Bike (Ganked from dracodraconis)

[ironphoenix]

This looks way too fun for my safety! It makes me think of figure skating, only, y'know, urban 'n stuff.

Video, just over 5 minutes, good production. I particularly like the bit near the end where everyone goes and looks over the railing.

Comments

[ilanikhan.livejournal.com]

Um...this does not appeal to me. And I don't think I could watch you do it. And promise us you'll wear more protective equipment than those guys were...

[ironphoenix.livejournal.com]

I doubt I will... I might be a bit old to start stuff like this on concrete!

[jagash.livejournal.com]

Parkour, if designed by cyclists rather then runners.

[ironphoenix.livejournal.com]

See, that's what dracodraconis said in his post, but I disagree.

Parkour is all about efficiency. It's actually, in my opinion, one of the most "street-effective" martial arts I can think of: if you can skedaddle faster than your attackers have any hope of following you, it's gonna be pretty hard for them to hurt you. Showy flourishes and embellishments are antithetical to the spirit of parkour, even though many of the same gymnastic skills are required.

I think free running is the proper analogue: it incorporates elements of parkour, but is, well, freer, and more about individual self-expression and self-development.

[jagash.livejournal.com]

Ahh, thought the two were synonymous.

[mustangsallie33.livejournal.com]

This looks a bit more tricky than figure skating.....and a LOT more dangerous. Yikes!!!!!!

[ironphoenix.livejournal.com]

Having skated, I'm not so sure it's all that much more difficult or dangerous... this is a pretty good (i.e. very bad!) example of the kind of accident that gives skaters nightmares. At least the cyclist has a helmet... and I suspect that when he practices new moves, he adds a bit more protection. The thing that probably makes urban cycling most dangerous is the unpredictability of the environment.

[con-girl.livejournal.com]

This is some of the best urban riding I have ever seen. Thanks for showing me. I think I will post this to my bike communities.

[ironphoenix.livejournal.com]

Glad you liked it!

[dagibbs.livejournal.com]

Showy, but fun, stunt-riding. I've seen similar tricks done on motorcycles, too. "Trials" riding.

e.g.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWIbOj0GbOw