|
Dirt jumping is where freestyle started,
so it's fitting that things have come full circle today. Trail riding is where it's at these days, and I think it's safe to say that most kids getting into riding are playing in the dirt more than on plywood or asphalt. A rule of writing is to write what you know, and if there's one thing that I don't know is dirt...but I'm gonna write anyway.
|
|
|
I used to jump...12 years ago on my Mongoose Californian. I have no talent for dirt (or street and ramps, for that matter), so I stick to the parking lots. But I admire jumping and like to watch, even if I can't participate (other than by taking lame pictures). There's no other aspect of riding with deeper roots than dirt jumping -- almost every rider got into riding because of it. And you don't need anything special to do it -- no pegs, no Gyro, no freecoaster, no grind disc -- just your bike, and a penchant for getting dirty.
|
|
|
I think trail riding has more in common with skating, snowboarding and surfing than ramps or flat does. Where ramps and parking lots are pretty much similar wherever you go, just try to find two identical trails! Dirt jumping requires a certain amount of style -- not just an individual style, but a style that belongs in the dirt. You can always tell the difference between a freestyler and a jumper -- jumpers have a certain unmistakable BMX style that can't be faked; they can make a simple tabletop look cool. If you saw anyone doing flatland tricks from 12 years ago, you'd probably laugh; but if Tim Judge came out of retirement and busted one of his signature 1-footed tables, I know I for one would still be impressed.
I think being limited to what you can do brings out that style; just as (theoretically) you're limited to what you can do on a skate/snow/surf board, dirt jumping is also limited compared to flatland and ramps. There's beauty in its simplicity. Of course, I could be wrong, but there has to be something to it with trails popping up all over the place. Maybe it's the simple fact that it's fun to do...
|
|
|
|
Over the years I've tried to become a good photographer. I think now I can take decent pictures of flatland, but that's because I've had a lot of practice. When it comes to shooting dirt jumping (and ramps and live bands), I still need a lot of work. So I apologize for my lack of skill and the mediocrity of these pictures...
Top photo: I've been clued-in to what Jermaine's last name is: Berry. So here he is at the local jumps down in New Bedford, Massachusetts. X-up at speed.
Middle: When I moved to Woburn, I was surprised that it took me so long to check out the famous jumps in North Reading, MA (a whole 15 minutes away). This kid, Sean Burns, is about 13 years old and (as you can see) pretty rad!
Bottom: Jermaine again; half-barspin.
|
|
|
|
|
Uploaded September 1997.
|
