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Silver Bullet is one of only a few Websites worldwide that receives Desiree Crossman`s newsy behind the MotoGP scene column (not always PC). She reports on #21 John (Hopper) Hopkin`s MotoGP exploits and her own as they travel the globe.
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Hey everyone, it’s been quite sometime since I wrote last. I believe it was right after the South African GP, and now we’re at the Catalunya GP here in Barcelona.
I’ll try to recall what’s been the latest. I’ll start off from the French GP. John and I speak nearly everyday, so I’ve been kept up to date on the latest Suzuki news. Apparently they have made some improvements this year with the bikes’ performance but it’s been a bit hazy. At the French GP, John said he felt real comfortable on the bike and things seemed to come together, but unfortunately he had the first lap tumble with Hodgson and Abe, so he was out of that race. Le Mans doesn’t seem to favour him too much 'cause last year he crashed 3 times in the rain. Maybe next year it will be better, and hopefully no broken bones to add on.
After the race, John went to London to hang out at his cousin’s house, and I was in England as well visiting friends from the paddock and hanging out with people I met before. With his thumb being broken, John was limited on activity so it was a bit frustrating for him not being able to go MX riding or ride Super Moto. He did however go down to southwest for a fishing trip to Torquay for a few days with his cousin. I guess it’s known as the British Riviera 'cause it’s supposed to be gorgeous down there. He told me the whole time he was down there, it was warm, sunny, lush, and he caught the biggest fish on the trip, so that was good. I also went down to London for a few days to hang out and celebrate his birthday with him and some family. We went out to a club in London, and although it was nice, it was too damn expensive!!! 14 GBP for 2 drinks, what a liberty! We ended up having too much fun that night, so the day of his birthday we just chilled and enjoyed the sun. We had a good time though - got to on your 21st.
I left on a Sunday and went back up to my friends while John went to Torquay. But a few days later, we met up again in Ipswich where there was a physiotherapist who works on all sorts of athletes, especially racers, when they have a break in the bones. He uses a laser which speeds up the healing process in the bone, and makes it somewhat durable again to use. Unfortunately because we didn’t know about the procedure until later in the 2 week break, John could only squeeze in one session right before he took off to Mugello. It was on a Friday and he left on the Tuesday. It helped a little, not as much as he’d like and ultimately he couldn’t take part in the Italian GP, which again, was another bummer. He said the whole time he was there; it was difficult to only be a spectator and not being able to ride. He had to sit out that race to be ready and fit for this one. It was different watching the GP on the television rather then in the pits, plus with the intense battling going on, I was biting my nails even though I wasn’t there. Mugello is such a good race to go to and see the crowds going absolutely nuts. With the rain interruption, and then the 6 lap sprint, it must have been wild. I was optimistic about who was going to win cause’ so many different riders had the potential. I tell you what though, my heart skipped a beat when I saw Shinya’s tire explode on the front straight going around 180mph. How spontaneous was that? I’m so glad he was alright, because you can consider that a freak accident and luckily he came out of it just bruised. Of course there were a few crashes here and there, a few tires bursting and whatever else that may happen, but thankfully no one was injured severely.
While the Italian GP was going on, I was in London and then flew down to Spain on Tuesday afternoon. It was cool 'cause (for those of you who are metal fans) while I was in the business lounge waiting for my flight, the band Korn was in there waiting for their flight as well down to Lisbon. I ended up chatting with one of the band mates in the lounge for a bit and he was telling me they just got done playing a big metal fest at Donington Park and they’re doing a big European tour with Metallica, Slayer, and a few others so that was cool. Never know who you’re going to run into.Now here I am at the circuit typing away trying to recap on what has been the latest. I do apologize though 'cause I know that I probably left out a few bits and pieces; it has been a while so forgive me. However, I’m here at the Catalunya GP and its good to be back to see a few faces. Besides I think the team needs some more estrogen in the garage, too many men around. J Joke.
Well then I will report tomorrow, until then……….bye for now!
Des
