Friday 30 October 2009

Thank you!

The team would like to thank everyone who helped them before, during and after the ISDE Portugal 2009 . . . .

Dusty, Dave May Miller and all those who give up their time to run the service checks, with a special mention for Jack, Vera, Ted and Daph, JLF Designs, BFS, Stowmarket Caravans, Clothing Express, Little White Van Company, Caspa, Evergreen Garage, Jim Aim Motorcycles, Cannon BMW, Poole Motorcycles, Braintree MCC, Stowmarket MCC, Ipswich MCC, Woodbridge MCC, Diss MCC . . . and finally Figueria da Foz Hospital.

Day 6

The sixth and final day dawns. Typically in the six days there's a short loop of about 20km, however today the riders had 90km and a service check before they reached the impressive Augeda Motocross Circuit, home of the Grand Prix of Portugal.

The final 90km wasn't an easy ride, with the riders having to push on in the dust to ensure they made the time controls without penalties.

Julian stopped to help a fallen rider and was 1 minute late into the first time control (this minute was later credited back to him) unfortunately he was so angry about losing the first minute he checked into the final time control on time, a silly error for such an experienced Enduro rider meaning he gained another minute penalty as he should have stayed one minute late. Most importantly rider and machine made it to the GP circuit!

James arrived at Augeda with no problems.

Today was to be one of the hottest days so far, with both Julian and James racing near the end of the day, they had to control the nerves and stay out of the sun for most of the day!

Finally their races came, a sighting lap and the gate dropped . . . first to see the chequered flag was Julian and as Gordon Ramsey would say 6 Days DONE!!

James carried on racing until the end with a battle with fellow Brit Derek Little . . . James then saw the chequered flag too!

Congratulations to both Julian and James who finished one of the worlds toughest competitions!!

James finished 14th in class, 3rd Brit.

Julian finished 32nd in class, 4th Brit.

Day 6 in Pictures





























Day 5 in Pictures

















Day 5

Day 5 is a tough day for body and spirit, so near yet so far away from finishing. James and Julian both finished Day 5 with no problems.

James was 3rd Brit in his class today, finishing 20th overall in class. Over the 5 days James stands 3rd Brit in class 14th overall, a fantastic result going into the 6th and final day.

Julian once again had good day, 7th Brit in class and 41st overall. Over the 5 days Julian stands 4th Brit in class and 34th overall. The first Brit in this class is Andrew Edwards in 18th place.

The third team member was enjoying the Portuguese hospital food (and nurses)!

The picture show, service checks, time controls and tyre changing and the end of the day.

Friday 16 October 2009

Day 4

Day 4 was a tough day with a lot of the British Team suffering with dehydration, the weather has been in the high twenties all week.

James and Julian both had really good days finish very well in the respective classes; James 14th and Julian 33rd.

Day 3


Day 3 saw the end of the team's assult in the six days. After an excellent start on the tests by all three of the team, James Yearley had a bad crash on the second test.


James was qucikly transported to Fig. da Foz hospital and within 3 hours was in the operating theatre.


Julian and James Jackman both finished the day mving up positions in their respective classes. It was a tough day today!