Four and a half years ago, Danny Baird was involved in a dirt bike accident that left him a quadriplegic. Despite his injury, Danny’s love for racing has not changed over time. He can still be caught on his bike, adrenaline pumping as he zooms around the track.
Danny admits that riding his bike is a little different post injury. However, he is up for the challenge.
“It was weird because even though it’s been like 4-and-a-half years, my body still remembers everything that you should do, like seat bouncing when you jump. I just have to figure out how to do it differently.”
Danny’s bike has been adapted to meet his needs. The adaptations include a seat belt around a cage around his legs. He continues to practice his skills on the bike, taking part in numerous competitions.
“Motocross is like the most physically demanding sport in the world. You use every muscle in your body. It’s really hard, but it seems like I’m figuring out how to do it the more practice I get.”
Danny’s practice is paying off. He is the first rider who is quadriplegic to race motocross. Danny recently earned second place in one of his races. However, just being able to experience the feeling of freedom while on a bike again is enough for him.
“(Motocross) scares me so much I like it. You know that feeling you get when you go on a roller coaster like you get in your stomach? Well I can’t feel anything below my armpits, but I can still feel that feeling like when I’m flying.”
Riding a dirt bike can be scary, but it’s where Danny feels most in control. That is a feeling he would not trade for anything. Check out Danny’s skills in this news story.