Hayden Meikle: What are you up to right now?
Ben Townley: I'm right smack bang in the middle of a rehab phase for my shoulder. I'm doing range-of-motion exercises and some strengthening work. I've basically been living in Mt Maunganui for about 12 weeks and focusing on getting all the range of motion back in my shoulder. It's been a long process.
HM: When did you have the operation?
BT: I had an operation last June but I never really got fully healthy. The full impingement in my shoulder wasn't found or repaired. So I had a second operation in April. Hopefully they've nailed it this time.
HM: I heard the operation was done in Belgium.
BT: Yeah. The doctor was the same one who repaired my wrist fracture that went horribly wrong in 2003. I went back to him in search of confidence, just because the surgery I'd had on the shoulder hadn't really worked.
HM: Are you back on the bike yet?
BT: No, not at all. I've got a whole period of strength training to go. If that goes to plan, maybe I'll be back on the bike by mid-to-late September.
HM: So you're spending some time in the gym?
BT: Yeah, just working on my strength. And that doesn't mean getting in there and pumping out some bench press or squatting some big weights. I'm just starting with some really light shoulder-specific weights and building from there. I need to get some balance back in my upper body before I put on big muscle again.
HM: How are you coping mentally with not being able to ride?
BT: It's been tough. It's been a long, long period when you look back to my first surgery. I've had a lot of time without riding. In saying that, the decision to come back to New Zealand and get back on track has been the best decision I've made. I was struggling with my injury and I wouldn't have been able to carry on.
HM: Who's here supporting you?
BT: A lot of family and friends. It's a bit strange because I've been away from home since I was 16. It's been eight years. Since I've been living in America, I've spent hardly any time in New Zealand. That's over the past three years. But I've come home and hit the reset button, basically. I had five great years in Europe and then three years in America, one outstanding year and two terrible years.
HM: Your shoulder's obviously been banged up. Have you ever worried it would end your career?
BT: No, I've never thought that. I had another major injury when I needed a knee reconstruction. I came back from that and achieved quite a lot in 2007. In fact, that was one of my best years ever. The key is giving myself time to come back really strong from injury. Once I'm on the other side, doing well on the bike won't be an issue.
HM: Apart from the injuries, has it been a good life riding a motorbike?
BT: Oh, without a doubt. It's been amazing, to put it lightly. I spoke at the Young Farmer of the Year competition last week at their gala evening and I said I wouldn't have changed anything. I grew up in Taupo riding motorcycles and was lucky enough to get an opportunity at the age of 16 to go overseas to follow my dream.
I never thought I would get as far as I have. It's actually made me want even more. That's why I'm so determined to get healthy. It's been wonderful to ride overseas and experience different cultures and live my dream of racing at the top level.
HM: I'm assuming there are plenty of temptations for young motorcycle riders in a place like the United States. How did you stay focused?
BT: Initially, when I went overseas it was just about my upbringing and how my parents instilled good values and morals into me. I was given an amazing opportunity to ride for a full-blown race team and when you get something like that, you don't want to let people down.
Over the last few years, having my girlfriend - now wife - with me has been huge. She's basically taken care of everything for me apart from riding and training. Having good people around you is really a key for an elite athlete.
HM: What's your wife's name?
BT: Lucy.
HM: Is she a New Zealander?
BT: Yeah, she is.
HM: Have you played any other sports?
BT: I played a bit of rugby until I was about 9. But then I did my first motocross championships down in Mosgiel and from then on I just started concentrating on motocross. That became the thing my family did most weekends. We travelled all over New Zealand and to Australia and once to America.
HM: You're in a sport that sucks up a lot of money. Has it been easy to find financial support or sponsors?
BT: Sponsors come with results. Early on, Mum and Dad were amazing supporters and I got some help from the local motorbike fraternity. When I got my first ride, I got looked after. Then I got some good results and plenty of stuff came in. I've been hugely fortunate.
HM: Is winning the world MX2 title in 2004 a fresh memory?
BT: Yeah, without a doubt. To me, every win stays fresh. Winning is like a drug to me. I can't imagine life without winning. Whatever I do, I want to win.
HM: The Crusty Demons have obviously popularised motocross. Did the entertainment side of the sport ever appeal?
BT: No, not at all. That's only a fairly new side of the sport. I didn't do anything like that when I grew up. I was just focused on racing. Freestyle motocross has certainly become huge and it's helping to develop our sport.
HM: I've got a 12-year-old nephew who's doing well in motocross. What sort of advice would you give him?
BT: The first thing is to have that dream. That's the one thing that stands out. If you want to do this sport, immerse yourself in watching it and thinking about it. You also need to be totally determined.
To make it on the world stage out of a country like New Zealand, you have to have a lot of determination, because our opportunities can be limited. And obviously you need to practise your skills whenever you can. There's always something you can improve.
HM: You're scheduled to take on Australian world champion Chad Reed in supercross in Hamilton in November. How's that shaping up?
BT: Right now, to be honest, I'm not sure. I'd really like to race in Hamilton but I've got to make sure I get my shoulder right. It's a goal but I also have to think of the bigger picture.
