Hey Everyone,

It's been a while since I last updated my blog and I have lots tell you about. I'm currently having a little holiday out here after taking in a race in Perth last weekend. But before we get to the good bit I will update you all on the end of season test.

The whole test went really well and we worked hard as a team to get a really good setting from the machine. I spent the whole race weekend there so the base setting was already quiet good but in a no pressure situation we were able to work outside the box and try some new and exciting things for 2010. Some of them things were forks, brake pads, swing arms and a little bit of electronics work. I have a great crew chief and data guy that are working well together and the next test we will base most of our work on electronics, as that is an area that we feel we can improve the most.

Reflecting on 2009 I have reached my target that was originally to win a race and finished in the top 6 in the Championship. Next year will be even harder though especially with Ducati being strong, a fresh line-up at Suzuki and Yamaha and the rapidly improving Aprilia. I have confidence in my team and to be honest I've seen a lot of changes within the team that make us stronger week in week out. I'm also excited about my new team mate Max, as I've known him for quiet some time now hanging out away from the circuit.

After the test I flew home and spent the day with my little dog and getting clothes packed for my Oz adventure. I had to fly out the next day via Hong Kong to Perth and was lucky enough to meet Andrew Pitt and sat with him on the trip to kill time. When we arrived we went straight to my mate Raymond Rooney's house for a BBQ. The trip was organised by him and Paul Lindsay with the main event being a end of season battle with Austrailia vs Great Britian! We basically had street bikes with race bodywork put on and a steering damper. This season I've been very serious with my training and diet etc so this was the perfect excuse to relax and have a few beers with the boys which I really made the most of!

When I arrived at the circuit my bike wasn't there but I could see that the effort that has gone into the event. I was told that it was a little holiday race but turns out the only thing that was little was the circuit! I couldn't believe how serious some of the Ozzy riders were taking the event. Eventually my bike arrived one hour before first practice on Saturday and it was tyre warmers on and out to learn the circuit! In the end I qualified second and and took a hatrick of wins which was good and I want to thank both my mechanics for the race who made it enjoyable.

The next day most of the clan flew home but seven of us stayed out here for a bit longer. We have hired out a big house just of Margaret River and that is where the trip is up to. I'm not even half way so there is plently more to do. I plan to go and spend some time in Sydney and Melbourne before getting home to start into preparations for 2010.

I would like to take this chance to thank all my fans that have stuck by me in 2009 and I hope that you have enjoyed it as much as I have. But a massive thanks to all my boys at Ten Kate Honda and my family for your help and support!

Catch you all soon..

JR

(p.s. thanks mum for looking after the dog. Hope he still remembers me when I get home.)