Freestyle Motocross part1

One of the most popular extreme sports, Freestyle Motocross does not involve straight racing-instead, competitors are tasked with impressing judges with their skill at performing stunts. Also called FMX or Moto-X, this type of motocross is an intense and high-adrenaline sport. Daredevil riders execute mesmerizing tricks high up in the air, thrilling audiences with the sense of danger and suspense.

The city of Surrey in England was the site of the earliest known motocross event back in 1924. Since then, the sport has evolved a great deal. Tracks for both traditional motocross and freestyle motocross have become much more difficult over the years. Also, new disciplines of the sport have been developed, including indoor events.

Bikes used for the sport have grown to be more specialized; now FMX bikes are easily distinguishable from standard motocross bikes. Technological advancements certainly played a part in this, especially those from Japan in the 1980's and 1990's. These upgrades and improvements helped riders to be able to perform newer, high-octane stunts. More recently, bikes were made to be environmentally friendly as a result of new laws.

There is a wide variety of tricks that can be achieved by FMX riders. By launching their bikes off ramps, riders are propelled into the air where they can perform spine-tingling acrobatic moves. Most riders strive to perfect certain stunts to give them an edge in competition. Popular tricks that have helped many riders win motocross events include the following:

Can Can: The rider takes one foot off of the footpeg, bringing it over the seat so that both legs are together on one side of the bike. Additional style points are usually given when riders land in the Can Can position.

Cliffhanger: For this high-air trick, the rider stands up straight and catches the underside of the handlebar by their toes. The hands are placed above the head, in a position that mimics rollercoaster riders (the rollercoaster position).

Coffin and Lazy Boy: The Coffin involves extending the legs in front of the bike below the handlebars while leaning backwards as far as possible to lie down on the seat. The Lazy Boy is a further extension of this trick; riders must release the handlebars and extend their arms over their head as they lie back straight. The further the arms and legs are extended, the more points the rider is awarded.

Dead Body: The rider becomes horizontal with the bike by placing his body over the front of the bike while holding the bars.....................