Oulton Park: 12 May 09

Kenoir · 20 Apr 09, 10:21 AM

Just booked on this one. I love Oulton, can't wait. Anyone else doing this one?

harriebird · 21 Apr 09, 07:44 AM

i will be heading up oulton way a couple of times over the summer to take to the track, however this is a bit too soon for me as my bike will still be in the workshop.

i'll shout when i'm about

Kenoir · 22 Apr 09, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harriebird

i will be heading up oulton way a couple of times over the summer to take to the track, however this is a bit too soon for me as my bike will still be in the workshop.

i'll shout when i'm about

Cool, I'll come over to see you, might even be doing the same TD.

Kenoir · 11 May 09, 09:31 AM

Bump!

Anyone else at Oulton tomorrow? It's going to be lovely and sunny, bring some sun block!

Kenoir · 13 May 09, 09:56 AM

What a lovely day!

I love Oulton Park, it's not as fast as some tracks but it's got a bit of everything. Humps, bumps, hairpin, a couple of chicanes and a great atmosphere.

I Picked up Jules's R1 (behind me in the picture at Hissie's) in the trailer and off we went. We took the lucky wets with us (almost guarantees to keep it dry!) and I had a new set of slicks on the spare wheels. Got to the track early to bag a garage and promptly got the wheels swapped. I've not tried slicks before so was keen to see what difference it would make. They were fantastic, very grippy, turned in well (due to a higher profile I assume) and seemed to get up to temperature quicker. Someone said, 'they grip like s**t to a blanket...until they don't.... and they just let go', not sure how much help that is but at my level I think I'll be OK.

The bike was brilliant (yet again), I just can't say how good it is to ride a bike like this around a race track. It well and truly flatters me. I can pass people almost anywhere but only because I have a bike like this (it's certainly not pilot skill), I can out drag on the straights, out brake in to corners and generally do what people on lesser bikes can't do. But I must stress again...it's the bike's ability and NOT mine!

Good to see Stevel.

He turned up to say hello and I'm doing my best to encourage him to use his MSV voucher soon (I don't think they'll let you carry it over another year Steve).

So, no accidents, breakdowns or issues. All in all a fantastic day in the sunshine.

Kenoir

stevel · 13 May 09, 10:13 AM

Nice one Paul, good to see you and Jules enjoying yourselves, it was a superb day for it. The bike looked well, esp when set off with your new gear.....very stylish!
1098's looked to be dominant on the day, must've been at least 10 - 12 on the day
I will get booked in soon, honestly
After I left you I went through Cheshire on a round trip out through Nantwich then over towards Wrexham (nice route, twisty), back up through Broxton, Beeston/Peckforton castles and along the Welsh border to Chester......great trip for a sunny afternoon.
See you next time!

ApocalypsE · 13 May 09, 10:42 AM

Glad you had a good day mate, photo's look great

Kenoir · 13 May 09, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ApocalypsE

Glad you had a good day mate, photo's look great

Shame you missed this one Wayne, I thought you would be there for this. You missed a good one.

ItalSports were there with a few superstock 1098/1198 bikes, it's great to see them being ridden hard (unlike my pottering effort).

See you at a track soon.

Kenoir · 13 May 09, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevel

esp when set off with your new gear.....very stylish!

You can buy fashion but you can't buy style Steve. Unfortunately, I had to go for the former.

Elvis has now left the building

998gsb · 13 May 09, 01:21 PM

Awesome pics Paul and what a beautiful day it was too weatherwise.!

Kenoir · 13 May 09, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 998gsb

Awesome pics Paul and what a beautiful day it was too weatherwise.!

Thanks Gav, you're right, it was a perfect day, hardly a cloud in the sky and even the light breeze was welcome because I get very hot in me boil-in-the-bag leathers.

So how's your bike looking? Have you got the fairings sorted yet? Let me know when you're ready to get her on the track, I'd love to come and see.

Rob998 · 13 May 09, 03:04 PM

Every trackday I fancy this year seems to clash with work, & whenever I try to book the day off, I get a big fat "Computer says no!"

Looks like you had a fantastic day Paul. Wish I could have been been there too.

Kenoir · 13 May 09, 03:32 PM

I think we should aim to do an unofficial Ducatisti track day at Oulton Park, there must be quite a few around here who would be interested.

harriebird · 13 May 09, 07:12 PM

i'd be on for that too, i know i'm not local but i've got lots of family up that way so it always helps to cushion the cost of the diesel if i can catch up with everyone while i'm up there!

Kenoir, are you sponsored by Mr Sheen?! HOW shiny?!!

great pictures though and sounds like a fab day was had by all.

Kenoir · 15 May 09, 09:02 AM

Ha, ha, very squeaky! My mate Jules recommends falling over in the paddock in new leathers just to 'christen' them and therefore avoiding and mishap on track! I don't go in for all that superstition (apart from always putting my right glove on first and always getting on the bike on the left side?).

I went out with Lily and Freak a couple of weeks ago and I took the p**s out of his new white leathers and boots but on the quiet I actually quite liked the Liberace/Elton John/Elvis look.....and J&S still had a 20% sale!

It would be great to see you out at Oulton again Harrie.

Anyone else interested? I'll check the calendar and get some date options posted.