Not winning the season opener, and not getting on the podium at X Games made it a tough start to the series, but since we’ve passed the halfway point of the championship things have really started to come together.

The only event I did during the summer break was my first rally, in Brazil. It was an amazing experience. To get to try a type of off-road motorcycle racing that is so, so different to everything I’ve done before was incredible. I didn’t realise just how different it is to trials, enduro or motocross. Of course the bikes are bigger, but it’s the navigational side of things that make it so much different. Also, being able to cover such large distances and enjoy riding through amazing scenery really made it an experience I won’t forget any time soon. Because you’re riding at such high speeds all day you really have to be smart.

Unfortunately, things didn’t go exactly like I hoped. On day two I fell and landed on my shoulder and wasn’t able to finish that day. It was a simple, low-speed crash where I just lost my front wheel. The red dirt in Brazil is like ice when it gets wet, and on day two it got wet! I had hoped to race the Enduro World Championship events in Sweden and Finland soon after the rally, but I decided to take a little time off and relax before the build up for the re-start of the Endurocross series.

During that time I also got the opportunity to return to Poland for the Red Bull Under My Wing program in Konary. I had a blast teaching the kids some new skills and getting to watch them improve throughout the course was very rewarding. Hopefully some of them can follow in my footsteps in the near future.

"Hey everybody, look over there..." © Red Bull

Endurocross is going great at the moment. Not just for myself but for the series as well. The racing’s been good, the crowds have been great, and I’m right in the middle of the busiest time of the championship. We’ve got three races in October, which is perfect for me. When races come along close together it means that you kinda stay in race mode, which I like. When they’re spaced out you have to unwind from one race before winding back up again for the next.

There’s still three races to go, but having won the last two races in Denver and Ontario I’ve got a pretty good points lead. I think having some time off during the summer held me. I was really frustrated after X Games, because things just didn’t go well at all really. I guess that during the summer I made sure that I was 100 per cent ready for the re-start of the Endurocross championship, and so far that work has been paying off.

I’ve got races coming up in Washington and Idaho later this month. In the last two races I didn’t get the best of starts but managed to get out front quickly and then not make any mistakes. Being consistent, ensuring I do all I can to get on the podium, is my goal for the next two races. I’ll be going after the win again, but maintaining my points lead as we head towards the end of the series is the most important thing.

Speak again soon.

Full Gas,

Taddy #111