CLUB CAPTAIN’S REPORT ON THE 2008 ECONOMY RIDE
Another Economy Run is behind us and the comments have all been very positive.
From the results it should be clear to everyone that if you need an economical bike then the Honda Pan-European is your best bet. The results should provide some interesting reading and a few laughs – particularly the result in Class A. Those time-penalties can be a killer!
Well done to Wrex and Stephanie for narrowly claiming the hotly-contested D category, just edging out Peter and Jacqui. However, Peter claims that he had a weight disadvantage due to the vast quantity of booze being transported in his panniers.
We had 18 bikes on the ride with about 40 people staying in Citrusdal overnight. Unfortunately the rain started falling during Saturday afternoon which meant a slightly soggy ride for some. Many also got soaked riding home on Sunday morning, although I am reliably informed that others missed the rain entirely. Not me though.
On the plus side, many bikers who generally avoid riding in the rain were forced to deal with the wet conditions, which should help them when they are next caught in an unexpected downpour. It is important to be extra-smooth and relaxed when riding in rain, and the more practical experience you have, the more you trust your tyres’ wet-weather grip. This allows you to relax a bit more in damp conditions which in turn promotes smoother riding.
The hotel laid on a good spread for us on Saturday night and on Sunday morning we were able to watch Rossi claim his rightful place on the top step of the podium - much to John Lee’s disgust.
See you on the road!
