Derived sport: freestyle motocross
Freestyle motocross is an offshoot of traditional motocross riding. Most other forms involve racing or competition of some sort, but freestyle motocross is focused on aerial tricks and other maneuvers. Riders frequently use high ramps in order to pull off these stunts. The sport has grown since the early 1990s, and is now prominently featured in the X Games and other top competitions.
The first freestyle events took place in the south of England in the 1920s. Riders didn't have the technology necessary in order to take the large jumps that are common today; modern bikes can easily clear a gap of eighty feet or more. Modern tricks and aerial maneuvers didn't surface until the beginning of the 1990s.
Bikes used in freestyle motocross have light-weight alloy or magnesium frames that allow their riders to keep control when doing a trick. The seats on these bikes have a hole on either side, allowing the rider to grip it when airborne.
Supercross and arenacross are two subdivisions of freestyle motocross. These races are held in indoor settings set up with ramps and tracks specifically for freestyle maneuvering. Supercross is more of a mixed discipline that combines racing and freestyle. These riders race on a timed basis and do tricks off the jumps and ramps. Arenacross typically has steep inclines that allow riders to do complex tricks, including backflips.
Riders who are inexperienced should practice landing in a foam pit before attempting the maneuver on a ramp. The pit allows the rider to land softly even if the trick was unsuccessful; riders must wear a full-face helmet and padded clothing, along with safety goggles to protect the eyes from dirt and other debris. Freestyle motocross is an extreme sport, carrying the potential for serious injury or even death. Riders practice for years to perfect the most basic tricks, and trying to ride outside one's comfort level is a recipe for disaster.