Children always look at what adults do and imitate their activities. In the sixties of the last century, such a sport as motocross was incredibly popular in America.
History of occurrence
Young copycats wanted to imitate adult riders on motorcycles. In those days it was a luxury to have a cross-country motorcycle, and nobody could dream of mini-bikes that can now be ordered on the Internet without leaving home. Therefore, those who could not afford expensive entertainment imitated it at more affordable levels (technical and budget). Children, and not only, on their bicycles drove through yards, rough terrain, showing various tricks similar to the tricks of idols from big races. So the amateur movement was born, which grew into a separate sport.
BMX: features
BMX is an extreme sport. Now this is a popular movement among young people, named after the first letters of words translated from English: Bicycle - bike, Moto - moto, motocross, extreme - extreme. In other words, this is the same motocross, only on a bicycle.
Previously, these bicycle races were preparatory for young athletes who wanted to participate in adult motocross over time.
But in our time, "pampering on a bicycle" has not only turned into a separate sport, but since 2008 it has been included in the program of the Olympic Games because of its entertainment. BMX is a sport for young people. It has only one significant drawback - a high risk of injury. But modern guards, knee pads, elbow pads and helmets protect athletes as much as possible, minimizing the occurrence of accidents.
With the level of development of technological progress, the bicycle for BMX (a sport for those who lack adrenaline) underwent various modernizations. There was a division into different types (disciplines). Let's consider them a little more in detail.
Kinds
- BMX racing (speed racing bike). Eight athletes start at a circular, hilly distance from a hill at the same time and, overcoming obstacles, compete in who is the first to cross the finish line. For its activity, accessibility, environmental friendliness and entertainment, this particular species was included in the program of the Olympic Games in Beijing for the first time in 2008. It was attended by 32 riders from 20 countries. The first Olympic champion was an athlete from Latvia, Maris Strombergs. In two races, 16 women from 13 countries played their medals. Gold won with the best time in the extreme race Anna-Carolina Chausson (France). A project on the topic of BMX is already being actively launched in Russia. The sport for advanced youth is rapidly gaining popularity.
- Flatland (in translation - a flat surface, or land). In a popular way - it is a ballet ballet, or dancing on a bicycle. Since speed is not important here, but only the artistry of performing various tricks (elements), this view is considered the safest.
- BMX Vert (sheer). This is the most dangerous type of ride and stunt on a U-shaped ramp. Athletes in front of the audience, flying as high as possible from the ramp, try to perform spectacular and complex tricks, while landing again on the ramp (a small barrier).
- BMX Dirt (from English dirt, soil). Riding on dirt roads in various weather conditions is complicated by overcoming hills and performing stunts at speed.
- BMX Street (translated from English - street). This is a popular yard sport for youth. In urban conditions, various obstacles that are not designed for natural riding a regular bicycle (stairs, railings, fences, construction sites, ledges, etc.) are artistically overcome.
Equipment
BMX is not a sport for the lazy and poor. For occupations at a professional level, you need to train very hard and have certain qualities. You also need to have an expensive bike with various features:
- lightweight, a little over 10 kg;
- steering wheel rotates 360 degrees;
- no suspension;
- small wheels (20 inches);
- just one gear.
Plus specific details (pegs - extended axles on the front and rear wheels, with overlays so that they do not wear out when sliding on them on surfaces). But for those who like to spend time in the city and at the same time maintain their health, there is a way out. You don’t need to spend a lot. Buy a set for a safe ride, an inexpensive bike and - go ahead, conquer obstacles with adrenaline.