March 5th has come and gone and the hunt for the national title has begun. I`m extremely excited to be part of this chase that will take me to every corner of England this year.

This is my first time racing in a national race and, even though I`ve only been in one race so far, it`s turning out to be an experience I`ll never forget.

The season started in Sheffield, UK, at a place called the Wheel Base Center; The UK`s only indoor BMX track.

The track was awesome, the NPS (National Points Series) people were organized, there was never a line for the bathroom-which is just a great bonus!

I raced in the 18+ novice catagory. I never went into it thinking this would be a cake walk. The riders in this catagory were mostly former BMX guys who, like me, were racing in the mountain bike nationals for the first time.

They proved a good fight on a great track. Wheel Base was designed for BMX`s, but it`s a great venue for the mountain cross crowd with four long sections divided up by three speed robbing berms. Each section had plently of step-ups and rollers big enough to challenge even the saltiest BMX guy.

Over all, it was a great day despite the frigid 32 F. degrees-and that was indoors. Like most everybody else, I raced with a jacket on. Only the bravest stepped out onto the track with just a jersey!

Here`s my results for the March 5th, 2006:

Moto One: 2nd place
Moto Two: 3rd place
Moto Three: 3rd place
Quarter-Finals: 1st place
Semi-finals: 1st place
Finals: 4th place
Over all: 4th place

I won`t be racing in the NPS in April as the next race takes place on Easter Sunday, but I`ll be at the third of seven races for the title, May 21st in Leamington Spa, UK.

Big thanks to my sponsors for their support and my family and friends for their encouragement!

May 21st- Leamington Spa. I`ll see you at the track.

Robert "Bob" Burnes