MIA: Landon Currier
written by Kaelyn Sheedy
Landon Currier has been on fire this season and for his first full year on big bikes it seemed as though things were starting to fall into place for the young Red Bull backed Yamaha rider. While he earned himself a championship at Whitney and World Mini, LC has sidelined himself for Loretta's. There's no doubt a talented kid such as Currier will rebound and come back stronger than ever but in the mean time he's recovering from a broken tib and fib. For more on his injury we got up with Landon and asked when he'll be back, and what drives him to win. Despite his situation, he's got a grip on a positive outlook.
We got word you broke your tib and fib just a couple weekends ago at Glen Helen during your regional, and the worst part is that it wasn't done on the track, explain to us what happened.
Yeah. It was like 15 seconds before practice started and I could go into every detail here, but pretty much just pulled up to the wrong place to get on the track (the starting line) and this kid came over saying, "Hey, they're starting practice right now over there!" So while riding to a different place to start, I rode over this tiny lip looking forward, not seeing a tire; the tire that I hit and broke my leg on. I was hurrying to the line for practice, eager to be the first one out, and I found myself on the ground watching everyone else get on the track. In hindsight maybe I should have been more cautious. I encourage all of my fellow riders to use up most caution any time they're riding their bike, on and off the track. Because I'm here to tell you, anything can happen that fast.
It was a pretty bad break and you actually had surgery that same day. Did the doctors out in California take real good care of you?
For sure, it was a pretty nasty one and I had surgery that night. I made a quick decision when I was in the ambulance at Glen Helen and I told the EMT's that they could splint me up and help me get in my own vehicle. Todd Hicks helped me out a lot through it - I'm not going to lie it was very emotional thinking about the future and having a broken leg during Loretta's. It was so tough to convince them to let me go, they really wanted me to go to the hospital right then. It was my choice instantly to get out of the ambulance, get in Marlene's Chevy Tahoe, and to drive 7 1/2 hours to Dr. Ting's office in Fremont, CA. Words really can't explain how much Doctor Ting, Tuan and Rico and the whole crew there have done for me. I was in great hands like always and so stoked to go under and wake up with a straight leg. That was my first step to recovering...
It has to be a huge bummer to get hurt so late in the season.
It was...but I would rather have it happen now and not during a time like, let's say the New Year. I've been working hard and have won championships already. I love this sport, and it's been a great time throughout the start of 2009. Every thing happens for a reason, and no matter what I try to stay a strong athlete when things like this happen. Everything's positive.
We found out fairly quick about your injury, but we've waited a little while to get up with you...it's been a couple weeks now, how are you healing up?
I've been healing up well, although it doesn't seem like it. Until I'm back on the bike and happy, it'll feel like healing up takes forever. My leg is numb and hurts obviously, but I am 100% sure that it is healing better than ever. When you have a guy like Dr. Ting work on you, there are no worries! No thoughts about it not healing right, because you know it's perfect.
How much longer do doctors think you'll be out for?
At this point we're not sure. I'm going in for a check up on June 25th, and doc will tell me how it's coming along and what the remaining time frame is.
For someone who really stepped up their game this year in the B class, was there anything you were doing differently to come out swinging at these amateur nationals?
Not really, but I think I changed things without knowing it. Just by maturing and knowing that I should be out front. I can ride a motorcycle and sometimes I scare myself with my own speed. It's been tough for me to unleash that competitiveness and speed at the nationals, but I'm starting to feel comfortable at the race track, and it was showing. I am going to stay in control, be calculated and come back with that same speed.
Getting hurt for some riders is a huge set back, but you seem to have a positive attitude about everything. Does any of this down time motivate you?
Set back? It's a step forward for me. I don't mind the pain...I mind being off the bike and being so upset when I can't race. Bottom line, I've always been addicted to motocross and riding a bike. It bottles up so much when I'm off, but at the same time I become even more thankful for what I have. So, when a rider like myself gets back on the bike, it's like catching a big fish! You get that excited gut feeling at first, then your easy to reel it in, but very determined to catch it. Winning races is like catching big fish for me!
You're fortunate to be apart of the Red Bull Jams team. They have a very solid program and a sick compound, what's it like being sponsored by such an elite team?I've always dreamed about being a part of Red Bull. The Jams program is very professional and a great group to be part of. All the guys working there are beyond cool. There is a huge amount of support and help that comes along with the team. Also the riders on the Red Bull Jams program are all great people...Red Bull has taken part in helping my race program tremendously, I'm very thankful for that! Their compound is off the hook too! I had so much fun riding and hanging out there.
As riders you guys are constantly on the go, training, riding, traveling; what keeps you from getting burnt out?
I don't ride as much as all the other riders. I put in more quality than quantity time on the bike. I might ride a little more if I could, but it's tough when your parents are super busy. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, it's like that for most young motocrossers and if I had to change my program because I knew it would help me with things, I would do it in a heart beat. I'm always looking to take things to the next level and I'm very willing to do whatever it takes.
Although you'll be on the mend, will you make any appearances at Mammoth, which is a close home race for you, or maybe Loretta's? Go out and just kick it with some friends.
I talked to a great rider on the phone the other day, one that I look up to as a hero in this sport. He told me that it's a proven fact when an athlete is around their sport during off time, it is way better than not paying attention to it at all. I want to be a part of it, kind of picture myself out there if that makes sense. Mammoth is a stretch so I won't be going there, but the plan for now is that I will go to Loretta Lynn's for the first time ever to hang out on the side lines. Man that will be strange. Checking my watch to get ready for the next moto won't be an option!
Thinking ahead a bit, this would have been your first full year in the B class, when you come back after Loretta's, will you make the jump up to the A class or ride it out in the B class and see where everything takes off from there?
That's been a huge thought in my mind. But I am just going to get back on the bike and take it from there. It's hard to plan things out while you're laying in bed. When you're riding, you have a better look of where things are going. So for now we are just healing up and getting back on the bike.
You've won a handful of championships this year, we know it couldn't have been done without the help of the people supporting you, who would you like to thank?
The Lord Jesus Christ for what he has given me. For the opportunities and ability to be a part of motocross. Todd Hicks - Dr. Ting - Tuan and the whole Ergo Fitness crew - The Mosiman Family - Eddie and Marlene Evans, and my Family. Also the circle of great people who surround me, you all know who you are. Yamaha, Red Bull, Fox Racing, Nike 6.0, Sheehan Construction, Skagit Powersports,Works Connection, FMF, C4MX, Motorex, CTI2, Scott Goggles, Cycra, Grip Rite, Pro Taper, Ride PG, Dunlop, Kicker and the Vurb Moto crew for just being cool!
