Desmodue report, Castle Coombe

[Zimbo]

Right, Castle Coombe. It’s my most local circuit but I’ve never been round it, it’s supposed to be fast and bumpy, that’s about all I know. They’re incredibly strict on noise levels so I didn’t bother with a trackday first, just decided to wing it on the day.
One nice surprise, Lin had decided not to enter but a kind beneficiery paid her entry fees for her at the last minute, so our team is at full strength.
It’s a big meeting, biggest of the year at CC, European supercup with world championship sidecars, superbikes, sound of thunder, two stroke 125s / 250s, KTMs and us, big crowd expected.
As it’s local I decided not to go till Saturday morning, arrived at 8 to find Lin, Slob and crew all set up already. Got the bike and my kit scrutineered straight away, bike checked for noise (passed) and all set, get some breakfast on. Slob is having a bit of trouble getting Lin’s back brake to work properly, and it won’t get through scrutineering without, so I lend a hand and we change the caliper and get it bled, she gets the ticket on the bike, we’re both signed on, transponders hired and fitted, and we’re ready.
Practice / qualifying is lunchtime, and it’s hot and sunny. Kit on and down to the collecting area in plenty of time, then out on the track, and I find it’s actually great fun, fast, not as bumpy as I was expecting, I warm the tyres for three laps whilst I learn wgich way the corners go and then get a few quicker laps in. After ten laps I’m knackered, it’s way too warm and it’s a physical circuit, finally the chequered flag is waved and we come in.
Up to race control for the time sheets, I’ve qualified 25 out of the 40 mixed 620s and 583s, 11th 583, which I’m happy with.