Our first visit to Weston didn't go to plan. In the week leading upto the event, Kevin ran into problems with his bike. Not wanting to let anyone down the team travelled to Weston as planned.
We spent most of the Friday on the beach trying to sort the problem out. No matter what we tried nothing seemed to work, many other riders stopped to offer their advice and support. So thanks to you all.
Late in the day we made a tough call, Kevin would be unable to take part in the event. A years planning had come to nothing. Although feeling very down Kev stuck around to support his team mate.
The team packed our kit up and travelled to the campsite. This would be our home for the next few days. This was the best camp site at a mx meeting that we have come across. The only downside being that we were camping in October.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. The things we do for our sport.
SATURDAY
We travelled down to the beach to watch todays events. The kids on the quads were the first out on the well laid out and prepared track. This was followed by the main event of the day. The adult quads and sidecars.
The start is just something that has to be seen at Weston - even the videos don't do it justice!
All the big names in the UK quad world were set to do battle with a special guest rider. David Knight, the worlds number 1 Enduro rider, had swaped 2 wheels for 4. As they came round for the first time Knight was showing good pace, and that he is just as good on 4 wheels as he is on 2!
In the sidecar class GP runner John Lyne showed good early pace, as did Colin Philpott.
In the end it wasn't to be Knights day. His KTM ran into problems not far from the finish.
SUNDAY: MAIN EVENT
Yet again we were blessed with the weather. It was a dry and warm day for the time of year. It was Mike's big day. We set up camp in the pit area, ready for anything that might happen. The race started and everyone blasted down the main straight for the first time.
The team kept their eyes peeled for Mike, but when 1000 riders are going round it's not the easiest thing to do. After about 80 mins in we started to panic. Not one of us had seen Mike once.
Team Drinkers, Azi and Levi, left the pits with the hope of finding him. The first place they checked out was the first aid area. Thankfully he wasn't there. Then from nowhere, he appeared in the pits.
It was then Kev's job to re-fuel him and send him on his way. From our spot, we watched Everts, Coppins, Knight, Simpson and Rattray do the same.
Team KTM were showing great speed led by team boss Everts.
At 3/4 distance Mike's bike failed at the end of the main straight. He lost alot of time waiting to be towed back to the pits. When he got back the problem was found to be a fault with the throttle. It was removed and repaired and he was on his way again.
At the end of the 3 hours Mike and his Gas Gas were still running and he completed the event.
Stefan Everts may have won the event but the whole team were winners. We had raised a lot of money for a good cause and learnt alot. We will be back next year, but we will make a few changes.....
The main one being that its to cold to camp in October.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
