1. Catch a Freestyle Match
While motocross tricks are practiced on tracks all over the country, you can see the tricksters in action at freestyle motocross events. There, riders are sent across a course that could be last anywhere from one to 15 minutes. They’ll encounter a number of obstacles to jump over. They can do any kind of trick they want to get over these ramps and flyovers. A panel of judges watches the runs and rates the competitors on their ability to complete their individual style. You can catch a freestyle motocross race at the X-Games or the Moto-X Freestyle National Championship games.
2. Bucking Nature
Extreme motocross riders believe that the laws of nature do not apply to them and set out to prove it on their bikes. The most challenging trick, performed by a handful of the most daring riders, is a back flip. Riders literally lift their bike in the air and turn it handlebars over back wheels, then land back on two wheels. Occasionally they stay on the bike while it’s flipping, which is the ultimate goal. This is a very dangerous trick and requires just the right angle on the ramps and a good, light bike. Other tricks might have the athlete riding backwards, upside down and sideways. Only imagination and Mother Nature limit the motocross trick rider.
3. The Right Ride
Motocross bikes range in size and power. Most bikes range from 50cc to 550cc, which compete in their own divisions. The most popular bike for doing tricks is the 250cc. The engine of choice among motocross athletes these days is the two-stroke engine with monoshock rear suspension. The better the shock absorbers and the lighter the bike, the higher the riders can jump, turn and compete with other extreme tricks and stunts. They are typically made from lightweight aluminum and stripped of electronic gadgets and meters.
4. Danger Lurks
Motocross riders wear helmets, gloves, goggles and an assortment of body pads to protect them from injury when, not if, they fall. They prefer the lightweight jerseys and pants they wear to have built-in padding. It’s all about maneuverability, weight and aerodynamics. Good motocross boots include their own style of shock absorbers. They come with stress relievers under the sole and around the ankle buckles, and up the calves
5. Tune in for More
Innovation continues to bring about more efficient riding machines with better suspension to take the jumps and tricks, as well as water-cooled engines that are environmentally sound to boot. Spin-off events have developed as well. Indoor arena races set riders on extreme courses. And freestyle motocross continues to evolve thrilling riders and their fans.
About this Author
Linda Ray is an award-winning journalist that covers her subjects by participating in their activity. She’s been seen hiking through steep trails to standing beside a surgeon in the operating room. Ray loves hiking and whitewater rafting.
