The Line of the Week
Reno, Nevada
Freestyle Dirt Bike Riding
Being in the right place at the right time is one of the keys to getting good images. Last week was no different. While snapping shots of bull riders and cowgirls I was lucky enough to be in the “photo pit” when a man named Justin Ayres was introduced. As it turns out, Justin had been catapulted off so many bucking broncos in his ranch hand, rodeo days that he got used to doing flips and landing on his feet. He then transferred those skills and mastered the art of flight in motocross.
Justin daredevil skills sent the place roaring!
At the time I was not privy to the detailed glossary of motocorss tricks. So, here are a few of them:
Can Can
The rider takes one foot off of the foot peg and raises his leg up and over the seat so that both legs are on the same side of the bike. Variations: No footed can can: The other foot comes of the peg and both legs are extended away from the bike. Note: The rider can land the jump with both legs on one side of the bike for added style and points.
Cliff Hanger
The rider literally leaves the bike, only to have his toes catch the underside of the handlebars. His hands are raised above his head in the “Rollercoaster” position.
Cordova
Hands on the grips, the rider brings his feet up underneath the bars, and presses his knees to his chest, then contorts his back so that he’s looking-upside down- out over the back fender. One of the more bizarre looking tricks on the circuit.
Superman
Hands on the grips, feet are removed from the foot pegs and extended backwards-paralleled to the bike. Variations: Superman seat grab: Same as the aforementioned trick, only now the rider lets go with one hand and grabs the seat-extending his legs back even further. Superman seat grab w/Indian leg whip: same trick, only this time the rider does a massive scissors kick with his legs before bringing his feet back to the foot pegs.
Hart Attack
One of the more insane tricks you will see. The hart attack is done by placing one hand on the bars and the other on the seat and the rider does a hand stand in mid air! Invented by Carey Hart, the hart attack is truly one of the wildest tricks on the circuit.
To view more of Ryan’s photos, check out:
http://ryansalmphotography.photoshelter.com/gallery-list
Ryan currently has an photography exhibit at Syd’s in Tahoe City through August 1st. He will also be exhibiting fine art photographs at the Squaw Valley Fine Art & Wine Festival on July 14th-15th. Come check it out.
The Line of the Week is a weekly photo piece by Ryan Salm featuring some of Tahoe’s finest athletes doing whatever we deem rad. We will be using the term “Line” loosely to describe anything resembling chutes, big airs, pointers or any general madness. All images are the property and copyright of Ryan Salm Photography. All images are only to be used in conjunction with the Line of the Week. Any other usage must be cleared in writing by Ryan Salm.