Thought that this topic could kind of explain ourselves.
I guess I'll start off with my story.
(This was for my English class)
Jacob Baldwin
Scar Story: Wide Open
It was a dark and cloudy day. I had just rebuilt my Honda 125, just to shred sweetened brown dirt at Hangtown Motocross track. The Honda had just gotten upgraded to the new cherry red plastics for the shrouds, the number plate, and the front fender. Along with all the new parts, a coal color black filled the rear of the bike. To make these plain plastics look sweet, I had custom made graphics that covered from the front to back of the Honda. The graphics had a chrome plated dragon across them with an outline of yellow, and the rear fender having all my factory sponsors: BVH (Big Valley Honda), Sixsixone, Tech One Designs, Tag Metals, Oakley, Maxxis Tires, Ride or Race Motosource, and Honda of Troy.
Speaking to my Dad, Justin, and my Mom before we leave for practice, "Hey guys, just wanted to say thank you for the support, the effort, and everything else".
"Anything for our son," my parents responded.
By the time we got into Sacromento, CA, it was 45 minutes before my first 14 Open (125, 250, 250, 450) practice at 9:00am. I was just thinking to myself how great of parents I have, especially ones that care and support me for what I do. My Mom, Cammie, has a major role in caring support; unfortunately she couldn't make it then because she was taking care of my brother, Bradley, and my sister, Briella; they are both my biggest fans.
Aside from thanking my superior parents, I also had a factory support to thank: BVH. They have sponsored me with smaller price tags and free stuff such as gear, appreal, and a ton of bike parts.
Once I had gotten to the track, my trainer, Adam Conway, was there and ready to ride. He had trained me for this type of scenario; wet dirt, dark skies, and fast people. This was my third year training with Adam, and he's been a great teacher for this sport. He's taught me skills that even pros struggle with; fundamentals, form, line selection, and the basics of just being fast.
As my dad was warming up the souped up 125, I was putting on the latest factory team BVH gear. The factory gear had all of its basic red, black, and white racing stripes across my chest then back around the rear. I had an all capital bold printed name that spelled "BALDWIN" with a large number underneath it: "950".
My number "950" was chosen when I was at my first race at the age of 9. Back then I couldn't make up my mind, so I chose the number of my age. Ever since, it's increased from one digit: 9, to two digits: 95, to three digits: 950.
Next on my put on order was my brand new sixsixone (661) boots. After that, my new Thor helmet that was originally painted so white, it'd hurt your eyes after a while of starring at it. Next, the gloves of comfort. These red, black, and white Deft Family gloves seemed like a perfect fit on my long and skinny fingers. Finally, the glistening goggles that had a fire red and orange glare to them; the perfect attention attracter.
This day couldn't have been any better. I had just put on my fresh gear, and my new bike, that I'm standing in front of, is being warmed up by my supporting father. My dad knotted to me, notifying that the bike is ready. So, I swung my leg over the sattle and shifted down into first gear and took off to the starting line.
I planned this first lap of practice as a warm up lap. I do a warm up lap to get the feel for my "Mo-jo".
Once I crossed the finish line for the first lap, the bike felt broke in, and my excitement started rising.
I told myself, "Lets put a 50% lap in".
Then I had soon realized that that was a bad idea. The 125 was in third gear coming around the outside of corner one and had made a nose of bogging down and eventually blew up the motor in mid-air. The swiftly polished red head had failed and sent me forward; slamming me into the landing of a fifty foot triple. All I remember seeing was the clouds in the vibrate blue sky and the pain I had in my stomach.
This was a dream that shortly became a nightmare. I woke up about 15 hours after the incident with a IV shot in my right elbow. I haven't eaten since seven this morning and doctors orders not to eat because I elasurated my liver. This was a hall of fame named "Worst Day of my Life". I couldn't believe that my brand new Honda 125 gave up on me within the first lap of practice. At least I didn't need stiches. I couldn't have imagined what I'd look like today. The explanation is simply because the motocross Rental handle bars hit the lower left of my chest so hard that it made a split in my liver.
Once I returned home three days later from the ER from Saint Mary's hospital, it was incredibly hard to walk straight. For example, imagine that you have no ab structure, how do you think you'd be able to walk? You wouldn't be able to. Well, that's where I was, and here I am today, showing and telling my story.
Here are the most member able pictures.
"Stock" Honda 125
Jessy Nelson's old 85 MOD (and yes, im sitting next to adam cianciarulo at Mammoth)
Jessy Nelson MOD bike
Customized RedBull Helmet (says JAKE on the back)
Mammoth Motocross
Another 125 Pic ("stock" bike)
Arenacross (Reno's) (sorry if its a small picture)
MOD 125 (this thing was the beast, almost too beast) (BTW, bored out to 144)
Thanks guys,
Hope you enjoyed
Jacob Baldwin
Leave comments, questions, concerns, and tell me your story!
