Motorbike riding is frequently featured in extreme sports contests held across the globe. Motorbike riding, or commonly referred to as motocross, did not gain popularity as an extreme sport until the early 1990s. Motorbike riding includes various disciplines that include racing on dirt tracks. Spectators often flock to trick riding, or freestyle, motorbike riding contests to watch competitors perform dangerous high altitude maneuvers.
History
One of the of the earliest motorbike riding events was held in Surrey, England in 1924, according to Freestyle-Motocross. The early motorbiking tracks consisted of long distances which made watching the event quite difficult. As motorbike riding continued to develop, the tracks were made smaller as laps were added to the events. This allowed spectators to easily watch the action as the competitors battled for first place. Teams would enter the early English motorbiking events of the 1930s, which consisted of relay races.
Types
The sport of modern motorbike riding has various different genres to satisfy all types of motocross riders. Racing was the earliest discipline of motorbike riding. Racing still remains one of the prominent styles of motorbiking. Team relays no longer exist in motorbike racing. Instead, numerous competitors race around a track with timed laps in an attempt to be the first to cross the finish line. Freestyle motorbike riding also includes individual competitors who are scored on the difficulty of their tricks. Freestyle motorbike riders use man-made ramps to catch air in order to execute tricks which involve spins and flips.
Features
The original motorbikes did not feature a suspension which could withstand the high impact of jumping ramps and performing tricks. The bikes used in the modern sport of motorbiking feature spring loaded suspensions which absorb the impact long distance jumps and tricks. Freestyle motorbikes feature a lightweight chassis to allow the riders to perform death-defying tricks such as the backflip. According to Transworld Motocross Magazine, motorbikes used in the field of racing often have heavier frames to allow the bike to stay grounded during sharp turns.
Size
The sport of motorbike riding takes place on various sizes of courses and ramps. One of the genres of motorbike riding, popular with spectators, is referred to as arena cross. Arena cross includes both racing and freestyle motorbike riding and takes place in enormous arenas that can accommodate thousands of spectators. The largest ramps on the freestyle motorbike courses can launch the rider over gaps of 100 feet or more.
Warning
The sport of motorbike riding is an exciting yet extremely dangerous activity. Freestyle motorbike riders who attempt tricks without the proper preparation can be seriously injured. Motorbike riders participating in races are often involved in bone crunching collisions with fellow competitors. Motorbike riders wear protective gear and practice constantly to be able to stay safe while participating in their sport.
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