Yas Marina Formula 1 Circuit - Tom Smith

Well, we're not exactly spoilt for choice for 'Great Bike Rides' here in Abu Dhabi, so don't expect very many from me.  However, we're lucky enough to have use of the Abu Dhabi formula 1 circuit once a week.  I TT-ed this in the Abu Dhabi International Triathlon in March this year, but was so fried (35 degree heat and an aero helmet is an unwise combination) that I can hardly remember anything about it.  We can now get in and ride, after signing a waiver, every Tuesday evening.  Last week it was still 35 degrees at 8:30 pm.  It's flat.  It's about 5.5 kms.  There are the required quota of turns/chicanes etc., and that's about all you can say about it.  Around 100 riders show up, of whom about half seem to be confused by the concept of 'keep right' which all adds to the fun.  My big mistake was thinking that 'if Jenson Button can take this hairpin at 50 k/h, then I won't need to braaaaa - aaaaaargh!'  Yes, those turns are sharper than they look on telly.  Hoping for podium girls and champagne tomorrow.  Dream on.