Well this past week has been absolutely nuts. I have been working 12 hour days for the past 8 days because Lavs drop off decided to get blown over in the hurricane winds we had. After getting a tractor to lift the drop off out of the bushes, cut it into pieces, lift it over the brick wall and then take it to the dump, we then have the problem of building something new and making it work good enough so we can do all the transfers and what not in the yard.

We decided to build and new first jump, so after digging the landing about 10 feet tall and building the take off we realised that we dont have enough room! So we got back on the shovels, trashed the take off and moved the landing 10 feet closer to the old first jumps. We then had the idea to make a ski jump off a 4 foot deck into the landing, so then we would have the room and hopefully the speed.

Well after working for 5 days on the ski jump, it was done and ready to go. Although at 30 feet long we thought we
would struggle for the speed.. So we decided to move it to 26 feet long.

We finished that and it was time to ride it. I only just got my knee brace, so I haven't been on my bike at all since Australia really. We rolled in and hit it and it worked a treat, except for one problem. We didn't get enough speed off the ski jump. So then we decided to build a more mellow take off and push it back to about 28-29 feet long.

So after 8 days of working non-stop, it was go time and would u know it...it finally worked and was dialled. You get just enough speed to clear the ski jump then have all the speed in the world for the rest of the yard. We are all so stoked.

The roll in is dialed now, equipped with some metal stairs and hand rail, nice dark coffee stained wood and big ol' scary looking ski jump. I'm so glad that its finished because I couldnt stand another day out in the sun and heat screwing in screws and changing things to make it work.. I'ts bmx time!

This morning we had our first proper session in the yard. I felt pretty sketchy on my bike trying to get use to this knee brace and riding with no ACL, but it felt amazing to be back on my bike cutting laps. I loved every moment of my sketchy-ness and im just hoping the wind stays away so we can session this arvo.

Next monday we're off to Woodward to try some stunts out in the foam and then it will almost be time for Stomping Ground... Can't wait.

Check out the pics of the roll in from fall to rise again.

Cheers.
Cam W.
 

• By Allan H

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Hey everyone,

I just got back from a week in China, where we were riding a show at the opening round of their MX championship. Apart from the two days travel each way, it was one of the best overseas trips I've had. It's usually pretty scary riding a borrowed bike, but the guys had got me a nice 2010 KXF, which was spot on. The downramps are usually a bit how-ya-goin on these trips as well, but this time the only worry was that it might be too big!

I went over with Jesse Fairfull and Jim Bartle, and their bikes were new as well. The accomodation was awesome, and the town we were in even had a KFC.... it's a lot different to KFC over here though. The local supermarket had a section with live toads, turtles and eels... You don't see that in Woolies here!

We did two shows on Saturday and one on Sunday, the Chinese crowds really love freestyle and got right into it, especially when I whipped and Jim flipped at the end of the show. The team we were riding for was great, and Vincent, the owners son and 2008 Chinese Champion, has to be one of the funniest dudes I've ever met. His broken english kept us laughing the whole time.

They are working on having Freestyle at a few more rounds this year, so hopefully I'll be back over soon!

Cheers

Joe

• By Allan H

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Not only is Caroline Buchanan one of the best MTB / BMX racers in the world, she is also an incredible role model for younger women to push themselves, and aspire to achieve greater things.

The June issue of Cleo has a great piece on Caroline, as 1 of 8 inspirational women who are not just achievers, but are reshaping the future of or nation.

Make sure you grab your own copy of the magazine, and in Cleo's words... 'Prepare to be inspired!'

Other women includined in the article are..

Stephanie Loronzo - founder Project Futures dedicated to combating the illegal practice of sex trafficking
Larissa Brown - founder Centre for Sustainability and 2008 Young Environmentalist of the Year
Danni Watts - The Butterfly Foundation, supporting people with eating disorders and negative body image
Carla Bignasca - radio and television personality
Lizzy Lovette - radio and television personality
Bianca Dye - radio and television personality
Zoe Foster - author and beauty guru and Editor in Chief of primped.com.au

• By Allan H

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