Fever pitch over new year

2013 is going to be a big year for me, so I need to make sure everything is in place and I am in the best shape when the action gets underway. 

 

Whilst it's taken longer than I expected or wanted, I now seem to have got over the worst of my glandular fever.

 

I can tell you it's not a nice thing to have and leaves you quite weak for some time afterwards.

 

I have started to build up my training again and I am feeling much better and back to where I want to be at this time of the year. 

 

The strange thing is that Jonny Walker – who is now known for his enduro success, but is someone I used to ride against in my schoolboy trials days – has just suffered the same illness. 

 

As a result of us both having glandular fever at the same time, we have been back in touch with each other a fair bit, comparing notes.

 

The good news for both of us is that we have access to some of the best medical support you can get thanks to the guys at Red Bull's High Performance programme, so we have been in good hands. 

 

Talking about Red Bull, there is more good news on this front as I will be continuing and increasing my relationship with them next year, which is a massive boost to my plans, as their support is second to none. 

 

Mind you I might need to watch out as it has been rumoured that Ben Courtnell – the Motorsports Manager for Red Bull UK – has been seen trying his hand at trials!

 

Although my actual time on the bike has been limited recently due to the illness I have still managed to keep myself busy. 

 

The Scott trial is always special and although I was not riding this year, I still had a great weekend. On the Friday I spent the day looking round the sections with James Dabill and John Lampkin, then on the Saturday I was a scared passenger on the back of my dad's enduro bike! 

 

Having dealt with my own injuries recently, it was good to see Jonathan Richardson back in action at the Scott after his long lay off.

 

After the Scott I then headed down to the Dirt Bike Show, where it was good to catch up with some of the other riders, see what's new in the off road World and generally talk bikes all day.

 

I also managed to catch up with Woody from Hope, who confirmed they will continue to 

support me in 2013, which is great news.

 

I am now hopefully heading to Spain for a few weeks before Christmas, as the UK weather has taken a big turn for the worse. 

 

As I write, there are lots of rumours and discussions about next year's World and British championship format and rules.

 

And while I am obviously interested in them, there is nothing I can do about it, so it is a case of getting my head down, doing the training and being ready to ride and hopefully win when they finally decide what is happening.

 

So while most of you are looking forward to Christmas, I am actually more excited about the arrival of 2013. 

 

Until then keep those feet up.