Webmaster: Ashley Barnett
2011 Final Championship Positions:
2nd Place 1300cc Multi's, 3rd Place Post Classic 1300cc Period 3
and 4th Place 1300cc National
1972 Rob North Trident T160 930cc
Happy New Year !
West Blockhouse
24th January 2012
Happy New Year to you all from Ashley, Jane and the W.A.N.C.A.s
What did you do last week ?
We spent ours at the West Blockhouse, the 1850’s fort which defended the entrance to Milford Haven harbour and holds the harbour’s red port light. This is the third time we’ve stayed in this property and it is my favourite of all the Landmark Trust buildings I’ve rented. Our group was joined by His Pinkness Martin and also Dave from P&M, and a jolly good time was had by all.
During our stay, Dave revealed an artistic bent which was a surprise to us all. We are now proud to be in possession of a David Whitfield original which may be auctioned off at a later date and the proceeds put towards another family sized bottle of tomato ketchup for the first race meeting of the season. Dave’s doodles were very intriguing and we have kept a few in case he ever has to see a psychiatrist.
Written by Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
Happy New Year to you all from Ashley, Jane and the W.A.N.C.A.s
What did you do last week ?
We spent ours at the West Blockhouse, the 1850’s fort which defended the entrance to Milford Haven harbour and holds the harbour’s red port light. This is the third time we’ve stayed in this property and it is my favourite of all the Landmark Trust buildings I’ve rented. Our group was joined by His Pinkness Martin and also Dave from P&M, and a jolly good time was had by all.
During our stay, Dave revealed an artistic bent which was a surprise to us all. We are now proud to be in possession of a David Whitfield original which may be auctioned off at a later date and the proceeds put towards another family sized bottle of tomato ketchup for the first race meeting of the season. Dave’s doodles were very intriguing and we have kept a few in case he ever has to see a psychiatrist.
Written by Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
David Whitfield Original !
'The Bra Angel !'
The Bra Angel
Thursday 29th December 2011
Well, it was all a bit of a rush in the end as usual, but we had a very merry Christmas all said and done. Hope everyone out there had a
good time too. Thankyou to everyone who looked after us - Graham and Rose for intoxicating me and introducing us to Graham's prized Pigs in Blankets, my mother for the lovely meal on Christmas eve and Andrew and Maggie for further stuffing us on Christmas day.
We called in at my parents' on the way to Andrew's and Sarah left there paralytic and tried to use the van's front passenger door as the sliding door. We gently pointed out that she was pulling on the wrong one. To be fair, Sarah was not to know that when you ask for 'a little rum' in our family you get half a tumblerful. Then I suddenly anounced we had to go and she had to down it in one.
After Christmas lunch Andrew ushered us into the living room to pass out for a while while Maggie courageously cleared everything away in the dining room. Andrew had purchased a gadget called The Bra Angel for a friend with arthritic hands. Chris decided to give it a go with one of Maggie's bras and, although he succeeded in doing the thing up, he found it was not all it was cracked up to be.
Chris has been working on a wheel alignment contraption. He tried to purchase, on line earlier in the month, two lasers and thought he must have made a mistake ordering them as a fortnight went by and nothing arrived. It was suggested he look at his bank account to see if the cost had been debited but he ordered two from a different company instead. Suffice to say he now has four of them. He spent some time shining the beams round the living room and making
patterns on the ceiling reflecting from his racing trophies before taking the lasers to the garage to begin construction.
Chris is working this weekend but will complete the project on Monday and we will put up a picture of the grand unveiling. I'm sure you are all beside yourselves with excitement about this so take your minds off it by drinking plentifully Saturday evening and being unconscious all day Sunday.
Happy New Year!
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
Well, it was all a bit of a rush in the end as usual, but we had a very merry Christmas all said and done. Hope everyone out there had a
good time too. Thankyou to everyone who looked after us - Graham and Rose for intoxicating me and introducing us to Graham's prized Pigs in Blankets, my mother for the lovely meal on Christmas eve and Andrew and Maggie for further stuffing us on Christmas day.
We called in at my parents' on the way to Andrew's and Sarah left there paralytic and tried to use the van's front passenger door as the sliding door. We gently pointed out that she was pulling on the wrong one. To be fair, Sarah was not to know that when you ask for 'a little rum' in our family you get half a tumblerful. Then I suddenly anounced we had to go and she had to down it in one.
After Christmas lunch Andrew ushered us into the living room to pass out for a while while Maggie courageously cleared everything away in the dining room. Andrew had purchased a gadget called The Bra Angel for a friend with arthritic hands. Chris decided to give it a go with one of Maggie's bras and, although he succeeded in doing the thing up, he found it was not all it was cracked up to be.
Chris has been working on a wheel alignment contraption. He tried to purchase, on line earlier in the month, two lasers and thought he must have made a mistake ordering them as a fortnight went by and nothing arrived. It was suggested he look at his bank account to see if the cost had been debited but he ordered two from a different company instead. Suffice to say he now has four of them. He spent some time shining the beams round the living room and making
patterns on the ceiling reflecting from his racing trophies before taking the lasers to the garage to begin construction.
Chris is working this weekend but will complete the project on Monday and we will put up a picture of the grand unveiling. I'm sure you are all beside yourselves with excitement about this so take your minds off it by drinking plentifully Saturday evening and being unconscious all day Sunday.
Happy New Year!
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
Andrew is Strict on Table Manners !
'Sleeting 'ell !'
Friday 16th December 2011
It just HAD to do it today when I've got a job outside and lots of driving to do. Chris' new race boots arrived with various bits missing and a month later they are a complete pair. He has started work on the North after a long break and is really enjoying getting stuck-in to it again. After the article on the news recently regarding 'The God Atom', I'm sure we will be able to assist researchers in this matter as we are creating life in our barbeque as I write. Chris still hasn't opened it to see what's going on in there since 16th October at Snetterton. It looks like our first meal for racing next year will be a broth of germs.
Gavin is back at his house in snowy Wales trying to put windows in and my good friend Sarah will come down for Christmas from icy Shropshire if the weather allows. Congratulations from all the W.A.N.C.A's to Mike Dolittle for winning Novice of the Year ! Well done Team Dolittle.
From the web site team - Ashley and I wish you all a very happy Christmas and we hope 2012 is a good year for everyone. I have constructed a list of Chris' resolutions and he'll be drip fed them over the course of January and February.
Written by Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
It just HAD to do it today when I've got a job outside and lots of driving to do. Chris' new race boots arrived with various bits missing and a month later they are a complete pair. He has started work on the North after a long break and is really enjoying getting stuck-in to it again. After the article on the news recently regarding 'The God Atom', I'm sure we will be able to assist researchers in this matter as we are creating life in our barbeque as I write. Chris still hasn't opened it to see what's going on in there since 16th October at Snetterton. It looks like our first meal for racing next year will be a broth of germs.
Gavin is back at his house in snowy Wales trying to put windows in and my good friend Sarah will come down for Christmas from icy Shropshire if the weather allows. Congratulations from all the W.A.N.C.A's to Mike Dolittle for winning Novice of the Year ! Well done Team Dolittle.
From the web site team - Ashley and I wish you all a very happy Christmas and we hope 2012 is a good year for everyone. I have constructed a list of Chris' resolutions and he'll be drip fed them over the course of January and February.
Written by Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
CRMC Dinner Dance & AGM 2011
Saturday 3rd December 2011
It is 'that' time of the year again when we all suffer the dilemma of - Long or Short - Heels or Flats - Control Pants or none at all. Where no-one recognises fellow racers out of leathers. Where hands and finger nails are sort of clean and Odour Castrol is replaced by aftershave. Yes, it's the CRMC Dinner Dance...
Sunday 4th December 2011
We were taking Gavin with us and meeting Lou at the hotel in Daventry. I went to the hair dressers at 9am leaving him and Chris with the job of extracting the bench seat for the van from it's resting place in my garage. It had never been put into the van before, only removed when we first got it. I came back an hour later and they were still working away at it. 'We know what we're doing now' said Gav reassuringly, 'It just took a bit of working out'. Half an hour later it was in. I think it would've been nice if Volkswagen had put proper instructions in the manual.
We set off at a swift pace. Chris' driving is appallling at the best of times but sitting in the back seat was like being in a dingy on rough sea. It was terrifying. I'd finished most of the hip flask before we were past Heathrow. It was weird sitting in the back because you only get snippets of the conversations going on in the front. - something about Chris' bigger right foot and having to stretch his Gaernes and the problem Gavin has peeling his pants off when he has been in them too long - stockings, carb cleaner, silencers - and you think to yourself - 'What's all that about'. Then there is Tony and Hilary on the phone - leotards, babies, tweeking suspension - Fascinating!
Lou was at the carpark when we got to the hotel. The AGM was about to start so Lou and I booked in and took the bags up. I accompanied Lou to her room which was made up as a twin. A girl came to the door and asked 'Do you want it made up as a double?' and we said yes. She got to work changing the bedding and I thought I'd just mention the boys at the AGM in case she assumed the room was for us.
The evening was great, although getting a drink from the bar was seriously frustrating. The guest speaker spoke and the trophies were awarded. Cormac was sat with us and the table was groaning with the quantity of metal-work he had won. Nigel Hall-Smith's and Chris' trophies proudly holding their own on our side of the table. Well done Cormac from all the W.A.N.C.A's and we hope you got stopped at customs on the way home.
Written by Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
The W.A.N.C.A's are in awe ...
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of Cormac's impressive haul !
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2012 Calendar Announced !
Onwards and Upwards !
18th November 2011
Today we recieved confirmation of the 2012 Calendar, the season will start off with the customery visit to Pembrey, before going to Cadwell for the May Bank Holiday weekend. After Cadwell, we will be going to Mallory Park for the June Bank Holiday weekend. We then take a trip south, which makes a change, to Lydden, before heading to Donington in August, Snetterton in September AND Silverstone in October, for the Race of the Year finale !
Pembrey - April 7th / 8th (Easter Saturday / Sunday)
Cadwell Park - May 6th / 7th (Sunday / Bank Holiday Monday)
Lydden Hill- June 3rd / 4th (Sunday / Bank Holiday Monday)
Mallory Park - June 30th / July 1st
Donington - August 11th / 12th
Snetterton - September 15th / 16th
Silverstone - October 13th / 14th
Thank you for your continued support and I look forward to bringing you more news as and when it arrives !
Ashley Barnett - Webmaster
Today we recieved confirmation of the 2012 Calendar, the season will start off with the customery visit to Pembrey, before going to Cadwell for the May Bank Holiday weekend. After Cadwell, we will be going to Mallory Park for the June Bank Holiday weekend. We then take a trip south, which makes a change, to Lydden, before heading to Donington in August, Snetterton in September AND Silverstone in October, for the Race of the Year finale !
Pembrey - April 7th / 8th (Easter Saturday / Sunday)
Cadwell Park - May 6th / 7th (Sunday / Bank Holiday Monday)
Lydden Hill- June 3rd / 4th (Sunday / Bank Holiday Monday)
Mallory Park - June 30th / July 1st
Donington - August 11th / 12th
Snetterton - September 15th / 16th
Silverstone - October 13th / 14th
Thank you for your continued support and I look forward to bringing you more news as and when it arrives !
Ashley Barnett - Webmaster
November to Remember ?
After the 2010 AGM
11th November 2011
Where does the time go? I've spent a lovely week with Sarah in Shropshire (thankyou - to Sarah for having me, to Gavin
for giving me a lift home and to Chris for cleaning our house so beautifully). My car, which has been breaking down consistently since last November, has been fixed during my absence (thankyou Julian for your hard work and Chris for paying for it) - and we have ordered a new mattress as our current one is decades old and crippling me (thankyou to Chris for paying for that too !).
Gavin kicked Chris' arse into gear a few weeks ago and the two of them got the 750's engine demolished and crated up. Chris was left to strip down the rest of the bike on his own, which happened very slowly. The frame's gone to P&M to have some brackets removed and some brackets brazed on to change the left hand gear change to the right hand side and the brake to the left hand side. The coil brackets will be mounted in a different place on the frame and then they'll stove enamel it. Once this is done Chris can take the rest of the bike to them for the rebuild.
The Rob North has not been touched since it's return from Snetterton. Worryingly, neither has the barbeque, which was packed up with two lamb burgers in it. Chris was very busy the first couple of weeks after racing finished, relaxing, looking at photos of himself and watching bike videos. Then he had a very bad cold from which he is only just recovering so the swimming's gone out the window. Then he had to do two weeks jury service which is just about to finish. Now he is working on his 'Talk' for the TR3OC dinner on Saturday. It's all go in the Chapman household as usual. We are looking forward to seeing those of you who can make it to the CRMC dinner.
Realising that a good web site is about quality rather than quantity, the next installment on the website will be covering the grand opening of the barbeque, with pictures of our two furry friends.I will be standing well back as they go for Chris' throat.
Jane Chapman (Long Suffering Wife)
Where does the time go? I've spent a lovely week with Sarah in Shropshire (thankyou - to Sarah for having me, to Gavin
for giving me a lift home and to Chris for cleaning our house so beautifully). My car, which has been breaking down consistently since last November, has been fixed during my absence (thankyou Julian for your hard work and Chris for paying for it) - and we have ordered a new mattress as our current one is decades old and crippling me (thankyou to Chris for paying for that too !).
Gavin kicked Chris' arse into gear a few weeks ago and the two of them got the 750's engine demolished and crated up. Chris was left to strip down the rest of the bike on his own, which happened very slowly. The frame's gone to P&M to have some brackets removed and some brackets brazed on to change the left hand gear change to the right hand side and the brake to the left hand side. The coil brackets will be mounted in a different place on the frame and then they'll stove enamel it. Once this is done Chris can take the rest of the bike to them for the rebuild.
The Rob North has not been touched since it's return from Snetterton. Worryingly, neither has the barbeque, which was packed up with two lamb burgers in it. Chris was very busy the first couple of weeks after racing finished, relaxing, looking at photos of himself and watching bike videos. Then he had a very bad cold from which he is only just recovering so the swimming's gone out the window. Then he had to do two weeks jury service which is just about to finish. Now he is working on his 'Talk' for the TR3OC dinner on Saturday. It's all go in the Chapman household as usual. We are looking forward to seeing those of you who can make it to the CRMC dinner.
Realising that a good web site is about quality rather than quantity, the next installment on the website will be covering the grand opening of the barbeque, with pictures of our two furry friends.I will be standing well back as they go for Chris' throat.
Jane Chapman (Long Suffering Wife)
October Update !
More Pictures Below
Saturday 23rd October 2011
Although Chris still has a bad right knee and a groin strain from his game of squash on Monday, he threw caution to the wind and took to one wheel this afternoon on the unicycle I'd picked up in a house clearance. After falling into the compressor he relinquished the cycle immediately, which is the first sensible thing he's done for a while.
The 750 is stripped down now ready to go to P&M for the rebuild. Gavin and Chris spent two long evenings in the garage last week dismantling furiously. Once the 750 has gone the Rob North will have a good shakedown. Prior to this though, Chris has some homework to do. He has been asked to speak about his racing after the TR3OC dinner on 12th November. I hope he will not disappoint, as his story could appear mundane to some. It's not as if he had been born with an extra leg and had to overcome the awkward riding position or something. There is no doubting Chris' passion for racing though and I'm sure this will come across in his talk and keep everyone entertained. We hope it all goes smoothly for Chris and the heckling is minimal.
Written by Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
Although Chris still has a bad right knee and a groin strain from his game of squash on Monday, he threw caution to the wind and took to one wheel this afternoon on the unicycle I'd picked up in a house clearance. After falling into the compressor he relinquished the cycle immediately, which is the first sensible thing he's done for a while.
The 750 is stripped down now ready to go to P&M for the rebuild. Gavin and Chris spent two long evenings in the garage last week dismantling furiously. Once the 750 has gone the Rob North will have a good shakedown. Prior to this though, Chris has some homework to do. He has been asked to speak about his racing after the TR3OC dinner on 12th November. I hope he will not disappoint, as his story could appear mundane to some. It's not as if he had been born with an extra leg and had to overcome the awkward riding position or something. There is no doubting Chris' passion for racing though and I'm sure this will come across in his talk and keep everyone entertained. We hope it all goes smoothly for Chris and the heckling is minimal.
Written by Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
Chris' Limp
Chris' End Goal
17th October 2011
Having had time to reflect on this year's racing achievements, Chris has made a resolution to become slimmer and fitter over the
next three months. He knows he will have more energy and the leathers will be more comfy. He'll also look better in the photos and in the warm weather won't scare the neighbours when he takes his t-shirt off.
Now, Chris has notoriously bad knees. He cycles to swimming and home again daily before work and he has found this does not give him any problems. So maybe he should consider doing this routine in the evening after work too would help. Or maybe he could put a little more effort into denying himself fattening or sugary foods for a while. He could go for some brisk walks perhaps. Or maybe a mixture of the three. But no. Chris decided to go and play squash and now he can hardly walk !
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
Having had time to reflect on this year's racing achievements, Chris has made a resolution to become slimmer and fitter over the
next three months. He knows he will have more energy and the leathers will be more comfy. He'll also look better in the photos and in the warm weather won't scare the neighbours when he takes his t-shirt off.
Now, Chris has notoriously bad knees. He cycles to swimming and home again daily before work and he has found this does not give him any problems. So maybe he should consider doing this routine in the evening after work too would help. Or maybe he could put a little more effort into denying himself fattening or sugary foods for a while. He could go for some brisk walks perhaps. Or maybe a mixture of the three. But no. Chris decided to go and play squash and now he can hardly walk !
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
Snetterton 2011 Diary
The much loved Diary Page has now been updated with the diary from Snetterton 2011, to see the diary either Click Here or select the Diary Page tab above.
Thank you for your continued support,
Ashley Barnett - Webmaster
Thank you for your continued support,
Ashley Barnett - Webmaster
Post - Snetterton 2011 Updates !
Chris celebrating 2nd Place in the 1300 Multi's Race of the Year !
Hi all,
I have just uploaded photographs from Snetterton, taken by Jane, Richard, Martin Pink and me. Either Click Here to go to the page or select the Photo Gallery tab above.
Above you will notice the final Championship positions for Chris, though the Results and Standings page has not been updated yet, but will be in due course.
Finally, the diary will be uploaded soon, so keep checking back to stay in the loop with all the news !
Many Thanks
Ashley Barnett - Webmaster
I have just uploaded photographs from Snetterton, taken by Jane, Richard, Martin Pink and me. Either Click Here to go to the page or select the Photo Gallery tab above.
Above you will notice the final Championship positions for Chris, though the Results and Standings page has not been updated yet, but will be in due course.
Finally, the diary will be uploaded soon, so keep checking back to stay in the loop with all the news !
Many Thanks
Ashley Barnett - Webmaster
Cadwell 2011 - DJG Photography !
I have just uploaded some photographs taken by Derek of DJG Photography at Cadwell 2011, either Click Here to go to the page or select the Photo Gallery tab.
Thank you for your continued support !
Ashley Barnett
Thank you for your continued support !
Ashley Barnett
Chris 'LastMinute.Com' Chapman Strikes Again !
Intimate Mechanic - Rider Relationship !
Friday 30th September 2011
Chris went down with a cold after Cadwell and, feeling weak and wobbly, didn't exert himself for a few days. Since then though he has cycled and swum and is feeling much fitter for it. One particular morning he was very late returning from the pool and I feared the worse. Car drivers keep aiming for him (and I don't know any of them so it's nothing to do with me) and I wondered if he'd had an accident. I'd already had a bad start to the day myself as I couldn't find the only bra I have, which I left on the bedroom chair when
I went to bed, and had ripped the place apart searching for it. I just knew Chris had something to do with it's disappearance. Chris finally returned forty minutes late. When he'd reached the pool he found my bra dangling off his rucsac's velcro from when he sat the bag on the chair. When he left the pool he
found a bloke trying to cut through the lock on his bicycle and asked him what the hell did he think he was doing, to which the bloke replied 'It's alright mate I'm homeless.' ......It's a good thing for him that it was Chris there and not me. After the morning I'd had I would've kicked him in the balls so hard they'd have come out of his mouth. Anyway. Very little has been done to the North since Cadwell but Chris' knight in a little white van arrives this evening to sort things out. Gav to the rescue again. He'll make sure they knuckle down and get the bike ready.
It's hard to believe that it will soon be a year since Mike Norris died. Mike's wife Lesley and friends will be at Snetterton and Mike's ashes will be scattered at the circuit. Lou has a wonderful photo of Mike and the boys from Cadwell last year which will be on the web site soon. We miss you Nozzer and if you're out there watching the racing, be a good chap and hold onto the back of Cormac's bike so Chris can beat him.
So, last meeting of the year. Ashley and I look forward to seeing everyone who makes it next weekend. It should be very exciting. Whatever happens, Chris will be able to look back and say that he led a championship once and be proud.
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
Chris went down with a cold after Cadwell and, feeling weak and wobbly, didn't exert himself for a few days. Since then though he has cycled and swum and is feeling much fitter for it. One particular morning he was very late returning from the pool and I feared the worse. Car drivers keep aiming for him (and I don't know any of them so it's nothing to do with me) and I wondered if he'd had an accident. I'd already had a bad start to the day myself as I couldn't find the only bra I have, which I left on the bedroom chair when
I went to bed, and had ripped the place apart searching for it. I just knew Chris had something to do with it's disappearance. Chris finally returned forty minutes late. When he'd reached the pool he found my bra dangling off his rucsac's velcro from when he sat the bag on the chair. When he left the pool he
found a bloke trying to cut through the lock on his bicycle and asked him what the hell did he think he was doing, to which the bloke replied 'It's alright mate I'm homeless.' ......It's a good thing for him that it was Chris there and not me. After the morning I'd had I would've kicked him in the balls so hard they'd have come out of his mouth. Anyway. Very little has been done to the North since Cadwell but Chris' knight in a little white van arrives this evening to sort things out. Gav to the rescue again. He'll make sure they knuckle down and get the bike ready.
It's hard to believe that it will soon be a year since Mike Norris died. Mike's wife Lesley and friends will be at Snetterton and Mike's ashes will be scattered at the circuit. Lou has a wonderful photo of Mike and the boys from Cadwell last year which will be on the web site soon. We miss you Nozzer and if you're out there watching the racing, be a good chap and hold onto the back of Cormac's bike so Chris can beat him.
So, last meeting of the year. Ashley and I look forward to seeing everyone who makes it next weekend. It should be very exciting. Whatever happens, Chris will be able to look back and say that he led a championship once and be proud.
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
Cadwell 2010
Breaking News !
RPS 750 Trident
25th September 2011
Team W.A.N.C.A are very excited to announce that Richard Peckett of P & M Motorcycles has offered Chris his own personal RPS (Richard Peckett Special) 750 Trident to race in the Formula 750's next year. In the coming weeks Chris will be stripping it down to get used to the different frame layout which will help him with the maintainance which will be ongoing throughout the racing year.
Chris would like to use the Rob North to race in the 1300 Multi's and National next year. The issue of transporting the North to the circuits is a problem but Tony Hayworth and Gavin Kidwell have kindly offered to help - Tony could take it in his van, depending on what he has on board, and Gavin could
take it on the trailer, depending where he is at the time. And I'm going to do my utmost to put Chris off the idea altogether.
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
Team W.A.N.C.A are very excited to announce that Richard Peckett of P & M Motorcycles has offered Chris his own personal RPS (Richard Peckett Special) 750 Trident to race in the Formula 750's next year. In the coming weeks Chris will be stripping it down to get used to the different frame layout which will help him with the maintainance which will be ongoing throughout the racing year.
Chris would like to use the Rob North to race in the 1300 Multi's and National next year. The issue of transporting the North to the circuits is a problem but Tony Hayworth and Gavin Kidwell have kindly offered to help - Tony could take it in his van, depending on what he has on board, and Gavin could
take it on the trailer, depending where he is at the time. And I'm going to do my utmost to put Chris off the idea altogether.
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
And More News !
Aerodynamics !
25th September 2011
And what do we have here! Those of you with absolutely no imagination will no doubt see a skeletal, rusty compilation of scrap flanked by two wheels. However, we, who can see the potential within, know it will, in
Gavin's capable hands, become his new race bike.
We are proud to introduce you to his Honda MT125R. May he race safely and win many trophies. Get that
curtain pelmet cleared Lou, it's going to be groaning !
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Friend
P.S Welcome to Team W.A.N.C.A.
And what do we have here! Those of you with absolutely no imagination will no doubt see a skeletal, rusty compilation of scrap flanked by two wheels. However, we, who can see the potential within, know it will, in
Gavin's capable hands, become his new race bike.
We are proud to introduce you to his Honda MT125R. May he race safely and win many trophies. Get that
curtain pelmet cleared Lou, it's going to be groaning !
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Friend
P.S Welcome to Team W.A.N.C.A.
Results and Standings After Cadwell
Courtesy of Graham Redrup
The latest Results and Standings have now been uploaded to the Results and Standings page, following a successful weekend at Cadwell Park. Either Click Here to go to the page or select the Results and Standings tab above.
It is my pleasure to say that by my reckoning Chris is leading the 1300 Multi's championship by one point from Cormac Conroy, with only one race left in the 2011 season. This pays homage to Chris' great consitency during the 2011 season, though the Irishman has recorded a high number of race wins, he has also recorded several DNF's / DNS's, which has allowed Chris to overtake him by one point ! As Chris is 44 points in front of third place Tim Woolley, it is impossible for Chris to finish outside the top two, whatever happens in the race. This is great news as Chris can take the fight to Cormac, knowing that he has got second place no matter what, and with that kind of mind set, champions are made !
In other Championships, Chris has strengthened his hold on fourth place in the National, increasing the gap between himself and Tim Wooley. Once again there is only one race left to go, which will decide the final standings, though Chris is in a strong position to hold on to a well earnt fourth place.
Finally, in the Post Classics, Chris has also strengthened his hold on second place, with a 33 point margin between Chris and third place man, Mark George. I am sure if Chris keeps up his consistency, he should finish second in this championship.
Thank you for your great support so far this season,
Ashley Barnett
It is my pleasure to say that by my reckoning Chris is leading the 1300 Multi's championship by one point from Cormac Conroy, with only one race left in the 2011 season. This pays homage to Chris' great consitency during the 2011 season, though the Irishman has recorded a high number of race wins, he has also recorded several DNF's / DNS's, which has allowed Chris to overtake him by one point ! As Chris is 44 points in front of third place Tim Woolley, it is impossible for Chris to finish outside the top two, whatever happens in the race. This is great news as Chris can take the fight to Cormac, knowing that he has got second place no matter what, and with that kind of mind set, champions are made !
In other Championships, Chris has strengthened his hold on fourth place in the National, increasing the gap between himself and Tim Wooley. Once again there is only one race left to go, which will decide the final standings, though Chris is in a strong position to hold on to a well earnt fourth place.
Finally, in the Post Classics, Chris has also strengthened his hold on second place, with a 33 point margin between Chris and third place man, Mark George. I am sure if Chris keeps up his consistency, he should finish second in this championship.
Thank you for your great support so far this season,
Ashley Barnett
Follow on from "How many people does it take to change the shock absorbers ?"
Those who have read the diary from Cadwell this year, might have noticed the short story regarding "how many people does it take to change the shock absorbers", well here is pictures to prove that the story was not exaggerated !
Chris to Benefit from Brain Donation !
People have to wait years for a suitable organ transplant but thanks to Baldrick of Corsa Italiana Chris' wait is over. The brain arrived from Sutton on Monday after a successful extraction from Baldrick's piles of crap which adorn his flat. Baldrick said that it was given to him by a friend but as he's never had any trouble with his own brain's function (that's a matter of opinion) he would donate it to Chris. Team W.A.N.C.A send their grateful thanks for this noble gesture.
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
Preparation for Cadwell - 7th September
I poisoned Chris today. Something to do with his packed lunch. He should be better by tomorrow and won't have to keep running to the toilet. It's 7.30pm and we have just finished mending the gazebo roof as much as we can with 'Tenacious Tape'. There's not a lot on a roll. Good thing I ordered two. I have to take the roof to the workshop tomorrow and machine the corners and it'll be as wholesome as we can make it. Chris is washing the caravan in the dark and will then polish the bike and we will load it into the caravan to get it out of the way. It is all a little 'Last minute.com' but better late than never. It's been an expensive week as someone turned the socket off that the freezer is plugged into and I found out days later when I went to put something in and was greeted by the smell. All the food for Cadwell and Snetterton was in there including a spaghetti bolognaise for ten people. Approximately £130 worth of stuff. Then the monitor went on the computer and we are using one which makes everyone three times their normal height and only an inch wide. On a lighter note my niece Emma hid a coffee mug in Chris' van which played 'Congratulations' every time he went anything other than straight ahead. She put it there Monday and we'd forgotten about it til he walked up the drive with it in his hand this evening.
We are hoping to leave for Cadwell 5am ish on Friday. Thankyou Tony and Hilary for taking the gazebo frame up for us to save a space with if possible. Grahams Redrup and Jeffrey and His Pinkness, Martin, will be joining us over the weekend along with Neil, who's shirking his marshalling duties for a parade session or two. Jim will be making a last minute decision as his daughter had to go into hospital during the week. We hope she will be well very soon. Thankyou everyone who offered us their spare monitors, Baldrick, Graham Webber, Jim, Hazel and Emma. Will we see Gav and Lou at Cadwell? That's the six million dollar question. 'Definately not' says Gav. 'Never say never' says we. They are on their hols at the moment. The jammy pair.
Ashley and I look forward to furnishing you all with the exciting account of Cadwell next week. I shall attempt to take more than the three photos I took at Darley Moor - though that one of Tim on his bike was a classic. This is where we miss Ashley. He can be everywhere at once. Something I haven't mastered yet and probably never will. The weather! I can't bear to look. Surfice to say I'm taking my thermal everything and waterproofs. See you after the weekend.
Erm, about that six million dollar question I was talking about....... They just can't help themselves can they. Where shall we go for our holiday Darling? Fancy freezing our arses off for three days watching Chris at Cadwell? The temptation was just too much for them. Nothing can beat it. It's the experience of a life time. Gav and Lou will be there after all. Hmm. Will eight bottles of Rose be enough..........?
Written by Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
We are hoping to leave for Cadwell 5am ish on Friday. Thankyou Tony and Hilary for taking the gazebo frame up for us to save a space with if possible. Grahams Redrup and Jeffrey and His Pinkness, Martin, will be joining us over the weekend along with Neil, who's shirking his marshalling duties for a parade session or two. Jim will be making a last minute decision as his daughter had to go into hospital during the week. We hope she will be well very soon. Thankyou everyone who offered us their spare monitors, Baldrick, Graham Webber, Jim, Hazel and Emma. Will we see Gav and Lou at Cadwell? That's the six million dollar question. 'Definately not' says Gav. 'Never say never' says we. They are on their hols at the moment. The jammy pair.
Ashley and I look forward to furnishing you all with the exciting account of Cadwell next week. I shall attempt to take more than the three photos I took at Darley Moor - though that one of Tim on his bike was a classic. This is where we miss Ashley. He can be everywhere at once. Something I haven't mastered yet and probably never will. The weather! I can't bear to look. Surfice to say I'm taking my thermal everything and waterproofs. See you after the weekend.
Erm, about that six million dollar question I was talking about....... They just can't help themselves can they. Where shall we go for our holiday Darling? Fancy freezing our arses off for three days watching Chris at Cadwell? The temptation was just too much for them. Nothing can beat it. It's the experience of a life time. Gav and Lou will be there after all. Hmm. Will eight bottles of Rose be enough..........?
Written by Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
Championship Standings
With only two meetings remaining of the 2011 Season, the Champonship Standings have been confirmed, with Team W.A.N.C.A lying in an impressive position. Here is a brief summary of each Championship:
201 - 1300cc Group 2 Multi's: Chris is currently in second place with an impressive 311 points, only 39 points behind the Flying Irishman Cormac Conroy and 26 points ahead of 3rd place man Tim Wooley - who currently has mechanical issues with both his 750 and 930 machines. Chris has really held his own in the Multi's this year, having one first place finish, nine second places and five third places, with a lowest finish of fourth on two occassions and only one DNF. All that remains is for Chris to keep up the good work, secure second place and maybe even reduce Cormac's hold on the championship.
UK 1300cc Classic Championship: Chris is currently level on points with Tim Woolley for 4th place, only 18 points behind third place man Cormac Conroy - the National has always been a tough championship to succeed in, but with Gary Thwaites, Graham Williams and Cormac Conroy all having great seasons to date, it has been even harder for Chris to make a mark, having to settle for consistency with 4th's, 5th's and 6th's so far. However, as the intensity at the front is increasing, it will be interesting to see whether Chris manages to prosper from any mistakes the front runners have, if any, and secure fourth place from Tim Wooley.
Post Classic 1300cc Period 3: Chris has had a great season in a championship which he was nearly ejected from, as some people did not like the sight of flying Triple's (thankfully the ring leader of this consortium has now had his Just Dessert's). Chris and co-Triple racer Cormac Conroy have managed to prove the Triple's dominance of this championship yet again, with Cormac having an amazing 490 point haul after six meetings and 24 races and Chris having an impressive 325 points, 61 points ahead of third place man Robert Chambers. Chris will have to settle for 2nd in this championship, something I think the High Priest won't mind, seen as Cormac has had an outstanding 18 wins. Chris' consistency, only one DNF, and a lowest finish of sixth has earnt him the right to finish second, despite a string of races where he had to start from the back of the grid, due to a decision made by the almighty Committee.
Though I will not be able to make either of the upcoming meetings, I will look forward to seeing the results and seeing the silverware come home to Surrey.
Thank you for your continous support, I know that Chris is thankful too.
Written by Ashley Barnett
201 - 1300cc Group 2 Multi's: Chris is currently in second place with an impressive 311 points, only 39 points behind the Flying Irishman Cormac Conroy and 26 points ahead of 3rd place man Tim Wooley - who currently has mechanical issues with both his 750 and 930 machines. Chris has really held his own in the Multi's this year, having one first place finish, nine second places and five third places, with a lowest finish of fourth on two occassions and only one DNF. All that remains is for Chris to keep up the good work, secure second place and maybe even reduce Cormac's hold on the championship.
UK 1300cc Classic Championship: Chris is currently level on points with Tim Woolley for 4th place, only 18 points behind third place man Cormac Conroy - the National has always been a tough championship to succeed in, but with Gary Thwaites, Graham Williams and Cormac Conroy all having great seasons to date, it has been even harder for Chris to make a mark, having to settle for consistency with 4th's, 5th's and 6th's so far. However, as the intensity at the front is increasing, it will be interesting to see whether Chris manages to prosper from any mistakes the front runners have, if any, and secure fourth place from Tim Wooley.
Post Classic 1300cc Period 3: Chris has had a great season in a championship which he was nearly ejected from, as some people did not like the sight of flying Triple's (thankfully the ring leader of this consortium has now had his Just Dessert's). Chris and co-Triple racer Cormac Conroy have managed to prove the Triple's dominance of this championship yet again, with Cormac having an amazing 490 point haul after six meetings and 24 races and Chris having an impressive 325 points, 61 points ahead of third place man Robert Chambers. Chris will have to settle for 2nd in this championship, something I think the High Priest won't mind, seen as Cormac has had an outstanding 18 wins. Chris' consistency, only one DNF, and a lowest finish of sixth has earnt him the right to finish second, despite a string of races where he had to start from the back of the grid, due to a decision made by the almighty Committee.
Though I will not be able to make either of the upcoming meetings, I will look forward to seeing the results and seeing the silverware come home to Surrey.
Thank you for your continous support, I know that Chris is thankful too.
Written by Ashley Barnett
Chris' Damp Cavity Problem
During !
Wednesday 24th August 2011
When you've had a problem with a damp patch for years and your name is Chris Chapman, the best thing to do is ignore it. After all, the Rob North must take priority above everything else.
It's at times like these we have to get a real man in. One who'll stick his arm in anything with no protection and not bat an eyelid.
Enter Gary Baker, my niece Emma's boyfriend. Before long he'd fished out bricks, expanding foam, newspaper and other rubbish as far as he could reach. It was all left there by the buffoons who'd previously owned the upstairs flat.
It's all drying nicely now and the damp problem should be no more. Chris is off to P&M this evening to do the helicoil on his head and he can rebuild the bike next week. He is trying to arrange to have Thursday 8th Seprember off in return for working the Bank Holiday so that he can travel up to Cadwell and do the track day on the 9th in preparation for the weekend.
We need a fair bit of space for the gazebo etc and it would be hard for Graham Redrup and Martin Pink to save it with only two vehicles. Snetterton is not a problem as we have a garage and three cars lengths in front of it.
We're going to miss Gavin as he's on holiday over Cadwell, but Martin will be doing the honours if the North becomes sick. We'll have to pick up some suitable wine for Martin as he's a little picky and we want to keep him contented.
We hope you all have a good Bank Holiday weekend.
Written by Long Suffering Wife - Jane Chapman
When you've had a problem with a damp patch for years and your name is Chris Chapman, the best thing to do is ignore it. After all, the Rob North must take priority above everything else.
It's at times like these we have to get a real man in. One who'll stick his arm in anything with no protection and not bat an eyelid.
Enter Gary Baker, my niece Emma's boyfriend. Before long he'd fished out bricks, expanding foam, newspaper and other rubbish as far as he could reach. It was all left there by the buffoons who'd previously owned the upstairs flat.
It's all drying nicely now and the damp problem should be no more. Chris is off to P&M this evening to do the helicoil on his head and he can rebuild the bike next week. He is trying to arrange to have Thursday 8th Seprember off in return for working the Bank Holiday so that he can travel up to Cadwell and do the track day on the 9th in preparation for the weekend.
We need a fair bit of space for the gazebo etc and it would be hard for Graham Redrup and Martin Pink to save it with only two vehicles. Snetterton is not a problem as we have a garage and three cars lengths in front of it.
We're going to miss Gavin as he's on holiday over Cadwell, but Martin will be doing the honours if the North becomes sick. We'll have to pick up some suitable wine for Martin as he's a little picky and we want to keep him contented.
We hope you all have a good Bank Holiday weekend.
Written by Long Suffering Wife - Jane Chapman
After !
Preparation for Darley Moor !
Chris at Beezumph 20
Sunday 7th August 2011
I was up not bright but early this morning to take off the outer casing of the North's gearbox. I had to lean the bike at an outrageous angle
to retain as much of the precious gear oil as possible. And before I left for P&M I gave the casing a good wash as Dave doesn't like to soil his delicate pinkies. I went to P&M to fit an alternative gearbox breather. The six speed gearbox breathes so heavily it was throwing oil out and making a hell of a mess. The casing was drilled and tapped and an 'elbow' put in. The original outlet has been capped off and a little catch tank added. I'd like to tell you all more info about the catch tank but it is a P&M design and the penalty for divulging their secrets would be me having to eat it.
I'll be putting a new front tyre on as the present one is completely cream crackered after the Beezumph and checking the clutch as usual, after I've given the bike a good
wash. I'm hoping for rain at Darley so I have a chance of getting in front of Tim Woolley ! We have quite a crowd joining us in our camp so Jane will be very busy again, poor love - She's been working every waking hour for six days this week and is knackered. My back has improved somewhat in the last week and have my last osteopathy appointment on Monday.
I would like to take this opportunity to speak about Gary Nixon - a real hard-man racer in the 60s and 70s. He was part of the original American team who came over to England in the 70s to partake in the Trans Atlantic Match races on Rob North Tridents and Rocket 3s, racing against the best of British. Sadly Gary died last week. There were complications after he'd had a heart attack and he died in hospital after surgery. Gary was an absolute legend. He was at last year's Beezumph and it was an honour for me to meet him.
Written by Chris Chapman
I was up not bright but early this morning to take off the outer casing of the North's gearbox. I had to lean the bike at an outrageous angle
to retain as much of the precious gear oil as possible. And before I left for P&M I gave the casing a good wash as Dave doesn't like to soil his delicate pinkies. I went to P&M to fit an alternative gearbox breather. The six speed gearbox breathes so heavily it was throwing oil out and making a hell of a mess. The casing was drilled and tapped and an 'elbow' put in. The original outlet has been capped off and a little catch tank added. I'd like to tell you all more info about the catch tank but it is a P&M design and the penalty for divulging their secrets would be me having to eat it.
I'll be putting a new front tyre on as the present one is completely cream crackered after the Beezumph and checking the clutch as usual, after I've given the bike a good
wash. I'm hoping for rain at Darley so I have a chance of getting in front of Tim Woolley ! We have quite a crowd joining us in our camp so Jane will be very busy again, poor love - She's been working every waking hour for six days this week and is knackered. My back has improved somewhat in the last week and have my last osteopathy appointment on Monday.
I would like to take this opportunity to speak about Gary Nixon - a real hard-man racer in the 60s and 70s. He was part of the original American team who came over to England in the 70s to partake in the Trans Atlantic Match races on Rob North Tridents and Rocket 3s, racing against the best of British. Sadly Gary died last week. There were complications after he'd had a heart attack and he died in hospital after surgery. Gary was an absolute legend. He was at last year's Beezumph and it was an honour for me to meet him.
Written by Chris Chapman
Beezumph '20' Diary !
1st August 2011
A Glorious Beezumph at Anglesey. Who'd have thought it? A wonderful dry and mostly sunny few days at Anglesey. The wind only picked up late on Saturday night, but nothing like what everyone's experienced so far. We all loved the collection of pictures in the photo tent. Martin Pink looked about 14 years old and the black and white one of Chris on the Hurricane at a photo shoot, going round the M25/A3 roundabout before it was opened, was hilarious. Sporting a moustache and no beard, in an open-face helmet, he looked like a member of Village People.
Neil finally joined us Friday afternoon and was suffering a lot from the pain his ribs were giving him after his accident. He kept walking around with his right hand over his heart like he was about to spout poetry. He was pampered all weekend though and seemed to enjoy himself and not moan too much.
Chris was black flagged for 'racing' and carving through slower bikes during his first session, so six of the best trousers down for him. He just can't help himself. Gavin was crowned Drag King after a horrendous incident. He was bump-starting a bike and his hand got stuck in the exhaust bracket. The rider went off dragging Gavin down the pit lane. He had no t-shirt on, just a marshall's high-viz vest and cotton trousers. He was well damaged and lost a lot of layers of skin. Poor Gav. Every time someone came up to say goodbye they'd pat him on the shoulder and he'd grit his teeth. But like a true man, it didn't stop him from donning his leathers again and taking Andy Driver's MZ Scorpion out for a session.
All the boys swapped bikes during the two days and put them through their paces. After lunch on Saturday Chris rode in every session. He'd just jump on another bike and whizz off on it. Gav did several on Chris' North and enjoyed it very much. Graham Redrup popped his track cherry and turned out to be very quick. After all these years of being Clerk of the Course and never getting out there. A bit of a racer on the quiet. Watch out Chris!
Lou and I showed our prowess when it came to photography. We went to snap Gav when he was out on the North the first time and compared pictures. I'd got the track with nothing on it and Lou didn't even get the track. Just grass. We did better on his next lap by changing to video. All in all everyone had a great time. People smiling and laughing everywhere you looked. The weather rewarded the faithful, - and many new comers too! They'll be lots of letters in The Triple Echo I'm sure.
Hopefully there will be more Beezumphs, but we'll have to wait and see about that. If it's the last, it went out in style.
Written by Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
A Glorious Beezumph at Anglesey. Who'd have thought it? A wonderful dry and mostly sunny few days at Anglesey. The wind only picked up late on Saturday night, but nothing like what everyone's experienced so far. We all loved the collection of pictures in the photo tent. Martin Pink looked about 14 years old and the black and white one of Chris on the Hurricane at a photo shoot, going round the M25/A3 roundabout before it was opened, was hilarious. Sporting a moustache and no beard, in an open-face helmet, he looked like a member of Village People.
Neil finally joined us Friday afternoon and was suffering a lot from the pain his ribs were giving him after his accident. He kept walking around with his right hand over his heart like he was about to spout poetry. He was pampered all weekend though and seemed to enjoy himself and not moan too much.
Chris was black flagged for 'racing' and carving through slower bikes during his first session, so six of the best trousers down for him. He just can't help himself. Gavin was crowned Drag King after a horrendous incident. He was bump-starting a bike and his hand got stuck in the exhaust bracket. The rider went off dragging Gavin down the pit lane. He had no t-shirt on, just a marshall's high-viz vest and cotton trousers. He was well damaged and lost a lot of layers of skin. Poor Gav. Every time someone came up to say goodbye they'd pat him on the shoulder and he'd grit his teeth. But like a true man, it didn't stop him from donning his leathers again and taking Andy Driver's MZ Scorpion out for a session.
All the boys swapped bikes during the two days and put them through their paces. After lunch on Saturday Chris rode in every session. He'd just jump on another bike and whizz off on it. Gav did several on Chris' North and enjoyed it very much. Graham Redrup popped his track cherry and turned out to be very quick. After all these years of being Clerk of the Course and never getting out there. A bit of a racer on the quiet. Watch out Chris!
Lou and I showed our prowess when it came to photography. We went to snap Gav when he was out on the North the first time and compared pictures. I'd got the track with nothing on it and Lou didn't even get the track. Just grass. We did better on his next lap by changing to video. All in all everyone had a great time. People smiling and laughing everywhere you looked. The weather rewarded the faithful, - and many new comers too! They'll be lots of letters in The Triple Echo I'm sure.
Hopefully there will be more Beezumphs, but we'll have to wait and see about that. If it's the last, it went out in style.
Written by Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
Long Suffering Wife's Rant !
I was finishing work early today so I would have a lovely relaxed afternoon doing some gentle packing. I was in Balham at 6.55am for my first job and ended my carefully organised day having lunch and a quick catch up with my friend Charlie Eyre at The Well in Kingswood.
At 1.30pm Neil from Corsa Italiana rang me to see if Chris was working today. I said he was. Neil said did I think Chris would help him with something when he got home. I said I was sure he'd be happy to but we did still have to empty and load the van. Apparently Neil had had an accident on his bike and had damaged his right hand and needed help fixing the front end and various other bits as he was leaving in the morning to do a bit of travelling on the way to the Beezumph. Neil rode the bike to our house, sorted out some spares, then drove off in my car. Luckily my niece Laura was with me as I still had shopping to do and we had to walk to Tesco. We struggled back loaded up like pack horses. Chris came home, made a cup of tea and got stuck into Neil's bike. I was left to empty the Coke van with Laura and I missed Neighbours and Home and Away. I was half way through loading the stuff for the Beezumph when Serena from the Guzzi Club arrived. She'd been out for a ride. Serena helped with the packing and we stopped for tea at 9.30pm.
When she was leaving, Chris suggest they wheel her bike back into the drive as it sounded odd. Chris then decided to rev the nuts off it to have a jolly good listen. It was 10.05pm and I politely reminded him there is a baby upstairs as well as all the neighbours who might be trying to go to sleep. Neil's bike is still not finished. God knows what time we'll get to bed. I'm going out there when I've done this to politely (again) tell them not to make so much noise. I'm confiscating the impact driver, whose racket is ringing out through the night. And if they don't shut up I'm going to report them to the police for disturbing the peace and blame it on the neighbours.
The packing is still not finished, we'll probably leave loads of things behind, and I'll be in a bad mood all weekend all because Neil decided to overtake a line of vehicles at 50mph and meet a traffic island. (That's the thing about those islands, they're really hard to see. They jump out on me all the time.)
Written by Jane Chapman
At 1.30pm Neil from Corsa Italiana rang me to see if Chris was working today. I said he was. Neil said did I think Chris would help him with something when he got home. I said I was sure he'd be happy to but we did still have to empty and load the van. Apparently Neil had had an accident on his bike and had damaged his right hand and needed help fixing the front end and various other bits as he was leaving in the morning to do a bit of travelling on the way to the Beezumph. Neil rode the bike to our house, sorted out some spares, then drove off in my car. Luckily my niece Laura was with me as I still had shopping to do and we had to walk to Tesco. We struggled back loaded up like pack horses. Chris came home, made a cup of tea and got stuck into Neil's bike. I was left to empty the Coke van with Laura and I missed Neighbours and Home and Away. I was half way through loading the stuff for the Beezumph when Serena from the Guzzi Club arrived. She'd been out for a ride. Serena helped with the packing and we stopped for tea at 9.30pm.
When she was leaving, Chris suggest they wheel her bike back into the drive as it sounded odd. Chris then decided to rev the nuts off it to have a jolly good listen. It was 10.05pm and I politely reminded him there is a baby upstairs as well as all the neighbours who might be trying to go to sleep. Neil's bike is still not finished. God knows what time we'll get to bed. I'm going out there when I've done this to politely (again) tell them not to make so much noise. I'm confiscating the impact driver, whose racket is ringing out through the night. And if they don't shut up I'm going to report them to the police for disturbing the peace and blame it on the neighbours.
The packing is still not finished, we'll probably leave loads of things behind, and I'll be in a bad mood all weekend all because Neil decided to overtake a line of vehicles at 50mph and meet a traffic island. (That's the thing about those islands, they're really hard to see. They jump out on me all the time.)
Written by Jane Chapman
Chris' Drug Problem !
Chris Riding at 2010 Beezumph
22nd July 2011
Monday morning Chris returned from swimming and sat in the lounge with a mug of tea. He swung his rucksack round and knocked the tea flying across the table and carpet. In his effort to catch the mug (if only he would move this fast normally) he pulled a muscle in his back. Having worked the weekend Chris had Monday and Tuesday off. Wednesday morning came and he couldn't go to work. He went to the doctor and he was given a sick note for a week off. He was also given a prescription of 5mg Diazepam tablets. Chris took one with an Ibuprofen when he got home.
It's now Friday and he's been weirder than usual for two days. Today Chris has repeatedly had hiccups, sometimes for half an hour at a time. I decided to look on the internet to see if there was a connection between hiccups and Diazepam.
It was interesting to read that if he was pregnant and in the third trimester, hiccups can be common (that would explain the shape of his belly). In several places it did mention a connection between hiccups and Diazepam but I couldn't tell if the Ibuprofen had anything to do with it. So it looks like Chris will have to stick to taking Ibuprofen only and suffer the pain if he wants to go out in public and not be making an embarrassing noise.
Luckily Darley Moor is not till the weekend of the 13th August so he has time to get better. The 'Diet' is taking a bit of a bashing. While he can't go swimming he needs to try cutting the daily biscuit intake and to stop having the peanut butter and bovril doorsteps. He seems to be comfort eating at the moment but it'll all end in tears when the zip on his leathers gives out. Servicing the North has taken a back seat while Chris is incapacitated but there's nothing much to do to it this time.
Beezumph next Friday and Saturday! At Anglesey! ARE THEY TOTALLY MAD!
Written by Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
Monday morning Chris returned from swimming and sat in the lounge with a mug of tea. He swung his rucksack round and knocked the tea flying across the table and carpet. In his effort to catch the mug (if only he would move this fast normally) he pulled a muscle in his back. Having worked the weekend Chris had Monday and Tuesday off. Wednesday morning came and he couldn't go to work. He went to the doctor and he was given a sick note for a week off. He was also given a prescription of 5mg Diazepam tablets. Chris took one with an Ibuprofen when he got home.
It's now Friday and he's been weirder than usual for two days. Today Chris has repeatedly had hiccups, sometimes for half an hour at a time. I decided to look on the internet to see if there was a connection between hiccups and Diazepam.
It was interesting to read that if he was pregnant and in the third trimester, hiccups can be common (that would explain the shape of his belly). In several places it did mention a connection between hiccups and Diazepam but I couldn't tell if the Ibuprofen had anything to do with it. So it looks like Chris will have to stick to taking Ibuprofen only and suffer the pain if he wants to go out in public and not be making an embarrassing noise.
Luckily Darley Moor is not till the weekend of the 13th August so he has time to get better. The 'Diet' is taking a bit of a bashing. While he can't go swimming he needs to try cutting the daily biscuit intake and to stop having the peanut butter and bovril doorsteps. He seems to be comfort eating at the moment but it'll all end in tears when the zip on his leathers gives out. Servicing the North has taken a back seat while Chris is incapacitated but there's nothing much to do to it this time.
Beezumph next Friday and Saturday! At Anglesey! ARE THEY TOTALLY MAD!
Written by Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
Brands Hatch 2011 - Chris' View !
Saturday was definately practice day for me at Brands. I needed to put the ghosts of Knockhill to bed and decided to not go too bananas. The North, having a new front end, felt very different and I knew it would take a while to bed in. The bike was pattering during first practice but there was nothing to be done but get on with it until it stopped. I used the P&M based settings, using more oil in the front forks than I usually do and a thinner viscocity, and I found I gained more confidence as the day went on. I was running a softer rear tyre as there was a persistant threat of rain and the softer tyre seemed to help me psychologically too. To begin with I felt the bike wasn't pulling as cleanly as it should have been and we put the vaccuum gauges back on it and found one of the gauges was malfunctioning. The problem was quickly sorted out. By the end of racing on Saturday I was not too upset about the results considering I was being careful. Apologies though to all my friends who came to watch Saturday, that my performance may not have been very dynamic. I was running myself in as well as the bike and felt that being safe rather than sorry was better for my marriage. Paul Potter used the North for the parades over the weekend. It's interesting to see it from a spectator's point of view - though the last time I watched it going off it was at Knockhill and there was no-one on it as I'd fallen off.
Sunday the change of gearing gave me better drive, although a little less top end, and I felt I had the confidence to make the most of it. I nearly had a 'sticky botty' moment in one of the 1300 Multis when at Paddock Hill bend I went over the rumble strips doing nearly eighty and rode along the thin green line by the gravel, but my pants lived to be worn for the rest of the day. I had a great weekend all things considered and won at least £12, not counting what I receive for my place in the National. (My wife's rolling her eyes at this point) It was gratifying to pip Tim Woolley to the post on a couple of occasions. He's hard to catch these days. What was a surprise was that the Suzuki GSX1000 ridden by Jonathan Lester in the Post Classics was SO fast it was scary to follow. It handled like a bag of poo but he muscled it round like a man possessed and I only managed to get passed him round Graham Hill bend because when one's alternator cover is on the deck you can't lean any further. I had been trying to get round the outside of him but I kept being forced out because he just couldn't keep a tight line. Having sussed this fact I eventually kept it really tight round Graham Hill, passed him on the inside and then turned the wick up to put some distance between the fast, wallowing fat pig and myself. (No personal slur intended) I did track him down at his garage and dropped to my knees and declared how impressed I was with his 'bravery'.
Thankyou everyone who made it down there. It was great to have Graham Redrup back in the garage with us and Gav and Martin did me proud as usual. Graham Jeffrey and Dave Whitfield came down on the Sunday. Richard Akers and his mate Toby brought sausages for the barbeque - they were lovely - sorry you didn't get to eat any of them. Our lovely friend Lindsay Thorn spent the day with us and had a good time. (those are her fine calves and feet sticking up on the caravan roof, pictured above) Sorry to Andy and Carol Driver who had to pay to get in. To all my Coke collegues who made it down, Martin Harrison, and Yoghurt (from swimming), it was great to see you there. I really appreciate all your support.
Next up Darley Moor !
Chris Chapman
Sunday the change of gearing gave me better drive, although a little less top end, and I felt I had the confidence to make the most of it. I nearly had a 'sticky botty' moment in one of the 1300 Multis when at Paddock Hill bend I went over the rumble strips doing nearly eighty and rode along the thin green line by the gravel, but my pants lived to be worn for the rest of the day. I had a great weekend all things considered and won at least £12, not counting what I receive for my place in the National. (My wife's rolling her eyes at this point) It was gratifying to pip Tim Woolley to the post on a couple of occasions. He's hard to catch these days. What was a surprise was that the Suzuki GSX1000 ridden by Jonathan Lester in the Post Classics was SO fast it was scary to follow. It handled like a bag of poo but he muscled it round like a man possessed and I only managed to get passed him round Graham Hill bend because when one's alternator cover is on the deck you can't lean any further. I had been trying to get round the outside of him but I kept being forced out because he just couldn't keep a tight line. Having sussed this fact I eventually kept it really tight round Graham Hill, passed him on the inside and then turned the wick up to put some distance between the fast, wallowing fat pig and myself. (No personal slur intended) I did track him down at his garage and dropped to my knees and declared how impressed I was with his 'bravery'.
Thankyou everyone who made it down there. It was great to have Graham Redrup back in the garage with us and Gav and Martin did me proud as usual. Graham Jeffrey and Dave Whitfield came down on the Sunday. Richard Akers and his mate Toby brought sausages for the barbeque - they were lovely - sorry you didn't get to eat any of them. Our lovely friend Lindsay Thorn spent the day with us and had a good time. (those are her fine calves and feet sticking up on the caravan roof, pictured above) Sorry to Andy and Carol Driver who had to pay to get in. To all my Coke collegues who made it down, Martin Harrison, and Yoghurt (from swimming), it was great to see you there. I really appreciate all your support.
Next up Darley Moor !
Chris Chapman
Team W.A.N.C.A. !
As of Pembrey 2011, Chris is now racing under the banner of 'Team W.A.N.C.A.' The name refers to our team motto, We Are Not Christian Aid !
Last Minute.Com Chapman
Saturday 2nd July 2011
With 5 days to go before we leave for Brands, the North is still in skeletal state. Sunday will be taken up with sorting out the towbar electrics on the van, leaving just 4 more evenings to spend on the bike. I have spent the afternoon doing further maintenance to Chris' leathers. They are very scuffed and I have spent most of the time covering his bottom area in blue shoe polish. The North's exhaust system has been rubbed down and sprayed and is now providing a major hazard in the garden as it is suspended from my washing line, drying. Our web master is going on holiday tomorrow (he's got a nerve) so this will be the last bulletin till the Monday after racing. Young people today. No sense of responsibility - a holiday indeed!!
I shall be spending my Sunday making a spag bol to serve 10 - that's a lot of mushrooms and onions to be chopped. It's what I live for.
All that remains to be said is to wish Ashley a happy holiday and looking forward to seeing you all at Brands next weekend.
Written by Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
With 5 days to go before we leave for Brands, the North is still in skeletal state. Sunday will be taken up with sorting out the towbar electrics on the van, leaving just 4 more evenings to spend on the bike. I have spent the afternoon doing further maintenance to Chris' leathers. They are very scuffed and I have spent most of the time covering his bottom area in blue shoe polish. The North's exhaust system has been rubbed down and sprayed and is now providing a major hazard in the garden as it is suspended from my washing line, drying. Our web master is going on holiday tomorrow (he's got a nerve) so this will be the last bulletin till the Monday after racing. Young people today. No sense of responsibility - a holiday indeed!!
I shall be spending my Sunday making a spag bol to serve 10 - that's a lot of mushrooms and onions to be chopped. It's what I live for.
All that remains to be said is to wish Ashley a happy holiday and looking forward to seeing you all at Brands next weekend.
Written by Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
Calm Before The Storm ?
Foreboding !
I called in at the Chapman residence this evening and found Chris putting the new van back together after his failed attempt to fit the towbar. He was somewhat agitated at finding the van's shelving and vice were missing some of their bolts and weren't held in properly, and his new fuel card hadn't arrived from Coca Cola.
However, I found Jane to be in a serenely calm mood under the circumstances which was unusual. This might have been the calm before the storm, as when I was leaving I noticed that there was a meat cleaver and a large kitchen knife on the door mat ...........!!
Ashley Barnett
However, I found Jane to be in a serenely calm mood under the circumstances which was unusual. This might have been the calm before the storm, as when I was leaving I noticed that there was a meat cleaver and a large kitchen knife on the door mat ...........!!
Ashley Barnett
Update on Team W.A.N.C.A !
Neil Looking On As Chris and Pete Go To Work !
Monday 27th June 2011
Well, the new silver van arrived today. It's not nearly so dashing (in both senses of the word) as the red one. Already its shortcomings are becoming apparent and we've only had it 4 hours! I now have a triple bench seat from the middle section of the van gracing my garage. It's just what I've always wanted. I feel complete 1
There are interesting stickers over the window buttons requesting that the windows aren't wound down (or washed) for 3-5 days - in this heat ! Are they kidding ! Before trying to squash all his work stuff into the van, Chris decided to fit the new towbar frame and tow ball onto it and, surprise surprise, it didn't fit. Chris was incensed, I can tell you that for nothing. Of course, it was then too late in the day to speak to a human being at the towbar shop. Doesn't it make you want to spit.
Well, the new silver van arrived today. It's not nearly so dashing (in both senses of the word) as the red one. Already its shortcomings are becoming apparent and we've only had it 4 hours! I now have a triple bench seat from the middle section of the van gracing my garage. It's just what I've always wanted. I feel complete 1
There are interesting stickers over the window buttons requesting that the windows aren't wound down (or washed) for 3-5 days - in this heat ! Are they kidding ! Before trying to squash all his work stuff into the van, Chris decided to fit the new towbar frame and tow ball onto it and, surprise surprise, it didn't fit. Chris was incensed, I can tell you that for nothing. Of course, it was then too late in the day to speak to a human being at the towbar shop. Doesn't it make you want to spit.
As there is still masses to do to the North, any offer of assistance to fit the towbar once the replacement arrives, will be gratefully accepted The Rob North is still a shadow of its former self. Chris' bulge is still bulging but slightly less so than a week ago. His shoulder is apparently no better. Will he now go to the doctor? Of course not. I am going to start working on his leathers tomorrow. I am going to glue the decals down where they peeled up after his super-slide and then give the whole suit a good saddle soaping to try and get the scuff marks off.
Some hope, but you can judge for yourselves at Brands. Before we recruit any more subscribers to the services of the RNIB (white stick brigade for those who don't know what RNIB stands for [I thought it was something to do with the protection of birds]), Chris is using Brands to launch the Mark III version of his lighting invention. This one will have a diffuser.
Don't forget to tell us in GOOD TIME if you are going to join us for either day at Brands because we will be barbecuing both lunch times and we don't want any of you to go hungry. Keep watching for further updates in the run up to the Brands Hatch extravaganza.
Thanks for your continued support !
Written by Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
Some hope, but you can judge for yourselves at Brands. Before we recruit any more subscribers to the services of the RNIB (white stick brigade for those who don't know what RNIB stands for [I thought it was something to do with the protection of birds]), Chris is using Brands to launch the Mark III version of his lighting invention. This one will have a diffuser.
Don't forget to tell us in GOOD TIME if you are going to join us for either day at Brands because we will be barbecuing both lunch times and we don't want any of you to go hungry. Keep watching for further updates in the run up to the Brands Hatch extravaganza.
Thanks for your continued support !
Written by Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
Progress on North and Boy - Monday 20th June 2011
Trying To Get Those Extra Few Horse Power !
First and most important the North. (We can get another boy) Chris has just heard from P&M that they have managed to straighten the yokes. The stanchions had to be replaced but the sliders are okay. Chris has replaced the front fairing mount and he has put velocity stacks on the carbs - to hopefully gain a few brake horse power by increasing the volume of air intake. We brought an awful lot of gravel back with us in the exhaust pipes and the whole bike needs a good wash.
Chris is going to P&M tomorrow evening after work armed with supper for him and Dave and he will relieve them of his bike bits, and Dave will relieve him of some money. Once the bike is back on it's wheels Chris can start making it look beautiful again. We want to send a big thankyou to Graham Jeffries for his kind offer of the opportunity for Chris to smash up his Rob North's front end too if Chris' didn't come together in time.
Onto Chris' bad leg. The bruises have faded now but the huge lump in his right thigh is not getting any smaller. Some (Chris is constantly dropping his trousers to show people) say it has got bigger! Others have suggested that going to the doctor would be sensible, but Chris says - he'll give it another week. He has also done something to his right shoulder in the accident as it is giving him pain and his left heel hurts still - and I keep showing him the photos of Ricky MacMillan's leg so he'll get a bit of perspective!
Chris is going to P&M tomorrow evening after work armed with supper for him and Dave and he will relieve them of his bike bits, and Dave will relieve him of some money. Once the bike is back on it's wheels Chris can start making it look beautiful again. We want to send a big thankyou to Graham Jeffries for his kind offer of the opportunity for Chris to smash up his Rob North's front end too if Chris' didn't come together in time.
Onto Chris' bad leg. The bruises have faded now but the huge lump in his right thigh is not getting any smaller. Some (Chris is constantly dropping his trousers to show people) say it has got bigger! Others have suggested that going to the doctor would be sensible, but Chris says - he'll give it another week. He has also done something to his right shoulder in the accident as it is giving him pain and his left heel hurts still - and I keep showing him the photos of Ricky MacMillan's leg so he'll get a bit of perspective!
This Is What It Came Down To !
We have quite a crowd coming to Brands, especially on the Sunday. We will have the barbeque going each lunch time until the burgers run out (or until John collapses - which ever happens first) and we will do our best to get as many people in as possible with a free ticket. However, We Are Not Christian Aid !
We have been allocated garage 22, so we have some protection if we get 'weather'. Where is the summer? - Oh yes! We had it in March.
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
It's A Long Way To Knockhillary !
Successfully Negotiating the Real Radio Hairpin !
7th June 2011
All together now! ... It's a long way to Knockhillary.... And what a long way to go it was. I'd almost forgotten (or did I just try to block it from my mind?)
Our lovely cat, Seamus, who was ill at the time, was left in the tender care of 'The Cat Sitter'. It's a bit like 'The Stig' isn't it. She won't reveal her face or name. Our cat sitter will go to extraordinary lengths to be helpful - she allowed Seamus to be sick in her cupped hands to save him getting it on my £50 / metre chair fabric. I mean!! What a star!! Thanks Sarah!! Oh dear!.........woops!
Friday's Mediterranean weather was a good start to the meeting, but it was a freezing wind and grey clouds for us Saturday and Sunday. Chris couldn't get the caravan's gas fire to light until Gavin intervened. (We'd be lost without that boy) Something or other was broken on it and it was only going to light once so we left it on all day. It was like a sauna in there by bedtime so it was turned off but it meant we had a cold Sunday.
Chris getting arm-pump in one of the races caused him some discomfort, but he still came 2nd in class. Any suggestions as to what to do to avoid getting it? (or should that be what not to do) The accident at the end was most unfortunate, but I remained quite calm. (shell-shocked more likely. I was in for a vet bill of £800+ when I got home and I was hoping to take command of Chris' cheque book, but I guess P&M will be doing that now.)
A polite message to the clunge head bastards who kept the paddock awake running their generator into the early hours each night - Next year, turn it off at 11pm or yer bike gets it. Chris overcooked the fillet steak for Saturday's supper. Where were you John when we needed you ! Jim could've gone out to a restaurant that evening and only stayed because he loves the fillet so much and didn't want to miss out. Sorry Jim.
We had a swift journey home Sunday evening. Thank you Gavin for driving most of the way. Not having to pick up a lawn mower from near Glasgow for one of Chris' mates like last year certainly helped speed things up a bit. - I think we had to sit in a carpark for 45 minutes waiting for the delivery van to arrive. Then the mower had to be dismantled to get it to fit in our van before we could continue our journey. Overall it was a good weekend. A bit warmer would've been nice, but this was Scotland after all. Days before, they'd had hurricane-like weather! We were grateful to have missed it. We can go to Anglesey for that.
Could I just say from Chris and myself, many thanks to all the people who rang or sent heartfelt messages regarding the passing on of our beloved Seamus today. He was one of a kind.
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
All together now! ... It's a long way to Knockhillary.... And what a long way to go it was. I'd almost forgotten (or did I just try to block it from my mind?)
Our lovely cat, Seamus, who was ill at the time, was left in the tender care of 'The Cat Sitter'. It's a bit like 'The Stig' isn't it. She won't reveal her face or name. Our cat sitter will go to extraordinary lengths to be helpful - she allowed Seamus to be sick in her cupped hands to save him getting it on my £50 / metre chair fabric. I mean!! What a star!! Thanks Sarah!! Oh dear!.........woops!
Friday's Mediterranean weather was a good start to the meeting, but it was a freezing wind and grey clouds for us Saturday and Sunday. Chris couldn't get the caravan's gas fire to light until Gavin intervened. (We'd be lost without that boy) Something or other was broken on it and it was only going to light once so we left it on all day. It was like a sauna in there by bedtime so it was turned off but it meant we had a cold Sunday.
Chris getting arm-pump in one of the races caused him some discomfort, but he still came 2nd in class. Any suggestions as to what to do to avoid getting it? (or should that be what not to do) The accident at the end was most unfortunate, but I remained quite calm. (shell-shocked more likely. I was in for a vet bill of £800+ when I got home and I was hoping to take command of Chris' cheque book, but I guess P&M will be doing that now.)
A polite message to the clunge head bastards who kept the paddock awake running their generator into the early hours each night - Next year, turn it off at 11pm or yer bike gets it. Chris overcooked the fillet steak for Saturday's supper. Where were you John when we needed you ! Jim could've gone out to a restaurant that evening and only stayed because he loves the fillet so much and didn't want to miss out. Sorry Jim.
We had a swift journey home Sunday evening. Thank you Gavin for driving most of the way. Not having to pick up a lawn mower from near Glasgow for one of Chris' mates like last year certainly helped speed things up a bit. - I think we had to sit in a carpark for 45 minutes waiting for the delivery van to arrive. Then the mower had to be dismantled to get it to fit in our van before we could continue our journey. Overall it was a good weekend. A bit warmer would've been nice, but this was Scotland after all. Days before, they'd had hurricane-like weather! We were grateful to have missed it. We can go to Anglesey for that.
Could I just say from Chris and myself, many thanks to all the people who rang or sent heartfelt messages regarding the passing on of our beloved Seamus today. He was one of a kind.
Jane Chapman - Long Suffering Wife
Knockhill 2011 Diary !
Recovering the North !
The first part of the diary for Knockhill 2011 is now avaialble to read on the Diary Page, Click Here to go to the page, or click the Diary Page above.
Thank you for your continued support !
Ashley Barnett
Thank you for your continued support !
Ashley Barnett
Knockhill Preparations !
Sunday 28th May 2011
With Knockhill approaching, Chris has been busy finishing the work on the North. The leak from the oil tank was the main concern after Anglesey. In order to get the oil tank out, meant dropping the suspension & dismantling other parts. The oil tank was filled with boiling water to promote expansion, but this did not reveal any problem. Then Chris sealed off all the outlets & pumped air into the tank & found a minute hole where the cap fits on. The Monza caps on the petrol & oil tanks are glued on as standard so Chris removed the cap, cleaned the collar & reglued it onto the tank & that should do the trick !
Chris has replaced the rear master cylinder support, which was found to have a fracture in it and he's stripped down & rebuilt the clutch as usual, which was fine this time. The North has been lovingly washed & polished and now sits gleaming in the garage as far away from my filthy car as he can get it, incase it catches something.
We are looking forward to having Gavin with us again, as Chris' mechanic & we will be wishing him a Very Happy Birthday. Today is also the 18th birthday of Laura, my niece. Happy Birthday Darling Laura from all of the W.A.N.C.A ' s. Gavin & Ashley are travelling up to Knockhill in the Van with Chris & myself. Chris has decided he wants a little extra nose-weight in the caravan, so we are going to strap the gazebo frame to the caravan floor infront of the bike & put the caravan's spare wheel in the van with us. This will enable us to put one of the back seats into the van & we can all travel up together & have a sing-song en-route. Losing the gazebo frame to the caravan might allow us to put the triple bench seat in the new VW van & still fit all the clobber in ... We'll see.
The new van is expected on 27th June & there are a few things which will need attending to. A new tow hitch for starters. That has always been a headache of a job & on the last VW transporter Chris found that the low height of the gear lever gave him a bad arm & he had to have a knob extension fitted ! We hope everyone has a safe journey to the circuit. We are Leaving at 5am Thursday 2nd June. Ashley & I will do the diary in the new Winnie the Pooh note book I have for him.
See you up there and thank you for your continued support !
Jane Chapman
With Knockhill approaching, Chris has been busy finishing the work on the North. The leak from the oil tank was the main concern after Anglesey. In order to get the oil tank out, meant dropping the suspension & dismantling other parts. The oil tank was filled with boiling water to promote expansion, but this did not reveal any problem. Then Chris sealed off all the outlets & pumped air into the tank & found a minute hole where the cap fits on. The Monza caps on the petrol & oil tanks are glued on as standard so Chris removed the cap, cleaned the collar & reglued it onto the tank & that should do the trick !
Chris has replaced the rear master cylinder support, which was found to have a fracture in it and he's stripped down & rebuilt the clutch as usual, which was fine this time. The North has been lovingly washed & polished and now sits gleaming in the garage as far away from my filthy car as he can get it, incase it catches something.
We are looking forward to having Gavin with us again, as Chris' mechanic & we will be wishing him a Very Happy Birthday. Today is also the 18th birthday of Laura, my niece. Happy Birthday Darling Laura from all of the W.A.N.C.A ' s. Gavin & Ashley are travelling up to Knockhill in the Van with Chris & myself. Chris has decided he wants a little extra nose-weight in the caravan, so we are going to strap the gazebo frame to the caravan floor infront of the bike & put the caravan's spare wheel in the van with us. This will enable us to put one of the back seats into the van & we can all travel up together & have a sing-song en-route. Losing the gazebo frame to the caravan might allow us to put the triple bench seat in the new VW van & still fit all the clobber in ... We'll see.
The new van is expected on 27th June & there are a few things which will need attending to. A new tow hitch for starters. That has always been a headache of a job & on the last VW transporter Chris found that the low height of the gear lever gave him a bad arm & he had to have a knob extension fitted ! We hope everyone has a safe journey to the circuit. We are Leaving at 5am Thursday 2nd June. Ashley & I will do the diary in the new Winnie the Pooh note book I have for him.
See you up there and thank you for your continued support !
Jane Chapman
'How Big ?'
Anglesey Paddock Photos !
Team W.A.N.C.A !
Paddock photographs from Anglesey 2011 are now available on the Photo Gallery page, either Click Here to go to the page or select the Photo Gallery tab above.
Ashley Barnett
Ashley Barnett
Final Preparations !
Chris' internal examination (of the gear box) revealed a hairline fracture on one of the clutch plates thus demonstrating the importance of minutely inspecting one's parts after each race meeting. Chris has only to put on his race numbers and his preparations will be complete. Regarding the race numbers, Chris is finding it increasingly irritating that those in power keep changing his race number. Having been No. 38 for at least two years, and occasionally 138, he has found he is now 137. This is annoying as Chris has now had to order a huge batch of numbers so that he has some of each just in case he gets changed again.
In preparation for possibly seriously windy weather (it is Anglesey after all) Chris is trying out some new fixings to secure the feet of the gazebo to the tarmac in the hope that he can maintain his erection until 5pm on Sunday. We don't want to have to buy another gazebo so soon after the last one.
When Chris finishes work tomorrow evening there will be the frantic emptying of the van of Coca Cola paraphernalia and an equally frantic reloading with racing paraphernalia (crap). Our freezer is groaning with supplies - we had to sit on the lid to force it down. Looks like we're going to be needing another one shortly to share the load.
Chris has just completed some last minute repairs on the caravan. I didn't quite understand what he was doing but it involved a tube of glue, probably trying to get the wheels to stay on. We are leaving Seamus, our cat, in the same cat sitter's capable hands. She has threatened to unplug the phone so we can't contact her this time with yet another of Chris' "emergencies".
To those who are joining us in Anglesey, safe journey. To those who have the sense to stay at home, updates will follow next week.
Jane Chapman
In preparation for possibly seriously windy weather (it is Anglesey after all) Chris is trying out some new fixings to secure the feet of the gazebo to the tarmac in the hope that he can maintain his erection until 5pm on Sunday. We don't want to have to buy another gazebo so soon after the last one.
When Chris finishes work tomorrow evening there will be the frantic emptying of the van of Coca Cola paraphernalia and an equally frantic reloading with racing paraphernalia (crap). Our freezer is groaning with supplies - we had to sit on the lid to force it down. Looks like we're going to be needing another one shortly to share the load.
Chris has just completed some last minute repairs on the caravan. I didn't quite understand what he was doing but it involved a tube of glue, probably trying to get the wheels to stay on. We are leaving Seamus, our cat, in the same cat sitter's capable hands. She has threatened to unplug the phone so we can't contact her this time with yet another of Chris' "emergencies".
To those who are joining us in Anglesey, safe journey. To those who have the sense to stay at home, updates will follow next week.
Jane Chapman
Anglesey Preparations !
It All Got To Much !
With less than a week to go Chris is putting the finishing touches to the North in preparation for Anglesea. Chris has given the bike a good clean & polish, changed the front tyre & balanced the wheel. He has also changed the sprocket for a 50 tooth to suit the circuit. Rule of thumb is that you want to try to gear the bike so that it will reach maximun rpm in top gear before you jump on the brakes. Chris pulls the clutch apart after each meeting to make sure the steel plates are not cracked or splitting & to remove the glaze on the friction plate. The North has also had a new seat cover. Thankyou Viking Vinyls near Brands Hatch.
Chris has been told that his new Coke van will not be delivered until after Knockhill. This is extremely good news for us to have the extra space for a little longer than we first thought. It does put pressure on Chris to not smash it up in that time though. It's only just come back from the body shop again so that it is ready to be sold as soon as the new van arrives.
I have purchased a new knife to replace the pink one that disappeared. This one is red, & so is the blade so the blood doesn't show in the case of an 'accident'. I am looking forward to trying it out. Chris is cooking his famously delicious Coq au Vin Blanc tomorrow which will be frozen for one of our evening meals at Anglesea. Oh lucky Team W.A.N.C.A ! We DO feed you well. We are hoping to arrive early at Anglesea to get a good place in the queue. We won't be allowed in until 5pm as there is a track day on, but we'd love to get a hook-up as there are not many available. John is going mega early with a 30 foot cable & a pair of boxing gloves. Camping is SO much easier when you have electricity. Keep your fingers crossed for dry weather & for Chris staying upright. We keep telling Chris - You don't get any points for a close look at the tarmac.
Catch you all at Anglesea.
Jane Chapman
Chris has been told that his new Coke van will not be delivered until after Knockhill. This is extremely good news for us to have the extra space for a little longer than we first thought. It does put pressure on Chris to not smash it up in that time though. It's only just come back from the body shop again so that it is ready to be sold as soon as the new van arrives.
I have purchased a new knife to replace the pink one that disappeared. This one is red, & so is the blade so the blood doesn't show in the case of an 'accident'. I am looking forward to trying it out. Chris is cooking his famously delicious Coq au Vin Blanc tomorrow which will be frozen for one of our evening meals at Anglesea. Oh lucky Team W.A.N.C.A ! We DO feed you well. We are hoping to arrive early at Anglesea to get a good place in the queue. We won't be allowed in until 5pm as there is a track day on, but we'd love to get a hook-up as there are not many available. John is going mega early with a 30 foot cable & a pair of boxing gloves. Camping is SO much easier when you have electricity. Keep your fingers crossed for dry weather & for Chris staying upright. We keep telling Chris - You don't get any points for a close look at the tarmac.
Catch you all at Anglesea.
Jane Chapman
Another Rant by A Long Suffering Wife !
Our weekend at Pembrey was almost totally enjoyable for me. This is unusual & I thank all in our party for their help in making it so much fun. I found myself particularly stressed up to the point of us leaving Leatherhead as I had to fit a week's worth of work into three days & get £372:29p's worth of shopping. Furthermore, I had to cook!! Not a pastime I relish. (I only have a kitchen because it came with the house). I also had to help with the packing & deal with those irrritating last minute inconveniences (lazy husband syndrome). Let me elaborate: I had been bleating on about the nearside rear wheel on the van which has had a huge dent in it since the snow in January when Chris slid the van into a kerb. Everyone who has seen it has commented that they wouldn't drive with the wheel as it was but of course Chris said "it's fine, the dynamics haven't changed". Two trips to Wales later and on the day we are leaving for Pembrey, Chris decides he will change the wheel. Fifteen minutes, he said. It took nearly an hour and a half.
Now, about my pink knife. I am really wound up about that. I suggest whoever "borrowed" it doesn't admit to it because they are in SO much trouble. People forget it's not just the cost of replacing it, and the fact I have had to do without it for two more days, but I actually have to find the time to get to the shop which sells these knives, in order to get another one. As if I didn't have enough to do already.
Moving on to yet another inconvenience (useless husband syndrome), this time for my long suffering cat-sitter! We were well advanced on our journey, past junction 10 on the M4, when Chris had a thought (an unusual occurrence in itself), and said "I wonder what I did with my credit card wallet?" I told him I'd last seen it on the trunk in our bedroom with his keys. Well, he had the keys with him so I assumed any normal person would have picked them up together and therefore both would be in the van - somewhere. I suggested we call in at the next services and search the van properly. But due to the next services being some miles away, Chris in his perplexity (panic) felt he had to involve our cat-sitter by making her search the house, our three garages, the driveway and then walk the entire length of our road - twice. She even had to check on, in and around the wheelie bins because he thought he might have left the cards on top of one of them. While all this manic searching was going on, we had reached the services, found the card wallet immediately in the middle section of the van, and continued on our journey for a further 12 miles before I finally managed to contact the cat sitter to tell her she could stop looking as she'd not taken her mobile outside with her!
Before closing, I feel I should mention my groaning pelmet board in my living room. Up until the commencement of this racing bollocks, its only purpose was to daily hold the pelmet up and at Christmas display the festive cards that would otherwise clog up every spare surface in our living room. Alas now it has to work so much harder all year, exhibiting an increasing array of scrap metal, and we now don't have anywhere to put the Christmas cards. It is at this point I would like to express my indebtedness to Cormac Conroy for sharing a useful tip with Chris - when he is awarded a trophy, he goes to the race office after the presentation and he swaps it for a £5 voucher. He thus converts his scrap metal into valuable racing funds. Chris is going to do the same from now on. The pelmet board I fear will not be liberated of the collection he has so far, but I might stack them up one end like a display of baked bean cans to free up some space.
Anglesea is approaching. We have experienced only appalling weather at this circuit so far. The gale force winds being the most intrusive factor for our equipment to deal with. We are hoping this summery spell will continue to grace us with its presence. We are being joined again by Gavin & Martin, the Welsh contingent Derek & John & Anglesea Hilton owner Jim Pipe. It is with deep regret that we will be losing Ashley that weekend as he has exams. We hope they'll be easy Ashley & we look forward to you being back with us at Knockhill.
Written by Long Suffering Wife - Jane Chapman
Now, about my pink knife. I am really wound up about that. I suggest whoever "borrowed" it doesn't admit to it because they are in SO much trouble. People forget it's not just the cost of replacing it, and the fact I have had to do without it for two more days, but I actually have to find the time to get to the shop which sells these knives, in order to get another one. As if I didn't have enough to do already.
Moving on to yet another inconvenience (useless husband syndrome), this time for my long suffering cat-sitter! We were well advanced on our journey, past junction 10 on the M4, when Chris had a thought (an unusual occurrence in itself), and said "I wonder what I did with my credit card wallet?" I told him I'd last seen it on the trunk in our bedroom with his keys. Well, he had the keys with him so I assumed any normal person would have picked them up together and therefore both would be in the van - somewhere. I suggested we call in at the next services and search the van properly. But due to the next services being some miles away, Chris in his perplexity (panic) felt he had to involve our cat-sitter by making her search the house, our three garages, the driveway and then walk the entire length of our road - twice. She even had to check on, in and around the wheelie bins because he thought he might have left the cards on top of one of them. While all this manic searching was going on, we had reached the services, found the card wallet immediately in the middle section of the van, and continued on our journey for a further 12 miles before I finally managed to contact the cat sitter to tell her she could stop looking as she'd not taken her mobile outside with her!
Before closing, I feel I should mention my groaning pelmet board in my living room. Up until the commencement of this racing bollocks, its only purpose was to daily hold the pelmet up and at Christmas display the festive cards that would otherwise clog up every spare surface in our living room. Alas now it has to work so much harder all year, exhibiting an increasing array of scrap metal, and we now don't have anywhere to put the Christmas cards. It is at this point I would like to express my indebtedness to Cormac Conroy for sharing a useful tip with Chris - when he is awarded a trophy, he goes to the race office after the presentation and he swaps it for a £5 voucher. He thus converts his scrap metal into valuable racing funds. Chris is going to do the same from now on. The pelmet board I fear will not be liberated of the collection he has so far, but I might stack them up one end like a display of baked bean cans to free up some space.
Anglesea is approaching. We have experienced only appalling weather at this circuit so far. The gale force winds being the most intrusive factor for our equipment to deal with. We are hoping this summery spell will continue to grace us with its presence. We are being joined again by Gavin & Martin, the Welsh contingent Derek & John & Anglesea Hilton owner Jim Pipe. It is with deep regret that we will be losing Ashley that weekend as he has exams. We hope they'll be easy Ashley & we look forward to you being back with us at Knockhill.
Written by Long Suffering Wife - Jane Chapman
Destination Pembrey !
Team Mechanic Gavin Kidwell
With three days to go before we leave for Pembrey we find ourselves in unfamiliar territory, Chris actually has the North ready. Yes ! It's true & he's cleaned the barbeque. I know ! It's amazing ! The van will be ready on Wednesday ... perfect timing & because of all this I will have to make the 'spag bol' we are taking with us, even though he was meant to do it today, because he is busy servicing a friend of a friends' bike instead ! This amount of organisation so soon will surely mean we will have a smooth running race weekend this time.
We'll have Ashley rejoining us, which means we'll have a great laugh at other people's expense. Our mechanic is once again Gavin Kidwell & North electronics genius, Martin Pink. John will meet us there as we'll be in his stomping ground this time & he's only three quarters of an hour away from the circuit. Our long time friend Derek Wiltshire will be making his annual pilgrimage to join us. He lives pretty near Pembrey too. Chris & Derek go back a long way, to the days of bike couriering for Wey Couriers when it was based in Addlestone. Derek rode a Guzzi Convert which he eventually sold to Chris, Chris' first relationship with a Guzzi.
Anyway, we are hoping for dry weather, although it would almost be too good to be true after the long dry spell we've had. One doesn't want to be picky, but I would rather it had rained all of this week, so I didn't have to keep watering the garden.
It's sad that Pembrey always lands on Easter weekend. This year my older brother's daughter, Yarden, is coming over with her boyfriend from Israel. The first time in ages. I will only get to see her when I take them to the airport on Easter Monday. My mother is making a cake for us to take to Pembrey, with sugar eggs on top so we won't feel we're missing out on Easter altogether.
Ashley & I are looking forward to doing the diary for all of you. The old team is together again, writing to make you feel like you were there ! I'm now going to the garage to smack Chris round the head with something ... perhaps a chair, lemon or knife ? The bike he's been servicing keeps backfiring when he tries to start it & it's bloody loud. We hope you all have a lovely Easter & we'll be in touch again soon.
Jane Chapman
We'll have Ashley rejoining us, which means we'll have a great laugh at other people's expense. Our mechanic is once again Gavin Kidwell & North electronics genius, Martin Pink. John will meet us there as we'll be in his stomping ground this time & he's only three quarters of an hour away from the circuit. Our long time friend Derek Wiltshire will be making his annual pilgrimage to join us. He lives pretty near Pembrey too. Chris & Derek go back a long way, to the days of bike couriering for Wey Couriers when it was based in Addlestone. Derek rode a Guzzi Convert which he eventually sold to Chris, Chris' first relationship with a Guzzi.
Anyway, we are hoping for dry weather, although it would almost be too good to be true after the long dry spell we've had. One doesn't want to be picky, but I would rather it had rained all of this week, so I didn't have to keep watering the garden.
It's sad that Pembrey always lands on Easter weekend. This year my older brother's daughter, Yarden, is coming over with her boyfriend from Israel. The first time in ages. I will only get to see her when I take them to the airport on Easter Monday. My mother is making a cake for us to take to Pembrey, with sugar eggs on top so we won't feel we're missing out on Easter altogether.
Ashley & I are looking forward to doing the diary for all of you. The old team is together again, writing to make you feel like you were there ! I'm now going to the garage to smack Chris round the head with something ... perhaps a chair, lemon or knife ? The bike he's been servicing keeps backfiring when he tries to start it & it's bloody loud. We hope you all have a lovely Easter & we'll be in touch again soon.
Jane Chapman
April Update !
Since the successful Mallory Park meeting I'm sure you are all gagging to know what Captain Chaos has been up to!
Well, Chris was signed off sick for one more week as he still couldn't kneel on his left knee & Coke Service Technicians have to do a lot of kneeling allegedly. He goes back to work on 11th April. As to the Rob North, the only problem that arose at Mallory was that the oil pressure warning light was coming on very early - around 3,000 rpm. After much riding up & down P&M's estate to get the oil up to temperature, the problem turned out to be a faulty oil pressure switch. Since then Chris has only had to do an oil change & a torque-down of the head & barrels. Nothing more was needed thanks to the engineering work that P&M did on it, & the quality of the build.
The Coke van has had to go to hospital for quite a lot of work. We are hoping the chaps at the body shop will be able get it back to us in two weeks. This might require divine intervention as Chris has collided with a lot of things in the last year since it was last resprayed. In case the van is not ready for Pembrey we are going to have to look into whether we can rent a suitable van with a tow bar on it. Could be tricky & expensive. With possibly no caravan, we could be joining Jim in Hotel Pipe. I must say that I am SO impressed with Jim Pipe's big tent. It is a masterpiece. Jim & I have erected it in near gale force winds & it has been easy to do & as sound as a house afterwards. As they say Any one can get it up. It's getting it to stay up that's impressive. I think he said it came from Argos & it's about the size of our flat.
Chris is going to start cycling to swimming again on Monday to get back to race fitness. He gave it a try last week but it was too soon & made his knee hurt. He has managed to keep his weight down somehow since being off work, which is amazing as he hasn't done a lot. I suggested gentle house work but the sofa keeps getting stuck to his backside with lots of bike racing to watch. He did mow the lawns twice for me which was lovely. Chris is cleaning the North's fairing today as the weather is once again wonderful. My car could do with a wash too as it's covered in mud & thick with dust. Tesco's car wash guys have stopped asking if they can do it as they only charge about a fiver & it wouldn't be financially viable.
For all those of you who know our good friend Andrew, he had a birthday on 9th April. We bought him a slap up breakfast at the Blue Moon cafe in Bear Green yesterday. We didn't have a cake but we stuck a candle in his sausage for him to blow out & make a wish. He's not told us what age he is now & we've lost count, but he doesn't look a day over fifty-nine.
The official pictures from Mallory by Derek Gallon Photography are now in the gallery. We are going to concentrate on the more candid shots around the paddock this year as Derek is 'Out there' trackside. People-watching can be very amusing & Chris wants all of you to get a feel of 'paddock life' at each circuit.
As ever, we are hoping for dry weather at Pembrey. Chris is using a different tyre on the rear of the North. Previously there has only been a soft race compound available from Avon. This year, for the first time, there are different options of race rubber availabe from Avon. Chris is using the medium radial & has found it to be very good as to longevity & grip. It handled the cold temperature on the Saturday at Mallory very well.
Chris is working on the new-fangled 'lights' which gave everyone arc-eye before they burnt out the transformer. In my latest house clearance I had a 1960's box containing Granville 'Amberlight' fog coating, costing three shillings & sixpence. Chris is painting it on the lights to give (quote from the box) A penetrating beam, yet restful for the eyes, & is less penetrating for their fellow motorists. That should do it! We appologise to all those who suffered as a result of Chris' untested invention.
Written by Jane Chapman
Well, Chris was signed off sick for one more week as he still couldn't kneel on his left knee & Coke Service Technicians have to do a lot of kneeling allegedly. He goes back to work on 11th April. As to the Rob North, the only problem that arose at Mallory was that the oil pressure warning light was coming on very early - around 3,000 rpm. After much riding up & down P&M's estate to get the oil up to temperature, the problem turned out to be a faulty oil pressure switch. Since then Chris has only had to do an oil change & a torque-down of the head & barrels. Nothing more was needed thanks to the engineering work that P&M did on it, & the quality of the build.
The Coke van has had to go to hospital for quite a lot of work. We are hoping the chaps at the body shop will be able get it back to us in two weeks. This might require divine intervention as Chris has collided with a lot of things in the last year since it was last resprayed. In case the van is not ready for Pembrey we are going to have to look into whether we can rent a suitable van with a tow bar on it. Could be tricky & expensive. With possibly no caravan, we could be joining Jim in Hotel Pipe. I must say that I am SO impressed with Jim Pipe's big tent. It is a masterpiece. Jim & I have erected it in near gale force winds & it has been easy to do & as sound as a house afterwards. As they say Any one can get it up. It's getting it to stay up that's impressive. I think he said it came from Argos & it's about the size of our flat.
Chris is going to start cycling to swimming again on Monday to get back to race fitness. He gave it a try last week but it was too soon & made his knee hurt. He has managed to keep his weight down somehow since being off work, which is amazing as he hasn't done a lot. I suggested gentle house work but the sofa keeps getting stuck to his backside with lots of bike racing to watch. He did mow the lawns twice for me which was lovely. Chris is cleaning the North's fairing today as the weather is once again wonderful. My car could do with a wash too as it's covered in mud & thick with dust. Tesco's car wash guys have stopped asking if they can do it as they only charge about a fiver & it wouldn't be financially viable.
For all those of you who know our good friend Andrew, he had a birthday on 9th April. We bought him a slap up breakfast at the Blue Moon cafe in Bear Green yesterday. We didn't have a cake but we stuck a candle in his sausage for him to blow out & make a wish. He's not told us what age he is now & we've lost count, but he doesn't look a day over fifty-nine.
The official pictures from Mallory by Derek Gallon Photography are now in the gallery. We are going to concentrate on the more candid shots around the paddock this year as Derek is 'Out there' trackside. People-watching can be very amusing & Chris wants all of you to get a feel of 'paddock life' at each circuit.
As ever, we are hoping for dry weather at Pembrey. Chris is using a different tyre on the rear of the North. Previously there has only been a soft race compound available from Avon. This year, for the first time, there are different options of race rubber availabe from Avon. Chris is using the medium radial & has found it to be very good as to longevity & grip. It handled the cold temperature on the Saturday at Mallory very well.
Chris is working on the new-fangled 'lights' which gave everyone arc-eye before they burnt out the transformer. In my latest house clearance I had a 1960's box containing Granville 'Amberlight' fog coating, costing three shillings & sixpence. Chris is painting it on the lights to give (quote from the box) A penetrating beam, yet restful for the eyes, & is less penetrating for their fellow motorists. That should do it! We appologise to all those who suffered as a result of Chris' untested invention.
Written by Jane Chapman
Update on Captain Chaos !
Chris is now home from hospital & is doing well. The knee surfaces have been cleaned & he was found to have had a torn cartilage which they fixed while they were in there. It was a wonder he didn't have a totally different operation though as when Jane checked the name on the door of his room it said Kent instead of Chapman.
Once informed the nurse moved Chris to the room that was his. Jane checked the name on the door & it said Kent, again. The danger was that Chris may well have answered to Kent as Jane frequently calls him something similar. Anyway, the name was corrected & the op went very well. Chris is experiencing a reasonable amount of pain at the moment but he's looking forward to being up & about in a couple of days to get on with the North. Tony Hayward has offered to come over & take Chris to P&M to bring the bike home mid week. It's really appreciated as Tony has to travel a long way to get to us. The down pipes & the silencer have to come off next to be painted & the wiring will be done after that.
Pity our neighbours when the bike is finally ready to be fired up !
Look forward to seeing you all at Mallory Park on the 25th to 27th of March !
Written by Jane Chapman
Once informed the nurse moved Chris to the room that was his. Jane checked the name on the door & it said Kent, again. The danger was that Chris may well have answered to Kent as Jane frequently calls him something similar. Anyway, the name was corrected & the op went very well. Chris is experiencing a reasonable amount of pain at the moment but he's looking forward to being up & about in a couple of days to get on with the North. Tony Hayward has offered to come over & take Chris to P&M to bring the bike home mid week. It's really appreciated as Tony has to travel a long way to get to us. The down pipes & the silencer have to come off next to be painted & the wiring will be done after that.
Pity our neighbours when the bike is finally ready to be fired up !
Look forward to seeing you all at Mallory Park on the 25th to 27th of March !
Written by Jane Chapman
A Rant by a Long Suffering Wife
Before the CRMC AGM at Christmas last year we had classics & post classics which raced together. Certain commitee members wanted to divide them so you could race in one or the other but not both. It met with such opposition at the AGM that the idea was dropped. The members were assured that nothing would change for 2011. On receiving the Mallory Park race application Chris found that he has been denied the ability to race in the post classics, because the CRMC commitee has decided to go against all their assurances at the AGM regarding this matter.
Chris cannot be the only one affected by this & he is disgusted & justifiably angry. So we only have two races a day now. Well, I am bloody furious about it. This isn't the GP or Super Bikes. This is meant to be fun. The CRMC commitee needs to have it pointed out to them that the riders are not the only ones affected by this. We have to take the same amount of food & equipment as before to the meetings but spend most of the time sitting around twiddling our thumbs.
If I had known about this before Christmas I would have worked to persuade Chris to not race any more. MANY thousands of pounds have been spent on the North since Cadwell 2010 & in my opinion, two races a day is not worth the effort it takes me to organise the race weekend & it certainly isn't worth the enormous expense. It seems that the club is moving to get rid of classic bikes & just have post classics.
CRMC, you need to update your cards to PCRMC so every one knows what they are dealing with from the start. And as for having to get to the hotel early on the day of the 2010 dinner dance, soley to attend the AGM, what a bloody waste of life that was. Most of what the commitee had to say on the matter was a load of rubbish. Personally, I have better things to do with my time than sit in a hotel reception area for hours on end waiting for the bedrooms to be ready, because we had to be there so early for the AGM, when we could have had the day at home, arrived at 6pm & been able to go straight to our room.
So to all dissembling commitee members, it isn't just about how it affects the riders, it's as much about the people who put the MOST effort into the race meetings. Any idiot who can ride can sit on a bike & go forwards round & round a track but they are going to be pretty cold & hungry if someone hasn't organised shelter, seating, food & something to cook on, washing up & endless cups of tea & coffee. To me for two races a day it is not worth making the effort.
Written by Jane Chapman
And finally thank you to all those who have been reguarly visitng the website, we are grateful for your continued support and are pleased to offer you a reguarly updated website in response to your support. Keep checking back for updates !
Chris cannot be the only one affected by this & he is disgusted & justifiably angry. So we only have two races a day now. Well, I am bloody furious about it. This isn't the GP or Super Bikes. This is meant to be fun. The CRMC commitee needs to have it pointed out to them that the riders are not the only ones affected by this. We have to take the same amount of food & equipment as before to the meetings but spend most of the time sitting around twiddling our thumbs.
If I had known about this before Christmas I would have worked to persuade Chris to not race any more. MANY thousands of pounds have been spent on the North since Cadwell 2010 & in my opinion, two races a day is not worth the effort it takes me to organise the race weekend & it certainly isn't worth the enormous expense. It seems that the club is moving to get rid of classic bikes & just have post classics.
CRMC, you need to update your cards to PCRMC so every one knows what they are dealing with from the start. And as for having to get to the hotel early on the day of the 2010 dinner dance, soley to attend the AGM, what a bloody waste of life that was. Most of what the commitee had to say on the matter was a load of rubbish. Personally, I have better things to do with my time than sit in a hotel reception area for hours on end waiting for the bedrooms to be ready, because we had to be there so early for the AGM, when we could have had the day at home, arrived at 6pm & been able to go straight to our room.
So to all dissembling commitee members, it isn't just about how it affects the riders, it's as much about the people who put the MOST effort into the race meetings. Any idiot who can ride can sit on a bike & go forwards round & round a track but they are going to be pretty cold & hungry if someone hasn't organised shelter, seating, food & something to cook on, washing up & endless cups of tea & coffee. To me for two races a day it is not worth making the effort.
Written by Jane Chapman
And finally thank you to all those who have been reguarly visitng the website, we are grateful for your continued support and are pleased to offer you a reguarly updated website in response to your support. Keep checking back for updates !
Will this count as a Post Classic I wonder ?
Chris 'Lastminute.com' Chapman Strikes Again !
A reaction similiar to the one Jane had when she heard the price of the new Gearbox !
It's all go in the Chapman garage. There's been a bit if a hold up on crucial parts of the North being repaired but now it's full steam ahead again. The North is looking somewhat skeletal at the moment. Chris has stripped, cleaned & inspected the swinging arm, the front end & the brakes. The rolling chassis is complete & ready to receive the motor next weekend. Chris hopes to be up & about as soon as possible after his operation on his left knee on 12th Feb but he'll have to be patient to begin with or it'll take longer to get it moving again properly. He's an impatient patient at the best of times.
We are arriving at Mallory on 24th March ready for the track day on 25th. We are looking forward to seeing Gavin who'll join us on 24th. He'll be Chris' mechanic. The memories of Chris' first race meeting ever come flooding back like it was yesterday. That was a baptism of fire for a novice. Only Chris, Gavin & Jane went then. Anglesey - Terrible weather. Freezing cold. Jane in Gavin's thermal underwear filming every second of racing in the driving rain. Gavin tending to the bike & Chris every time he came back in from a race. Managing to keep tea & food flowing & hold the gazebo down at the same time - They were like a well-oiled machine. Hopefully the weather will be better at Anglesea this year as last year it was diabolical too.
Chris is on a low cake diet, with cycling & swimming to keep the old weight down & fitness levels up. Even the cat, Seamus, is having to do daily workouts as his stomach area, like his master's, has grown a lot from winter comfort snacking. Seamus is not keen on swimming so his routine includes running, jumping & rolling, & a diet of steamed chicken. We are looking forward to seeing all our racing colleagues again. We saw Molly & Tim Woolley in January when they joined us for lunch while we were on holiday at Monkton Old Hall in Pembroke. We nearly had swan for lunch as one landed in the grounds & got stuck there.
We are very sorry to have to report that we will be minus a good friend in our racing party now as Mike Norris has died. He was courageous to the end & we miss him very much. We are so glad that he was able to join us for the latter of last year's meetings. He put on a stonking good show of racing in the parade sessions. You could tell he'd done his fair share of bike racing in his time. He loved it.
Chris is looking forward to the test day, probably at Brands. He would like to be able to ride the North himself if at all possible, depending on post op fitness. Paul Potter will be there to do it if not.. I'm sure Chris'll force his knee to bend enough to get his foot on the peg to do one ride at least, even if it cripples him - the Chapman motto being 'From here to infirmary'.
We are arriving at Mallory on 24th March ready for the track day on 25th. We are looking forward to seeing Gavin who'll join us on 24th. He'll be Chris' mechanic. The memories of Chris' first race meeting ever come flooding back like it was yesterday. That was a baptism of fire for a novice. Only Chris, Gavin & Jane went then. Anglesey - Terrible weather. Freezing cold. Jane in Gavin's thermal underwear filming every second of racing in the driving rain. Gavin tending to the bike & Chris every time he came back in from a race. Managing to keep tea & food flowing & hold the gazebo down at the same time - They were like a well-oiled machine. Hopefully the weather will be better at Anglesea this year as last year it was diabolical too.
Chris is on a low cake diet, with cycling & swimming to keep the old weight down & fitness levels up. Even the cat, Seamus, is having to do daily workouts as his stomach area, like his master's, has grown a lot from winter comfort snacking. Seamus is not keen on swimming so his routine includes running, jumping & rolling, & a diet of steamed chicken. We are looking forward to seeing all our racing colleagues again. We saw Molly & Tim Woolley in January when they joined us for lunch while we were on holiday at Monkton Old Hall in Pembroke. We nearly had swan for lunch as one landed in the grounds & got stuck there.
We are very sorry to have to report that we will be minus a good friend in our racing party now as Mike Norris has died. He was courageous to the end & we miss him very much. We are so glad that he was able to join us for the latter of last year's meetings. He put on a stonking good show of racing in the parade sessions. You could tell he'd done his fair share of bike racing in his time. He loved it.
Chris is looking forward to the test day, probably at Brands. He would like to be able to ride the North himself if at all possible, depending on post op fitness. Paul Potter will be there to do it if not.. I'm sure Chris'll force his knee to bend enough to get his foot on the peg to do one ride at least, even if it cripples him - the Chapman motto being 'From here to infirmary'.
Mike Norris - Rest In Peace
Pre-Season Progress !
New and Old Outer Gearbox Casing - which shows the differences in the bearing sizes.
Hi all,
Just a brief update on the work that has been carried out on both Chris and the North, for all of our avid disciples !
It's been two years since the Rob North's last complete engine & gearbox rebuild. This year Chris made the decision to go for a P & M Quaife-made six speed gear box. He had to have specially made over-size tappett blocks due to three of them coming loose, a rebore on the barrels & a resleeve on one side due to uneven wear. The inlet valve guides have been replaced for the first time since the original rebuild. The rockers have been shimmed, main bearings & big ends have been replaced along with a worn inner clutch hub.
Both fairings have been repaired & have been resprayed by the much put upon Paul Potter, fellow racer & man of great patience, having had to see his handiwork repeatedly destroyed as Chris discovers the limits of traction of his tyres during the year. The fairings WILL have the decals put on this time! The oil tank has had work on it to straighten it after the North threw its chain at Cadwell last year.
This weekend Chris is cleaning the swinging arm & the head race bearings. The decals will be applied in pretty patterns to the fairings next week, then they'll be placed some where in one of the garages where they'll constantly be in Jane's way every time she goes in there to get something until one of them gets fitted. The spare fairing will then be wrapped & stored high up so Jane isn't tempted to give it a kick every time she passes.
Chris will build the engine & put it back into the frame at P & M's, under their watchful eye. Even Chris is not escaping an overhaul. He will be having an operation on 12th March to have the surfaces of his left knee cleaned. He will have two weeks to get it moving again in time for the first race meeting of the season. Remember that the North has to do a test day at some time before racing, for a brief run in & tighten down. Chris does like to cut things fine. The test day is likely to be at Brands, with Paul Potter riding the North if Chris is still stiff.
Everything is going smoothly at the moment. By the way, Chris will get a new Coke van in May. It is smaller than the Vivaro & not as powerful. It will make a difference to what we can carry & how many we can cater for. It only has two seats in the front & instead of a choice of separate seats in the back like the Vivaro, it has a three person bench seat, leaving very little room for anything else in that section. So the days of us being able to feed & house large numbers of supporters in a big gazebo are numbered. Sad isn't it. Still, Jane might not be so exhausted & grumpy with less to do & that's not a bad thing is it?
Thank you for your continued support !
Just a brief update on the work that has been carried out on both Chris and the North, for all of our avid disciples !
It's been two years since the Rob North's last complete engine & gearbox rebuild. This year Chris made the decision to go for a P & M Quaife-made six speed gear box. He had to have specially made over-size tappett blocks due to three of them coming loose, a rebore on the barrels & a resleeve on one side due to uneven wear. The inlet valve guides have been replaced for the first time since the original rebuild. The rockers have been shimmed, main bearings & big ends have been replaced along with a worn inner clutch hub.
Both fairings have been repaired & have been resprayed by the much put upon Paul Potter, fellow racer & man of great patience, having had to see his handiwork repeatedly destroyed as Chris discovers the limits of traction of his tyres during the year. The fairings WILL have the decals put on this time! The oil tank has had work on it to straighten it after the North threw its chain at Cadwell last year.
This weekend Chris is cleaning the swinging arm & the head race bearings. The decals will be applied in pretty patterns to the fairings next week, then they'll be placed some where in one of the garages where they'll constantly be in Jane's way every time she goes in there to get something until one of them gets fitted. The spare fairing will then be wrapped & stored high up so Jane isn't tempted to give it a kick every time she passes.
Chris will build the engine & put it back into the frame at P & M's, under their watchful eye. Even Chris is not escaping an overhaul. He will be having an operation on 12th March to have the surfaces of his left knee cleaned. He will have two weeks to get it moving again in time for the first race meeting of the season. Remember that the North has to do a test day at some time before racing, for a brief run in & tighten down. Chris does like to cut things fine. The test day is likely to be at Brands, with Paul Potter riding the North if Chris is still stiff.
Everything is going smoothly at the moment. By the way, Chris will get a new Coke van in May. It is smaller than the Vivaro & not as powerful. It will make a difference to what we can carry & how many we can cater for. It only has two seats in the front & instead of a choice of separate seats in the back like the Vivaro, it has a three person bench seat, leaving very little room for anything else in that section. So the days of us being able to feed & house large numbers of supporters in a big gazebo are numbered. Sad isn't it. Still, Jane might not be so exhausted & grumpy with less to do & that's not a bad thing is it?
Thank you for your continued support !
New and Old Outer Gearbox Casing - the bearings are recessed back into the end casing, where the kick start assembly used to be.
(Top) New Main Shaft and (Bottom) Lay Shaft
Cluster complete with Gear Selector Mechanism.
