Bouncing back!

Published: 09th October 2006

Author: Words by Stephen Sword Photo by rayarcher.com

Swordy's getting stronger proving rehab's not just for quitters

Hi everyone! Again it's been a long drawn out month which mostly consists of trips to the physio and gym every day. The rehab is going as well as can be expected and I'm enjoying getting back into the swing of things but I really miss throwing my leg over the bike every week.
    I know that fitness is a big part of our sport but there's nothing that beats riding. The day I can get back on a bike is getting closer for me and I think it'll be either late November or early December - it seems like years since I last rode. I hope I can remember where everything is and also how to do skids and wheelies!
    I'm really getting itchy feet now, every time I go out to the garage I look at my practice bike or sit on it and pretend I'm doing a moto - just kidding about doing the moto by the way. I had a bit of a clean out in there sorting out old kit and some bits and bobs that made the place look untidy.
    Because I haven't raced much this year I had loads of kit leftover so I decided to take most of it up to the last round at Hawkstone Park. I just discretely handed it out at the back of my car to kids who were passing. I remember back when I was about 10 years old I was at a British championship round at Brampton and Paul Malin was throwing his kit to the crowd but I never managed to get any because I was little and I always got pushed out of the way. That's why I quietly slipped it to anyone who was lucky enough to pass by my car.
    It was a good day's racing - especially in the MX2 class as the points were very close. I thought Nunny rode really well and deserved to win on the day. Well done Carl, I'll be looking to grab that #1 plate off you next year.
    I'm really looking forward to racing with the MX2 guys again. I don't know what it is but the racing seems to be closer and if you were at the des Nations you'd have seen just how quick the top MX2 riders were when up against the MX1 boys.
    Talking of the des Nations, I popped down on Sunday morning as it's only 30-minutes from my house. It was a bit of a nightmare getting into Car Park B but once in it was okay! I went and said hello to the team and had a chat for a while which was cool.
I always get a little bit emotional when I'm there with them and I miss being at the races. I will miss them all next year but I'm looking forward to working with my new team for '07. Speaking of which I popped around to the Molson truck to say hello and was warmly welcomed by everyone but especially Paula who was right on hand with a nice hot cup of tea.
After the first two races Jodie and I decided to make a sharp exit to get home in time to watch the last race live on Eurosport. It was a good move because I heard people were stuck for about five hours trying to get out. My brother Kev came down for the weekend to visit. We just hung out and had a bit of a laugh and played a bit of golf. I've been playing a little bit but I have to get a buggy as I'm not good at walking long distances yet.
Jodie and I were kindly invited by our neighbours to join them for a meal at one of Gordon Ramsey's restaurants in London. They are really nice neighbours - down to earth and just really good company and I'm hoping we'll get invited back sometime.
Well guys I'm off down the gym now for another work out. I'm feeling a bit guilty after having Gordon Ramsey's six-course menu. Take things easy and I'll see you all at the Dirt Bike Show.