Time passes slowly, more slowly than usual it seems, and the five-time World Champion Johnny Rea is also confined at home with his little family. What is he doing now and how are he and his family spending their time now?
Where are you in the world right now?
“I'm at home in Northern Ireland with Tarsh*, our two boys and my mother", told David Miller for Bikesportnews.com.
*Nickname of his wife (Tatia)
What are you doing with the boys now that the schools are all closed?
“It's really hard because they have a lot of energy but we alternate homeschooling between Tarsh and I for 2 hours Monday to Friday. I built them a mountain bike section in the garden and they love football, so I try to train them a little. »
“I love spending time with them, but at the same time, I like their teacher at school more now. »
Can you train normally or have you had to change some things?
“To be honest, I managed to increase the intensity and quantity of my training program at this point in the season. A few reasons for this, but between errands and PR commitments it's hard to get a full week at home, so since there are no distractions I'm full of energy. »
“BLK Box Belfast helped me get out of gym equipment so I could continue to do strength training and I now use the exercise bike, which I never liked. Then I find that if I sit for too long I struggle mentally so I've focused all my attention on working out, kids and gardening. Not in this order obviously. »
Does Tarsh like having you home all the time?
“I'm not sure, I think the first week she struggled because I was building a shed and the gym in the garage. Now I try to be a little more present for her. We decided to make Friday night our “date” by cooking a nice dinner, some drinks, and some music. But she's doing well, and I hope she won't blame me for being her cellmate. »
What's going on with the team?
“I am in daily contact with my mechanics on WhatsApp and the management is fully preparing so that the races can start as soon as possible. They are in constant contact with WorldSBK to understand possible calendar changes. »
Has this affected your testing schedule for Suzuka?
“We had planned to do testing at Autopolis, but that was canceled. The next test is provisional, but the factory in Japan is still operating at full capacity. So they will be ready when SBK and Suzuka have the green light to start. »
What else do you do to keep yourself busy?
“I've been doing quite a bit of gardening as we have a decent sized property and it needs to be looked after. It's so rewarding to see how pretty it looks after working hard all day.
“We enjoyed cooking and making meals and realized we were wasting a lot of food. I'm also decorating my office with paint and a new desk, but other than that I spend a lot of time during the day dreaming of seeing the lights go out again.”
Source: Bikesportnews.com
