Repair report

I got the bike back last weekend after its "holiday" at ET James. Thanks to Jonathan as usual who sorted it out for me.

So, the big question...what was the problem?! After taking the carburettor apart to clean it, checking the V-Force 3 reed valve (which is a well known weak point with my model year), swapping the spark plug and cleaning out the fuel tank, the mechanics dug a little deeper to find the problem. It turned out (after taking the cover off) that the stator was covered in mud. They gave it a clean and the bike fired up nicely after that!

Thankfully a simple problem to fix, but while the bike was there I had a few other things done; a service for the electric start including replacing the bushes, re-greasing the steering head bearings and a new Michelin Enduro Competition III rear tyre for the Baja GB, where I will be riding with the #2 plate for the weekend.

The start list has been published on the All Terrain Rally Challenge website.

Coming up: Baja GB

The first weekend of May will play host to a big spectacle in Mid Wales, the return of the Baja GB to the Tarenig and Hafren forests. The last time it was held here was back in 2007 (if I remember correctly), only this time it's bigger and better. For 2015 the competitor categories have been expanded to include cars, UTVs, quads and bikes.

There will be two long special stages (one in each forest) at approximately 18 and 20 miles in length, so it's going to be a tough weekend for everyone, with an estimated total of 152 miles of timed special stages over the whole weekend.

Rally HQ will be at Sweet Lamb and it's going to be a brilliant event for all involved.

For more details on the bike category entry, visit http://allterrainrallychallenge.co.uk/baja-gb. This year there will be prize money for the overall winners of the bike category.

I can't wait to attack those specials on the little 300! Fingers crossed it will be up and running by then, as it's still being repaired after the Brechfa.

See you there for some great rally action!

Results: Brechfa Rally 2015

It was a DNF for me at the Brechfa after having problems starting on day 2, but my test times on day 1 were up in the top 5 overall so that's promising. Hopefully both the bike and I will be firing on all cylinders at Baja GB.

Here are the full results for the Brechfa Rally, download them here.

ioTube video: Brechfa Rally

On board my EXC 300, from the start of the lap to the special test and then the test itself at round one of the 2015 All Terrain Rally Challenge: