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Matt B |
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Matt B World Chat Champion
Joined: 01 May 2012 Karma :
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Posted: 09:58 - 04 Oct 2017 Post subject: Dutch Weekender for the BSB at Assen |
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Friday afternoon Pigeon and myself set off for Harwich to catch the overnight ferry to Holland.
https://i.imgur.com/ycJvPkb.jpg
Waiting to board the ferry. We cut straight across country from my place in Milton Keynes - Henlow, Bishop's Stortford then picked up the A120 into Harwich. Missed most of the Friday traffic and stopped for sausage and chips in Harwich town.
We got off the boat at about 8, hit McDs for a pannekoeken breakfast of champions and then headed for the circuit at Assen. It started raining, which was the theme of the day for Saturday.
https://i.imgur.com/09T4y7I.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/D8CPWLq.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/KxGyLku.jpg
Stopped off for a break and wander round in a little place called Zwolle. It started raining sideways when we left.
https://i.imgur.com/VLJh11J.jpg
Got to the circuit after lunch, totally drowned, and hid in the covered grandstand to watch qualifying.
I had emailed the lady who owns the B&B where we stayed earlier in the day to tell her when we would be there. She had lit the wood burner for us which was lovely.
Race day was awesome - great weather and grandstand seats again on the start/finish straight. I left my phone at the B&B though, so no photos. Hopefully Pigeon will add a few in later.
If you haven't been to Holland it's an awesome place. Great countryside and super friendly people who mostly speak fantastic English. ____________________ stinkwheel: He had an animated .gif of a cat performing fellatio. It's not socially acceptable. It can have real life adverse effects on other people. |
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groovylee |
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groovylee World Chat Champion
Joined: 20 Nov 2011 Karma :
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Posted: 12:52 - 04 Oct 2017 Post subject: |
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great stuff mate. hopefully i'll be able to do next year ____________________ Past - 1988 honda revere 600, 1996 kawasaki gpz500s, 1999 Yamaha R6
Current - 2002 Aprilia RSV1000R & 1999 Kawasaki ZX6R |
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Copycat73 |
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Copycat73 World Chat Champion
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Pigeon |
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Pigeon World Chat Champion
Joined: 27 Sep 2012 Karma :
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Posted: 23:11 - 04 Oct 2017 Post subject: |
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2017 BSB Assen. Wow. A definite highlight of the year for me.
Big thanks to MattB who crafted a fantastically memorable time.
Apologies for repeating some comments and pictures..
I set off Friday around 12pm from Guildford to Milton Keynes. Averaged 24mph getting round the M25. What a flock of misery that is (its all relative).
Lovely house, lovely wife. I really felt sorry for Matt that he was going to suffer 100 hours with my fugly mug. But god doesn't send us more than we can handle (apparently), so figured he was up to the challenge.
We set off to Harwich on some really lovely roads. My mood lifted as I chased his 1250 across some great countryside. The frustration and anxiety of the M25 fading with each sweeping bend.
Arrived in Harwich as the light was fading. Sausage and Chips (not a Euphemism) as the sunset.
The place was empty (except for a dog in the chippy that took a shine to Matts leg. Probably the size of his sausage. Or that it was battered, I went for plain).
https://i.imgur.com/nk3MRIa.jpg
Good number of bikes.
https://i.imgur.com/wahofla.jpg
And our proportionate armed escort (pretty sure they were just making sure we left)
https://i.imgur.com/MRoXZIz.jpg
Captain of the ship was clearly an ex racer, toilet door had a steering dampener!
https://i.imgur.com/3Ff8ktq.jpg
The cabins themselves where brilliant as was the ship. I had perhaps some of the feeling that those on the Titanic had......the good bits, the feeling that 'one' had arrived in life.
Several beers were enjoyed while chatting shit about the 90's and even though we were separated by 20 years experiences since then and 150 miles (and continents in between) there was some bizarre crossover.
Arrived in Holland to be greeted by a giant spliff (in the background). Best hangover cure. Although slightly disappointed by the lack of Hookers in the Hook of Holland.
https://i.imgur.com/r6YFJMA.jpg
Riding out the port and the place is beautiful. Dykes either side, pristine houses and roads. Chocolate box in places.
Then a visit to McDonalds for breakfast which opened my eyes further. Such happy and chatty people. Their joy for life was infectious, I wish I could bottle it and release it into the local water supply.
Holland. How can such a stunning place, such a clean and mild mannered and friendly place exist.
https://i.imgur.com/inK1Mv6.jpg
It was however wet.
https://i.imgur.com/9cIzDnN.jpg
Very wet
https://i.imgur.com/T481P4U.jpg
Qualifying, Supersport and Motostar were seen, and as much as I never cheer when a rider goes down, Shakey fell twice (which given his outburst at Silverstone was a little funny). I say funny, but the track really was getting flooded in places. Standing water at apex's. The pace car was throwing up rivers as it went round scouting the grip.
Taz Mackenzie had a nasty off that resulted in his handlebar smashing through his visor and denting his face.
Josh Elliott had a moment on his s1krr that well deserved the audience applause.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFzJIN9PppI
The Motostar bikes were mentally loud. The ground, the stand, my moobs and beer gut were shaking like 6.7 on the Richter.
Those riders are (like everyone) properly committed.
B&B was priced far less than even a shady hotel in Assen (which we later found out that a well known central Assen hotel was broken into on two nights and 5-7 bikes were nicked).
https://i.imgur.com/5TFLo1P.jpg
We had no such issues. It was lovely. Instantly felt at home. Beers in the fridge and a wood burning stove......which was needed because Saturday had been moist. Gone through two sets of gloves, waterproofs that were over waterproof textiles and kinda moist (dripping).
https://i.imgur.com/IDxbyl7.jpg
Over a very nice bottle of Merlot there was more bizarre crossover discussion. The world is truly separated by six people.
Sunday the rain left and the day was stunning
https://i.imgur.com/oE7zocV.jpg
Made a visit to the Paddock
https://i.imgur.com/zoMmN4F.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/NaMnOkv.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/d0NizEV.jpg
Racing was close
https://i.imgur.com/Q6bRnmv.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/qjHEEAI.jpg
Can't remember the last time I left a place thinking I was leaving home
https://i.imgur.com/x97bcpB.jpg
The boat ride back and we parked next to Josh Brookes motorhome. He got out and got in the Tyco van to chat with his old mates (presumably).
I took the opportunity to grab a photo of is motorhome and didn't realise his Mrs was in the passenger seat, who I flashed.....with the camera....could have been worse.
https://i.imgur.com/rm7OaXW.jpg
On the boat back I was feeling a bit down because it ended. Then some randoms were chatting stuff and I thought initially they were care in the community. But they were top fellas. Nutters. But sound (much like BCF). Will be on the lookout of TOG racing.
Then #98 walked past from the Ducati Tri Options Cup. The Dutch love him. He was doing press-ups and star jumps on the grid, waving on some of the laps. Every time getting a huge cheer.
Back at Harwich and while queuing in the petrol station to pay, I spot a "Police" man paying attention to my bike (it might have a small plate), I ask Matt in the queue behind me if its fed. And the guy immediately behind me replies no, its ok, he's a Polite Wanker (or words to that effect). Dude behind me was driving a van for the Honda team.
The BSB circus travels with the fans. We passed Peter Hickman's motorhome on the way home.
Got home 22:30 Monday.
https://i.imgur.com/r419lcY.jpg
It may have been a too short a trip, it may be rose specs. But the Netherlands is on the list to go back to!!
Matt won't appreciate me gushing I'm sure, but it was a pleasure and a joy (in my own way).
To next year!
Last edited by Pigeon on 00:34 - 05 Oct 2017; edited 1 time in total |
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Tracer1234 |
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Tracer1234 World Chat Champion
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haroman666 |
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haroman666 World Chat Champion
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Howling Terror |
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Howling Terror |
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Matt B |
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Matt B World Chat Champion
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arry |
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Kris |
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Kris World Chat Champion
Joined: 03 Feb 2002 Karma :
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Posted: 09:53 - 05 Oct 2017 Post subject: |
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Top work fellas
I guess the rule must be don't get caught speeding there? ____________________ NSR125RR - ZXR750H1 - ZX9R E1 - GSF600S - GSF600SK3 - VFR400-NC30 - SV1000N - ST1100-R - CBR900RR-R - GSF1200SK5 - GSF600SK1 - VFR1200FA - GSXR1000K2 - ZZR1400 D8F
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instigator. |
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instigator. Nitrous Nuisance
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Pigeon |
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Pigeon World Chat Champion
Joined: 27 Sep 2012 Karma :
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Posted: 21:50 - 05 Oct 2017 Post subject: |
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instigator. wrote: |
It really couldn't be overlooked from a motorcycling perspective because it really is terribly boring to ride over here. I found Belgium far better; despite the roads being in terrible condition the further south you went, at least you could find some hills. Outside of motorcycling, Its pretty awesome to live over here, especially if you enjoy cycling.
Next time you go to Assen, get a hotel in Groningen (city where I live) and go out for a few beers there. Plenty to 'see' out there. |
The weather was terrible on Saturday; that withstanding the lack of bikers was obvious. Near pin straight roads and zero elevation change doesn't appeal to most. However, the quality of the roads in terms of size, markings and build is fantastic. So much so, that after 300 miles I spotted my first pothole, that was barely 2-3 inches. The roads are so smooth. After a while, found the straight roads relaxing not boring, allowing the scenery to be taken in.
My preferred habitat is a twisty and changeable B-road. But Holland made a nice, relaxing change.
One thing. I did think drivers were very close to us and each other, changing lanes with only a foot between each other at 130kph
I did wonder if this was because the roads are so wide, well maintained and with inherently excellent visibility that people are complacent, think nothing of it, and the number of accidents is very low.
Been through Belgium a couple of times, haven't warmed to the place. Forgettable scenery and terrible roads. Reminds me too much of here. |
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Matt B |
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Matt B World Chat Champion
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Bonnie Lad |
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Bonnie Lad Nitrous Nuisance
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Matt B |
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Matt B World Chat Champion
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ocatoro |
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ocatoro World Chat Champion
Joined: 06 Sep 2012 Karma :
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Posted: 15:48 - 09 Oct 2017 Post subject: |
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am I missing something... BSB is british superbikes, no? ... in Netherlands? ____________________ CBT - 17/09/12 * Theory - 23/10/12 * Mod1 - 05/03/13 * Mod2 - 25/03/13 * BOSH!
Current - None but shed project H100 (first bike )
Past - ER5, '93 ZZR600, '92 CB400 SF, ZZR600 (again), yellow Monster 620, Blackbird - black Monster 620ie - '96 ZZR600 |
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arry |
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arry Super Spammer
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ocatoro |
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ocatoro World Chat Champion
Joined: 06 Sep 2012 Karma :
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Posted: 16:24 - 09 Oct 2017 Post subject: |
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sweet, didn't realise they did that. are tickets as reasonable as they are "locally" ____________________ CBT - 17/09/12 * Theory - 23/10/12 * Mod1 - 05/03/13 * Mod2 - 25/03/13 * BOSH!
Current - None but shed project H100 (first bike )
Past - ER5, '93 ZZR600, '92 CB400 SF, ZZR600 (again), yellow Monster 620, Blackbird - black Monster 620ie - '96 ZZR600 |
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Matt B |
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Matt B World Chat Champion
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ocatoro |
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ocatoro World Chat Champion
Joined: 06 Sep 2012 Karma :
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Posted: 20:22 - 12 Oct 2017 Post subject: |
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cheers dude.. might give it a go next year for something to do
____________________ CBT - 17/09/12 * Theory - 23/10/12 * Mod1 - 05/03/13 * Mod2 - 25/03/13 * BOSH!
Current - None but shed project H100 (first bike )
Past - ER5, '93 ZZR600, '92 CB400 SF, ZZR600 (again), yellow Monster 620, Blackbird - black Monster 620ie - '96 ZZR600 |
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chrisdubya |
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chrisdubya Scooby Slapper
Joined: 05 Jun 2015 Karma :
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Posted: 10:07 - 18 Oct 2017 Post subject: |
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Good write up this
I quite fancy either BSB or MotoGP there next year. Driving to Newcastle to get the ferry, and then to Assen, is actually a shorter driving time than for me to go to Donington! |
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Old Thread Alert!
The last post was made 6 years, 184 days ago. Instead of replying here, would creating a new thread be more useful? |
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