Back to the Future!

Published: 16th August 2006

Author: Stephen Sword Photo: Ray Archer

There's a strange smell of dŽjˆ vu in the air this month as Stevie Wonder goes back to his roots

I've gotta say that this month has been pretty positive and easily the best one since my accident! The last few months have been hard on me both physically and mentally so it's good to be much more mobile and almost pain free. I'm still not walking yet but I can drive my car and get myself to the gym every day. It kinda all starts here for me now, getting healthy and slowly building my fitness back up. I'm also able to swim again now that my infection's healed up which is a big help.
 Although I'm not at the races and out of the limelight I still study who's looking good and who's looking bad and listening to all the gossip about who's going where - all of which brings me nicely on to what I want to talk about next.
 Most of you will know by now that I'm switching teams and classes for next season. Yep, '07 will see me back in MX2 on a Molson Kawasaki. Some of you may be wondering why I'm dropping back down to MX2 and the reason's pretty simple - I think it's the best thing for me at this moment in time. It doesn't matter what class I'm in or what team I'll ride for, I'll always give 100 per cent and want to win so badly. And Kawasaki were very keen to keep me so everything should slot into place very well with Molson.
 I started off my adult career with the team back in 1997 and had three successful years there. The team has grown over the years to be one of the very best in the GP paddock - they're a very hard-working, passionate bunch and highly-motivated to win a world championship. I'm also hard-working, passionate and highly-motivated to win a world championship and I know they can give me everything I need to do so.
 I'll be contesting the British championship again which is something I really enjoy and good for my sponsors as well. On the subject of sponsors (smooth Swordy, smooth - SL) I'm in the process of sorting out my clothing, helmet and boots deals and should have everything sorted within the next few weeks. My goggle deal is done and dusted and I'll be staying with Oakley for another year - this makes it seven on the trot.
 It feels good that all this is happening and it motivates and excites me for next season but the thing that motivates me most is NOT seeing myself winning in the results or on the TV. It's strange not being there and I miss the feeling of flying or driving home on a Sunday evening knowing I've kicked everyone's ass. It just doesn't get better than that.
 I haven't been able to get to a race to watch yet but plan to go to Namur or Desertmartin. There are a lot of people I haven't seen for a while so it would be good to catch up and, of course, smell some motocross fumes again!
 Lately I've been reading books on healthy diets. I've never been one to eat junk food but feel my diet could be a big help in recuperation and making me stronger and fitter. I've had no choice but to eat healthy over the past few months just to get my general health back and make my immune system stronger so there's been a lot of fish on the Swordy plate. I've watched a few of those daytime cooking programmes and even tried a few things out - I fancy myself as a bit of a chef, I enjoy cooking and haven't poisoned anyone yet.
 I was at Jodie's sister's wedding a couple of weeks ago - the first one I've been to since I was about four. I never seem to get the chance because I'm always away racing at the weekend. It was a great couple of days and the weather was excellent for wedding photos although I made a bit of a fool of myself when I forgot my tie - luckily for me someone had a spare. The next wedding will be Huck's in December although that will only happen if he survives his stag night. Watch your back Huck!
 Oh, and before I forget, where's my trials bike Huck? Better still, where's my money for it? It's a good job I'm on crutches or I'd chase you down! Only joking mate, you can keep it for now - you need the practice...
 Well guys, that's another month over and another month closer to getting back on a bike - take care and hopefully I'll see you all soon...