Bicycle motocross, or BMX, started out as a racing sport in the 1960s. BMX riders still race today, but as the sport evolved, jumps and tricks became more popular than racing, according to Chris Job, author of “BMX.” Riders started out doing tricks to show off between races or while fooling around at parks. Freestyle contests began to crop up in the 1980s. The sport continued to develop during the 1990s, when riders started specializing in one type of riding and, in the case of freestyle, pushing the envelope for tricks.
Can Can
The can-can is considered an easy BMX trick. It’s similar to a one-footer, in which one foot is removed from the bike during a jump. In this version a rider crosses his leg over the top tube. The goal is to remove your foot from the pedal, bring it out to the side, make the cross, and replace the foot on the pedal before you landing. Be advised that your crank rotates downward when your take your foot from the pedal. You need to replace your foot in time to bring your crank back to a level position, advises BMX Bikes, one of the longest-running BMX websites.
Bar Spin
The bar spin is a medium difficulty BMX trick. Utilize speed along with a good ramp that features a nice lip, according to BMX Bikes. Slightly tuck your knees under the seat’s nose as you hit the ramp. Lean back with your body. Remove one hand from the bars and use the remaining hand to spin them. When your bars have spun, catch them and make your landing. Your front wheel is likely dip a little. If this occurs, lean back more as you clinch your knees.
Cliff Hanger and 360 Tailwhip
The cliff hanger and 360 tailwhip are placed in the difficult category for BMX tricks. You’ll need lots of air for the cliff hanger, advises BMX Bikes. Take your feet from your pedals and hook them under your bars in the air. Also stick your arms up straight, as if you are hanging from your feet. Bring everything back and make your landing. With the 360 tailwhip, you begin to do a 360, but when you get 180 degrees around, you’ll kick your frame around. Continue to spin, and when you reach 360 degrees catch your frame. Place your feet on your pedals before landing.
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