Active Action Sports : Tags : motox

I never considered myself the type to get excited about motocross. A lot of things associated with the sport actually turn me off, including the "my truck is bigger, louder and better than your truck" mentality. But none of that bothered me this weekend as I found myself cheering right along with the crowd and getting revved up at the sound of the motors. I couldn't believe the things these guys can do while suspended in the air with a motorcycle. Although the crowd was sparse, the energy generated by the riders was infectious. As this was the inaugural event, I am hoping future years draw bigger crowds.

Here's a recap of some exciting moments from Sunday's final events:

Step Up Final Part II
In his first appearance in a Step Up competition--although hardly a rookie--Ricky Carmichael impressed the crowd with his ability to clear the bar every time, and with lots of room to spare. As one of three remaining competitors he easily cleared 35 feet, however, when he landed, he hit his chin on his handlebars and fell. Judges disqualified the jump, which drew loud shouts of disapproval from the crowd.

Carmichael pulled out of the competition and it took several failed attempts by Matt Buyten and Ronnie Renner until officials pushed back the start gate, giving them more space and speed for the start. Matt Buyten cleared 35 feet on his first try, winning gold and sending Renner on a rampage that included pulling down his pants and rubbing his butt on a field marker with the EXPN logo.

Speed / Racing
It's no wonder Travis Patstrana won the ESPY award for best male action sports athlete in 2007. He is impressive to watch. In his semifinal Moto X Racing heat he crashed in the 1st lap but was able to take over 3rd place by the 3rd lap and claim 2nd place by the final lap, earning himself a spot in the finals. Fellow rider Scott Murray commented: "That's why they call him motor boy."

Even though Pastrana placed 5th in the final race, it was evident all eyes were on him with sighs of disappointment seeping from the crowd every time he got passed. Broc Helper--who held onto his lead throughout the race--took home the gold.

Most Outstanding Rider
At the conclusion of the event, fans named Nate Adams 'Evil Knievel Most Outstanding rider' of the weekend. Adams took home a custom Knievel Harley-Davidson motorcycle after impressing fans by winning gold in both the speed and style, and freestyle competitions. Adams was up against Scott Murray--who landed a double-back flip in Saturday's best trick competition---for the prize.