It was a cool, drizzly day at the Spring Creek National last Saturday in Millville, Minnesota. As the lot of nearly 40 riders made their way around the course, none were as familiar with it as Ryan Dungey.
The 23-year-old 450MX rider grew up with the course, racing it countless times during his childhood, which might be why he hadn’t lost at Spring Creek in over five years. Early on it appeared as though Dungey might be on his way to yet another victory. He looked to make up some ground on leader Ryan Villopoto in the overall standings – whom he’s continuously battled for the top spot – during Moto 1, but his bike had other ideas. About midway through the race, Dungey’s chain detached – an issue most riders would admit is a rarity. Suddenly, he needed to make up ground and fast.
Dungey managed to get back into it and through an amazing effort finished the race in fifth.
Moto 2 was a completely different story as Dungey rode one of his best races of the season, taking the lead just four laps in before fighting off James Stewart’s attempts to pass throughout the race, especially near the end. As he made his way toward the finish line, the crowd showed their appreciation for their hometown rider’s effort, catching their final glimpses of the Red Bull and Target sponsored rider.
Despite the exciting finish to the day, Dungey wound up third overall on the podium, as both Stewart and Trey Canard beat him out by just a few points. Though it might have been a little tough to take for most riders, Dungey focused on the positives after the race.
“I was for sure really happy with the finish,” he admitted. “Obviously the first Moto wasn’t ideal. I had a couple of mistakes there, but the chain came off and that never ever happens to you as a rider in the race, unless it’s a malfunction with the bike. But I think out of every year I’ve been there, with winds and everything, it was my best performance both physically and with the pace.”
Dungey’s effort was certainly impressive – and worth the price of admission – but it failed in comparison to what he was able to achieve on Sunday just a few miles away in Hastings. After inspiring on his bike the day before, he ditched the motor and hopped on a bicycle, inspiring a whole new set of onlookers.
For the second year – thanks in large to a partnership with Target – Dungey was able to give back to the community in the second annual MN Major River-to-River Ride. The event is a one-day, 100k cycling tour along the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers with 100 percent of the donations and registration fees benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The event is something that Dungey holds dear to his heart, having lost his grandmother to cancer when he was younger.
Target announced a partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital back in 1996 and three years later opened the Target House, an innovative facility located near St. Jude that gives patients and their families a long-term home-away-from home during treatment. It’s been an integral part of the domiciliary care program of St. Jude and was a facility Dungey had the chance to see firsthand last year.
“Coming back to Minneapolis and Minnesota brings back a lot of memories and excitement,” he said. “It’s [St. Jude] something that I feel really fortunate to be in this position to help, as well as with all the partners like Target. If it weren’t for all them, this wouldn’t have happened, so it’s something that means as much to them as me – they know it’s important. Losing a grandmother to cancer, it was hard. You kind of just have to sit back and watch. Maybe this is a little piece that we’re doing here but it’s events like this which all add up and help St. Jude operate.”
Dungey was ambitious to continue to help the event blossom in just its second year and judging by the results he might be well on his way to a yearly tradition for a good cause. The amount of riders as compared to last year nearly doubled at 540 participants, while the total amount donated quadrupled to an estimated $104,000 – thanks in part to Dungey, who matched $50,000 himself.
It was yet another cool morning in the suburbs and as riders made the necessary adjustments and gathered their registration documents, Dungey gave a short speech thanking the crowd for not only the turn out, but for its generosity in helping St. Jude fight cancer. But the most emotional and memorable moments of the day were perhaps both thanks to one little girl.
Five-year-old Avery Evans was diagnosed with cancer three years ago and while doctors feared the worst, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital helped with her battle and because of their efforts her disease is stable. With Dungey and her mother close by her side, the little girl yelled “on your marks, get set, go” to the large group of riders nestled around the starting line. To the sounds of laughs and cheers, the group ascended onto the course – some doing 20 miles, while others did 62 miles.
Thanks to the people at Schwinn Bikes, I was able to participate in the race. The company set me up with their Fastback 3 model, allowing me to trek the hills and curves while enjoying the scenic views. I took part in the 20 mile ride and everyone I came into contact with along the way was very welcoming and excited about the ride, not to mention the worthwhile cause they were helping – especially Dungey. The motocross star rode the entire course, chatting with fans and fellow riders throughout and afterwards he even joined the children for their one mile ride. Once again, young Avery Evans stole the show as fans cheered her on at the finish line, as her family fought back tears.
It was a special moment for all who watched.
“It’s about these kids and helping, and to meet Avery this morning makes you realize some kids aren’t that fortunate and that’s why we’re trying to help cure the diseases,” Dungey declared.
Getting the chance to watch Dungey in action at both Spring Creek and the MN Major proved that he takes as much pride in his effort on the dirt as he does when helping others off of it. Cancer has been a part of his life for years but now helping eliminate it could be a part not only in his life, but the lives of those whom have watched him develop into a champion right before their eyes.
“The more money we can raise, the more we can make a difference moving forward,” he stated. “I would love to keep growing it into what it can be. I don’t want to stop here, I don’t want to settle.”
Ed is an MMA/Extreme Sports contributor for CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @PhillyEdMiller, and subscribe at Facebook.com/CraveOnlineSports.
Photo Credit: Andi Dickson – SixSpeed
