Bourke-based privateer Tye Simmonds is back behind the bars of his Honda CRF450R and has commenced training for the upcoming supercross series.

Simmonds suffered a huge practice crash during the mid-season break of the 2012 Monster Energy MX Nationals and was forced to sit out the remainder of the championship.

“I was play-riding in a series of gullies on our farm and about five minutes in I hit one of the jumps and the bike stalled in the air and put me into an endo. I remember thinking ‘I’ll land nose-heavy and be able to ride out’, but I hit the ground hard, straight on my head,” he explains.“I was out cold for five or six minutes. It was the biggest crash I’ve ever had and it scared the shit out of me.

As well as getting knocked out I cracked a heap of little bones at the base of my hand and stretched the ligaments. My hand was that weak I couldn’t pick up a can of soft drink, and it killed to shake hands.”

Despite the injuries Tye thought he’d be OK to race round six of the series at Hervey Bay and turned up, but pulled out after practice in obvious pain.

An MRI scan straight afterward revealed the extent of his injuries and has forced him to sit on the couch. However now that the injuries and a personal rough patch are behind him, Tye is excited for the upcoming season.

“I’ve been back riding for two weeks and did my first day of supercross training on Thursday. I can’t wait to get back out there again. It’s been pretty tough as a privateer this year, but Kenny Wheeler and Ross McWatters have helped out a lot and I’m excited for the season to start.”

The 2012 Australian Supercross Championship kicks off in Dubbo on October 13.