Random Facts on Freestyle Motocross
In the world of extreme sports, freestyle motocross dominates with a daring mix of motocross and airborne acrobatics in which riders perform wild stunts high above the ground. Danger and daring are rife in the motocross world, and the sport has evolved from simple races to intense competitions where competitors try to outdo one another with amazing twists and turns aboard a motorcycle that seems to defy gravity.
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Wild Moves
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Motocross riders perform intense moves. Motocross moves are intense maneuvers performed in midair and are known for their irreverent names. In the "Kiss of Death," a rider pulls the bike into a vertical position and extend his legs over his head, whereas the "Surfer" requires the rider to stand atop the motorcycle seat in a surfing position while grasping the handlebars.
The Impossible Move
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Freestyle motocross riders long considered a backflip on a bike to be an impossible move, but in 1993, freestyle master Bob Kohl managed to to perform the stunt riding a 1993 Honda Cr80. He had first mastered the trick on a bicycle and continued doing it for several years until injuries forced him to retire.
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The Course
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In freestyle motocross competitions, riders are forced to contend with courses that can span up to two acres, where they perform a sequence of different routines that can range from a few minutes in length to two hours. Judges rate the competitors on their ability to perform required moves and utilize various jumps.
A Dangerous Sport
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As to be expected from a sport requiring athletes to manipulate a motorcycle in midair while performing tricky maneuvers, motocross players take their lives in their hands with every competition. It is believed the first death of a pro rider in the sport was that of Jeremy Lusk, who died in 2009 from injuries suffered when trying to perform a backflip.
Modified Bikes
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In order for the bikes to be better for performing complicated stunts on, most professional freestyle motocross riders heavily modify their motorcycles prior to competition. Often, the foam seat is reduced to make it easier to grip and provide a wider ranger of movement, and the handlebars can be shortened so it is easier for the rider to wrap his legs around them for certain tricks.
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References
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- Photo Credit motocross 2 image by daniel sainthorant from Fotolia.com yellow motocross image by asiana from Fotolia.com
