So this is it. The very first post. Like the start of the race – the most mentally challenging part of it all . I don’t know what to do – so I look to others to see what they’re doing. Only problem is, their websites are already on ‘the track’ – they’ve done a couple of laps out there in the blistering heat (apparently there’s this Zambian guy who is getting quite smooth) and I’m stuck in the starting pen. So I watch on the side for a bit, take hints and tips from the more technical sections, like hosting images and designing logo’s, and now I’m off – firing down the start shoot I go, and hope that I can perform in this cyberspace race.

On a less serious note – if I was that competitive then this would be a rather sad space in the intergalactic cyber universe to find an interesting story. The truth is that I designed this site to provide an up-to-date account of where I’ve been and what I’ve done – for various reasons. Mostly so that avid-cyclist Uncle Jeff who I haven’t seen for 10 years in England doesn’t have to nit pick apart the details of every local classic via long distance telephone calls while I sleepily dose off on the other end. But also to stand accountable to what I can now proudly call ‘my job’. I am a professional athlete – I am paid to race my mountain bike. Such a strange thought – indeed one that I took months to comprehend. When as a youngster I was thrown that rather awkward but cliched question of what I thought my chosen path in life was going to be, I never dared to mention that I would be furiously stomped a carefully chosen mix of carbon, aluminum and steel faster then another two wheeled fanatic for a living. No ways – not me with my rather conservative upbringing. But more of the history behind me in the ‘Who is this guy’ tab. This site is really for anybody interested in me and my progress as (dare I say) a top mountain biker in South Africa

Running a self promotion page (like a blog or website) is really a tricky process for me. You see its a very fine configuration of being comfortable enough to talk about yourself for post after post without implying too much or leaving readers with a negative impression. A silent, cyberspace crowd is the toughest crowd of them all I say, but no matter who you are, even if you may be fiercest of competition – welcome.

On a more technical side – 2011 preparation has been going well in the recent weeks. The purchase/part sponsorship of a ridiculously overpriced piece of martian training equipment known as a Powertap had greatly helped my 2011 season even before it’s started. The recent permanent relocation to a little slice of Heaven known as the small town of Hilton  has also made a profound impact. This place is truely stunning and the trails are here are simply endless. I’ve decided to kick my season off this weekend with KZN Road Championships – all is ready and set for a tough 120km out on the skinner wheels in the sweet parstures of Richmond and Eston.

Stay tuned for developments and feel free to contact me for feedback or advice.

’till next time – keep those wheels turning…

James