February 2001

Had the wheels and tank sprayed (thanks to Alan) and once fitted to the bike it started to take shape. Had new wheel bearings in both wheels and fitted a brand new set of Dunlop D207GP's (also on the spare wheels).....a dear doo and no mistake. Call me a tart but I think the wheels look better than when they were black. Fitted new race plugs, Pads all round, chain and sprockets and gave the bike a service. Fitted the Crash Mushrooms when they eventually arrived from Race Products, these are good heavy duty ones, so should take brunt of (hopefully not many) forthcoming YEE-HA'S. Things like this are a piece of piss to fit, IF you have the right tools.......a 32mm holesaw and a half round file does the job nicely.

Stickered the bike up, with all the sponsors who have contributed to the forthcoming season, (it doesn't matter how much as every little helps.....if someone donates they get there name on the bike) and it started to look like a race machine, I was glad that getting the bike fettled was coming to an end......its amazing how long things can take.

Picked my new leathers up from Sam at Celtic Leathers, and I have to say what a top job he has done with them........they are absolutely 'Bob On'......with them on, it looks as if I know what I'm doing....(Ha, Ha). If anyone wants a set they better get their name down - 01624 817513.

Stickered up my new OGK FF3 helmet with loads of yellow Three Legs Of Man emblems and that looks quite smart as well.....My other Helmet is away getting air brushed and I'm going to keep this one for the Road races - Jurby, Southern 100, Manx GP, etc......I was a bit concerned that I might get this helmet damaged on the tracks, so I decided I'd just use it for the roads.....cos if I damage it there, that'll be the least of my worries.

Gave the old Mercedes Van a look over as it had sat there all winter, just tidied her up a bit and gave her a new set of tyres and wiper blades.....as she'll be doing a few miles again this year. Also got the Scooter through the test, re-registered it and got a race exhaust for it, which gives it about 50% more power......its great......I'll be the fastest man in the paddock!!!......

Got refused entries for the MRO rounds at Donington Park on the 11th March and also at Mallory Park on the 25th as they were well oversubscribed......there is already 200 bikes going for 40 places on the grid......so it looks like I'll have to wait till later on in the year to get in (after people jumping off and running out of funds etc). Was a bit disappointed about that, but what can you do.........

So everything is just about ready for the first meeting of the year at Mallory Park on the 4th March......I just hope the weather is okay as last year it pissed down for the first eight meetings........The clever thing to do is to use this meeting to settle in and get used to being on a bike again as I haven't had a go on one since October, and I've never ridden a 600 in anger before, but its okay to say that....its a different matter when the flag drops..........

Spook