Motorbike crash victim meets his Nitro Circus hero Travis Pastrana

Cameron Robinson travelled to Franklin Farm south of Tokoroa to be with the Nitro Circus cast. Photo / Christine Cornege

When a motocross accident left a young man severely injured, he didn't lose hope. Instead he looked to his motorbike heroes for motivation to get better.

Cameron Robinson, of the North Shore, suffered a devastating accident while riding his bike at a property north of Auckland last August.

"I was riding a farm I didn't know very well and I came across what I thought was a bank - it turned out to be a cliff."

The 29-year-old immediately knew he had made a horrible mistake, but could do nothing but wait for the impact. "I knew it would hurt before I landed," he said.

"It was a sheer drop. I hit the brakes and I flipped over the bars and landed 6m down on my feet, basically."

Mr Robinson broke bones in his feet, ankles and his right leg. He also fractured his back and has been off work, as a boat builder, for the past six months.

He spent three months in a wheelchair but is now walking on his own and goes to the gym every day as part of his rehabilitation.

Yesterday, his story granted him an opportunity to meet one of his heroes - extreme sports athlete and star of Nitro Circus: Travis Pastrana.

Pastrana leads the popular action sports television series which sees riders touring the world and performing extreme stunts on dirt bikes.

Mr Robinson said: "While I was in hospital, I was Googling what injuries other guys have had and what they've recovered from - and found Travis has had a lot of injuries."

Those include breaking both legs, his ankles, collar bone, his arms and his back.

"I used him as inspiration and motivation. I literally am Nitro's biggest fan. I try to live it, myself. I've owned about 20 motorcycles since I was 16. Unfortunately, I've crashed them all, but I always swing the leg back over.

"I just love it. It's my passion and I guess Travis has been a huge role model for me."

Pastrana and his team are currently touring New Zealand and have a live show at Waikato Stadium tomorrow and QBE Stadium, Auckland, on Sunday.

At Franklin Farm near Tokoroa, Pastrana said he was impressed by the New Zealand landscape and weather and promised to show off some new tricks and stunts to Kiwi crowds.

Speaking about Mr Robinson, Pastrana said: "We hear a lot of amazing stories, but this is just awesome. He's getting back up and recovering from that injury.

"It's something that, unfortunately, is kind of a part of our sport. But it's always good when someone keeps a positive attitude ... and gets back on the bike."