The four-time World Enduro Champion and Nelson Bay resident is preparing for the first round of Australia's premier off-road motorcycle racing series, beginning in Port Macquarie on March 13.

The former New Zealander is ever-mindful of how close he went to taking out the six-leg series last year and knows that at 36 years of age, there might not be too many more opportunities.

Merriman has shrugged off a broken shoulder and broken finger sustained last season to be in good shape heading into the first round.

"Physically I'm feeling pretty good. I'm training a lot, cycling and running," he said.

The 20-year competitor returned from Europe last year and settled in the Bay with his young family.

"We used to come here on holidays and we always thought it was beautiful," he said.

He took up a spot with Yamaha Australia last year and heads the Ballard's Wellard Yamaha Team in 2010.

Following the first round of the AORC is the 32nd annual Yamaha Australian 4-Day Event at Portland (near Lithgow, NSW) on April 8-11.