Life’s challenges come from strange and unexpected angles sometimes, but it’s the way you fight back that truly counts.

A few short years ago I was racing in AMA Supersport and Formula Xtreme amongst some of the best riders in the world – the Haydens, Miguel DuHamel, Jake Zemke, and Ben Spies, not to mention my brothers, among others — but the news that came after I retired in 2005 was when the real race would begin.

I’d had open heart surgery when I was almost two years old, and we’d always figured it was fine. A visit to the doctors in 2006 revealed that I would need to undergo another operation within the next couple of years, this time to replace a valve that had been taken out all those years ago.

Well I finally had that surgery on 18 December, 2008, and three weeks later as I write this, I’m truly glad that it’s successfully over and done with. I’m not at 100 percent right now, and probably won’t be for a couple of months, but knowing that I’m heading towards the best shape of my life is a great relief as we enter a new year.

Not only is my heart in good condition now, but my mental outset has improved with a new motivation to succeed in everything I do and live life to the fullest. Work is no longer a hassle, getting out of bed early is a cinch, and I can’t wait for the 12 week mark when I can climb back aboard a bike and go for the ride of a lifetime.

It’s times like these when we realise that being involved in a hobby and sport that we love is one of the most satisfying feelings in the world, and I’m stoked to be able to enjoy working in the industry with my media duties and Road Race Performance Academy riding school.

From now on I’m going to be more excited than ever to go and report on Australian Superbike races all around the country, thrilled to spend hours in the saddle in order to provide comprehensive bike tests, and grateful that I get to interview some of the biggest stars in motorcycling.

I’ve realised that this is the best job in the world for me, and I’m going to make the most of it for both readers of my articles and for students at my school — all while enjoying it for myself, too.

Looking back over time, racing professionally was a dream come true, but my future in the industry wherever it may lead is what I’m most excited about. So if you’re ever feeling too lazy to get the bike out of the garage, just imagine that you are no longer able to do it or don’t have the bike anymore.

We should never take motorcycling (or life, for that matter) for granted. I know I’m going to enjoy every last minute of it and get behind the handlebars as often as I possibly can. Enjoy the ride.