Of course GS is beatable, but not by anyone currently in DD, (Well nobody I know), unless there is someone coming in this year.
From the races I watched and those that I heard about, Geoff hasn't actually RACED yet, to him, he's led out the Intermediate group for the sighting laps on a trackday.
In this series, he's unproven at being put under real pressure. At the race at Donny, I watched second placed person, think it was Marc Potter, put him under some pressure, but then Geoff seemed to be able to put 20m on him in a lap, just as Marc got close, Geoff looked over his shoulder as if to say, 'too close mate' and upped the pace. I'm pretty sure he's been doing just enough to win and has probably never actaully had his 'race' head on. What would he be like with 4 or 5 guys around him at every corner? Up until now he has been exceptionally smooth, but that's not always possible when someone is diving under you on the brakes and nicking your line. I've heard from others that have raced with him in the past that he will up his game when challenged.
I do hope that for the sake of the championship, someone can give him a hard time, but I foresee him winning pretty much every race.
In saying that, all the novice racers are a season wiser which could count for something and many bikes may be a bit better prepared, so both of these might be worth a second a lap....still not enough to get close to Geoff.
Unless there is someone who is learning and developing as every week goes by, ie taking tenths and seconds off their times and going up the field at each meeting, then the rest of the pack will pretty much stay as they are, with a small percentage change in their times. There will be not much significant change in the order of the championship from 2005 to 2006. One exception will be Domski.
Who's in 583? Are you still there Phil or did I read you have bought a 620. If Phil is in 583, I reckon he'll win it fairly easily, if in 620, he may push Geoff if at the top of his game. I'd love to be proved wrong mind you, just cause I like the underdog. The biggest surprise last year to me was the lack of form from Domski, who, having known his CB500 times and comparing them to my own and people who won the CB5 Cup, I thought he'd be right up there winning races - he may well win a few if he's on a better bike this year and his heads in the right place.
As for hanging up your Arai or self belief being a factor to give up trying.....trust me, the guys from mid pack down will NEVER win a race, we an't all be winners, so why do they do it? All the right reasons like adreniline, fun, mates, hobby, beat the guys racing around them etc. You don't think the guys at the back of the MotoGP grid REALLY think they have a chance of beating Rossi? No. They simply don't have the skill or the bike. Sure have goals, but don't confuse them with deluded dreams. IMHO
WeeJohnyB