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Josh McGrath in New Zealand.
Tue 20 Dec 2011
Young Josh McGrath is a rider on the move. Former Australian Junior Dirt Track Champion has been Road Racing now for a few years and has provided his race report from his latest trip across to New Zealand. Josh writes:Manfeild raceway held the second round of the Suzuki international tri-series on the 17th and 18th of December. Friday morning started off wet but dried up and the sun came out to what was to be a perfect day. My time at the end of practise was 0.1 of a second off where I was last time with a 1.10.5. Saturday morning didn’t look to good with strong winds and clouds over head. F1 superbike class I qualified 12th and F2 600 I qualified 5th. With the weather getting worse as the first race approached on the out lap of the first F1 superbike race it started raining. On the first lap of the race I pulled into the pits cause it just wasn’t worth sticking my neck out for nothing and the race was red flagged 2 laps later anyway. The race was going to be a full restart and from what we could see it wasn’t going to dry up anytime soon, anyway that’s what we thought. With the full wets on we headed back out, the first half of the track was completely wet and the second half of the track was bone dry. During the race I got up to 6th place but the track had dried out and my tires were shredded to pieces so I pulled in. in the first 600 race I was in 4th than got pushed back into 5th than the race was red flagged due to Travis Merkel wanting to go have a play in the sand trap at Dunlop. In the second superbike race I just went out and practise some things I had thought about in the pits after the 600 race. In the second 600 race the stuff I had practised in the superbike race payed off because I wasn’t to far off the front runners and dropped 2 seconds with a time of 1.07.8 which I was happy with only 1.5secs off the fastest time of the weekend. Overall it was a good weekend and a good warm up for the nationals in January, See ya there! lap of Hampton downs. Down the straight at 244kph looking for the start/finish line. When I get to the start/finish line I back it down 3 gears and tip into the big right hand plunge downhill. As I’m tipping into turn 1 I look over the top of the pit wall and looking for the end of it. When the end of the pit wall disappears behind the wall, I’m heading towards the ripple strip on the inside of the track for my apex. When I hit the ripple its hard on the gas heading right out to the white line clicking up 2 gears and down to turn 2. When I hit the wheel spin lines from cars doing burnouts I break and knock it down 2 gears and tip right looking for the inside ripple. When I hit the inside ripple I slingshot out for the flip over to the left hand side of the tire over the crest of turn 3 making sure not to run to wide on the exit as it can get pretty nasty out there. On the throttle hard running right out to the white line clicking a gear and then getting back to the left hand side of the track for the right hand hair pin. When my knee runs over the top of the ripple I stand the bike up and twist the throttle until it can be twisted no more and head up the hill towards barrel 51. Clicking up 2 gears and then backing it in over the top of the crest and down the left hand drop into the barrel looking for the inside ripple. Once I hit my apex I stand the bike up onto the fat part of the tire and give it some down the straight into the last corner. Breaking at the first breaking bump I click it up a gear and start heading right towards the inside of the track to hit the first apex. Leaning it right over elbow almost on the ground I drift out about 2 meters and look back through the corner to the big sign on the outside of the track. winding the throttle back on and coming back towards the inside of the track I run my knee over the grass and wind the throttle right open for the big run to the finish line. Lap of Manfeild Down the straight I break at the end of the pit wall and tip it in for the right hand hairpin. Hitting the inside ripple I stand the bike up and its full gas runn

My Surgeons, My Heroes.
Fri 16 Dec 2011
On many occassions I have had plenty of opportunities to thank those that have contributed to success on many different levels over many years. This one I owe to Dr Ed Bateman for rebuilding my left shoulder, whom I only met through Darrell McLellan, but has done such a fantastic job on my shoulder, I could not have asked for a better christmas present. The other thank you goes to Prof Leo Pincewski for my knee rebuild. A few years ago, Johnny Munroe, the famous Johnny Munroe from Mulbring to I might ad, suggested that if I should need to have anything done on my knees, Dr Leo is THE MAN. Nobody else was going to get the job and I know it will be stronger than my good knee. Im not sure if these two men will ever read this but from every live cell in my body, thankyou and Merry Christmas to you both!

Healing like an Old Fart.
Tue 13 Dec 2011
With christmas just around the corner and the holiday season about to begin, I thought I would be enjoying a fair amount of sunshine while my injuries begin to heal. I dont mind the rain to be honest as I cant do anything anyway but what is going on with this weather, its supposed to be summer? Injuries arent fun and suddenly you begin to realise how things slow down when we get older, and determination doesnt help the healing process, so with that in mind, watching movies and reading books has taken on a new dimension. I have had my physio therapists threaten to head butt me a few times, but thats about the extent of getting outdoors at the moment. Only 6 weeks to go on the crutches now and my shoulder has made vast improvements over the last week with some strengthening exercises now beginning, im able to smile at least. Anyway, its ice time. Have a great Christams and roll on December 31st.

SA Long track Championships!
Tue 13 Dec 2011
Northern Track Promotions has today confirmed PLM Global Management, who specialise in overseas freight to and from Europe, the UK and USA, will be the major sponsor of the South Australian Long Track Championships at Dutton Raceway, Kapunda on Sunday, 22 January 2012. As a result of this sponsorship, and agreements already in place with Specialised Tyres, CBS Temporary Fencing, BBS Bins, Paintmaster SA, Action Linemarking, Prime, SA Quality home Improvements, Mantina Quarries, North East Isuzu and Coates Hire Nuriootpa, Northern Track Promotions are considerably increasing the prize money at Kapunda. The Long Track Sidecar class has been doubled to be $2000 to win, with prize money paid down to fourth place; the Long Track Solo class has been increased to $1500 to win and paid down to fourth, and the Speedway Solo class has gone from $600 to win up to $1000 and paid down to fourth. All other classes have also had increases which will make the South Australian Long Track Championships one of the highest paying long track events in Australia. NTP directors Neil Burston and Geoff Brown said: “instead of keeping the extra money we are sharing it amongst the riders, so hopefully they will support the event which will ensure we can continue stage future events at this venue”. In another development, Burston and Brown have been involved in lengthy discussions with the Kapunda Harness Racing Club and, after providing reassurances that track damage will be minimal, knobbly type tyres will now be permitted on the front wheel only on MX solo type machines which removes the necessity to buy and fit a special front tyre. Knobbly tyres are still not permitted on the rear wheel of any machine. Burston and Brown said this should make for safer racing in the MX type machine classes as the riders will be using a front tyre that they are familiar with the grip capabilities.

Fri 2 Dec 2011
Through some fitness magazines I read, I came across this great offer that has been the latest revolution in training equipment. Leading trainers in America utilise this system with Elite Motocross riders and at Rebel Sport it costs $250, but on targetlife.com.au you can get the system for just $99. No, I dont get any kickbacks but well worth having a look. BSS – Body Suspension System Your Workout in a Bag............ Train Anywhere - Train Anyone The BSS is your complete workout in a bag. For decades gymnasts have recognised the value of using their body weight in conjunction with apparatus to develop incredible strength & physique….in particular the roman rings typically a male apparatus. Females can now discover the incredible gains in strength that have been the domain of males for so many decades through the use of the BSS adapted from this incredible gymnastic apparatus. Age is no barrier & once you have your own system you will always have your strength workout system with you even when you travel. Don’t’ leave home without it…….. Our exercise science team has developed a 5 level system that allows you to start at a preliminary level (level 1) and take you right through to level 5 that many athletes would find challenging.Of course you are not restricted to the exercises developed within this 5 level system as you begin to explore the world of exercise variation that we will release through YouTube. So you will never get bored as you continue to gain incredible strength & a well defined body.

Tracks closing in Queensland!!
Thu 1 Dec 2011
Matt Groves writes on whats going on up in Sunny Queensland and this isnt good news. A quick history lesson. Mike Hatcher opened in 83 some of the riders that grew up racing there include Mick Doohan 5 time world champ, Darryl Beattie 2nd world title, Casey Stoner 2 time world champ, Ant West motogp racer, Chris Vermulan supersport world champ 2nd superbike world title, Darcy Ward 2xu/21 world champ speedway, Jason Crump 3x world speedway champ. Reedy Creek been open for 30 yrs. When opened was given a 99 yr lease. Has produced such champs as Karl Muggeridge supersport world champ, Takashi Katsuya japan national champ, Chris Urquhart 1 of the highest level coaches in oz. Stanmore has also been opened 30 years and produced 1 of the best motox riders to come out of oz in Andrew Mcfarlane may his soul rest in peace the whole moto world misses you mate. There are also many national champions to come from these tracks. Without them where do our next lot of champions come from? Some of my facts might be a bit off but you get my point. I will close in saying do something Ron Clarke and if you see him in the street punch him in the nose for me and 1000s of other bike riders out there.

Motorcycle Show at Darling Harbour.
Sun 27 Nov 2011
Myself and Trevor Harvey attended the Australian Motorcycle show on our way over to the Night of Champions on Saturday. It blew me away once we made our way inside to see such an awesome display and so many star riders wandering around, shaking hands and signing autographs. Shame this is only on every 2 years, I cant wait for the next exhibition. Catching up with Stephen Gall, Ben Grabham, meeting Brad Williscroft, Toby Price and Jarrod Bewley was great. Also catching up with Troy Herfoss and Shaun Giles was fantastic. Seeing and watching these former Dirt Trackers and reading while their careers unfold is inspiring to say the least. I talked to Grabbo,Wonka, Troy and Gilesy about doing some fun meetings on the Dirt, spoke of what carnage it would be on the track and had a great laugh. Meeting up with Mr Johnny Wilson from Honda MPE was also a highlight as we spoke of coaching the next generation and 2012. Next year will be a great for Honda, and from conversations at the show I am excited as well. Coming home with a few DVDs from Duke videos means Sunday will be an ironing day while I watch some old school Supercross on the box and rest up my fairly crook right knee. I will save the best till last and shaking Vincent Tesorieros hand was nice. He was our Procycles Dad when I was an out of control, or on the way to out of control teenager. We all looked up to Vincent as a Dad to the riders on the Triple M Procycles Team. If only I could turn back time now, things would be extremely different in the industry for me personally. But, life is like that and with a smile we said goodbye and headed on over to Penrith. What a show and see you all at the next one!

MNSW Night of Champions.
Sun 27 Nov 2011
The annual night of champions at the Penrith Panthers was again a truly great night. I sat at a table with Matt and Brett Boyds family and once we worked out and relived some of my christmas party bug eating entertainment tricks, we laughed and enjoyed the presentations. Hosted by Ken Sutcliffe, Lawson Walters acceptance speech brought the house down, with a simple Gee, thanks for that Kenny, Ken himself unable to contain his laughter! From every discipline, all the champions that made the attempt to get to Penrith made the evening what it is, a time for the young champions to accept what they work so hard for. Thank you to MNSW for inviting me down and Trevor Harvey for the company. Thanks Boydy for the laughs and it is true, preymantis do not taste like chicken. Congratulations to all the riders, well done.

Chris Watson, Hall of Fame!
Sun 27 Nov 2011
Congratulations Chris on being inducted into the Australian Motorcycling Hall of Fame. Your record within this country will never be eclipsed, or if it is I doubt whether we will see it in this lifetime. I wished I was there to witness the occassion, but you heard my excitement on the phone and well deserved mate, congratulations from all of Dirt Track.

Motovation DVD.
Sun 27 Nov 2011
Trying to find inspiration to continue in this sport at times can be challenging in itself, let alone putting on the runners and hitting the pavement for 2 hours or hitting the indoor wind trainer for a couple of hours can drive you crazy. With a little time on my side, I found allot of inspiration and compiled it all into a DVD with my friends at the DVD Movie House down at High Street Maitland. There isnt anything John or his team cannot achieve with a DVD and this footage goes for around 2-3 hours. Footage of Chad Reed and Ricky Carmichael into it while practising together. Americas fastest 11 year old practising and practising bloody hard, what Carmichael went through to make it to be the GOAT. Elite athletes training extremely hard and inspiring talks from athletes and personal trainers on what it takes to go to the next level or jump up 5 more levels. There is a tribute to Chad Reed in there as well, watching him do his stuff, on a track alone with great music pumping is really chilling stuff. $20 is all for this DVD that the Elite riders watched and went to another level at the AIS. There only complaint is why didnt they watch it on day 1!

ADB awards on tonight!
Fri 25 Nov 2011
The ADB awards are on again, in conjunction with the Sydney Motorcycle Show at Darling Harbour. Myself and Trev Harvey will make our way to Darling Harbour tomorrow but I have heard through the grape vine that Legend Dirt Track and Long Track Champion, Chris Watson had to make an appearance at the prestigous awards night. Through the day Chris will be found at Darling Harbour and could be in any of the displays as the number 1 off road dealer in the country. I really hope Wato receives an honour for his contribution to not only the competition and years of committment but for his contribution to the racing community in general. From the Tin Shed to the New Harley Shop, Chris has forged his business on hard work and being the first person there almost every day. His father George once said, "sitting on the lounge wont make you rich". For as long as I can remember Chris was nearly almost the first gone from meetings to endure the long drive home for work on Monday morning whether it be in Queensland or Victoria. I dont have to kiss Watos arse, we have a mutual respect as competitors and have known one another since small kids watching our Dads do it. Good luck mate and hopefully ADB will honour someone in Dirt Track, no better place to start than the very best that has ever been!!

Winners are always Grinners, and 2nd, well .......
Tue 22 Nov 2011
Someone once said to me after an Australian Championship "2nd place is the first loser", remember that do you? With that out of the way the recently conducted NSW Long Track Championship was conducted by the Tamworth MCC and from all reports the racing was great, the crowd was small, weather was hot but most had a great time. Sean McLellan entered his first Championship as a senior and walked away with the U19s and the Pro Lites, the only thing preventing him from collecting a triple was a bent selector fork on Tim Heffernans rocket 250 2 stroke, keeping the machine from selecting 5th gear, that was the result from the nasty over the fence crash at Muswellbrook earlier in the year. Im sure that will be taken care of before 2012. Jace Castles capped off a great year collecting both the Pro Open and MX Open Titles, taking his tally to 2 Nationals and 8 state titles for the year. Great effort Jace, well done.The Dirt Track sidecars again was all Corey and Tom Banks with the brother combo collecting everything that came their way throughout 2012. The Long Track sidecars belonged to James Hinton and Jack Summerling with allot of top boys absent from the FIM World Title and some big meetings in Queensland of late.500cc Long Track sliders went home with Kozza Smith after a come from behind charge, out deep in the dirt that had him win by 50 metres when he crossed the line. And a quote from my mate Harvs race report. "It has been 25 years since I have raced dirt track sidecars - this was my 2nd meeting - Canberra in August . Just before the repercharge - we all went & had a shake of hands & a big hug for top " sheila " passenger & mate Sarah Huie . I reckon this mateship that I have seen since I started racing outfits in 1982 is something really special . We all seem to get on so well & support each other".

2 x 5 hour log book sessions, great day!!
Sun 20 Nov 2011
I do enjoy helping and working in with MNSW, even though at times I am rather critical of how things turn out. I consider Daniel Gatt someone I can talk to about anything, although Ange gives me hell at times. Conducting the 5 hour days for not only MNSW but for the kids has been fun over the last 5 years. This one at Somersby was hot, real hot at 36 degrees, no shade and 2 sessions in the day starting at 7 30am. No bikes were started before time so dont worry about ringing the council or the EPA. All the riders loved the day and had fun, how its supposed to be and naturally we covered all things dirt track, including a few items some riders and parents were not aware of. This was the end of the season for most riders, so I hope they take things on board over the break and begin 2012 on the front foot. Thanks again to MNSW for trusting me to deliver the coaching days on their behalf and to the Somersby members for the support and fun day! Now we begin the train on squad for 2012!

Cleaning the place up!!
Sat 19 Nov 2011
Motorcycle competition has always been a cheap form of entertainment for those that enjoy watching the best riders display their talent and finely crafted skills. What they see is the end product of years of development, practising, training, sacrifice and committment from the riders who, at the end of the day, reap the rewards of their hard work. But, sadly its not like it used to be, costs have escalated through private promoters having to cover their costs and the sport itself from within the confines of the race arena can at times be down right ugly. Its time the governing bodies stood up and cleaned the place out. The stewards also have the power to cut licenses in half on the spot and issue bans appropriate to the actions to those that are out of control, but they wont do it. Its not just on the track, its in the car parks and sadly nothing gets done about it while the sport crumbles. There isnt any need for questionaires, just simply the authorities need to take a stand like they did at the football games and athletics and start getting rid of those that display un-sportsman like behaviour, and not restrict it to the track! Sunday I will be addressing the issues at the MNSW 5 hour coaching day, then from next week I will be in meetings for most of the week where hopefully someone will listen. Lets hope because it cant get much worse than it already is!

Mountain Bike Fitness Tours!
Sat 19 Nov 2011
I will be expanding the coaching business into more off bike type coaching and fitness develpoment throughout 2012. Beginning in January will be Mountain Bike Fitness and recreational ride Tours that will go anywhere throughout the east coast of Australia. Armed with 12 quality mountain bikes and all the spares needed, mountain biking has been an integral element of many top riders throughout the world. Its low impact, fun and safe and some of the views and scenery along the trails is simply incredible. Some of the camps can be a stay over like at Dooralong Lodge, Gloucester or the Barrington regions, but it wont be restricted to just one area. The beauty of it all will be a great way to enjoy getting out and getting fit, at the same time costing buggar all. Hopefully by next week, the deal will be finalised and facebook page up and running. 2012 is set to be a great year, with 45 acres just been offered for coaching purposes, things might be busy!!

Mark Wilkinson
Tue 15 Nov 2011
2 years ago Mark attended the AIS for the first time. What he learned from that experience he transformed his own racing into one of the more noticeable 600s at the ASBK rounds. Very professional in his approach on and off the bike and when it comes time to dig deep, when the lactic acid burns through your veins, no one digs like Wilko. Just like this year when 2 weeks before Mark suffered a huge off that resulted in cracked vertebrae in his lower back and extremely bad bruising around the hip area. By camps end, Mark gained most of his mobility and looking forward to next years camp champ eh!

Nathan Houterman
Tue 15 Nov 2011
"No one knows my body like me, I just need 5 minutes sleep"! All the athletes get tired and some find ways to bring on a second wind but Hooters wont live this one down.A great runner and committed to wanting to improve but when you find a way to accept the things that you arent good at champ, and work on those, you will improve out of site. Looking forward to catching up next year mate, what was the final count. I think it was 260 push ups. With 12 months to go, Im sure you can perfect the technique and knock em out in no time! Still, so young and pushing a big 1000, I take my hate off to you mate, thats hero stuff!

Josh Mcgrath
Tue 15 Nov 2011
Ive known Josh for years now and he would have the most international experience of all the riders, at a ripe old age of 15! Just home from New Zealand and before that Spain, this time has given Josh plenty of time to mature into a fine work horse that will take him to the top if he continues to work hard. Loved the mountain bike rides and never too far from the front during any physical sessions. Joshs Muscular Endurance would have to be up there with the best that I have seen, and still so young, which I believe has set this group apart from others, as well as their maturity. Great to catch up again Josh!

Mitch Levy
Tue 15 Nov 2011
Mitch Levy is one funny young man. Last year he was the groups Carl Barron, this year would be no different, however he arrived more determined and fitter from last year after seeking the support of a personal trainer to compete in this years 125GP Championship. Mitch was blindingly fast during qualifying at Eastern Creek, only to have his machine misteriously break down while going to the line for his first race on Sunday. After that, bad luck plagued his day. Also a great dirt tracker, but most importantly just committed and dedicated to be the best he can be, during the camp, Mitch would always be found up the front when the going got tough late into the sessions.Well done mate, see you in 2012!

Michael Lockhart.
Tue 15 Nov 2011
I first met Michael at Eastern Creek Raceway on my way to the AIS. His Mum informed me that he would get allot out of the week as he has never done any training prior to the camp! I was thinking this will be interesting, but also he throws a 600 supersport around with ease, so Michael would be carrying some fitness. I would say he was an asset to the camp for someone so young. Throughout the lectures taking in all the information and always asking for answers to areas he wasnt too sure of. Always pushing himself to the limits when asked until his mountain bike excursion had his leg looking like a one chomp shark bite from the teeth of the front sprocket. Still not one to give up, after 2 days of taking it easy, he was back into it again. Awesome kid, big future!!

Brayden Elliott
Mon 14 Nov 2011
Brayden Elliott is lucky to be even here let alone enjoy the week we had at the AIS. Brayden experienced a real nasty accident some years ago at 9 years of age at Cowra, but this hard working,dedicated charger refuses to accept that nothing is impossible. He has worked his but off during the last 12 months and his results from the AIS proves he is as fit as anyone in any discipline in Motorcycling throughout Australia. Great work Brayden and see you next year champ, obviously I will see you before but great work, congratulations champ.

Lachlan Kavney.
Fri 11 Nov 2011
Never met Lachlan before this camp and I swear we have all known him for years. One of the nicet young guys Ive ever met, polite, bloody fit, extremely determined and what he lacks in height, most certainly makes up for it with his heart, whether its helping another athlete or peddling or paddling on machines that are just to big for his tiny frame. I would recommend this young man for anything. Racing or life, he is just an asset and thanks mate for all your effort! You are what we all need to be, everyday!

Corey Snowsill.
Fri 11 Nov 2011
Most 16 year olds live normal lives, play footy, maybe enjoy a 125,250 or 450, not Corey Snowsill. At an age not able to have a license to drive or ride on our roads, Corey takes a 1000cc Super bike and hurls it around Road Race circuits at ridiculous speeds, with crazy horsepower underneath his extremely lean and fit structure.His determination on the bike shows as he leads from the front throughout most challenges from the beep test, to encouraging all his mates in the deep stages of the exercise sessions. Outstanding performance and he has my upmost respect and support.

Ryan Douglas.
Thu 10 Nov 2011
I met Flying Ryan when he was around 11 years old at one of my coaching days at North Brisbane or Hatchers. He wasnt sure what he wanted to do, and here he is at the AIS after beginning training only a few months ago. Ryan has been given an oppportunity of a life time with Ivor Harm, who also provided Darcy Ward with his speedway opening ride. Ryan has the discipline, a great personality and now the tools to go as far as his eyes and mind will take him. Awesome having you at the AIS and thanks mate for digging so deep when I know how much it was hurting. Victory is forever, pain is only temporary champ!

Michael Blair.
Thu 10 Nov 2011
I have worked with Michael during his preparation for some of his Dirt Track championships while operating at the complex. Michael's Dad, Matt was a former Ducati and Suzuki Factory Champion Road racer, although extremely humble,Matt would be one of Australias finest ambassadors and competitors ever. Michael is well and truly following in his Dads footsteps as he works hard on and off the bike. Awesome effort at the AIS even when the going got tuff and that was every day from 6am! This kid is going places.

Almost done at the AIS.
Thu 10 Nov 2011
All good things must come to an end and it will be mixed emotions tomorrow afternoon when we all bid farewell to what I believe has been one of the best camps I have seen. If I had to give an award for overall performance, it would go to all 10 riders. Same for behaviour, respect, attention, learning, enthusiasm, committment and 110% effort.Dan McKenzie and myself have worked well together and provided plenty of open learning for the group, each rider has openly expressed how impressed they have felt from the camp. Some of the subjects are not easy to comprehend with complex charts and information in regards to the yearly training plan. But, over many months of studying and completing many yearly plans in many different ways myself,finally the riders were all able to complete their own plan, something that has taken some riders over 2 years just to understand maybe half the information. Watching them paddle Kayaks across Lake Ginnenderra in a howling cross wind, then up, and back, then across, and down only to turn around and then come back again. Even fatigued when finished only to have them ask with a smile "whats next". All this after a massive workout at 6am this morning which included 144 burpees, 144 push ups, 144 situps in 31 minutes followed by an abdominal core moto which has lactic acid burning like fire deep within the abdominal muscles! I could go on and on, these kids are worth so much praise. They have extended themselves beyond words and simply congratulations.

2012 Elite Riders lead the way at AIS!
Tue 8 Nov 2011
The Motorcycling Australia Elite Rider Camp for Dirt track, Speedway and Road race competitors began on Monday, 7th November at the Institute of Sport, Canberra. For 2012 the camp participants would see a reduction in numbers but extended to take on the full 5 days, also the selection process carefully scrutinised, making sure the Elite participants would be in the best possible position to maximise their time in this world class facility. The results and expectations from each candidate have been exceeded at the completion of day 2, with the group collecting one of the highest averages in the beep test and Anthropometry. Each athlete has a smile on their face at the beginning of each day that lasts until their weary bodies finally call it a day; the group have bonded incredibly, making the job for coaches Paul Caslick and Dan McKenzie and MA Development officer, Laurence Miller even easier. Day 1 began with the Tour of the AIS followed by the fitness testing and then straight into the freezing cold plunge pool, where some of the athletes had their first experience in the dreaded cold water. Nutrition lectures, public speaking, dealing with the media and strength and conditioning principals rounded out the day. Day 2 got under way, and the realisation that this was to be no picnic began to set in as the athletes were put through a training session on the outdoor synthetic oval utilising some old tyres and early morning motivation, followed by a nice stretching session lead by Dan McKenzie. Recovery, strength and conditioning planning lectures, backed up by a weights and core session in the best gym in the Southern Hemisphere. After lunch, storm clouds began to roll in as the athletes prepared to embark on the first of 2 mountain bike rides through the Bruce trails. Just as the riders put on their helmets, the sky opened up and drenched all of Canberra for the next 2 hours, making the bush tracks tricky to negotiate. Still, every participant returned with a smile from ear to ear, with only a few scratches and abrasions that required some cleaning and dressing. Back to the recovery centre for an AIS controlled contrasting water therapy session, followed by a visit from Cassons, Daniel Timbs to speak with the riders on Resume writing. Daniel is the state sales manager for one of the biggest motorcycle accessory distributors and the riders were extremely appreciative of what they learned from someone who works within the industry, openly sharing his knowledge for their benefit. Some much needed nutrients were then consumed only to be head down once again, learning part 1 of yearly planning. With day 2 almost done, these dedicated athletes wanted more and headed over to complete day 2 with a wrestling competition and some more core exercises. Day 3 is yet to dawn on us, but 6am will have the group back into another early session in the pool. Stay tuned........

Formula Extreme at Eastern Creek.
Mon 7 Nov 2011
I called in yesterday to the Eastern Creek Raceway, on our way to the AIS where I was to meet Michael Blair and Cory Snowsill, two of the successful applicants for the 2012 Elite rider camp. This would be my first "official" Road Race event, so I was excited to see what it was like. The atmosphere at this event was fantastic, everybody with smiles on their faces, all parked in garages away from the hot sun. The speed blew me away and the 600s or 1000s hadnt even hit the track, this was just the 250 Moriwakis, which is a purpose built chassis with a CRF250 engine fitted. You think you have gearing troubles on dirt track, try 18/31 on a 250! To the rear of the 250s and 125GP machines were the 12 riders in the SuperMono class. Now you dont hear a great deal about this class, and with a brand new 450 Yamaha up for grabs, its no wonder.Grant Hay won the day, and mate, he can push his 450 around the Creek as fast as anyone! Former Dirt Track riders filled the pit area from Kevin Curtain and Rick Olsen on the factory Yamahas, Glenn Scott, Zach Thackeray, Michael Blair, Mitch Levy, Josh Hook, Zac Levy, Joel Muddle and multi skilled Phil Lovett who can ride the wheels off any motorcycle.There were many more riders but at this point, they stick in my memory. Glenn Scott was with his new team for this event and last year at the AIS Elite rider camp, Glenn really shone with his overall fitness and committment to make it in Road Racing, already a former Australian representative and former Australian 125GP champion, he was to win all 3 rides on Sunday in a brilliant display of skill and fitness. Michael Blair only began Road Racing in August, only recently was he wiped out by the same guy twice, one of those happened at a bloody ride day! Yet he rode fantastic to take a 4th in the 600s second round and finish in 3rd overall for the day! Catching up with my "other son" Zach Thackeray was great, he really pushes hard on the 600s.From having a year away to do some soul searching after Judd Greedys accident, Zach is as fast as anyone else out there. Coming from a full season playing footy to 260km/hr certainly doesnt show he has been away for too long at all. For those on Dirt Track that think they have the goods, there are plenty on the grid who are just like you, so go get a bike and experience knee scraping on a track day. For me, was a real eye opener!

Record numbers travel to Koorlong.
Sat 5 Nov 2011
Marg Teggart runs a great club and has a great team of volunteers that surrounds the Koorlong complex with motivation that needs to be bottled and sold throughout NSW. When NSW struuggled to get 30 entries for the state championship, Mid Western Victoria has been flooded with 170 entries from South Australia, NSW and across Victoria. For those travelling to the Mildura complex for the first time, you wont leave dissapointed from how the event is run, win or lose.The circuit we competed on at last years Australian Title, I believed rivalled anything in the country for being the best around, and Marg wasnt happy with track!! On and off the track, this meeting was great!!Speaking on the phone earlier today Marg said the track is perfect, good luck and hope the weather is good to the club for the day night meeting. Last year Rowan Teggart took home 4 Championships, good luck for this one mate.

Fitness Testing Saturday morning.
Fri 4 Nov 2011
Saturday morning 5th November a fitness testing session will take place at Maitland Park. Meet at the Maitland Pool car park at 9am. To get to the car park, from Newcastle,drive to the Maitland Train station round-a-bout. Take the first exit on the left and follow through the park entrance gates, follow the road until you see the pool. My number is 0412 381 021.Bring a towel, runners and drink/water/gatorade. Good idea would be to have a light breakfast no later than 8am. Active testing will begin around 10am. If you eat MacDonalds, you will vommit, trust me!!