• STORIES
    • LONGFORM
    • THE MOMENT
    • MY SHOT
    • SHORT FEATURES
  • PODCASTS
  • SHOP
    • ON ANY SUNDAY
    • APPAREL
    • ACCESSORIES
    • ARTWORK
    • BOOKS
  • SUPPORT
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • ABOUT
  • 0 Items
Logo
Logo
  • STORIES
    • LONGFORM
    • THE MOMENT
    • MY SHOT
    • SHORT FEATURES
  • PODCASTS
  • SHOP
    • ON ANY SUNDAY
    • APPAREL
    • ACCESSORIES
    • ARTWORK
    • BOOKS
  • SUPPORT
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • ABOUT
  • 0 Items

Coronavirus Chronicles

March 25, 2020
-
SHORT FEATURES, STORIES
-
No comments

We Went Fast doesn’t normally cover breaking news or current events in racing but The Great Cessation is a once-in-a-lifetime (hopefully) period in our lives. I found it important to document it somehow and I asked a handful of riders (including the great Jeremy McGrath!) the same six questions. I asked them to all have fun with them. Adam Cianciarulo may have had the most fun because I caught him in the middle of the golf course.

The points placings after the riders’ names indicates where they sat in the standings when the 2020 Monster Energy Supercross series paused after the Daytona round on March 7.

What have you done during this down time that you wouldn’t normally have time to do?

Dean Wilson (9th in 450SX points): I have just rested a little more. During the season we are pounding our bodies every day so it’s important to give it some rest while we have the time.

Adam Cianciarulo (10th in 450SX points): Florida isn’t on lockdown (March 25) so we’re still training. But we’re doing an off season version of what we would normally be doing. Lots of golf, too. Getting in a many rounds as I can. I moved to a new house recently and I’m on a golf course. In fact, I’m lining up a putt right now for birdie… [long pause, the ‘tap’ sound of a club making contact with a ball, long pause] go, go, Go, GO, GO, GO! IT’S A BIRDE! A 35 footer while I’m on the phone with you.

Justin Brayton (8th in 450SX points): A lot of family time. Doing school work with my five year old daughter and a daily workout with my wife. Normally I’m on my own program as far as working out so that’s been fun. I learned that teachers and moms have the toughest jobs out there.

Zach Osborne (14th in points): I built my wife a garden planter box from scratch. We’ll plant summer vegetables in it. I’ve also been hammering down on the stuff that gets neglected around the house or stuff we would normally hire done. And I etched the concrete on the back porch. I’ve had it done a few times but today I fired the pressure washer up and did it myself.

Jeremy McGrath (7-time AMA Supercross Champion): The things we have been doing as a family are cleaning out areas of the house, such as closets and office cabinets. Pretty much all spaces in the house that we never even see or never have time to do. I have been doing the same in my moto garage. We have also been out the desert the last two weekends as a family, camping and driving our Kawasaki KRX side by side. It’s been a blast and the girls are loving it. It’s a great social distancing destination.

Blake Baggett (12th in 450SX points): Finishing my unfinished projects. The ranch keeps me busy 24/7. There are always things that need to be fixed or organized. I’m just using that extra time on the weekends to finish things I haven’t had the time for, or get started on new projects that need to be done. I’m currently working on moving the shop around to make room for my new gun safe. There are so many things that need to be finished around here it would take me a year of quarantine to finish it all.

Justin Cooper (2nd in 250 SX West points): Not much has changed because they were in the mix of running the east coast rounds of supercross. I was doing my training program every week and that is still going on now. Only thing that has changed is the no travel. We are finally starting to ride a little less because of [bike] parts being an issue due to companies being shut down right now. All this does is give us more off the bike training time. It’s given me more time to relax at home which is important with this virus being so crazy.

The McGrath family practices extreme social distancing. Photo Courtesy Jeremy McGrath
Where were you and what were you doing when you found out they cancelled Indianapolis? 

Dean Wilson: I was at home just back from riding and my friend, who is very close to the inside of supercross, told me it was cancelled. So I told everybody on my Instagram that it was cancelled. That was kind of funny because nobody really believed me but some people did and didn’t board their flights and it saved them a trip to Indy. It’s a shame but we saw it coming because the NBA and all other big sporting events were cancelled. I wasn’t surprised.

Adam Cianciarulo: I was talking to my friend Ken Roczen. He was supposed to fly out earlier in the day but he pushed his flight because we heard rumblings of it being postponed. I’m a big NBA follower and they pulled the Thunder and Jazz off the floor just before tipoff [March 11]. I was watching that game on the ESPN app because I actually had some money on it. The play by play on the app said “cancelled”. So when Indy was cancelled, it wasn’t a big surprise.

Justin Brayton: I was outside riding bikes with my kids and got the call. Unfortunately I wasn’t planning racing anyways due to my broken hand but it was really weird knowing a supercross race got cancelled.

Zach Osborne: I was just at home. I came back from California and I knew things were about to get crazy. I saw it on Instagram. Obviously, at first I was skeptical, but then I saw it on Racer X and knew it was legit.

Grand Prix Motocross:  The 1972 World Championship Season

Grand Prix Motocross: The 1972 World Championship Season

$40.00
Shop now

Jeremy McGrath: I am not exactly sure where I was when I found out but when I did, it felt really really strange. I don’t recall if there has ever been a cancelled supercross. About the strangest thing I have ever experienced in racing was the night the lights went out in Vegas (1995). I can’t imagine being a racer during these times. It must be very strange.

Blake Baggett: Home at the ranch. I heard a rumor early in the day but really didn’t expect for it to actually happen.

Justin Cooper: I remember seeing it on Instagram the Thursday night before the race [March 12]. It was funny because my team had already boarded their flights. They had press day with Shane [Mcelrath] Friday. So it was quite crazy to see everyone fly there just to fly back when they got there. I was sitting on the couch in disbelief because I thought they would run the race with no fans.

View this post on Instagram

When the wife says “you look healthy enough to do some work” ???! Enjoying this time with my family and this beautiful weather. Thanks @lululemonmen for always having me in the right gear no matter the job! Hope all you guys are staying safe! #lululemonambassador #thesweatlife

A post shared by Zach Osborne (@zacho_16) on Mar 21, 2020 at 12:11pm PDT

One positive thing about the quarantine?

Dean Wilson: I’m going to be honest. I don’t have a lot of positive from this virus. I was in a good position picking up momentum mid-season, riders were getting injured and I wanted to get back on the box. Then this happened. So, I’m actually bummed but what do you do? It’s the same for everybody.

Adam Cianciarulo: I moved so just having the chance to do everything that comes with moving, like decorating and going furniture shopping with my girlfriend. I’m spending more time with the house than I would normally. The centerpiece of my purchases is the Cloud couch. I’ve wanted that couch since I was 15 or 16. It’s quite a bit of money but I spend a lot of time on the couch recovering after races and training. 

Justin Brayton: There’s been a lot of positives. For me, I’m at the tail end of my career so I’ve had a real look into what life would be like after racing. I’ve called and FaceTimed several friends I normally wouldn’t if I was racing cause the weeks just fly by during the season. And I really think everyone’s perspective of normal life is changing by the day. We’ll all have more appreciation for the simple things in life when/if we get back to normal, like food, hanging with friends, health, going out to dinner, racing, etc. We take a lot for granted. 

Zach Osborne: We are pretty simple. For my wife and kids it’s almost business as usual right now because they are very much home bodies. For me, it’s been good to just get to do stuff with the kids that I would have normally not been home to do. My son is starting to talk so it’s new words everyday and deciphering that has been fun.

  • On Any Sunday 50 Sticker
    On Any Sunday “50” Sticker
    $2.00
    Add to cart
  • Grand Prix Motocross Book
    Grand Prix Motocross: The 1972 World Championship Season
    $40.00
    Add to cart
  • USGP TEE
    USGP TEE
    $30.00
    Select options
  • Motorcycle helmet t-shirt
    We Went Fast Classic Helmet Shirt – Charcoal
    $30.00
    Select options
  • Mert, Maclolm & McQueen - On Any Sunday Shirt - Black
    Mert, Malcolm & Mushman
    Sale Product on sale
    $30.00 $15.00
    Select options
  • Trophy Keychain
    Trophy Keychain
    $5.00
    Add to cart
  • We Went Fast Hat - Brown
    Fast Snapback Hat – Coyote Brown/Black
    $27.00
    Add to cart
  • On Any Sunday Poster
    On Any Sunday Tribute Movie Poster
    $25.00
    Add to cart
  • Shirt - Open Faces Win Races
    Open Faces Win Races
    Sale Product on sale
    $30.00 $15.00
    Select options

Jeremy McGrath: It’s a tough deal with this situation. I am sad that this could even happen. I feel bad that in a matter of a few weeks, everyone’s lives can be turned upside down. I’m not sure there is a silver lining in this but if I had to say, it would be reconnecting with my wife and kids. Life has a way of getting very busy and it feels kind of nice to be forced to slow down, not watch the news. We’re playing cards, board games and doing puzzles together. It’s a bit stressful when you see the stock market tanking but family time has been fun.

Bake Baggett: More quality family time. We’re all three [wife, baby boy Braeker] always together.. always (laughs) but we’ve been able to take Braeker on the boat, spend more time at home, enjoying the property with the dogs.

Justin Cooper: One positive about the virus I would say is the traffic here in California. It’s pretty much on lockdown over here and you can definitely tell the difference in the mornings with the traffic. Oh and the gas prices dropped. [$2.59 per gallon average in Riverside, Calif.]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Justin Brayton (@justinbrayton) on Mar 14, 2020 at 3:30pm PDT

Worst part of the quarantine?

Dean Wilson: See answer above (laughs).

Adam Cianciarulo: Not being able to get out there and race. I was planning on returning at Seattle [from a broken collarbone]. They cancelled that race first, before Indy.

Justin Brayton: Worst part is people are legitimately suffering from sickness and layoffs. It affects people’s families big time. Pretty sad. Our local church, Elevation, has been a massive help in the Charlotte community.

Zach Osborne: Just the uncertainty of the next few months. It’s a crazy time.

Jeremy McGrath: Being quarantined is really not that bad.

Blake Baggett: Missing out on racing. As much as I think we all enjoy having a break, it’s a weird change.

Justin Cooper: No racing for a while. I had a month off before it got shut down. I’m itching to get back to the races. But the health issues are far more important in these times.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by D E A N O (@deanwilson15) on Mar 19, 2020 at 8:00am PDT

Did you panic buy anything? And what item did you buy the most of?

Dean Wilson: No, we never panic bought anything. Just the usual. My fiancé stocked up but I don’t know why there is a big toilet paper crisis. It’s so weird but we are good on groceries.

Adam Cianciarulo: I didn’t panic on anything. When the world is panicking I get calmer for some reason. I stocked up on food and we already had plenty of toilet paper. 

Justin Brayton: No, not really. We just stocked up on more food than usual. Partly because we were actually gonna be home instead of traveling. We’re a little low on toilet paper so we’ll see how that goes if the stores aren’t restocked in the next couple weeks.

Zach Osborne: No, we didn’t. We just kind of did the normal grocery run. My wife bought some extra rice and beans just in case there is a major shortage but nothing else out of the ordinary.

1970s Supercross Champions (Small Only)

1970s Supercross Champions (Small Only)

$25.00 $15.00
Shop now

Jeremy McGrath: We made a few trips to the grocery store but definitely didn’t panic buy. We are very lucky and rarely short on anything.

Blake Baggett: (Laughs) Well, Keleigh (wife) told me to go grab a bottle of Microban when I went to Home Depot… So I bought six.  Otherwise, I kept it minimal.

Justin Cooper: I didn’t panic one bit but the people that have panicked after hearing that there won’t be a shortage of anything has kind of annoyed me because the things I am low on, like paper products, I now can’t get. All these people hoarding these products for no reason is quite dramatic.

There’s something about mass panic that makes me calmer than usual.

— Adam Cianciarulo (@AdamCianciarulo) March 12, 2020
How many rolls of toilet paper are you down to?

Dean Wilson: Let me go check. [long pause]. We are at 4 in the clear!

Adam Cianciarulo: I think we have about 10 rolls left. We’re good. And I take a probiotic so it’s all clean. 

Justin Brayton: (laughs) We’ve got about a week or two left and then we’ll have to get creative.

Zach Osborne: I don’t know. We can use a 24 pack for, like, six months so I’m not concerned. Worst case, just hop in the shower.

Trophy Keychain

Trophy Keychain

$5.00
Shop now

Jeremy McGrath: We do Costco shopping, it’s really hard to be low on toilet paper when you shop at Costco!

Blake Baggett: Well, we stock up on paper goods normally, not just when we’re facing a pandemic. We live in the middle of nowhere so I’m thinking we probably have close to 20. We haven’t bought any since this whole thing went down, believe it or not.

Justin Cooper: Luckily I had a big bag of toilet paper, so I have quite a few rolls left. But definitely going to have to ration it until it’s back on the store shelves.


Can you spare $3 a month? If so, consider becoming a Patron. I don’t sell advertising but you can help keep We Went Fast going. For a token amount of money, join the team and get access to exclusive content, the private We Went Fast Vimeo page, free swag, and discounts to The Shop. 

Or buy merchandise. The revenue is poured back into We Went Fast to keep telling Moto That Matters. Share the story and leave a comment!

Thank you for reading. 

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
Tags
Adam Cianciarulo
Blake Baggett
Coronavirus
Dean Wilson
Jeremy McGrath
Justin Brayton
Zach Osborne
Email
← PREVIOUS POST
Ep. #9 The Curious Life of Terry Pratt
NEXT POST →
Ep. #8 One Hit Wonders

Brett Smith

Former racer turned bookworm and story teller. Will work for tacos.

Let’s Talk About It

Your personal information will not be published
Cancel Reply

Please wait...
Submit Comment

Related News

Other posts that you should not miss.
Ricky Carmichael, Jeremy McGrath and Eli Tomac: The All-Time Greats of SuperMotocross

Eli Tomac is Already Top 3 All-Time. Here’s Why. Fight Me.

January 6, 2023
-
SHORT FEATURES, STORIES
The SuperMotocross World Championship creates an official way to categorize and rank the all-time greats of Supercross and motocross. But it's going to seriously rankle James Stewart fans.
Read More →
8 MIN READ
We Went Fast, RevZilla Promotion

Shop FAST and Get $25 From RevZilla for FREE!

Sticky Post
-
November 22, 2022
-
STORIES
Want a FREE $25 gift certificate from RevZilla? Click the photo to load up a cart full of We Went Fast goodies. If your order totals $100 or more, you'll score free money from RevZilla.com.
Read More →
1 MIN READ
On Any Sunday: Mert, Malcolm and McQueen on the sand dunes

50 Years of Sundays: “On Any Sunday” Will Change Your Life

May 10, 2021
-
LONGFORM, STORIES
Fifty years after its release, Bruce Brown's motorcycle documentary continues to influence. From Malcolm to Masterson, this is a collection of stories from people whose lives were never the same after watching "On Any Sunday". Print Version
Read More →
24 MIN READ
SUBSCRIBERS ARE WINNERS
Free stickers for those who join the FAST list!
Coronavirus Chronicles - We Went Fast
Cleantalk Pixel
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Privacy Policy.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT
We Went Fast Stickers!

WANT FREE STICKERS?

Join the FAST list and get free stickers. That's it. No catch.

Check your inbox for a welcome e-mail from We Went Fast! Instruction for free stickers are in the first paragraph.