The British National Championships are just two weeks away and we're looking to hold them on the revised Redhill Mountain Boarding Center's new 4X track!

Located in the Forst of Dean, about an hour south west of London, the new track is being rebuilt just two weeks before the national champs are to be held. The reasoning behind is the track, currently, has too many race lines for the competitors. The track builders want to reduce the number of lines to intensify the racing.

Nothing wrong with that!

Since I'm American, I can't compete at the British National Champs, but I can help the organizors where ever they need me. I'm just proud to be part of Europes largest 4X scene and even prouder to compete in the National Series.

To get ready for round 6 of the nationals here in the UK, to be held on Redhill after the Champs,I've been racing a local BMX summer series here in the East Anglia area (The east coast of England) and running practice sessions at Chicksands on their 4X course.

Jumping has been a weakness, but just like my gates last year, I'm working them to perfection now. I'm practicing at different venues so I don't get used to one type of jump. The BMX racing has really improved this and I've learned the power and speed pumping can provide a rider.

Redhill is being revamped, so I have no idea what's in store for the riders. I'll practice it when I arrive the night before the Champs, before the Champs start on Saturday, and afterwards.

I'm currently ranked number 7 in the UK- reaching a goal I set for myself in the beginning of the season to get into the top ten.

I'm still in the number three spot for most viewed on Sponsorhouse in mountain cross, just 50 views for number 2 and only 1,000 views from Rich Houseman.

Thank you to all my sponsors, family, and friends, for your undieing support!

Bob

#.44  

I competed at a local BMX series this past week in Braintree, UK. I had the best time. I ended up racing in the 17+ Men's catagory and I thoroughly enjoyed every moto, even if I felt like I was going to throw up my peanutbutter and jelly sandwiches I had for dinner prior to the race.

I didn't have a personal plate the kind folks at Braintree BMX required to race, but they were kind enough to loan me one for the evening.

Number 44.

While we were waiting for the second moto to begin, I was warming up my legs with two other riders. One of them, a younger guy who's name I've sadly forgotten but his face and speed I remember, said, "I always thought [mountain cross] guys were slow out of the gate. You're like a bullet out off the start, mate!"

I was really proud he'd said that as I've been working on my gates all winter and into the season, but it suddenly struck me.

Bullet. 44.

.44

#.44

It pays homage to my gate starts, but more importantly, it pays respect to the country where I started my racing career. 44 is the country code for England.

I finally found the elusive number I never had. Finally, a number to put on my jersey and helmet. Something with a little meaning and a story behind it. Just the way I like it.

I liked it so much I carried it all the way to a third place finish for the evening.

Bob Burnes

#.44

Normally, I blog about my racing, my bike, events coming up and so rarely do I drop a thought or two into these updates. I think it's just as important for my sponsors and supporters to know who I am as much as what I enjoy doing.

With out jumping into the deep end, if there was one, of my personality, we'll take it slow. I'll start with a blog that incorporates both my personality and my love of biking-which are very very closely related.

I am extremely thankful that I have the ability to ride a bike let alone race one. I know alot of racers who have forgotten the simplicity of this. I can see, I can hear, I still have all my limbs, and I can still balance on two wheels. How much more do I need to be happy? For me, nothing. I smile looking at my bikes.

Racing is pure joy.

I even laugh a little when I'm racing.

I might smile because I know all to well how this could all be over in a second. I might even smile because I know that one day I'll be too old to enjoy the wind on my face and the dirt in my teeth. Or, and this is more accurate than the other two reasons for me, I might smile because I've never lost that child like thrill of riding my bike over a jump.

We all have our reasons for riding, for competeing, for pushing ourselves past our breaking points to win that race.

For what ever your reasons, remember to enjoy the ride once in awhile. It's so worth it.

Bob Burnes

#.44

It's all official. I've been issued my orders from the USAF to leave England and report to Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas no later than October 4th of this year!

That means I'll finish off the nationals here in the UK the race in the US starting this winter in a series of winter 24" cruiser class races in the Nevada/California/Arizona area to get ready for my US national debut mountain cross/dual slalom in April at the Sea Otter in Monterey-my home town.

I haven't set foot in the US since June of 2004 and I'm really looking forward to my homecoming.

USA Cycling has upgraded my catagory from "sport" to "expert" so I can continue to compete and improve at the level of racing I'm currently enjoying in the UK!

Thank you for your support!

Bob Burnes

#104 NPS 4X