Monday Conversation: Trey Canard
Monday, April 9, 2012 | 5:10 PM
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Before we knew the 2012 season would become one littered with injuries, Trey Canard and Ryan Morias went out early after a vicious crash at the Los Angeles SX. We spoke with Morias in Racerhead last week, but haven’t spoken to Canard about his recovery lately. We rang up the Honda Muscle Milk man to see how things are going.
[Laughs] Yes! I have come out of my shell! I’ve actually been out for a few weeks, but I had to get some additional surgeries on some other things, too.
Racer X: You said you’re flying today? You doing some moving and shaking?
Trey Canard: No, not really! I’m just headed to California for a few days to see the surgeon who worked on my back, and visit some people out here. Just get a change of scenery. It’s just good to get out of the house, and I haven’t seen my surgeon since a few weeks after the surgery.
Is the surgeon part of the actual recovery, or do you transition into a different set of doctors for that?
Some people have different opinions, but to me he’s a huge part of this, because he’s the one who actually saw all the damage in there. When they say you broke you back, it doesn’t mean you snapped your spine in half. It can mean many things, and in my case, tissue damage was the biggest problem. He’s the one who saw that, while my doctor at home basically got handed the case to watch. He’ll prescribe my physical therapy when that gets going, but I’d also like to see my surgeon and see his take on how it’s progressing.
That’s key right there—not in physical therapy yet?
Yeah, I thought I would start that at eight weeks, but they let me out of the back shell after eight weeks, and basically there was so much atrophy that just walking around has become like therapy. They didn’t want to put too much on me at one time, especially since the back is such a sensitive injury. Hopefully I can start in the next few weeks.
Canard hopes to make a return to racing in 2013.
Simon Cudby photo
[Laughs] Yes! I have come out of my shell! I’ve actually been out for a few weeks, but I had to get some additional surgeries on some other things, too.
A crash this big can be very scary, but it seems like you’ve taken the approach that you were lucky—it could have been worse.
Yes, I consider myself fortunate. I had never seen the crash in slo-mo until Houston, when they showed a clip of the crash with Ryan and I, and I was just in shock. I rewound it and watched it in super slow mo. It’s crazy. It made me super thankful to be alive, let alone have the chance to ride again.
Well, I think that’s the first thing everyone wonders about with an injury this big. Did you ever think you might not want to come back, even if you could?
There was a time, right when I was in the ambulance, that I thought I was done. They said, “We think you broke your back.” When you hear that, you don’t think you’ll ever be back to normal again. Then after surgery, I was really sedated, and I think I told Jimmy [Albertson] that I didn’t think I would ever be able to race again. But, since I’ve been all there, ever since I’ve come out of that drugged up state, I’ve never thought that. I have such a huge passion for this, this is what I want to do. When I think about it, that crash could have happened for so many years in supercross, and it never really has, or hasn’t happened very often. I think this can become a really good story for a lot of people if I can come out of this in a good way. Basically right now I already feel normal, it’s just a matter of more bone and tissue healing.
And all of that has gone okay?
I haven’t talked to anyone who has said, “Yeah, this part isn’t good.” Everyone is 100 percent on board with being able to make a 100 percent recovery. Usually, you have skeptics, even with my femur I had people saying I wouldn’t walk again properly, let alone race. I haven’t had that happen this time, so there hasn’t been that doubt, and I also haven’t ever let myself feel that way.
I would like to ask you what you think of the racing this year, but unfortunately the injuries have been the story. I wish we had more to talk about than crashes and injuries!
Yeah! The Lites class has been good, though. On the East, I was excited to see [Blake] Wharton get a win, and the West has been crazy. The 450s, there was so much hype after last year getting called “The Greatest Season Ever” or whatever they called it. I think it built so much anticipation, that all of the riders where getting antsy, “I’ve got to get better. I’ve got to go faster. I’ve got to push myself harder.” And maybe that’s what led to some of the issues. Of course, it’s hard to really know what is causing all of the injuries, but that’s my opinion.
Some will try to point at tracks or bikes or something, but you don’t see any difference there from last year?
No. If anything, the bikes are better. If anything, I think there was so much anticipation, and then when certain guys got hurt, it created more hope for others. And Ryan Dungey got hurt, which is unthought of! It’s been a crazy year, so I think you just write it off as that, a crazy year, and move forward.
But I do want to say I’m pumped for [Ryan] Villopoto. He’s had his fair share of adversity through the years so I’m pumped to see him having the kind of season he is having.
If everything goes according to planned, Canard will begin riding in August.
Simon Cudby photo
Do you have any idea when you might get back on a bike?
I’m hoping somewhere around August. It’s a weird deal because with the spine fusion, they inject a bone graft in and kind of putty it up. That graft doesn’t turn into bone for like six months. So really when those things turn into bone, I’ll have pretty much free reign. In the meantime, it’s a matter of getting my back really strong so I’ll have good support. I hope to be riding by July, August or September, it’s hard to say because you don’t know how your body is going to react. But I think that’s good timing, I’ll be able to get some good outdoor practicing in and have the full off-season t prepare for supercross.
We’ve seen quite a few riders, lately, at your level, take a lot of time off, usually from injuries, and they can come back to their old level. You’ve been riding a bike your whole life so it doesn’t appear like you loose the skills that quickly. Do you almost see this as a chance to rebuild yourself?
I think yes, with this injury more so than any others. With the past injuries, I was always trying to heal up fast. With that femur injury, I was trying to heal up so I could make it to some outdoors. Then I broke it again, and the clock started ticking to get ready for supercross—I only had eight weeks, and that’s not a lot of time to get ready. Then with the collarbone, I ended up having only a week and a half to get ready for my first supercross. I never had a chance to revaluate. With this one, I get a chance to reflect a little bit, and if I am back by the end of summer, I’ll have five or six months to really get ready for supercross. So yeah, there’s a huge positive there, so I have to work on it that way. And this is a contract year for me, and I think we all want to have that workout the way we all kind of want it to. As long as I can keep working hard and keep a positive outlook, I think the good things will come.
This sport can be pretty gnarly at times. But it sounds like you still love it as much as ever.
Yes, absolutely. You know, you’re a human being, so there have been parts of this that I definitely thought sucked, or did things that weren’t fun. But I enjoy racing and riding way more than I hate being hurt. I think there are way too many good times ahead to dwell too much on this. So I’m just going to keep a positive outlook and keep moving forward. There’s still that part of me that wants to fight for it.
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Doug Henry II- let's hope Trey rebounds without further injury.
Great Guy. Glad to hear you're getting better Trey. Looking forward to watching you race for many more seasons.
Yeah, lets hope that this is his last major injury.
Trey your amazing! Thanks for being so positive and inspirational. MX is so lucky to have you. Keep healing
"I think it built so much anticipation, that all of the riders where getting antsy, “I’ve got to get better. I’ve got to go faster. I’ve got to push myself harder.” And maybe that’s what led to some of the issues"
.Even Trey thinks the guys are pushing it...To run with RV?? Wish they asked him that.
.I hope Honda sticks by him UNLIKE they did for all the other guys over the years.
Not to speak for Trey, but it sounded like it was more of pressure for the riders to all step it up and not let the fans down..I have never met Trey, but I do know a couple of his friends and they all have nothing but good things to say about him. All of us fellow Okie's are very proud of him !!!
BillC, its ok to think it all because of RV...it might be..Trey did give him his due..
I did hear some where Honda was bringing him back, with a smaller salary, but alot of incentives built in ...so let the rumors begin...lol
I hope trey reads these comments, because I can offer personal experience. I broke my L3-L4 racing and had a spinal fusion December 6th. I never thought I would be normal again, and I spent alot of time on the phone with Craig Decker who broke T-1 all the way to T-8 in 1995 las vegas supercross. He has given me many tips, and right now I just ran my first mile last night, started swing golf clubs, and feeling just as good as I did before. I know for a FACT the Trey will come back stronger than before he got hurt. The fusion will be stronger than the rest of your spine, and Treys is broken in a spot where I dont think there is as much movement. Doug Henry, Erik Kehoe, Jeff Stanton.. have all been through this. Its not that bad.. Decker came back a year later and basically was just as fast and strong as before.. except a little gun shy in fear of major injury. I can promise you Trey, there will be ups and downs, aches and pains.. but after month #4.. you will start to feel pretty normal. I am considering riding in a few weeks.. Good LUCK!
Remember.. Team Honda.
I hope you heal well Trey. It sounds like you will be back for the 2013 SX which is great. Just be patient though and let your body fully heal as it always pays off in the end.
After following this sport for my entire life, I have got to say that this guy has got to be one of the best men to ever participate in professional mx/sx. After all the adversity, to still be so positive, is just amazing. Trey, you are an amazing individual, and we will be thrilled to have you back as soon as your good and ready!
I really hope he quits for good. This guy is snakebit and is lucky to be functional.
Jeff Stanton wouldn't quit... your right, he is pretty lucky..but as good ole' Iron Mike LaRocco said, "your body can recover if you get off the couch and push through it".
I think Trey has an amazing career ahead of him, BUT.. a few more of these major injuries and I agree that he should hang it up so he can enjoy life without constant pain and suffering. He is still pretty young..
Team Honda guys don't quit.. When OTHER riders are throwing up from pain and injuries.. TEAM HONDA BOYS THROW DOWN!!
I don't think there is any quit inside of Trey, he is guided by his faith and heart!!!!
Well said @riversideyamaha, he's a rare individual.
Trey best of luck to you!!! Please do not rush, be sure you are fully healed, to Mr. Kehoe dont give up on this young man and BillC you really need to stop with with the RV stuff you appear to be old and he is young, it is over the top, people might get the wrong idea....
Trey is a good guy and motivated hope he can get to 100% before he comes back.
I like what he said about it being a freak accident something that does'nt happen alot. when he finally does retire he can be a motivational speaker. Love the positive attitude!
BillC I don't know about Southwick I had to take my son to school last year actually had to stay overnight because of the weather (Burlington VT) I'll see how it works out this year with getting him back to school. Let me know how to get in touch with you or visa/versa about riding.
Go get em' Trey!! you're an inspiration to us all.
A very good interview. Trey is more mmature than most of the racers older than him. Never met him but that is my impresion.I have the utmost respect for him and his faith. I hope Trey makes a good return, I know from my past it can be very hard. With the people he has around him I belive Trey can do it!
@ rickatumizo ? (sp) get an eazyer name please? Yes I know what it is like. I broke my L3 in 76 back then I got a plaster cast. Glsd that Trey got plastic. Oh boy did that cast smell. I used to go into my friends shop jjust to use the air gun to dry it out, this is in the midwest in 76 and not all vehicles had ac. I did not have AC in my trysty Doge van because Bob Hannah said "I dont need no stinkin AC" Now 30 some years later mmy L3 has fused to my L4. The arthritis is pretty tough. Never mind the 20 or so other bones I have broken?
I mmiss racing so much that I have many dreams that I am racing. I really miss it!
PS: Hey Trey good luck and GOD Bless!
First off, keep it up Trey...we want to see you out there again!!!! @BILLC, idle down dude, i know you want to think it was all about RV, but i doubt it was...the field was stacked with capable riders. Don't forget, although RV was definitely proving he was a favorite for the title, he had been beaten a few times before everybody dropped out so it wasn't like he was crushing everyone. Get some help for your (RV) obsession!!
Dang-it Trey, just when I thought that there was no way you could come up with more inspiration. I hope someone is keeping track of all of the TREY CANARD interviews, I am going to paste those suckers on my refridge, (Treyism`s). This is the "Man" I want representing the sport I love. Keep Diggin Man!
Good to hear Trey is doing well and is optimistic aobut his future. Interesting comment about everyone having to push it harder. RV has really raised the bar and it is going to be hard to match his speed.
great interview! the time off may prove to be a good thing for trey as he said he rushed back from all his other injuries and now those injuries have plenty of time to heal i dont know how these guys do it a buddy of our broke his femur it seems like almost a year ago and he is still limping around and not riding these guys are machines and IMO honda would be ignorant to drop trey they arent gonna get anyone else faster than him they are all taken he more than diserves another chance and if he gets injured again quickly ill agree that he is cursed and should walk away
Sorry, I'm with TPowel82. Love Treys determination and glad he is on the road to recovery but C'mon man, really? That back stuff is serious, don't mess with it and move on! Would love to see you prove me wrong but watching you over these last couple of years has been rough, I don't think it's worth the risk.
Unfortunately for Trey and us fans I feel like i've seen this article over and over. Its like groundhog day. Racerx might just want to keep this around... ;(
You gotta love this kid....He will come back 200%!!!