After cancer treatment, motocrosser is ready to compete

“Cancer is so limited,” reads a popular inspirational quote from an anonymous survivor. “It cannot shatter hope, it cannot silence courage, it cannot conquer the spirit.”

Those are more than just words to 22-year-old Nick McConahy, a Spokane professional motocross rider, who was diagnosed almost seven months ago with testicular cancer and now, after surgery and four months of chemotherapy, is preparing for his first race since his diagnosis.

“I found out in October,” he said. “My doctors rushed me in and did surgery, let me heal from that while they determined exactly how extensive it was, and then started my chemo. My last cycle ended in early February, and I started riding again a week after that.”

Which turned out not to be such a great idea – McConahy says he pushed himself too hard too quickly, contracted a case of mononucleosis and had to rest until four weeks ago. Now he’s riding every day again, working out with his trainer three times a week, and getting ready to race against some of the fastest riders on the professional circuit later this month in Southern California.

“When I found out I had cancer,” he said, “I didn’t know what to do. I went to Lance Armstrong’s Web site. … He’s been my inspiration, how he got through his cancer. My family and friends have been so supportive, and even when I was sick from chemo, I tried to look ahead to the end of it and stay positive.”

McConahy, who qualified as a professional in 2004, has been riding since before he was 4 years old. His father had a motorcycle, and Nick laughed when he recalled that his dad told him that when he was old enough to ride a bicycle, he’d buy him a motorcycle.

“I learned to ride a bicycle without training wheels so I could get a motorcycle,” he said. “All the family pictures from when I was growing up show me with motorcycle magazines. From the time I was little, all I wanted to do is race.”

McConahy is one of less than a half-dozen motocross professionals in the Spokane area. Riders can qualify for a pro card by earning American Motorcycle Association points in amateur races, or with strong recommendations from local promoters. Most local races are pro-am, McConahy says, but he also earned points toward his pro license by participating in events throughout the West and Southwest.

“You pick and choose your events,” he said, “and eventually I started going to Southern California in the winter so I could train and race year round. The weather really limits you in Spokane.”

At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, McConahy has grown into a 450cc bike after riding 250s since he was 15.

“It’s the same size bike,” he said, “but it’s got more power and is heavier, so it takes a lot more strength to do what you want with the bike. My favorite part of racing is catching the air, being able to perform in front of people, and give them the best show I can.”

McConahy’s father still rides, as does his 14-year-old brother. His mother rode when she was younger, he says, and even raced once several years ago, but now limits herself to serving as his biggest fan.

As he prepares for his comeback, McConahy says he’s feeling stronger all the time and is positive about both his racing prospects and his recovery.

“There was probably a little bit of ‘why me?’ at the beginning,” he said. “But I’m thankful for what I’ve got and I know there’s a reason I got sick, even if I don’t know what it is. My dad’s always told me to make goals and don’t let anything get in my way.”

And, McConahy might add to his father’s sentiments, not even cancer.