So, as those of you who pay altogether too much attention to what I write on here might remember, I'm in Ireland/N.Ireland/IoM for a bit to watch some racing, and tourist around.
On the 21
st I was in Portrush, N.Ireland for the Northwest 200.
As is typical of my luck, things didn't go as I'd like.
They ran the supersport race. Then it rained and drizzled for a while. Then there was a bomb scare in the paddock. Then it rained a bit more, and a bit harder. Finally the superbikes went out for a sighting lap, and after the sighting lap was done part of them decided it was too wet to be safe, so we all waited around some more. Finally it dried up a bit, and they took to the streets again. They got almost a lap in when someone's (I forgot who) engine blew up and threw oil all over the road. Of course they have a catch pan that should contain said oil, but with all the rain it had filled up with water.
So we waited some more. The technical director and a rider drove around to inspect the track. It was now getting fairly late in the day, and we'd done one race out of five. After much hemming and hawing they came over the loudspeakers to let us know that there was to be no more racing until next year.
So the whole thing went a bit pear shaped, really. But it was good fun when the bikes were actually out.
Anyway, here's a few pictures, and a short video. I don't think I'm going to get hired to do sports photography any time soon...
The BBC chopper was up.
The crowds were substantial, while everyone still thought we'd having racing.
Don't worry... this didn't deter anyone.
A few pics from supersport.
And a few from superbike.
Also, running behind all the other bikes they had this fellow. I'm thinking he's a medic, judging by all the kit he's carrying.
And a (crappy) video. The description of the video tells where I am on the course.
NW200, Supersport
