The 2003 American Suzuki Dealer Meeting just ended in Las Vegas with a huge bang. New product, early releases, Suzuki executives, new team riders, Jay Leno, Matt LeBlanc, ESPN2's "MotoWorld" and 1100 dealers, it was all there in red carpet display. Yet, something was missing: Travis Pastrana.

"Where are you, man?" I asked as I scanned the floor, watching "Friends" star Matt LeBlanc and the rest of the 2003 Team SoBe Suzuki riders sign autographs. Travis was home in Maryland with both his legs propped up and wrapped in ice.

"Well, as you know, I had both knees operated on a few weeks ago and I just got out of rehab. Exercises will begin the first of October and I should be on a motorcycle by mid-Nov. Suzuki thought it would be best for me to stay home and heal up. I've got a long road for recovery."

Travis on the Freestyle course during X Games VIII.

The summer freestyle season has come and gone and it's difficult for Travis to discuss his dismal 2002 season. The only bright spot in the whole year, MX/SX and FMX included was his gold medal at the Gravity Games. But Pastrana wanted all three medals: Freestyle, Best Trick and Step Up. His run ended on the Step Up.

"I didn't think you could get hurt doing Step Up. It's kind of ridiculous to get hurt jumping over a thin piece of tape on the same jump I just backflipped a bike off, but mad props to Tommy Clowers because he's got this contest nailed. I just don't understand the event."

"I don't consider myself a freestyler," Travis continued, "although that's against popular opinion. I do freestyle because it's fun. Freestyle is not about winning and losing. That's what racing is for. It's been very tough sitting around watching Ricky Carmichael win every national."

After Metzger won gold Travis was there lending his skill to the X Games VIII Moto X Freestyle coverage.

For 2003 Travis says he's completely focused on racing. He's hired, David Bailey's former Ironman trainer, Todd Jacobs to stay in Maryland and help him train. He's also considered slowing the extra-curriculars. Even an invitation to do an all-star rally car event off the coast of Morocco, the Michelin Race of Champions, with Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson at the end of Nov. may be turned down.

The long road to recovery has already begun, but the road to victory will be even more difficult. As Travis mentally and physically prepares for the assault, he still remembers the real reason he's here.

"I'm having fun and that's all I want to do."

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