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How to do a double backflip on a bike
Traivs Pastrana has won a number of motocross awards. Here he shows you master this mad manoeuvre
"The first thing to think about is the time spent in the air. An unbelievable 2.5-seconds to get you up in the air, flip the bike over twice and, of course, land safely.
"The takeoff ramp must be steep, very close to vertical, to get enough flight, the bike in second gear, throttle wide open, and travelling at about 40mph. The key is to head towards the ramp at full acceleration, gaining enough speed to make it possible to start the move during take-off.
"As the front tyre leaves the ramp, use your full weight to lean back, lock your knees into a straight leg position and throw yourself up as far as you can. Once you feel the back wheel about to leave, tip your head back and pull the bike into your body as much as possible, tucking yourself in tightly like a ball.
"The move between the front and back tyre leaving the ramp is so fast you really don't have time to think about anything else, especially worrying about getting it right.
'If you're lucky you'll have a split second to see the ground before you land, if not, brace yourself'
"You'll be able to feel where you are in the air, catching a brief glimpse of the sky and ground on the first rotation. Tucking yourself into the bike keeps up the momentum and speed of the turn.
"If you get the first rotation right you'll move into the second, but you won't see the ground again until you land.
"Continue looking back, estimate how high you are and calculate where the floor is. Get it wrong and you'll know it. At this point you have two choices. Either land and hurt yourself badly (or, worse, be killed), or get yourself off the bike as quickly as possible.
"As you come into land, extend your body. The quicker you do this, the better your chances are to get into a landing position. If you're lucky you'll have a split second to see the ground before you land, if not, brace yourself. As you feel yourself getting close you'll need to start slowing yourself down.
"Extend your legs and arms into a full layout before landing. Once on the ground, raise your hand in the hair, do a 'yeehaa!' and wait for the applause. I'm the first and only person in the world who's managed to carry out the double backflip. If you've attempted a single you obviously know how to ride.
"However, I'd like to point out that I'm not responsible for any accidents that occur in your attempts."
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