Trick Cycling
Trick cycling is exactly what it sounds like, performing tricks on bikes! The riders perform on a fixed gear bicycle in front of a panel of judges who then score the routine. The concept of it is simple, but the tricks that some of the best cyclists attempt are feats of acrobatic ability, requiring untold amounts of balance and poise coupled with strength. Ines Brunn, founder of Natooke, is an accomplished trick cyclist herself, representing her native Germany and being the first female to pull off a handstand on the handlebars!
The first occurrence of trick cycling came in 1888 when Swiss-American Nicholas Edward Kaufmann held an unofficial world championship in order to showcase his talents. It would be nearly 70 years until the first official world trick cycling championship came about in 1956 and 14 years later for a female world championship. With higher and higher levels of interest in the sport came a greater standard for competitors to achieve in order to obtain victory with riders now doing tricks that seemingly defy logic.
All trick cyclists have to start somewhere, be that with a wheelie or a bunny hop, so if you like what you see grab yourself a fixie bike and get involved.
