Performing flips and stunts on motorcycles can seem like a daunting task for even the most experienced rider.
Flipping a machine ranging in weight from 150 - 200 pounds seems like a dangerous task, indeed, for someone who has yet to try it.
That's why only a select few riders out of the millions of motorcycle riders around the world can boast to be 'freestylers.
' The key to performing any stunt is to begin by rattling off the fear of being crushed by your bike.
Once that fear settles down, adjusting to motocross freestyling will come with time and practice.
By starting slowly and wearing an adequate amount of protection, practice will be both enjoyable and will put your mind at ease when it comes to accident-related injuries.
A motorcycle helmet is your best line of defense when it comes to avoiding any kind of serious head injuries both during practice and competition.
Make sure that your helmet fits you properly and that your chin strap sits securely in place.
The following guidelines will help you when choosing a motorcycle helmet: 1.
) Measure the circumference of your head and compare it to the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer.
Helmets often come in sizes ranging from: small, medium, large, and extra large.
2.
) Once you place the helmet on your head, press down on the top of your helmet.
Is your vision obscured? Does the helmet not cover all of your head? Is the helmet uncomfortable? If you answer 'yes' to any of these questions, then try/change the helmet.
3.
) The helmet should sit tightly on your forehead with no wiggle room available.
4.
) Make sure the chin strap on your motorcycle helmet can tighten adequately, but not too tight to the point that it obstructs your breathing.
It is important to take your time when choosing any type of motorcycle gear, because this gear can be the difference between getting seriously injured and getting a light scratch or bruise.
But more importantly, this gear can serve as an all important barrier between life and death in certain circumstances.
While freestyle riding can be intimidating at first, taking your time to develop confidence in your tricks by utilizing proper safety measures and practicing with a foam pit will help to build your confidence.
Remember, all great freestylers began slowly.
And with hours of practice and appropriate gear, they were able to perfect their tricks and become one of the few elite freestylers in the world.