Thanks to Tim Rowe

What can I say but - - YAY!!! -  - Ok I sound a little excited but hey a 4 day weekend to anyone in any books is pretty good ay?Well I can say I got up to some great riding, and spent some quality time with some fantastic mates!I Headed up to Mt Beauty Saturday afternoon with good mate GROVER. (AKA Super Grover), we had some sweet tunes pumping in the car for the whole trip. We both stayed the night at the Vany's farm. Thanks Jenny and Jerry. I was racing the 6hr Mt Beauty Enduro with mate Neil Vandy who from all accounts had been smashing himself in Albury the previous day with Torys Tim which sounded like a really fast and well run race by both of the boys. Naturally Neil was a little tired on Sunday and so we both entered the race to have some fun and smash some laps out. Felt City and Felt Country were always going to be in a league of their own out on the course. These guys are all basically flying, with no sign of slowing any time soon. No matter as I started the race and was able to get team OZRIDERS.COM.AU a very respectable start on the first lap. The day was quite humid and tested all riders participating. The course was surprisingly flat(ISH) and alota fun - gotta remember you are racing at Mt Beauty here… The laps seemed to reel off really quickly because it felt like as I was about to sit down I was up again…I needed to leave directly from the race site straight after the race and head home. So it was back into the car with GROVER and I would like to say the conversation on the way home was quite fun. John (Grover) loves his bikes and is always up for a bit of a debate. So after a quick dinner at Macca's on the way home it was cruise control at 110km/hr on the Hume Fwy we were debating everything from what is classified as a "Punter" to wheel builds and selection. - Well he kept me awake anyways as we were both pretty tired after such a big day.Monday brought a sweet trail ride with Rob Eva, Garron, Scotty Liston and Brad Lowe (Trents Bro.). We hit up Sassa. with a side of sting to suit. In the Arvo I held a nice BBQ at my place for some guys and Gals who are heading O.S this year with racing aspirations. The main point of the gathering was basically to have a final get together before everyone goes their separate ways for the new racing season.Well I can say it was a success - we all had a good time, had an awesome BBQ courteous of "DOT Maebus"  and I wish everyone - every success you the new season and hope to see them soon.

 Well I have to say - "Thats me!"

 I rode to and from work today and will probably keep doing it this week as the Petrol prices have just gone through the roof!

 Cheers and thanks for reading.

Jimmy

Nationals MTB

My Nationals trip began with an early morning start with AJ (Adrian Jackson) who met me at my place and then it was on…

A solid 7hrs later drive time and a quick lunch stop in Holbrook saw us arrive in downtown Canberra. Eager to examine the course we decided to V-line straight to the Race site and cut some laps to check out this years new XCO Race corse design. Well to our surprise the race site has a light tinge of green too, as the pine tree re-growth seems to be SLOWLY doing its job. OK well Stromlo AKA the Moon Scape was a hell of a course. It began with a killer start loop which was set to define the men from the boys, followed by a sweet set of DH berms and then another fire road to allow us to vie for positions. The corse then cut back onto some solid testing singletrack which eventually led us to the peak of the climb. The View from the top is quite stunning if you take a moment to check it out, - that said I would not know ay……? Ha, Well I honestly didn't have time check out the views but I was able to appreciate the stunning down hill provided on corse and some great speed which is quickly accumulated as you work the singletrack for as much of it as possible. Race day - 1pm start for Elite (Me), with a peak temperature for the day being 31 degrees with next to zero shade and a clear blue sky. I lined up 3rd row and was able to take advantage of a good start as well had to fight for positions racing up the solid start loop. I managed to get a really good position into the first DH berms and managed to fight off the competition for the next long singletrack sections. Ok well the corse was a challenging one, I knew entering the race I was a little underdone on the fitness side of things - plus I was riding a new bike for the first time which I know is a BIG no - no when it comes to racing. Hmm, well as they say the show must go on! I was riding really strong, I had a good position in the race and managed to avoid any issues such as cramping or new bike setup. BUT, - Not Cool - I punctured on my 3rd lap - in a relaxed state I repaired the flat and got back to business but the damage was done. I did finish the race and in the process had also cooked myself a little - my body was soo worn later that afternoon. Later after a little rest, some sugar and some protein / recovery food, I was back to my good old self.

On a quick note I did however have a much better ride at National Finals in Mt Beauty last weekend. I rode a very strong and consistant race, the corse was much more interesting and I felt suited me much better. I did finish in the XC Race in a much more respectable result / ride. Short corse was a ball of fun in the rain we got really muddy and mashed our way around a very good short corse.

Jimmy.

2008 Team Bike

Well January for me has been really hectic to say the least. Im off tomorrow to National Champs in Canberra followed by a good road trip to Mt Beauty for National Finals.

OK well this site should be getting a bit of a facelift in the next few weeks but for now I want to show you my new Team Bike.

I really want to thank my following freinds and sponsors for all of their support. A Big thank you Needs to go to Warren Cay of BikeNOW who has assisted me in getting everything sorted before Nationals, Ken of XXIV Imports who has bent over backwards to get me on a set of Industry 9 Wheels and Straightline levers before Nationals, SRAM, Rock Shox, Avid and Truvative components for their ongoing support, MICHELIN for Years of support and fantastic performing product, TEC Helmets, VIS and Jayco for Success in Sport and Life on every level, Garron My Coach - Man of many talents and all round good guy / Buckland Family. Fizik and now also OZRIDERS Australia.

Red Go's faster I think - Lets see how it goes in the next week and a half!

 Cheers

James Maebus

Hi all,

I know I need to update more regularly, but here's something for you.

I found this when looking through some old photos.

This is titled "Group Shot of mates" and it truly is.

This photo was taken just before 2006 New Year in my very first "Day of Singletrack'in" Social Ride.

An event that has been very fondly remembered and very well talked about. Yes I do intend to get it running again toward the end of the year, Great times - relax and have fun with mates - what else?

Enjoy!

James.