Well someone had to do it and when Fabio said he was Island bound I figured that was excuse enough to go via the Snowys and check out if the roads were as good as last year. Khancoban pub hosted us the first night and Fabio had put on a credible 920ks for the day. Had a few highlights but I was glad of good brakes when a bloody huge eagle lifted off in front of me carrying it's roadkill with it. Ducked the head and then celebrated the miss with a couple of ales followed by a couple of good bottles of red. Bloody bargain they were too at $12......till the next morning........oh well. Next day we went over the top of the Victorian Alps thru Falls Creek and what a ride. Up from Bright and down to Omeo. Bloody ripper.

We pulled in to the Bruthen Hotel, our planned rendezvous point,  for the night and only on our 2nd drink the rest of the crew arrived complete with backup vehicle. Now Stretch, mine host for the night, looked after us in great style and if you are ever looking for a good bed, a good feed and good company, then you won't go wrong there. Thanks girl, was terrific, we'll be back if you'll have us!

Well the Island beckoned and it doesn't matter how many times you go there it leaves you gobsmacked at how bloody beautiful it is. A fast track and well laid out it makes for entertainment plus.

A packed program with Supersport, Australian Historic, Supersport/Superstock and Superbike events and even a pit walk thrown in there was plenty for all to see. The usual stalls and the main tent were just the start.

Take a bow Superbike. I have been to the GP there and have no intention of ever returning to that event. Ripoff pricks they are. Walk everywhere and all vantage points are blocked so you have to buy a stand ticket at some huge price or see nothing. Superbikes are the opposite. Ride your bike round the circuit. Call in at all your favourite vantage points and soak up the atmosphere and see close up hard fought racing. It's close up and personal and bloody good. And yup, aspiring boy racers can go out and buy a bike nearly identical. The way it should be! R.I.P. GP, no more from my back pocket.

The event belonged to the Aussies. Troy Bayliss making his last appearance in the class showed class all the way to the flag with a clean sweep. He now holds a good lead after just 2 of the 15 round series. A dual world champion he will retire at the end of the year. Max Biaggi entertained fans with 2 crashes that he walked away from and he was the only rider really that looked like competition for Bayliss prior to turn 10 when he came within a second and a half of the lead. His second 280kmh crash ended a dirty day for the Roman gladiator. Troy Corser did us proud and made it a one two finish on the day for the Aussies. Carlos Cheka showed us all some class riding and earned the accolades of an appreciative crowd with his first podium finish in the series.

Supersports saw the Aussies Andrew Pitt and Josh Brooks finish one two in a tremendous duel, breaking away from a pack of 6 for the lead in the final lap. A micky hair separated them at the end and as a prelude to the main event you couldn't have written a better script! Good to see Gary McCoy on his Triumph making his presence felt too! He showed he's going to be a force to reckoned with with a little bit more development!

 

Now I know I didn't get too many happy snaps.....but hey....we had a lot of celebrating to do!

 

 

 

 

A couple of things. Those familiar with the Superbikes section we have would recall the Cullens, two brothers that run hard. Well they are still going and are now Team Cullen. Pushing smoke up factory team arses just last weekend, they have just taken delivery of two new 08 bikes and we look forward to hearing more very soon!

 

The second thing. Take a bow Vic Cops (fuck, never thought I'd say this, but credit where it's due). Yeh, if you went ova by a little the pricks made u donate but as for looking after the riders at the Island, they were fantastic. Sensible traffic control, even a smile or 2. I dunno what they thought of the event but I didn't see a single incident. Even at and around the pubs they took a good natured approach. So, ummmmmm...........thanks.

 

Superbike World Championships............don't miss them! Now, Spain is the next round......darling.......sweetheart........boss............no........didn't think so........