Travis Pastrana’s New Line of Clothes Inspired by His Iconic 199

Posted on by Charley Daniels
By Charley Daniels

Fans of Nitro Circus and Ringleader Travis Pastrana know that the number 199 is important. It represents Travis, and so it represents everything Nitro is all about. Pushing the limit, finding adventure at every turn, stepping outside your comfort zone, and having an awesome time while you’re doing it. So Travis and Nitro Circus are pumped to announce a new line of T-shirts for those of us who want to rep that mindset all day long: The TP199 collection is for sale now in the Nitro Shop.

How did Travis Pastrana get the number 199? - Nitro Circus

Everyone we talked to about TP199 knew what that number symbolized, but we were a little surprised to find out that almost none of them knew where it came from, what it actually stands for. We asked several veteran members of the Nitro Crew, athletes who are friends with Travis and have known him for years, and even they had no idea in most cases. So we asked Travis himself to tell us the story. It’s surprisingly simple for how hugely symbolic this number has become.

So there you have it. 199 was Travis’ racing number, which he picked because his hero when he turned pro at age 16 was the legendary Robbie Reynard. The AMA stipulates that you can’t turn pro until you’re 16, and Reynard turned pro as soon as he could: May of 1993. So he was 593. He went on to absolutely crush it, immediately taking titles and leaving everyone in his dust — gaining a huge fan in Travis in the process. Travis took a similar approach: He turned 16 in October of 1999, but because AMA numbers are never more than three digits, he chose 199. The numbering system has since changed and is a bit complex, with numbers changing based on various factors, but Travis is grandfathered in and will always be 199. Check out some of the shirts on offer, hit this link to see them all, and be one of the first to get one:

How did Travis Pastrana get the number 199? - Nitro Circus
How did Travis Pastrana get the number 199? - Nitro Circus
How did Travis Pastrana get the number 199? - Nitro Circus
How did Travis Pastrana get the number 199? - Nitro Circus

Travis Pastrana Obliterates Mount Washington Hillclimb Record

Posted on by Charley Daniels
By Charley Daniels

Travis Pastrana set a new record at the Mount Washington Hillclimb this weekend, beating Subaru teammate and perennial rally rival David Higgins, who held the previous record for this event. Also known as the Climb to the Clouds, the timed race up New England’s tallest mountain was first run in 1904, back when single horsepower was still one of the better performance options. Travis’ 600 HP car had double the horses of what he drives in other rally formats and was much lighter than normal, prompting him to rave about how awesome his vehicle was before and after his record-breaking performance. Higgins was similarly equipped, but he took a bad turn on one of his runs and went off the road — thankfully he wasn’t injured in the crash. The previous record, set by Higgins in 2014, was 6:09.09. Travis beat that on his first run by quite a bit with a 5:46.28. He did even better a couple hours later on his second run, posting a 5:44.72, a nearly 25-second difference over the previous record-holder. Check out some highlights from the day right here:

Epic road, epic car, epic day! #gottherecordback!! @srtusa

A post shared by travispastrana (@travispastrana) on

#CTTC2017 #SRTUSA Vlog: @travispastrana's record smashing morning run

A post shared by Subaru Rally Team USA (@srtusa) on

MORE TRAVIS PASTRANA RALLY NEWS:

TRAVIS PASTRANA TAKES SECOND AT STPR
VIDEO: TRAVIS PASTRANA AT OREGON TRAIL RALLY THIS WEEKEND
TRAVIS PASTRANA TAKES SECOND AT INAUGURAL RALLYE PERCE-NEIGE
TRAVIS PASTRANA FINISHES SECOND AT TALL PINES RALLY

Nitro Riders Earned 9 Trophies at Nitro World Games

Posted on by Charley Daniels
By Charley Daniels

With the 2017 Nitro World Games in the books, we want to congratulate all the world-class athletes who competed this year and give some special shoutouts. Eight Nitro Circus veterans walked away with nine of the 18 total trophies awarded, a testament to the hard work, dedication, and experience of the Nitro Crew. Those athletes are: Ryan Williams (1st in scooter and BMX Best Tricks), Levi Sherwood (1st in Freestyle Motocross), Javier Villegas (2nd in Freestyle Motocross), Josh Sheehan (3rd in Freestyle Motocross), Beaver Fleming (2nd in skate), Brandon Loupos (2nd in BMX Best Tricks), Jaie Toohey (3rd in BMX Best Tricks), and Harry Bink (1st in FMX Best Trick). Additionally, the fourth-place finishers in four of six events were also Nitro riders, in many cases missing the podium by just fractions of a point. Just off the podium were Brandon Schmidt (BMX Best Tricks), Andy Buckworth (BMX Triple Hit), Adam Jones (Freestyle Motocross), and Sheehan (FMX Best Trick).

beaver-fleming-featured

It’s tempting to take the view that of course Nitro riders are going to do well at an event with the word “Nitro” in the title, so to head off that cynical perspective, here are some interesting points to remember: The Nitro World Games competition is overseen by an independent third-party. This includes the competition formats and the judges and judging process. Half the winners were non-Nitro athletes,
and the majority of the competitors were non-Nitro athletes. We’ve said it before: The NWG is not the Nitro Circus, and they go to great lengths to crown champions based on who rides best on that day. So why do Nitro riders do so well in this competition, particularly athletes you don’t see in many competitions, like R-Willy?

The first and most obvious answer to this question is that the Nitro Circus Live show brings in the best of the best already. Many of our athletes are decorated from years of competition experience, including multiple X Games medalists, as well as other major competitions worldwide. Guys like Sheeny and Sherwood are making podiums at FMX events all over the place. So naturally those athletes are going to do well in any competition. To put it another way, it’s not that Nitro Circus athletes are doing well at Nitro World Games; it’s that experienced and successful competitors are being recruited to be Nitro athletes.

The second factor is big-air experience. When it comes to events like scooter, BMX, and skate, the Nitro riders are getting so much ramp time touring with the show, that the experience rises to the top when it comes to those events in competition. And with the scoring set up to emphasize progression, it opens up the field to riders who don’t typically compete in BMX competitions, like R-Willy, Schmidt, and last year’s third-place BMX Best Tricks finisher, Gavin Godfrey (who had to miss this year due to injury). Nitro riders live and breathe progression every day, plus they ride the Giganta ramp constantly, working on new tricks as part of their routine.

The beautiful thing about NWG, though, is that anyone in the world can come and throw down and make a podium. Last year R-Willy finished last in Scooter Best Tricks, despite coming in with the most experience in one of the first scooter mega-ramp competitions ever. BMX Triple Hit is filled with non-Nitro household names from the sport, and this year a few up-and-comers emerged as dual-threat BMX athletes — several qualified in both Triple Hit and BMX Best Tricks, which require very different skillsets despite being on the same machine. The different mix of athletes on the podiums this year is a sign that this competition is maturing as athletes get more and more experience with these ramp setups and formats. We expect to see it evolve further next year, and to continue to grow and change.

Congrats again to all the competitors at the 2017 Nitro World Games. We can’t wait to see who rises to the top for Nitro World Games 2018.

WANT MORE NITRO WORLD GAMES NEWS? CHECK OUT THE LATEST HERE:

6 HIGHLIGHTS VIDEOS FROM THE 2017 NITRO WORLD GAMES
EPIC RESULTS FROM NITRO WORLD GAMES 2017
ISA CHAMPIONSHIPS TEASES THE SCOOTER EVENT AT NITRO WORLD GAMES
A ROUND-UP OF NITRO WORLD GAMES ATHLETE PROFILES

Epic Highlights From the 2017 Nitro World Games

Posted on by Charley Daniels

The 2017 Nitro World Games stormed Salt Lake City in an epic competition that saw enormous and literal highs and constant edge-of-your-seat action. There are so many stories to unravel over the coming days, but in the meantime we’ve got all the highlights and winners for you.

ryan-williams-featured

Arguably the biggest story of the night was Ryan Williams, the only athlete in the competition to make the finals in two events in two disciplines. R-Willy took home the win in Scooter Best Tricks and BMX Best Tricks and is officially the first competitor to ever win multiple events at Nitro World Games. After coming in as a favorite in scooter in 2016 and missing the podium, he made it his goal to do better this year. Did he ever. This year he also repeated as BMX Best Tricks champion, a win that came amid a bit of controversy.

Find out more about that and all the other crazy stories that went down at this year’s NWG. Click here for the full highlights, including video recaps of each event and a complete list of winners.

Travis Goes All-In With Nitro Circus

Posted on by admin

We’ve got an exciting announcement from Travis Pastrana to share with you this morning. After his 10-year association with Red Bull, Travis has decided to go all-in and become an exclusive athlete for Nitro Circus:

Travis Showing Off His New Head Gear

“You know, when we started Nitro Circus almost thirteen years ago, we had three employees, and I was shipping DVDs out of the garage of my house. But a lot has changed since then,” says Jeremy Rawle, Nitro Global Head of Media. “We have wanted, from the beginning, to have Travis as a fully branded Nitro Circus athlete because it feels right to us.”


And today, that day has finally come. “This is another phenomenal achievement for Travis. He created something from scratch that is now recognized as the biggest and best action sports brand in the world – a tremendous accomplishment,” says Michael Porra, Nitro Circus CEO and creative director. “To see Travis in his new helmet, it’s like he’s coming home. It gives me goose bumps to be honest.”

“To step back and see where Nitro Circus has come is just awesome,” says Pastrana. “I want to say thank you to Red Bull. They have been incredibly supportive. But, this was a very special opportunity to build on what we’ve done and take it to the next level. I’m so pumped to wear the Nitro Circus red, white and blue and am psyched about where we are headed.”

Check out the full story in the press release below.

 

TRAVIS PASTRANA GOES ALL-IN WITH NITRO CIRCUS PARTNERSHIP

Pastrana Now Exclusive Athlete for Nitro Circus Brand

Exclusive Consumer Products Line Featuring Headwear and Apparel Coming Soon

LOS ANGELES, CA (Wednesday – February 10, 2016) Nitro Circus has entered into a game-changing partnership with co-founder Travis Pastrana. With this milestone agreement, Pastrana is a fully sponsored Nitro Circus athlete and Nitro Circus now has exclusive branding rights to Pastrana’s headwear and apparel. The action sports superstar will wear a Nitro Circus-branded helmet and hat at all events and public appearances. For Pastrana, this reflects his commitment to the company he created 13 years ago and its meteoric rise. It is also a seismic shift in the action sports landscape given Pastrana’s 10-year association with Red Bull.

“To step back and see where Nitro Circus has come is just awesome,” said Pastrana. “I want to say thank you to Red Bull. They have been incredibly supportive. But, this was a very special opportunity to build on what we’ve done and take it to the next level. I’m so pumped to wear the Nitro Circus red, white and blue and am psyched about where we are headed.”

“This is another phenomenal achievement for Travis. He created something from scratch that is now recognized as the biggest and best action sports brand in the world – a tremendous accomplishment,” said Michael Porra, Nitro Circus CEO and creative director. “To see Travis in his new helmet, it’s like he’s coming home. It gives me goose bumps to be honest.”

Backstage at Stockholm’s Tele2 Arena, prior to the first show of a highly anticipated world tour, fellow Nitro Circus co-founder Jeremy Rawle unveiled Pastrana’s new helmet. Custom designed by Santa Barbara, California artist Chris Wood, it features Pastrana’s trademark plaid interspersed with the Nitro Circus throwback word mark and pearl white stars frame both sides. As Rawle likened the event to a king receiving his new crown, Pastrana savored the moment while his Nitro Circus teammates roared in approval. To see this emotional presentation as well as footage of Pastrana leading the Nitro Circus crew in his new gear for the first time, go here.

Nitro’s Stockholm show kicked off a huge year for the action sports entertainment collective. In the coming months, fans will feel closer than ever to all of the action as Nitro Circus will launch a new consumer products’ range, including exclusive headwear and apparel designs not available at Nitro Circus Live shows. Inspired by its world-class athletes and their courageous record-breaking achievements, these street-smart and fashion-forward designs will be available at specialty retailers worldwide. “We can’t wait to roll out our new consumer products’ range. The headwear and apparel lines will be 100 percent in line with Nitro Circus’s brand essence,” said Peter Maule, global head of licensing for Nitro Circus. “We are also currently negotiating with several industry leading companies in gaming, toys and other sectors as we continue to seek new and innovative ways to partner with top tier organizations.”

Much more is on the horizon in 2016: Nitro Circus Live will continue its European swing through February, which includes multiple shows at London’s O2 Arena and Paris’ AccorHotels Arena (formerly The Bercy). A return to North America will follow in April, with over 40 dates in the United States and Canada on the way. An Australian tour launches in May and more tour dates worldwide will be announced soon. The inaugural Nitro World Games, a revolutionary reinvention of action sports competition, will take over Salt Lake City’s Rice-Eccles Stadium on July 16, airing live in primetime on NBC in the U.S.

For additional Nitro Circus news, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, tour updates and more, go to http://www.nitrocircus.com. Follow Nitro Circus Live on Twitter: @nitrocircus and Facebook: www.facebook.com/NitroCircus.

Nitro World Games Announced!

Posted on by aenthoven

This morning, we finally got to announce our greatest passion project and the biggest news in action sports history. Next summer, we’ll be hosting the first-ever Nitro World Games in Salt Lake City, UT!

“Action sports is about progression, pushing the envelope to go bigger, faster and farther than ever before,” said Travis Pastrana. “When it comes to competition, I expect to see the best of the best going head to head, attempting tricks no one has ever seen before. With the Nitro World Games, we wanted to create an event that raised the bar and took action sports to the next level.”

“This is a passion project for Travis and for myself as well. We have worked tirelessly for three years with one goal in mind: a total reinvention of action sports competition. This is absolutely essential for the industry’s growth,” said Nitro Circus CEO and Creative Director Michael Porra.

Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Tuesday, December 8 at 9:00am MST! Sign up here to get notified and be the first in line for tickets tomorrow morning. Full press release and all the details below!

 

INAUGURAL NITRO WORLD GAMES ANNOUNCED FOR JULY 16, 2016

Salt Lake City Utah’s Rice-Eccles Stadium to Host the Biggest and Most Revolutionary Action Sports Competition of All Time — Airing Live in the U.S. on NBC

SALT LAKE CITY, UT (Monday – December 7, 2015) – Nitro Circus (www.nitrocircus.com), NBC Sports, Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert and the Utah Sports Commission today announced the inaugural Nitro World Games coming to Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah on Saturday, July 16, 2016. The biggest event in the history of action sports, the Nitro World Games is a riveting three-hour experience – airing live in the U.S. on NBC during prime time – that marks a revolutionary transformation of action sports competition. Created by extreme sports icon Travis Pastrana with Nitro Circus CEO and Creative Director Michael Porra, the Nitro World Games will feature the best athletes from across the globe in action sports’ most exciting and popular disciplines, including freestyle motocross (FMX), BMX, skate, inline, scooter and more.

“Action sports is about progression, pushing the envelope to go bigger, faster and farther than ever before,” said Pastrana. “When it comes to competition, I expect to see the best of the best going head to head, attempting tricks no one has ever seen before. With the Nitro World Games, we wanted to create an event that raised the bar and took action sports to the next level.”

“This is a passion project for Travis and for myself as well. We have worked tirelessly for three years with one goal in mind: a total reinvention of action sports competition. This is absolutely essential for the industry’s growth,” said Porra. “Nitro Circus was created right here in Salt Lake City and it remains our spiritual home. It also hosted the tremendously successful XIX Olympic Winter Games in 2002. I can’t think of a better location for the Nitro World Games.”

“We are thrilled to bring this new and innovative event to prime time television,” said Rob Simmelkjaer, Senior Vice President, NBC Sports Ventures. “The Nitro World Games will feature many of the world’s best action sports athletes competing in an entirely different format than anyone has ever seen before.”

“Sports are an indispensable part of Utah’s ‘Life Elevated’ experience,” Gov. Herbert said. “We are pleased that Nitro Circus has selected Utah to host the inaugural event. Sports bring a community together and provide a universal language we can all share and celebrate.”

“Action sports have been a key part of Utah’s sports infrastructure, and we look for opportunities to grow this space,” said Jeff Robbins, president and CEO of the Utah Sports Commission.

“Partnering with Nitro Circus on this major international event continues to highlight Utah as an action sports destination, while providing significant opportunities for economic impact and exposure for the state.”

The Nitro World Games will host the world’s biggest stars and the most accomplished athletes in action sports. It will also feature new disciplines, formats, tricks and all new ramps along with a Nitro-invented live scoring system ensuring fans can totally engage with the competition during every single minute of the Games. Each event will be a final round with everything on the line. Riders will attempt awe-inspiring — and in many cases brand new — tricks, all of which will create intensity on the track, energy in the stadium and must-see television for viewers. Independent and legendary veterans of each discipline will judge the fierce competition with pre-agreed degree of difficulty for every trick, ensuring the fairest and easiest to understand scoring system ever developed.

The Nitro World Games events will include 7 Gold Medal events:

FMX
FMX Biggest Trick
BMX Best Trick
BMX Triple Jump
Skate Best Trick
Scooter Best Tricks
Inline Best Tricks

Every action sports athlete in the world is eligible to compete in the Nitro World Games. Riders can attempt to qualify through preliminary events to be held at the Nitro Circus Academy of Excellence at Woodward West and at Travis Pastrana’s “Pastranaland” complex in Maryland U.S.A. Finalists will participate in the epic main competition at Rice-Eccles Stadium on July 16.

Also, Pastrana will lead an old school FMX throwdown in the Travis Pastrana No Rules Freestyle Legends Event. Pastrana’s brainchild, this goes back to the core of FMX, where riders challenged each other to hit any terrain and jump off any object, simply to see who could land the most outrageous trick. Pastrana will personally design the course and select the competitors from among the biggest icons in the sport. A panel of judges will rate each run. They will not give out scores, but rather simply decide who will earn the honor of the gnarliest rider on the planet.

As fans would expect from Nitro Circus, the Nitro World Games will feature a massive production, with over 15 different ramps – including Nitro Circus’ trademark 50-foot Giganta Ramp and the biggest setup in the history of FMX Big Air – filling the stadium floor, plus pyrotechnics, state of the art replay screens and more. Fans both in the stands and at home will be blown away.

NBC Sports will present three hours of live coverage of the Nitro World Games in the United States, with the telecast starting at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. All coverage shown on NBC will also be streamed on NBC Sports Live Extra, NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, tablets and connected TV’s. Outside of the U.S., NBC will distribute the Nitro World Games on leading networks globally via tape delay.

NBC Sports Ventures and Nitro Circus recently formed a multi-year strategic alliance. Nitro Circus programming, including compelling specials and the all-new docu-series, “Nitro Circus: Crazy Train,” now airs regularly in the U.S. on NBC and NBCSN and also streams on NBC Sports Live Extra. The Nitro World Games is the next phase of this partnership, combining NBC’s broadcasting excellence with Nitro Circus’ bold brand of action sports entertainment.

The Nitro World Games will also be a marquee destination event. Fans wanting to experience all of the excitement in person can purchase tickets to all of the action. To go behind the scenes at the Nitro World Games, the Nitro Club VIP package is the next best thing to an All Access pass.

Just $79 each (plus applicable service fees), these exclusive passes include the best seats in the house as well as a pre-event track walk. Nitro Club pass holders will also receive a souvenir lanyard.

Tickets to the Nitro World Games will be available starting Tuesday, December 8 at 9:00am MST. To purchase tickets and for the latest Nitro World Games updates, go to nitrocircus.com. Follow Nitro Circus on Twitter: @nitrocircus and Facebook: www.facebook.com/NitroCircus.

Over the past five years, Nitro Circus has electrified stadiums across the planet with incredible live shows and barrier-breaking world firsts. Now it will bring that same energy and innovation to the competitive arena with the biggest event ever in action sports.

About Nitro Circus:

Recently named by Forbes magazine as one of America’s Most Promising Companies, Nitro Circus continues to position itself as the world’s leading youth action sports & entertainment brand. From humble beginnings in 2003 – with Jeremy Rawle, Gregg Godfrey and extreme sports superstar Travis Pastrana producing DVDs from a Utah garage — to a smash TV series which has aired in over 60 countries, Nitro Circus has exploded to global popularity. In 2012, Nitro Circus: The Movie 3D, featuring cast members from the hit television series, was released in cinemas worldwide. In 2015, Nitro Circus announced a partnership with NBC Sports
Ventures. The multi-year strategic alliance will feature TV specials and series programming airing nationally in the U.S. on NBC and NBCSN as well as streamed on NBC Sports Live Extra.

The TV show was transformed by current CEO and action sports industry guru Michael Porra into a must-see live event in 2010, creating the global touring phenomenon that is Nitro Circus Live. Since its inaugural Australian trek five years ago, the show has travelled the globe, obliterating box office records and cultivating a legion of diehard fans. Nitro Circus has now rolled across five continents, blown away over two million fans and sold-out shows in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, the Middle East and South Africa. With close to 100 shows globally in 2015 and a packed 2016 touring schedule visiting even more cities still to be announced, Nitro Circus is the world’s most successful action sports touring brand.

About NBC Sports Ventures:

The NBC Sports Ventures Unit, a division of the NBC Sports Group, is charged with acquiring and developing new and existing sports properties for NBC Sports, NBCSN and Golf Channel. Properties under the NBC Sports Ventures umbrella include the Dew Tour, Red Bull Signature Series, Reebok Spartan Race, and Nitro Circus.

About the Utah Sports Commission:

The Utah Sports Commission is a not-for-profit, 501c3 charitable organization created to foster national and international amateur sports competitions to be held in the state of Utah, which will enhance the quality of life of all Utah citizens and strengthen Utah’s presence in the worldwide sports community.

USC Horizontal

Wicked Tango Is Ready to Ride the Bolt with Nitro Circus!

Posted on by Nitro Circus

We have more exciting news for all of you today! We’re happy to announce that we’re teaming up with Wicked Tango to bring you more of the entertainment that you love. Watch out for unique, new contraptions in our live shows, new digital video series and so much more.

And, to celebrate, Wicked Tango is introducing its latest signature cocktail:

Light the Fuse
2oz. Wicked 87
3oz. Diet cola
1oz. Firebolt (table side shot)

Build cocktail in rocks glass, over ice. Stir, then add Firebolt as side shot to cocktail as floater. Use Wicked Tango Firebolt on the side as a shot, upon preference for a desired amount.

Check out Nitro Circus on the road this fall, follow @WickedTango and enjoy a Wicked Tango Light The Fuse cocktail while doing so! Cheers!

 

Wicked Tango

WICKED TANGO IS READY TO RIDE THE BOLT WITH NITRO CIRCUS!

Wicked Tango and Nitro Circus Announce Innovative Strategic Partnership

Features Fully Integrated Advertising and Branding Opportunities Across NBC and NBCSN Programing, Nitro Circus Live’s Upcoming North American Tour, Social Media Channels and More

Tuesday – June 23, 2015 Los Angeles, CA: Wicked Tango, the American Dream in a glass, and Nitro Circus, the world’s greatest action sports brand, both believe in working hard but playing harder. Both are also the best in their class yet don’t take themselves too seriously, and they appeal to all Americans. Now, Wicked Tango and Nitro Circus are teaming up in a groundbreaking partnership agreement that will see both companies enter into a fully integrated sponsorship arrangement.

Nitro Circus CEO and Creative Director Michael Porra said, “We are thrilled to join forces with Wicked Tango. We think it is a really cool product that fits perfectly with us, and we know that our fans are going to love it.”

Wicked Tango CEO Larry Bross said, “When my partner, Jim White, and I first created our Wicked Tango brand we never thought another platform would have the same culture of fun, pride and quality. But when we met the Nitro Circus executives and founders, we immediately knew that this partnership would be fully aligned, not only for 2015 and 2016 but in the years beyond. We are very proud to have our Wicked brands become an integral partner with one of the best youth brands in the world. With 25 North American shows this fall, Nitro and Wicked Whiskey are coming to a town near you – look out!”

As the official whiskey of Nitro Circus, Wicked Tango will have the opportunity to incorporate its product across all Nitro Circus platforms. For example, Wicked Tango will be a part of Nitro Circus Live’s upcoming North American fall 2015 tour. Fans may even see unique Wicked Tango-themed contraptions fly from Nitro Circus’ brand new sling shot! Wicked Tango will also be organically integrated into Nitro Circus’ original content. This includes over 27 hours of televised programming on NBC and NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) in 2015 alone as part of a just-announced multi-year agreement with NBC Sports Ventures. Plus, Nitro Circus will highlight Wicked Tango across its social and digital platforms. Wicked Tango will also have access to an enviable talent roster including Travis Pastrana, Streetbike Tommy, Jolene Van Vugt and more.

As Nitro Circus makes a big entrance into the licensing arena, this innovative partnership represents a bold step forward. “A licensing and sponsorship agreement like this is a game changer,” Peter Maule, global head of licensing, said. “We can offer partners access to all of our assets – live events, original content and talent – so that they are vested 360 degrees in Nitro Circus.” Brett Clarke, global head of business development & marketing partnerships added, “Going forward we want to collaborate in the brand development process with our partners, where both parties contribute to and are responsible for each other’s success.”

Recently named at no. 22 in Forbes magazine’s list of America’s Top 100 Most Promising Companies, Nitro Circus creates spectacular live events and original media content for thrill seeking fans worldwide, showcasing the best in extreme sports for daredevils and risk taking wannabes alike. With over two million tickets sold to date, television programming that has aired in over 60 countries, nearly six million Facebook Likes and over 100 million views of digital offerings per month, Nitro Circus is the leader in action sports and entertainment.

An American Heritage company, Wicked Tango has a culture and small batch handcrafted spirits that make every American proud! Wicked 87 and Wicked Lightning Moonshine are 100% corn base distilled in Atchison, Kansas. Both are also ridiculously good, the kind you want to say, “You gotta try this!” Wicked Tango is not just about great spirits; it’s a lifestyle, a state of mind, the American dream in a glass and an awesomely wicked time… every time! Wicked Tango has a motto, “Work hard, and play harder!”

And to celebrate this collaboration with Nitro Circus, Wicked Tango introduces its latest signature cocktail: Light The Fuse.

Light the Fuse
2oz. Wicked 87
3oz. Diet cola
1oz. Firebolt (table side shot)

Build cocktail in rocks glass, over ice. Stir, then add Firebolt as side shot to cocktail as floater. Use Wicked Tango Firebolt on the side as a shot, upon preference for a desired amount.

Check out Nitro Circus on the road this fall, follow us @WickedTango and enjoy a Wicked Tango Light The Fuse cocktail while doing so!

About Sage Beverages LLC: Sage Beverages LLC is a rapidly growing and expanding importer of beer, wines and spirits. Their award-winning portfolio includes Lucky Buddha Beer, ZIOBAFFA Wines, Bracero Tequila, Left Coast Brewery, Wicked Tango Whiskey, Tavi Tequila and Cucapa Brewery. Many of their brands have been recently heard and viewed on national syndicated radio formats, daytime television segments and both print and online publications. Based in Carlsbad, CA, Sage Beverages is an innovative, exciting company that provides quality, unique and storied brands that always have the consumer in mind.

About Nitro Circus: Nitro Circus continues to position itself as the leading youth action sports & entertainment brand on the planet. From humble beginnings, with Jeremy Rawle, Gregg Godfrey and extreme sports superstar Travis Pastrana producing DVDs from a Utah garage in 2003, to a smash TV series which has aired in over 60 countries, Nitro Circus has exploded to global popularity, leaving a burning impression on the minds of young people across the globe. Nitro Circus: The Movie, featuring cast members from the hit TV series, was released in 2012 in cinemas worldwide.

In 2010, the TV show was transformed by current CEO and action sports industry guru Michael Porra into a must-see live event, creating the global touring phenomenon that is Nitro Circus Live. Since its inaugural Australian trek five years ago, the show has travelled the world, obliterating box office records and cultivating a legion of diehard fans. Nitro Circus has now rolled across five continents, blown away over two million fans and sold-out shows in Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, the Middle East and South Africa.

Media Contacts:

For Wicked Tango:
Danielle Whitaker
The Workshop
daniellew@workshopcollective.com
626.375.6458

For Nitro Circus:
Greg Terlizzi
greg@nitrocircus.com
310.600.3229

Jed Mildon Lands the First-Ever BMX Quad Backflip

Posted on by Charley Daniels

What a day. After years of dreaming, months of practice, and several missed attempts that racked up injury after injury, the world-first BMX quad backflip has been conquered. As the only two athletes who’d ever landed a triple backflip, Jed Mildon and James Foster went toe-to-toe to make history (click here for the full backstory). Both were capable and both wanted it, but in the end injuries derailed Foster’s progress, and Mildon stuck the BMX quad flip.

Tons of fans got to watch it happen thanks to NBC, but for those who missed it (or those who want to see it again), here it is:

It wasn’t easy. Mildon’s initial efforts to land the quad in New Zealand were sidelined by poor weather and morale. In the U.S., meanwhile, Foster was getting closer and closer to dialing it in, and it looked like the proposed plan of having both riders make the attempt simultaneously wasn’t going to be possible. But in a move that proves what a good-natured rivalry this was, Foster agreed to hold off on his attempt to let Mildon have more time to practice. It was a pivotal decision that may have made the difference in the outcome of Revolution Day.

In the meantime, Nitro Circus went back on tour, and during a show in Australia Foster broke several ribs, benching him while he healed. With Mildon still struggling in practice and Foster out, the future of the quad was in serious doubt. But the moment he was declared fit to flip, Foster was back on his bike and at the top of the ramp, raising hope that Revolution Day was nigh. It was not to be, though, as in his practice attempts he re-injured his ribs again and again, and despite his perseverance, Foster was unable to continue the quest.

Jed Mildon and James Foster at Travis Pastrana's house in Maryland.

After Foster had to step out, Mildon changed location to Foster’s setup at Pastranaland in Maryland and began several sessions of air bag practice that didn’t go well. It looked like the quad might actually be impossible, as some had suggested. But then, a twist: Mildon asked to pull the bag and just go for it, which had more than a few people raising an eyebrow after Mildon’s practice attempts weren’t coming around like they knew he was capable of — and like he would need to execute if he was going to stick it.

The bag was somewhat reluctantly removed, but if you’re imagining an immediate and triumphant success, you are mistaken. Mildon suffered several painful misses without the relative safety of the bag, bone-crunching crashes that had everyone present worrying that he would also have to bow out due to injury, or worse. But the stacks didn’t deter him. His confidence clearly grew after each missed attempt, and with the stakes higher than ever, Mildon found the sweet spot, pulled it around perfectly, and rode away. History was made.

Jed Mildon lands the first-ever BMX quad backflip

Huge congrats to Jed Mildon for landing the first-ever BMX quad backflip! And, if it wasn’t for Foster’s work on the ramp and the technical details of the trick, history couldn’t have been made that day. Both athletes deserve all the kudos they’re getting. We’re pumped to have these guys as permanent members of the Nitro Crew — we know we’ll be seeing a ton more world firsts from both of them. And if after all that you still haven’t had enough Revolution Day, enjoy a few more shots in this behind-the-scenes gallery:

Come see Jed Mildon and James Foster performing live with Nitro Circus, coming soon to a city near you. Click here for tour information and tickets!

World Record Stunt – Ethen vs. the Blob

Posted on by Charley Daniels

Back in September, Ethen Roberts was in New Zealand looking for an answer to that age-old question: “What kind of badass stunt can we do with two huge rugby players?”

Seriously, though, while we were on tour in Auckland, he decided to try to break the world record for consecutive frontflips off a floating air bag. It’s quite a sight to see when Ethen gets launched off the blob and out over the harbor by these two muscle piles (who were very nice blokes, by the way) jumping down off a crane. How could anything go wrong?

OK, well, I guess it did go pretty wrong when he hit the water so hard that he busted an eardrum and gave himself a bloody nose. The thing with Ethen, though, is when he sets his mind to a world first, it’s not a matter of if… just when.

Some would be happy, maybe even downright stoked, with four and a half frontflips off the blob, which technically beat the previous record of four. But if you know anything about the Nitro Crew, you know that’s not how this story is going to end.

Since his first attempt, he has made his peace with rugby players, blobs, cranes, and whatever godforsaken laws of physics can somehow turn liquid into concrete when you’re crashing headfirst into it. It was time for another attempt, and yesterday in Nice, France, he faced the blob again.


Count ’em! He didn’t even need any rugby players to send him off. Well done, Ethen.

Ethen and the Nitro Crew are currently touring around Europe! Find out when they’ll be in a city near you.

Nitro Circus Is Now Partnering With NBC

Posted on by Nitro Circus

It’s been more than 10 years since we started out filming stunts and hawking DVDs from a garage in Utah, and sometimes we just can’t believe how quickly the time has gone. And, now here we are signing a major deal with NBC Sports!

We just announced today that we’re teaming up with NBC for a brand new show called Crazy Train and a bunch of epic TV specials. None of this would’ve been possible without you guys, and we’re so excited to share it all with you.

We’re kicking things off this Thursday, June 4 when the first two episodes of Nitro Circus Live will air on NBC Sports Network. You can watch the entire Nitro Circus Live season 1 on NBCSN as episodes air every Thursday night this June. Then, tune in on July 12 for Nitro Circus: Revolution Day, a 90-minute special following the ongoing competition between BMX superstars Jed Mildon and James Foster as they try to make action sports history with the world’s first quad backflip.

For these and so much more, check out all of the details below!

 

NBCNBCSN

NBC SPORTS VENTURES ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC ALLIANCE WITH NITRO CIRCUS

Multi-Year Partnership to Present Nitro Circus Programming on NBC, NBCSN and NBC Sports Live Extra

90-Minute Special Nitro Circus: Revolution Day to Air July 12 on NBC

Nitro Circus: Revolution Day to Feature World’s First Attempt to Land a Quadruple Backflip on a BMX Bike

Eight-Episode Reality Series Nitro Circus Crazy Train to Debut Thursday, October 15 at 10 p.m. ET on NBCSN

STAMFORD, Conn. – NBC Sports Ventures, a division of NBC Sports Group, and Nitro Circus, today announced a multi-year strategic alliance that will feature Nitro Circus programming to air across NBC, NBCSN and NBC Sports Live Extra. In 2015, the content partnership will include the launch of a new series on NBCSN, and two 90-minute specials that will air on NBC and NBCSN. In addition, all Nitro Circus programming will be streamed on NBC Sports Live Extra.

NBC Sports Group’s coverage will begin on July 12, when NBC will broadcast Nitro Circus: Revolution Day, a 90-minute special chronicling the ongoing competition between BMX superstars Jed Mildon and James Foster as they attempt to make action sports history by landing the world’s first quadruple backflip. Following Revolution Day, On September 12, NBCSN will broadcast Nitro Circus: The Biggest Trick Ever In Action Sports, a 90-minute special detailing freestyle motocross athlete Josh Sheehan’s recent attempt to complete the first ever triple backflip on a motorbike.

On Thursday, October 15 at 10 p.m. ET, NBCSN will debut Nitro Circus Crazy Train, an eight-part non-scripted reality series that will air on Thursday nights. Each one-hour episode of Crazy Train will feature a regular cast of athletes and signature stars from the Nitro Circus stadium tour, and give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the daily lives and journeys of the Nitro Circus team. Crazy Train cast members include action sports icon Travis Pastrana, along with freestyle motocross star Adam Jones, groundbreaking female FMX and BMX athlete Jolene Van Vugt, and BMX champion Chad Kagy.

“We are excited to launch this partnership with Nitro Circus,” said Rob Simmelkjaer, Senior Vice President, NBC Sports Ventures. “The skill of the athletes and the excitement of their stadium shows is remarkable. Revolution Day, Crazy Train and our other Nitro Circus programming will give viewers an exclusive look into the lives of these super star athletes.”

“We are thrilled to team with such an iconic company as NBC Sports Group. This is a fantastic home for Nitro Circus as we open this exciting new chapter for our brand,” said Michael Porra, Nitro Circus CEO and Creative Director. “NBC Sports’ impact on sports television is undeniable, and this partnership offers other fantastic opportunities that will introduce us to an even wider audience. This is a game-changer for us, as well for action sports.”

Since 2010, nearly two million people have attended Nitro Circus stadium shows and performances. In 2015, Nitro Circus will hold 37 shows in North America and nearly 100 shows across the globe. Nitro Circus tours annually feature more than 40 different athletes.

Wheelz, RZRs Galore, and Real Moto – WildWeek

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By The Nitro Writers

Fans who followed our live videos from the inaugural Polaris Invitational at Pastranaland may have been disappointed when the RZRs race of the week’s champions had to be postponed due to Trevor Piranha’s questionable inclusion of Zima in the awards ceremony where the winners were chosen. As promised, the RZR race still happened, and we have the footage for you. Part 1 is embedded right here, and Part 2 is on our YouTube channel. We apologize for the delay, but Zima takes some time to work its way out of the system. Enjoy Wheelz’s record-breaking lap (emphasis on “breaking”) and then enjoy some of the best of the best from the last week!

>>>IF YOU ONLY WATCH ONE VIDEO<<<

If you like any of the shirts and hats in this video, click here to get one!

>>>THE NEWSY BITS<<<

It’s about time we featured Hubert Rowland. He’s Nitro Circus’ master engineer and manager of Travis Pastrana’s action sports playground, Pastranaland. But now he’s striking out on an adventure of his own in his epic Big RedNeck Adventure across the USA. Perhaps there’s no better way to see America right now than behind the wheel of a UTV. Hubert and crew are hitting the Trans-America highway, going coast-to-coast in Polaris RZRs. No one has ever attempted it, and Hubert is finding out why. Exposed to the extremes of America’s weather and terrain, the crew are on the road in a vehicle intended for use off-road. What could go wrong? SEE IT

Pat Bowden is quietly killing it this year. He took third place in the FMX Best Trick event at the Nitro World Games. He just won gold at X Pilots in Tijuana in FMX and Best Whip. Once again, the FMX star and graphic designer noticeably sported his all-white outfit in a bid to get sponsors to take notice of the branding opportunity he poses, just as he did at the Nitro World Games. Sponsors, you can’t go wrong betting on gold. CHECK IT

This year’s Real Moto edits are real awesome. X Games Real Moto challenges FMX riders to put together edits of sick riding and personal flair. Jacko Strong rose to the challenge in a huge way with a video that not only gets to the heart of what FMX is all about, but it makes you happy to be alive. What can we say but take a knee and watch it, and then check out edits from the four other contenders. WATCH IT

Pay attention to Street League Skateboarding. Founded by Rob Dyrdeck, the SLS Crown World Championship is the official world street skateboarding series according to the International Skateboarding Federation — skateboarding’s governing authority. The competition is relatively new, so you’re forgiven if you weren’t aware that there are a number of qualifying events leading up to 2017 SLS Nike SB Super Crown World Championships. SLS was in Chicago this week on its first North American stop of the world tour, and it didn’t disappoint. They’re headed to Los Angeles in September. In the meantime, check out this recap of Chicago’s event. SUPPORT IT

The greatest generation shows us why it’s still great. 68-year-old retiree and former Red Devil Paratrooper Mike Smith made his 100th skydive in a charity event in the UK. He was joined by two 91-year-old veterans of World War II. The message is clear: Never stop sending it. APPLAUD IT

>>>THE RIGHT TURN<<<

>>>ONE FOR THE ROAD<<<

***

A sneak peek at next week: What’s your personal Pastranalanad?

Check out the previous WildWeek right here.

Everyone’s Favorite RedNek Is Going Coast-to-Coast on a RZR

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

Hubert Rowland, who manages Travis Pastrana’s action sports playground, aka Pastranaland, is just past the halfway point on his Big RedNek Adventure, traveling coast-to-coast from South Carolina to Oregon on the Trans-America Trail. In true Nitro style, he’s doing it in a way that no one has ever attempted before: He’ll be the first to do it in a UTV. Hubert and crew are driving three Polaris RZRs: the XP Turbo, XP 1000, and the Polaris General, which will be reserved for some special guests along the way. Hubert even provides a way for fans at home to track his route, with the LeadNav GPS app; you can incorporate his route into the app here. Hubert and crew are about to hit Utah, so you know things are just getting good. You can follow them by GPS or by hitting his social media for updates. Check out some of the highlights of the route so far in the gallery below.

The Nitro Shop is open for business! Find all our new T-shirt styles, including the exclusive TP199 collection from Travis Pastrana.

Real Moto 2017 Is Crazy Good

Posted on by Charley Daniels
By Charley Daniels

X Games Real Moto is back with five crazy edits from five of the best freestyle and freeride moto legends on the planet. The way it works is simple: The riders put together short edits that include killer riding and a bit of personal flair (which ends up being arguably the best part). Through Aug. 28, you can vote on which 90-second video rules them all. This year’s contenders are Tyler Bereman, Kris Foster, Axell Hodges, Ronnie Renner, and Jacko Strong. Check out Jacko’s video embedded below, and then make sure you click here to watch the rest and cast your vote!

The Nitro Shop is open for business! Find all our new T-shirt styles, including the exclusive TP199 collection from Travis Pastrana.

R-Willy Gives Us the Contraption Rider Reactions We Didn’t Know We Needed

Posted on by Charley Daniels
By Charley Daniels

For quite some time now Ryan “R-Willy” Williams has been vlogging from Nitro Circus live shows around the world, giving fans a look at the show from the athletes’ perspective. This month in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he documented the feeling that goes through the riders’ heads when they’re riding a rickety contraption toward a 40-foot gap, a phenomenon that we were all aware of but didn’t realize there was a way to clearly show it. It’s actually pretty simple: Stand next to the ramp and film their faces in slow motion as they approach the lip. Dusty Wygle, wrangler of multiple contraptions, once described the land boogie board as “a death trap,” which helps explain the steely but resigned determination on his face while he’s dropping in. Todd Meyn, Jed Mildon, Chris Haffey, and Matt Whyatt also get in on the action. The slo-mo fun starts about two and a half minutes in, but the rest of the video is awesome as well, so sit back and enjoy the whole thing:

Like that T-shirt R-Willy’s wearing throughout this video? Check out the Nitro Shop online to grab one for yourself and browse all the other designs we’ve got, including TP199 tees, the first line inspired by Travis Pastrana himself.

Off-Road Races, TP199 Is Coming, and Near Misses – WildWeek

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By The Nitro Writers

So you’re looking for the perfect Nitro T-shirt? Well, we’re excited to announce that on Monday, Aug. 14, the Nitro Circus online store will be back with all-new designs and our first-ever line inspired by Travis Pastrana. If you’ve always wanted to rep the 199, Pastranaland, or a genuine Pastrana riding jersey, your chance has arrived. Sign up here to be notified the moment you can check them out and grab one for yourself. Beyond the TP199 line, you can expect a slew of new Nitro T-shirt and hat designs that you’ve never seen before, and a commitment from us to continue to grow and add merchandise to give you a wide selection of Nitro approved gear for any occasion. Bottom line: We’re excited. You should be too. See you there on Monday!

Travis Pastran - Pastranaland - Nitro Circus online store

>>>IF YOU ONLY WATCH ONE VIDEO<<<

>>>THE NEWSY BITS<<<

REMINDER: We’re on tour in the U.S. this very second. With a lucky 13 stops left on the 2017 U.S. tour, there’s a fair chance we’ll be swinging by a city near you between now and the end of September. Most of the shows will be in cities we’ve never performed in, because we take it very seriously when you message us asking why we’ve never been to your town. We’re looking at you, Medford, Oregon. CHECK IT

Mammoth Mountain just had their second-longest season ever. While much of California is on the hunt for new sources of water, Mammoth Mountain has been saving up a steady supply of the frozen version deep into August. Normally, the last ski day of the year ushers in the beginning of summer. This year, it arrives just as fall is on the horizon. We don’t have too long of a wait to get back on the slopes. Mammoth is set to reopen in November. CALENDAR IT

The craziest race in the Enduro World Series in MTB is this weekend. Nitro MTB star Dusty Wygle is stoked, but we feel a little sorry for the athletes competing. The Canadian Open Enduro is round 7 of 8 of the Enduro World Series MTB competition and widely viewed to be the toughest in the series. Hosted at Crankworx Whistler in British Columbia, the race is in five stages over nine hours and is renowned for separating the pros from the weekend warriors. Stage 1 kicks off on Sunday. CARB UP

Is there anything Travis won’t race? Travis Pastrana is set to drive the Vegas to Reno Off-Road Polaris RZR Star Car race, which sounds like something someone came up with in a fever dream at Studio 54. But it’s real, we checked. Jolene Van Vugt can confirm, as she has participated in the race before and will be competing again this year. The race is the longest of its kind in America at 550 miles. It kicks off Aug. 18. RACE IT

This GQ article on the diet of a BMX athlete is inspirational for future BMX foodies. Queens BMX star and Forbes Top 30 under 30 Nigel Sylvester proves that maybe not every athletic discipline requires a particular diet. It’s a good read for restaurant recommendations on either coast, but you will not land a backflip on the back of lobster taco from Escuela Taqueria, folks, no matter how good they are. READ IT

>>>THE RIGHT TURN<<<

Here's the video of my crash yesterday. For how bad it was it was pretty good. I'm home and resting. Thanks for all the messages. I have to make a statement here. I landed head first. Didn't black out didn't see stars didn't ring my bell. All because of the quality of the helmet I had. This could've been so much worst. My #bellmoto9flex probably saved my life or forma bigger injury. Guys. Don't spend money on graphics and bling for your bike if you haven't got your self the best helmet. #priorities #bellmoto #bellhelmets #frontflipfail #frontflip #fmxfail @rockstarenergy @canvas_mx @fitzarmyfmx @theactionvillage @bell_powersport @dragon_motorsports @alpinestars @fisthandwear @newartgraficas. @az_fmx_works @fmf73 @no_toil @nostsuspension @nithrone @ridedunlop @matrixconcepts @cyclopsgear @supersproxusa

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>>>ONE FOR THE ROAD<<<

***

A sneak peek at next week: The Nitro Shop is back with all new designs, including a new Travis Pastrana signature line! Sign up here to be notified when it opens.

Check out the previous WildWeek right here.

Nitro + Hexbug = Fun for Kids of All Ages

Posted on by Charley Daniels
By Nitro Staff

Travis Pastrana and the Nitro Crew live life according to a pretty simple philosophy: Push progression in action sports and have a great time while doing it. Fans know that the love of fun is core to everything we do, so no one should be surprised that Hexbug’s new line of Nitro Circus toys is fully responsible for Travis and Blake “Bilko” Williams losing a whole afternoon to good old-fashioned play time, according to Travis. “We played with this for hours and never got bored,” he said in an Instagram post. Check them out!

hexbug-nitro-circus-toys

You can collect all five of the hilarious characters to send off the Nitro Circus Freestyle Ramp, the Nitro Circus Giganta Ramp, and the Nitro Circus Capture It — which features Augmented Reality cards for use with a free app, perfect for creating your own Nitro-style videos to share online. Get the app for iOS right here and for Android right here. Check out a demo:

This is just the first of many awesome things we have coming out for kids. Keep your eye out for the relaunch of the Nitro Shop, which will include a collection of shirts for the kids as well. Check out Hexbug, stay tuned for more, and make sure you set aside some free time, because you’re gonna need it!

R-Willy Attempts a New World First for Brett Banasiewicz

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

Nitro riders progress in leaps and bounds throughout the touring season. They challenge each other during practice before the shows and egg each other on at the top of the ramp. It doesn’t always result in a new World First, but it always results in an awesome show. It’s true that the riders don’t land everything they try the first time, but no matter what, a big moment can happen at any of our shows. Check out Catfish’s expression when Ryan “R-Willy” Williams called an audible at the top of the ramp in Indianapolis and announced he was going to attempt a frontflip back bikeflip:

R-Willy surprises Catfish at Nitro Circus Indianapolis

Snowboard/BMX star Brandon Schmidt came up with the idea for the trick. But R-Willy was inspired to try it in honor of South Bend, Indiana, BMX star Brett Banasiewicz. Brett has made multiple X Games appearances and was the first rider to stick a 540 flair on BMX on a standard quarter, inspiring a younger R-Willy to attempt it on scooter. There’s definitely more to see in R-Willy’s edit of the Indianapolis show, with plenty of POV shots of BMX and scooter tricks. Check it out:

FOLLOW R-WILLY? CHECK OUT HIS LATEST HERE:

R-Willy, Allegedly Taking It Easy Before Nitro World Games, Has Close Call on Rollerblades
New R-Willy Video Has POV Tricks, Contraptions and More
R-Willy, Schmidty, and Bilko Ride a Trampoline Park
R-Willy’s New Bike is Magical (or Maybe It’s Just Him)

Beaver Fleming Eyes Olympics After Strong Finish at Vans Park Series

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

If you want to be up to speed in time for the skateboarding park event at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, you need to be paying attention to events like the Vans Park Series, the continental qualifier for the World Championships in Shanghai in September. Nitro skate legend Beaver Fleming made a convincing run, placing ninth out of 80 athletes. “I only got one real day of practice on the course. On the day of the competition, on my one practice run before the heat, I collided with another skater,” Beaver says. Ever the optimist, he sees only positives in the result. “It was amazing being involved and figuring out where I need to grow to get ready for the Olympics, which is a major goal.” In his latest edit, Beaver shares his perspective on his runs. He is known for his variety of tricks, so it’s useful to have the athlete himself call them out. Check it:

Can’t Get Enough of Beaver?

BEAVER IS A ONE-MAN VARIETY SHOW
BEAVER FLEMING GOES BIG AT BOWL-A-RAMA
BEAVER WINS BEST TRICK AT SIMPLE SESSION WITH A WORLD FIRST

Bruce’s Big Return and R-Willy Takes US Behind the Trick – WildWeek

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By The Nitro Writers

Advice of the Week: Be like Bruce Cook. There are lots of reasons to admire the FMX star and record holder for the World’s First paraplegic to backflip a motorcycle. This week, it’s for his sage advice to a young fan and FMX up-and-comer. We’re going to keep our Advice of the Week brief and end it there. We can feel your eyes being drawn to the video below — the one with the title Wildest Wipeouts. You see the word “wipeouts” and the universe fades away until all there is left is the play button. You’re like a Golden Retriever now and the video is the tennis ball. Check it out and the rest of the week’s shenanigans below:

>>>IF YOU ONLY WATCH ONE VIDEO<<<

>>>THE NEWSY BITS<<<

Ryan “R-Willy” Williams presents VH1 Behind the Trick. R-Willy’s latest video series Web Edit Wednesday is the action sports version VH1 Behind the Music, where he takes a trick from his (already legendary) Web Edit 3 and talks about what inspired it and how he accomplished it. This week’s trick is called the Backflip Nosemanual to Inward In, or the button masher if this was a video game. It’s easy to take R-Willy sticking a crazy trick for granted. He has so many in his arsenal; it’s tempting to think he’s capable of whipping one out at will. That’s why it’s instructive to watch him plow through bail after painful-looking bail because it shows that it ultimately comes down to practice and willingness to eat cement. WATCH IT

When 14-year-old FMX phenom Trevor Wahr got the chance to meet his hero Bruce Cook, he asked what it takes to become a member of Nitro Circus. There are few better athletes than Bruce Cook to exemplify the virtues of hard work and perseverance, but he had more wisdom to impart. He said you need hard work, perseverance and a solid social media game to get your name out. We, the Nitro Writers, heartily agree. Trevor, if we can add to that: You need hard work, perseverance and a consistent pipeline of video edits for us to write about and share. Nitro Writer to future Nitro Circus athlete fist bump. SHARE IT

Look, it’s Bruce Cook’s week in the spotlight. The FMX icon is making his big return to Hamilton, his first since his crash after attempting a World First double frontflip that took away the use of his legs. We talked to him about his feelings before the show and why he wants to give back to his Hamilton fans. PITTER PATTER (Ed. Note: This is a Canadian inside joke)

This week’s WildWeek theme is shaping up to be patterned after the old triad: the true, the good, the beautiful. Bruce spoke the truth when he extolled the virtues of social media in helping publicize athletes, his comeback to Hamilton is an unambiguous good, and action sports variety show Ethen Roberts is here to bring us the beautiful. Ethen’s gorgeously shot web series Off the Grid is a must-see love letter to his home state of Utah. ADMIRE IT

Spend a day at Travis Pastrana’s Pastranaland compound with skateboard legend, Lizard King. In a spot for Supra Footwear’s We Are Supra Passionate video series, Lizard King talks with the Nitro Circus ringleader about their passion for action sports and life. Come for the inspiring conversation, stay for the sheer variety of action sports they take part in at Travis’ compound. And make extra sure you keep watching to see the best first attempt at a motorcycle backflip Travis has ever seen. WATCH IT

>>> THE RIGHT TURN <<<

Want to see what not to do when trying a back flip 😂 @Boditurner747

A post shared by Andy Buckworth (@andybuckworth) on

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A sneak peek at next week: We still have so much more to look forward to before summer is out. We’re ready to go big in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and we have plenty more shows left on our North America tour. Stay tuned!

Check out the previous WildWeek right here.

Don’t Call it a Comeback: Bruce Cook’s Big Return to Hamilton

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

The North America Nitro Circus Live Tour is heading to Hamilton, Canada this weekend. And while the approach is the same for every show we do, some shows have added significance that inspires us to take it up a notch. Annapolis was huge because it’s Travis Pastrana and several Nitro Circus veterans’ hometown crowd. For Canadian FMX star Bruce Cook, this will be his first show in Hamilton since his crash in ’14 when he lost the use of his legs. His bounce back has been epic. In just three years, he’s become a popular member of the live tour, the subject of a documentary, and record holder for being the World’s First paraplegic to backflip a motorcycle.

bruce-cook-vegas

Still, you could hardly fault Bruce for having pre-show jitters. “Show day will be my first time back in Hamilton since my injury, and I’m really looking forward to it! I’m just stoked to get a good show done and get that off my back,” Bruce says. But it’s more than that. Bruce is Canadian. “It’s just awesome putting on shows on home turf. We travel all over the world in front of amazing crowds, but there’s something special about doing it in your home country. You can definitely feel the love from everyone,” he says. “I’m really looking forward to the Hamilton crowd. They were so amazing after my accident with hundreds of messages of support and well wishes – it’s going to be awesome to kind of give back a bit and put down a successful run!” Check out some recent highlights below:

What’s next for Bruce Cook? “This year will be a whole lot more shows all over North America then on to South Africa in October as well as shooting some stuff for Travis Pastrana’s Action Figures 2 where I’m hoping to do more stuff on my bike, rzr and maybe try my hand on a snowmobile,” he says. Whatever he plans to do, we know he’ll send it.

Get tickets right here for Hamilton, and Grand Rapids, or a city near you on our North America tour, which runs through the end of September.

R-Willy and Jordan Clark Make a Special Appearance at the All-In Skatepark

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

Scooter game-changers Ryan “R-Willy” Williams and two time world champion Jordan Clark made a special appearance at the All-In Action Sports Performance Week at the All-In Store and Skatepark in Ontario, Canada. It’s always inspiring for young riders to get a chance to ride with their action sports heroes, and it appears that the presence of the action-sports legends inspired everyone to progress, even dads. With R-Willy’s help and encouragement, local 43 year old scooter dad, Jason Zimmerman became what may be the oldest person to land a backflip on scooter. He first attempted it to foam before he stepped up and landed it on resi. Check it out:

R-Willy didn’t limit himself to mentoring local dads in scooter. In an edit dropped on Jordan’s social media, the scooter rider-turned-BMX-champion can be seen giving pointers to Jordan on BMX as well, a development sure to concern BMX riders everywhere:

Of course, R-Willy and Jordan took some time to send some sick tricks themselves:

FOLLOW R-WILLY? CHECK OUT HIS LATEST HERE:

R-Willy, Allegedly Taking It Easy Before Nitro World Games, Has Close Call on Rollerblades
New R-Willy Video Has POV Tricks, Contraptions and More
R-Willy, Schmidty, and Bilko Ride a Trampoline Park
R-Willy’s New Bike is Magical (or Maybe It’s Just Him)

Ethen Roberts’ Love Letter to Utah

Posted on by Chris Cowan

If we haven’t convinced you to head outside and do something memorable this summer, then you need to watch Ethen Roberts’ web series Off the Grid. The seven-episode series is a love letter to Utah’s storied backcountry. And who better to guide than one of Nitro’s most versatile athletes — Ethen can send it on pretty much everything — and one of the state’s hometown heroes? In his latest edit, Ethen takes us on a trip to illustrate the diversity of Utah’s terrain by snowboarding and wakeboarding on the same day. It’s probably the gnarliest straight up geography lesson ever committed to film. Ethen’s work is always beautifully shot with dramatic backdrops that will have you planning your trip to Park City or Cainville. Check it out, and catch up with the rest of the series below.

 

 

 

 

FOLLOW ETHEN? CHECK OUT HIS LATEST NEWS HERE:

Ethen Roberts Shows Us Why Utah is King With Just Two Photos
Ethen Roberts With the Flat Spin at Pastranaland
Ethen Roberts Has the Perfect Edit for MTB and Moto Lovers

Travis’ Big Week: Hometown Hero and Rally Win – WildWeek

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By The Nitro Writers

This was the week for Travis Pastrana. For a guy who’s built a nice life being the best at things most of us only get to do on weekends, that’s saying something. But this week, Travis won another rally, rode his first-ever hometown Nitro Circus show (despite some weather-related setbacks), and gathered more than a dozen of the best action sports athletes in the world at his house to start filming Action Figures 2, the sequel to one of the greatest action sports movies in the last five years, if not ever. Action Figures 2 is going to be to Action Figures what the FMX double backflip was to single backflips. Progression made tangible. A game-changer for fans and riders alike. The signal that things just got realer than real. Over the coming weeks and months, news will start to trickle out into the action sports community about what’s been going down just outside of Annapolis, Maryland. But you aren’t going to fully appreciate it until you see it for yourself. Luckily, that’s not a matter of if, just when. The quote of the weekend came from Ryan Williams (if we’re remembering correctly), and forgive us for having to paraphrase, but the gist of it was: Travis is amazing not just for the things he’s accomplished himself, but because of the things he’s helped other athletes accomplish.

>>>IF YOU ONLY WATCH ONE VIDEO<<<

>>>THE NEWSY BITS<<<

We lit Annapolis up. You can’t fault us for savoring a gentle “I told you so.” Travis Pastrana finally got the chance to bring the show he founded to his hometown and he didn’t disappoint. The Nitro Crew battled through tough weather to execute a perfect show in front of 22,000 fans, one of the largest crowds we’ve ever had in North America. It was a special occasion for the Nitro Crew that saw the return of some of Nitro’s tough old breed, like Streetbike Tommy, Special Greg Powell, Jim DeChamp, and Jolene Van Vugt. CELEBRATE IT

Helmets on: Action Figures 2 is coming. Pastranaland was once again turned into action sports’ own Area 51 this past week with freestyle legends converging on Travis’ home for some high-octane research and development. If your social feeds over the next few weeks are full of things flying in the air that shouldn’t be, it’s probably just us working on something for the sequel. Action Figures 2 is all about pushing progression to the next level — higher, bigger, crazier, and sillier. It’s going to be huge. GET STOKED

Travis Pastrana breaks his rally co-driver, wins the race anyway. Travis made his comeback from a 10-point deficit to SRTUSA teammate and rival David Higgins to win round five of the ARA Championship series. His co-driver Robbie Durrant suffered a compressed spine injury halfway into the race after a hitting a huge jump, but Travis somehow found a volunteer brave enough to replace him in Greg Dorman. Congrats on the win but Greg, a word of advice, next time you start a new job, make sure to ask what happened to the guy you’re replacing. READ IT

OK, so this could either be the opening scene to the next season of Fargo or True Detective, depending on where the story goes next. An Oklahoman man adjusting a dirtbike and ATV jump in his backyard discovered a low-mileage SUV complete with its original tires. The SUV belonged to the previous owner, who had reported it stolen. This is awesome. READ ON

There are amazing MTB racing events all over the place, but here’s the one you have to try before you die. The 2017 BC Bike Race has just concluded and we wish (like, a lot) we’d have been there. Widely considered to be among the world’s best MTB race, it starts in Vancouver and ends in Whistler Mountain Bike Park. British Columbia’s unparalleled terrain challenges riders and rewards them between stages with awesome views and incredible camping. Here’s to learning about amazing racing events before they start, rather than after they’re done for the rest of the year, right? RACE TO IT

>>> THE RIGHT TURN <<<

***

A sneak peek at next week: Summer is flying past us and there’s too much going on to even predict what next week will bring. We’re going to put down some huge shows in Hamilton, Ontario and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Stay tuned!

Check out the previous WildWeek right here.

Bucket List News: Wheelz Is a Playable Character in a Video Game Now

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

There can’t be too many things left on Aaron “Wheelz” Fotheringham’s bucket list. He landed the World First backflip and frontflip on a wheelchair. He won three back-to-back WCMX World Championships. He was nominated for an ESPY for Best Male Athlete With a Disability. He performed at the opening ceremony for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games at the Maracana Stadium in Brazil. What’s left? How about being made a character in a video game? Boom. Wheelz was stoked to announce this week that he is now a playable character in the new stuntman themed DevinSuperTramp app game for Apple and Android users. To play as Wheelz, download the app via iTunes here or Google Play here.

FOLLOW WHEELZ? CHECK OUT HIS LATEST NEWS HERE:

Wheelz Hangs Out With a Young Fan Thanks to Schmidty
Wheelz Shreds and Grinds in Gavin Godfrey’s Latest Edit
Wheelz Is Still Killing It

Travis Pastrana’s ‘Action Figures 2’ Is Going to Be Phenomenal

Posted on by Charley Daniels
By Charley Daniels

Those of you who follow Nitro Circus on Facebook and/or Instagram and/or Snapchat — or if you follow any of the Nitro Crew — will have been deluged with nutty photos and videos coming from Travis Pastrana’s house this week, with references to the Polaris Invitational at Pastranaland and Action Figures 2 prominent in the captions. One thing is clear: Travis knows how to push progression, obviously, but few people really appreciate what that looks like behind the scenes.

Ryan Williams - Action Figures 2

This week, to kick off what’s sure to be an epic adventure making the sequel to a truly special action sports film, Travis invited athletes to spend a few days at his house competing in the first annual Polaris Invitational at Pastranaland, a park and big air (oh, and trampoline!) contest where the only rule is you have to absolutely send it to even come close to a prize. Ride whatever, do whatever, just make jaws drop. What Travis has set up is a genius way to encourage the best action sports athletes in the world to go huge and be creative, and they checked those boxes hard. A special shoutout to Polaris, Wienerschnitzel, and Andersen Hitches for making all this possible! Action Figures 2 is going to be off the rails, and we’re only into the first few days of filming. No major spoilers, but we’ll post a few of the riders’ pics and videos here to give you a taste, and stay tuned for more details. Keep an eye on social media for sneak peeks at the awesomeness! Also, catch up with the first Action Figures on Amazon, Google Play, iTunes, Xbox, Vimeo on Demand, or Vudu.

Soooo apparently we are jumping these jumps tomorrow 🤔😛😛 #PastranaLand

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And one last sneak peek. Here’s Travis hucking it in the big air competition on a mountain bike:

travis-pastrana-mtb-big-air

Travis Pastrana Wins Round Five of the ARA Championship Series

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

Travis Pastrana claimed his second victory in a row at the New England Forest Rally, with another 1-2 finish ahead of SRTUSA teammate and rival David Higgins. The event is round five of six in the American Rally Association Championship and was Higgins’ race to win after a dominant summer-long performance that put the team 10 points ahead of Travis and co-driver Robbie Durant; a victory here would have won Higgins the championship. Travis’ clutch performance is all the more amazing because halfway into the event on Saturday, Durant suffered a back injured caused by a huge jump, forcing Travis to scramble to find a replacement in Greg Dorman, who came in to call notes on short notice. Travis’ victory means we have one final race to look forward to: The Ojibwe Forest Rally August 25th and 26th. Check out Travis’ account of his NEFR win:

MORE TRAVIS PASTRANA RALLY NEWS:

TRAVIS PASTRANA TAKES SECOND AT STPR
VIDEO: TRAVIS PASTRANA AT OREGON TRAIL RALLY THIS WEEKEND
TRAVIS PASTRANA TAKES SECOND AT INAUGURAL RALLYE PERCE-NEIGE
TRAVIS PASTRANA FINISHES SECOND AT TALL PINES RALLY

The Most Epic Moments From Travis Pastrana’s First Hometown Show

Posted on by Charley Daniels
By Charley Daniels

It was a night that Travis Pastrana, the Nitro Crew, and the city of Annapolis will never forget. After more than a decade of touring the world, Travis got to bring Nitro Circus Live to his hometown for the first time ever. It was not without its challenges in the lead-up as well as on show day. Wet weather caused a delayed start and an extended intermission, but the Crew came to show Annapolis what they’re all about, and they absolutely did. Despite the sometimes heavy rain, the crowd (which by early estimates is one of the largest we’ve ever had in North America) was hyped and stayed through it all. Gregg Duffy, Streetbike Tommy, Jolene Van Vugt, Special Greg Powell, and Jim DeChamp, who are also Maryland locals, were all there and stoked about the hometown show. The rest of the Nitro Crew also showed up in force to throw down for Annapolis.

There were so many huge moments to go through that we can’t begin to explain them all. But a couple that deserve special mention: In honor of the occasion, Travis landed a double backflip for the first time in years, sending the crowd and the Crew into a frenzy. Aaron “Wheelz” Fotheringham absolutely nailed a wheelchair frontflip. Duffy landed a huge frontflip nac. And in the final FMX train of the night, two riders went for frontflips: Harry Bink and Steve Mini. Steve had a massive crash on that one, which he’s going to feel tomorrow, but no permanent harm done.

Watched @travispastrana do a double flip today… Still got it pal. @nitrocircus #nitrocircus

A post shared by James Foster (@jamesfosterbmx) on

That just happened😳😳😳 #nitrocircus

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And here are 10 photos that capture the soggy glory of Nitro’s first-ever Annapolis show:

Nitro Circus Annapolis

Nitro Circus Annapolis

Nitro Circus Annapolis

Nitro Circus Annapolis

Nitro Circus Annapolis

Nitro Circus Annapolis

Nitro Circus Annapolis

Nitro Circus Annapolis

Nitro Circus Annapolis

Nitro Circus Annapolis

More Rally, Annapolis, and ‘Game of Thrones’ References – WildWeek

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By The Nitro Writers

Coming up with new tricks for the Nitro Crew is fun. Everyone should have a crack at it. For us, it’s like writing a check with other people’s money, since the ideas are intended for the Nitro Riders to perform, not the Nitro Writers. It’s only a matter of time before we introduce a great white shark into the mix. For those who don’t feel like clicking: Michael Phelps is going to race a shark, and because Shark Week cannot jump itself, we’ll all probably watch. We digress. The point is, there’s definitely a writer behind that idea, not an Olympic swimmer. Last week we brought you an idea for a new wakeboarding trick. This week we’re leaving the water and opting for another element, with a skateboard trick from our own Chris Cowan, aka Freestyle Moto Chris. Beaver Fleming is bringing some serious creative mojo to skateboard, stirring ideas borrowed from FMX and other disciplines into the bowl. But why stop at action sports? He should borrow from other hot properties, like Game of Thrones. The hit HBO show is back. Everyone is all about it. To usher in the new season, we think Beaver should wield the Board of Light. The trick is a Christ air bowl flyout but with a flaming skateboard, in honor of Beric Dondarrion, that flaming sword guy. (Ed. Note: This trick has not been sanctioned by Beaver Fleming, the Nitro Pyro team, or the local fire department.)

>>>IF YOU ONLY WATCH ONE VIDEO<<<

>>>THE NEWSY BITS<<<

Rally events are the Game of Thrones of racing. They’re gritty, full of twists and turns, feature many colorful characters, and are more fun to watch if you keep up with the whole story. Oh, and much of the action takes place in the woods. So we’ll try to catch you up. Travis Pastrana’s victory at the Mount Washington Hillclimb was incredible, but it was not a formal part of the ARA Championship series, which is a six-round event. The next official ARA race is this weekend at the New England Forest Rally, with Travis again facing teammate and rival David Higgins, who’s ahead in total points. This is the fifth round, and we can’t wait to see if Tyrion ends up in charge of everything. BINGE IT

When movie buffs and BMX stars meet. Action sports videographer and photographer Hadrien Picard — movie geek and lover of BMX — is clearly a fan of the long shot. In the latest edit in his series Lined Up, Picard captures BMX rider Courage Adams’ creative line through Madrid. Come for the BMX, stay for the Serrano ham. WATCH IT

Annapolis is like Westeros and Travis is our Khaleesi. OK, last GoT reference for this week. Probably. We are headed to Annapolis, Maryland, this weekend for Travis’ first-ever hometown show. Can you believe it almost didn’t happen? Since we just promised no more GoT references, how about this: Imagine if Memphis had banned Elvis from performing in his hometown, but then reversed the decision and the show was this weekend. Goosebumps, right? And what if Elvis brought dragons with him when he came back! Oops. SHIP IT

We were not paid to link to this Kickstarter campaign for a new drone. We just love the video edits we get from our athletes and our media team. The Nitro Crew and their documented adventures fuel so much of what the Nitro Writers get to cover, so we have serious skin in the game when it comes to amazing new waterproof and highly wind-resistant drones and other cameras. It honestly doesn’t really matter what gear they use, we just live for the results, and we have a feeling you do too. SHOOT IT

The Onion, as ever, is almost too close to reality. Nitro stalwart Nate Adams and Travis are name-checked in The Onion’s amazing write-up on the X Games. We aren’t going to attempt to be witty before sending you off to read the masters, so we’ll just get out of the way. READ IT

>>> THE RIGHT TURN <<<

#tbt check out my head #zoomin 📷 @fssphotography #2009 #xfighters #crash @rockstarenergy @foxheadaustralia

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***

A sneak peek at next week: Not only are we doing our first Annapolis show on Sunday, filming for Action Figures 2 is happening all next week at Pastranaland. Stay tuned!

Check out the previous WildWeek right here.

Everyone Get Pumped: Nitro Circus Annapolis Is Finally Here

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Charley Daniels

The North America Nitro Circus Live tour is back after a few weeks off for the summer competition season. The Crew will be in Charleston, West Virginia, Friday night and then it’s on to a show we’ve had circled on our calendars for quite a while now: Annapolis, Maryland. Now, we’re excited for every single show, but Annapolis is a big one for Travis Pastrana, because it’s the first time Nitro Circus Live will be throwing down in his hometown (and there are great seats still available right here). A bunch of members of the Nitro Crew have been staying at Travis’ house in preparation for this leg of the tour, and from the looks of it they’re getting lots of great work done.

Another fun day mucking around at Pastrana land @nitrocircus @monsterenergy Video @patbowden_

A post shared by Harry Bink (@harrybink) on

Summers days in the pool at @travispastrana house 🤘🏻☀️#pastranaland

A post shared by Jaie Toohey (@jaietoohey) on

#pastranaland words can't describe how fun it is here, thanks @travispastrana @lynzskate 😘

A post shared by Cam Sinclair (@camsincs) on

There were a few hurdles in the planning stages for Annapolis, as a small but vocal group initially wanted to block Nitro Circus from performing at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Travis and friends went door-to-door in the neighborhood around the stadium with Annapolis Mayor Mike Pantelides, and eventually showed that the vast majority of residents supported the Nitro show. Here’s Travis with the mayor (left) and the alderman from the neighborhood around the stadium:

annapolis-featured

Once it was all settled, Travis and friends were invited to march in the Annapolis St. Patty’s Day parade, something that fellow local Streetbike Tommy was super stoked about. He said he’s been coming to this parade all his life, and despite the international fans he’s gained over the years, being in this particular parade was a high point. Here are a few photos from the parade; check out even more right here.

Annapolis-Parade-8

Annapolis-Parade-3

Annapolis-Parade-6

Get tickets right here for Charleston, Annapolis, or a city near you on our North America tour, which runs through the end of September.

Do Try This at Home: R-Willy Unveils a Pair of Tricks for Everyone

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

Ryan “R-Willy” Williams has yet another surprise up his sleeve. Rather than the usual “Don’t try this at home” type of riding he’s known for, his latest edit features two tricks that anyone can try. A variation on the barspin, the tentatively named “Kaynetwist” and the “Willtwist” are elegantly simple and complicated at the same time. R-Willy is firmly in the instructor role, teaching the trick to kids around the park. In fact, we recommend you follow along at the 7:42 mark when he goes through it slowly. The scooter and BMX icon recommends you try it on the flat before you take it out to the ramp. If it gets you outside trying something new, we count this edit as a victory. Check it out:

As always, R-Willy challenged his fans on social media to help him name the trick, resulting in a long list of suggestions. Make sure you hit up his Instagram with your ideas to name his new trick before he makes up his mind:

What should I call this trick?🤔 #namethetrick #worldfirst #scooter #originality #fun #PickingAWinningNameTomorrow

A post shared by Ryan Williams (@rwillyofficial) on

FOLLOW R-WILLY? CHECK OUT HIS LATEST HERE:

R-Willy, Allegedly Taking It Easy Before Nitro World Games, Has Close Call on Rollerblades
New R-Willy Video Has POV Tricks, Contraptions and More
R-Willy, Schmidty, and Bilko Ride a Trampoline Park
R-Willy’s New Bike is Magical (or Maybe It’s Just Him)

Helmets on: Filming Has Started on ‘Travis Pastrana’s Action Figures 2’

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

Filming has officially started for Travis Pastrana’s Action Figures 2, we’re stoked, and you should be too. Action Figures is Travis’ ode to the action sports films of yesteryear, back when we’d take a bad idea and add pyro and wheels. It’s Travis with his friends (and fellow action sports legends) letting their hair down, having fun, and raising hellfire with whatever contraption happens to be nearby. It’s America’s actual funniest home video. The first one is amazing and has some of the biggest tricks we’ve ever committed to film. The next one promises to be no different. Keep watching this spot for sneak peaks from filming over the next few months. In preparation for the sequel, grab the first Action Figures from Amazon, Google Play, iTunes, Xbox, Vimeo on Demand, or Vudu.

WANT MORE TRAVIS PASTRANA?

TRAVIS PASTRANA TAKES US WITH HIM FOR SHENANIGANS WEEK
HERE’S WHAT IT’S LIKE TO PARTY WITH TRAVIS PASTRANA

Sherwood, Foster Among Winners at X Games Minneapolis

Posted on by Charley Daniels
By Charley Daniels

X Games Minneapolis is in the books, and Levi Sherwood doubled down on his FMX dominance with his newfound affinity for double backflip combos, which earned him gold medals in Moto X Freestyle and Best Trick. That’s four wins in major events for Sherwood this summer after his wins at Nitro World Games and X-Fighters. In BMX Big Air, James Foster won his first gold medal and Kurtis Downs walked away with a bronze in his X Games debut.

@cazymoto with the sequence from #xgames best trick last night 👍

A post shared by Levi Sherwood (@levisherwood) on

Stoked! Huge thanks to everyone who has helped me along the way!! #xgames #gold #fmx 📸 @ctikneebraces

A post shared by Levi Sherwood (@levisherwood) on

Clinton Moore earned bronze medals in Moto X Freestyle and Moto X Best Trick. FMX superstar Jarryd McNeil also won two medals: gold in Step Up and silver in Best Whip. He was on his way to a third medal for the weekend, but a wipeout in Quarterpipe High Air left him with an injury that forced him out of the contest. On his first run of three, he went huge in what was later revealed to be a height that would have given him the lead at that time (if he’d landed it, it would have been good for third overall at the end of the contest), but he lost his grip on a hard landing and was catapulted off his bike. He was taken away for further evaluation with what was described as a leg injury.

Josh Sheehan took second in Moto X Freestyle with his now-signature double backflip anchoring a solid run. With Sherwood and Sheehan bringing double backs to the table and making podiums at Nitro World Games, X Games, and X-Fighters in 2017, riders like Taka Higashino and Adam Jones, who have been nipping at their heels this summer, will surely be looking for an answer.

I can't even put into words how amazing this feels!!!🙏 Still can't believe it! It has always been one of my biggest dreams to be a part of xgames and to win a gold medal, seriously on cloud 9 right now!! I just want to tell everyone if you have a dream, you can achieve it! the only thing stopping you is yourself if you pour your heart and soul into it and always remain positive, humble and never give up you are unstoppable!!! I want to thank @xgames for having me there and to all the amazing people that make it happen!! I want to thank my sponsors and all my fans and anyone who supports me you are the best and I love you all!! The most amazing week of my life for sure!!👌 Already looking forward to next year!!🙌🙌 📷: @kylecarlson @unit @totalbmx @bellbikehelmets @gformprotects @monsterenergy @monsterarmy #totalarmy #bell #unitfamily #gform

A post shared by coltonwalker1 (@coltonwalker1) on

Colton Walker, the reigning two-time Nitro World Games BMX Triple Hit champion, took home the gold in BMX Dirt in his debut. He finished just off the podium in BMX Park as well, so keep an eye on the young phenom going forward. Logan Martin earned himself three silver medals: BMX Dirt, BMX Park, and Dave Mirra’s BMX Park Best Trick. Vince Byron took silver in BMX Big Air. Kyle Baldock won Dave Mirra’s BMX Park Best Trick and also added a bronze in BMX Dirt to his medal collection.

Elliot Sloan, Tom Schaar, and Clay Kreiner were Skateboard Big Air’s Top 3. For a complete look at the results and tons of video from the podium runs, click here.

MORE COMPETITION NEWS:

Riders to Watch at X Games Minneapolis
Videos and Results From the 2017 Nitro World Games
Sherwood, Sheeny, Taka on Podium at X Fighters Madrid
Nitro FMX Dominates at X Games Austin
Josh Sheehan Dedicates X Games Wins to Fallen Brother

Dueling Double Backflips and Travis Is King of the Hillclimb – WildWeek

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By The Nitro Writers

Nitro fans love to suggest crazy new tricks for the Nitro Crew to try, and we all love to hear them. Well, most of them. At least weekly we get a message over Facebook asking us why no one has ever switched bikes mid-air. We know: You thought you were the first to come up with that one, sorry to break it to you. We promise that if anyone at Nitro lands this trick, we’ll try to give credit to all 5 million of you who have suggested it. But we like the other creative ideas we’ve heard, so we Nitro Writers wanted to suggest some tricks too. (Ed. Note: These suggestions are not sanctioned by the actual athletes of Nitro Circus and are basically idiotic.)

In honor of embracing the Go Go Go lifestyle this summer, how about this wakeboarding trick idea from Charley, one of the Nitro Writers: Go for a straight air (maybe throw in a grab, optional but awesome). Instead of landing clean, you nose down, diving deep under the water until you’re fully submerged (you’re going to need some tight bindings, but it’s worth it). Don’t let go. Stay under for as long as you can, maybe until anyone watching starts to get a little worried. Then you burst from under the water like a breeching fish (this is another good time to throw in a grab of some sort if you catch enough air), and stick it. Call this one The Charley Tuna. (Note: Also works on snowboard or skis if you’re in deep enough powder.) Don’t try this, because we want to be the first to land it. Next week we’ll get a trick suggestion from another Nitro Writer: Chris, aka Freestyle Moto Chris.

>>>IF YOU ONLY WATCH ONE VIDEO<<<

>>>THE NEWSY BITS<<<

Travis Pastrana is King of the Hill at the Mount Washington Hillclimb. Travis Pastrana set a new record (video above!) at the Climb to the Clouds, ending the summer winning streak of Subaru Team USA teammate and rival David Higgins. Travis’ plan was simple: Strap 600 HP to the lightest Subaru format possible, and try to keep it on the road. David’s plan was similar, but he fluffed the second part — luckily, he’s fine. READ IT

X Games Minneapolis is upon us,  and we’re stoked! Nitro Circus and Nitro World Games riders are well represented in FMX, BMX, and skate, from X Games veterans to X Games debuts. This comp is a bit like the Quidditch World Cup: a sprawling event with a bewilderingly large field. It’s easy to lose track of who is competing when. We put together a competition primer that is an absolute must-read for the Nitro fan planning to tune in this weekend. READ IT

X-Fighters Madrid is done, dusted, and toweled off. Yes, there’s a hyphen here but not in X Games. We’re all coping with it. Levi Sherwood and Josh Sheehan’s domination of the podium continued over from the Nitro World Games with their command of the FMX double backflip. In just a few short years, the trick has come to be the crucible for ranking above the tear-line. Here are the takeaways from this year’s X-Fighters. READ IT

More Olympic hopefuls Rising up in BMX. The No. 1 women’s BMX rider has her eyes on Olympic glory in 2020. Hannah Roberts is a FISE world champion several times over and the holder of the first UCI Women’s BMX Freestyle Park World Cup championship. The young rider is expected to make a run for a position on the US Olympic team. It’s time for women’s and men’s BMX to hit the big stage. 2020 can’t come soon enough. READ IT

When it rains, it pours, especially in Seattle. A new indoor park devoted to promoting pro scooter is being planned just outside of Seattle. We couldn’t be more happy for the city of coffee, progressive politics, and uplifting music. We’ve watched scooter go from a derided action sport to one of the most exciting to watch. Scooter now features some of the most popular and envelope-pushing riders in the world. SUPPORT IT

>>> THE RIGHT TURN <<<

Story of my life…😅 #XGames

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***

A sneak peek at next week: X Games results and the Nitro Crew begins to converge on Annapolis for Travis Pastrana’s first-ever hometown show.

Check out the previous WildWeek right here.

Hair-Raising POV Video of Travis Pastrana’s Record-Breaking Hillclimb Run

Posted on by Charley Daniels
By Charley Daniels

Last weekend, Travis Pastrana won the Climb to the Clouds in convincing fashion, shattering rival David Higgins’ record in the process. Now Subaru has released on-board video of his entire record-breaking run, including some in-car and outside POV footage that will have you gripping your armrest even though you already know how it ends. Check it out:

MORE TRAVIS PASTRANA RALLY NEWS:

TRAVIS PASTRANA OBLITERATES MOUNT WASHINGTON HILLCLIMB RECORD
TRAVIS PASTRANA TAKES SECOND AT STPR
TRAVIS PASTRANA TAKES SECOND AT INAUGURAL RALLYE PERCE-NEIGE
TRAVIS PASTRANA FINISHES SECOND AT TALL PINES RALLY

Kurtis Downs Is Ready to Send It at His First X Games

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

BMX star Kurtis Downs will compete in his first X Games in Minneapolis this weekend, a moment that’s been years in the making for the Nitro veteran. Kurtis’ BMX journey is a strange one. He started out as a dirtbike rider and was invited to tour with Nitro Circus because of his versatility and small stature — perfect for riding Nitro contraptions. Kurtis has since won the respect of Nitro’s legendary BMX roster. Known for adapting FMX tricks to BMX, he is one of Nitro’s many athletes revolutionizing the sport with fresh ideas from other disciplines. Last year was a pivotal year in his career. He was invited to the X Games as an alternate and took home second place in the Nitro World Games BMX Best Tricks competition. Judging from his social media, Kurtis is pretty stoked to be in Minneapolis as a competitor this year, and we’re all stoked to see how he does.

Getting those last minute rides at @wasatchpark in before @xgames next week🤘🏼 #xgames #wasatchbikepark

A post shared by Kurtis Downs (@kurtisdowns) on

Got the whip all dialed in for @xgames this week🤘🏼 #xgames #khebikes #letsparty #mindovermatter

A post shared by Kurtis Downs (@kurtisdowns) on

Made it here to @xgames Minneapolis🤘🏼 📷 @gavgodfrey #xgames #sohyped

A post shared by Kurtis Downs (@kurtisdowns) on

Tabes for the babes!!! 📷 @gavgodfrey #xgames #tabesforthebabes #megaramp #roadsidewarriorz

A post shared by Kurtis Downs (@kurtisdowns) on

My POV from yesterday's practice. Getting hyped with @texasmwade #xgames #magaramp #lovethisramp #havingfun

A post shared by Kurtis Downs (@kurtisdowns) on

Interested in Kurtis Downs? Check out some more KD highlights here:

Kurtis Downs Drops a Sick Edit From Franklin Farm
World’s First BMX 360 Superman Indian Air | Kurtis Downs
Nothing Can Stop Kurtis Downs From Going Big in 2017

The Nitro Crew Reminds You to Get Out There and Go Big This Summer

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

For Nitro athletes, the love of action sports goes well beyond the tour or competitions. It’s a whole lifestyle. That’s why they’re often out doing various action sports between tour stops or while on vacation. The message is clear: Get outdoors and do something awesome this summer. Bonus if it’s something beyond your usual comfort zone, because when you’re way out there, you learn the most about yourself. It isn’t really about taking risks, either. Wear a helmet, a harness, or a lifejacket, but make sure you’re pushing a personal boundary. Check out the Crew making the most of their time away from tour:

How do you shoot on this thing? Morning rays creeping over the horizon here in #moab pc

A post shared by ETHEN ROBERTS (@ethenroberts) on

Fun in the sun😎 #boatlife #keepincool

A post shared by Kurtis Downs (@kurtisdowns) on

Dreaming of days like this @surfzonepr @albumsurf @hurley 📸: @c_dvoracek #albumdisasym #rideeverything

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Gymnasts vs Nitro.. @sheenyfmx was the only one left from our crew.. my cousin @bhuff1 and her crew crushed us..

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Riders to Watch at X Games Minneapolis

Posted on by Charley Daniels
By Charley Daniels

X Games Minneapolis is set to go off this week, and a bunch of Nitro riders and Nitro World Games competitors in FMX, BMX, and skate are poised to make podium runs. The FMX field in particular is loaded with riders you can see at most Nitro shows, and a handful of Nitro BMX riders are also in Minneapolis looking for gold. Those riders include James Foster, Andy Buckworth, and Kurtis Downs, a Nitro veteran making his X Games debut. Kurtis has worked super hard, and with a second-place finish at the 2016 Nitro World Games under his belt, he’ll look to add some more hardware to his collection this weekend. Buckworth and Foster will compete in BMX Dirt, with the finals on Sunday, and Foster and Downs will compete in Big Air, with the finals on Friday. Colton Satterfield and Zack Warden will also be throwing down in the BMX Big Air event.

Made it here to @xgames Minneapolis🤘🏼 📷 @gavgodfrey #xgames #sohyped

A post shared by Kurtis Downs (@kurtisdowns) on

First practice in the books for #xgames #minneapolis #2017 #wienerfam #wienerschnitzel #monsterenergy

A post shared by Andy Buckworth (@andybuckworth) on

On the FMX side, we’ve got riders in every event, and Nitro athletes are dominating the field in terms of numbers for Moto X Best Trick and Moto X Freestyle. Josh Sheehan, Adam Jones, Harry Bink, Jarryd McNeil, Beau Bamburg, Jackson Strong, Nate Adams, Taka Higashino, and Clinton Moore are among the riders competing, some in multiple events. Levi Sherwood, fresh off wins at Nitro World Games and X Fighters Madrid, will compete in Best Trick and Freestyle. The Freestyle finals are Friday and the Best Trick finals are Saturday. McNeil will compete in Step Up and Best Whip, where he’s always a favorite to make the podium. Both of those events will have finals on Saturday.

Noteworthy athletes who made a splash at Nitro World Games and are always serious contenders at X Games and any competition they enter: Elliot Sloan and Andy Macdonald, podium finishers at NWG, will both compete in Skate Vert, with finals on Thursday, and Sloan will also vie for the gold in Skateboard Big Air, with finals on Saturday. Colton Walker, Nick Bruce, Logan Martin, Daniel Sandoval, and Brian Fox are also in on the BMX side. For a complete list of X Games Minneapolis invited athletes, click here, and for a complete schedule of events, click here.

MORE COMPETITION NEWS:

Videos and Results From the 2017 Nitro World Games
Sherwood, Sheeny, Taka on Podium at X Fighters Madrid
Nitro FMX Dominates at X Games Austin
Josh Sheehan Dedicates X Games Wins to Fallen Brother

Watch Todd Meyn Lovingly Assemble His Bike in a Time-Lapse Video

Posted on by Charley Daniels
By Charley Daniels

For some of us, the tools we use to get our jobs done are just that: tools. If you’re a doctor you have a stethoscope, if you’re an accountant you have a calculator, and if you write for Nitro Circus you have a rickety laptop covered in cool stickers. But when an accountant’s calculator fails, it will very rarely lead to severe road rash. BMX superstar Todd Meyn recently put up a time-lapse video of him assembling the tool of his trade. A BMX rider who can tear down and build up his own bike is a rider who can trust that every part is functioning how it should when it counts, whether it’s a street session or a Giganta session. As you can see from Todd’s posts, when you develop that kind of relationship with your bike, well, you become darn near inseparable.

Time lapse of building the bike up yesterday. On the way to @woodwardwest for a few days !

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WANT MORE TODD MEYN? CHECK THESE OUT:

Todd Meyn’s Modified Game of BMX
Todd Meyn’s in Fighting Shape for the Australia Tour
Todd Meyn Having Some Fun With BMX Tricks for Two
Todd Meyn on His World First BMX Double Frontflip

Two New World’s Firsts, Cirque Eyes BMX, and More – WildWeek

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By The Nitro Writers

Hey, a new feature! We’re keeping this intro short so we can get right down to it. We decided to start kicking WildWeek off with a cool video every week for your viewing pleasure. First up: It’s a look behind the scenes as Cirque du Soleil starts implementing BMX into the Wheel of Death. It’s five minutes that you should give up right now if you decide to only watch one thing from this  week’s edition:

>>>IF YOU ONLY WATCH ONE THING<<<

>>>THE NEWSY BITS<<<

Levi Sherwood lands the World’s First double backflip no-hander. Riders are finally building on the FMX double backflip. There are still very few people in the world who can stick a double at all, so adding a no-hander is just crazy. Because the only way Levi could crack the World’s First double backflip no-hander is with a high degree of thigh power, we might start calling this trick the Thigh Master. READ IT

Schmidty’s road to the World’s First double backflip barspin took a left turn. We were lucky to get the madman himself, Brandon “Schmidty” Schmidt, to tell the story of how he took a trick that dogged him in BMX for years and converted it to a World’s First and personal best. It’s a story we can all relate to, because none of us knows which road will take us to success. When in doubt, do what Schmidty does, and send it everything. ADMIRE IT

USA BMX is taking its talents to Tulsa. The home of USA BMX and potentially the location for the BMX Olympic trials in 2020 will be in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Evans-Fintube industrial facility will be converted to a large indoor arena, the only one in the state, so riders can train year-round. We applaud any move to grow action sports. And we know firsthand that investing in improved facilities helps push progression forward and results in better riders overall. SUPPORT IT

There’s a reason Pat Bowden was dressed like the Stig at the Nitro World Games. Call it the craziest “Your Ad Here” billboard campaign in history. FMX star Pat Bowden rocked a near-blank, all-white kit throughout his journey to the NWG podium to demonstrate to potential sponsors a cool place to put their logo. Better get on board soon. Pat’s home may be Australia, but his reach is global. READ IT

Subaru Rally Team USA teammates David Higgins and Travis Pastrana resume their rivalry. Fun fact: The Climb to the Clouds event is one of the oldest in motorsports. The first one took place in 1904, which we are assuming was a decidedly steampunk affair with Jules Verne facing HG Wells and Nikola Tesla officiating. Higgins currently holds the record for the hillclimb, but Pastrana has held it in the past. Nitro’s ringleader will be looking to post a new record time and break Higgins’ streak of first-place finishes. READ IT

>>> THE RIGHT TURN <<<

***

A sneak peek at next week: With X Fighters Madrid this weekend and X Games Minneapolis next weekend, we’ll be keeping an eye on the Nitro athletes who are going big at competitions in cities that start with M all over the world!

Check out the previous WildWeek right here.

Sherwood, Sheeny, Taka on Podium at X Fighters Madrid

Posted on by Charley Daniels
By Charley Daniels

These three can’t be stopped: Levi Sherwood, Josh Sheehan, and Taka Higashino went one-two-three at X Fighters Madrid over the weekend. With Sherwood taking home the top prize at Nitro World Games in June and X Games coming up this weekend, the Kiwi legend is poised to win the FMX Triple Crown this summer. All three landed some of their biggest signature tricks to edge out a tough field for the podium in Madrid. In 2016, Sherwood, Sheehan, and Taka went one-two-three in the inaugural Nitro World Games FMX event. At the 2017 Nitro World Games, Sherwood took first and Sheehan took third — Taka had an unfortunate wipeout attempting a frontflip in his semifinal run. This weekend, all three will be competing at X Games Minneapolis in Moto X Best Trick as well as Moto X Freestyle, so make sure you keep an eye on that. In the meantime, check out some highlights from X Fighters:

Good times at #redbullxfighters 📸?

A post shared by Levi Sherwood (@levisherwood) on

WANT MORE COMPETITION ACTION?

Videos and Results From the 2017 Nitro World Games
Nitro FMX Dominates at X Games Austin
Josh Sheehan Dedicates X Games Wins to Fallen Brother
Clinton Moore Triples Up at X Games Austin

Spin Left: Schmidty’s Barspin Blues Turned to World’s First Greatness

Posted on by Charley Daniels
By Brandon “Schmidty” Schmidt

Editor’s note: We’re super excited to bring you a guest column from Nitro veteran and BMX superstar Brandon Schmidt, who landed the World’s First double backflip barspin during Nitro World Games practice in Salt Lake City in June. The trick is rad, but the story of how he got there makes it even cooler, so we’re going to show you the video and then let Schmidty tell you why this was a career moment for him.

My name is Brandon Schmidt, and this is the story of the struggle and success to land my hardest BMX trick. When I first got a BMX bike as a kid around 12 years old, I had a really hard time learning any tricks. I would ride little dirt jumps that my friends and I would build, but for years I don’t think I ever did one trick. I would hop on my bike from time to time, but I was dedicated to becoming a pro skateboarder. After a few years of no effort on my bike, I decided to start riding again. This was around 16 or 17. At that point I started to learn a few tricks: no-footer, tuck no-hander, backflip. There was one trick that for some reason I could never get even close: a barspin. I would spend hours and hours trying to learn how to do them. I tried out of banks, resi, even hop, but nothing I tried ever worked. I would lose my cool on a daily basis because of that trick.

Fast-forward a few years. I was 19. I had started to really ride my bike a lot at this time of my life, really learning some tricks, and I started to progress at a pretty rapid rate. I decided that it was time to give up the dream of one day being a pro skateboarder, so I converted and officially changed my title to BMX rider. Still, at this point I had never even gotten close to a barspin, with thousands of attempts under my belt and no progress to show. I was losing hope that a barspin would ever be in my trick list.

brandon-schmidt-nwg

A few years later, I was riding for Nitro. The game was starting to change for me. Dream tricks that I thought would never be done started becoming close and closer to a reality, but after tens of thousands of attempts I had still never done a barspin. Officially all hope was gone, and I wrote the trick off completely. One day at Woodward, I was riding with BMX legend Jeremiah Smith, and we played a game of B.I.K.E. He did a barspin, and I told him that I couldn’t even get close, but I gave it a try anyway. As usual, I looked like a fool and didn’t get anywhere near the trick. Jeremiah came over and said, “You’re throwing your bars the wrong way. You ride with your left foot forward, so you need to throw the bars with your left hand.” I had always thrown my bars with my right hand. So I started arguing with him, saying that that’s not my natural direction to throw them, and blah blah. He told me to give it a try, so I did. I’m not even kidding you, I threw the bars, they did the barspin, I caught the bars, but put one foot down. I started freaking out, excited with how close I was. So I went for it again. On my second attempt ever at throwing a barspin with my left hand, I landed it! Everything clicked all at once, and it finally made sense. Six years and thousands upon thousands of attempts and I was doing it backwards the whole time!

Cut to last month at Nitro World Games practice. I had the idea on my mind to do the World’s First double backflip barspin. I was feeling really confident, but still had my dark past of barspins weighing on me before I dropped in. I cleared my mind of the nonsense, told myself I was going to land it, and dropped. I yanked off the lip and straightened my legs to grip onto the seat. At the same time, I threw the bars, caught the spin, tucked up for the second rotation, and stomped the World’s First double backflip barspin. I still can’t believe the journey I’ve been on from this one trick, but if it’s taught me anything it’s that no matter how hard or impossible something may seem, keep at it, because one day you may even shock yourself with what you truly are capable of.

ICYMI: R-Willy’s Giganta Backflip on a Booter in Calgary

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

Judging by the reaction from fans and the number of highlights the riders put up on social media, the Calgary Nitro show was epic back in June. We didn’t want this to get lost in the shuffle of Nitro World Games, so we waited to post it. Fans who have been watching Ryan “R-Willy” Williams vlog this summer know he’s been experimenting with some odd contraptions — mutant crossovers between action sports disciplines. One of those experiments is a BMX bike with scooter handlebars, which rides as awkward as it sounds. In a previous edit, R-Willy somehow managed to stick some tricks and even appear somewhat fluid on it by the end of filming. Nevertheless, his fans wanted to see more of the “booter,” so it was inevitable that it would make an appearance on the Giganta ramp. No matter how easy R-Willy makes things look, this was a dangerous thing to do. It’s probably a good rule of thumb that if you ever have an idea that makes a man named Catfish nervous, throw it out. But in true Nitro fashion, the risk was deemed worthy of the reward — progression and glory. Unbelievably, he stuck a backflip on his first (and last?) try. The video has so much more amazingness in it too. Check it out:

FOLLOW R-WILLY? CHECK OUT HIS LATEST NEWS HERE:

R-Willy, Allegedly Taking It Easy Before Nitro World Games, Has Close Call on Rollerblades
New R-Willy Video Has POV Tricks, Contraptions and More
R-Willy, Schmidty, and Bilko Ride a Trampoline Park
R-Willy’s New Bike is Magical (or Maybe It’s Just Him)

We Deserve Some ‘Us’ Time – WildWeek

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By The Nitro Writers

Advice of the week: Observant regular readers of this weekly feature may start to notice some things, even beyond the fact that we rarely actually offer advice in this “Advice of the Week” intro. One thing you should know: We try to include news and fun from all over the place in WildWeek, because in addition to promoting our own shenanigans, we feel there are plenty of shenanigans we aren’t involved in that will interest you. But this week, we’re taking a moment to go heavy into our own stuff (and a shorter overall post to boot), having just come off one of our biggest events of the year with the Nitro World Games. We want to especially give a shoutout to all the Nitro riders who absolutely sent it in Salt Lake City. With nine trophies between them and a bunch of near misses, the boys went big and made us all proud. We’ll be back next Friday with a wider mix of stuff, but until then, happy Fourth of July! Enjoy this shorter WildWeek for a long weekend:

adam-jones-featured

Every successful person is driven by something important to them. It can be as simple as an adrenaline rush or as complicated as proving to your stepfather that you’re not wasting your life. Because writing for Nitro Circus IS A REAL JOB, Dennis. What were we talking about? Oh yeah: At the 2017 Nitro World Games, stories of redemption were plentiful. Here are four of the best featuring Ryan Williams, Brian Fox, Javier Villegas, and Beaver Fleming. READ IT

So what happened with the results of Nitro World Games BMX Best Tricks? We saw a lot of justified questions about how one rider went from first to almost last without any real explanation on the live broadcast. When NBC signed off, Dawid Godziek appeared to be the winner, but the judges reviewed the scores when it became clear he had performed the same trick twice. Here’s Ride BMX with the official unofficial unbiased third-party breakdown: WATCH IT

If you have friends on the fence about action sports, show them R-Willy’s Web Edit III. Perhaps it’s pointless explaining to the unconverted the significance of R-Willy’s latest edit. It’s probably inconsequential to them that he hasn’t released one of these in five years or the impact the previous one had one his career. The reason to share it with your friends is that it’s an unmitigated triumph and celebration of everything we love about the sport. Plus it makes the hair on your arms stand up. REVEL IN IT

Still searching for Sugarman? In the latest C3 Project Summer Series edit, the legend Cam McCaul, Nitro variety show Dusty Wygle, and MTB star Ryan Howard head out to the desert for the session of a lifetime. The video features sick tricks over sick lines over sick music by the elusive folk singer from the Oscar Award-winning documentary Searching for Sugarman. The sequel to the documentary is you searching for the songwriting credit in the video. ADMIRE IT

Olympic snowboard hopefuls are training on an airbag lander. Hey, those look familiar. You know our stance on this: The ability to push progression safely has improved action sport, no question. We know from experience that this means the next Olympics snowboarding slopestyle event will be all the gnarlier. SEE IT

>>> THE RIGHT TURN <<<

Have you seen our new series Cutting Room Floor? It’s basically a playlist tailor-made for this space, so we’re going to give you an episode and link to the full list here.

***

A sneak peek at next week: Happy Fourth of July! We’re going to be taking a couple days off to celebrate ‘Murica and then will be right back at it. Right after our post-patriotism-party nap.

Check out the previous WildWeek right here.

Dusty Wygle Co-Stars in a Backcountry MTB Work of Art

Posted on by Chris Cowan

You can count on Dusty Wygle to bring creativity to everything he’s involved in. In addition to MTB, he rides a wide variety of contraptions in Nitro’s live shows. Away from Nitro, Dusty still finds interesting ways to express himself through sport. Take this edit, part of the C3 Project Summer Series filmed by videographer Harrison Mandel and featuring the legend Cam McCaul, Dusty, and MTB threat Ryan Howard. It features the trio exploring virtually untouched desert backcountry in the ultimate dream session. At the end of the day, freestyle MTB is all about how the riders choose to express themselves with the lines the terrain provides. It’s the riders’ creativity that elevates this to a form of art. Come for the artful use of terrain and crazy tricks, stay for the cowboy narrator and kick-ass soundtrack.

WANT TO SEE MORE FROM DUSTY? CHECK IT:

DUSTY WYGLE DOES IT ALL
BEAVER FLEMING AND DUSTY WYGLE GO FOR A SKATE
DUSTY WYGLE RODE A PITBIKE TO ACTION SPORTS GREATNESS

R-Willy Gifts the World Web Edit III

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

If you’re feeling a ripple in space-time, you aren’t alone. Nitro World Games scooter and BMX champion Ryan “R-Willy” Williams dropped his highly anticipated Web Edit III this week, the culmination of five years of breakneck progression in both disciplines, setting the action sports world on fire. The multi-threat icon may be one of the most prolific bloggers in the Nitro Crew, but don’t mistake this edit with the ones he typically shares on his social channels. The last Web Edit dropped five years ago and was, in R-Willy’s eyes, a major turning point in his career, helping him win a role with Nitro Circus. Five years on, we see a rider in full command of two action sports disciplines with an unbelievably large arsenal of unique tricks. If we sound breathless here, it’s because we unashamedly are. Fans that have watched scooter riders maligned in the comments section should have a look at what they’re saying about this video, because the page has been turned. Watch it, like it, replay it, share it:

FOLLOW R-WILLY? CHECK OUT HIS LATEST NEWS HERE:

R-Willy, Allegedly Taking It Easy Before Nitro World Games, Has Close Call on Rollerblades
New R-Willy Video Has POV Tricks, Contraptions and More
R-Willy, Schmidty, and Bilko Ride a Trampoline Park
R-Willy’s New Bike is Magical (or Maybe It’s Just Him)

ICYMI: Travis and the Nitro Crew Put on a Giganta Show for James Corden

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

We were a little busy last week with the Nitro World Games, and so much was happening that we couldn’t get to it all. Luckily, some of it is timeless. So in cased you missed it, Travis Pastrana paid a visit to the Late Late Show With James Corden last week to win hearts and blow minds, but above all invite everyone to tune in to the Nitro World Games. With Nitro’s ringleader introducing the riders and calling the tricks ramp-side, late-night fans were treated to a demo from BMX legends Jaie Toohey, Matt Whyatt, Kurtis Downs, James Foster, Andy Buckworth, and Todd Meyn. Ryan “R-Willy” Williams represented Nitro’s growing roster of multi-threat riders, sending tricks on BMX and scooter. Jake Brown stood tall for skateboard, putting down a 360. Check it out:

This wasn’t our first visit to the Late Late Show. Who can forget the last time Travis and Crew paid a visit? Not James Corden. Check out Travis taking the late-night host for a bracing spin around the Late Late Show backlot:

Nitro Circus and Ethika Join Forces

Posted on by Charley Daniels

We’re excited to announce that Nitro Circus and Ethika are collaborating to bring you a new collection of underwear that’s available at Ethika.com starting today in the U.S. and Canada.

The Ethika x Nitro Circus Collection, inspired by Travis Pastrana and the Nitro Circus Crew’s achievements, features three styles available in men and boys sizes: You Got This, I Believe I Can Fly, and Nitro Doodle. Check them out:

Nitro Circus partners with Ethika

Travis, being a co-founder of both Nitro and Ethika, had some serious input into this line, and he’s pumped that it’s now available. “Ethika’s design team has collaborated with our riders every step of the way, and I think fans will love the results. I am stoked to connect the Ethika and Nitro Circus Families,” he says. For those who somehow don’t know Ethika: It is an underwear brand that’s all about owning your identity and living life with confidence, which couldn’t fit better with the Nitro philosophy. Not only that, their products are legit, whether you’re backflipping a Giganta ramp or hitting the town for a night out. You’re gonna want to give them a try if you haven’t already. Head over to their site and check out the Ethika x Nitro Circus Collection now.

VIDEO: Tyler Pynnonen’s Snowmobile Frontflip in His Debut Nitro Show

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

Every time the Nitro Circus Crew puts on a show, they want to show the crowd something they’ve never seen before. So if we hear of someone out there doing something amazing that we could include in a show, we don’t hesitate to try to make it happen. So we invited Tyler Pynnonen, a snocross rider and freestyle snowmobiler (who also happens to be active-duty U.S. Army) from Grand Rapids, Minnesota, to our San Diego show to attempt a World’s First snowmobile frontflip to mobile lander. He did not disappoint:

It’s a trick with quite a backstory. To hear him tell it, it was sheer dumb luck he got the chance. “I just happened to be practicing at a local ramp in Michigan and Steve Mini and Jaie Toohey just happened to come up and saw me practicing,” he says. They shot some video of Tyler landing tricks on his snowmobile and sent it to the Nitro producers. Less than a week later he was invited to make the long drive from Grand Rapids to San Diego to perform the trick.

Despite the short notice, Tyler had been unwittingly preparing for this moment for quite some time. He started working on the trick in 2009, but work and injury waylaid his plans to take his snowmobile further. He persisted and eventually felt the frontflip was something he wanted to try. “The first moment I finally realized it was possible was spring of 2010 while practicing at my friend Scott Murray’s home; I just purchased a newer snowmobile that was a little shorter and had a better center of gravity. The flip came around to where the skis were pointed up in the foam pit, and it was the first time that the snowmobile started making the part of the rotation that was most important,” Tyler says. The trick is incredibly complicated to practice: “Training for this trick involves a lot of practice working on timing everything because, you need to hit the brakes at the right moment to use the track momentum to help you rotate forward. I work out at the gym in my town and do a lot of training when I can, because it takes a lot to throw around that much weight,” he says.

Lest anyone forget, a backflip and a frontflip are very different animals. Frontflips are much more challenging and dangerous on wheels, let along a contraption as cumbersome as a snowmobile. “What makes a frontflip so much more gnarly than a backflip is that you are coming in blind. With a backflip, you can see what’s coming and where you are at easily in the rotation. On a snowmobile it seems even more amplified because it is such a big machine I can’t see anything until the last second, so I rely on my peripheral vision to be able to see the landing right before and react quickly,” he says. With the backflip, riders can make adjustments in the moment to ensure they get enough rotation. “If you are under-rotating you can give the snowmobile more throttle and help you rotate faster to save it. With the frontflip, it is all timing, when to hit the brakes and throw the body forward and committing. A backflip you can always give it more gas to rotate faster, but you only have so much brake. So you just hold on, and if you did it right it would work out. If you didn’t, you find out pretty quickly,” he says.

For his debut performance and, Tyler was awarded the MVC. It’ll be a night neither Tyler, the riders, or the San Diego crowd will forget for a long time.

What’s next for Tyler? In terms of his next trick, he’s keeping that under wraps for now. “I have a few ideas for some new things down the road, but I’ll keep that stuff secret.” He’s starting to sound like a pro already.

Dying for more show highlights? Check out some of these:

Tons of Highlights From the Central Coast Show (Image Intense)
Highlights From the 2017 Australia Tour Opener
Highlights From the Last Two New Zealand Shows

The Finalists Are Set for a Major Showdown at Nitro World Games

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By The Nitro Writers

The finals are set for the 2017 Nitro World Games, with more than 40 of the world’s best action sports athletes in FMX, BMX, skate, and scooter advancing to the main event in Salt Lake City. Click here for all the details on who’s competing in the finals. Watch on NBC at 8 ET / 7 CT / 8 PT. Watch live online at NitroWorldGames.Live. And if you want some more of the backstories, get caught up on the stories below.

Clinton_Moore_FMX_Practice-4

The arrival of the talent. We spent the entire week at Rice-Eccles Stadium watching the Nitro World Games come together. When athletes began arriving for registration, they had their competition photos taken sand run into their first dilemma of the week: devil horns or thumbs up? READ IT

First practice runs done, dusted. The riders faced a day of blazing hot weather as they dialed in their tricks. We were stoked to finally see what they’ve have been cooking up. READ IT

The weather cooled as the competition heated up. It may have been the day before the day before the semis, but the riders put in a full day of practice. As we put away the airbag landers, one thing became clear: The riders were holding nothing back this year. READ IT

TP takes us on a backstage tour. And it’s the platinum tour. Travis shows us the ramps (huge), the athlete lounge (air conditioned), an editing bay (impressive but complicated), and craft services (fill ‘er up). WATCH IT

Todd Richards loves the hurtbikes. Nitro World Games host and Olympic snowboarder comes to watch skate, stays to watch FMX. MORE

And click here for athletes profiles and more!

ISA Championships Teases the Scooter Event at Nitro World Games

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

Scooter fans are in for a treat, as we get to watch the best of the best compete twice in two major competitions in a week. The International Scooter Association World Championships at Imagin Extreme Barcelona took place last weekend, with five of the top 12 positions going to riders who are set to compete in the Nitro World Games, which will go down in Salt Lake City on June 24, broadcast on NBC, and streaming live at NitroWorldGame.Live. At the ISA finals, NWG runner-up Jordan Clark claimed podium space with another second-place finish, former ISA European Champion Roomet Saalik came in third, three-time ISA World Champion Dakota Schuetz came in fourth, NWG qualifier winner Cody Flom took sixth, and Dylan Morrison came in 12th. The competition was close, upping the ante for the Scooter Best Tricks event. Fans of fantasy sports will want to check out the Nitro World Games Fantasy Competition if they think they know how the competition will shake out on June 24. Will Clark win the top spot this year? Will Schuetz avenge his loss of the ISA Championship title with a win in Salt Lake City? And don’t sleep on the Funk Brothers; last year Jordan Clark was flanked by Capron and Corey Funk, who picked up the first and third. Click here for the full list of 2017 NWG athletes. Check out some highlights from the ISA competition:

Interested in scooter? Check out more scooter news here:

Nitro World Games Scooter Qualifier Highlights
Scooter Has Officially Grown Up
R-Willy Backflips a Booter, the Scooter-BMX Hybrid
R-Willy Breaks Out the Heely’s, and Naturally Scooter Combos Follow

Just Days Away – Nitro World Games News Round-Up

Posted on by Charley Daniels
By The Nitro Writers

If you just glance at it, Nitro World Games and Nitro Circus look like nothing but wall-to-wall action. And that’s true, it turns out. But behind that action, there’s a lot more going on. The biggest tricks that anyone’s ever seen are amazing on their own, but they get even better when you start to learn about the actual human beings who have worked their entire lives to be able to do what these athletes do. As we write this, we’re one week away from the 2017 NWG, and we’ve got a lot more stories to tell in the next seven days. Thanks for joining us. We hope you’re ready, because if this ride is a roller coaster, we’re about to crest the top of that first drop. Hang on. The Nitro World Games are Saturday, June 24, in Salt Lake City. Be there in person. Watch on NBC at 8 ET / 7 CT / 8 PT. Watch live online at NitroWorldGames.Live. And get caught up on the stories below.

Asher Bradshaw - Nitro World Games

Everything you need to know about NWG. Get in the mood for June 24 with this handy guide, which includes how to watch, when to watch, and why to watch. Then check out the next few entries for the who. GET READY

This veteran is always ready to send it. Andy Macdonald has been skating longer than several of his competitors have been alive. Bonus: Check him out riding his skateboard on the BMX Triple Hit setup. MORE ON MACDONALD

His first skateboard had Spider-Man on it. CJ Titus got a Walmart Spider-Man board from his Aunt Tammy as a gift when he was 4. He rides something slightly different these days. MORE ON TITUS

Persistence pays off. Scooter wunderkind Jamie Hull messaged us on Facebook many times asking about qualifiers after the 2016 NWG. Now he’s headed to Salt Lake City. MORE ON HULL

They call him Meticulous Marcus. Or they should. Marcus Christopher has put in the time to have a big showing in BMX Triple Hit next week. MORE ON CHRISTOPHER

We’ve said it before. Beaver Fleming just lives life right — his focus on enjoying every moment could be the secret to a huge showing in Skate Best Tricks this year. MORE ON FLEMING

And click here for a bunch more athletes profiles!

We All Have a Fantasy – WildWeek

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By The Nitro Writers

Advice of the week: With the 2017 Nitro World Games just around the corner, we thought we should remind you that this isn’t just another Nitro Circus show. It’s a sports competition, and with the world-class field we have for the semifinals in each event, it really is anyone’s to win. So in the spirit of many degenerates before us, we’re excited to bring you the Nitro World Games Fantasy Challenge, which is just what it sounds like: Fantasy Nitro World Games, where you pick your favorites for each event and get points based on how well they do. It’s free to enter and the prizes are rad. So our advice of the week is some basics on how to do well in fantasy sports. First off, be a mathematician. Obviously this advice might be coming too late for most of you, but it’s still pretty good advice if you’re playing the long game. Second, study up! Learn the athletes, their strengths, their weaknesses, who’s on fire, who’s hitting their peak. Last and arguably most important: You aren’t playing fantasy if you don’t take it way too seriously. Yes, it is just for fun, but you know what’s fun? Winning. Just ask this guy:

Travis Pastrana signing jerseys for the winners of the Nitro World Games Fantasy challenge

If you do win, that’s the proof that Travis actually touched your prize. Those are the exact jerseys that will go to the winners for scoring in the Top 10 in the Nitro World Games Fantasy Challenge. We’re not gonna lie, choosing the podium winners before the semifinals is going to be super tough. But there’s no risk, and the rewards are signed by a true legend. ENTER FOR FREE

BMX Freestyle Park has been added to the 2020 Olympics. This is a no-brainer, of course. The only lingering question is whether “BMX Freestyle Park” as a phrase is redundant. Corollary: When will Obsessive Pedantic Overthinking become an Olympic event? READ IT

Jordyn Barrat set to compete at Dew Tour 2017. Up-and-coming skateboarder and 2020 Olympic hopeful Jordyn Barrat was among the 45 athletes selected to compete at the Dew Tour Am Contest in Long Beach, California, the first woman to receive the invite. READ IT

Baller move of the week: R-Willy puts out a best of 2017 compilation … in June. Hey, can you blame him? The rate that he’s going, we may have to convert to dog years. This edit runs the gamut of disciplines R-Willy is riding this year, from scooter to mini-scooter to booter. The good news is, this is only Part 1 in the series. He promises another one within a week or so. ADMIRE IT

Important Update: Bears can open the door to your van. We’re all about bringing insight vital to people who embrace the adventure lifestyle, and this one is a doozy. As a pair of friends discovered in Whistler, B.C., Bears have acquired the manual dexterity to open a van door. The bear sat in the driver’s seat for 12 minutes and honked the horn, which indicates bears may be interested in learning to drive too. Playing dead or fighting back will not likely be effective against a bear and a van, so adjust your tactics accordingly. EDUCATE YOURSELF

>>> NON-NITRO MVCs OF THE WEEK <<<

Jacqueline Taheny

A 43-year-old mother from Darwin will compete at the 2017 UCI BMX Supercross World Cup. We’ll just get started on the movie pitch here: Jaqueline Taheny started out in BMX as a spectator, watching her eldest race BMX at the local club. She thought she’d give it a try. She quickly surpassed her son as a rider (he’s proud of her, folks). Add a bit about how the local townsfolk were scandalized that a woman, let alone one her age, could take on men in supercross. Cap it off with an improbable chance to compete against riders from around the world. Oscar material. GREENLIGHT IT

We didn’t think you could improve on how babies receive nourishment. Mostly because we don’t really understand anything about parenting or motherhood or babies. But the Sirens Women’s Motorcycle Club in New York is working with the New York Milk Bank to deliver breast milk for free to infants in need. It’s an incredibly worthy cause with a delivery system we do understand. Sirens, you are non-Nitro MVCs of the week. BLESS IT

>>> THE RIGHT TURN <<<

Riders have been putting their own edits together for quite a while now, and we can see their talent as filmmakers growing. The key word is “growing,” because as this video proves, they’re still a little short of Michael Bay in selling the drama as well as the action. R-Willy’s secret video, shot at Pastranaland, is a short vignette about a bullied scooter rider in one of the steepest and shortest character arcs in movie history:

>>> BEST OF THE REST<<<

It’s pun o’clock: Here’s something Sheeny never tires of doing:

Puppy PSA: As temperatures heat up this summer, don’t leave your dog unattended in your car without opening the windows.

😂😂 👌🏻 funny @kyleayoung

A post shared by Mx.Fails (+500k) (@mx.fails) on

When you forget your loading ramp: Wherever you are in life, find your balance.

***

A sneak peek at next week: WildWeek will take the week off to bring you coverage of a little thing called the Nitro World Games.

Check out the previous WildWeek right here.

Kurtis Downs Drops a Sick Edit From Franklin Farm

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

Look, as long as riders are giving us awesome videos, we’re going to post them. BMX legend Kurtis Downs’ latest spent a little more time on the vine than they usually do; it was filmed at the legendary Franklin Farm at Jed Mildon’s compound in Tokoroa, New Zealand, back in November. But there’s one thing that never seems to get old with viewers: a highlight reel from a great session. As much as Kurtis is featured in the edit, Franklin Farm itself plays a striking role. One part insane DIY setup, one part Mad Max film set, it would make a fantastic park to serve as backdrop for a BMX video game. You can tell Kurtis had fun shredding there; he broke his toe. Check it out:

Interested in BMX? Check out the latest BMX news here:

World’s First BMX at the Great Barrier Reef?
R-Willy Stomps a BMX 720 Frontflip Barspin for His Hometown Crowd
Nitro BMX Stars Lent a Hand After Devastating Australia Flood

More Highlights Than You Can Handle From Nitro’s Huge Calgary Show

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

The Calgary show is done and dusted, leaving riders and fans alike with some lasting memories. It was a redemption for us, of sorts. On our last North America tour, the Calgary show was canceled because of bad weather. We can’t tell you how much the Nitro Crew hates having to cancel a show. We can only tell you how much better we feel when we get to return and pull off a show as memorable as this one. We leave it to the riders themselves to tell the story. Hours after the show, an avalanche of sick edits began to appear on riders’ social media, leaving us in little doubt that something memorable had just gone down. To cap it off, Nitro Circus Ringleader Travis Pastrana had a great show, including a prolonged autograph session after. FMX veteran and Nitro stalwart Steve Mini stuck his first-ever frontflip in a show, earning him the MVC on a very stacked night. Check out the social highlights and the gallery below:

POV footage of my self and @jamesfosterbmx from the other day in Calgary 🇨🇦

A post shared by Todd Meyn (@toddmeyn) on

Sick show tonight in Calgary, everyone killed it 🤘@nitrocircus #nitrocircus #sundayfunday #teamcookson

A post shared by Jaie Toohey (@jaietoohey) on

Dying for more show highlights? Check out some of these:

Tons of Highlights From the Central Coast Show (Image Intense)
Highlights From the 2017 Australia Tour Opener
Highlights From the Last Two New Zealand Shows

BMX Freestyle Park Added to 2020 Tokyo Olympics

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

Another reason to be stoked about the future of BMX: The International Olympic Committee announced BMX Freestyle Park will be added to the official program for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. For BMX riders and fans alike, it’s been a long time coming. The sport is far from new. In fact, it’s viewed within the action sports community as one of the old guard. So it might surprise some that BMX is still fighting for a place in the mainstream. Being an Olympic sport will help legitimize BMX even more, which will hopefully translate into increased investment in BMX facilities and programs. The competition will attract the best BMX riders from around the world, including potentially many riders competing at the upcoming Nitro World Games, like Daniel Sandoval and Colton Walker, who were among the BMX legends pumped about the news:

#BMX freestyle park is confirmed in the @olympics in Tokyo for 2020!!😁🙏

A post shared by coltonwalker1 (@coltonwalker1) on

Interested in BMX? Check out the latest BMX news here:

World’s First BMX at the Great Barrier Reef?
R-Willy Stomps a BMX 720 Frontflip Barspin for His Hometown Crowd
Nitro BMX Stars Lent a Hand After Devastating Australia Flood

World’s First BMX at the Great Barrier Reef?

Posted on by micah
By Micah Kranz

Hailed as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef boasts incredible colors and an amazing variety of animals. The second Nitro Circus boarded the tour ship, we nearly sparked a mutiny. Sure, the snorkeling and diving was amazing, but who knew we’d see a BMX first on this side trip. Co-MC and Nitro regular Catfish has been pushing the #catfishdecademovement, which is an attempt to resurrect a dated flatland trick. He inspires people by performing it all over the world. Check it out:

Catfish
Catfish
Catfish

He busted one out at the Reef, and we assume it was a World’s First at this particular spot. Sailors, pirates, and oceanographers have been baffled and mesmerized by the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, yet Catfish is surely the first person to pay homage by sending a trick there.

Enjoy the video and know there were microscopic jellyfish burning our faces throughout the video shoot. Cheers!

Want to see more from the Crew on tour?

INSIDE THE NITRO CIRCUS LIVE SHOW WITH MC MICAH KRANZ
A BUNCH OF ANIMALS: THE NITRO CREW VISITS AUSTRALIA ZOO
NITRO BMX STARS LENT A HAND AFTER DEVASTATING AUSTRALIA FLOOD

We’re Coming for You – WildWeek

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By The Nitro Writers

Advice of the week: We will bring our bikes anywhere. Here are some examples of questions we get daily: “I can’t believe you jerks won’t come to Georgia!””You’re a bunch of jerks for not coming to my city this weekend!” “Do you realize how many fans you have in London? Why don’t you come here, you jerks!” You get the idea. This is, in a way, very flattering. You want to come to our show, and the underlying question here is: When will you be able to do that? We’ve got good news. Over the last couple years we’ve expanded the Nitro Crew so that we have a rotating lineup. That means athletes can take breaks and the show can still go on, so we’re able to do more shows than ever, which in turn means we can bring the show to cities where we’ve never been before. When you add it all up, the net result is that we’ll almost certainly be coming to your city (or a city very close to you) at some point in the future. If you go to our list of upcoming shows and don’t see your city or region, that doesn’t mean we’re never coming. We just haven’t announced a show there at this time. Or we’re huge jerks who hate you. It’s definitely one of those two. Just kidding, we love you all and will be coming your way as soon as possible. So if you don’t see a show near you, sign up to be notified when we announce one. It’s a big ole world out there, and our goal is to eventually do backflips through all of it. See you soon. Oh, and since you’re here, check out this awesome stuff:

wildweek-6-9

Travis Pastrana and the Dixie Chicks have one thing in common: Their hearts are stuck in second place. But that could all change in a one race. For Travis, at least. The Dixie Chicks are going to have to figure their own stuff out. Travis and co-driver Robbie Durant took second at the STPR behind David Higgins and Craig Drew for the second time in a row. For the third time this year the Subaru Rally Team USA teammates have taken the top two spots, so this is shaping up to be one hell of a rivalry. RACE TO IT

The Nitro Crew held a bike safety clinic for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Annapolis. Travis Pastrana is a hometown hero in Annapolis, but it may surprise some that he of all people would be called upon to talk about bike safety, renowned as he his for taking enormous risks on bikes. But if you think about it, it makes total sense: Pro action sports riders have to be safety experts, or they won’t have very long careers. WATCH IT

New Braaaap alert! Kawasaki unveiled its 2018 line of motocross bikes this week and all eyes are on the KX250F. Considered to be the single-most dominant motocross bike of the decade, the latest updates feature improved torque and suspension, with faster lap times on the Kawasaki test track than the 2017 model. It’s the kind of bike you have to unlock before you can ride it in the video game. COVET IT

BMX legend Rick Thorne is back with a new webseries called Pool Seekers. The X Games competitor, reality star, and musician may not be as well known to young BMX riders of today as legends like Mat Hoffman and Dave Mirra, but many credit him with bolstering the popularity of the sport in the ’80s and ’90s. Rick’s new series is all about returning to his roots riding abandoned pools. It’s a great series for riders who miss the bad old days when BMX was “against the rules” and part of the counter-culture. DROP IN

Donate to the family of Steven Lenoir. The moto champion succumbed to injuries sustained from a crash in France during a qualifying runs for the Flanders Motocross Championship. He was the EMX250 Champion in 2010 and won the MX2 title in the Maxxis British Champion in 2015. You can help support Steven Lenoir’s family by donating to his Road2Recovery. DONATE HERE

>>> NON-NITRO MVCs OF THE WEEK <<<

The latest edition of BMX star Pat Casey’s Dream Yard series is fully lit with one of craziest combos we’ve seen in a while: A 180 double whip over spine to fakie 5 to fakie on the quarter. For a trick with a name that could easily double as an ’80s rap lyric, Pat is our Non-Nitro MVC of the Week.

Ropes? Who needs ropes? Celebrated mountain climber Alex Honnold made history with a ropeless ascent of the notorious El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Widely considered to be the moonshot of solo freeclimbing, the next level in the sport must be found on another planet. Probably the least prestigious accolade he will receive this week, but we’re awarding it all the same. Alex, you’re a Non-Nitro MVC of the Week. BELIEVE IT

>>> THE RIGHT TURN <<<

Inline out: This is how R-Willy plans to ramp up his skills as a rollerblader.

So I nearly died…☠️ #neardeath #rollerblades #fail #nitrocircus #FullVideoInBio #NextTimeIGotIt!

A post shared by Ryan Williams (@rwillyofficial) on

Heading into the weekend like: Who needs a plan?

🤣💦😂😂😂👌🏻@dangerboydeegan @hucksondeegan

A post shared by Mx.Fails (+500k) (@mx.fails) on

>>> BEST OF THE REST<<<

And he looks sharp wearing them: Todd Meyn snaps a frontflip tailwhip with the new Snapchat specs.

Prepare for a pun: Bilko is flush with pride over this sick whip.

#whipitwednesday feat @joe_donaghy taking a dump 💩😂

A post shared by Bilko (@bilkofmx) on

***

A sneak peek at next week: We’ve got one more show ahead of Nitro World Games. Plus more from MC Micah Kranz!

Check out the previous WildWeek right here.

Stories for Days – Nitro World Games News Round-Up

Posted on by Charley Daniels
By The Nitro Writers

Well, we are exactly two weeks away from the Nitro World Games semifinals, going down the day before the main event at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on June 24, which you can watch in person, watch live on NBC, or stream live online at NitroWorldGames.live. We’re getting pretty good at weaving that info into sentences in a way that seems natural, don’t you think? The anticipation for this year’s competition is building, and today we’re bringing you more profiles to help you get to know the stories behind the world-class athletes that are competing this year. Buckle up!

brian-fox-bmx-triple-hit-featured

Brian Fox won the 2016 Triple Hit qualifier, didn’t get to compete in Salt Lake. The up-and-coming BMX phenom suffered a devastating injury in practice just minutes before the semifinals. Now, he’s got his heart set on redemption. MORE ON FOX

Harry Bink just rolls with it. The last 12 months have been crazy for the FMX prodigy. In 2016 he didn’t even know he’d be riding two NWG events until he got to Salt Lake. This year, he plans to improve on his two fourth-place finishes and make the podium in both FMX events. MORE ON BINK

Evan Doherty can’t drive, but he sure can skate. The 14-year-old is wise beyond his years, particularly when it comes to skateboard IQ. Will he take home a Nitro World Games trophy before he even gets his learner’s permit? MORE ON DOHERTY

Logan Martin is humble and focused. Last year’s second-place finisher in Triple Hit made the podium against a stacked field. This year his approach to the pressures of competition is to realize that anyone can win. The only thing is, he’s one of the few who already has. MORE ON MARTIN

Sneak peek at next week: We take a look at the handful of athletes who are competing in more than one event.

R-Willy, Allegedly Taking It Easy Before Nitro World Games, Has Close Call on Rollerblades

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

According to many, Ryan “R-Willy” Williams is the man to watch at this year’s Nitro World Games. In the weeks leading up to the June 24th main event, it’s only natural for riders to want to prep for the competition and to take it easy and maybe take fewer risks to avoid an injury that keeps them from competing. R-Willy’s latest edit starts with him acknowledging the big event is around the corner and that his mind is on keeping healthy and fit. Sure, he still had the final show of the Australia tour to perform, but he could hardly be faulted for wanting to stick to the script and send his regular (yet superhuman) tricks. Instead, R-Willy nearly injures his elbow at a local skatepark, and later during practice before the show, he comes dangerously close to dying on Giganta attempting to drop in on rollerblades. Proof that we’re not out of the woods yet? He had the time of his life and will probably try it again. Would someone please wrap him in Nerf until June 24th? Don’t miss the rest of the edit, which features tricks from Andy Buckworth, a Nitro BMX train, and POV shots of some of R-Willy’s biggest tricks. Check it out:

FOLLOW R-WILLY? CHECK OUT HIS LATEST NEWS HERE:

New R-Willy Video Has POV Tricks, Contraptions and More
R-Willy, Schmidty, and Bilko Ride a Trampoline Park
R-Willy’s New Bike is Magical (or Maybe It’s Just Him)

First Day of Camp at Woodward West With Beaver Fleming

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

Summer is basically here, and for the lucky riders at Woodward West, summer camp is in session. We have one of the school’s most distinguished alumni ushering it in: Nitro skateboard phenom Beaver Fleming. It’s been a breakneck year so far for Beaver. He made the semifinals at the 2017 Vans Pool Party, he won the Big Air competition at the General Pants Bowl-a-Rama in Bondi Beach, and he’s headed back to the Nitro World Games. We know Beaver the competitor and motivator, but in his latest edit, we get to see him loose and unscripted, hanging out with friends during a session on a couple different Woodward setups. Check it out:

Can’t Get Enough of Beaver?

BEAVER FLEMING AND THE 2017 VANS POOL PARTY: THE POWER OF POSITIVITY
BEAVER IS A ONE-MAN VARIETY SHOW
BEAVER FLEMING GOES BIG AT BOWL-A-RAMA
BEAVER WINS BEST TRICK AT SIMPLE SESSION WITH A WORLD FIRST

Travis Pastrana Takes Second at STPR

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

The rally duel of the summer continues with a second-place finish for Subaru Rally Team USA’s Travis Pastrana and co-driver Robbie Durant, who missed the top spot once again to Subaru teammates David Higgins and co-driver Craig Drew at the Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally. Travis was in the top spot going into the second day of the event, ahead of David’s team by over a minute because of mechanical failures early in the day. But David’s team made up the time after Travis’ team went off-piste and blew a tire. Travis has never won at STPR, a challenging course with narrow roads and punishing hair-bend turns. With only two more events this year, Travis has a tough road ahead to the American Rally Association National Championship. He’ll have to be lucky and good to overcome David’s lead in points, but then, being lucky and good is kind of Travis’ thing. Check out some highlights from the weekend here:

One of the few tight corners on the #STPR17 rally yesterday. @srtusa

A post shared by travispastrana (@travispastrana) on

MORE TRAVIS PASTRANA RALLY NEWS:

VIDEO: TRAVIS PASTRANA AT OREGON TRAIL RALLY THIS WEEKEND
TRAVIS PASTRANA TAKES SECOND AT INAUGURAL RALLYE PERCE-NEIGE
TRAVIS PASTRANA FINISHES SECOND AT TALL PINES RALLY

Things Are Getting Real – Nitro World Games News Round-Up

Posted on by Charley Daniels
By The Nitro Writers

Now that the Nitro World Games qualifiers are down and we’re mere weeks away from the main event at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on June 24, it’s time to take a closer look at the athletes themselves and the stories we’re all watching closely as the clock ticks toward the biggest action sports competition of the year. Below you’ll find some analysis, but mostly you’ll get to know a few of the athletes who will be vying for podium spots on June 24.

Jaie Toohey - Nitro World Games

Scooter may not be your thing, but it’s still a thing. We talked with scooter veteran Jake Hershey about the evolution of a sport that some people are having trouble getting their minds around. He tells us that that’s OK. READ IT

Brandon Loupos will vie for two podiums. The BMX superstar is in Triple Hit and Best Tricks, and he’s ready to throw down. MORE ON LOUPOS

Trey Wood wants more this year. The Arizona native finished third in Skate Best Tricks last year and is more confident in his game than ever heading into this year’s semifinals. MORE ON WOOD

Jaie Toohey won’t stop. Anyone who can come back from the injuries this BMX phenom has sustained will always be a contender when he drops in. MORE ON TOOHEY

Rony Gomes has his 2017 strategy locked. After feeling a bit disappointed with his results in Skate Best Tricks last year, the veteran rider has a plan of attack for Salt Lake this year. MORE ON GOMES

Brandon Schmidt: From dark horse to athlete to beat. The multi-threat athlete was a surprise qualifier last year, but he ended up making the finals and placing fifth overall. This could be his year. MORE ON SCHMIDT

Sneak peek at next week: More athlete stories, plus a lot more things you need to know about Nitro World Games 2017.

Coming to (North) America and Time to Rally – WildWeek

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By The Nitro Writers

Advice of the week: Help the Nitro Writers cement a legacy, and you’ll earn good luck forever (probably?). AKA, please tell Zack Warden that we named his trick. A couple weeks ago at Nitro World Games BMX Best Tricks qualifiers, the legendary BMX veteran landed a backflip bikeflip to late tailwhip, a trick that basically no one does, and in our write-up we compared it to an MC Escher sketch, which was admittedly a subtle attempt to get everyone to start calling that trick the Escher or the Escher Flip. Pretty cool name, right? Well, we decided subtlety is for writers of poetry, so now we’re just flat-out asking for your help to make our dream a reality. If you know Zack, tell him about it. If you are Zack, even better. We should all start slipping this into casual conversation like everyone’s been calling it that for years. “Yo Zack, killer Escher Flip at NWG qualifiers, man!” Or, “Zack! My friend! I don’t believe you pulled the Escher out during NWG qualifiers, you sly dog!” Or, in the very specific case that you are Zack, something like, “Yeah, I’ve done the Escher a few times in competition, no big deal.” But before you head off to do any of that, scroll past this enormous image and enjoy some really cool stuff from the last week or so:

Nitro Circus Australia

Goodbye Australia. Hello North America. We appreciate your patience in getting through the featured image this week. Usually we go for something with less height, but did you see that thing? We frankly had to use it. Our 2017 Australia tour was a blast, but the North America Tour kicks off this weekend in Ames, Iowa, and continues all summer, so if you’re in the U.S. or Canada, there’s a chance we’ll be near you soon. MORE INFO HERE

Is there room for another sports rivalry this weekend? The Cavaliers and Warriors aren’t the only rivals meeting for the third time this week. Travis Pastrana’s quest for the American Rally Championship continues at the Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally. Travis will face Subaru Rally Team USA teammate and rival David Higgins again, after trading positions for the top spot at the Olympus Rally and the Oregon Trail Rally this year. Travis has never won at this rally, and the cost of a small mistake on this course could be huge. SEE IT

The rise of scootering is a cautionary tale for people who adhere too closely to the status quo. Don’t we sound smart this week? Scooter has arrived. It’s no longer the underdog, the Rudy of the action sports world. Scooter has earned a spot among BMX, skateboard, inline, and FMX the old-fashioned way: winning hearts and minds with the boldest, freshest, and craziest tricks. The Nitro World Games is one of the big competitions that has leaned into this new wave of action sports progression. READ IT

Unchained takes home some hardware. This documentary about FMX hits us right in the gut — in a good way. We always feel the FMX love and are pumped that it’s getting recognized more. The fact that this is a documentary on Netflix (so watch it this weekend, why don’t you?) is cool, but the fact that it was good enough to win an Emmy is just plain awesome. Bonus: It’s narrated by former Goonie Josh Brolin. WATCH IT

BMX star Mike Varga stomps a 900 tailwhip and a 1260. It’s a stunning edit shot on an amazing homemade ramp in his backyard outside of Toronto. This is cool in its own right, but we can’t help but point out that the 19-year-old is headed to Salt Lake City to compete in the Nitro World Games this month. Not that you needed any more reasons to watch, but here we are. With tricks like these in his back pocket, the other riders might want to pray for some sort of visa issues at the U.S.-Canada border. ADMIRE IT, EH

BMX doesn’t need fuel to be high-octane. The 2017 FISE: Montpellier Spine Mini Finals were lit to the point we had to check to see we weren’t watching the playback in fast-forward. It drew some of the biggest and best BMX riders in the world, and it’s a good preview of the insanity to come at the Nitro World Games BMX Triple Hit event, as many athletes, like Colton Walker, Logan Martin, Alex Coleborn, Irek Rizaev, Brandon Loupos, and Brian Fox, who were at FISE are headed to the NWG next. OK, that was the last time we’ll pump the NWG this week. Maybe. GET STOKED

>>> NON-NITRO MVCs OF THE WEEK <<<

The Brazil-based Naffita BMX crew with a nice, old-school street BMX edit. Make sure you stick around to see the huge 360 at the end.

>>> THE RIGHT TURN <<<

Pro Tip: Never drive anything up a cliff unless you’re prepared to have it roll on top of you.

>>> BEST OF THE REST<<<

He walked away: Harry Bink stuffs up a rock solid backflip and somehow the only thing broken is his shifter lever.

We don’t recommend this: The backflip to sketchy cushion.

Tirelessly scouring the net: WildWeek is all about fun videos, amazing puns.

***

A sneak peek at next week: What happens when you bring a bunch of the best action sports athletes in the world to Iowa for the weekend?

Check out the previous WildWeek right here!

Harry Bink Walks Away From a Rock Solid Backflip Wipeout

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

FMX legend Harry Bink is one of Nitro’s toughest and most reliable riders, sending it every night while performing some of the show’s biggest tricks. The 2017 Australia tour saw him join the exclusive club of riders who have landed a double backflip on a motorcycle. But on the last night of the tour, Harry attempted his signature rock solid backflip and couldn’t quite keep it on two wheels through the landing. Fans who attended the show have been messaging the Nitro Facebook asking how he’s doing. The answer: There’s nothing broken. He’s just a little banged up. We think we can all agree, Bink’s a freaking beast. Check it out:

BACK FOR MORE BRAAPP?

Jacko Strong’s Latest FMX Edit Is a Thing of Beauty
Javier Villegas Lands an FMX Frontflip to Dirt
Spend a Minute Inside Josh Sheehan’s Head During a Show
A Day in the Life of Bilko, Nitro Circus Clown
On the Anniversary of the FMX Triple Backflip, Landing a Double Is Still Huge

R-Willy Backflips a Booter, the Scooter-BMX hybrid

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

Ryan “R-Willy” Williams is one of the few athletes with multiple storylines running on his vlog and social media channels. They can essentially be broken down into three categories — what trick will he attempt next, what discipline will he try next, and what action sport will he invent? The first two themes have been the enduring storylines of his career. He’s always chasing the next best trick, and he’s never shied away from crossing into other disciples. R-Willy only recently started showcasing his talents with hybrid disciplines. He created a mini scooter, and he backflipped it. He introduced Heelys into the mix, and landed a Heely-scooter combo. He credits the most recent idea to pro BMX YouTuber Harry Main — a scooter-BMX hybrid R-Willy calls the Booter. The Booter is a BMX frame with a scooter clamp and bars, or a BMX with absurdly high handlebars. It makes you wonder what it would look like if a horseback rider substituted a horse for a giraffe. Yet R-Willy still somehow manages to tame it, looking perfectly at home after an initial rough start. He lands a barspin, an implausible 360, and what amounts to a tailwhip to surfer landing (which he describes as being easier than a standard tailwhip on this setup). By the end, he even backflips it. Check it out:

FOLLOW R-WILLY? CHECK OUT HIS LATEST NEWS HERE:

New R-Willy Video Has POV Tricks, Contraptions and More
R-Willy, Schmidty, and Bilko Ride a Trampoline Park
R-Willy’s New Bike is Magical (or Maybe It’s Just Him)

Wildcards and Be Like Beaver – WildWeek

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By The Nitro Writers

Advice of the week: Be like Beaver. Skateboarding Positivity Beacon Beaver Fleming is really, really good at what he does. Skateboarding, sure, but also his laser focus on staying in the moment and enjoying his life, regardless of what comes his way. Kids, if you take only one piece of inspiration from all that we bombard you with, make it this one: Winning is awesome, but enjoying life is everything. We’ve got a feature down below about Beaver’s crazy spring, and if you check out the Nitro YouTube page this weekend you’ll see him hosting the 10 best moments from Nitro World Games qualifiers last week. (He’s also good at hosting, to no one’s surprise.) Oh, and he’s down below in Best of the Rest. Basically, this week we’re all about Mr. Fleming, because if we phrased it that way and used his first name, you might miss the point entirely. There’s plenty of other awesomeness too, so prepare yourselves.

beaver-fleming-nwg

The Nitro World Games Wildcards lead this WildWeek. Meta? On Wednesday we hit the one-month countdown to the 2017 Nitro World Games, which will happen on June 24. Good timing, because now the Wildcard picks are in, so the fields are officially set, which means you can stop guessing and start really rooting for your favorite riders. The lineup is stacked, and we cannot wait to see what’s going to happen this year. READ IT

Scooter legend Jordan Clark has a lot of titles for someone his age. Jordan Clark’s path to becoming the ISA World Champion, the two-time European Champion, and Nitro World Games Scooter Best Tricks runner-up is a strange one for action sports. With riders from so many disciplines making the move to BMX, Jordan went the other way, switching his bike for a scooter five years ago. Jordan is one of the reasons the sport is being taken more seriously. We caught up with the scooter phenom as he preps for ISA Word Finals and his next bid for glory at the Nitro World Games. READ IT

Beaver Fleming is the Andrew WK of skateboarding: He loves to party but always keeps it positive. In fact, we’re pretty sure he’d be down for any pool party he was invited to. Good thing he brought his board to this one: Beaver put down some of his finest skating at the Vans Pool Party in Orange, California, one of the world’s biggest bowl events. With very little lead time to the event, he still managed to make the semis. But you have to check out the gnarly save at 1:18. BELIEVE IT

It was only a matter of time. Action sports photographers and videographers have embraced drones with dangerously open arms. It seems inevitable that someone would try to ride one, and shortly after, parachute off of one. Well, drone company Aerones and skydiver Ingus Augstkalns did just that. It’s tough when someone other than you gets the idea first, but that’s just a way of expressing our admiration for a fellow-traveler out there, misusing vehicles. But we should point out, a drone is unmanned by definition. It’s probably more accurate to call it a manicopter™. WATCH IT

If the Nitro Circus Live show was a giant campfire, Micah Kranz’s wiener would be cooked first. [Editor’s note: I have no idea what that means, but for some reason it feels right, so I’m leaving it.] Micah Kranz the Live show MC, crazy-ville’s tour guide, overall action sports authority, and one of the closest people to the show other than the riders themselves. It’s his job to explain what’s going on to the crowd amid a swarm of braapp, Giganta World Firsts, and contraptions. It’s a really difficult job that Micah has a ton of fun doing. We’re excited to welcome Micah to the Nitro Writers pool. READ IT

Clinton Moore is one of the Nitro Circus OGs. He’s actually only 29 but he’s been doing this long enough that he remembers practicing FMX backflips on sand. You know, a time before foam (henceforth, BF). In a feature in a local Australian newspaper, Clinton Moore talks about his storied career and his desire to continue progressing despite being considered a veteran in the sport. FMX tricks are awesome no matter what, and you can spend the rest of your life touring the classics, like Paul McCartney. But Clinton is determined to bring new, gnarlier tricks to the live show. It’s that attitude that makes him one of the most valuable and long-serving members of the live show. RESPECT IT

>>> NON-NITRO MVC OF THE WEEK <<<

And a close runner-up:

bmxkid

>>> THE RIGHT TURN <<<

Rage Quit-iloveimg-compressed

Battle of the rage-quits. At this year’s Manila Masters, a video game tournament based on the online multiplayer Dota 2, organizers held a special event to celebrate the tendency for players to quit the game in elaborate displays of rage. Players were invited to perform rage-quits onstage with real judges. This might be the most inside-baseball competition ever, but we feel it belongs in this week’s Right Turn. We prefer the silent, slow, boiling rage, but that’s just us. SAVOR IT

>>> BEST OF THE REST<<<

Are … are those headlights?: Josh Sheehan sends off National Bike Month in true Nitro style:

Like Lyft Line but for BMX: Cade Brock, Garrett Kreiner, and Beaver Fleming just wanted to ride in the carpool lane.

All out of runway: Kurtis Downs and the art of oversending it.

***

A sneak peek at next week: Our 2017 North America tour is about to go off! Do you have your tickets?

Check out last week’s WildWeek right here!

Jacko Strong’s Latest FMX Edit Is a Thing of Beauty

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

Action sports edits fall into any number of categories. This world tends to attract some athletes of a certain type — the clowns — so often they’re funny. A sick trick doesn’t really need to be ornamented, so often enough they’re allowed to live as just that. Thanks to smartphones, there’s an endless supply of edits of that type, for which we are forever grateful. A few athletes take the time to make edits look, well, beautiful. FMX rider Jackson “Jacko” Strong just dropped an edit that falls into that category. And why not? A perfectly executed trick in FMX is a thing of beauty, and pictured in silhouette against incredible sunsets, it becomes a work of art. The edit is a clip from Headstrong 2, an FMX video Jacko put together with director Ben Heidrich, and it also features FMX legend Rob Adelberg. You can find it on iTunes here. But first, check this out:

BACK FOR MORE BRAAPP?:

Javier Villegas Lands an FMX Frontflip to Dirt
Spend a Minute Inside Josh Sheehan’s Head During a Show
A Day in the Life of Bilko, Nitro Circus Clown
On the Anniversary of the FMX Triple Backflip, Landing a Double Is Still Huge

Javier Villegas Lands an FMX Frontflip to Dirt

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

Javier Villegas was looking to put a rather sizable notch in his belt in time for the Nitro World Games semifinals after leading the field in the FMX qualifier. The FMX frontflip is one of those tricks that’s been around a long time, but not very many riders have landed it. With the mechanical kickers, it’s more doable now, but it still requires a ton of air bag or foam pit attempts to get the timing right, and even then it’s super difficult to dial in. As Javier points out, one successful run isn’t quite enough to call it part of your trick arsenal, but after landing it to dirt he joins a very exclusive club, and based on how comfortable he looked sticking it, we expect to see many more from him in the future. Do it, Javier:

BACK FOR MORE BRAAPP?:

Spend a Minute Inside Josh Sheehan’s Head During a Show
A Day in the Life of Bilko, Nitro Circus Clown
On the Anniversary of the FMX Triple Backflip, Landing a Double Is Still Huge

Beaver Fleming and the 2017 Vans Pool Party: The Power of Positivity

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan and Charley Daniels

Nitro skateboard superstar Beaver Fleming put down some of his finest skating at this year’s Vans Pool Party in Orange, California, the biggest bowl contest of the year. Despite being relatively new to this competition — he’d skated the amateur division at this event in 2013, which was also the last time he rode a bowl in competition — he had some amazing runs with one astonishing save to make the semifinals. Even more impressive: He didn’t find out he’d be skating the Vans Pool Party until about a month before, so his practice time was super limited. Check out his edit from the competition:

That kicked off a pretty intense several weeks for Beaver, who we caught up with at Nitro World Games qualifying last week. “We had the Pool Party, now we have Nitro qualifying, and then we have X Games qualifying on Saturday — so three completely different disciplines. We have pool, mega, vert,” he says. Beaver credits his success at such different disciplines to being disciplined himself. “Time management has obviously been a big factor in trying to get all of this done,” he says. A rigid training regimen is part of it, but to any outside observer it’s obvious his attitude is an equally important part of how well he does. He says he couldn’t possibly choose his favorite of those skate disciplines, because if he had a favorite he probably wouldn’t do all three. Instead, he focuses on enjoying every moment no matter where he’s riding or what he’s riding. “I just look at it for the simplicity of when I was 12 if you told me I would be on TV skateboarding in front of thousands of people, I would never believe you,” he says. “If I get to ride my skateboard in front of all these people, it’s a beautiful moment, and I don’t want to be angry or bitter at any point in that, even if I’m not landing my stuff or even if I’m judged the worst. I just want to go out there and be like, any day on a skateboard’s a good day.”

Can’t Get Enough of Beaver?

BEAVER IS A ONE-MAN VARIETY SHOW
BEAVER FLEMING GOES BIG AT BOWL-A-RAMA
BEAVER WINS BEST TRICK AT SIMPLE SESSION WITH A WORLD FIRST

Inside the Nitro Circus Live Show With MC Micah Kranz

Posted on by micah
By Micah Kranz

From the Editor: We’re very lucky to welcome to the Nitro Writers a man who really needs no introduction: Live show MC Micah Kranz! Micah is on the road with the Crew all over the world, so we asked him to drop in and write some posts for us whenever he feels inspired. Keep an eye out for more from him in the future!

Overall, the 2017 Regional Rampage Tour of Australia has produced tens of thousands of thrilled spectators, making it one of the most successful action sports tours in terms of happy audiences, but also in terms of the fun the Crew has had. And as good as every show has been this year, the banger show so far was the Sunshine Coast stop on May 6. This date has some very strange history. It falls during the week where, two years earlier, Jed Mildon pulled the first-ever BMX quadruple backflip. It’s seven years to the day that FMX legend Cam Sinclair landed his first double backflip after his horrific accident. And four years prior on the same tour stop, Ryan Williams, who claims Sunshine Coast as his hometown venue, took a harsh crash during practice and was taken to the hospital. Legend has it he came back just in time for the final train and climbed back on top of Giganta. Alas, out of precaution, the managers insisted he take the night off, so he had to miss performing in a show for his hometown crowd, a moment he has been thinking about ever since.

This tour, though, R-Willy was in fine form, and what he did in front of the enormous and amazing Sunshine Coast crowd will be talked about for years. Calling it his “redemption show,” he did what he does best: thrive under pressure. He pulled a frontflip on the mini scooter for the first time, then triple tailwhip cashrolled its regular-sized counterpart. He then went on to pull the World’s First 720 frontflip barspin on a BMX bike. He pulled the forward bike flip and attempted a World’s First frontflip inward to no-hander but couldn’t quite get his hands off. Still, it was a mind-blowing night for an incredible athlete and his thousands of fans.

It’s to the point where every single show these days is a vaudevillian display of maneuvers never before attempted. As the riders prepare in the dressing room, rumors of new tricks and World’s Firsts are always part of the discussion, and because these are athletes capable of impossible feats, it’s more than just big talk. As the announcer of the greatest live event on the planet, I have a unique view and stories I would like to share from the road with the realest Nitro Circus fans out there.

Nitro Circus in Australia

The first thing you need to know: The tour is REAL. From riding kayaks down Giganta to backflipping a horse and everything in between, the smoke and mirrors have been reserved for other, marginal entertainment. Nothing represents this spirit better than FMX legend Bruce Cook. He is a show-stopper, but just like with everything we do, nothing is guaranteed in any given show. In Rockhampton, all of the elements were against him. The wind was blowing across the ramp, the sun was directly in his eyes, and when he took off the lip he shot sideways, causing him to be thrown toward the edge of the ramp as he landed. Luckily, mechanic Billy Van Vugt had the wherewithal to grab the motorcycle bar and keep Bruce from falling off the 15-foot lander. Bruce has since stuck every flip attempt on tour, and Billy landed himself the MVC for that quick save.

While each rider brings a unique flavor of madness to the recipe, the power that yanks us all together is the adoration of action sports. We take every opportunity to visit as many skateparks, trails, and local spots as possible. It’s one of the most amazing experiences to show up to a small Australia town and find some incredible structure to ride. If you’re a local in one of these towns, the chance that R-Willy, Todd Meyn, and Andy Buckworth will show up at your neighborhood park to ride at some point is near 100 percent. Sessions are going down sometimes more than once a day, and these guys are always trying to find lines never ridden before. These sessions are always intense but loose and awesome to watch. It’d be like Michael Jordan showing up and shooting hoops at your local court. That’s not going to happen. But if Nitro is in town, chances are good we are at your spot.

Nitro Circus in Australia

At some point the group landed in Gosford, New South Wales, the hometown of the late BMX legend Dane Searls. Dane’s legacy of leaping the largest dirt jumps still breaths in the valleys of what might as well have been a rainforest. Jed has spent plenty of time in the area and offered to take a few of the Crew to see one of the hidden gems in Dane’s arsenal. After trekking down a path that didn’t seem wide enough for a wheelbarrow and hurdling huge boulders, we discovered the largest hand-built dirt jump in the world. We marveled and said positive words in Dane’s memory as we stood next to enormous dirt accumulations that were only ever jumped one time. Built by hand, these mammoth structures have been visited by limited people.

The Crew likes to visit local schools and put on educational performances as often as they can. This includes a unique demonstration of some tricks, a bicycle safety section, and the always-entertaining Q&A. My fellow announcer, Zach “Catfish” Yankush, has taken the fun a step further. Every time someone asks him for his autograph, he asks that person to sign his bicycle. It’s already looking very cool, so if you see him at your school, make sure you ask him for a texter. Maybe bring up the emcee battles he has been winning all over as well. What a character.

Nitro Circus in Australia
Nitro Circus in Australia
Nitro Circus in Australia

There are too many astonishing performance highlights to name them all, but here are a few. Cam Sinclair stuck a four-person backflip in the rain. Matt Whyatt, aka the Wyatt Riot has been doing his namesake stunt as well as a frontflip whip catch whip. Andrew “Mini” Ahumada is also executing the frontflip windshield wiper regularly. Then there are the stunts with tons of coverage, such as Harry Bink’s first double backflip, Jaie Toohey’s triple flip dominance, and of course everything R-Willy does. See it all right here:

MORE 2017 AUSTRALIA TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Tons of Highlights From the Central Coast Show (Image Intense)
The Nitro Crew Is Stoked to Be Back Down Under
Highlights From the 2017 Australia Tour Opener
Toohey and Buckworth Put on a Show for Fans in Griffith

All About the Qualifiers – Nitro World Games News Round-Up

Posted on by Charley Daniels
By The Nitro Writers

The first official competition runs of the 2017 Nitro World Games have been landed, and after an awesome week of qualifying action we’ve got all but a few semifinal slots filled with world-class athletes in FMX, BMX, skate, and scooter. Based on what went down this week, the 2017 NWG is bound to be truly something special. The finals will be broadcast live from Salt Lake City on June 24. Now, here’s a round-up of NWG qualifier news from this week:

Scooter Best Tricks qualifying was intense. The Scooter Best Tricks qualifier turned out to be one of the most intensely fought battles of the week, with 16 competitors sending it for a chance to move on to the semis. Since this story came out, it was announced that Jai Walker and Nolan Shoemaker have been given the two wildcard slots. WATCH IT

Freestyle Motocross semifinalists are set. Eight FMX riders also earned their slots in the semifinals. This year’s FMX event requires riders to land eight tricks in specific categories to demonstrate their range. WATCH IT

BMX Triple Hit was the hottest ticket in town. Nearly 30 BMX athletes came out to qualify for eight available semifinal slots in BMX Triple Hit, which means the action was fast and intense from the first run. WATCH IT

BMX Best Tricks semifinals added eight. The BMX Best Tricks field is shaping up for an awesome competition in the event that was the highlight of last year’s NWG for many fans. Qualifiers were intense this week, and the riders absolutely sent it. WATCH IT

Skate Best Tricks semifinalists are also confirmed. A baker’s dozen of the best skateboarders in the world are bound for Salt Lake City as well. The ramps have been adjusted based on rider feedback, ensuring an even better competition t his year. WATCH IT

This is also happening (stay tuned for more details):

Sneak peek at next week: Now that the field is set, it’s time to get to know the competitors of the 2017 Nitro World Games.

Qualifying Bids and Rally Kids – WildWeek

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By The Nitro Writers

Advice of the week: Hang on for that scooter ride. This week in Southern California, the 2017 Nitro World Games qualifiers swooped in with something for everyone, but it was the Scooter Best Tricks qualifier that had everyone talking. Not because that event was necessarily the most exciting. It was the athletes themselves, the sheer number of them, and the the pure dedication to practicing for the competition. They’re some of the hardest-working athletes we’ve met. We work on the internet, so we hear the small but vocal contingent of haters who claim scooter isn’t a real sport and that it’s lame or just for kids. But let’s put that to bed for good right here. These kids absolutely send it, landing combos with names that would win a Scrabble match, like a frontflip triple whip rewind to kickless double whip. They’re also landing triple backs, triple fronts, and barspin and tailwhip combos that would make your BMX boyfriend blush. There’s no denying it: Scoot is for real, and it’s become a legit action sport despite the haters. The only remaining question is how big it’s going to get. Watching it grow and evolve is going to be one of the most exciting action sports stories of this generation. Get ready for the ride! Also, check out this stuff:

scooter-featured

Nitro World Games qualifiers went off. This week in Lake Perris, California, where the dry winds turn lips chapped instantly and the restaurant selection tends toward the “Well, we’ve got to eat somewhere,” four days of epic action sports competition played out like several awesome movies. Check out all the details, highlights, and athletes who are headed to Salt Lake City next month. SEE IT

Travis Pastrana and David Higgins are rally kings, with another 1-2 win. Competition is heating up in Round 3 of the 2016 American Rally Association championship with David Higgins picking up the win and Travis Pastrana just edged out in second place at the Olympus Rally. This was the second rally in the last couple months where they took the top two podium, with Travis placing first and David second at the Oregon Trail Rally. They’ll meet again at the Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania on June 2. READ IT

Collect ’em all. May is National Bike Month, something we celebrate all year round, because bikes are kind of a big deal here. We ride all kinds on our ramps. BMX bikes are the most common, but we also feature MTB and several that are too unusual to classify, because we’ll ride anything. Here’s something for the Giganta Ramp suggestion box: Our friends at Team USA put out an article this week featuring the types of Olympic Bikes. We can’t tell if backflipping a track cycling bike is a good idea or a great idea, so we might just have to find out. READ IT

The best #TBT of the week is Josh Sheehan’s Treeflippin’ Instagram post. We love it when Nitro riders post #TBT edits of old tricks. Not only are they always awesome, but it saves us the YouTube deep-dive to find them, so writer-rider fist bump. Josh Sheehan posted a clip this week of one of the good old days at Pastranaland, where bad ideas come to warm their feet in the fire. Or as Nitro Producer Madi Christensen says in the comments of this post:  “Was a good trip, spent hours in the hospital that week.” WATCH IT

Brandon Schmidt doubles down on BMX star status with a new pro edit. It’s another career milestone for the newly christened BMX star, something akin to being a “made guy” in the sport. Remember, Brandon Schmidt also released a pro model snowboard late last year. This edit is sick and features his growing arsenal of tricks. It also clearly shows how much of a threat he could be at the Nitro World Games this year. Brandon, you may be too young for this reference, but you could be in Nancy Kerrigan territory here. ADMIRE IT

Action sports’ warrior monks take us freeriding in Idaho. The Roadside Warriorz dropped their first episode with a mission statement to seek adventure, spread good, and create memories. In the short but bloody history of drone technology, this project is a high point. They make good use of it to get shots that would have blown the budget on a Hollywood film 20 years ago. The Roadside Warriorz are Gavin Godfrey, Preston Godfrey, and Kurtis Downs, riders you know and love, so check it out. WATCH IT

No tramp-shamers allowed either: R-Willy takes his first drone selfie:

>>> Non-Nitro MVC of the Week <<<

>>> THE RIGHT TURN <<<

You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here. Two women were spotted doing donuts with small kids in the backseat at the Sunshine Coast Stadium after our show there. No one was hurt, thankfully, but some legal trouble may be headed their way. Just a friendly reminder to stay safe out there even if you’re pumped up on adrenaline from watching a Nitro show. We understand more than anyone that you need to do something with the desire for some daredevil antics, but that’s what video games are for. READ IT

From the “Whuuuuuuut?” files at NWG qualifiers: There are no walls in life when you can drive up them. You haven’t seen the last of this moto quarterpipe.

This is so crazy. #nitrocircus

A post shared by Todd Meyn (@toddmeyn) on

Come for the cute, stay for the questionable geotag: For Andy Buckworth, it’s just an honor to be among the GOAT.

Why have a puppy when you can have a pet mini goat 😍😍😍

A post shared by Andy Buckworth (@andybuckworth) on

Resi still hurts, people: As Cade “Chicken Joe” Brock knows only too well, you can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs.

 

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A sneak peek at next week: We’ve got an inside look at Nitro Circus Live written by one of the MCs of the show, plus lots more Nitro World Games athlete spotlights.

Check out last week’s WildWeek right here!

R-Willy Stomps a BMX 720 Frontflip Barspin for His Hometown Crowd

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

There’s nothing like coming through in a clutch moment in front of a huge crowd. The stakes had never been higher, or more personal, for scooter and BMX icon Ryan “R-Willy” Williams, than when he performed for his hometown crowd at the Sunshine Coast, Australia. At the last Sunshine Coast show, four years ago, R-Willy was knocked out with a concussion during one of his practice runs, and he was unable to perform. In the week leading up to the show, he talked on his social media channels of his desire for redemption in this performance, so we knew he had something huge in store. And he didn’t disappoint. Among many other huge moments, he stuck a 720 frontflip barspin. Check it out:

MORE 2017 AUSTRALIA TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Tons of Highlights From the Central Coast Show (Image Intense)
The Nitro Crew Is Stoked to Be Back Down Under
Highlights From the 2017 Australia Tour Opener
Toohey and Buckworth Put on a Show for Fans in Griffith

Spend a Minute Inside Josh Sheehan’s Head During a Show

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

What is it really like to be a Nitro Circus rider? It’s what we’re all wondering, isn’t it? It turns out the answer has been here all along. The BMX, scooter, and skateboard riders have dropped edit after edit of unscripted, loose skatepark sessions throughout the tour. They’ve given us special access to the life of the touring rider, whether it’s kicking it between shows, or hanging out ramp-side watching each other send it. The FMX squad has been honing the art of the POV clip, a different type of immersive experience to be sure, but one that brings us closer to answering the question: What’s it actually like? Who better than FMX Unicorn Josh Sheehan himself to show us? In his latest edit, Sheeny shares a full minute riding a Nitro show from his POV that looks like a cool blend of an EA Sports video game and a first-person shooter. Watch it:

MORE 2017 AUSTRALIA TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Tons of Highlights From the Central Coast Show (Image Intense)
The Nitro Crew Is Stoked to Be Back Down Under
Highlights From the 2017 Australia Tour Opener
Toohey and Buckworth Put on a Show for Fans in Griffith

R-Willy Breaks Out the Heelys, and Naturally Scooter Combos Follow

Posted on by Chris Cowan

Ryan “R-Willy” Williams is known as a multi-threat athlete in scooter and BMX, and lately he’s also getting the reputation of being game to try anything with wheels. For example, we’ve seen him perform a backflip on a mini-scooter of his own creation. He even took it on the Giganta ramp. It seems that, however silly the contraption, he’ll eventually try to incorporate it in a serious trick. In his latest edit, it’s a pair of Heelys — the roller shoes. Yes, the ones that are rarely worn by adults. While we’re unsure of the future for the roller shoe as an action sport, R-Willy somehow manages to put a few tricks together, including some crazy scooter combos. Check it out:

FOLLOW R-WILLY? CHECK OUT HIS LATEST NEWS HERE:

New R-Willy Video Has POV Tricks, Contraptions and More
R-Willy, Schmidty, and Bilko Ride a Trampoline Park
R-Willy’s New Bike is Magical (or Maybe It’s Just Him)

Qualifier Kick-Off and South Africa Bound – WildWeek

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By The Nitro Writers

Advice of the week: Many of you look at the Nitro Crew and wonder how you can be them. Some of you message us on Facebook or send us emails and literally just ask: How do I be you? Well, we’re the Nitro Writers, as opposed to the Nitro Riders (but it sounds the same when you say it fast, which has helped out our social lives quite a bit), so we can’t really help you become a world-class action sports athlete. But if you want to live like a Nitro Writer, you should mainly concern yourself with being on the internet a lot and being concerned about words and punctuation. Glamorous! The other cool thing is that we get to spend time covering the Nitro Crew, and when Nitro World Games rolls around, a ton of other legendary action sports athletes as well. Speaking of, we’ll be covering the NWG qualifiers live from Southern California next week, so stay tuned to our social channels and right here (links all the way at the bottom). Now, on to this week’s list of fame and shame:

Top of the drop - Nitro World Games

Nitro World Games qualifiers are going to be legit. There’s no way around it. Qualifiers for this year’s Nitro World Games are about to go down, and it’s going to rival last year for sure. Practice alone has been some of the most intense riding we’ve ever seen, and we have seen a bit of riding in our day. Get a look at some highlights from practice (including some World Firsts, of course) as an appetizer for live coverage on our social channels next week. SEE THEM

Nitro stars lend a helping hand to flood victims. When Nitro Circus stopped by Lismore, New South Wales, Todd Meyn, Jed Mildon, and Andy Buckworth saw first-hand the effects of the recent floods and decided to chip in with the relief effort. Jed even discovered a new way to dispose of living room furniture. You know, other than riding it down the Giganta ramp. READ IT

Travis Pastrana is officially NASTrucking. Travis Pastrana is heading to Las Vegas to compete in the Camping World Truck Series. To thank his sponsors and fans, he dropped a magnificent edit with something for almost everyone with guns, coffee, BASE jumping, and donuts. USA! USA! USA! WATCH IT

We’re wheelie excited about National Bike Month. May is National Bike Month, which is something we can get behind, even though technically every month is bike month at Nitro. We’ll take any excuse to celebrate this beautiful innovation of transportation, exercise, and freestyle artistry. And the fact that there are about as many ways to ride a bike as there are reasons. It’s fun and almost always healthy, unless you’re planning to backflip quad whip it over a 40-foot gap, of course. CELEBRATE IT

South Africa is amazing. And we are headed back there this year. The first time we visited this awesome country it left such an impression on the Crew that many of them still list it as their favorite tour. The biggest show we’ve ever done went down in Johannesburg. Hit this link for the cities and dates, and come reminisce about the last time we were there. FLASHBACK TO IT

“You said there’d be Sunshine Coast Hometown Hero Highlights from R-Willy.” Yes we did:

>>> CATFISH CORNER <<<

>>> THE RIGHT TURN <<<

When paddleboarding turns extreme. You know that moment when your sense of balance becomes tied directly to your chances of being eaten? An Orange County Coast Guard helicopter had to warn paddleboaders off the coast of Southern California that they were surrounded by 15 great white sharks. The presence of the apex predators isn’t usually considered a sufficient threat to close the beaches, but the pilot wisely invoked the “15 freaking sharks” rule and advised the paddleboarders to make their way to shore. SEE IT

Wish we’d thought of it: Brad O’Neal demonstrates once and for all that two wrongs can make a right.

@braddders2 you have a screw loose mate!!! Don't try this at home kids!!!

A post shared by Bilko (@bilkofmx) on

It’s a repost bonanza: The Mad Hueys were up for a surf but ended up getting turfed.

"Come fishing with us, it will be fun" Good times boys @themadhueys 😂😂😂😂 #ShitCaption ⚓️

A post shared by Harry Bink (@harrybink) on

***

A sneak peek at next week: The Nitro World Games qualifiers are Monday through Thursday, so keep an eye on the Nitro Facebook and Instagram, as well as the NWG Facebook and Instagram and NitroWorldGames.com for live coverage!

Nitro Circus ’47 Hats Coming to a Lids Near You

Posted on by Charley Daniels

We are pumped to announce that the Nitro Circus line of ’47 headwear will be available at Lids stores around the U.S. and Canada and online starting today. The list of cities where you can swing by a Lids location and check out the hats is below. Since Day 1 of our partnership with ’47, Nitro athletes and fans alike have been rocking these hats and loving them. In a lot of ways, the partnership couldn’t be more perfect. “Encouraging authentic self-expression through sport and style is in ’47’s DNA, and the guys from Nitro Circus are some of the most fearlessly expressive guys out there,” Steven D’Angelo, Co-Owner of ’47, said. Now you can see them for yourself in person at a Lids near you. Check out some of these hats in the wild, and take a look below to see where you can get yours offline. For online orders, hit up Lids.com in the U.S. or Lids.ca in Canada.

NITRO_PARADE_-93

Lids locations where you can find ’47 Nitro headwear:

UNITED STATES:
Springfield IL
Madison WI
Grandville MI
Medford OR
Mcallen TX
San Diego CA
Charleston WV
Palm Desert CA
Springfield MO
Modesto CA
Albuquerque NM
Colorado Springs CO
Eugene OR
Asheville NC
Fresno CA
Bakersfield CA
Amarillo TX
El Paso TX
Horseheads NY
Grand Forks ND
Lakewood CO
Grand Junction CO
El Centro CA
Murray UT
Kennewick WA
Oklahoma City OK
San Diego CA
Calexico CA

CANADA:
Calgary AB
Hamilton ON
Windsor ON
Kelowna BC
Winnipeg MB
Winnipeg MB
Kamloops BC
Vernon BC

Nitro BMX Stars Lent a Hand After Devastating Australia Flood

Posted on by Charley Daniels
By Charley Daniels

BMX veterans Todd Meyn, Jed Mildon, and Andy Buckworth turned out to help victims affected by a devastating flood in New South Wales, Australia, when Nitro Circus stopped for a show in Lismore on April 25. The flood hit at the end of March around Northern NSW. Less than a month later, the area was thankfully on the mend, but there is still a long road back to pre-flood conditions. So Todd, Jed, and Andy went out to Lismore a few days early to see if they could assist the relief effort. “It was pretty devastating to see the damage that it had caused to the town, to see people’s houses completely destroyed and possessions ruined,” Todd says. The people of Lismore eagerly accepted the extra hands, and the Nitro athletes spent the day helping out wherever possible.

Nitro Circus Crew helps with Lismore flood relief
Nitro Circus Crew helps with Lismore flood relief

The three BMX stalwarts also got a chance to swing by a local skatepark. “We had one of our biggest skatepark crowds ever,” Todd says. “We rode and put on a little show for them, which they seemed very grateful for.”

Nitro Circus Crew helps with Lismore flood relief
Nitro Circus Crew helps with Lismore flood relief

“I love being a part of Nitro Circus,” Todd says. “We not only get to travel the world doing what we love progressing action sports — but getting the opportunity to do these kind of activities, giving back to the people and making people smile. There is nothing more rewarding.”

MORE 2017 AUSTRALIA TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Tons of Highlights From the Central Coast Show (Image Intense)
The Nitro Crew Is Stoked to Be Back Down Under
Highlights From the 2017 Australia Tour Opener
Toohey and Buckworth Put on a Show for Fans in Griffith

Qualifiers Are Here | Nitro World Games News Fest

Posted on by Charley Daniels
By The Nitro Writers

Qualifiers for the 2017 Nitro World Games are this week, and to celebrate we’re bringing you a round-up of all things NWG. Some of the finalists and semifinalists are already set, so this week’s qualifiers will select the rest of the semifinalists for this year’s competition. The qualifiers are closed to the public, but luckily we’ll be covering the events live on the Nitro Facebook and Instagram, as well as NitroWorldGames.com and the NWG Facebook and Instagram. If you don’t follow us there, there’s no better time to start. The finals are just over a month away, set to be broadcast live from Salt Lake City on June 24. Now, time to catch up on NWG news:

nwg-practice-ramps

Qualifiers are about to go off. Get ready for the first official competition runs of the 2017 NWG with a bunch of highlights from practice, including World Firsts. Based on the progression we’ve already seen before the a single official run, this year’s NWG is going to be simply incredible. SEE IT

Travis talks open qualifying. One of the items on the top of Travis Pastrana’s must-have list in the very early stages of creating the NWG was open qualifying. Now, years later and into the second-annual competition, Travis discusses what made that a mandatory addition. WATCH IT

Marvel at the Lake Perris training grounds. If you’ve been following us or any of the athletes practicing at the compound, you’ll have seen how amazing this setup is. Now take a full-on tour of the practice facility that will also be the qualifying setup and eventually the ramps the champions will ride before being be crowned in Salt Lake City. WATCH IT

Check out the athletes who are pre-qualified. Last year’s podium finishers all received invites back to defend their titles — with the first-place winners from each event advancing directly to the finals and the second- and third-place winners to the semifinals. An independent committee voted on a handful of other pre-qualifiers. Check out who’s already destined for Salt Lake. KNOW THEIR NAMES

NitroWorldGames.com is new and improved. The NWG website is all new and improved, with all the good stuff you’ve come to expect plus a whole lot more. It’s also a whole lot prettier, if you’re into that sort of thing.  CHECK IT OUT

Sneak peek at next week: We’ll be reporting live from qualifiers all next week, so make sure you keep an eye on the NWG Facebook, Instagram, NitroWorldGames.com, and right here at NitroCircus.com!

Chris Haffey’s Ode to the Rail Grind

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

We normally see inline skate legend Chris Haffey on our Giganta ramp, sending huge tricks across a 40-foot gap, though “normal” probably isn’t the optimal word to describe that. But it’s important not to forget how dominant Haffey is when he’s skating street, where his discipline is elevated to a form of high-octane performance art. This edit was put together with cinematographer Dom West for Chapter II and F33t in 2014 and 2015, and it features Haffey’s versatility with rail grinds. Check it out:

WANT TO SEE MORE CHRIS HAFFEY?

INLINE REPRESENTS AT THE NITRO CIRCUS TOKYO SHOWS

Sick Ramp-Side Views in Bruce Cook’s Highlight Reel

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

FMX superstar Bruce Cook is the latest member of the Nitro Crew to get in touch with his inner Michael Bay with a cinematic masterpiece documenting a Nitro show. The best thing about athlete-made edits is how they change from rider to rider. Bruce’s clip is unmistakably a love letter to that ramp-side life. On the one hand, you’ll be glad to have another great clip of a Nitro show from the riders’ point of view. On the other, it makes it that much harder to wait until the tour rolls into your city. Check it out:

MORE 2017 AUSTRALIA TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Tons of Highlights From the Central Coast Show (Image Intense)
The Nitro Crew Is Stoked to Be Back Down Under
Highlights From the 2017 Australia Tour Opener
Toohey and Buckworth Put on a Show for Fans in Griffith

Backflip Haters and Kentucky Skaters – WildWeek

Posted on by Charley Daniels
By The Nitro Writers

We’re ushering in the spring with a new weekly roundup of everything awesome we could fit in one post. Yes, we know spring is almost over, but we’ve been busy. At any given time, Nitro Circus athletes are on tour, landing World Firsts, dropping edits of their latest side trips, or competing in the biggest events in action sports. We want to share the things we’re doing, the cool stuff we’re reading about, things that make us laugh, and some things that defy categorization. Think of it as a Nitro show in text form. Now, on to the goods.

Harry Bink Double Backflip

Call us when you double backflip a dump truck. A handful of vocal internet commenters seemed a bit underwhelmed last week when Harry Bink joined the exclusive FMX double backflip club (the photo you were just staring at, above), becoming the seventh rider to land the trick since Travis Pastrana did it first back in 2006, the year most vocal internet commenters were born. SEE IT

X Games Minneapolis competitors are hot hot hot. It looks like there’s going to be a lot of familiar faces competing at X Games this summer. The growing list already includes a bunch of Nitro veterans, including James Foster, Josh Sheehan, Beau Bamburg, Jarryd McNeil, and many more. It’s going to be hard to choose who to root for, so let’s just hope everyone wins something. To see the current complete list, PRESS HERE

There’s no such thing as practice; you’re riding or you’re not. You have to admit, sticking a World First on the Nitro World Games practice setup more than two weeks before qualifiers is a pretty good way to let everyone know you’re planning on going big at the actual competition. We just hope Beaver Fleming didn’t plan to have a fellow Skate Best Tricks competitor pick him up from the airport in Salt Lake City, because he probably just lost his ride. SEE IT

Travis and Wheelz rule, the sky is blue, water is wet, etc. Two of Nitro’s most-recognized athletes won competitions last week: Aaron “Wheelz” Fotheringham took home the top prize at the WCMX World Championships, while Travis Pastrana finished first in the Oregon Trail Rally. Not to be confused with Oregon Trail the video game, which is much slower and less fun to watch. MORE ON WHEELZ and MORE ON TRAVIS

Northern Kentucky has a skate scene. Just across the river from Cincinnati, a group of skateboarders are doing their thing with backing from the mayor and the community. Yes, that says “backing” not “backlash.” Check out their awesome story. READ IT

>>> CATFISH CORNER <<<

>>> THE RIGHT TURN <<<

Tony Hawk witnesses car fire caused by rats. Action sports stars: They’re just like us. Even legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk is not immune from stumbling upon a scene of utter WTF, as he did this week in NYC when he witnessed some guy’s car catch on fire because it was infested with rats. Another Tony Hawk World First! ENJOY IT

Make the call: Did Jed Mildon just attempt a lazy boy backflip on an actual La-Z-Boy?

Little back end heavy 😂🤣😂🤣#winsomeloosesome #sendit

A post shared by jed mildon (@jedmildon) on

We flashed back too far: R-Willy looking … not much different, actually.

***

Sneak peek at next week: The Crew is headed to Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia, this weekend to do a show in front of Ryan “R-Willy” Williams’ hometown crowd, so you can bet he’s planning something huge. See you then!

A Bunch of Animals: The Nitro Crew Visits Australia Zoo

Posted on by Charley Daniels
By Charley Daniels

Between stops on the current tour of Australia, some of the Nitro Crew spent a day at Australia Zoo to get up close and personal with animals from all over the world. Which coincidentally is not unlike the VIP experience for audience members at a live Nitro show. Australia Zoo was founded by the parents of Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin. He grew up there, which is where he got all his experience with animals. It’s common knowledge that Australia is full of wildlife that is hellbent on ending you — just last week on the current tour one of the behind-the-scenes crew was the victim of a nasty spider bite that required medical attention. So Jed Mildon, Ryan Williams, Bruce Cook, Brandon Schmidt, and a few others were excited to get closer to some cuddlier creatures. OK, they weren’t all soft and nice animals, but hugging a koala and kissing a giraffe fall way down on the carefree end of the animal encounter spectrum. Check out the highlights here and a few photos below:

jed-mildon-aus-zoo
brandon-schmidt-aus-zoo
bruce-cook-aus-zoo
crew-aus-zoo

MORE 2017 AUSTRALIA TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Tons of Highlights From the Central Coast Show (Image Intense)
The Nitro Crew Is Stoked to Be Back Down Under
Highlights From the 2017 Australia Tour Opener
Toohey and Buckworth Put on a Show for Fans in Griffith

Jaie Toohey Is Landing Triple Backflips All Over Australia

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

Last year was the year of the Giganta triple flip, with many riders vying to be the next to perform the notoriously difficult and elusive trick. This year, another rider has stepped up and met the triple challenge. Jaie Toohey, who recently secured a spot in the upcoming Nitro World Games, is landing them like clockwork on Nitro’s current tour of Australia. And these aren’t just any triple backflips. It’s one of the most popular moments in the show, because they’re Jurassic-level huge and so smooth. He makes it look way too easy, even though we all know it’s not. Check out some photos and Toohey’s latest edit:

WANT TO HEAR MORE FROM JAIE?

JAIE TOOHEY IS THROWING DOWN IN NEW ZEALAND
TOOHEY AND BUCKWORTH PUT ON A SHOW FOR FANS IN GRIFFITH
JAIE TOOHEY’S BMX BACKFLIP TRIPLE TAILWHIP

 

Beaver Fleming Sticks Another Skateboard World First

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

Nitro skateboard superstar Beaver Fleming laid down a World First Cork 720 Christ Air this week during practice for the upcoming Nitro World Games. It’s a trick that takes about the same amount of time to say as Beaver needs to spin the full two rotations. As with most World Firsts, this one didn’t necessarily come easily, but we’re pretty excited that even practice for the upcoming NWG is yielding World Firsts. Beaver had to hone this one in the foam pit, and it took the right type of ramp setup to pull it off, but he has a knack for achieving the goals he sets for himself. In his latest edit, he takes us through the story of how the trick evolved from foam to ramp. With this in the books, we can only imagine what Beaver will try next. Check it out:

Can’t Get Enough of Beaver?

BEAVER IS A ONE-MAN VARIETY SHOW
BEAVER FLEMING GOES BIG AT BOWL-A-RAMA
BEAVER WINS BEST TRICK AT SIMPLE SESSION WITH A WORLD FIRST

Todd Meyn Rides Three Skateparks in Three Days

Posted on by Chris Cowan
By Chris Cowan

Since the first leg of the tour this year, Todd Meyn has been on a tear of local skateparks throughout New Zealand, Japan, and Australia. In fact, you could argue he’s been running a shadow tour averaging two or more skateparks per show. The BMX superstar clearly had no plans to stop, let alone slow down, when he hit three skateparks in three days across Australia. His edits are a remarkable blend of tour diary and personal journal documenting his progression. It’s inspiring to see local riders enjoying unparalleled access to one of the sport’s greats. Check it out:

A clip from just now .

A post shared by Todd Meyn (@toddmeyn) on

Such a good ride today at the local. Here is a little run from this morning.

A post shared by Todd Meyn (@toddmeyn) on

Fun little ride here in Rockhampton today.

A post shared by Todd Meyn (@toddmeyn) on

MORE EXCELLENCE FROM TODD:

TODD MEYN’S FOCUSED AND FIT FOR BMX
TODD MEYN ON HIS WORLD FIRST BMX DOUBLE FRONTFLIP TAILWHIP
TODD MEYN IS ON FIRE IN NEW ZEALAND
WILL TODD MEYN BE THE NEXT TO STICK THE NOTHING FRONT BIKE FLIP?

On the Anniversary of the FMX Triple Backflip, Landing a Double Is Still Huge

Posted on by Charley Daniels
By Charley Daniels

Two years ago today, on April 28, 2015, FMX legend Josh Sheehan landed the World First triple backflip on a motorcycle at Pastranaland in Maryland, cementing his place in action sports history alongside backflipping pioneers like Travis Pastrana. Travis, as you likely know, was the first to land the double backflip, at the X Games in 2006. Those two amazing accomplishments have led some fans to wonder what was so exciting last week when Harry Bink landed a double backflip at a Nitro show in Australia. “But that’s been done,” they said, questioning why the Nitro Crew appeared to get so excited when he rode away. Here’s the video:

It’s a fair question: Why, more than a decade after the first double backflip and two years after the first triple, are people getting pumped to see a young rider stick a double? We caught up with Sheeny between tour stops in Australia to get his take. The only man to ever land a triple backflip didn’t mince words: “It’s huge for him.” That’s because, he says, only seven riders have ever landed it: Travis, Cam Sinclair, Scott Murray, Sheeny, Jacko Strong, Tom Pages, and now Harry. We’ve said it before: More people have walked on the moon than have landed a double backflip on a motorcycle. And Sheeny is the only rider landing it consistently in shows and competitions, so he speaks from direct experience. Harry joined a very, very exclusive club last week, and with that moment FMX progression ticked a notch higher overall.

Sheeny coached Harry a bit on the double, but he gives all the credit to Harry. “I helped him with timing and to fine-tune his technique when he was trying them into the foam pit. He worked a lot of it out himself,” he says. There’s a reason so few people have landed it and only one rider attempts it consistently a decade later. “On the ramps that we use (American super kicker) it is so difficult to get the rotation,” Sheeny says. “Plus you go higher, and our landings aren’t usually very steep, so you land quite hard. If you crash from that height on a hard landing you can be badly hurt.” He mentions Cam Sinclair’s huge crash in 2009 as an example of the dangers involved. Cam was the only rider performing consistent double backs at that time, but he had a crash on one attempt that put him in a coma for eight days and would have ended his career if he wasn’t as tough as he is driven. But that’s what can happen to a rider who had landed it more than a dozen times, meaning that the trick doesn’t get any less dangerous no matter how many times you’ve done it. “It’s never easy and always scares the crap out of me,” Sheeny says.

As for whether this is a one and done situation for Harry, that remains to be seen. Sheeny says that if Harry decides to make the double a permanent part of his arsenal, it could lead to big things. “He is a very driven guy, and to have one of the tougher tricks it will make him very competitive in the big competitions.”

UPDATE: We talked to Harry, who’s also in Australia right now, and he told us he’s definitely planning to try more double backflips. His confidence is high, and rightly so. He sounds grounded and in a solid place with his achievements at such a young age. “A big thing Josh Sheehan taught me is anything is possible with the right amount of training,” he says. “So long as you never skip training sessions, the possibilities are endless.” He doesn’t remember a time when he didn’t want to try a double backflip. “I had always wanted to do this trick! I never 100 percent knew if I could stick it or not, but I 100 percent knew I always wanted to try it,” he says. The first one didn’t quite go as planned. In the video, it’s clear the landing is a little off, but Harry explains, he thought it was going to be much, much worse. “Well, soon as I left the up ramp, I thought I was dead,” he says. “My foot slipped out of my foot hook, and my feet were no longer attached to the bike. It was just my arms hanging on, hoping I’d stay with the bike! So it scared the crap out of me.” And then, intentionally or not, he leaves us with a mantra for success in almost anything in life: “I just hung on and hoped for the best!”

EXPERIENCE MORE:

THE MOTORCYCLE TRIPLE BACKFLIP
CAM SINCLAIR IS THE COMEBACK KING
WHAT’S IN A BACKFLIP?

A Day in the Life of Bilko, Nitro Circus Clown

Posted on by Chris Cowan

Over the many years we’ve toured with Blake “Bilko” Williams, we’ve had plenty of opportunities to gain insight into the FMX star. We’ve seen him send tricks from his POV. We’ve even mic’d up his helmet to hear the mischief he gets up to during shows. We’re pretty sure we have him pegged by now: He’s a clown who’s really, really good at FMX. Bilko’s latest edit takes us even deeper inside the mind of Nitro’s funniest Crew member. It’s a day in the life of Bilko, according to Bilko. One thing is clear, he is never more anchored than when he’s flipping a motorbike over a big gap. If you feel your life is light on shenanigans these days, check this out:

MORE 2017 AUSTRALIA TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Crazy Tricks From Sheeny and Bilko’s POV
Cam Sinclair Sticks the Four-Person Backflip in the Rain
Tons of Highlights From the Central Coast Show (Image Intense)
Highlights From the 2017 Australia Tour Opener
Toohey and Buckworth Put on a Show for Fans in Griffith

Dusty Wygle’s Video From Black Sage Makes Us Want to MTB

Posted on by Charley Daniels

Black Sage was the second stop on the Fest Series, a unique set of MTB events that are designed by freeriders, for freeriders, and judged by freeriders. Nitro’s own Dusty Wygle rode the event last weekend in Bend, Oregon, so we caught up with him to chat about how it all went down. “The concept is simple,” he says. “By the riders, for the riders. Big jumps, big bikes, big tricks, and send it as hard as you can.” He describes the Fest Series as one part exhibition, one part competition. The events last about 10 days, during which invited riders hit the course (which is designed by other riders for each stop). They ride hard and film everything, and at the end of the event, all the riders vote for winners in set categories like Best Trick, Best Overall Line, Style, and so on. “To get a vote from your peers, being the best freeriders in the world, carries a lot more weight than a judge who has never even ridden something like that,” Dusty says.

Quick reminder: Dusty is a superhumanly versatile athlete who rides everything from rocking horses to pitbikes in the live show. He also hits Giganta on his mountain bike, of course, but freeride MTB is a different animal. So, another point for his versatility. He got involved in Black Sage through some of the organizers of the Fest Series that he knows. “The courses and jumps were massive. They looked like they were having the best time ever riding their bikes. So I asked if I could ride in one of the events while I had some time off from the Nitro live shows,” he says. “After that I was hooked!” Black Sage was hosted by Kyle Jameson and Carson Storch, two heavy-hitters of the sport. “Each stop of the Fest is hosted by a rider. That rider is responsible for building the course, arranging housing and logistics for the invited competitors, and pulling sponsors to fund their event. I was really impressed with Kyle and Carson and the way they put the Black Sage Fest together,” Dusty says.

“The Black Sage course was amazing,” he says. “It is by far the longest and most technical course out of any Fest event I have seen so far.” Unfortunately, weather was a setback leading up to the event, but the spirit of the Fest ensures that there are always plenty of experienced and willing hands to get the course back in shape if rain washes parts of it out, Dusty says. “It’s a massive undertaking with how big the course is. The cool thing is all the riders get involved to make it happen. We all want to ride and are willing to get in there and get things running.”

As for what’s next with Dusty and MTB, he humbly categorizes freeriding as a passion, rather than a step in his career. “I’ve found that pursuing things you’re passionate about can lead to great things,” he says. “I now live in Oregon and have been dedicating a lot of my free time to riding bikes and learning more. I have a great crew of friends here that do the same thing. We’ll see where that road leads. Most likely to a lot more fun!” He definitely hopes to be back out there at more MTB events in the future. “We have a really full schedule for the Nitro Circus Live shows this summer and I am really looking forward to getting on the road with the Crew. But I would jump at any chance to ride another Fest event.”

WANT TO SEE MORE FROM DUSTY? CHECK IT:

DUSTY WYGLE DOES IT ALL
BEAVER FLEMING AND DUSTY WYGLE GO FOR A SKATE
DUSTY WYGLE RODE A PITBIKE TO ACTION SPORTS GREATNESS

Wheelz Wins Third WCMX World Championship

Posted on by Chris Cowan

Aaron “Wheelz” Fotheringham achieved another major milestone in his storied career last weekend when he became the three-time WCMX World Champion. The two-day Texas event hosted by RISE Adaptive Sports and Action Park Alliance featured men and women WCMX athletes competing in four divisions. Coming into the competition as one of the sport’s most recognized stars, with two championship wins, World Firsts, and an ESPY nomination, he was a clear podium favorite. He often speaks of his desire to inspire young athletes to try adaptive sports like WCMX and adaptive skate. This year’s WCMX WC proved that the sport is growing fast. Favorite or not, Wheelz faced tough competition and certainly had to earn his win in a weekend he described on his social media as the most intense in his life. Check out some highlights:

A few clips from the most intense weekend of my life! #wcmx #wcmxwc2017 #riseadaptivesports #sentit

A post shared by Aaron Fotheringham (@aaronwheelz) on

FOLLOW WHEELZ? CHECK OUT HIS LATEST NEWS HERE:

Wheelz Hangs Out With a Young Fan Thanks to Schmidty
Wheelz Shreds and Grinds in Gavin Godfrey’s Latest Edit
Wheelz Is Still Killing It

New R-Willy Video Has POV tricks, Contraptions, and More

Posted on by Chris Cowan

Ryan Williams’ latest edit truly has it all. We never tire of his unscripted trips to local skateparks, but this edit is so much more. The scooter and BMX icon takes us 50 feet up to the top of the Giganta ramp to watch the Nitro Crew drop in. We share so many photos and clips of crazy BMX or FMX tricks; it is easy to forget all the other assorted contraptions we send down the ramp. Athletes like Jed Mildon look supremely confident on BMX, vehicles they trust, but they’re actually at their most courageous when they’re on a hospital gurney, a lounge chair, or a kayak. With more POV footage from the show, it’s truly the next best thing to being in the crowd watching the show in person. Or, better yet, hanging out with the man himself. For those who feel the next Nitro Circus tour can’t come quite soon enough, check out this clip:

FOLLOW R-WILLY? CHECK OUT HIS LATEST NEWS HERE:

R-Willy Talks Upcoming Nitro Circus Video Game
Ryan Williams Rode With the Yasutoko Brothers in Japan
Another Day, Another Ryan Williams BMX World First

Travis Pastrana Wins 2017 Oregon Trail Rally

Posted on by Charley Daniels

Travis Pastrana won the 2017 Oregon Trail Rally after leading for almost the entire three-day race. The Nitro Ringleader and his co-driver, Robbie Durant, made a decisive gamble with their tire allotment late in the race, but it was a gamble that obviously ended up paying off. Travis and Robbie placed second in this race last year behind Subaru teammate and perennial favorite David Higgins, who had won the Oregon Trail Rally the previous six years but had to settle for second this time around. Check out how it all unfolded in photos and video right here:

Thanks to everyone that came out to support us. Hoping to hold the lead through the longer stages today! @srtusa

A post shared by travispastrana (@travispastrana) on

Dropping the hammer Harry.. still leading. Big jumps, high speeds, good times. @srtusa

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MORE TRAVIS PASTRANA RALLY NEWS:

VIDEO: TRAVIS PASTRANA AT OREGON TRAIL RALLY THIS WEEKEND
TRAVIS PASTRANA TAKES SECOND AT INAUGURAL RALLYE PERCE-NEIGE
TRAVIS PASTRANA FINISHES SECOND AT TALL PINES RALLY

VIDEO: Travis Pastrana at Oregon Trail Rally This Weekend

Posted on by Charley Daniels

The Oregon Trail Rally is on, and Nitro Ringleader Travis Pastrana and co-driver Robbie Durant are in the thick of it, driving for Team Subaru. The three-day rally goes through April 23, and you can follow along live right here. Travis finished second in this event in 2016 and is obviously looking to top that this year. Check out a few of his posts leading up to the start of the race (including some in-car footage from his test drive), and check back for results!

MORE TRAVIS PASTRANA RALLY NEWS:

TRAVIS PASTRANA TAKES SECOND AT INAUGURAL RALLYE PERCE-NEIGE
TRAVIS PASTRANA FINISHES SECOND AT TALL PINES RALLY

Crazy FMX Tricks From Sheeny and Bilko’s POV

Posted on by Chris Cowan

FMX legend Josh Sheehan regularly performs one of the most challenging and dangerous tricks in FMX in our live shows: the double backflip. It’s a trick that few athletes have ever done, and no one else lands it regularly. As amazing as that is, there’s nothing like witnessing the real thing from his POV. Sheeny and Blake “Bilko” Williams shared some POV edits this week so we could all experience what they see as they’re sending it. It’s disorienting and truly amazing that they find the lander at all. Check out Sheeny’s signature trick and spend the briefest of moments in Bilko’s head:

#whipitwednesday #gopro #goodthanks #panicrev #limiter #lovesit

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MORE 2017 AUSTRALIA TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Cam Sinclair Sticks the Four-Person Backflip in the Rain
Tons of Highlights From the Central Coast Show (Image Intense)
The Nitro Crew Is Stoked to Be Back Down Under
Highlights From the 2017 Australia Tour Opener
Toohey and Buckworth Put on a Show for Fans in Griffith

Todd Meyn Can Flair Whip Anything

Posted on by Charley Daniels

We have a long history of appreciating everything about BMX superstar Todd Meyn’s riding, but one aspect we haven’t specifically singled out is his ability to backflip, frontflip, and flair just about any little bump he can find. Once you notice it, you’ll start to pay attention to how often you see it every time you watch one of his clips. Go a little deeper and you’ll notice that he makes flair whips look so easy that you start to think maybe you could do one (you probably can’t). Check it out in slow motion:

Fun day riding yesterday at the local . Couple of slow mo clips. 🎥 @shraps1

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MORE EXCELLENCE FROM TODD:

TODD MEYN’S FOCUSED AND FIT FOR BMX
TODD MEYN ON HIS WORLD FIRST BMX DOUBLE FRONTFLIP TAILWHIP
TODD MEYN IS ON FIRE IN NEW ZEALAND
WILL TODD MEYN BE THE NEXT TO STICK THE NOTHING FRONT BIKE FLIP?

R-Willy, Schmidty, and Bilko Ride a Trampoline Park

Posted on by Chris Cowan

Shocker, in addition to scooter and BMX, Ryan Williams is an adept trampolinist too. He is a familiar face at Australia’s Bounce trampoline parks, or on his backyard setup, where he dials in his newest tricks. Bounce let R-Willy and fellow Nitro legends Brandon Schmidt and Blake “Bilko” Williams be the first to bring bikes on their trampolines. The result, as usual, is crazy. There are nasty scrapes, near-misses, Bilko being Bilko, and because we’re talking about R-Willy, a new trick. Looks like we’ll be Googling trampoline tricks now. Check out R-Willy’s latest video and his very first Double Cody, or bellyflop double backflip:

FOLLOW R-WILLY? CHECK OUT HIS LATEST NEWS HERE:

R-Willy Talks Upcoming Nitro Circus Video Game
Ryan Williams Rode With the Yasutoko Brothers in Japan
Another Day, Another Ryan Williams BMX World First

Let’s Celebrate Loupos’ 2017 Giganta Debut With Two Sick Park Edits

Posted on by Chris Cowan

The Nitro Crew recently welcomed back another hometown hero to the roster at our Adelaide show, Aussie BMX star Brandon Loupos. By all reports the cashroll tailwhip king hit the ramp like he’s been riding it all year. Like so many of the BMX legends we have on tour, Brandon is a daily rider and prolific dropper of edits on his social media. To celebrate his return to our ramps, and to give you a taste of the craziness he brings to our show, we’re featuring some of his latest clips. Welcome back, Brandon!

Some fun Slomo clips spinning around on the @monsterskatepark spine mini the other day! 🎥 – @alexloupos

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MORE 2017 AUSTRALIA TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Tons of Highlights From the Central Coast Show (Image Intense)
The Nitro Crew Is Stoked to Be Back Down Under
Highlights From the 2017 Australia Tour Opener
Toohey and Buckworth Put on a Show for Fans in Griffith

Travis Pastrana Wins PTTOW! Icon Award

Posted on by Charley Daniels

Nitro Co-Founder and Ringleader Travis Pastrana was honored this week with the Icon Award at the PTTOW! Summit, a gathering of influential leaders in the worlds of tech, sports, and the arts. As part of the gathering, Travis had Nitro athletes perform an FMX demo for the assembled crowd of honored guests. Travis joins amazing company in being honored with this award; check out how intense the list of some previous recipients is: Tony Hawk, Sarah Jessica Parker, Quincy Jones, Shaun White, and the Dalai Lama.

Travis Pastrana PTTOW Icon Award Nitro Circus

World Surf League co-owner and PTTOW! co-founder Terry Hardy introduced Travis and presented him the award. Travis gave an awesome speech (Getty Images photo, above) about his career and the dedication and persistent it takes to become an icon in any field. Legendary Musician Usher also received an Icon Award this week. Check out this video he took of the event, queued to the FMX demo, which starts around 12:35:

R-Willy’s New Bike Is Magical (or Maybe It’s Just Him)

Posted on by Chris Cowan

The best way to describe Ryan Williams’ latest edit is that it’s the gnarliest unboxing video in YouTube history. OK, so there’s no actual unboxing, but you can imagine that part while R-Willy gets to the important stuff: He hit his local skatepark to try out a new bike for the first time, and he obviously rides it like he was born on it. The result is a slick clip featuring the scooter and BMX icon riding for the pure joy of it. It’s clear the bike is made to suit his riding style completely, which makes us all the more excited to see where it’s going to take him this year. There’s something in here for scooter fans as well. Check it out:

FOLLOW R-WILLY? CHECK OUT HIS LATEST NEWS HERE:

R-Willy Talks Upcoming Nitro Circus Video Game
Ryan Williams Rode With the Yasutoko Brothers in Japan
Another Day, Another Ryan Williams BMX World First

Harry Bink’s Biggest Tricks From His Perspective

Posted on by Chris Cowan

The Nitro Circus FMX squad is so stacked with legendary moto veterans that you’d think it would be hard for a relative newcomer like Harry Bink to stand out. But he’s a new member of the Nitro Crew for a reason. Renowned for his high-octane, adrenaline-fueled performances and his willingness to take calculated risks to send it all day long, Harry is an absolute assassin to have on tour, an athlete and performer who can reliably kill it. Night after night he sticks some of the most technically difficult tricks that exist today. And in a few recent edits, we get to experience what some of those tricks look like from his POV. Check them out:

MORE 2017 AUSTRALIA TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Cam Sinclair Sticks the Four-Person Backflip in the Rain
Tons of Highlights From the Central Coast Show (Image Intense)
The Nitro Crew Is Stoked to Be Back Down Under
Highlights From the 2017 Australia Tour Opener
Toohey and Buckworth Put on a Show for Fans in Griffith

Cam Sinclair Sticks the Four-Person Backflip in the Rain

Posted on by Chris Cowan

Nitro veteran Cam Sinclair has had a legendary career, and there’s a reason for that: The man cannot be discouraged. Every show he rides, he gives it his all, even when conditions are somewhat sketchy. Case in point: At a recent show on the Australia tour, wet conditions made for a slick lander, which is tough no matter what trick you’re trying to land. But Cam is responsible for one of the gnarliest tricks in the show: the four-person backflip. That’s him and three lucky (?) volunteers on one bike. The results are never certain even when it’s perfectly dry. But Cam managed to nail it in the rain, and as a testament to how hard that is, he took home the MVC for the night as a result. Nice work, Cam! Check it out:

4 man somersault in the rain yesterday #nitrocircus @nitrocircus ☔️👬👬

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@spmx1 suspension is doing its job on the 4 person flip bike @nitrocircus @foxheadaustralia #nitrocircus 👌

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MORE 2017 AUSTRALIA TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Tons of Highlights From the Central Coast Show (Image Intense)
The Nitro Crew Is Stoked to Be Back Down Under
Highlights From the 2017 Australia Tour Opener
Toohey and Buckworth Put on a Show for Fans in Griffith

Nitro Circus Partners With FIST Handwear

Posted on by Charley Daniels

Nitro Circus has slowly but surely been selectively building partnerships with top gear brands that have been vetted and approved by our stable of serious athletes. It makes perfect sense: Amazing gear is half the fun when you’re an action sports junkie, and that’s true whether you’re a top pro or a weekend warrior. In that spirit, we’re pumped to announce a new partnership with FIST Handwear, makers of fine gloves for FMX, BMX, and MTB. As part of the deal, FIST has created a line of Nitro Circus gloves set for wide release.

If you’re the observant type, you’ve probably already noticed many of our athletes wearing FIST over the years, so we’re excited to make a partnership with this innovative company official. The best part is, Nitro fans will be able to rock Nitro-branded FIST gloves as well. They’re rolling out now in Australia, so Aussies can head to FISThandwear.com and snag a pair. More details on wider release will be coming soon. In the meantime, here are a few shots of FIST’s new Nitro Circus gloves in action:

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Tons of Highlights From the Central Coast Show (Image Intense)

Posted on by Chris Cowan

The 2017 tour of Australia has been truly epic, and from the looks of all the highlights we’re seeing, the Central Coast show has been one of the best of the best, one for the ages. The whole Crew was in top form, and every moment was better than the last. It’s tough to pick out the best moments, but FMX star Harry Bink performed his now-signature frontflip no-hander, and Josh Sheehan landed his double backflip. Jaie Toohey, performing for his hometown crowd, stuck a clutch triple backflip, winning the MVC for the night. Here’s video of all that, and keep scrolling for more highlights:

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MORE 2017 AUSTRALIA TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

The Nitro Crew Is Stoked to Be Back Down Under
Highlights From the 2017 Australia Tour Opener
Toohey and Buckworth Put on a Show for Fans in Griffith

Now We Can Shred the Park Without Shredding Our Pants

Posted on by Charley Daniels
By Charley Daniels

BMX superstar Colton Satterfield clearly doesn’t do anything halfway, and so when he set his mind to creating a pair of pants that were overbuilt for riding but also beautifully designed for everyday wear, it turned into more than just a personal passion project. Now his denim-focused lifestyle company, Love. And. Rebel, is blowing up in the action sports community, thanks in no small part to Colton’s extreme focus and a lot of hard work.

We caught up with the Salt Lake City native over email to find out what it takes to go from decorated BMX pro to burgeoning denim kingpin. “I wouldn’t consider myself too conventional in the first place,” he says. “I try not to be — it’s the only way to get anywhere.” The X Games gold medalist is obviously no stranger to long, tough riding sessions, and over the course of his epic career he started to notice that there was a literal hole in the clothing world when it comes to what he does. “I have never found good denim for us to ride in ever, and tried everything for so long,” he says.

Colton Satterfield -- BMX Triple Hit -- Nitro World Games

His solution was to design a pair of pants with action sports in mind, and that’s what he set out to do. He took the task deadly serious, and the more he learned about denim and the pants-making process, the more he realized he could do better. Through more than a year and a half of creating and testing and refining, he moved L&R to the point where he was ready to bring these pants to the world. “Our goal is this. Be the best all around pant, specific to going hard, i.e. BMX, skate, outdoor lifestyles. To do this we focused on these five areas,” he says. Those areas are durability, stretch, breathability, comfort, and fit.

Nitro BMX legend Jed Mildon has been riding in L&R denim for a while and is super pleased with the results. He tells us, “Colton’s jeans are like no other. They are, as the title says, the most durable, most comfortable, most breathable, most stretch, best fit.” Full disclosure: Athletes were given pants to test, but these reviews aren’t coerced. In fact, feedback of all types is the whole point. Colton’s strategy has been to give top riders the pants not for promotional purposes (well, at least not solely for promotional purposes) but for R&D purposes. Real-world testing and the design changes Colton has made as a result of that have led to rave reviews from the action sports community. Kurtis Downs, another longtime member of the Nitro Crew who’s been riding in L&R jeans, landed the World First BMX stripper flip in them. He gives a great video testimony over on L&R’s YouTube, but maybe the best review he could give is this one:

Kurtis Downs - Nitro Circus

Nitro World Games trophy winner Logan Martin is another top athlete who says he’ll never ride in another pair of jeans. We didn’t talk to Logan, but we didn’t need to. The Love. And. Rebel. Insta account has screengrabs of texts from athletes genuinely excited by L&R jeans. “People are loving them and that makes me stoked,” Colton says. “Everyone is wearing them and riding in them now. It’s cool to see a first trick or wild Insta vid and see dudes rocking and loving them. … A lot of time and effort being rewarded is awesome.”

Another line in the mini ramp at Beenleigh. I have been really loving this ramp lately, stoked on this line from today!!

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It’s clear that these pants aren’t just a gimmick. Colton considers L&R a pioneer in a new category: quality casual. He says he wants to invent clothing you can wear on a date right before you get blown up on a massive dirt landing, and if that juxtaposition sounds like it’s intentionally symbolic, well, that wouldn’t surprise us. Colton describes himself as a “deep thinker” when he talks about how he came up with the name of his burgeoning lifestyle brand. “Basically, in this world, love is rebellion. This world is run by duality in all things throughout history — it’s the nature of reality. I liked how ‘Love’ and ‘Rebel’ could be spoken as two verbs that seem opposite or a verb and a noun. There are so many ways to take it, and to me they are all deep,” he says.

Over at LVRBL.com they’ve also got hats, and we wouldn’t be surprised if you see the variety of offerings grow. Keep an eye on this brand, because the quality casual category is what action sports has always needed, even if we didn’t realize it until now, and if this is the start of a trend, we are fully on board for the ride.

Even Wheelz Bends His Wheels

Posted on by Chris Cowan

Aaron “Wheelz” Fotheringham doesn’t get bent out of shape with every wheel he literally bends out of shape. Despite his nickname, the WCMX pioneer doesn’t have a superpower that grants him invulnerable wheels. And with all the time he puts in at the skatepark, it’s to be expected. Even a chair designed to withstand hours at a park and many trips over the Giganta ramp is going to accumulate some wear and tear and eventually need parts replaced. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Scratches and dents are earned. They give your ride personality. A new wheel is a badge of honor in the park. Check out the tire carnage here:

FOLLOW WHEELZ? CHECK OUT HIS LATEST NEWS HERE:

Wheelz Hangs Out With a Young Fan Thanks to Schmidty
Wheelz Shreds and Grinds in Gavin Godfrey’s Latest Edit
Wheelz Is Still Killing It

Todd Meyn Riding Smooth Back in Perth

Posted on by Chris Cowan

In the midst of an epic series of shows across Australia, Todd Meyn found the time to make a stop at Belmont skatepark, in his hometown of Perth, Australia. He has been riding tons of parks lately, from humble local spots to action sports complexes that are home to world champions. But there’s something different about riding your hometown park with your friends. Some of your best sessions happen there, regardless of the size of the crowd or if anyone is there to record the event at all. Todd is in absolutely peak form this year, and we’re glad his hometown crowd got the chance to see it (and film it). His riding is so sick, you could shoot it on a flip phone and it would still be the best thing you watch all day. Check it out:

Fun ride this morning/afternoon at the local with @davidpinelli .

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FOLLOW TODD MEYN? CHECK OUT HIS LATEST NEWS HERE:

Todd Meyn’s Modified Game of BMX
Todd Meyn’s in Fighting Shape for the Australia Tour
Todd Meyn Having Some Fun With BMX Tricks for Two
Todd Meyn on His World First BMX Double Frontflip