Jaie Toohey: Dirt's Not Dead

Unit Clothing rider Jaie Toohey is part of the new wave of Australian BMX riders. At just 18-years-old, Toohey is already making his impact on the scene. And quite an impact on the Nitro Circus Gigant-O-Ramp as well, it seems...

This video is filmed all over the world and forms parts of Jaie and Unit's campaign to bring back Dirt!

Friday Throwdown: Woah, Camouflage!

For today's collection - camouflage clothing! There are many great things about the camo pattern: 

a) It'll never go out of fashion.

b) You can convince yourself that, if you wanted to, you could be some sort of macho military hero.

c) If the situation requires, you could leap into shrubbery and appear invisible to the human eye, like you're Snake from Metal Gear Solid or something.

d) It still looks good even when it's dirty.

Sure, not many of these are an every day occurrence but the point is that camo looks good on almost every guy. Unless you're wearing it completely head-to-toe while you do the grocery shopping, in which case everyone will eye you suspiciously and have the number for the emergency services already tapped into their phones in case you flip out.

So, take a look at a some of the camo print clothing on sale now at FreestyleXtreme!

1. Fox Slambozo Cargo Shorts

2. Etnies Camo Fader Shoe

3. Famous Stars & Straps JS Camo Tee

4. Dragon Alliance Weld Flexfit Cap

5. Alpinestars Carbon G2 Jacket

6. One Industries Soldier Hoody

7. Etnies Jameson 2 Eco Shoe

8. Metal Mulisha Full Metal 2 Flexfit Cap

9. One Industries Remedy Windbreaker

10. Fox Covert MTB Jersey

11. Etnies Nam Cargo Shorts

12. Metal Mulisha Soldier Tee

Ken Block's First Rally Finland

When you've got a schedule as busy as KB's, not to mention a limited budget, you've got to pick and choose where you go and race.

Traditionally, Block has opted to race at X-Games instead of the WRC Rally in Finland. However, this year the two didn't clash and Ken was free to tackle the Nordic challenge.

As it turned out, an unfortunate landing meant he had to retire from the rally, but his previous position of 10th was impressive for a privateer team. In this vid, he talks about his expectations from Finland. And, it turns out, how much booze he'd been plied with... 

Life In The Foust Lane: Episode 2

Is it just us, but does that moment around 7:10 with Deegan, Block, Foust and Gittin Jr in the Focus ST look like a Wayne's World? Play a bit of Bohemian Rhapsody and you're there. Ah, perhaps it's just me.

The second episode of Life In The Foust Lane is still set at the Octane Academy, where Tanner once again reminds us that he has an awesome job where he can say "I have a meeting with Hot Wheels" in the same way most of us are more likely to say "I've got a meeting with the Credit Control Manager". Not that we are jelly or anything.

Anyway, more sliding about, more wondering just how many Etnies Rockstar hats Foust has in his wardrobe and the promise of more excitement in episode 3...

Red Bull Pro Nationals At Hawkstone Park

There’s something very special about Hawkstone Park. Whether it’s the scenic setting, the sheer sense of history of the place, the super-tough circuit or a combination of all three it’s hard to say for sure but when something as good as the Red Bull Pro Nationals rock up somewhere as good as Hawkstone Park you just know you’re onto a winner.

The $5k Ken Block Toolbox

Because nothing says "I've got so much money I can afford mechanic labour rates when I balls up the oil change anyway" like a Snap-On tool box that costs $5,335.00. Or, more precisely, $2,950.00 for the KRA2454 top box, MSRP $5,335.00 for the KRA2422 bottom box and MSRP $99.99 for the KMC923A micro-box.

 But, as you can see, this isn't just any old tool box. This is the official Ken Block signature set, designed in conjunction with Snap-On to replicate the current 2012 racing livery from his DC/ Monster Energy Ford Fiesta HFHV race car.

According to Snap-On: "The Ken Block signature tool boxes offer the at-home rally fan the perfect way to store all of their tools in style, while letting everyone know that they also like to release their own inner hoon from time to time."  But don't worry about having to sell your car to buy one because "Financing is also available for both models."

To be fair, I don't really know how much Snap-On tool boxes cost anyway. Although, there was once a tool truck guy that turned up outside an office I used to work at who sometimes had to resort to taking out customer's kneecaps with the very tools they couldn't afford to buy. Which, I guess, is my answer.

 

But what do I know, anyway? If it can't be fixed with a hammer it must be an electrical problem.

Skullcandy Announces Supermodel Crew

Skullcandy has one of the most impressive athlete rosters out there; Chad Reed, Robbie Maddison, and Jeremy McGrath to name a few. At the start of March, it branched out from action sports stars to announce Sports Illustrated mega babe Kate Upton as the head of its new Supermodel Crew.

A whole crew of 'em, huh? Yep, and now the rest of the impossibly attractive ambassadors have been revealed; Chrissy Teigen, Jessica Stam and Chanel Iman. Had I heard of any of them asides from Upton before now? No. Does it really matter? Not in the slightest. Is it just an excuse for me to put some pictures of pretty girls up on the FreestyleXtreme blog? You betcha.

Hawkstone Hillbillies

Anyone who has been to the Hawkstone Park motocross circuit in Shropshire, England, knows the fearsome Hawkstone Hill that forms the centrepiece of the track. With a 1-in-3 ascent and a 8 foot drop on the way down, the Hill has been the location for numerous spectacular and memorable moto accidents.

We can only imagine that this hapless cyclist - who has decided to tackle the hill in a reverse route down the aforementioned ascent - knew of it's reputation. Which either makes him incredibly ballsy. Or completely idiotic.

We'll let you decide...

FSX rider Ian Lowry Picks Up Points At Cadwell Park In British Superbike Championship

Round eight of the MCE British Superbike Championship headed to Cadwell Park over the Bank Holiday weekend and in front of a massive crowd Ian secured a 12th and seventh for the Padgetts Honda team at the very technical Lincolnshire circuit.

The team took part in a brief testing session before the season started and with the long five week break since Brands Hatch, it was also a case of getting back into the swing of things. Ian and the Padgetts Honda team worked hard through the practice sessions to find a good set up on the bike.

He secured a place in the second Superpole session but had to settle for 14th place on the gird, with Cadwell being a 3 - 3 - 3 grid, this put him at a disadvantage on row five. He held his position after the opening lap but soon started to make progress through the field making some strong passing manoeuvres and after a tough race got up to eighth place on the penultimate lap, all the hard work came to blows on the final lap when he ran off the track and lost out on a number of places pushing him back to 12th.

From his times from race one Ian was promoted to seventh on the grid for race two and he lost a position off the start and was eighth after lap one. Despite working hard Ian struggled for speed against some of the other teams and pushing hard throughout the race and locked in a few tight battles with James Westmoreland and eventually gained seventh place at the end of the 18-lap race. Ian is lying on the cusp of the final showdown in seventh place in the Championship standings, six points behind sixth placed man Alex Lowes.

Ian - "Even though the results don't show it we did have a really good weekend and made a lot of progress with the bike. It hasn't felt right for a couple of rounds but managed to get a really good set up for Cadwell for the races, it was a tough weekend and we lost quite a bit of time during the practice session on Saturday after it was cancelled. I had a pretty tough qualifying but the Padgetts Honda felt great in race one and I was really enjoying my racing and the battles I was having. I made a mistake on the last lap which I have been kicking myself about as I'd made some strong passes and that put me backwards and I also lost valuable Championship points. I was struggling a little bit with speed over the weekend and hopefully something can be done for Donington in a few weeks' time. My aim obviously is to get myself in the showdown but it's really close now, about five of us could still potentially get into the top six."

Nine Knights MTB 2012 Highlights!

The Suzuki Nine Knights competitions don't just round up some of the world's best skiers and MTB riders, it takes the format of a unique media event created with audiences and photographers firmly in mind. Oh, and a castle to jump over.

This year's Nine Knights MTB even took place over the weekend and saw performances from Andreu Lacondeguy, Martin Söderström, Yannick Granieri, Geoff Gulevich, Andi Wittmann (the show creator and host) and many more as the conquered the castle jump and trail section. Complete with Austrian cows...

At the end of the day, several knights emerged victorious; Frenchman Yannick Granieri bagged Best Trick, Martin Söderström from Sweden rode the Best Line, Louis Reboul from France pulled off the Best Whip and Canadian Kurt Sorge shared triumph with Andi Whittmann from Best Air.

As far as spectacles go, events don't get much more visually impressive than this. So, check out the video for more moments that look as cool as this:

ET in his bicycle basket just out of shot.

2012 Shift MX Freeride Tour!

If we had to use one word to describe this video, that word would probably be "Wheeeeeeeeee!" - damn those guys seems to be getting serious air time!

Last year, the guys from Shift MX loaded up a bus with a bunch of riders and headed out to the Glamis Dunes in California for a fun trip that eventually turned into their popular #SANDBOX video. This year, they decided they had such a good time they would do it again - bigger!

Welcome then the Shift Ride On Tour, which has now evolved into a five-stop freeride event travelling across the US, with a bus full of athletes including Bilko Williams, Carey Hart, Josh Hill, Jeff Emig and more. By the sounds of things, the idea is to just turn up, hang around with the riders and have an awesome freeride session!

This particular video was filmed at the Oregon Dunes and if the action there was anything to go by, the rest of the tour is going to be a heck of a lot of fun!

Life in the Foust Lane: Episode 1

This series, created by Rockstar Energy, follows movie stunt driver/ rallycross driver/ X games hero Tanner Foust as he shows us his enviously awesome life.

This first episode is filmed behind-the-scenes at the Ford Octane Academy, a TV show where amateur contestants show off their driving prowess in a competition to win a brand new Ford. What makes the Octane Adademy particularly exciting are the instructors who have to train up the competitors; Ken Block, Brian Deegan, Vaughn Gittin Jr and, of course, Tanner Foust. 

That beats the hell out of my driving instructor. That jerk simply made me drive to the nearest supermarket, threw a Highway Code at me and told me to read it while he did his grocery shopping. Don't worry, I ate all that bastard's mints in his glovebox while he was gone.

Friday Throwdown: High (Top) Times

This week: taking a look at FreestyleXtreme's finest High Top shoes!

While the main aim for a High Top shoe is for extra ankle support and protection when skating, they are also able to make the boldest fashion footwear statement. Shirk the current trend for training shoes - when there are styles that look this good, you'll always be ahead of the game anyway!

We've put a selection of some of our favourites here, from wild Osiris colourways and DC collaboration shoes to more everyday styles from Etnies:

1. Osiris NYC83 (Black/Orange/Blue)
2. DC Shoes Inbound
3. Osiris Rhyme RMX
4. West Coast Choppers Warrior
5. Globe Superfly Vulcan
6. DC Shoes Spartan Hi Nitro Circus
7. Etnies Waysayer
8. DC Shoes Spartan Hi Ken Block
9. Etnies Ollie King
10. Famous Stars and Straps Future High FMS
11. Osiris NYC83 (Black/ White/ Lime)
12. DC Shoes Union Hi

Monster Energy Off Road Team Race From Vegas To Reno

The Best in the Desert Vegas to Reno event in the longest off-road race in America; a 550 mile, one-day race through mountains, deserts, dry lake beds and some of the most high-speed and treacherous off-road conditions a driver could experience.

The event, which took place earlier in August, had more than 300 competitors and was open to Class 1400 Trick Trucks, ProTrucks, Jeeps, Baja Buggies, UTVs, Quad and Enduro bikes and what looks like off-road golf carts (imagine driving one of those for 550 miles in one day!)

Needless to say, the Monster Energy Off-Road Team wanted a piece of the action and entered several vehicles in the BITD: Vegas to Reno. Luckily, they were kind enough to record some of the action from their testing sessions until the point where the teams finally passed the finish line.

We wont put all the videos here (although you can check them out on Monster's YouTube page) but here's enough to give you a taste of the action!

FSX Chats To MX1 Rider Clement ‘The MX Panda’ Desalle

Currently sat 55 points behind leader Antonio Cairoli in the 2012 MX1 World Championship, we caught up the Belgian rider Clement Desalle before the 13th round at Matterley Basin, UK, to talk about his season so far, the future and the origins of his nickname…

Over the last three years, you have finished in the top 3 in the MX1 GP Championships. Right now, you are just a thirty points behind Cairoli. Do you reckon that 2012 will be your year?

I’ll do my best and I’m looking really positive in the front to try to get the best results possible.

How did it feel to pick up your first double victory earlier in the year at Uddevalla?

It was a good feeling, not only of the results but also because my riding was really good!

After controlling much of 2011 season, your shoulder injury in Belgium meant the championship was snatched from you. How did that feel?

It’s a real bad feeling because I wanted to finish the season on the best level possible without injury.

How do you like to spend your time when you aren’t riding motocross?

I like to train for MX with different kind of sports, like running, cycling, swimming, and racketball. I like to have fun in my 4X4 with friends, pass time with my dogs (animals are the best!). Plus, I like to ride Enduro with friends and my dad during the winter.

Do you think that you would consider racing Motocross over in the States?

Yes, I wouldn’t put this option out of my head. But for me, MX is not only the sport, you know? I want to feel good in the life out of motocross too.

You’ve been nicknamed the ‘MX Panda’. How come? Do you love bamboo? 

My nickname came because I love to eat! It was in 2002 and I was with friends in the Futuroscope (a park in France) and they told me about a documentary about the panda and it said that pandas eat 14 hours in a day. It started from there!

Alongside the new addition this year, the 2013 calendar also features a new track in Thailand. What are your views on the new tracks and the championship reaching new parts of the world?

Honestly, I think it’s more about business than the riders. When you see the condition of some tracks we ride, I’ve had more fun on some practice tracks! I mean, it should be okay to ride in parts of the world like this, but the track should be really good. They should be more prepared for it!

Do you think that teams having to go further afield for racing will have any negative affect on championships? There is plenty of speculation as to why there were fewer competitors in Russia, for example…

I can’t really answer of this question because I don’t know how the teams work. We pay for so many things, it’s normal that some say no. Russia for example, it was really not cool to see only 21 riders on the entry list and 14 riders at the gate. What’s this mean for a World Championship?

What does it mean to you to be part of Fox Racing’s team of athletes?

It’s really good! The people I’ve met are really nice and I really like the design of Fox gear and sportswear!

Where The Trail Ends: Argentina Moment

Each new clip I see from upcoming MTB freeride movie Where The Trail Ends convinces me further than the likes of Cam Zink, Andreu Lacondeguy and Darren Berrencloth are either fearless, insane or just very, very confident of their skills. Sometimes, I don't even know how these Mountain Bikes traverse such perilous tracks with comparative ease. Makes that time I bailed on a speed bump all the more embarrassing...

This particular clip was filmed in Salta, Agentina, and stars rider Mike Kinrade showing us how massive his balls are over this death defying natural jump. Well done that man.

As if you need reminding again, Where The Trail Ends premieres on the 21st September at Interbike 2012 in Las Vegas, then, hopefully, elsewehere afterwards!

UPDATE: Have this video of James Doerfling leaping an equally terrifying gap by the Fraser River in Canada too:

 

On Pace With Pastrana Episode 11

Time for another episode of On Pace With Pastrana. Wow, we didn't know that TP had so little testing in his Dodge Dart (the first ever built, no less) on the run up to the first round of the Global Rallycross. Makes his victory at New Hampshire all the more impressive. Uh, if you ignore that Grönholm was sidelined for that particular race.

And what's the deal with the custom bike being built for Lyn-Z. Poor girl didn't even get a look in while Travis monkeyed his way around the bike scrapyard picking up parts. It's your bike - you choose how you want it to look! That said, if it ends up pink we're going to be so disappointed...

One Expensive Way To Block The Driveway: Rockstar Energy Speedboat!

Okay, so you could argue that a Luxury Ski and Wakeboard speedboat might not deserve much of a place on the FreestyleXtreme blog. However, when we discovered this badass Supra Boat we thought it was awesome enough to share. Plus, you know, Rockstar.

Designed for and used by Pro Wakeboarders, the Supra 242 is a $75,000, 325hp speedboat that can seat up to 17 hot chicks in bikinis (or bodies, if you've been watching too much Dexter) and make you look like a totally moneyed-up WaterBro. Or, you know, just sit outside your apartment on bricks because you live 3000 miles from the coast....

What makes this boat super awesome is a) it's been custom built with Rockstar Energy graphics  and b) Rockstar are actually giving it away on their website! We don't know if it is a competition that is open to entrants to around the world but you might as well enter anyway. Even if you can't use it, $75k will buy you a heck of a lot of prostitutes a half decent Winnebago and a new Honda CRF450 so you could lord it about like a real moto rider instead.

Fox Racing Presents: Ricky Carmichael And The Road Back To Loretta's - The Championship

We've already given you our thoughts about Ricky Carmichael returning to race one last time at Loretta Lynn's and, impressive fan service that it is, we're still unsure of RC's motivation behind races against amateur riders.

Sure, it's great for his kids to see what their dad on the podium like he used to do before they were born, and I get the whole 'returning to your roots' things. But I still maintain that an All Star race of retired riders returning for a one-off, just-for-fun race would be just as rewarding for those taking part and those watching it.

I digress - but would love to know how you guys feel about it.

In the meantime, check out the official Fox Racing video concluding Carmichael's 'Road To Loretta's' series...

UK MXGP Festival At Matterley Basin: Highlights!

Yesterday, we showed you our picture from the UK MX1 and MX2 Grand Prix at Matterley Basin. Today, we have a collection of highlights from the weekend for those who were there to relive and those that weren't to find out what they missed...

FSX At Matterley Basin For The British Moto GP!

Matterley Basin may be one of the few UK tracks that can still host races whatever the weather. Fortunately, for the weekend of the British Motocross Grand Prix the track in Winchester was treated to fantastic weather all weekend. Something that was made all the sweeter with a double victory from UK MX2 rider Tommy Searle out to impress the home crowd!

With the promise of over 300 riders racing over the course of the weekend, FreestyleXtreme headed to Matterley to soak up the atmosphere and spread some FSX love! We thought we'd take an alternate angle on the images, and snap some of the paddock action.

One Industries At Loretta Lynn's

Through the years ONE Industries has watched young riders come up the ranks and move from Loretta Lynn's ranch and on to bigger and better things. Watching the competition unfold into greatness, ONE Industries Gear Athletes took home 6 National Championships by the end of the week. 

This video, from One Industries, shows some footage from what many consider to be the purest form of motocross racing with some of the most exciting and unpredictable results.

Be sure to take a look at our huge range of One Industries MX Kit and casual wear. Particularly as we have currently have a sale on - you'll find a load of Tees, Caps and more with up to 50% off!

Jonny Walker: Enduro Has A New Star!

F

This video follows down-to-earth Jonny Walker from his home in Cumbria to Enduro races around Europe as his shares his dream to become a full-time rider...

From Monday to Friday, Jonny works as part of the daily grind in his 9-5 job. On the weekends, though, he is transformed from a humble Window Fitter into one of the most consistent podium finishers in Enduro racing during the last 12 months. 

In addition to his victory  at the  2012 Erzberg Rodeo and 2012 Red Bull Hare Scramble, podium finishes at the Red Bull Romaniacs, Hell's Gate and more, Walker now  has a trophy cabinet bulging with awards.

He also seems like a thoroughly nice bloke, which makes it all the better to wish him success for future Enduro races.

Friday Throwdown: Skullapalooza!

A selection of Tees and Tops for guys and girls with skulls on! Timelessly cool!

For this week's Friday Throwdown the FreestyleXtreme.com website really spoiled us. Almost the entire range from brands like Alchemy and Metal Mulisha's featured them! Not that we're surprised - the faithful skull has so much symbolism attached to it and conveys so many themes, from Rock 'n' Roll, Gothic and Tattoo culture to religion, death and danger.

It's not just a masculine thing, either, which is why we've selected some of our own favourite Tees and Tops for men and women from our massive selection available to buy right now!

Row 1: Metal Mulisha Fresh, Alchemy Splash Skull, Alchemy Death Card
Row 2: Lucky 13 Skull Stars, Alchemy Dark Age Skull, Santa Cruz Dead Sketchy
Row 3: Unit Capitalism, Alchemy Rock Me, Metal Mulisha Crusher
Row 4: Alchemy Amore Skull Volcano, Alchemy Muses Remain, Alchemy Toil N Trouble
Row 5: Iron Fist Ramp Locals, Alchemy Punk, Unit Blood Sports

1. Metal Mulisha Fresh Men's Tee

2. Alchemy Splash Skull Miama Women's Top

3. Alchemy Death Card Men's Tee

4. Lucky 13 Skull Stars Women's Tank Top

5.Alchemy Dark Age Skull Men's Tee

6. Santa Cruz Dead Sketchy Men's Tee

7. Unit Capitalism Men's Tee

8. Alchemy Rock Me Women's Tee

9. Metal Mulisha Crusher Men's Tee

10. Alchemy Amore Skull Volcano Women's Tee

11. Alchemy Muses Remain Men's Tee

12.Alchemy Toil N Trouble Women's Top

13. Iron Fist Ramp Locals Men's Tee

14. Alchemy Punk Women's Tee

15.Unit Blood Sport Men's Tee

Crankworx (Un)Official Whip-Off World Championships!

Every year in August, the world's best MTB Freeriders descend upon the Whistler Mountain Resort in Canada for the Crankworx Freeride Mountainbike Festival.

Over the course of the nine-day festival, riders can compete in a number of events which includes races around the Whistler Olympic Plaza, technical Downhill courses, Enduro events, the Red Bull Joyride competition and even the Cheese Rolling Championship.

However, one particular event that has proved most crowd pleasing is the 'Unofficial Whip-Off World Championships', which, if  you ask us, looks like a load of drunk guys at the top of a hill waving around inflatables as pro freeriders pull tricks and whips while they fly past.

Nope, we're not saying that like it's a bad thing; this audience get so close to the action we're convinced they've tyre tracks inprinted on their foreheads. Some of these MTB guys look like they could easily give the FMX crowd a run for their money!

Apologies for the noisy Brazilian guy - it gets much better afterwards. Part 2 video below!

Fox 2013 MX Racewear Teaser Video

If you can't wait a couple more weeks until the European release of the 2013 kit on 27th August, take a look at this Teaser video from Fox Racing showing off their 2013 MX Racewear range! Starring Ryan Dungey, Rocky Carmichael and Ken Roczen, this video shows off the new 360 Flight, 360 Machina and 360 Vibron. Some good looking kit, we think you'll agree!

We've got our hands on all the new kit at FreestyleXtreme and we're currently in the process of photographing it all and uploading it onto the site. Be sure to keep checking over the next couple of weeks to be one of the first to get your hands on it.

In the mean time, why not take a look at the Fox MX Kits we've already got available?

Where The Trail Ends: Gobi Highlights

We've posted about the upcoming and epic Where The Trail Ends MTB movie before, so when we discovered new footage showing highlights from the team of pro freeriders risking life and limb in the Gobi Desert, we had to share it.

If this Contour Helmet Cam footage doesn't raise your pulse slightly, you're either dead or reading this while sat in a chest freezer. Both of which are extremely unlikely. 

Where The Trail Ends will be available to watch from September 21st

Red Bull Pro Nationals Invade Holland!

German Max Nagl and battling Brit Elliott Banks-Browne were the big winners as the Red Bull Pro Nationals went international for the first time at Mill in Holland on August 11-12.

Levi Sherwood And His New Etnies Kontra

Been looking at the new Levi Sherwood Kontra shoe from Etnies and want to see more of it? Then this video is just for you.

While he doesn't give us a great deal of insight into the creation process (other than that the colourway reminds him of the mid '90s basketball movie starring Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny, Space Jam. No, we're not sure about that either) it's always good to have a chat with him to see what's going down. Plus, see a few tricks of course.

Check out the rest of the Levi Sherwood Etnies range on FreestyleXtreme.

Nitro Circus 3D Featurette

So, Nitro Circus 3D has finally arrived in US cinemas to less than rapturous praise (it's current IMDB score is 4.8 out of 10) but that doesn't stop us wanting to watch it... if we could.

With a less than encouraging response from the distribution company we contacted about a worldwide release (they told us to take a look at IMDB for details. Gee, thanks for that.) we wouldn't hold our breath for its cinematic debut in Europe. Or, well, anywhere outside of America.

Guess we'll have to hang on for the DVD then. And they wonder why some people turn to torrent sites...

Regardless, this behind-the-scenes featurette is still worth a watch. If you like what you see, perhaps you too should get in contact with the ARC Entertainment and ask a few questions about what the hold up is. People power!

An Interview With Moskova's Charles Pages

It may be his brother Thomas that has hit the headlines after his spectacular win at X Fighters Munich but Moskova athlete Charles Pages is proof that a love of FMX runs in the family...

At the end of 2010, French FMX star Charles Pages suffered a dreadful accident after a mis-timed front flip that left him in a coma. Although he recovered, Charles has had to overcome both physical damage and injury to his sight and depth perception. Moskova representative Brad chats to the athlete now Pages has triumphantly returned to freestyle once again…

Hey Charles! How’s it going?

I'm fine thanks; I keep working hard to get back quickly into shape...

I hear you moved to the south west of France. Any particular reason?

Not really, we began to ride in the south west of France because of our friend Manu Troux who was riding there, and after staying everywhere else we decided to move here!

You showed me your knee when we met in Biarritz. How are you doing after your accident?

My knee is fine after the accident but my biggest problem is still my head, but it's getting better!

Last week you were feeling better and planning to get back on your bike. How did that go?

Yes I feel much better and I want to try to ride again, but the more I take my time the better it is for me, so no riding just yet!

What do you think can be done to improve the safety of FMX?

I think the landing must be big enough and also with the right angle, and also we need to progress in our personal condition through practice. Nothing can be better than good training...

How big is the rivalry between you and your brother?

Now, it's not a rivalry like it was! It's like a partnership because he is not flipping anymore, and he won’t do any tricks that are bigger than my own... Although he still has his tricks and I have mine!

Tell me how you got into FMX?

Me and Tom used to race BMX and dirt jumps, but our first passion was motocross, and as soon as we started motocross (18 years old for me and 15 years old for Tom) it was easy to learn tricks because the jumps were higher and longer and the bike seat was so comfortable compared to a BMX, so at first it was easier...

What’s been your biggest achievement in FMX?

I think being able to live my passion, and every time I land new tricks! Flip seat grab one hand, underflip seat grab, front flip, barspin flip, double nac flip...

How did you get involved with Moskova?

Moskova has always had a good image, and I had the opportunity when I signed with DC Shoes to get into the Moskova family.

What’s your favourite style, and have you got any plans to bring out a Charles Pages x Moskova signature underwear?

I like the Moskova M2 series, look out for my signature colour for Spring 2013!

Do you have any superstitions when riding or ritual before an event?

Maybe the fuel valve...

How would you prepare yourself for a really big event?

Training, training, training... and a smoothie hehe

Where do you think the next big change will come in the sport?

Airbag for practicing

I guess you watched X Games at the end of June?

Yeah Taka Higashino deserved his gold medal! But for sure in best tricks Tom Pages should have won the gold... What a big joke!

Favourite FMX rider?

Travis Pastrana

You have a lot of fans! What is the craziest thing a fan has asked you to do?

Not so much craziest thing, but I remember that they ask me to go somewhere for someone’s Birthday...

To establish whether you are ‘typically’ French, do you prefer…

-Wine or beer?

I don't drink alcohol but wine for sure...

-Gateaux Basque or Chocolate Gateaux?

Chocolate basque haha...

-Frogs legs full English breakfast?

Ok English breakfast!

-Eiffel Tower or Blackpool Tower?

Hahaha Eiffel Tower!

What’s the best thing about being French?

Maybe surfing in south west of France but I don't surf... Seriously though, I guess the food!

Check out the full range of  Moskova underwear available now!

Thomas Pages Victorious At X Fighters Munich!

While much of the world were focused on the events of the last 24 hours of London 2012, the athletic action was arguably even more spectacular at Munich's Olympic Stadium for the fifth round of this year's Red Bull X Fighters competition.

Although we predicted that the 30,000 strong audience (including the winner of our recent FreestyleXtreme competition, more about that soon hopefully) would discover a clear champion in Munich, in fact the overall title will still be decided at the final in Australia...

Despite a long run of success from New Zealander Levi Sherwood and a new trick from current champ Danny Torres (called the Oxecutioner), the night belonged to Thomas Pages who achieved something no other rider has managed for ten years; to win an event without using a backflip.

The result means that both Sherwood and Pages have 235 points, with six other riders who could potentially snatch a series if the two leaders fail to score points in the final. That is, we think so - we still haven't quite got our heads around the 'Throw Out Rule', where a rider can effectively drop one of their low scores...

Eh, whatever - the final round in Sydney is gonna be awesome!

Tigerman, Tigerman, Does Everything A... Uh, Never Mind...

Yes, this video of a slightly deranged Finnish fella giving merry death to his chicken chaser while a busty glamour model looks on has done the rounds almost everywhere today. And, the embedded video sometimes demands we watch it directly on YouTube. But we don't care. Something like this is too good not to share.

Although we don't know the origin of the mysterious Tigerman and his pink bedsheet cape, if you watch until the end (and you will want to watch it until the end) then you'll discover it's actually some rather effective advertising for the Moto Festival at the Hakunila Sports Park in August. 

Who needs Travis Pastrana, eh?

On Pace With Pastrana: Episode 10

If you ever wondered what it was like in the day-to-day life of Travis Pastrana then this episode of On Pace With Pastrana, more than any we have seen recently, gives the best idea of what really happens.

Rather than the glamour and daily backflip into a foam pit we imagine, its actually sitting on a plane or in airports, travelling around the US for meetings and contractual obligations. All this while his cheerful posse get hammered on a Red Bull bus. 

Looks like somebody drew the short straw...

Friday Throwdown: The Incredible Vulcs!

It's not just skaters that can appreciate a shoe with a vulcanised sole. These bendy, grippy little suckers offer great comfort and feel for everyone with an active lifestyle. Plus, of course, offer that timeless skate shoe look that everyone can enjoy.

For today's Friday Throwdown, we've put together some of our favourite vulc sole footwear in a low, mid and high top profile from our favourite brands on FreestyleXtreme. Take a look!

Row 1 (from l-r): Osiris NYC83 VLC, Etnies RVM, DC Course
Row 2 (from l-r):  Globe Superfly Vulcan, Vans Bearcat, FSAS Future High
Row 3 (from l-r): DC Court Vulc, Osiris Rhyme Remix, Etnies Fader Vulc

1. Osiris NYC83 VLC Shoe
2. Etnies RVM Shoe
3. DC Course Shoe
4. Globe Superfly Vulcan Shoe
5. Vans Bearcat Shoe
6. Famous Stars and Straps Future High Top Shoe
7. DC Court Vulc Shoe
8. Osiris Rhyme Remix Shoe
9. Etnies Fader Vulc

Ricky Carmichael Races At Loretta Lynn's

So, the story goes; earlier this year, MX superstar Ricky Carmichael decided that he wanted to take part in a race. Despite retiring five years ago, he still wanted to compete - only without the intense pressure he faced at the very peak of career. This was to be for fun and a 'vacation' for his family. Or, as it is more commonly known: 'for shits and giggles'.

The race in question he chose? The biggest amateur motocross event in the world, Loretta Lynn's. A race he hadn't taken part in for 16 years.

What happened when the Greatest Of All Time took on the Junior 25 Plus competitors? You mean, after he purchased the number '4' race number from last year's fourth place holder? Quite simply, he destroyed them. RC might have been riding for fun and, er, not quite be at his athletic peak but a bunch of guys ate his dirt. Hard.

That said, we're not quite sure how we feel about the whole thing. On the one hand, it's a great publicity stunt, it drew even bigger crowds to Loretta's and the chance for some of these amateurs to race against the world's most famous motocross rider is an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

But really, could he have got much satisfaction from competing against amateurs? Could RC have done anything other than win? Would the other riders have even dared battle it out with such an icon even if they were competitive? We're not so sure. 

If he wanted to have fun, why not organise a one-off showcase race with other retired riders, mix it up with some of the current top Pros and really make a spectacle of it? What do you guys think?

You can watch the background behind the race with the part one and part two videos from Fox Racing.

Welcome To 'Schuieville'!

Wondered why there were so many talented Australian FMX riders? Because they get to practise in places like this...

FMX legend Matt Schubring is considered by many as one of the most influential men in Aussie freestyle motocross. For the best part of ten years, Schuie has created unique ride locations, the biggest natural terrain jumps and a ground-breaking '10 pack' course for himself and up-and-coming FMX riders to practise. He even constructed the country's first foam pit.

This video, from the guys at Unit Clothing, shows some of the most epic ride sessions, crashes and highlights from the last decade and features the likes of Bilko, Robbie Maddison, Nate Adams and Josh Hansen.

If this doesn't make you jealous to hell that you don't your own playground like this to race RC cars, drift about old beaters, eat barbecue food, drink beers and ride FMX then you might as well pop on some lipstick and a pair of heels right now because you're clearly a big girl...

2 Strokes Only!

We don't think that anyone who rides a bike doesn't look back at their time on a 2-stroke fondly. And this movie, 2 Strokes Only, encapsulates everything about those buzzy little smokers we know and love.

Thanks to KTM UK rider, 2012 European 125 FreestyleXtreme athlete James Dunn, Red Bull Pro National 2-stroke leader Matt Moffat, Red Bull Pro National Junior leader Robbie Waller, Jordan Hind and Matty White, you too can be reminded of a time when you hooned around a breakneck speed powered by an engine the size of a coke bottle, sounding like an angry wasp trapped in a trash can.

Filmed at Buttercup Farm MX track in between Cambridge and Peterborough by the guys at toofastmediagroup.com

Red Bull Pro Nationals: Canada Heights Report

The Red Bull Pro Nationals is a seven round, predominantly UK-based MX festival incorporating MX1 and MX2 events, the Red Bull Elite Youth Cup and the Fuchs Silkolene 2-stroke championship over two days of racing, music and more. Last weekend was the fifth round of the Pro Nationals, of which FreestyleXtreme helps sponsor, held at Canada Heights in Kent:

Know That Film, Bro?

How do you like the sound of a fictionalised FMX movie starring the Metal Mulisha and Machete star Danny Trejo? Then you want to mark 'soon' in your diary for the most bro-dacious new film you're ever likely to see called, er, 'Bro'.

From the end of June to mid-July, the independent film Bro starring Mulisha riders Beau Manley and Colin 'Scummy' Morrison ran at selected cinemas across Southern California and it will soon be heading for a worldwide DVD release too.

Filmed over the course of two years, with a budget than rocketed from $10,000 to over $500,000, Bro follows actor Will Chavez's character Johnny as he is introduced to the rock and roll lifestyle of freestyle motocross by a hard partying girlfriend. It's here that Johnny meets Manley and Morrison's characters Jesse and Rudy and ultimately gets dragged into the Californian drug trade.

"It's a film about a kid who gets caught up in a lifestyle that is interesting to him on the surface but has a lot more going on beneath the surface than he realises or wants to be a part of," says first-time director Nick Parada. "We're getting some people asking, 'Hey, why are you mixing up drugs and gangs and FMX in your story?' It's fiction, but once I started doing research and talking with guys like Beau Manley and Scummy they all told me, 'A lot of this is actually not far from the truth.'"

You can find out more on Bro on the official site, or at the Bro Facebook page. Cool film, bro.

Red Bull Rampage 2012

For 10 years now the Red Bull Rampage has stood as one of the most challenging freeride mountain bike competitions, pushing the boundaries of what riders can achieve.

After a year off, the invite-only Rampage returns to Virgin, Utah along with 24 of the world's best freeride athletes. In 2010, the Red Bull Rampage was won by Cameron Zink who, as a resident of Nevada, possibly used his knowledge of riding in his backyard desert terrain to his advantage on the Utah course.

Although the full list of competitors has yet to be announced, reigning champ Zink will returning for the 2012 event, alongside 2008 winner Brandon Semenuk, finalists Darren Berrecloth, Andeau Lacondeguy, Gee Atherton and Thomas Vanderham and more.

The riders will be giving their downhill spectacle in order to prove who is the most best freerider on the planet on October 5-7, 2012. Or, you can find out more at Red Bull Rampage Site