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Intro
Well,
that was the most fun you could have on four wheels!
What a
great day…
Mate against
mate…..
15
willing victims arrived eager to try out their skills on the
karts.
We were divided into two groups, and as
the first practice round began it was obvious to all that the
skills we have developed as motorcyclists would guarantee us a
fun and memorable day. As many discovered in the corners, the
karts unlike motorcycles have to ability to do a complete 360
degree turn and still stay rubber side down!
Practice
Round
After a
sedate push start, we began our practice
round….
A few tame laps to get the feel of the
kart, the circuit and our rivals! First lap around most people
stalled several times getting used to the new mode of
transport, but we were soon off and running screaming around
corners and overtaking one another.
Qualifying
Round
In the
same groups as we were for the practice round, the qualifying
session gave us a chance to really refine our
skills.
At a
top speed of 80kmh , only inches off the ground, and with no
suspension to speak of, the ride was rough! Hitting tyre
barriers at 80kmh can shake your teeth loose and leave your
brain rattling in your skull. This round was where we really
got competitive and had an opportunity to analyse who had the
potential to take
the winning places on the go-karting podium. Even riders
without a competitive streak had a great time pushing their
own personal lap times.
Finals
Normally the same
groups of people that were together in the first two rounds
are pitted against each other in the finals.
After
some negotiating, we persuaded the staff to let the fastest 7
riders into the first final and the other 8 riders in the
second final.
Now the
action really heated up.
A lap
to get everyone going and then the flag
dropped….
It was
every person for themselves, no love lost here! Very few rules
and anything goes. I felt like Valentino Rossi at the start
line in Valencia!
15 laps
later, bruised and battered, covered in oil from head to toe
Final A was decided-
- David
(winner)
- Stephen
- Andrew
- Peter
- Wendy
(yay girls!)
- Chris
- Sarah
Final B
had it all, the highlight being Jim who made it into second
place after having a broken throttle cable. He did most of the
race controlling his pace with the cable in his hand! What a
legend!
Final B results were as
follows-
·
Robyn (winner)
·
Jim
·
Reagan
·
Tegan
·
Kerrie
·
Rebecca
·
Michael
We
headed home exhilarated, grinning like
Cheshire Cats
through the oil. That evening I was so tired and sore, but
ready to do it again in a heartbeat. The bruises on my hips
and back are still there to prove how physical it actually
was…..
Ahh ,
the seat of my bike has never felt sooo
good!
Thanks
to everyone for another great NR social
outing.
Signing
off….
Yours
truly
Valentino
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