| HE MONDAY AFTER DAYTONA I received some really disappointing news. The doctor informed me that I would need to take some time off from racing. His recommendation was one month of bed-rest. Laughing hysterically at this diagnosis, I quickly got a few more opinions. Shockingly, all the doctors were in agreement. I know that passing out from exhaustion before the halfway mark of the race isn't normal, but the diagnosis couldn't have been more surprising. Being diagnosed with chronic sinusitis and chronic tonsillitis wasn't a big surprise. I haven't been able to breathe through my nose for years. Severe sinus headaches have been a weekly struggle, and over the past few months, swallowing has become progressively more difficult. Even with the symptoms, it didn't seem as though taking time off from racing was a legitimate option. With three days after the event it was obvious that my body would ever make it though an entire 20-lap main event without shutting down. I agreed to get my sinuses worked out and have my tonsils taken out. I opted for a new type of laser surgery that enlarged my nasal passage. The ENT (Ear Nose and Throat) doctor then scraped out my sinuses and gave me a machine to use after being exposed to dust. The machine pumps a gallon of salt water in one nostril and out the other. In theory, this should solve a majority of my symptoms from dust. I have been headache-free ever since the operation, but it wasn't nearly enough. My sinuses are still chronically messed up, and I am already scheduled for a good old-fashioned drilling in the off-season. As for the tonsils, they were too infected to get removed for almost a month. By this time I was about to die from lack-of-motorcycle-itis. The ENT's thought it would be possible to keep the infection under control with monthly penicillin shots and daily oral antibiotics. After returning to Oklahoma for training, my body relapsed within four days. I can live with a sore throat, but tonsillitis also tires me out and eventually wears down my immune system. Yesterday I was forced to get my tonsils removed. Is ice cream part of a well-rounded diet? In the four days I was able to spend riding in Oklahoma, it was great to see a hero of mine preparing to make a comeback. Guy "Airtime" Cooper is riding faster and throwing his motorcycle farther upside-down than ever before. On his cheater 520cc electric-start beast, Guy has yet to lose an OK State series moto the entire year in any of the six classes he rides (A +25, +30, +40, or expert open 4-stroke). Guy is within a half-second of my lap times on every track other than his supercross circuit. He has more balance than anyone I know on trail bikes. Coop has more fun every day than most people do any day. Besides that, guy continues to make me an X and Gravity Games gold medalist Kenny Bartram look like total beginners when it comes to throwing a whip. Oh yeah, for his 40th birthday, "Airtime" learned how to do a superman seat grab. Even though I haven't been able to use much of anything around my house due to doctors’ orders, I am doing my best to turn it into a mini Woodward/Cooperland. My indoor BMX/Skate park with full Kicker system, basketball court, boxing setup, and rock-climbing wall has turned into the neighborhood hangout. Ogio Bag Company sent out a top-of-the-line mechanical bull that should provide hours of brutal entertainment within the next week. A month ago I bought a trampoline from Woodward that allows an experienced jumper to get more than 30' above the ground. The tramp-bike has turned into the toy that rivals even an actual motorcycle when it comes to injury... But man, it's fun! The motocross track is finished. The Supercross track was finally approved by the EPA and will be done before this issue of Racer X hits newsstands. Last but not least, Alpinestars, Puma, No Fear, EVS, and Camp Woodward have all greatly contributed to the largest foam pit ever built. Back flips, barrel rolls, body varials, and other fantasy tricks should become second nature real soon. This foam beast will be approximately 10' tall and 50' long and 40' wide. It will be up no later than June. Now, two months, two surgeries, 100 shots, six antibiotic changes, three relapses and two fluid replacement IV's later... I haven't gone this long without winning an event since I was four years old. It wasn't a complete loss, however, o have learned that rest is key in successful training routine. This sickness has enabled me to better understand my limits and has taught me that riding with broken bones is much easier than riding through sickness. As for the Outdoor nationals, I will be ready, I will be strong, and I will be a contender, see you at the races. |
| The Prospect July 2002 |
| By: Travis Pastrana |