Gotland Grand National 2011 - The perfect start!

The conditions for the 2011 Gotland Grand National were just perfect. About +11C, some fog and just really nice. And for the first time ever my hands didn´t get cold on the transport from the service area down to the start.

Amanda Elvin, just before the start

One of the coolest things about the start is how everything goes from complete silence to an inferno of roaring motorcycles. Do take a look at the race. They did catch me preparing, and then actually taking the start:-) Me in the orange shirt, white helmet and red glasses.

So by the end of the day, how did we do? Well, my goal was two laps and I did complete them, and also my fastest laptime ever, 39 minutes. Johan Ronnestam debuting at the GGN was in it for three laps and I am so proud of this guy! A big congratulation Johan! He did start riding the mx bike for the first time one week ago... He is a winner.

Johan Ronnestam on the dirt bike

Looking forward to next year and another edition of the race!

Gotland Grand National 2011 - change of plans!

And meanwhile awaiting the start of the most gruelsome off road rally in the world; The Dakar 2012, another race; Gotland Grand National, is always a nice treat and well spent time for the weekend.

Last year was the first time for me to be back in the saddle again since 2001, and also competing with my boss from work, David Bonnier. This year however had to be changed due to the fact that some thieves came around and nicked poor David´s racing apparel... Due to this, and through coincidece , Johan Ronnestam, my old mate from way back when joined instead... And to mention the least about this guy is the fact he was on the Swedish national  Snowboard team for some five years... besides that this guy is some sort of Jesus within social media, marketing strategies and a front figure of conceptual thinking.

Let me tell you this guy is a mean machine. Though he might not be the athletic he once was, he still get a kick out of a major shot of adrenaline. And this I got to experience on Sunday when he for the first time in some 28 years or so got on a mud bike. He got control of it within a few minutes, almost beating the shit out of me within hours. Though he never did. But still close enough to be some what horrifying...

And so we will see who beats the other one tomorrow. The aim and time to be considered is 2 laps. Fastest time counts...

Best of luck Johan!
;-)