1_first_corner~2505968/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/06/23/mallory_race_1_first_corner~2505968/#commentshttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/05/22/round_2_mallory_20th_may~2312404/tag:curzonweb.blog.co.uk,2007-05-22:/2007/05/22/round_2_mallory_20th_may~2312404/Tue, 22 May 2007 08:00:08 +0200 <p>well bugger my boots, that was an interesting day... and lady luck must have been watching over me! no rain, and qual'd in 22nd with 1'07. i had the wrong gearing for the dry, but went with it anyway.</p> <p><img src="http://curzonweb.co.uk/images/mallory1.JPG"><br> "i'm sure i dropped a quid round here somewhere?? wait, is that Doms exhaust bolt?"</p> <p>Race one, got away from the lights well and tipped into Gerards 5th gear in around 12th position. I was carrying a bit more speed into the entry than those immediately in front and either side, couldnt go anywhere so closed the throttle down to bring my pace down to match, when someone ahead touched a brake, the guy in front but slightly to my right stood it up momentarily, his back wheel clipped my front wheel and suddenly i was running off the tarmac at circa 100mph, across the grass, through the gravel and towards the tyre wall. Somehow kept it upright and got it under control about 6feet from the tyre wall... rejoined the track in last (28th) and could see the tail end of the pack already going through Edwina's. I went on a bit of a mission to catch up. With 8 people that did not finish, and 5 that i caught and passed, i finished 15th. just 4 seconds behind 14th. After my rather sphincter trembling excursion, i managed a best lap of 1'05</p> <p><img src="http://curzonweb.co.uk/images/mallory2.JPG"><br> "right, got me quid, wheres the ice cream van gone?"</p> <p>Race 2 was ok... good start from 22nd place, went into gerards about 14th, but the race 1 incident was in my mind and i found myself braking for the corner a bit too much/early, also i had a couple of passing opportunities that i decided to back down from as they were a bit too risky. Ended up in a 6 or 7 way battle for 11th, with positions being swapped at every corner, but finished 14th. I was ½ sec per lap slower than in the 1st race, but still posting 1'05s.</p> <p><img src="http://curzonweb.co.uk/images/mallory3.JPG"><br> Trouty stealthily sneaks up to attack from behind. But without Rohypnol this time.</p> <p>It would have been nice to utilise the DNF's from race 1 and capitalise on those extra points that were up for grabs, but i managed to salvage more from the excursion than i expected. Maintained 9th in the championship, but it is close!</p> <p>pics shamelessly stolen from [url]www.ospix.co.uk[/url] <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> Great racing photography! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/05/22/round_2_mallory_20th_may~2312404/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/05/22/round_2_mallory_20th_may~2312404/#commentshttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/04/17/desmodue_a_round_1_race_report~2106855/tag:curzonweb.blog.co.uk,2007-04-17:/2007/04/17/desmodue_a_round_1_race_report~2106855/Tue, 17 Apr 2007 09:50:34 +0200 <p> <img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/358/1336358_0095c7253d_l.jpg"></p> <p>Well, what an odd weekend. Turned up at Brands on thursday evening to set the marquee up and went back home again. Arrived friday as there was a test day, i wasnt booked for testing, i just went along to chill and sort some tyres out. My team mate was booked on though, and was going well, until he lobbed the bike at Druids and then got himself run over. We decided he should go out on mine to scrub some tyres, he came back in a few laps later complaining the bike felt odd. Sure enough, the front tyre only had 13.5psi in it. To top that off, i'd sent him out on a bike with no brake pad retaining pin clips in it, and the pins had dropped out somewhere on track. Nice one Daz, ensure your continued success in the team by 'offing' your team mate... Sorry Tim! </p> <p>It was at this point that we also discovered that as a team, we actually have NO spare parts between us...</p> <p><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/357/1336357_6c400c82f9_m.jpg"><br> The 2 class A bikes and Matty's class B</p> <p>As i'm new to the series, i haven't really gotten to be able to put names to faces/bikes, and i'm crap at recognising people anyway! i should just refer to peoples race numbers really...</p> <p>Sunday AM. Qualifying.<br> 58 bikes out on track, it wasn't going to be easy. Although i was expecting the faster laps to be set early in the session, my fastest lap was late in the session when i was amongst traffic. Odd.</p> <p>I qualified 14th out of the 58 bikes, 12th in the class A bikes. Tim qualified a good 4th.</p> <p>Race 1. ok, anyone remember how to do a grid start??<br> I lined up on the end of row 3. Directly ahead i could see Tim. due to the staggered grid formation. Once again, i waited for the lights to go out, something i hadn't done in a couple of years, as the endurance racing doesn't use a grid start. The lights went out and mayhem ensued...</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1336374" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/374/1336374_ed8bd602bd_o.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="brands race start"></a><br> Thanks to Steve 'Yeti' for the above pic. With Tim in 2nd at this point, and myself contesting 5th, things were looking good! My first race start in a while and it looks like i havent forgotton how!</p> <p>Lots happened during the race. Some grip issues with the rear tyre sent me sliding at Clearways whilst trying to retake 5th place, this knocked the confidence a little and let a couple of guys slip through. Then i saw Tim ditch it at the same spot, and so i decided that i had to bring the bike home safe.</p> <p>Finished race 1 in 8th place. Fairly happy with that, gave away a couple of places that i shouldn't have, but all in all, i good introduction to the series.</p> <p><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/388/1336388_ae3ba655de_l.jpg"><br> Stumpy following me through Paddock Hill. Cheeky git slipped inside me a few laps later... wont happen again though!</p> <p>I decided to adjust the rear tyre pressure by a couple of psi, and alter the gearing, prior to race 2.</p> <p>Race 2. Started on grid P12 again. I managed to get another decent start, but the gearing left me a little short for the run to Druids, and i was vicously gang raped as a swarm of bikes proceeded to mug me. Not good. It was already clear that my good decision to change gearing wasn't quite so good after all. In fact, it cost me a second per lap. Put together with both wheels sliding out at Clearways, i was not happy with this race and i struggled to hold on to the pack ahead of me. With a few laps left, i realised i couldn't catch them, and there was no one close enough behind to catch me, so i decided not to risk binning it and brought the #98 machine home in a safe 13th. Tim made a great comeback from his 1st race crash to bring #101 back in one piece and finish in 4th.</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1336389" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/389/1336389_67fbd0107a_l.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="druids"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1336390" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/390/1336390_20c23466c8_l.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="tim_druids"></a></p> <p>Shout outs!!<br> Quite a few novices out, breaking the race virginity! Well done to you all! Harriebird, Diggerman and the others.</p> <p>Tim - despite crashing on test day, and in race 1, and despite being a moody git because of it!! managed to get his head together for a solid 2nd race.</p> <p>Matty - entered Desmo class B and Sound of Thunder. Had some problems with the bike, but got it sorted and finished the last 2 races.</p> <p>OD2racing - nice riding from Dom with 2 3rd places, and Lily!! she rode impressively! And Chass for not taking the piss too much about the brake pad pins and Louigi for bringing some along to the track!</p> <p>Zimbo - for looking a bit like Troy Bayliss and getting a great 2nd place in the Class B race 2. Well done fella!</p> <p>I am currently sat in 9th place in the championship, its early days yet and there are plenty of people behind who are eager to take points away from me, as i am eager to take points from those ahead of me. Roll on Mallory!</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1336359" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/359/1336359_d32df19a1d_m.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Img_1420_small"></a></p> <p>NOTE: there's still plenty of room on there for more sponsors! I could do with some tyre's, some suspension, some snappy breaky bits such as clip ons, rearsets etc.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/04/17/desmodue_a_round_1_race_report~2106855/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/04/17/desmodue_a_round_1_race_report~2106855/#commentshttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/04/11/all_dressed_up_and_ready_to_roll~2069592/tag:curzonweb.blog.co.uk,2007-04-11:/2007/04/11/all_dressed_up_and_ready_to_roll~2069592/Wed, 11 Apr 2007 07:59:18 +0200 <p><img src="http://www.curzonweb.co.uk/images/duc1403.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p><img src="http://www.curzonweb.co.uk/images/duc1401.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Time has passed by perhaps quicker than i'd like, bits are still on order and we're off to Brands Hatch at the weekend. It's my local, so i'm hoping to capitalise on the first races of the season with a couple of decent finishes.</p> <p>There are some top names amongst the entrants for this season, which include last seasons champion, and the 2005 champion is also returning. Browsing the entrants, i would say that there are around 10 names that are capable of winning races, which means its going to be a good close season. I honestly feel that consistency is going to be paramount to completing the championship in a strong position. a DNF is going to leave 10 others taking those points away.</p> <p>I'll be dissapointed if i'm outside of the top 10. Realistically, Brands will be my strongest circuit so i NEED to take the advantage and slot myself up into the top 5, however, this is a bike that i've only ridden once, i'm unsure of the gearing needed and the first opportunity to ride it will be in qualifying. With 50 odd bikes also on the track during qualifying, its going to be hard to get a clear track to make a good run of it.</p> <p>the plan:<br> change tyres and gearing on saturday. i'll have to guess the gearing. the 46t rear that is currently fitted is too tall, so i'll go with a 47 or 48. I'll have to scrub the tyre in roughly by hand with sandpaper. I'll be going out to qualify on cold tyre's that arent properly scrubbed in, tricky! Need to get out quickly in qualifying session to beat the traffic, i would estimate that by lap 4 there will be too much traffic to be able to get a decent lap in. That gives me lap 1+2 to scrub the tyres and get some heat into them, and lap 3 to get a quick lap in.</p> <p>Could do with some trick bits on this bike, such as a brembo front brake system and an ohlins shock. If anyone out there would like to add they're name to the sponsors list please get in touch! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/04/11/all_dressed_up_and_ready_to_roll~2069592/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>racinghttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/04/11/all_dressed_up_and_ready_to_roll~2069592/#commentshttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/01/26/the_monster_is_at_ally_pally~1627212/tag:curzonweb.blog.co.uk,2007-01-26:/2007/01/26/the_monster_is_at_ally_pally~1627212/Fri, 26 Jan 2007 17:50:47 +0100 <p class="center"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/846/1126846_fd239f19a0_m.jpg" alt="breasts" title="ducati monster"></p> <p>looking considerably different from the previous picture! still a fair bit of work to do though, i've literally just blown some paint over it and slung it onto the bike for the show. If you're going to the show, the bike is on The London Bikers stand W236, near Hawk Kawasaki</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/01/26/the_monster_is_at_ally_pally~1627212/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2007/01/26/the_monster_is_at_ally_pally~1627212/#commentshttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2006/12/16/title~1445219/tag:curzonweb.blog.co.uk,2006-12-16:/2006/12/16/title~1445219/Sat, 16 Dec 2006 15:32:58 +0100 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1032927"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/927/1032927_e3e72e7fdf_m.jpg" alt="tzr" title="tzr" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>so this is how the trusty tzr looked before it was sold to its new owner. i hope it performs well for the new guy - he's quit from powerbikes to try something that looks a lot more fun!</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1032928" title="Share your media"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/928/1032928_a4b336c48a_l.jpg" width="400" height="400" alt="mong"></a></p> <p>and here's its replacement! ok, theres still some work to be done on it. but as i dont even have a shed as yet (being delivered this week) then work can wait for a bit... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2006/12/16/title~1445219/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2006/12/16/title~1445219/#commentshttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2006/11/29/preparing_for_the_2007_tour~1382634/tag:curzonweb.blog.co.uk,2006-11-29:/2006/11/29/preparing_for_the_2007_tour~1382634/Wed, 29 Nov 2006 18:12:19 +0100 <p>Firstly, i'd like to thank the sponsors that are in the list down the left hand side - without their support, whether financial or otherwise, racing would be even harder than it already is!</p> <p>And onto 2007!</p> <p>So, what plans are afoot?</p> <p>I received an email yesterday from a mate, who had this crazy notion of taking part in a one off 3 hour Moped/Scooter race during January, and asked if i fancied it.... Ah, why not??</p> <p>So i'm kicking off the new season with that. Ok, we havent got a moped or scooter just yet, but hey, i need to order a pizza anyway... may as well grab that one!</p> <p>I'm currently in the market for a Ducati 620 to race in the Desmo Due series. I'll update with progress as it unfolds! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2006/11/29/preparing_for_the_2007_tour~1382634/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2006/11/29/preparing_for_the_2007_tour~1382634/#commentshttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2006/10/18/and_another_snetterton_round_and_champio~1236183/tag:curzonweb.blog.co.uk,2006-10-18:/2006/10/18/and_another_snetterton_round_and_champio~1236183/Wed, 18 Oct 2006 19:30:49 +0200 <p>well, this one wasnt so successful, with chronic overheating issues, i took the qualifying session and completed just 2 laps, enough to ensure we got onto the grid, but only enough to see us in last.</p> <p>An engine swap on the saturday evening, and we prepared for the 8 hour race.</p> <p>Unfortunately, we still had overheating issues during the race, and decided to pull the plug half way though. But we managed to take third again, allbeit by default. A good day though for other reasons, as Otei and myself ran 1.5 hr sessions each, the longest we have done. Expecting adverse effects on our laptimes, we both improved! Tim dropped into 1'15's and i dropped 6 seconds to get into the 1'17 bracket!</p> <p>Third at this round, and we secured third in the overall 750cc class championship. With another round to go, we did the math and found we were too many points behind second place, and too many points ahead of fourth place, for there to be any change in position. We decided not to enter the fifth and final round.</p> <p>Full reports and pics n stuff can be found at <a href="http://www.teamotei.8k.com">http://www.teamotei.8k.com</a></p> <p>enjoy! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2006/10/18/and_another_snetterton_round_and_champio~1236183/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2006/10/18/and_another_snetterton_round_and_champio~1236183/#commentshttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2006/10/18/pembrey~1236163/tag:curzonweb.blog.co.uk,2006-10-18:/2006/10/18/pembrey~1236163/Wed, 18 Oct 2006 19:23:25 +0200 <p>Pembrey came and passed, several months ago! i didnt get around to updating this website.</p> <p>Anyways, with some comical braking issues, we took third place in the 750cc championship.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2006/10/18/pembrey~1236163/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2006/10/18/pembrey~1236163/#commentshttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2006/05/31/ultimate_finish_racing_take_3rd_at_snett~842942/tag:curzonweb.blog.co.uk,2006-05-31:/2006/05/31/ultimate_finish_racing_take_3rd_at_snett~842942/Wed, 31 May 2006 11:18:59 +0200 <p>Round 2 of the KRC Endurance series took place at Snetterton, Norfolk and the weather was against everyone...</p> <p>Friday testing saw Cookie crashing the bike after just a couple of laps, but the bike was all patched up again ready for saturday.</p> <p>I took the warm up session, then first qualifying. The dry track got hit with a sudden downpour which led to me ditching the bike at the bombhole. It looked a bit of a mess, but fortunately, the 'scabby' bodywork had been fitted. I rode the bike back to the pits and the crew set to work.</p> <p>Tim and Cookie did their qualifying sessions and we qualified in 22nd place.</p> <p class="center"><img src="http://homepage.ntlworld.com/tim.pritchard/trtsnet06.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>I started the race and after an uneventful hour came back in to pit for rider swap, we were still in 22nd.</p> <p>Tim did his session and came back in to swap with Cookie, who then went on another crashing spree, crashing not once, but twice, as the rain lashed down again. The bike was in dire need for repair and the crew set about straightening it with metal bars.</p> <p class="center"><img src="http://homepage.ntlworld.com/tim.pritchard/floodsnet.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>'9 laps' Cookie didnt want to go out again, so myself and Tim continued the race between us. We were 4th in class with around 8 laps seperating us from 3rd place, then with a strike of luck for us, the 3rd placed team launched the bike into (on top of) the tyre wall, leaving us in a comfortable 3rd.</p> <p class="center"><img src="http://homepage.ntlworld.com/tim.pritchard/gaycookie.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>So thats our second trophy in 2 rounds this season.</p> <p>We're now 3rd in the class championship, 6 points behind 1st place JSE Racing, and just 1 point behind 2nd placed Uprite Racing.</p> <p>Next stop, Pembrey</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2006/05/31/ultimate_finish_racing_take_3rd_at_snett~842942/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2006/05/31/ultimate_finish_racing_take_3rd_at_snett~842942/#commentshttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2006/05/14/sexy_toys~798722/tag:curzonweb.blog.co.uk,2006-05-14:/2006/05/14/sexy_toys~798722/Sun, 14 May 2006 14:26:34 +0200 <p>Toys i've owned past and present <img src="/img/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" class="middle" border="0"> Not sure exactly how the gallery feature works, but you should be able to view it ok. The small ones have been just as fun, probably more fun in fact, than the bigger ones...</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_items.php?album_ID=96486">GO THERE NOW</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2006/05/14/sexy_toys~798722/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2006/05/14/sexy_toys~798722/#commentshttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2006/04/26/adding_pic_into_gallery~756575/tag:curzonweb.blog.co.uk,2006-04-26:/2006/04/26/adding_pic_into_gallery~756575/Wed, 26 Apr 2006 09:13:08 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=501159"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/159/501159_5154c8601c_m.jpg" align="" alt="ADJ_B2P6362" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Brands Hatch, 17th April 2006, Round 1 of the KRC Endurance series. Thanks to Neil Boyle and Racing Line Photography for this image. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2006/04/26/adding_pic_into_gallery~756575/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>galleryhttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2006/04/26/adding_pic_into_gallery~756575/#commentshttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2006/04/24/one_man_went_to_mow_went_to_mow_a_meadow~751641/tag:curzonweb.blog.co.uk,2006-04-24:/2006/04/24/one_man_went_to_mow_went_to_mow_a_meadow~751641/Mon, 24 Apr 2006 12:26:14 +0200 <p>ok, so it wasnt a meadow per se.</p> <p>and it was more than one man that went there.</p> <p><img src="http://homepage.ntlworld.com/tim.pritchard/parcfermebrnds.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p>Ultimate Finish Racing toddled off to Brands hatch for the first round of the KRC Endurance Championship on Easter Monday, and managed to bring home some silverware for 3rd place in Class D (750cc IL4/1000cc twins)</p> <p>Wicked!</p> <p><img src="http://homepage.ntlworld.com/tim.pritchard/inthird.jpg" alt="" title=""><br> Anyways, thats me looking a bit like a fighter jet pilot in a pic in the gallery. yeah, Tom Cruise eat your heart out Days of Thunder/Top Gun yada yada yada PAH! He dont get to eat the curries that we get!</p> <p>We're off to Snetterton soon. Great! There's still a corner there that i havent managed to crash at yet. Maybe i'll fulfill my destiny!</p> <p>Resistance is futile...</p> <p><img src="http://www.thelondonbikers.com/iB_html/uploads/post-2-35231-pot.jpg" alt="" title=""></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2006/04/24/one_man_went_to_mow_went_to_mow_a_meadow~751641/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>racinghttp://curzonweb.blog.co.uk/2006/04/24/one_man_went_to_mow_went_to_mow_a_meadow~751641/#comments