Carey Hart and Pink in 2007 Photo by: Frazer Harrison / Getty

Carey Hart and Pink have remained close since splitting in 2008 - but now the motocross racer tells PEOPLE that the couple are working on moving forward with their relationship.

"We're rebuilding," Hart, 33, tells PEOPLE exclusively. "Sometimes you have to take a couple of steps backwards to move forward."

The pair, who got married in Costa Rica in January 2006 and announced their split two years later, have been spotted together over the last few months taking a romantic motorcycle ride, hiking and spending time together before Pink left for her current tour.

"We're definitely putting in work [our relationship,]" adds Hart, who also rang in the New Year with his ex.

Hart admires Pink's talent and work ethic, which consumes a lot of her time. "The thing about Pink is she's so dedicated to her fans and putting on amazing live shows," says Hart. "She might not see the record success of a Britney Spears but the girl sells a hell of a lot of albums. She's incredible."

Hart also keeps himself busy. Later this month his Hart & Huntington Tattoo Co. will move from the Palms to it's new location in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas where he also has his Wasted Space concert venue and bar, which he co-owns with Joel and Benji Madden. "It's fun to have things all under one roof," he says. "It's such a cool, hip, crowd, and they're very rock 'n' roll."

Professionally, the motocross star will also be switching gears. "I just got into short core truck racing. It's like super cross in race trucks." And for the coming year, "I'm really just focusing on my business but also being a great athlete again. It's something that's in me. I'll be that guy who's 70 years old who's pounding through the desert on a dirt bike."

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20271568,00.html