Inspirational Vid Of The day: Ricky James - Perseverance

ocscottie
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Edited Date/Time 6/25/2012 10:27pm
This is some really good stuff from Swap! Ricky is an animal! and with The Icon behind him, i expect nothing but the best from him.

https://youtu.be/-0H-tW9po8I

Seven years ago, Ricky James was a promising amateur racer who was paralyzed from the waist down in a crash at the Lake Whitney Grand Nationals. Since then, he has accomplished more as a paraplegic than most of us will in a lifetime. In addition to getting back on a modified motocross bike and earning an X Games medal, RJ has raced trucks, stock cars, short course off-road trucks, go karts, and more. In 2008, mentored by his trainer and good friend David Bailey, James competed in the Ironman World Championships. Now, after some personal ups and downs (including a MX crash in which he re-broke his back!), Ricky is on a quest to qualify for this year's Ironman World Championships in Hawaii in October. The first step? Finishing inside the top two in this weekend's Buffalo Springs 70.3 event. I'm lucky enough to call RJ a good friend, and over the past couple of weeks, I documented his preparations for this weekend's event. Good luck, Ricky!
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TeamGreen
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6/21/2012 2:38pm
Amazing Athlete...

Amazing friends.

And...an Amazing Family
ocscottie
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6/21/2012 5:44pm
TeamGreen wrote:
Amazing Athlete...

Amazing friends.

And...an Amazing Family
..but i guess not quite amazing enuff for this crowd. Blink

Did you see how yoked out Ricky is? damn he is getting huge!

btw: Manny, thx for helping out Big Rick up here, you were the 1st person that came to mind when he asked for a favor. I figured an able bodied dude would meet his needs a little better.

I still have something i need to run by ya, it is right up your alley. (CF) Cool
FastEddy
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6/21/2012 5:56pm
Cool vid!
Good job,Swap....and thanks for posting this Scottie.
ProMoto
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6/21/2012 6:12pm
..but i guess not quite amazing enuff for this crowd.

Not true. Watched the whole thing. Very awesome. Made my current situation seem not so bad. Just scares the shit out me. I don't go to hospitals when dudes get wrecked. I don't go to funerals. I have never been able to put into words why. And I can't now. Currently injured and unable to take care of myself but still going to work 6 days a week. This sport has a very dark side. And it is very hard to talk about. At least for me.

The Shop

824 Dad
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6/21/2012 6:55pm
TeamGreen wrote:
Amazing Athlete...

Amazing friends.

And...an Amazing Family
ocscottie wrote:
..but i guess not quite amazing enuff for this crowd. :blink: Did you see how yoked out Ricky is? damn he is getting huge! btw: Manny...
..but i guess not quite amazing enuff for this crowd. Blink

Did you see how yoked out Ricky is? damn he is getting huge!

btw: Manny, thx for helping out Big Rick up here, you were the 1st person that came to mind when he asked for a favor. I figured an able bodied dude would meet his needs a little better.

I still have something i need to run by ya, it is right up your alley. (CF) Cool
Thanks you guys. Ricky has really struggled the past few years and thankfully found himself again. Scottie I'm sure you have "Been there Done that", it's a son of a bitch for everyone involved but we have to just keep plugging away.

Ricky has put 100% into his training and I'm hoping it pays off this Sunday in Lubbock.... We are so proud of where he's gotten him self recently....Love ya son....
ocscottie
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6/21/2012 7:10pm
"Scottie I'm sure you have "Been there Done that" it's a son of a bitch"

Many times over the years! and prob have quite a few more ahead of me. Its not about the fall, its how you get back up and fight!

Swap sent me that vid earlier today and asked if i would share it here at Vital.

Really good stuff and damn your boy is an Animal!! Great to see DB in his corner, couldnt ask for a better person (or friend) I wish you guys all the best!!
ocscottie
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6/21/2012 7:14pm
..and just to clarify my comment "but i guess not quite amazing enuff for this crowd."

I was a little disappointed when this fell off the front page with only a single reply, thats all.
Tbteam
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6/21/2012 7:39pm
Lubbock should be quite a test. 100+ degrees typically. I'm pumped for Ricky, and it sure would be nice to see the Bailey Revolution bike win its first race.

Hi Rick sr!
scooterB
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6/21/2012 7:50pm
hahah loved the last scene
6/21/2012 8:07pm
I Used to hang with Ricky in high school days. This kid has a great attitude and even greater work ethic. Im proud of you Ricky!
824 Dad
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6/21/2012 8:08pm
Tbteam wrote:
Lubbock should be quite a test. 100+ degrees typically. I'm pumped for Ricky, and it sure would be nice to see the Bailey Revolution bike win...
Lubbock should be quite a test. 100+ degrees typically. I'm pumped for Ricky, and it sure would be nice to see the Bailey Revolution bike win its first race.

Hi Rick sr!
Hi Mark... and yeah no pressure on the kid racing the Bailey Revolution in it's first event....
ocscottie
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6/21/2012 8:12pm
Whenever i hear "Lubbock. TX" i think of the movie "The Buddy Holly Story" Cool
ocscottie
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6/21/2012 8:22pm
824 Dad wrote:
Hi Mark... and yeah no pressure on the kid racing the Bailey Revolution in it's first event....
Dang! this is one bad mamo-jamma!!

Looks fast sittin still Cool
jimmie
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6/21/2012 8:39pm
ocscottie wrote: ..but i guess not quite amazing enuff for this crowd.


This crowd can appreciate his "guns" (not in a sexual way....curb your gay references, pleaseWink )

jimmie
3 hours ago
That was awesome!

Ricky, you are BAD ASS, I wish the best for you in the Ironman championship.

Dude is faster, with no legs, than I ever was on a motorcycle.......SWEET!
824 Dad
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6/21/2012 9:54pm
ocscottie wrote:
Dang! this is one bad mamo-jamma!! Looks fast sittin still B) [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2012/06/21/DB_handbike_28854.jpg[/img]
Dang! this is one bad mamo-jamma!!

Looks fast sittin still Cool
It's the works model .....custom fit to Ricky
jemcee
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6/22/2012 2:02am
re; his guns... ricky better go to the vet.. cause those puppies are sick

man that dude is inspiring not so much inspiring me to do an ironman cause the only thing I wanna do for 6+ hours is watch TV haha but he's makin me feel bad about sittin here (literally) and not gettin off my arse (not literally) and get amongst it
MaicoJC1
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6/22/2012 6:37am
Thanks for posting this Scottie...very inspiring, and humbling at the same time. I wish RJ all the very best. Keep up the good work that you do!
mws02
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6/22/2012 8:25am
I will never forget standing 5 feet away from where he crashed. I was the heat before him (back when lake whitney had 5 heats because attendance was huge). It was a rattling thing to be standing so close to that- it was tough to race the rest of that week. I feel lucky to have escaped the sport with my body semi intact. I now have 3 friends that don't walk because of motocross. Every time they get down I point to what Ricky has accomplished and it helps them see the potential they can have even from a chair. Everyone goes through ups and downs in life but he is certainly an inspiration to many.
mauidex
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6/22/2012 9:29am
man awesome to see that.............wish him and DB best of luck!! never thought about going to watch but might have to go cheer him on.........would be so cool if another MX'r is on the box there!
TeamGreen
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6/22/2012 10:54am
ocscottie wrote:
Dang! this is one bad mamo-jamma!! Looks fast sittin still B) [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2012/06/21/DB_handbike_28854.jpg[/img]
Dang! this is one bad mamo-jamma!!

Looks fast sittin still Cool
824 Dad wrote:
It's the works model .....custom fit to Ricky
Let's talk after he get's home about making it a bit lighter, tricker...faster.

I'll be back in the office after all the Mammoth week madness.

Ricky is in my thoughts, prayers and expectations...

Just WIN.
824 Dad
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6/22/2012 7:01pm
ocscottie wrote:
Dang! this is one bad mamo-jamma!! Looks fast sittin still B) [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2012/06/21/DB_handbike_28854.jpg[/img]
Dang! this is one bad mamo-jamma!!

Looks fast sittin still Cool
824 Dad wrote:
It's the works model .....custom fit to Ricky
TeamGreen wrote:
Let's talk after he get's home about making it a bit lighter, tricker...faster. I'll be back in the office after all the Mammoth week madness. Ricky...
Let's talk after he get's home about making it a bit lighter, tricker...faster.

I'll be back in the office after all the Mammoth week madness.

Ricky is in my thoughts, prayers and expectations...

Just WIN.
Sounds Good, We need to get with DB as he has some ideas for some carbon stuff already.
6/22/2012 8:16pm
.

Man,
Choked me up good.
Guys who have made it to the top of motocross (or on their way) seem to be the strongest, most focused group of elite athletes in the world, period.

Ricky James blows my mind.

I know there is a dark side, but to be able to pull out of it, and to that extent is beyond words.

When / how can we find out his results this Sunday?

He will be in my thoughts on Sunday.

Go get-um Dude and thanks for sharing...

.
MX45
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6/22/2012 9:54pm Edited Date/Time 6/22/2012 9:56pm
Ricky is the MAN! I've been watching his run for this ironman and he turned himself into a beast! He's going to kill it.
Wonder what his "big plans" are...?
I can relate all to well with what he has gone through. Like DB said, everyone goes through ups and downs. It's just harder to get back up when you're in a chair. Sometimes it feels impossible.
That 5 year mark can be one hell of a speedbump. But as long as you focus on what makes you truly happy things do get better.
As soon as my back feels good enough (again) I'm going to go pound out some miles on the handcycle. Sure would love to give that DB works cycle a spin!
824 Dad
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6/22/2012 11:16pm
. Man, Choked me up good. Guys who have made it to the top of motocross (or on their way) seem to be the strongest, most...
.

Man,
Choked me up good.
Guys who have made it to the top of motocross (or on their way) seem to be the strongest, most focused group of elite athletes in the world, period.

Ricky James blows my mind.

I know there is a dark side, but to be able to pull out of it, and to that extent is beyond words.

When / how can we find out his results this Sunday?

He will be in my thoughts on Sunday.

Go get-um Dude and thanks for sharing...

.
As soon as we hear how he did you can be sure I'll post it.

Thanks for all the words of encouragement and well wishes.
6/23/2012 8:53pm
that bike looks so sick! ive got a feeling he is going to kill it tomorrow! good luck and thanks for such an inspiring video. cant wait to here some updates.
jake64
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6/24/2012 10:20am Edited Date/Time 6/24/2012 10:28am
ocscottie wrote:
Dang! this is one bad mamo-jamma!! Looks fast sittin still B) [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2012/06/21/DB_handbike_28854.jpg[/img]
Dang! this is one bad mamo-jamma!!

Looks fast sittin still Cool
824 Dad wrote:
It's the works model .....custom fit to Ricky
hey Ricky sr i was wondering how i can get some context information for Ricky or David because i'm really interested in getting one of these bikes for my self. because i had a spinal cord injury about five year ago and this would be a good way for me to get in shape. if you could get back to me that would be greatly appreciated.
thanks Jake
MX45
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6/24/2012 10:43am
Hey Jake, that DB handcycle is the top of the top racing machine.
Have you looked into other handcycles if you are just wanting to get started in the sport or recreation side of it? They come in all price ranges and there are alot of options to choose from. I've been out of the loop for a while, but I'm most familiar with TopEnd's line, however there are many other brands and configurations out there.

Here are a couple links:
http://www.invacare.com/cgi-bin/imhqprd/inv_catalog/prod_cat.jsp?catOID…
http://bike-on.com/catalog/handcycles-52/
http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/tags.php?tag=handcycle
jake64
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6/24/2012 3:18pm Edited Date/Time 6/24/2012 3:29pm
MX45 wrote:
Hey Jake, that DB handcycle is the top of the top racing machine. Have you looked into other handcycles if you are just wanting to get...
Hey Jake, that DB handcycle is the top of the top racing machine.
Have you looked into other handcycles if you are just wanting to get started in the sport or recreation side of it? They come in all price ranges and there are alot of options to choose from. I've been out of the loop for a while, but I'm most familiar with TopEnd's line, however there are many other brands and configurations out there.

Here are a couple links:
http://www.invacare.com/cgi-bin/imhqprd/inv_catalog/prod_cat.jsp?catOID…
http://bike-on.com/catalog/handcycles-52/
http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/tags.php?tag=handcycle
thanks for the links MX45! No i haven't really looked at any really but i have been working out and getting stronger so i can maybe get a bike soon. the only thing is that i'm a quadriplegic and don't have any movement from my elbows down so i'm thinking it will have to be light weight because i'll be using my upper arms and shoulder muscles. i don't even know if quads can do this but i would really like to try one.
MX45
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6/24/2012 3:50pm
Yes, of course quads can use a handbike. I'm a para, but from what I've seen quads tend to prefer the more reclined (flat) bikes for performance vs. the upright ones. As you can imagine, the more upright you get the more trunk power and control is needed.
I think for quads it is preferred to have narrower crank widths also. And to grip on the hand cranks, you use gloves with pins that insert into the crank arms.
Look around online for info and also a great place to start is to buy used. See if there are any groups or individuals in your area who would let you try some bikes. Of course, as you know what works for one person may not be comfortable for you. There are alot of options out there and anything can be customized.
Scott at bike-on.com is a good resource that I get all my parts from and he knows his stuff if you have any questions or want to build something custom.
jmc2
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Fantasy
6/24/2012 5:34pm Edited Date/Time 6/24/2012 5:38pm
MX45 wrote:
Yes, of course quads can use a handbike. I'm a para, but from what I've seen quads tend to prefer the more reclined (flat) bikes for...
Yes, of course quads can use a handbike. I'm a para, but from what I've seen quads tend to prefer the more reclined (flat) bikes for performance vs. the upright ones. As you can imagine, the more upright you get the more trunk power and control is needed.
I think for quads it is preferred to have narrower crank widths also. And to grip on the hand cranks, you use gloves with pins that insert into the crank arms.
Look around online for info and also a great place to start is to buy used. See if there are any groups or individuals in your area who would let you try some bikes. Of course, as you know what works for one person may not be comfortable for you. There are alot of options out there and anything can be customized.
Scott at bike-on.com is a good resource that I get all my parts from and he knows his stuff if you have any questions or want to build something custom.
The Lincoln town car is the type we had at our clinic in Tempe, heavy, old and wouldn't turn..and the chain would rub on the leg, just as David had mentioned..

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