Freestyle motocross legend Robbie Maddison has a friend named Chris Ackerman. In March 2003, Ackerman suffered a freestyle accident at Dumont Dunes that potentially could have taken his life. He sustained a broken wrist, dislocated shoulders, collapsed lungs, shattered pelvis, broken ribs and a C-2 spinal cord injury that left him a quadriplegic.
Since then, Ackerman’s will to live has blown the mind of Maddison and everyone who knows him. In fact, Ackerman mentioned to Maddison how he would love to feel the wind in his face. This spurred the idea of putting Ackerman in a motorcycle sidecar and taking him for a ride. On a magical night recently, Ackerman in fact got to enjoy the freedom that riding bikes brings him thanks to Maddison and the close-knit FMX family.
The video here chronicles that experience and the special relationship between Maddison and Ackerman.
“Chris truly does have wings for life,” said Maddison. “I am thrilled to bring a smile to his face and confirm that life is not over when you have an injury like this.”
Maddison will be running in the Wings for Life World Run on May 3 in Santa Clarita, Calif. This World Run is dedicated to funding spinal cord injury research around the world. Registration is open till April 28 and people can run or donate at: wings for life world run
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“On Any Sunday, The Next Chapter” is an exploration into the pursuit of excitement, passion, and life in the 2 wheeled world of motorcycle riding. Experiences that are as relatable to a rider as a day with their friends, others that explore human triumph and overcoming fear, and some which occur once in a lifetime. One moment of riding a motorcycle – On Any Sunday.
Critically acclaimed director Dana Brown (“Step Into Liquid” and “Dust to Glory”) teams up with his father, Academy Award Nominee Bruce Brown (“Endless Summer” and “On Any Sunday”) to journey deeper into the humanity, thrills and excitement of the global culture of motorcycle riding; those that are bonded by their passion for the race, the thrill of the ride, the love of the family and friendship, and on a deeper level – their quest for the thrill of the next ride.
In 1971, “On Any Sunday” starring Steve McQueen opened in theaters and wrote its place in motorcycle history. It also transcended the sport to reach a wide audience through a cast of engaging characters and variety of heartfelt stories. “On Any Sunday, The Next Chapter” will continue this family tradition and also pass the torch to the next generation. A lot has happened in the past 40 years, but the passion for riding is timeless and continues today.