When energy management junior Cody Tucker hopped on his motorcycle for the first time at age 3, his feet could barely touch the ground.

“My dad actually had to put training wheels on the bike because I couldn’t quite get there,” he said.

Tucker’s bike tore through his yard as he launched forward for the first time. Just as he began to grow more confident in his ability to handle the motorcycle, the training wheels shattered, sending him tumbling to the ground.

“I remember my mom running over and picking me up after I crashed,” he said. “I was completely covered in stickers.”

Despite the element of danger, Tucker said he intends to ride as long as possible.

“As you get older, it can get a bit more difficult to keep up with the younger riders,” he said. “Either way, I’d like to try to ride professionally. But to do that, I’d have to quit school, not to mention that one injury can end your career.”

Tucker, who said he normally rides on a track in Blanchard, has received numerous injuries, including a broken wrist and hand, as well as a few concussions.

“It can be really scary at times, especially with concussions,” he said. “It’s weird when you can’t remember anything. It’s definitely a terrible feeling.”

Psychology junior LaDonna Crowder, Tucker’s friend, said she often worries about his safety.

“The jumps are huge, and it can be really scary to watch,” she said. “Anytime I see someone wreck, I just turn the other way.”

Crowder said her cousin is now a quadriplegic because of a motocross injury, and, as a result, she’s a bit warier when it comes to Tucker.

Tucker said he doesn’t mind risking injury for something he loves.

“I believe you can get hurt doing anything,” he said. “I’d rather take a chance getting hurt doing something I love than tip-toe through life. Injuries are just part of the sport that you have to put in the back of your mind.”

In addition to being dangerous, motocross is also an expensive hobby. Tucker estimates his total motocross expenses amount to about $200,000.

“There are tons of expenses, from new bikes to maintenance, travel fees, and medical bills,” Tucker said. “Thankfully, I’ve got the support of my parents.”

Randy Tucker, Cody’s dad and bike mechanic, said as long as Tucker continues to ride, he will continue to support his son’s hobby.

“I really hope he can continue as he gets older,” he said. “It gets more difficult the older you get to ride competitively, but as you age, it’s less about the competition and more about camaraderie.”

Tucker said it is becoming more difficult to find time to ride because of school, but he said he makes the most out of the little time he has.

“It’s all very challenging, especially since I’m a college student who doesn’t have the time to commit that I’d like to have,” he said. “Even if I can’t eventually do this professionally, I’m going to keep riding as long as I can sit on a bike.”