Landon Currier started his career like so many others who race Motocross. He began on the 50s then worked his way up through the amateur ranks eventually getting the golden ticket to Loretta Lynn's. His contemporaries include such notables as Blake Baggett, Justin Barcia, Jason Anderson, and Eli Tomac. We even featured Currier in 2011 for our "Up and Coming" series.
And, like others it also came to a halt before his full potential was realized. Currier was one of the Pacific Northwest's "Who's who" in dirt bike racing pursuing the dream around the country and slowly making a name for himself. Injuries took their toll until the hammer dropped and ended any hopes of making it on the sport's highest and most acclaimed podium. He disappeared for a while, focusing on life off the bike but eventually like all who ride, the desire returned.
Currier now owns and operates LCATMX Camps, a Motocross training camp, and guess what? He has now set his sights on racing, again. No, don't expect to see him lining up alongside all those names mentioned above who now have factory rides. Currier plans to keep it simple, perhaps another Loretta Lynn's run and most certainly some local competition in the Portland, OR area where he resides about 20 miles north of. Life on a dirt bike keeps him busy, but we were able to track him down and turn the engine off just long enough for a chat about the past, present and his future plans. This is what he said.
Photo by: Jesse Smith
Age: 26
Years Riding: 20 years
What age did you start riding and on what: Age 6 on a PW50, like most
What do you ride now: 350F
Hometown: Battle Ground, WA
Career Highlights: Representing respected companies like Nike etc. and inspiring other motorcyclists
Favorite Track or style: Free riding, Streets, Supercross
Other sports participated in: Baseball
Other hobbies interests: Mountain Biking, Cooking, Music, Art, Yoga
Website: LCATMX.com
Photo by: Ryan Walters
1. How did you get started riding a dirt bike?
My dad, Darrin Currier, loves racing and so he and my mom gave me encouragement and the possibility to enjoy motorcycles. They also helped run a Supercross race team called Moto Demarini owned by Ray Demarini, so throughout the years I learned to twist the throttle and had the opportunity to hang in a semi as a kid with riders like Tyler Evans, Travis Preston, Ryan Clarke, Lance Smail, and Rusty Holland. By the way, rest in peace to Ray Demarini and bless his family (Wife Shelly, Son Nico). Ray was an incredible human and his ways influence me still to this day.
2. Eventually, you became one of the Pacific Northwest's fast guys. Did you have a desire to go pro?
We lived in different areas like Georgia, California, Texas etc., moving in and out of different Mobile home parks, near training locations, and yes, with the burning desire to be the best Moto athlete.
3. You found success at Loretta Lynn's?
Moderate, many Top 3 Moto finishes, but only one overall win at the ranch some years ago. My last gate drop was a Top 3 Moto finish there in the Pro class. I remember being sick that week, mad at myself because I wasn't on top of the box, but had no idea it'd be my last time racing.
4. But then an injury derailed your plans. What happened?
Actually, many "secret" injuries years before were adding up and I was ready for change if more occurred. Then training for Supercross in 2011 had the gravest crash you can't imagine. A high flight without my bike, crash-landing feet first. Luckily, I could get to my legs, but ultimately, the impact exploded both ankles and feet into dust, and damaged my Achilles tendon. Many thousands of days of therapy and days inside my bedroom, this injury was the big one for me I couldn't come back from. A big portion of daily exercise I do today is to gain better sensation in my right leg and foot for balance, strength and blood flow around the injury. This is crucial because my bones are "dead" in a doctor's words due to the extensive number of surgeries and manipulation to the ankle joint that I've lost much blood flow. So sustaining circulation and constant rehab is essential so we don't have any concerns of infection or amputation or anything like that.
Photo by: Fenn Paider
5. Were you unable to get back up to speed because of physical limitations or did the mental aspect affect your riding?
Physical for sure. After the last big injury I didn't feel physically capable of pursuing my Supercross champion dream anymore and didn't want to compete for a lesser result than I felt my talent offered. Could still ride decent at the time, but because of muscle atrophy in my legs and soreness I wasn't able to squeeze the bike properly and wouldn't race knowing I was at such a disadvantage.
6. What have you been doing since the injury?
Learning. Both personal and business. I've been up and down along the way, succeeded and failed then found some success again, just like anyone. Right now we're way up, though, loving the present!
7. Now you are staging a comeback of sorts. Are you back into racing?
Yeah. Me and my motorcycle are planning to take over the world. I began training to challenge my biggest dreams. Racing interest me a bit again from a physiological perspective now that I'm older. So maybe we warm up and crush the 25+ A class at Loretta's or something just for fun. The regional qualifier would be my first race back in 8 years.
Photo by: Jesse Smith
8. How about the Nationals? Perhaps a round or three?
I'm more of a Supercross guy.
9. So will we see you in Seattle or any other Supercross rounds?
My Supercross mindset is simple. I'm down to race rounds once we trust my tempo, speed, and strength is competitive with the best. I've worked hard now to secure personal knowledge outside of Moto and win elsewhere in life too, so battling it out is no longer my only ability, and racing seems useless to me unless I can fulfill my ultimate dreams.
10. Tell us about your Motocross camps. Is it just learning to ride, racing or trying to get the up-and-coming Landon's to the next level?
I've been fortunate to run the most organized mobile Motocross training camps ever. Because of my belief in safety and our helpful crew we've created several facets and choices for riders to choose while joining LCATMX camps to keep our main events streamline and free from error, assuring riders stay on schedule and have quality training experiences in larger groups. Riders can also select different types of training dates and event type that best suits their age, riding ability and budget. No matter what, whichever event they enter; they'll benefit tremendously becoming a more well-rounded rider and have an experience of a lifetime. LCATMX Events for all ages and riding levels and adventure accessories coming soon, too.
