Olly Stone - Back on the road again

Saturday was text book result and the track was in prime condition as I didn't even have to wash the bike. But with heavy overnight rain (again) Sunday was going to be a different story. Time to prepare for a wet sand race.

 

The first heat was epic. It was one of the most intense heats of the year and Jake had the pace to run up front and Jeffrey (Herlings) only passed him because he made a mistake. But still, finishing fourth was a great achievement and a boost of confidence. 

 

While in the waiting zone for Heat 2 it decided to rain sooo bad. And the start straight was completely under water. Luckily for me Jake's friend Tom was with him so he could hold the umbrella and the bike while I taped the airbox up as best I could, to prevent the water getting though. 

 

I was surprised that no other mechanics were doing this to their bikes, but then again not many other bikes finished that heat.  Neither did my bike to be honest - but that was due to a huge crash on lap one and the bike was to badly damaged to continue. Even after half a lap the bike looked like it had done Weston beach race.  It was a big blow to our Championship as the gap to fifth place got bigger. So again we have to play catch up. 

 

Next stop was Russia... 

 

Imagine the worst road you have ever driven on..! Well, the road to Moscow was even worse than that. Single road dirt track to be honest. I was shocked. And it was like that for 800 (yes, eight hundred) kilometres. We made good time getting through the border though which meant that we could spend the evening in Moscow, which was impressive.  It is a really big city and has plenty of money there although they don't seem to spend it on the rest of the country. 

 

Anyway, another full day's drive and we arrived at the track. This was such a long way from civilisation we were wondering if anyone was actually going come and watch us. Not may people did on Saturday, but with the worst riding conditions this year for the heat race they were the clever ones. 

 

The heat had to be restarted as well after a few riders' gates didn't drop, Jake's included. Jake was just standing there waiting for the re-start under umbrellas while it was thundering and lightning, while I was fixing the bike, frantically getting it sorted. 

 

That night was a late one as the bike was wrecked from the wet heat race. Everything needed stripping and cleaning and re greasing so it was back up to standard for Sunday's race day. 

 

Which might I add brought blue sky, high temperatures and of course the public. 

 

Jake's riding in both heats was pretty good and we came away with fifth overall. And on top of that a 3,400km drive back to base. Beforehand we kitted out the Sprinter with bunk beds so we could alternate driving and sleeping. So with four of us we could drive none stop. 

 

The only time  we turned off the engine was to fill up with diesel and that was only twice. It took us 36 hours and we got back when the sun was rising Tuesday morning. 

 

Beating every other team back was a right result. I reminded everyone of that when we got to the next GP in the Czech Republic.

 

On my arrival at base KTM had sent, as promised, some 2013 factory material for us. So for the next week I was building three new 2013 bikes, one practice bike, a race bike and a spare race bike. 

 

It's surprising how long each bike takes to build as everything needs to be greased and assembled with  titanium fasteners, security wire fitted to the necessary parts and all the many other modification I feel it needs to be a GP bike. 

 

With Jake getting to ride the new bike four times before we headed to Czecho it was enough time to make a few small alterations to get him happier with his new ride. 

 

As you will have read about in TMX, Jake felt at home on the new ride and scored his best ever GP result with a third in Moto one and ending fourth overall. We are so close to the overall podium now and I think both of us are motivated to make it happen before the season is out. 

 

Hey, we even got a dry GP for a change. 

 

With Czech race over and an all night drive back, it was a 7am Monday morning start for me, sorting out everything for Jake to head home to England and prepare for the British GP. 

 

With Jake gone and my GP bike ready too, I was able to head home myself. Not having been back home since Christmas I was excited to make the trip back for some well earned time off. It was good to see my family again and catch up with some old friends as well. 

 

I can tell you one thing though, I'm looking forward to the GP if England. The atmosphere there is always incredible and the racing is just as good.  If you're there, come over and say Hi, it's always good to catch up with the home fans. 

 

Until next month, see you at the races.