So is everybody enjoying the offseason?  I know most of you would have a 52 round championship if you could but us riders get tired out you know!  On that note our provisional calendar for 2010 has one round less than the 2009 calendar which is a bit of a bummer as they’ve taken away Qatar.  I’ve quite enjoyed building sand castles in the desert the past few years but there’ll be no more of that next season.  If anyone is after a cheap bucket and spade mine will be appearing on eBay next week, mint condition.

I’m about to begin packing to head away for a week’s downtime with Pippa in the sun.  I’m looking forward to getting away and just recharging the batteries ahead of next season.  Last week I was in Almeria instructing for Jeremy McWilliams’ Superbike Academy.  It was a fun few days riding bikes and hanging out with a good bunch of boys.  I met Simon Crafar for the first time and he’s got to be one of the nicest blokes ever to put his leg over a motorbike never mind win a 500GP!  He’s an absolute star and a pleasure to talk to.

I returned home late Wednesday night in time for the IN! Magazine Glamour Awards on Thursday night.  You may not know it but behind the white van, hoodie and jeans I’m a rather glamourous fella.  Well, someone must have thought so anyway!  While Pippa and I were sat looking resplendent that evening my brother John was becoming a father.  His life Leona gave birth to a beautiful little girl named Katy Louise.  I’m a proud uncle and looking forward to all the baby sitting ahead.  Leona’s nephew Tom was disappointed his cousin may be more into barbies in a few years time but came around when assured that Katy Louise would be a great football player!

On Friday I headed down to Donegal for a weekend of trials riding with the boys.  The weather was just ridiculous when we woke up on Saturday morning but Tubman and Brian were adamant that we were going riding.  I think they regretted it a few hours later when the rain was falling so heavily you had to keep your back to the wind so as not to get beaten in the face by mother nature!  I’ve never seen anything like it.  Nevertheless we made it to the top of Mount Errigal after a few scares, particularly when the fog began to set in around us.  Great fun looking back at it but scary as hell at the time!

I better get on with packing now, catch you all when I return.

Eugene

Following an excellent season in the World Supersport Championship Eugene Laverty travelled to Almeria for three days in conjunction with Racedays and Jeremy McWilliams’ Superbike Academy.  The task in hand for Laverty was somewhat different to what he’s used to as he coached riders on track on a one to one basis.  An added bonus on the final day was a stint on the FTR Moto2 bike which Eugene thoroughly enjoyed along with a handful of other riders who also rode the machine around the Almeria circuit.

Eugene:

“Teaching isn’t something I’m used to but I really enjoyed the experience.  I was riding a CBR1000RR which was equipped with both forward and rear facing cameras so I’d sit down with the riders afterwards and point out the area in which they could improve.  I felt a great deal of satisfaction when I’d return to the circuit and see that the riders had taken heed of my advice, thankfully I had good students who were keen to learn!

On the final day I rode the FTR Moto2 bike for a handful of laps which wet my appetite a little.  The first thing I noticed was the major difference in the tuck position as the Moto2 machine is a purpose-built race bike, I was able to tuck right in like I used to on my 250!  I’d like to thank FTR for allowing me the opportunity to ride their bike.”

Eugene speaks with Jim Race of MotoGPod about the season wrap-up on latest episode #202 “Valencia preview”. listen to the in-depth interview on http://motogpod.com/episode/episode-202-valencia-preview

This Friday at the Valencia GP weekend, Eugene Laverty is going to be at Pole Position Travel’s opening charity bash for Down Syndrome Ireland. The event will be held at the Novotel in Valencia town and starts at 19:30. Eugene will be there on the night, not empty handed, as Eugene is going to put up the following items for auction:
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