Gripping the throttle, sweat pouring down your back, you fly to the finish line, cold mud spattering your body. This is motocross: an increasingly popular sport performed on various types of motorbikes. The sport has gained popularity both locally and nationally, as witnessed by the rise of the television exposure on major sporting events, such as the X-games. In fact, it even has gained international popularity.

“The sport of motocross is very big in the U.S., as well as in Europe and Canada,” senior Dustin Coleman said.

Motocross’ popularity can be directly attributed to its high intensity and adrenaline-pumping action. The high speed races take place over natural terrain courses and range anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the skill level.

“There’s just a good feeling when I'm riding, and when you get into it on any given day, it’s like some kind of a natural high,” Coleman said.

There are three major classes divided by skill. Class A is comprised of the top tier riders, class B, the intermediates, and class C has the beginners. Also, bike classes range from the biggest engine sizes to the smallest. Cubic centimeters or CC’s are the measurement used to determine engine sizes; therefore the classes are 50cc, 80cc, 125cc, and 250cc. Once riders are divided by skill and engine size, the racing begins. There are different “motos,” which are heats or sets of races.

“[Motocross] is very physically demanding. Even though someone can say all you do is sit down and twist the throttle and ride around, when given a try, anybody will see how it really is,” Coleman said. “Motocross takes practice to develop good skill and can be very tough at competition level riding. It’s one of a kind.”

There are other entertaining options in addition to racing. Tricks and jumps also provide riders and fans, with adrenaline-pumping spectacles. Jumps can be up to 120 feet long and may even contain an Evel Knievel persona. There are events for just this purpose, such as Freestyle motocross and Big Air contests. In these competitions, a panel of judges gives each contestant a score based on tricks they perform.

Motocross’ mixture of risk, speed, and intensity has taken this sport to a new level in recent years. With riders such as Travis Pastrana becoming national celebrities, motocross is attracting more fans than ever.

“It is a fast-paced, extreme sport. Motocross is dangerous, fun, and quickly growing,” senior Gavin Clark said. “There are so many possibilities in Motocross that allow a rider to express their individuality.”