FEATURE - Bryan Staring interview
Photos: Russell Colvin
Like all his fellow competitors in the mi-bike Motorcycle Insurance Australian Superbike Championship presented by Motul, Bryan Staring is eagerly awaiting a racing return.
In his third year on the green machines with Kawasaki BCperformance Racing, the West Australian started the 2020 ASBK season with a solid fourth overall at the opening round at Philip Island back in February. But little more than a fortnight later, ahead of Round 2 at Wakefield Park, all ASBK competition was suspended.
Virtually every other motorsport category ground to a halt at the same time, as social distancing rules, public gathering limits and travel restrictions made it impossible – and irresponsible - to host race meetings.
As a longtime racer and a rider with one of the most diverse resumes on the ASBK grid, Staring has found the enforced halt frustrating, but the 2010 ASBK Champion is staying fit, staying focussed and doing what he can to be ready for when racing resumes.
Recently turning 33, Staring shared what he’s been up to without ASBK racing, his other competitive passion (hint: it’s also on two wheels) and what motorcycles would fill his dream garage.
Where were you when the lockdown restrictions came into effect?
I narrowly avoided an interstate lockdown by returning to WA from a motorcycling coaching event in QLD. I'm grateful to have missed the lockdown sanction.
Do you participate in any other sports?
Yes - cycling. I am the WA state Cross Country mountain bike champion and winner of Perth's summer criterium cycling series. I love competing at club/state level in all forms of cycling.
What do you eat for breakfast?
My amazing partner, Jemmie, bakes her own granola for me with homemade almond milk. It includes pecans, cashews, pepitas, sunflower seeds, almond meal, cacao powder, cinnamon, vanilla extract, coconut oil and honey. Yes, I am very lucky!
What is your daily fitness routine?
For me, the daily routine always starts on the bicycle in the morning. Mostly very early and could be either road bike or mountain bike. Some days I'll include the gym or yoga class of an afternoon.
Best music to listen to when working out?
I like to let the gym choose, I'll mostly listen to podcasts until I'm brain dead then switch to fast-paced music while I'm cycling.
What is your least favourite training exercise?
Probably the gym. It is a chore for me, but I get it done. I am mostly working on strength maintenance for old injuries.
Do you have a favourite YouTube channel you watch to stay in contact with racing?
I generally like the news and documentaries.
Favourite TV/Streaming show to watch in your down time?
I loved the F1 series on Netflix, but an ugly truth is that I enjoy The Bachelor. I like all the personalities at the start of the event.
How have you been maintaining a positive mindset while ASBK racing has been suspended?
It is a very scary time for most Australians - myself included. I have a lot of positive things in my life and some other targets to focus on. My training will continue because I love it, not because I need it. I think exercise itself makes life better. My attitude will be to focus on what can be achieved with the time, not the doom and gloom of the situation.
What would be the top three motorcycles you’d choose to build a dream garage?
Eli Tomac's factory KX450F, a 2020 Z H2 and a bigger budget to spend on my current 2006 KX125.
Follow Bryan Staring on Facebook @BryanStaringRacing and on Instagram @bryan_staring_67
ASBK competition is scheduled to resume on 25 – 26 July at Phillip Island (subject to COVID-19 developments), with a full card of Australian Superbike, Australian Supersport and Australian Supersport 300 in action.
The return round will not be open to spectators, but racing will be broadcast on ASBK TV and live streamed.
For updates and more details, go to https://www.asbk.com.au/
