1. Judging by the Leap
In freestyle motocross, riders are sent across a course that could be last anywhere from one to 15 minutes. They will encounter a number of obstacles over which they must jump. They can do any kind of trick they want to get over these ramps and flyovers. A panel of judges watches the runs and rates the competitors on their abilities to complete the tricks they have chosen to perform. You can catch a freestyle motocross race at the X-Games or the Moto-X Freestyle National Championship games.
2. Freed up for Freestyle
Japanese and American motocross athletes got into the game and better bikes were created, including the popular 125cc Suzuki that riders would use to win world championships. Bike manufacturers have created new innovative bikes, including more efficient riding machines with better suspension to take the jumps and tricks as well as water-cooled engines and environmentally sound engines. Spin-off events have developed too. Indoor arena races set up riders on extreme courses. Freestyle motocross continues to evolve, thrilling riders and their fans.
3. Shocking Turn of Events
Motocross bikes range in size and power. Most bikes range from 50cc to 550cc that compete in their own divisions. The most popular bike is the 250cc. The engine of choice among motocross athletes these days is the two-stroke engine with monoshock rear suspension. The better the shock absorbers and the lighter the bike, the higher the riders can jump, turn and compete with other extreme tricks and stunts. They are typically made from lightweight aluminum and are stripped of electronic gadgets and meters.
4. Gear to go
Motocross riders wear helmets, gloves, goggles and an assortment of body pads to protect them from injury when, not if, they fall. They prefer to have the padding built-in to the lightweight jerseys and pants they wear. It's all about maneuverability, weight and aerodynamics. Good motocross boots include their own style of shock absorbers. They come with stress relievers under the sole and buckles that go around the ankle and up the calves.
5. Anything Goes in Freestyle Motocross
Professional motocross athletes get sponsors to pay for their madness, while extreme riders all over the world run amateur races. Flying through the air after leaving a ramp, you might see a motocross rider slip right off his seat and hang on with his legs flapping in the breeze, and he's doing that on purpose. A popular trick is called the can-can, where riders swing one leg over the bike and ride with both legs on one side. Bikes go vertical, upside down and in any wild position that the rider can manage.
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