A Sad Day at the Track

Usually, the atmosphere at a track day at Barbagallo is electric. Everyone's buzzing, bikes are being taped up, people walking around in leathers, talking about tyre pressures, racing lines, new additions to their bikes. Sunday started like that, however it did not finish that way...

Robin was riding at the Trakdayz course in group 3, a ticket he picked up last minute. He had all the camera gear set up on the bike and he had been preparing for it for days. I was taking photographs for the first time, had the hat on, the 75-300mm lens, access to the track. It was interesting being in there amongst the noise rather than making it. Even more interesting was how hard it was to take good photos with a Digital SLR camera.




Unfortunately the day ended around lunchtime when the news had broken that two riders in Level 1 had an incident in turn 1. One rider on a Ducati (Carl) had crashed in the corner, and another on an R1 (Chris) who had been following had ridden into the crashed rider. The Ducati rider then passed away at the track later in the day, as a result of a heart attack. This tragic accident had stunned all riders and spectactors.

As my friend Stephan said;

I hope the roads are long and twisty for you in heaven... I bet there was a Duc warmed up at the pearly gates for you.

Rest In Peace Carl.

Now *this* is Christmas

As Robin has said to me a few times over the last few days, it has been the best Christmas ever. I'm finding it hard to disagree, as we've been having a great time over the last week.

Christmas Eve was spent helping mum out in the kitchen, cooking, preparing food and generally spending time with mum. Robin came over later in the day once dad was home from work and we started eating the traditional Polish dinner at around 5 o'clock.

There was pierogi (cabbage or potato and cheese filled dumplings), herrings in onion and white wine, horseradish and beetroot creme, baked fish, fruit compote, wine, vodka and much merriment. We ate and ate and ate, with vodka shots in between (you can't fly on ONE wing).

After the main meal I was nominated as Santa and was giving out presents. This year I got a digital photo frame (thanks Robin), a cute FCUK tee, some Mossimo jarmies, more Dior, a Live clothing voucher and lots of chocolates.

We all went to bed pretty drunk, but woke up and I was hungry again. It was a champagne breakfast and mum put on a pretty good meal. Polish saugage plus all the rest from the night before.

Later in the day we visited Robin's mum. It was bloody hot on the drive there and back, but worth catching up with them, seeing some baby photos as well...! The rest of the day was spent chilling out, and last minute a few of the bike crew headed to the beach for a swim, then watched the sun set over the ocean. An excellent end to a stinkin' hot day!

Boxing Day was spent heading into Fremantle to do some *very* last minute shopping, and dinner with some old mates at The Royal. Ben, Julz, Andrew; all who I hadn't seen in ages. And yes, I'm wearing a dress! HOMG!

Me and Julz

Ben and Me

Me and AndrewRobin and Rich

Daft Punk - Nevereverland

Now, not often do you get big name bands, acts or groups coming to Perth. But summer is nigh and they're finally starting to make appearances.

Daft Punk played on Sunday night as a part of the Nevereverland tour. Last week Robin and I had thought about going, but with tickets at almost $135 each, that's a lot to pay for one group. The rest of the line-up for the tour (to me) were no-names.

Later in the week we saw the stage go up on The Esplanade, and thought "we could just rock up on the bike and watch from there"... and so we did. We saw Daft Punk from across the road in full view, full noise, full light, full boar and for free!

Robin and I parking up near the foreshore

They emerge on stage

Our view

The set was from Alive 2007 (which I had acquired previously) and they really DO put on a show. There I was, on the Swan River foreshore dancing my little unfit heart away, rocking my socks, jocks and everything in between screaming out "TELEVISION.... RULES THE NATION!"

I was buzzing for hours!

Baker Hughes Christmas Party

Friday was the Baker Hughes Christmas Party. I was invited by Robin and was excited to actually go to someone else's work Christmas Party as my own one I would have to pay for :P

We booked into the Sheraton Hotel where the event was staged, then proceeded down to the foyer where we were greeted with beers and wine (yes please) and mingled with Robin's workmates; a couple I recognised. It was then into the ballroom where crackers were popped and wine was sipped. We had a good table, in the corner of the room, not too far from the food, not in front of the speakers, just right. Tucked away. The food was a buffet (all you can put away) but for once I didn't take it as a challenge. Prawns, oysters, hams, turkey, chicken, fish, pork, beef, salads, pastas... Oh and the little cakes!

Matt offering "Free Mustache Rides"

We're lookin' hawt!

The band

The night wasn't a long one, but we ate and drank and danced then kicked back in the hotel room, checking out the view from the 18th floor.

Symphony in the City

Tonite I went to Symphony in the City with the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO).
Originally I heard about it from via Julz and a few of us were meant to go... So I dragged Robin to come with me. None of the original members were to be found, so we ended up going ourselves. We had a terrific night.

Pieces to note included Beethoven's 5th Symphony, Puccini's La Boheme, Wagner's The Ride of the Valkyries and Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. With cannon's a-firing and Swan Bells a-ringing, it was truly a sensation!

Gathering earlier in the day before sunset

Cheeeeeeeese!Once the sun had dipped

Best of all, it was a free event! After the set, the crowd cheered on for 3 encores including the Can-can.

Look Out! She's Armed with License!

***NEWS FLASH***

I've literally just gotten home from another awesome day at Wanneroo Raceway. But why is today more awesome than any other day? Because today I got my Race License! This means I can participate on my R1 in Clubman or Superstock, or even in the Formula Two with the 400.

I couldn't have done it without the help of my favourite pit-bitch Robin, who ended up kindly helping out all the fellow riders near my bay with their paddock stands. He also gave me lots of support during sessions and even let me have a nap on the grass after lunch on his beach towel. It was a good idea to have a nap as I was fresh for the next two sessions; the ones I would be graded on.

During the day I was running consistent 73-73 second laps, with a few consecutive 71's. In all I was feeling good, but not till later in the day when I had loosened up, had lunch and most importantly - had a nap!

Thanks again Robin, you're a star =)

Race number to be announced as I need to fill out some more paperwork.

YEY!!!
I'm a racer girl!

EDIT: Photos now added courtesy of Mags @ Checkered Flag Photography

How to Save the Environment

Reduce carbon emissions.

Walk to the pub.

Brisvegas - Two Weeks Running

Brisbane; twice in one week. Last week I passed through Brisbane on my way to Townsville.

As I've said before, conferences mean more time off work! This time, I was at an Automation in Mining conference held by the Australian Journal of Mining. I've been staying at the Novotel enjoying the views of the CBD from the 12th floor, sipping on CC and dry, watching the LCD TV.

I've been in Brisbane since Monday. I flew in from Perth in the afternoon, checked in and went straight into a conference workshop. From there I grabbed the camera and took a walk around the city. Of course, you can't be a real tourist without grabbing a CBD and *still* getting lost!

I can see why they call it Brisvegas, even on a Monday night there's people everywhere, music, dancing, food, wine, clubs, pubs... A very lively city even on school nights.

On all three nights so far, I've adventured into the CBD for food. I'm not one to eat in hotels as such so I made it my mission to find some good food. Monday night was the Embassy Hotel, Tuesday night was the Belgian Beer Cafe Brussels, and tonite was Wagamama.

I was armed with a camera too...

Sunset from the Novotel

On the River Foreshore, the Story Bridge

Queen Street Mall

At the Botanic Gardens

Brisbane Popo

Arty stuff all around the city

From the River Boardwalk

It's back on the plane to Perth tomorrow morning, but Brisbane is the kind of city I'd like to visit again, and then drive up the coast to check out more coastal cities.