Freestyle motocross refers to a discipline of conventional motocross riding. Unlike other forms of motocross that involve racing, freestyle focuses on aerial maneuvers known as tricks. Freestyle riders use ramps in order to execute tricks. The freestyle motocross industry has continued to grow since the early 1990s and is featured in the X Games and other top extreme sports contests.
History
The earliest freestyle motocross event took place in the early 1920s in southern England. The motocross riders in this early event did not yet have the technology to create a motorcycle that could jump the large ramps that are common in freestyle today. Modern freestyle motorcycles have the ability to jump gaps of 80 feet in length. The tricks of freestyle motocross did not begin to develop until the early 1990s.
Features
Freestyle motocross bikes feature lightweight frames to allow the rider to maintain control during tricks. Freestyle bikes commonly have frames constructed with a magnesium or aluminum alloy material. These metallic compositions ensure the freestyle bike is lightweight while still being strong enough to endure the impact of tricks. Freestyle bikes also have specially made seats that feature a hole on each side. Riders will remove their hands from the handlebars and insert them into the holes of the seat once they have become airborne. Many freestyle tricks involve the rider holding onto the seat while hanging his legs off the back of the bike.
Types
Freestyle motocross includes any type of riding that involves riders using ramps to perform aerial manuevers. Super-cross and arena-cross remain two prominent disciplines of freestyle motocross riding. Super-cross and arena-cross are held in indoor arenas that feature tracks and ramps specifically designed for freestyle riding. Super-cross is a mixed discipline of freestyle riding that also incorporates racing into the mix. Super-cross riders race in timed laps while executing tricks off of the ramps. Arena-cross takes place on steeply inclined metal or plastic ramps that allow riders to perform difficult tricks, including the back-flip.
Prevention/Solution
Inexperienced riders should always practice new tricks into a safety foam pit before trying the trick on a real ramp. The foam pit allows the rider to land safely even if the trick was not successfully completed. Freestyle riders wear full face helmets as a safety precaution. Freestyle riders also wear specially padded pants and vests for protection. Safety goggles are also common with freestyle riders because they can protect the eyes from the dirt and debris of the riding surface.
Warning
Freestyle motocross is a potentially fatal extreme sport. An unsuccessful trick attempt can easily cause broken bones or permanent bodily damage. Professional freestyle motocross riders practice for years to perform even the most basic of freestyle tricks. Riding outside of your comfort level could end in disaster.
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