AssetID: 55353069
Headline: RAW VIDEO: Motocross rider completes first of its kind motocross stunt
Caption: Tyler Bereman has built a reputation for attempting crazy motorcycle jumps - and his latest island-hopping one is no different. The Red Bull athlete has completed a near half-mile run across six small islands in Florida, leaping between dirt take-offs and floating barges with open water beneath him. The project, known as Island Hopper, covered 2,316 feet and required Bereman to leave the ground 15 times. A single mistake would have sent rider and bike into the water below. The idea was first raised two years ago during a Red Bull athlete workshop at the Miami Formula 1 Grand Prix. While sitting by a pool, wakeboarder Parks Bonifay pointed out a line of small islands in the water and asked Bereman whether it could be crossed on a dirt bike. Instead of dismissing the suggestion, Bereman and his long-time collaborator Jason Baker began working out how it might be achieved. That planning process took around 18 months. Some of the islands rose just two feet above the water, others around four feet. In several cases, there were no natural landing areas at all, requiring floating barges to be specially engineered to absorb the impact of a motocross bike landing at speed. Before any construction began in Florida, the entire course was rebuilt on land in California to allow Bereman to train safely. He spent three weeks riding the replica course daily, completing as many as ten full runs a day to fine-tune speed, timing and sight lines. Survey equipment, flags and repeated rebuilds were used to remove as much uncertainty as possible before transferring the project on to water. Despite the preparation, the biggest risk remained the water itself. A short landing would have left Bereman submerged, attached to a 100kg bike and weighed down by heavy boots. To prepare, he trained underwater escape techniques and breath-hold drills more commonly associated with big-wave surfing, with advice from fellow freestyle motocross rider Robbie Maddison. On the day of the attempt, Bereman steadied his breathing, set off and completed a single, clean run, landing every jump and riding out the far end of the course. The feat is believed to be the first of its kind in freeride motocross.
Keywords: feature,photo,video,motocross,riding,stunts,bikes
PersonInImage: Tyler Bereman completing his island hopping stunt.