December, 2006

December 10, 2006

MotoGPod, the MotoGP podcast, is Back!

I was contacted late last year (2005) by Bob Hayes, the founder of MotoGPod.com, the motorcycle roadracing podcast that deals primarily with MotoGP related news, rumors, and basically anything to do with racing. It's for fellow speed junkies, and over a year Bob developed a solid following within the international motorcycling community thanks to his attention to detail and also some fantastic interviews with people in the industry. Chuck Aksland, manager of Team KR, had a great two part interview, and overall, MotoGPod is an excellent resource for people who are interested in motorcycle racing and then some. I sent him a copy of my DVD, The Backstage of MotoGP, and over the course of several emails and Skype calls we became friends. Bob is an avid rider, and just this past year took part in his first trackday riding his Yamaha FZ1. Suffice it to say, we hit it off wonderfully. I was featured several times on the show, giving my perspectives on the MotoGP racing scene, and recounting some my crazy adventures, and it was on his show that I first announced that I found a job working in MotoGP. It was, and is, a great way to connect with a lot more people around the world and share my experiences with them. I've since met many people at various races who mention that they've followed my story on MotoGPod, and it's always a pleasure and an honor to meet them.

By mid-season, 2006, Bob was called into active duty in the Middle East as a member of the Sea Bees, the U.S. Naval Construction Force, and despite the best efforts of his friends and members of the Ride on Two forum, the podcast took a short hiatus. Now, just in time for Christmas, the podcast is back to revisit some of the excitement and thrills of the 2006 MotoGP season, and discuss the myriad of possibilities within the preseason.

I highly suggest checking out the MotoGPod website, where you can download the latest podcast (featuring yours truly) or go on over to iTunes and subscribe. It's worth it!

It's really tough to find motorcycles in the Middle East, but Bob finds a way!

Bob's main mode of transportation out in the desert. Now that winter is here, it's getting mighty cold out there in the great expanse, so send Bob some warm wishes this holiday season.

December 04, 2006

Thumbs Up!

It has been another busy week in the life of MotoLiam. Along with my trip to Madrid last week, I celebrated my 31st birthday with my great friends, Nacho and Cristina, made some heavy decisions that I'm sure will help me in the long run next year, watched the latest James Bond flick, had a home cooked meal with my buddy Nick, and saw a great concert by Delorean! Not to mention I was working last week, haha. There's always something to do to help the team prepare for next season, and it's a role I'm beginning to relish. Initally, it was quite a daunting responsibility, but when I stop and consider the job, along with all the encouragement and support I've been receiving from my friends, family, and teammates, I can't see any reason why 2007 isn't going to be amazing. A truly fantastic week by any standard, but when you're me, it's never enough - and it's only going to get better!

I really enjoyed Casino Royale, and it prompted me to think about some of the all-time great Bond movies. While I have enjoyed most of them, a few stand out. I've always had a particular affection for tall, dark-haired women, and Eva Green's aloofness and sensuality highly impressed me. I immediately thought of another Bond girl. . . . the one pictured below. Can you name the woman and her character?

Earlier in the week, I dropped by my friend's place, and he cooked up a home run. My buddy Nick is a young American International Business student, and we're always trading books, videos, and stories. We also watch each other's back when we invariably find some mischief to get in to. Check out the Chicken Cous-Cous he whipped up!

My peeps at Sazzerack also hooked me up - there's nothing like Sambuca, Vanilla ice-cream, and Peach pie to make you feel good on your birthday!

I came across this picture of Alex Hofmann, because the 2006 season is featured in the latest PSP MotoGP video game. I haven't picked it up yet, but I know it's going to be fun. What a cool thing to be able to replay the year, whenever and wherever I am!

And lastly? I have decided to move apartments once again! That's right, 2007 is going to be a fresh start in all ways. I deal with enough politics and stress at work, so my home life should be as simple and refreshing as possible. I feel it's crucial to be in a new place by the start of the year. I know this might not be the most financially prudent move to make, but hey, it's my life and I want to live it like I should. I wish my former roomates all the best for 2007. I'm now also searching for a new place to live in Barcelona, and I'm excited about all the possibilities.

And??? I just found a Japanese version of my website. How cool is that?!?

If you've made it this far, Click Here for a song by Delorean! On Saturday night, Nacho came up from Madrid and a small group of us were treated to an action ski movie at the Movistar Espacio, a cool concert hall also known as the Forum de Barcelona, followed by a kick-ass concert. I wasn't sure who the band was at first, but when this song came on, I knew at once. We all had fun guessing if the lead singer was a man or a woman. You be the judge!

Sorry I haven't been able to write much lately, but my thumb is still reasonably swollen and prolonged computer usage isn't doing me any favors. There's a lot to talk about, though, and while there isn't any racing going on during the off-season, you would be correct in thinking that a lot of the 2007 Championship is being decided now . . . . .