Xtreme Difficulties to overcome at Zero Gravity
Although Barbadian Motorsports fans were pleased that they could see some of their favorite freestyle motocross tricks performed live, the Zero Gravity Xtreme Event was not without its glitches. The incorrect venue, ramp damages, equipment failure and rain delays were all factors which contributed to the show’s lacklustre outcome.
In the defence of the Zero Gravity Team, hosting a debut event is never easy since there is no previous blueprint to follow. Therefore promoters are usually betting that every decision made is the right one to avoid complications. Unfortunately, the venue selection for the Zero Gravity Xtreme Riders to perform their stunts was the root of many of the night’s challenges. While Kensington Oval is one of the best cricket grounds in the world as well as an excellent spot for Crop Over events, themed parties and fetes, it was not the right one for rugged motocross bikers to tear up. Protecting the finely manicured outfield became the focal point for the promoters so a hard plastic strip about 9-feet wide was placed down around the circumference of the ramps and riders had to diligently keep their bikes from veering to avoid damaging the field. This greatly restricted their movement and the problem worsened when the rains came and the plastic strip became too slippery for the riders to perform.
Another issue was a two hour delay because the landing ramp needed to be rebuilt after it was damaged earlier in the afternoon when the riders were doing their initial practice runs. At the show’s scheduled starting time (5:00 p.m), the riders were just beginning another round of practice runs and it took about an hour and a half to get the ramps safely positioned.
Unfortunately, after 90 minutes of watching the riders perform warm-up jumps, the excitement which many spectators came armed with had deflated. Even when the riders were hitting their death-defying tricks, the Bajans were just not warming up to it and this was not helped when one of the bikes was sidelined because of a broken kick-start.
However, there were still some very memorable moments of high flying action from the Zero Gravity Riders. Their arsenal of tricks included the Cliffhanger, Indian Air, Superman Seat-Grab, Heel-Clicker and the Back-Flip which easily got the biggest response of the night.
Another spark, which momentarily ignited the crowd were local riders Sergi, Panta and Johnny Blaze. While they did not hit the ramps, the swagger at which they performed their many wheelie variations almost upstaged the high flyers. The no-handed wheelie from Sergio got the second biggest response for the night and even when the rains came the Bajan bikers were still in the centre keeping the people entertained.
Acknowledging the show’s complications and challenges, Kori Yearwood of Zero Gravity said that he understands that Kensington Oval was not the right venue for the event.
“We plan to host another Zero Gravity event later this year at a new venue,” said Yearwood, “We’re looking at getting ramps constructed out of dirt, so that the rain will not be a factor.”
Keep logging on to Adrenaline Sun for more on the Zero Gravity Event and look out for a feature on the Bajan Bikers coming soon. Check the Adrenaline Sun Facebook page for more photos.
by Jamal Hall
photos by Kevin Wood
Jamal Hall
Jamal Hall is the Chief Digital Media Officer of web development company, Island Evolved Inc. His many roles include being an action sports writer, photographer and correspondent for Island Evolved's subsidiary company Adrenaline Sun.
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