Former superbike world champion Troy Bayliss was in town on Friday training for the upcoming national dirt bike titles hosted by the Old Bar Motor Cycle Club.

Bayliss was zooming around the Old Bar circuit on numerous bikes that he plans to race on during the June long weekend national titles.

He was more than happy to be interviewed and spoke about his love of the area and his ongoing passion for the sport.

"It's been a while since I've ridden here but I'm really looking forward to the nationals," he said.

"This is the first time I've ever ridden a 250." He told us that his team has set up the 250cc bike to feel the same as his bigger 450cc.

He also revealed that he's never actually won an Australian title, a fact that may be surprising considering his international success and impressive racing resume, including eight straight wins in 2006 World Championship races at Phillip Island, Valencia (Spain), Silverstone (England), Monza and Misano (Italy), .

Apparently we missed his stack earlier in the day, but luckily he was taking the corner slowly when he slid out, so there were no injuries.

Troy was only staying for a day though, before he heads back to his home on the Gold Coast, and then he flies out to Italy on Sunday to trial Ducati's new superbike.

Friendly as usual, he posed for a number of photographs before doing some laps on his 250cc motorbike in order for our photographer Carl to get some action shots.

"Its good to be back in Taree." Troy said. "It's always good to be back in Taree."