1. Kick-Off
BMX, or Bicycle Motocross, started in full force in the 1970s, when groups of neighborhood bike riders in California decided their 20-inch Stingray bicycles could fly, flip and stand on end. BMX riders discovered their bikes would soar up walls and over ramps. They started jumping over everything in sight. Meanwhile, a sideline of the sport formed with riders who preferred to work with their bike's limits by performing tricks with no obstacles. Today, Flatland BMX is a recognized sport in the field.
2. No Assistance
Ramps and pipelines are common track devices that help riders achieve airborne and fly stunts. Flatland BMX riding is tougher because it's performed strictly on flat surfaces, with no ramps to give the riders momentum. Flatland riding requires a good deal of discipline in the riders, who must become one with the bike. Smooth parking lots and flat open tracks provide the setting for the flatlander who develops a mastery over the bike.
3. Do It Again
Flatland riding takes a lot of practice. The riders repeat their tricks over and over, getting injured and frustrated until they achieve control over their bikes and its movements. Some of the common tricks performed by flatland riders are scuffling, twisting, turning, headstands and stalls. Freestyle flatland riders will do everything in their power to overcome the laws of nature. Sometimes they succeed, often they don't. But they never stop trying.
4. Take Good Care
Injuries are an integral part of flatland riding. Ankles, knees and back are slammed, twisted and sometimes broken when new stunts are attempted and old tricks stall. From novices to the most experienced riders, all get hurt at some point during training and competition. Athletes who want to stay in the sport and push their bodies and bikes to new limits should train off the bike as well. Overusing muscle groups, in the back and wrists especially, creates stiffness that leads to injuries if a biker doesn't balance his riding with cross training that gives other body parts a workout. Riders can ice or wrap sprains and twisted muscles. Overused muscles need rest.
5. Bikes Need Love Too
Flatland riders often deflate their tires a little more since they need to get so much bounce in the bike to perform. Tires should be checked regularly for punctures. The rims get the bulk of the stress and need to be replaced when they affect the ride. To make the bike more efficient, BMX riders typically remove all unnecessary parts, like the kickstand and brakes.
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