I know I'm a bit late with this but I bought a new computer on the Monday straight after CD9 that immediately shit itself as soon as I set it up. I've only now got it back so here we go.... First up I'd like to congratulate everyone who had anything to do with getting CD9 up and running. After three brilliant years at Conondale it was always going to be a difficult act to follow but I reckon the boys got it pretty right first time out. Sure, there needs to be some minor fine tuning before the next one but to pull off an event with so many logistical problems on virgin territory was a big effort.
On a personal level I'd like to thank a bunch of folks for making my weekend so brilliant. As many of you know, I've had a shitty year with health problems that almost prevented me from coming. I had a slight relapse in the preceding week trying too hard to get my Maicos ready so I was pretty spent before I even left on Friday. Thankfully I've got a pretty good bunch of mates in Klub Kevlar who went out of their way to help me with stuff I couldn't manage. I'd especially like to thank my old Kiwi mate, this forum's "Bazza" for helping me load and unload my bikes and clean up after me here at home! Bazza's battling his own recession fed business woes and a continuing shoulder problem and even though he didn't ride this year he still managed to attend his ninth CD in a row, a perfect score. I'd also like to give a big group hug to my beloved Klub Kevlar cohorts for keeping me thoroughly entertained all weekend. They might be old and ugly but they're a seriously cool bunch of 'good 'ol boys'.
* Cudos to Jonesy, Husky Pete and Doggy Digger for organising the top secret presentation to Frank Stanborough with "Franks Cranks" t shirts, stickers and limited edition posters. The old fella was in tears after he recieved the original t-shirt artwork from Roger which now has pride of place on the Stanborough living room wall. His new Mojo framed Matchless pre 65'er was well recieved as well.
* The standard bike restoration and preparation was astounding. Everywhere I looked I found new bikes that took the restoration bar to new heights. Trick bikes were everywhere but Yamaico's two forum el-cheapo specials stole the weekend. Pete's set new standards for what can be done with a shitbox for little money.
*Thanks to the forum's 'Head' for the genuine RT1-GYT manual I'd been looking for for years to match up my DT1 version and to 'Stan' for bringing me a set of Goki fork air caps for my Cheney..again, something I've been searching for for years.
There were many more highlights of my CD9 but I won't drag it out. It was great catching up with the many old friends I've made in the sport and I enjoyed meeting many new friends and putting faces to forum names. Finally, thanks to Phil and his staff at the Rydal Pub for their great hospitality and warm beds.
Bring on CD10.....I might even finally finish my Hindall for it!
