the big day arrives

I'd learned my lesson from the night before:
1) Its cold at night. Solution: Wear nearly every item of clothing I'd packed (bearing in mind the last time I'd been to Melbourne it was cold and wet - this actually meant I was suitably prepared - so thermals, wooly hat, a couple of pairs of socks, a pair of gloves meant I was thouroughly rugged up and toasty warm)
2) Its noisy in bike camp. Solution: bought earplugs during my marathon GP shopping spree the day before.
3) I wake up as soon as sunlight hits me. Solution: cover face with tshirt.

I had all the bases covered - I WAS going to get my first lie in for months. I was on holiday and nothing could stop me...

... apart from that bloke from 'Neighbours" who plays Stuart the policeman's brother who decided that 7AM was the ideal time to start practicing over the tannoy his rendition of the Aussie national anthem. Hmph. Not impressed (and neither were the other campers from the abuse that was hurled into the morning sky). Trust me when I say a Tannoy designed to let you listen to the commentry over the noise of 20 very loud bikes is a very noisy way to start the day. Especially when all he did was go 1-2-1-2-1-2-1-2-advance Australia fair 1-2-1-2-2-2 etc etc etc

Despite the rude awakening, I had actually slept really well snuggled up like a bug in a rug. camping chic! Ray on the other hand had had his third night from hell sleeping on a self inflating mattress that was not keeping any air in. After a brief search we discovered a cut the size of your fist in it - must have happened during the DIY tent fixing from his first night, as it was brand new. Out came the gaffa and job done! Shame tonight we leave the Island and return to Melbourne so he won't need to use it again :oP

Once we were up and at em it was time to hit the food stands for yet more stodge (sporting event = steak, pies, burgers, chips and beer) and then another hot and sunny day trackside.

It was the big day - with the Aussies deeply excited as one of their own (Casey Stoner) was in with a chance of taking the 250cc class title.

It was noisy, it was hectic, it was over in a flash. Rossi the GP champion, the Aussie hopes crushed after a crash early on in the 250cc class and an amazing morning of racing. I managed to fit in catching up with some of the people from Adelaide that I met up last year when I was there.

I burned (as per usual) and had the best time. Here are some random of the shots of the races, but I admit they are a bit pants as these bikes go really fast - and I was mostly not taking photos but watching it. Yay!
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Now, the views, commentry, food and seats are all better at home with the telly on watching the races, but I'd recommend going and watching it yourself. This was my first Aussie GP - and I really hope I get to go back next year too - and this time on a bike. The atmosphere was great, and I had a blast.

Pretty much straight after the races, we packed up the bike and headed back to Melbourne. After a weekend of beer and steak, we thought we'd be radical and go for a steak in the Belgium Beerhall down the road from the hostel. Hurrah!

Beer is a friend :oD

Phillip Island rocks.