Fmx Freestyle Moto Cross at The California State Fair Xtreme Zone

Xtreme Zone at the California State Fair was flying high extreme with the FMX (Freestyle Moto Cross) riders in action every day, three times a day.  As of September 9th, only one 2009 show had been cancelled due to wind hazards. The FMX riders performing that day explained how it depended on which direction the wind was blowing and if it was visibly windy on the ground it would be worse in the air.  These daredevils are a brave and crazy bunch of young men but they aren’t out to get themselves killed.  Twenty-four year old Myles Richmond from Cherry Valley, twenty-two year old Jesse Jolson from Sacramento’s nearby town Wheatland, and nineteen year old Destin Cantrell from Huntington Beach made up the crew of daring riders entertaining the fair-goers. And, they were well entertained. To see a full-sized, extensive collection of photos visit the Rainesphotos smugmug site.

Ramps were set up in front of bleachers out near the amusement rides.  The only negative aspect of this was the total lack of shade but a little heat and glare was worth the discomfort in order to watch their flying antics.  Getting to the bleachers a bit before the start was also a good idea because the shows only lasted approximately 15 minutes. During the weekdays the crowds were small since greater fair attendance was delayed for the school day to end and the heat to subside. Weekend and evening performances were better attended and, if you made it to the State Fair and didn’t catch their extreme motorcycle stunts, you missed out on some great action. Some of fair-goers who watched the show at 3:00 said they intended to return for one of the later shows at 5 or 7 pm to see it again. 

Some of the amazing maneuvers had these motorcycle stuntmen standing on seats or sitting in front of the bike while high in the air. Flipping, twisting, somersaulting, and exciting stunts made these entertainers well deserving of applause and cheers regardless of their current level in any FMX official competitions. One of the moves performed is known as Superman but all the stunts including the simpler jumps from ramp to ramp were as thrilling and heroic as good ole Clark Kent in his cape and tights. An autographing session followed the show-end and all three adrenaline-boys were polite and happy to greet their action loving fans.

Technical descriptions and lists of the recognized stunts like Can Can, Cliffhanger, Dead Boy, Nothing and Rock Solid can be found at this Xtreme-stunts.com page.  To see a full-sized, extensive collection of photos visit the Rainesphotos smugmug site.

Other Articles by Susan Raines 

• Walt Gray Ride For Kids is a Roaring Success
• Walt Gray Ride For Kids Interview & Photos
• CA State Fair Hosts Not Your Style and Manasa Tribal Dancers
• Hot August Night Hosts Classic Cars Galore
• Interracial Relationships: Black & White
• Turning Fifty – The Quandaries of Aging Gracefully

All content and photos copyright by Susan Raines.