Mmmm

A day at the races (eventually)

I'm beginning to wonder what we might have done to deserve the run of 'happenings' over the last week or so!  As blogged yesterday my wizard bike mechanic skills were tested.  Alas, again today.  Only this time even my expertise could not overcome the fact that the 4 spare tubes Mr G had provided for the trip didn't fit his back wheel that punctured ... so, we'd made it just over a mile to Cadwell Park when we had to return to the site wheeling our steads.  A quick google located a nearby bike shop so we now have tubes to fit both mountain bikes should we need them.  Frustrating doesn't begin to cover it and Mr G wasn't looking so handsome today LOL!  

In order to actually get to Cadwell in time to see some racing we jumped in Elly and drove over.  This was probably no bad thing in the end as the last mile or two were incredibly steep (for biking) so perhaps a silver lining. And, if we'd punctured a lot further into the journey, say mile 6 or 7 it would have been a real hike back. 

Dave and Nicola (Mel's Aunt and Uncle) were surprised to see us; they'd mentioned last weekend at the wedding that they would be racing this weekend and suggested we might like to pop in on our route north,  I don't think they actually thought we would!  We spent a happy afternoon watching four races, one each of the different classes racing.  This means very little to me but in case you are in the know we saw Mini Miglias, Mini Se7ens, MAX5 (Mazda MX5s) and Legends.  One short afternoon is plenty, can't imagine going regularly!

The set up in the paddock area for the Legends in particular was impressive to say the least and much more 'full-on' pro racing than I'd envisaged from what Ollie had mentioned in the past.  The 'team', two drivers (one of whom is Mel's uncle) are sponsored by Aberdeen Asset Management and as part of the deal often host corporate visitors during races.  They have a very large trailer and awning with all kinds of facilities plus a motorhome! 

So, the pictures ...

Undulating, twisting circuit, great for spectating

Waiting for the 'off'

Mazda MX5 - quite exciting racing

The Minis!

And the Legends - 5/8ths replicas of 1930s American cars with 1250 cc engines, great to watch and they are much smaller than you think when you watch them racing compared with in the 'flesh'!

Classic car racing all from 1966 or earlier

Behind the scenes in the Paddock, see, they are tiny! But very quick. And 4 mpg, not very green!

A day off in the sun tomorrow I hope before heading further north to York.