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Darius Glover is the first paralyzed motocross racer to ride in a AMA (American Motorcyclists Association) sanctioned race, proving that yes – you can be paralyzed and still be competitive on a bike. We love this guy. But racing from the waist up (he’s a T5 – T9 paraplegic) definitely weren’t his original life plans.
Everything changed when at the age of 15, while practicing for an upcoming race in 2006, Darius crashed his bike on a double jump. Even though his parents were hesitant (and even he wasn’t sure he could do it), Darius decided to not give up on his love and was back on a bike within a few months of his injury. Read on for his story.
Why He’s Fearless
Originally from West Baltimore and now a resident of Atlanta, Darius’ early life was all about motocrossing. He started riding at the age of 6, riding daily with his best friend and now-famous motocrosser, Daniel O’Brian. It was Daniel who helped him get back out on the track. Darius equipped his 2012 CR45 bike with his own fabricated custom bars, seat, slipper clutch and brake in order to make it work for his new abilities.
Darius went on to qualify for Loretta Lynn’s Amateur Motocross Championships in Florida in 2011. Sadly, after traveling hundreds of miles to the race, he was told he couldn’t race upon arriving. After badgering them and complaining relentlessly, the AMA finally allowed him to race.
Once he was given the go ahead to race in the amateur motocross bracket, Darius has been training hard. He trained for years at the Millsaps Training Facility, his original home track. He was able to train with infamous motocross trainer Colleen Millsaps, the mother of Pro Motocross Legend and JGRMX team rider Davi Millsaps.
And in 2013, while racing Mini O’s in Gainesville, Florida in a stacked class and forced to start on the far outside of the gate, Darius was able to pull ahead of the other able-bodied racers, showing that it is still possible to be as good as he was before. Darius has been able to attract some great sponsors over the years too like Race Ready Fitness, Alpinestars, Oakley, One Industries and Rekluse Clutch.
Darius’ life and experience returning to motocross was the subject of two documentaries. In 2010, Live and Learn, was released, and in 2014, another documentary was released, 117 the Darius Glover Story. This 19 minute short highlights his amazing journey returning to motocross.
What’s Next?
Darius is doing exciting things outside of riding as well. After attending classes at Florida State University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, he started a company that creates accessible shopping carts, Capable Carts. He hopes to one day see his carts at stores throughout the country.
And he created a nonprofit in the same name as the documentary about him, Live and Learn. He gives motivational speeches to schools and visits local hospitals inspiring patients faced with new spinal cord injuries.
— Live and Learn Facebook page
ideas@spinalpedia.com
