I awoke with the sound of rain gently falling on the roof of the Minibago. Was I worried? No. It was typical PI. I knew that, by midday, the sky would be clear and the temperature would be in the mid-20’s and so it proved to be.
A hearty breakfast courtesy of my Team USA hosts and then it was a leisurely preparation for Unpacking Day at the circuit. I had already heard that the gates would not be open till 1100 so there was no need to hurry. Once paper work was completed at the gate and the ever-smiling man on the gate had wished us well, we headed in and started work.
The Team USA bikes (around 20 of them) were all in a 60′ shipping container and, once a bolt cutter was found to allow the doors to be opened, it was all hands to the grinders. PI employs some extraordinarily good forklift drivers and it was such a pleasure watching them do their thing. The bikes are loaded crossways across the container and are stacked two high, fully taking up the available space so getting them out is a very delicate operation.
The thing I love most about watching the unloading process is that everybody pitches in and helps. Even if your bike is at the very front of the container and is amongst the last to be unloaded (like David Hirsch’s Suzuki) everybody helps their mates uncrate the bikes, push them into the garages and help stash a mountain of spares and equipment where it needs to go. It is truly a well-oiled machine.
What amazes me most is how seemingly total confusion melds into order in a wonderful and happy way. Look in the pits and everything is everywhere; look an hour later and everything is in order and bikes are being worked on as if they’d been there for days. These guys (and gals) really know their stuff.
As noted, there was a car track day today (mostly boring) (except for the 427 Corvette). But it was a huge pleasure to renew my acquaintance with 1970’s TZ ace, Chris Oldfield who I have no seen for nearly 35 years. Chris wrenching for a two-car Porsche team and it was also his birthday today. Good times.
It was great to see Paulie Schaeffer from Texas. He brought me my package of shirts and boots that I had been given at Cresson in August but which was too heavy/expensive to post. Very grateful. But more importantly he brought me news of the Otter who is eating well, gaining weight, is NOT smoking or drinking and is well on the way to recovery. To say this news made my day is a gross understatement.
As the cars were taking up most of the garages (including the one allocated to Rod McIntosh and his team,) the championship frame-builder was forced to spend three hours out in the sun getting the bike ready, outrageous in my opinion. We offered him the use of the Team USA garage but he politely declined, soldiering on till the job was done. SO impressive.
In the course of my travels I was tackled (not literally) by Roger Winfield, the boss and driving force behind the defending champions, Team GB. Very firmly but politely he registered his dismay that I had called his team a “big bucks” outfit in a previous blog entry. He pointed out just what it costs him in time, money and commitment to do what he does and I was properly apologetic that I had indicated that he had squillions and was just splashing his money around. Like he said, “We’re not going to fall out over it, but I just thought that you should know.” And right he is. We parted friends and he even agreed to giving me some time for a MotoPod interview some time over the weekend.
Wandering up the main street of Cowes after the day was over, I heard a voice behind me saying, “Are you lost, little boy?” I turned around to see the genial Mick Neason and his wife from Wagga. They were heading the same way I was, to the ice cream shop. Motorcycling friends are the best friends.
Well, things are hotting up at Team USA house. The team members are all here for dinner and a team briefing. I could tell you what is being said, but you know what I would have to do, so, to save potential bloodshed, I won’t.
Tomorrow is private practice day, the guys and gals are just itching to get going. They are the nicest people and I am privileged to be allowed to share their experience. Till tomorrow.
sulli says
keep it coming Phil luv it spellin and punch ua t ion is provocative to promote some reaction from the teacher in you 😉
Phil Hall says
6/10. See me after class!