Freestyle dirt biking, or motocross, delivers an adrenaline rush that combines breakneck speed with dazzling aerial acrobatics. Freestyle motocross participants race around a dirt track, yet they’re not attempting to beat the clock. Instead, they strive for artistic expression and technical skill, soaring off dirt ramps to perform death-defying tricks. The following list includes some of the sport's more thrilling maneuvers.
Cliffhanger
In a Cliffhanger the dirt bike rider stands up at the height of his leap and hooks his feet under the handlebars, otherwise letting go of the bike entirely. For added flair the rider throws his arms over his head like he’s riding a rollercoaster. The move takes tremendous courage, as one foot slip results in disaster. The rider must also keep a cool head in order to regain the handlebars and land the trick.
Coffin
An aptly named trick, a coffin could be required if the rider makes a mistake. Once in the air, the rider takes his feet off the bike pegs and extends his legs straight forward under the handlebars. Without letting go of with his hands, the rider leans back as far as possible against the seat, resembling a dead body in a coffin.
Hart Attack
Named for its inventor, motocross superstar Carey Hart, a Hart Attack serves as a true test of nerves. The rider must remove his feet from the pegs and kick his legs straight up into a vertical position. Performers need to keep a strong hold of the handlebars to prevent from flipping forward over the front wheel.
Superman Seat Grab
Freestyle dirt bike riders can leap tall buildings in a single bound, so it’s only fitting they have a trick named in honor of Superman. In a move worthy of the Man of Steel, the rider kicks his legs straight back behind the bike as if he’s flying and lets go of the handlebars, grabbing the sides of the bike’s seat. The rider must then pull himself back into position to grab the handlebars and land safely.
Surfer
With the Surfer trick, freestyle motocross riders get the chance to catch a big wave in the air. At the height of his jump, the rider removes his feet from the pegs and positions them on the seat as if it were a surfboard. There’s no need to let go of the handlebars.
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