RaceChat: Geoff Braico

The trend started when Australian off-road legend Shane Watts came stateside to contest the GNCC Series over a decade ago and has continued with the likes of Glenn Kearney and Josh Strang making names for themselves racing here in the good ole USA. The latest Aussie to invade the American off-road scene is someone you may have not heard of (unless you race the National Enduros in which case you would’ve definitely heard him, literally.), Geoff Braico. Our Director of Music Research, National Enduro Pro, and resident giant Alex McCree caught up with Braico for this interview.

So Geoff tell me a little bit about your situation her in America. Racing plans and Living situation.
The whole idea behind my year is America is that I needed a holiday. I have been working and riding since I left school.  It was the same routine but different day.  I was getting a little over it so I spoke to Russell (Bobbitt) at the ISDE about coming over to ride and chill and he said I could live and train with him. He is super dedicated and super fast so I couldn’t pass it up.  I originally planned to do the GNCC’s but became really sick the week before Florida so I once I got back to 100% health, I switched my focused to the National Enduro series. I never expected to get a ride or anything, I just wanted to get away for a bit, learn a lot and get faster.  I have met some awesome people along the way and I’m stoked about that.

So why specifically did you come to America to race?
Well for the last 2 years in Australia I had great support from Husaberg. I unfortunately suffered injuries in 2010 and 2011. I crashed out of the season early in 2010 and then broke 4 ribs in 2011 so by the end of the year, I needed a bit of a break.  I came to the USA last year for a few weeks and had a ball and thought that I could go privateer it for a year and just have a great experience. So far it has definitely been worth it.  It’s awesome fun.

What has been your favorite race in the US so far?
The Lousiana Enduro was great fun.  As was a MidSouth Cross Country I did. But I think the best experience I have had was the Perry Mountain 24hr race. The track was dry and dusty but still was fun. We had a great team, good bike, and the local shop down there MAX Motorsports put 110% into it and we managed to get 2nd overall.  It was a fun day.  John Dowd was on our team and he is an absolute champ. The whole time the race was going, our team talked shit, and just had a ball.

What’s your favorite road trip story so far?
I drove out to the Wyoming Enduro and raced that.  Then Russ, Nick Fahringer and I drove down to Colorado and mountain biked for 3 solid days. Russ, the bastard, is good at everything.  Nick is a bit of a squid at jumping, and me, well I’m just an Aussie on vacation.  As you can imagine, it was a complete shit show.  The 3 of us motoed down the mountains all 3 days, eating each other’s dust, yelling, making moto noises when hitting the jumps, and just being idiots.  It was unreal. I would love to do it again.

What is the most interesting thing about Russell Bobbitt you have learned after living with him?
Well he hates to lose and is pretty miserable when he does but who isn’t?  I think for anybody who hangs around Russ, they know that the bastard is good at just about anything.  I get kind of intimidated hanging out with him sometimes because he is pretty much an all-around (as Americans say) bad ass. However; I am stoked that I still am better than him at trials bicycle riding. I have one, he has one, and he told me that he would be better than me after 2 weeks. He failed.  I’m pumped.

What are your future plans with regards to racing and life?
I’m going to finish off the enduro season here in the states. I hopefully will be switching to a 250F or 350F before the next round.  I feel that I can go better on one of those bikes.  I also want to get fitter and faster so I can go back home and have a good run at the Aussie Off-road series and the ISDE for 2013. I’d like to try and get back to the states at least once every year to catch up with everybody. As far as life goes, pretty much just keep working and riding. Im lucky enough to be in a good family business where I can earn a good living and ride motos as well, so I’ll continue down that path next year.

Words to live by?
Work hard, treat people right because in the end, it’s all about spending money and having a good time.  You only have one shot at life, might as well make the most of it.

Anything else you want to add?

I have to thank my family. My Mum, Dad and Brother have been unbelievable in their support for my trip. Also there is Russell Bobbitt.  I can’t thank him enough for opening up his house to me and allowing me to train and ride with him.  Also, thanks to the Lewis boys, Jase and David, as well as the Upton family in Alabama for giving me a roof over my head for a while. Thanks to the crew at MAX Motorsports for the 300XC, and to Bo Bobbitt from Cycle Specialty for his help. The KTM boys have been a big help as well at the races. Bart from WP and PG has been unreal. There is a whole bunch of people who have helped me and I can’t thank them enough. To my Australian sponsors, Alpinestars gear, Loosekid Industries clothing, Scott Goggles, Barkbuster handguards and anyone else who have supported me, thanks.  Oh and to the family up the road from Russ, the McRee’s.  You know the ones with the 9ft 3inch tall son, size 16 boots and all that, and who has by far the best style in the business? Thank you for your slice of heaven that we ride on.