SAN DIEGO, CA
So I left my car sitting at the training center for that month and a half while over in oz, and rats, or bunnies, or whoever, ate $800 worth of electrical wires in the engine compartment. All engine lights, airbag lights, headlights, were going berserk- instructing me to turn off engine immediately or...destruction:( I Should've known better, rubber coated wires are super delicious and all. Sucks to learn the hard way, but whatever, next time- a guard cat,,,
CANBERRA, AUS
Just talked to Bryn after he raced the Aussie National Downhill Mountain bike championships at Mt.Stromlo (which is also '09 World Championship Course). This track is not known for being on the tallest of hills, or for having any trees in proximity,,, but it did have huge head winds on the last straight, 45 sec of intense pedaling at the bottom, tons of fans, and 95degree temp. Brutal conditions by all accounts, but also a good test of fitness, threshold, and skill.
Mic Hannah won the qualifier and the Championship run after a yearlong hiatus from competition. He has always done super well on pedaling courses, and is a talented rider, so he must be stoked to come back to victory.
Bryn said he suffered like he has never felt before out there. I know that sea otter is one of those courses where you feel like throwing up and your body shuts down being able to function for 5 minutes, but I guess this was a bit more than that pain:) haha. Few mistakes and a 6th is a good start.
Most all the top Aussies were there, except Rennie and Kovarik. Think this weekend Kovarik and Claire were married, so good reason to miss it. Congrats guys!!. Rennie best man?:)
These results, along with some other factors go towards selecting the Aussie world's team.
DH RESULTS (Unofficial)
1. Mic Hannah
2. Jared Graves
3. Amiel Cavalier
4. Ben Cory
5. Ricky Boyer
6. Bryn Atkinson
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9. Sam hill
13. Rhys Atkinson (Baby Bro)
23. Brendan Fairclough
Rando?
Germans are amazing with fan mail!! Other countries too, but the bulk comes from them. When in Germany, spectators show up in the masses, but are a rather civilized and reserved in comparison to say,,South Americans who are openly psyched. But since Beijing I have received dozens of letters from German fans who collect olympic autographs ...
NORTH BEND, WA
My friend April and I were out hiking enjoying the sunshine on Mt.Si the other day, when about a quarter of the way into it, the dog froze- stalled out motionless looking straight up the cliff. I spooked, like WTF, thinking cougar?? ....
SEATTLE, WA
Pretty historic day to be an American. Glad I was home to see these performances and speeches on TV. I woke up extra early to meet some friends downtown and watch, and the place was packed wall to wall, all eyeballs intently focused. While it is impossible to predict the future, and everyone is feeling the harshness of this shitty economy in one way or another, Obama represents a lot of positive energy towards a rebuild. He has everyone's attention. Again, we will see how it all unfolds, lots of americans are unemployed, myself included... have to hope for the best in times like these, survival of the fittest 
...
(Thanks for the art Robbie:)....
Sidney, B.C.
Made the mission from Sydney, Australia to Sidney, B.C. to witness one of my bestest pals- Harrison, and his lovely new bride, Michaela, tie the knot at this swanky little waterfront hotel on Vancouver Island. Harrison is the design/branding power behind MacNeil Bikes, Defgrip.net, among other things... but has also been one of my oldest friends+ riding buddy since Jr. High:) It was an honor to be there for him. He is inspiring in a lot of ways, congrats. It was a small gathering, but full of life- Lot of bike riding talent, family musicians. artists, friend photographers, old homies etc. Also the most breathtaking scenery and sunshine on the ferry ride home, feel lucky to be from this beautiful corner of the world. Good times.
Ever seen Bronze ODI grips? The best grip in the world, just got a little sweeter-custom:) ODI Ruffians...
www.odigrips.com
Collections of cool... www.thecoolhunter.com.au design. lifestyle. travel. music. books. gadgets. art. fashion. eco world. shows
Check this fashion-ation.net site as well. Wild.
Not much news to report, sorry...Still need to find a bike sponsor.
ANAHIEM 1 SX
Supercross is about to begin. Hope everyone who lives near LA is going to go watch the season opener. Bubba on a Yamaha, Reed on Ricky's old ride, Villopoto moved up into the big boys class, K-Dub doing his thing, Red Dog representing the nice guys, Millsaps, Tedesco, Josh Grant moved up, Alessi healed?... It's hard to find a starting line up , but I am extra excited, per usual. racerxonline.com has some good stuff as does transworld.
LIVE on Speed TV at 7:00 p.m. California time. lap times out on www.amasupercross.com
Setting the pace, Jan 1, Bryn 