Off-road bicyclists stage Fat Tire Fest

Hundreds of mountain bikers, from professionals to toddlers, descended upon Castaic Lake State recreation Area Sunday for the 2009 iteration of the Fat Tire Fest, put on by local bike trail advocacy nonprofit CORBA (Concerned Off-Road Bicyclists Assn.).

The event featured group rides led by professional mountain bikers Ned Overend, Brian Lopes and Sid Taberlay; demo bikes from companies including Cannondale, Giant, Ibis, Specialized and Trek Women; a skills clinic; poker ride; wheelie contest; a bike limbo contest; a silent auction; and a raffle drawing.  The festival is CORBA's biggest source of funding each year and all proceeds go to help the group advance the cause of mountain biking in the greater Los Angeles area, said association president Jeff Klinger.

"We get probably 50% of our operating budget from just this event," Klinger said.  The group has held the festival every year since its inception in 1987.

In addition to maintaining trails in L.A. and parts of Ventura counties, Klinger said CORBA advocates for greater trail access for mountain bikers; runs a youth-outreach program that brings inner-city kids ages 8 to 17 on mountain biking trips in the Santa Monica mountains; and provides free skills clinics and group rides for cyclists of all levels, including those new to the sport.

The big draw of the day was the chance to ride with pros Lopes, Overend and Taberlay. 

ASA World Championships of Freestyle Motocross take flight Saturday at Fairplex in Pomona

The ASA World Championships of Freestyle Motocross return to Fairplex in Pomona this Saturday and the quest for the title looks as fierce as ever.

Santee, Calif.'s Jeremy "Twitch" Stenberg will be returning to defend his back-to-back titles against four-time champion Nate Adams from Glendale, Ariz. -- the only other rider to have won this event -- as well as other top-notch FMX athletes looking to upset this two-man hierarchy.

"This is the one event I most look forward to competing in each year," said Stenberg. "I'm looking forward to riding against Nate and all the other top pros to get my three-peat!"

Other riders competing include Ronnie Faisst of Mays Landing, N.J.; Takayuki Higashino of Osaka, Japan; Adam Jones of Warrendale, Pa.; and Mike Mason of Minden, Nev.

The seventh annual event begins at 7:30 p.m. All competitors will be seeded and will compete in a head-to-head, single-elimination format with the winner of each heat advancing to the next round, culminating in the two finalists riding for the title of World Champion.

Tickets are available via Ticketmaster and at the Fairplex box office. L.A. County Fair admission is separate and is required.

The event will be televised by CBS on Dec. 6.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Jeremy "Twitch" Stenberg performing one of his signature release flips on his way to the ASA World Championships of FMX title in 2008. Credit: Jared Souney / ASA Entertainment

Chris Ridgway to defend his X Games gold in Moto X Super X amputee event

Chris Ridgway has become an unintentional inspiration to many.

But don't remind him of that. He's just doing what he enjoys, and if it motivates others, so be it.

It's not just his riding abilities that inspire people, but also his positive attitude. 

Chris is an amputee, and competes wearing a prosthetic left leg.

The Apple Valley resident will be defending his title in the Moto X Super X Adaptive event Friday at the Home Depot Center as part of X Games 15. The final will be televised on ESPN between 5-8 p.m.

Sustaining severe injuries to both legs in 1995 after a motorcycle malfunction during a practice session, Chris was rushed to the emergency room.

"The doctors told me that they would have to amputate the first night I was in the hospital, and I begged them not to; to give me a chance because I heal well," Chris, 38, said.

He left the hospital with both legs, but still suffered.

Ronnie Renner launches 63 feet above ground on motorcycle, sets record

You have to hand it to Red Bull-sponsored motorcycle riders for continuing to astonish fans with their remarkable achievements, and to the makers of the energy drink for adeptly using these athletes to maintain high visibility.

Two weeks ago, Robbie Maddison performed a back flip across the 100-foot gap of London's fabled Tower Bridge.

On Saturday at Chicago's Butler Field at Grant Park, with the city's skyline as a backdrop, Ronnie Renner launched himself 63 feet, 5 inches above ground, eclipsing the world record he set last year.

“It’s been crazy. I’m so pumped to have done it,” Renner said afterward. “What a killer vibe! All these people coming out to see me and they were psyched. I could hear the crowd cheering.”

Guinness World Records certified Renner’s highest jump, which was officially measured from the top of the 22-foot quarterpipe wall as 41 feet, 5 inches from the top of the ramp. That placed him 63 feet, 5 inches above ground, which from a motorcycle seat must present a daunting perspective.

-- Pete Thomas 

Photo sequence of Renner's record-setting jump by Garth Milan / Red Bull

 

Tony Hawk returns to X Games as skateboard analyst

Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk will be returning to the X Games.

Hawk will be part of the telecast team once again as analyst for all five men's skateboard events, including the inaugural Big Air Rail Jam competition.

"I'm excited to take part in this year's X Games," said Hawk. "The level of riding improves each year, so I can't wait to see what the new events bring in terms of innovation."

Hawk last worked the broadcast booth for ESPN in 2007.

Joining host Sal Masekela at the 15th annual competition, Hawk will be commentating beginning with coverage of the Skateboard Big Air event at Staples Center on July 30.

"It will be a blast to join Sal in commentating all of the skate competitions as well," added Hawk.

X Games 15 will be held July 30-Aug. 2 in Los Angeles and will feature some of the best action sports athletes competing in skateboard, Moto X, BMX Freestyle and Rally Car racing. ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 will be airing 20 hours of live coverage.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Sal Masekela, left, and Tony Hawk  at X Games XI. Credit: Matt Morning / Shazamm/ESPN

Robbie Maddison back flips over 100-foot gap on London's Tower Bridge

Robbie Maddison is one of the craziest freestyle motocross riders on the planet, and in the wee morning hours in London he touched down safely after jumping the raised Tower Bridge's gap over the Thames River in London.

The Australian became the first in history to accomplish the feat, but what does that say? It's not as though people are waking up figuring how to jump the 100-foot gap of an iconic bridge.

Then again, maybe they do. After all, Maddison had already negotiated the world's longest motorcycle jump (350 feet), and the highest vertical "step-up" at the Las Vegas replica of Arc de Triomphe, which was followed by a drop of more than 85 feet to a landing ramp below.

"People say I'm crazy, but I just want to push the boundaries of my sport and my body to the limit and I love taking on these huge challenges," said Maddison, who is sponsored by Red Bull. "It was an incredible feeling to fly between the two towers and over the Thames."

Maddison will return to London on Aug. 22 to participate in the final stop of the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour 2009 at Battersea Power Station. He won the Calgary stop of the series in May. The 2009 Red Bull X-Fighters Texas event will air Sunday (July 19) at 10::30 a.m. on ABC.

Hope you enjoy the video.

-- Pete Thomas

Video courtesy of Red Bull USA

Dew Tour begins season with Nike 6.0 BMX Open in Chicago

 

The fifth season of the Dew Tour begins today with the Nike 6.0 BMX Open at Chicago's Grant Park.

Competing will be some of the top BMX athletes, including four-time Dew Cup vert champion Jamie Bestwick, Dave Mirra and Daniel Dhers.

In addition to the vert, dirt and park disciplines, the BMX Open will include a street specialty competition with Garrett Reynolds, Sean Sexton and Van Homan.

Saturday's action will be televised live at 11 a.m. on NBC.

The five-city tour also visits Boston, Portland, Ore., and Salt Lake City, culminating with the final in Orlando, Fla.

Competitors are vying for part of a $2.5-million purse based on overall tour standings.

The complete 2009 Dew Tour schedule:

June 26-27        Nike 6.0 BMX Open                                                                     Chicago

July 24-25         Skate Open/ISF Skateboarding World Championships            Boston

Aug. 13-16        Wendy's Invitational                                                                Portland, Ore.

Sept. 17-20       Toyota Challenge                                                                         Salt Lake City

Oct. 15-18         PlayStation Pro                                                                            Orlando, Fla.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: Cameron White competes in the BMX dirt finals during the 2008 Dew Tour. Credit: Bo Bridges / For the Dew Tour

Red Bull X-Fighters freestyle motocross tour hits Texas this Saturday

Above is a promo video for the Red Bull X-Fighters freestyle motocross tour, which comes to Texas Saturday, June 27.

The third stop in the five-round global series, this will be the only X-Fighters event held in the U.S. this year. After Texas, riders move on to Leg 4 in Madrid on July 16 and 17 and then London for the Aug. 22 finale.

Those invited to compete include previous X-Fighters winners Jeremy "Twitch" Stenberg, Mat Rebeaud, Robbie Maddison and Danny Torres.

Stenberg recently had his motorcycles stolen from his Temecula home and there has been no news as to if they have been recovered, so he may be riding some different bikes.

Also, newcomer Levi Sherwood, winner in Mexico City, had a bad landing during a training session last week and will not be able to ride. His replacement will be Metal Mulisha rider Jeff "Ox" Kargola. Sherwood should be back in time for Madrid.

With the riders coming out of the bull chutes at the historic Fort Worth stockyards in head-to-head competition featuring jumps of 75 to 115 feet, this should be an exciting event.

Enjoy the video.

-- Kelly Burgess

Video courtesy of Red Bull Motorsports

Jeremy 'Twitch' Stenberg has FMX bikes stolen; Mulisha seeks your help

Breaking news in the freestyle motocross universe: Thieves have broken into the Temecula home of FMX superstar Jeremy "Twitch" Stenberg and stolen his bikes and those of Metal Mulisha teammate Taka Takayuki Higashino on Thursday night.

The Mulisha lists the items on its website:

--Twitch's YZ250 Freestyle Contest Bike
--Twitch’s 450
--Twitch’s 250F
--Twitch’s 110
--Twitch’s 50
--Taka’s YZ250 Freestyle Contest Bike
--All of Twitch’s old helmets (If you read his etnies interview then you know how much those mean to him.)
--All riding gear

The Mulisha states: "If you did this please return the bikes … we have investigators on the case right now. If you have any information about who may have done this please email us at metalmulishaclothing@gmail.com, or use the contact form, with any info you have.

"If you see some really nice bikes that look like Twitch's or Taka’s on Craigs List, eBay, etc., let us know. Please, only serious leads so we’re not chasing our tails. If you provide info leading to the recovery of the bikes we will give you a ton of Metal Mulisha gear and hook you up with passes to X Games to hang out with the Mulisha."

This represents a major setback for the riders, with the X Games and other events just around the corner. Hopefully, the bikes will be recovered and justice will be served.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Jeremy Stenberg performs a backflip at the Panasonic Open Dew Tour event in 2006. Credit: Bo Bridges

Malibu's Johnny Strange making steady progress on Mt. Everest

When I first wrote about and blogged about Johnny Strange attempting to become the youngest Westerner to climb Mt. Everest, a few people wrote in to imply that any sturdy kid with wealthy parents could conquer the world's tallest peak.

That's essentially true if the kid -- in this case a teenager -- had vast climbing experience, was extremely physically fit and harbored remarkable mental fortitude. Anyway, Strange, 17, and his wealthy dad today will climb to Camp 2 and Camp 3, then return to base camp as part of an acclimatization process, before moving higher up the 29,035-foot Himilayan peak.

Of negotiating the notoriously treacherous Khumbu icefall (pictured), Strange posted this dispatch on his website: "If you were to put a ladder between two clouds and walk across knowing what the fall would mean, it would be very similar to the experience of the Khumbu icefall.

"After we made it through that very icefall to Camp 1, we spent a day resting there only to experience the horrors of high wind at Camp 2 for a few nights. Lucky for us our tents didn't blow away ... and we awoke after our third night to trudge back down to base camp."

Being a teenager, Strange happily reported that his iPod Shuffle works at high altitude and, being from Malibu, that he is craving sushi.

Please check back for periodic updates on the expedition.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Mt. Everest's Khumbu icefall has claimed many lives over the years. Credit: Johnny Strange

Jeremy Lusk Legacy Foundation gala, poker tournament tonight

The shock that reverberated throughout and beyond the global freestyle motocross community after Jeremy Lusk died days after sustaining head injuries during an early-February crash has ebbed and life, as they say, goes on.

But tonight it goes on in the beloved Lusk's memory.

The Lusk Legacy Foundation's Gala and Poker Tournament is tonight from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, and if you cannot attend the star-studded event it will be broadcast live for two hours beginning at 7 p.m.

Those scheduled to attend include FMX stars Brian Deegan, Jeremy "Twitch" Stenberg, Taka Higashino, Robbie Maddison and many others. Also slated to participate: skateboarder Ryan Sheckler, supercross pros Donny Hansen and Rick Johnson and snowboarder Keir Dillon.

Celebrities from film, fashion, music and TV also are expected to show. Tickets are $150 per person and $300 for the poker buy-in (grand prize is 10% of the total buy-in). Five-star dining and live music (San Diego's Dynamite Walls) are included.

Proceeds will support the Lusk foundation, which will strive to improve FMX safety on the pro and recreational level. For more information, check out the Metal Mulisha website.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Jeremy Lusk. Credit: Metal Mulisha

Powersliding takes center stage Wednesday at Santa Monica Pier

One sport you won't see on the cover of sports sections anytime soon: powersliding.

To get a taste of what looks to be pure and painful craziness, play the video.

Even better, visit Santa Monica Pier on Wednesday from 3-5 p.m., and witness the Levi's 3rd Annual Powersliding Championships firsthand. It's essentially skateboarding on handrails and other features without skateboards, and not necessarily on your feet.

This will be a star-studded affair -- judged by Jonny Moseley, Jason Acuna and Kendra Wilkinson -- in a festival atmosphere complete with a performance by Brooklyn rockers Matt and Kim.

It figures to be a ridiculous event -- and I mean that in a good way.

-- Pete Thomas

Surfing wipeouts take center stage in big-wave awards program

Everyone can appreciate a good surfing wipeout, except perhaps the victims, given that they're becoming one with thunderous lips and hurtling downward and plowing shoreward during intense moments of fright and uncertainty.

And now, thanks to the marvels of text messaging, the general public can vote on which of five big-wave surfers endured the worst wipeout during the past 12 months (see video below).

Dean Bowen, Ross Clarke-Jones, Ramon Navarro, Grant Washburn and San Clemente's Greg Long are nominees for the Verizon Wireless Wipeout Award, which is among several categories, paying lucrative cash rewards, in the yearlong Billabong XXL Global Big-Wave Awards.

All finalists will be announced April 17 at the Grove Theater in Anaheim.

As for the wipeouts, I personally witnessed Long's 40-second flogging by a 40-foot wave at Maverick's near Half Moon Bay. But based on video footage I'm equally impressed by the drubbing Clarke-Jones survived at Pedra Branca in Tasmania; Navarro's over-the-falls nightmare at Santos del Mar, Chile; Washburn's perilous face dance at Maverick's; and Bowen's head-first dive and subsequent live burial at-sea at Shipstern Bluff in Tasmania.

Click on the video below to see for yourself, and click on the blue links for information on how to vote. It's good stuff.

-- Pete Thomas

Freeskiing icon Shane McConkey: Memorial service to be held Sunday

Shane McConkey's presence in Squaw Valley was such that there remains a profound void at the Lake Tahoe-area resort. Fittingly, that's where an attempt at closure will take place this weekend.

A memorial service for the legendary freeskier will be held Sunday at 4:30 p.m. on the Olympic Plaza Sundeck at Squaw Valley USA. A Gathering of Shane’s Friends will follow at 6:30 p.m. at the Olympic Village Lodge.

McConkey died March 26 while performing a stunt in Italy for a movie. It reportedly involved launching from a cliff, releasing his skis and parachuting to safety. But a ski remained attached and McConkey spun out of control and could not deploy his parachute.

His death cast a pall that remains darker than storm clouds over Squaw Valley, McConkey's home  mountain, which lured idolizing fans who became residents just to be near the fun-loving, extremely talented skier and renowned daredevil.

"Even though he traveled the world, Shane’s presence in Squaw Valley was ubiquitous," states a news release issued today from Squaw. "From the many pairs of rockered skis that dangle from the chairs lifts, to the scores of 18 to 30 year-old Shane-idolizing dream chasers – in Squaw Valley, Shane is everywhere."

McConkey was 39 and he's survived by his wife, Sherry, and their 3-year-old daughter, Ayla. Click here for more information or to send wishes or share memories.

-- Pete Thomas

 
 

Shane McConkey, legendary extreme skier, dies in base-jumping accident

Legendary extreme skier and base jumper Shane McConkey died yesterday in an accident while filming a movie in Italy.

McConkey, 39, was performing a stunt in which he was to launch himself off of a cliff, then detach his skis and deploy a parachute.

Witnesses said McConkey was not able to get one of his skis off, which sent him spinning out of control and prevented him from deploying the chute.  McConkey died on impact.

"He did a double backflip off the jump and he has these releasable bindings. But one ski did not come off. When that happens the drag on the skis causes you to flip over so the skis go over your head. He got into a bad spin and may have never even pulled his pilot chute," filmmaker and McConkey family friend Scott Gaffney told ESPN Action Sports during a telephone interview.

The Lake Tahoe-area resident is survived by his wife, Sherry, and their 3-year-old daughter. 

--Kelly Burgess

Photos courtesy of Red Bull

Jeremy Lusk Foundation keeps memory alive and helps FMX move more safely forward

The period of mourning may not have ended but the Metal Mulisha has been pressing forward since the falling of one of its stars, freestyle motocross rider Jeremy Lusk, who died Feb. 9 as a result of injuries suffered during a crash in Costa Rica.

On Wednesday, the Jeremy Lusk Tribute Exhibit will open at the San Diego Hall of Champions at 2131 Pan American Plaza in Balboa Park. The San Diego-born rider's bike, gear and trophies will be on display. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is at 3 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Lusk Legacy Foundation is accepting donations and has numerous items for sale, including a Jeremy Lusk action print signed by the Temecula-based Mulisha.

The foundation will attempt to achieve a higher standard of safety at freestyle motocross events and "embodies positive values, such as courage, individualism and family."

It "recognizes the value of an involved membership and seeks to encourage that involvement with accurate and transparent communication."

Last among its core values: "The Jeremy Lusk Foundation embraces the values of which it was founded upon in recognition of Jeremy Lusk -- friendship, camaraderie, enthusiasm for each other and the spirit of freestyle motocross."

Lusk was 24. He'd recently become a Christian and had the words "In God's Hands" tattooed across his chest. You can buy T-shirts stamped with those very words from the foundation and Mulisha websites. The $25 cost, Lusk's thousands of fans will agree, is money well spent.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Metal Mulisha

Jeremy Lusk NASCAR ticket auctions ending soon

 

The Metal Mulisha website is listing some auction items, offering fans the opportunity to bid on ticket packages to the NASCAR races this weekend at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana.

Packages include admission, infield terrace parking, access to a VIP terrace suite, an opportunity to meet Metal Mulisha riders plus caps and other assorted goodies. Bidding closes Friday at 3 p.m.

In addition to the auction items, there are also 100 single general admission packages being sold on the site.

All proceeds will go to the Jeremy Lusk Trust fund.

Lusk died last week as a result of injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash at a competition in Costa Rica.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo credit: Metal Mulisha

Mavericks' giant waves and surfers who ride them profiled in Half Moon Bay art exhibit

Visitors to Half Moon Bay, beginning Saturday, will be able to experience the many moods of Mavericks, which is the notorious big-wave surfing venue beyond nearby Pillar Point.

A unique art exhibit titled "Mavericks, Everest of the Seas" features the work of local professional photographers who have captured Mavericks during its biggest, most beautiful and most tempestuous moments.

Ed Grant, Coastal Arts League member and Mavericks photographer, has assembled the most spectacular images from photojournalists who risk their own safety to document the intense man-against-sea drama that occurs during enormous winter swells at the thunderous offshore break.

Shooters and many Mavericks regulars will be present during the opening reception Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Coastal Arts League Gallery, 300 Main St., Half Moon Bay.

The exhibit, which is free to the public, will remain on display through March 9.

Featured photographers: Frank Quirarte, Doug Acton and Don Montgomery.

--Pete Thomas

Jeremy Lusk funeral no longer open to public; will be shown on webcast

**Update with publicist's clarification

Because of overcrowding concerns, only family, friends and industry associates will be allowed inside Revival Christian Fellowship church in Menifee, Calif., for Jeremy Lusk's funeral service at 1 p.m. Monday.

However, fans of the freestyle motocross star, who died Tuesday from injuries suffered during a crash at a competition in Costa Rica, can watch the Lusk service online.

Here's the brief announcement issued Saturday night by Metal Mulisha's publicist:

"Due to the outpouring of love, affection, admiration and sentiment regarding Jeremy, please note that funeral services will be webcast simultaneously.

"Limited church capacity mandates that only family, friends and industry associates attend, please."

On Sunday afternoon, Cheryl Lynch, the publicist, clarified that no invitations have been issued and that if people were friends of Jeremy and/or worked with him in some capacity they're urged to attend. Lynch added, "Many, many people around the world are mourning his passing and having this webcast it is our hope that many more will feel part of this most difficult task of saying goodbye."

--Pete Thomas

Photo: Jeremy Lusk. Credit: Metal Mulisha

Zac Sunderland or Mike Perham: Which teen sailor will be first around world?

A lot has been written here about Zac Sunderland, 17, who is currently sailing across the Atlantic in pursuit of a quest to become the youngest person to solo-circumnavigate the planet.

It also has been reported that England's Mike Perham, 16 and five months younger than Zac, is aspiring to beat Zac around the world in a much larger, faster boat.

Zac, who lives in Thousand Oaks, will soon leave Cape Town, headed west in his 36-foot Islander. Mike is also in Cape Town, soon to be sailing east aboard his 50-foot racing yacht. At the outset, many predicted Mike would easily beat Zac around the world. That's no longer a certainty and, in fact, is far from one.

In a Yachting World blog, Elaine Bunting writes of Perham, "As we reported in our January issue, he had very limited previous experience sailing this super-powerful but rather tired boat, which was a very ambitious choice for someone with comparatively little ocean experience."

Zac has piloted his boat, Intrepid, through long stretches of rough seas and his most difficult legs, presumably, are behind him.

Jeremy Lusk funeral forecast calls for rain, lots of tears and a fond remembrance

The forecast calls for rain Monday, but that's not likely to prevent fans of Jeremy Lusk from attending the freestyle motocross star's funeral.

If reaction to Lusk's death days after a horrific accident last Saturday is any indication, hundreds, perhaps thousands will be on hand for the 1 p.m. service at the Revival Christian Fellowship Church at 29220 Scott Rd. in Menifee, Calif.

"WE WOULDN’T MISS IT FOR THE WORLD. WE WOULD EVEN HITCH HIKE IF WE HAD TOO," reads one of hundreds of comments Metal Mulisha website.

Another reads, "I wish all the boys will fire up their bikes for you one last time and lead you to your final resting place."

This website had more than 200 comments related to the Lusk tragedy, and Lusk items had more than 150,000 viewers from all over the world. An overwhelming majority expressed sympathy, shock and  good  wishes to Lusk's wife, Lauren, his family, and the Metal Mulisha group.

Jeremy Lusk hardly forgotten, still 'on the ride of his life'

In the wake of Jeremy Lusk's tragic death early Tuesday, as a result of a weekend crash during a freestyle motocross competition in Costa Rica, I was asked by a few people if any other top rider had perished at an FMX event.

The answer, which might surprise some, is no, according to memory and experts in a motocross discipline that began to flourish in the late 1990s.

These athletes are meticulous in training and are not reckless, contrary to some comments on a previous blog item.

The grace they exhibit, while performing handstands and seat grabs above and below their flipping bikes while soaring across 100-foot jumps, is a result of countless hours of practice in foam pits and on home courses.

The problem is, execution has to be nearly perfect to avoid serious consequences--and top riders, all of whom have experienced injury and concussion, understand that death is possible. Now a fatality has occurred and the FMX community remains in shock and mourning.

Here's a Metal Mulisha statement making the rounds, and it is inspirational:

Jeremy Lusk dies from injuries suffered in freestyle motocross crash

*Updated with funeral service announcement **Updated with link to story on Lusk in today's L.A. Times

***Updated with statement from Brian Deegan

Freestyle motocross star Jeremy Lusk, 24, has died as a result of head injuries sustained in a weekend crash during a competition in Costa Rica, and it's with a heavy heart that Outposts shares this news.

The Temecula rider passed away in his hospital bed late Monday night in San Jose, Costa Rica, while surrounded by his mother and father, Chuck and Gina Lusk; his wife Lauren, and mother- and father-in-law Lynne and Larry, along with fellow Metal Mulisha riders Brian Deegan, Ryan Hagy, Cameron Steele and Erik Apple.

Deegan, founder of Metal Mulisha, issued this statement Tuesday at 3 p.m.:

"Jeremy motivated me to be a better person, he was my best friend. The bond of this team is one that will never be broken. We know Jeremy is looking down from a great place, continuing to move mountains and touch the lives of those above.

"One day, we will all be reunited and will ride together again. In the end, all dust turns to ash. Metal Mulisha will continue to live and die by that creed. Jeremy, we can't wait to see you."

Please keep Lusk and his family in your thoughts and prayers. He did his best to live life to its fullest and entertain, and for that his many fans are deeply appreciative.

Funeral services will be held Monday, Feb. 16, at 1 p.m. at the Revival Christian Fellowship Church at 29220 Scott Road in Menifee, Calif. To learn more about Lusk please click here for a story posted in the L.A. Times obits section.

--Pete Thomas

Photo of Jeremy Lusk courtesy of Metal Mulisha

Jeremy Lusk still in critical condition as a result of FMX accident in Costa Rica

Action sports fans continue to pull for Jeremy Lusk, who remains comatose after a freestyle motocross accident in Costa Rica that was so painful to watch I refuse to post the video on this blog.

(Anyone who wants to see it knows the process.)

Seriously, all I hope for, as it pertains to Lusk and his family, is a happy ending to this story, which remains possible.

A Monday night update from a spokeswoman for the Metal Mulisha, for whom Lusk rides:

--Jeremy remains in a medically induced coma at Calderon Hospital in San Jose, Costa Rica.

--He's still in very critical condition.

--Doctors have lowered his core body temperature to continue to treat swelling of the brain.

--Thankfully, his brain is functioning.

--Plans remain to transport Jeremy to a U.S. trauma center as soon as possible, perhaps as early as Tuesday morning.

--Jeremy's parents, Chuck and Gina Lusk, are with their son in Costa Rica.

The Metal Mulisha publicist reminds fans that an emergency fund to help defer costs of medical care has already been established and is set up to take donations.

All donations made through this site are earmarked directly for Jeremy's care. Donations are appreciated, but so are good wishes, which can work wonders.

--Pete Thomas

File photo of Jeremy Lusk courtesy of Metal Mulisha

Jeremy Lusk fund is accepting donations to help pay for injured FMX star's care

The action sports world remains stunned but in support of freestyle motocross star Jeremy Lusk, who remains hospitalized and in critical condition after suffering a horrific weekend crash during a competition in Costa Rica.

An emergency fund to help pay for medical care has been established and is accepting donations. Those able to help can visit the Athlete Recovery Fund website and click on the donation button.

All donations made via this website are earmarked specifically for Lusk's care. As soon as Lusk's condition stabilizes he will be transported to a U.S.-based head trauma center.

Lusk, of Temecula, is a beloved action sports figure and member of the Metal Mulisha team of riders. The latest report posted on the MM website: "Jeremy’s condition is critical and the latest we've heard is that he's out of surgery and they're waiting for the swelling to go down on his brain."

Fans might also wish to visit the Pray for Jeremy Lusk blog for updates.

---Pete Thomas

Photo courtesy of Metal Mulisha

Jeremy Lusk in critical condition after crash during FMX event in Costa Rica

Freestyle motocross fans and anyone with a heart ought to send positive vibes Jeremy Lusk's way. He's in Costa Rica in a coma after enduring a horrific crash during a competition Saturday night in the Central American nation.

Cheryl Lynch, a publicist for the Metal Mulisha team of riders, is sharing what is known so far:

--Lusk, of Temecula, is in Calderon Hospital in San Jose, in stable but critical condition with swelling of the brain. His coma was medically induced.

--He did require surgery immediately after hospitalization "to treat a subdural hematoma on the brain." Surgery lasted more than four hours.

---X-rays to the neck and spinal column revealed no breaks. The hospital "is not reporting other injuries at this time."

--Doctors report that they will know more Jeremy's future prognosis within the next crucial 36 to 48 hours.

Lusk's wife, Lauren, and her father arrived in Costa Rica this morning. Metal Muslisha founder and FMX icon Brian Deegan also has traveled to Costa Rica.

Here's hoping for a happy ending to this unfortunate story!

--Pete Thomas

Photo: Jeremy Lusk in action last year during X Games Mexico event. Credit: Renol/Shazamm/ESPN Images

Big-wave surfers abandon California for large swells in the North Atlantic

This is going down as one of the flattest winters in recent memory for waves off the California coast. Same holds true in Hawaii. Big waves just have not materialized in traditional Pacific Ocean locations because of unusual weather patterns.

But there has been monstrous surf in the North Atlantic, which has become a primary theater for those hoping to become finalists in the yearlong Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards.

The annual contest, which awards cash prizes in several categories, has six weeks remaining and French surfer Benjamin Sanchis is hoping the wave he caught recently at Belharra, an outer reef in the Basque Country near the French/Spanish border, will earn him a victory in the Biggest Wave category.

If you click on the above link and view the videos and stills, you'll find that Isla Pancha, in the Cantabria region of Spain, has produced quality entries for Basque surfers Asier Muniain, Ibon Amatriain and Aritza Saratxaga, along with Cantabrian Oscar Gomez. 

Surfline is predicting more storm activity in the North Atlantic, and top international surfers, including San Clemente's Greg Long, have abandoned Mavericks and other North Pacific spots to ride waves with top European chargers.

The Billabong contest awards ceremony will be April 17 at the Grove Theater in Anaheim. Admission is by invitation only but the event will be shown in a live webcast and be televised as a one-hour special on ESPN2 on May 28.

—Pete Thomas

Photo: Benjamin Sanchis of Hossegor, France, becomes a spec on the face of a mammoth breaker at Belharra, an outer reef in the Basque Country near the French and Spanish border.

Credit: Stephane Salerno / BillabongXXL.com

Levi LaVallee's double-back-flip on a snowmobile: pre-X Games video

Perhaps the most intense moments during the Winter X Games in Aspen were those preceding Levi LaVallee's attempt to double- back-flip his 450-pound snowmobile during the "Next-Trick" or best-trick competition.

Why?

Because very real consequences for under-rotating were  becoming paralyzed or dying.

Fortunately, the Red Bull snowmobiler athlete did not under-rotate and land upside down. Unfortunately, he over-rotated slightly and was bounced from his seat upon impact, so the gold medal went to Dane Ferguson or his trick, called a "Twist Off."

But Levi did land on his feet and celebrated, with both arms raised, his survival and becoming the first person to pull off the double in a competition.

It was reminiscent of Travis Pastrana's memorable double on his motorcycle during the 2006 Summer X Games. But Pastrana stuck his landing and claimed the gold.

The video below is not of the X Games' Next-Trick competition. But it does provide entertaining insight into preparations for the trick and what was going through the daredevil's mind.

Enjoy:

--Pete Thomas

Photo: Levi LaVallee during his second rotation while double-back-flipping his snowmobile at the Winter X Games. Credit: Zach Ornitz/Shazamm/ESPN Images

Travis Pastrana move over, Levi LaVallee to double-flip snowmobile

Action sports fans might remember the eerie hush in the moments before Travis Pastrana performed a double-back flip on his motorcycle at the 2006 Summer X Games.

It was essentially a make or break-neck situation. Pastrana nailed the trick and has since traded freestyle motocross for a career in rally car racing.

On Friday night at Aspen's Buttermilk Mountain, Minnesota's Levi LaVallee will attempt to make Winter X Games history by performing a double flip on a 450-pound snowmobile.

If he makes it, he will win the inaugural "Next Trick" competition. If he under-rotates and crash lands, fans will turn away in horror and medical crews will tend to LeVallee and try to put him back together again.

LeVallee, who has been called crazy by some, has been nailing the trick to perfection in his foam pit back home.

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: Levi LaVallee in action at the 2008 Winter X Games.  Credit: Associated Press

Robbie Maddison, daredevil FMX star, to step it up tonight in Las Vegas

Announcement: "Robbie Maddison will ring in 2009 with another world-first motorcycle jump. Captured on ESPN's live 'Red Bull: New Year. No Limits' special, this superstar will attempt to jump his bike more than 120 feet high, landing on top of the 96-foot-high and 40-foot-deep replica Arc de Triomphe in front of Paris Las Vegas, and then jump off of it in an acute showing of skill and bravery."

Reaction: Nice knowing you, Robbie.

But seriously folks, this Australian daredevil knows how to throw a New Year's Eve party. Remember last year, when "Maddo" broke the Guinness World Distance Jump record (see above photo sequence, courtesy of Red Bull)? He leaped 322 feet, 7 inches over a football field.

Afterward he wrote on his blog: "The Red Bull Experiment is only the start of something great for me and long distance jumping. I want to take it to a whole other realm and really show everyone out there what is possible on a dirt bike."

That new realm is again Las Vegas, but with a different look. The Australian freestyle motocross star is upping the ante, with life-or-death consequences, and what happens in Vegas will air tonight on ESPN/ESPN HD, during a special that follows the Chick-Fil-A Bowl (approximately 8 p.m.)

For a teaser, please check out the video and learn a little more about Maddo and his endeavor. For more information, check out the Red Bull site and the Sports Syndicate site. And be sure to watch the show, which should provide quite an encore to the football game.

A personal note to Maddo, and I feel funny typing this: Outposts wishes you a safe and prosperous New Year.

-- Pete Thomas