Well... we're off to challenge the World today. As in, off to see if this World Championship title thing can happen. The 2008 FIM World Championship Outdoor calendar begins this weekend in Ettelbruck, Luxembourg.
The week after that we'll be in Bangor, Northern Ireland.
The weird part - Patrick is going into the season as one of the favorites to win. That's not how we planned it. We had hoped to go into this thing as the underdog. But after Patrick scored 2 wins in very limited World Competition last year, the secret was out. The kid could hold his own against world class competitors.
If you click the images, you'll notice this won't be easy. From the official rider list- they'll be 38 competitors to go up against from over a dozen countries. In all classes this year, there's over 100 trials pilots vying for just three titles.
Talk about frequent flyer miles. We'll be visiting 10 foreign countries over the next 8 months. Including Japan. (I'm not looking forward to that 18 hour flight.) Not to mention defending a AMA National trials title and competing the National Endurocross series. (Nutty me. On a bet, I've even signed up to do all six rounds of the Endurocross this year.)
And, we're the only Americans on the world circuit. Heck, we're the only Americans in over 25 years to even try this insanity.
How ironic of a venue to kick things off. There's be a lot of American pride (and blood) in that soil.
Be a American Trials booster. For all those who have enjoyed this free blog over the years, here's your chance to give back for all my hard work. To pull this monumental task off, it's going to cost a ton of money.
From shipping bikes (check out the cool 'Red-White & Blue' USA graphics) and our rumps from country to country, not to mention the safety equipment, the extra parts, the tools, the petrol, the lodging... it seems like the checklist is endless right now.
For all those who's glad to see me gone, this ought to be a no-brainer donation to keep me out of the country as long as possible. With the American dollar in the tanker overseas, ANY donation - from ANYONE is graciously accepted.
Blognotes #1: Not to worry, you'll still be able to get your Hell Hole fix while I'm gone. I have a special guest blogger lined up. Plus, I'll have 'net' access to give you updates on how things are going along the way.
Blognotes #2: In the beginning; Our story three years ago.
2 comments:
Northern Ireland? You are in for a treat my friend. In case you don't know, it's probably one the most beautiful places in the world. I was there last year and I loved it. Take some pictures and let the rest of the bloggers here see what you saw.
Today is jet-lag relax day.
I'll be posting trip entries thought-out the next couple of weeks.
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