FMX Insider No.1: The Scene

Welcome to our brand new weekly web-exclusive column, Transmoto‘s FMX Insider. Penned each week by South Australian rider, Ben Heidrich, the FMX Insider will present the story-behind-the-stories of the Aussie and international freestyle motocross scenes. 

Can you remember the first time you saw a dirt bike on TV, flying through the sky, arms and legs hanging off the bike with early ’90s punk rock music blaring out a sound track? Like me, I am sure you were instantly captivated. It could have been Mad Mike Jones throwing out a legendary Superman in an early-day Moto XXX or Crusty Demons Of Dirt video. Maybe it was Travis Pastrana performing the world’s first Double Backflip on a dirt bike at X Games? Love it or hate it, this is freestyle motocross! The most alternative genre of riding… Whether you’re young or old, this adrenaline-pumping sport is one that’s hard to look away from!

The sport has come a long way from the early days of the Crusty Demons movies and thrashy soundtracks. Despite forging its path in America, the FMX scene has grown rapidly in Australia, and is now home to some of the best riders in the world.

My name is Ben Heidrich. I’m a film maker, photographer and an FMX rider from South Australia. I‘ve ridden FMX for the past 12 years. My life revolves around riding, whether I’m on the bike or behind the lens – the sport has given me the chance to make a heap of friends along the way.

Following the RFDMX Underground tour, currently known as the AFMXC, I’ve been blessed to have met and ridden with some of Australia’s top riders and friendliest people. I also filmed and co-produced the series Bikes and Broken Bones – the Fuel TV documentary that goes deep into the heart of the underground FMX scene in Australia.

I now find myself very fortunate to have the opportunity to write this weekly column, and keep you all updated on what’s happening in the world of FMX – in Australia and internationally. I will be touching on a whole range of topics, including up and coming FMX events in Australia, and I’ll be following up on global stories. This column will contain interviews with riders and interesting characters in the sport, highlights, and tricks and trends; the new, the old, the favourites and the ones that got left behind.

Next week, we will look into the life and story of Andy ‘Maddog’ Hensel, the first paraplegic person in the world to pull a Backflip on a motorcycle around to dirt! We’ll focus on all of his ups and downs and what he’s been through to make it to this epic stage of his life. This guy has a heart of gold and more determination than Rocky Balboa – there are big things to come from this maddog!

Thank you for taking the time to read my first article. Make sure you tune in for next week’s story.

Peace!