Wade Bootes: Official Web Site

WADE'S JOURNAL

Nov 30th.

Race day here in Japan and the event was well put on. They have started up their own series with 4 cross and soon to be adding short track to the program next year. This year they just had a 2 race series to see how things would work out and next year they are planning on having a 5 race series. With the way things were ran with Norba this year, with no prize money it may make more sense to race in Japan next year. They had some really cool overall prizes and some big prize money.
There was around 300 riders here this weekend in all the different categories and 45 riders in the Elite class. Everyone had to qualify for a seeding position and then the races were run. A lot of the top BMX riders in Japan made the move across to 4 cross and were riding really fast. The course was a BMX track with a few changes in the corners to make some flat sections, which made for some great racing. I ended up with the fastest qualifying time and taking the fastest lap prize. I had a few tough times getting to the first corner first with some of the top BMX riders but they could not hold on to that pace the complete track. In the semi I ended unclipping and could not get back in to the next corner, I was way behind but charged to the line to make it to the transfer spot. In the final, again it was close in the first corner but after I put the power down to pull away to the finish, 1st place was in the bag. After crossing the line I was surrounded by all the fans and supporters congratulating me for the win. I wish all the races had so much excitement as in Japan as it would make winning races feel that much more special.
We then had the awards presentation and then started to pack up and drive back to Osaka to stay for the night. It has been another great trip to Japan and I will be heading back to Australia tomorrow.

Practicing with team mates of Japan, Mio and Yuta.

Trophy girls love winners.

Nov 29th.

We left Tokyo this morning to head down towards the race in Kuwana. It was raining most of the day and after we arrived we then headed out to the race track to take a look. Practice was still a go even though the rain was coming down and the track was so muddy. Here I met up with Gary and Mio, later on that night we all went out for a team dinner.

Bullet Train.

Mio and myself decided not to practice after seeing Yuta so muddy.

Nov 28th.

The afternoon was spent with Fun Ride Magazine which we did an interview revolving around the ultimate body design and make up, to be the best in the business. Photo's were done in the studio as it was a non riding shot photo shoot.

Interview translations between Yoshi and Fun Ride magazine.

Studio shots with chief editor of Fun Ride magazine.

Nov 27th.

Today we went by train to get out of the city to see some of the amazing sights and temples of Japan. Again it seemed that we snacked all day long by walking through all the street markets. For lunch we had some great sushi, it is truly much better in Japan.
Some facts about the Great Buddha below:
This Bronze statue of Amita Buddha was cast in 1252 A.D. In 1498 a tidal wave swept away the great temple of the Buddha, leaving only the foundation stones. In the 500 years since then, the holy statue has been exposed to sunshine, storms, and snow. The latest repair was done in 1960-1961, to strengthen the Buddha's neck and make it possible for the Buddha's body to move freely on the base to prevent a damaging shock to the statue in case of an earthquake. The statue is 13.35 meters tall, and weighs 121 tons.

Dad and I with the Great Buddha of Kamakura.

Nov 26th.

Today I had a free day and did more walking than I have ever done in one day. Tokyo is so huge, I can not believe how many people are in this town, let a lone all of the shops. I got to see a lot today from looking across the top of Tokyo while on the tallest building, and going to a lot of the local sights and shops all over Tokyo. I had my own guide, Yoshi from Trek Japan which helped so much, as it would have been a nightmare with out him around. The electronic stores seem to be endless and are many stories hi as well Yoshi and I love food and he makes sure I get to have the best of all sorts of foods while I am in Japan. Going through the streets and trying out all the sweet bean snacks are awesome.

Another great dinner in Japan.

Nov 25th

I arrived into Japan last night and stayed in Osaka. In the morning we traveled to Tokyo on the bullet train which took 2 1/2 hours. We then meet up with one of the magazines, Bicycle Club and then did an interview and photo shoot on the Velodrome with my custom Trek track bike. I had a training session with some of the Japanese riders and then we all went out to dinner. It was a long day due to the traveling on the train and also in traffic by car.

Nov 22nd.

Today was the start of Schoolies week up here on the Gold Coast, an estimate of 50,000 - 60,000 new graduated students come and have a week full of fun in the sun and party all night. It is something like Spring Break in the States, the town gets right behind it and closes off streets in Surfers Paradise at night so that everyone can have a great time. I could not believe how many people that were out, seemed like New Years Eve, but it lasts all week. So I went out with a few of my mates and cruised the streets and the clubs and did a lot of "People Watching" seeing all the stupid stuff some people get up to, it was a great laugh.

In the middle of the Street of Surfers.

Other random stuff:

A bunch of us went out Go Carting and rented the track out for the night. Some star drivers were Michael Ronning and Scott Sharples. It was a really fun night as we did several races with our full group of 11. Of course the last race was the best, as there was carnage everywhere. Ronning was Blacked Flagged, but refused to pit and I was airborne from rubbing another cart. Another driver had his front wheel hanging off from cutting the track and then running into the tires at top speed (90km).

Been cruising the waters on the jet ski, the view from the water is so amazing, I am for sure living in Paradise.

Scott Sharples' wife, Shawna (who is an American) cooked up a Thanks Giving dinner for about 15 of us. I was not able to stay for long as I had to drive up to Brisbane Sunday afternoon to catch my flight to Japan.

I have started riding my bike and doing some training again, it feels so good to get back on the bike and have fun. It is always good to have a break, makes you appreciate how much fun it really is.

I am still working out some details regarding next year but everything is looking good.

Hopefully I can get online in Japan as I will put up some photos and some stories of our adventures.

Nov. 8th.

Wow, I can not believe a month has gone by already in the off season. It has been good to hang up the bike for a while but I have been riding on the road a lot.
Had a great time over Indy weekend hanging out with some of the Oakley crew and the drivers.
Went up to Noosa for a few Days to see the Triathlon and go out with roadies, we all had great night.
Beach has been in the program alot lately, also taking the Jet ski out and skiing behind it.
I am off to Japan Nov 24th for a Tour and also a race on the 30th. I am looking forward to it as I had a great time there last year.
It has been great to finally kick back a little at my house but it is all going to start up again as preparation for the 2004 season is just around the corner.
In a few weeks I should know who all my racing supporters are for next year will be, a few changes maybe in the works. I will let you know when all is signed.