Pacific Beach’s Anderson prefers riding motorcycles to waves

Most riders on the American Supercross and motocross tours reside near a practice facility.

“Because you are riding and practicing so much, it makes sense to live in Murrieta or Temecula,” Jason Anderson said recently.

But when the 26-year-old native of Edgewood, N.M., was looking for a place to call home, he chose Pacific Beach.

“I’ve lived there for 2½ years,” Anderson said. “I’m close to the beach. It’s a perfect get-away spot away from riding. I split my time between Pacific Beach and Florida.”

Which is why Anderson was looking forward to the San Diego Supercross at Petco Park in January. It was going to be a chance for many of his friends and neighbors from Pacific Beach to watch Anderson defend his 2018 Supercross championship.

Then he crashed . . . and crashed hard.

The Husqvarna rider fractured his left forearm in two places, which required surgery. He also suffered a broken rib, a lacerated liver, and a partially collapsed lung, plus a small fracture to a vertebra. He later needed a second surgery on his broken arm because the plate inserted in his wrist wasn’t allowing his fingers to operate properly.

Anderson’s riding career returns to San Diego County on Saturday as he competes in the second round of the Lucas Oil National Motocross Series at Pala Raceway.

Anderson didn’t start riding again until five weeks ago.

“I was going to race outdoors this season whether I was 100 percent or 50 percent,” said Anderson. “Fortunately, I’m 100 percent.”

Anderson is known as a fast healer. After the second round of last year’s Motocross tour, he suffered a compound fracture to his right foot while practicing and returned for the season’s final two races.

“You put the physical behind you,” Anderson said of his recent injuries. “You work on getting yourself back in the groove mentally.”

After missing the rest of the Supercross season, Anderson quickly found his mental groove before the motocross season opener last week in Sacramento.

“I was shooting for the win,” he said. “At first I was nervous. The biggest thing was the start. I wanted to get a good start, hang with the front group and see how things went from there.”

With finishes of second and fifth in the two motos, Anderson finished third overall behind Ken Roczen and Eli Tomac.

While Anderson quickly regained his balance and skill on his motorcycle, he has not conquered Pacific Beach’s favorite sport – surfing. “I have tried it and I am terrible at surfing,” said Anderson.

Anderson has seven 450cc Supercross event wins and the 2018 championship on his resume in addition to five 250cc Supercross wins and a regional title. But he has never won an outdoor motocross event, although he has five runner-up finishes with last week being his 12^th podium finish.

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Lucas Oil Motocross Nationals

(round 2 of 12)

Where: Fox Raceway at Pala

Directions: 7.3 miles east of I-15 on California-76 at Magee Road

When: Saturday

Gates open at 6 a.m. Practice/qualifying begins at 8 a.m. First of two motos at 1 p.m.

Tickets: Adults $50, Children $30.