Next month Gunnison’s Morgan Spradling will mount his motorcycle and ride nonstop down the Baja Peninsula in what is considered the world’s most grueling motocross race. With only four years’ experience riding motorcycles and just one year of racing, the 30-year-old athlete has been working out relentlessly to prepare for his solo debut in the 39th annual Baja 1000.
What do you see as your biggest challenges for the race?
I am soloing this race, so the biggest challenge for me is to keep my energy up and keep from making a mistake as the night comes.
What is your best training technique?
Riding – there is nothing that gets you ready for an activity like doing it. That, and it is great fun.
What was your worst injury?
I broke my wrist a year-and-a-half ago while racing and didn’t go to the doctor for three months because I didn’t want to stop racing. I had to have surgery because the bone wasn’t growing back, and that cost me a half of a season.
Most frightening moment?
I guess it would be the time I wrecked my bike and didn’t remember anything for about an hour after.
How do you push through mental fatigue?
I just keep telling myself that this is what I love doing and that it is worth it. I also think of my wife and newborn son and try to do what it takes.
What is the sickest thing you have ever seen?
I have been fortunate enough to not really see too many bad wrecks. Probably the worst was a badly broken arm.
Whom do you admire most?
My wife. We just had our first baby, and I cannot believe how she handled that amount of pain and suffering.
What music revs you up for a big race?
Social Distortion.
Best advice you’ve received?
Stay 31 lengths ahead and keep opening your lead. My father told me that in reference to Secretariat winning the (1973) Belmont Stakes by the largest margin ever.
What do you know now that you didn’t know then?
The little stuff really doesn’t matter. It will all work out.
