CRUSTY DEMONS
Reporter: TIM CAMPBELL
Tim meets up with the guys and is in training to become a CRUSTY DEMON of DIRT!
Crusty Demons
The Crusty Demons is a group of extreme freestyle motocross (FMX) riders which become popular over a decade ago thanks to the action video film called “the crusty demons of dirt” which was a doco-style piece exposing behind-the-scenes life of motocross riders performing outlandish bike tricks against the backdrops of the deserts, sand dunes and arid landscapes of California.
The sport of motorcross though has been around for many years. It involves racing off-road motorcycles, otherwise known as dirt bikes around man-made dirt tracks.
Why are they called the Crusty Demons of Dirt? With their domain the desert, and the pressure of performing high energy, perspiration sapping antics for the cameras, the riders would emerge at the end of a day's filming with their faces covered in a crust of red desert sand hence their name.
Crusty Demons Unleash Hell Tour 2007
It’s been two long years but now it’s time ... For the Crusty Demons to unleash hell!
That’s right, two years in the making the Crusty Demons “Unleash Hell” tour will hit all Australian capital cities in the first half of 2007.
The tour will feature the greatest crusty line up of all time with 6 of the top 7 riders from this years X-Games including Nate Adams, Adam Jones, Mike Mason, Jim McNeil, Blake “Bilko Williams” and Crusty legends, Jimmy “Twitch” Stenburg and Mad Mike Jones.
Joining them will be Australia’s Matt Schubring, Joel Balchin, Cam Sinclair, Steve Mini and the UK’s Luke Smith.
The world’s number one quad freestyler, John Guetta will be back with a bag of new tricks, along with backflipping snowmobiles, minibike madness and more than a few surprises you will have to see to believe.
Expect freaks, stunts, the gorgeous crusty babes and the best riding ever seen in Australia including for the first time a 360; Bilko’s insane jackhammer flip; the super flip; lazy boy flip and much, much more.
The Crusty’s will unleash their biggest sound, light and pyrotechnics show yet in Australia.
More Information
Crusty Demons Unleash Hell Tour 2007
Acer Arena, Sydney Olympic Park
8th June 2007, 9th June 2007
Cost: Adults $69.90^, Kids U14 $59.90^ Families $219.90
Tickets from Ticketek www.ticketek.com.au
www.crusty.com
Prices correct as at 02/06/07
Macarthur District Motor Cycle Sportsmen
Officially this MotorX club is called Macarthur District Motor Cycle Sportsmen or MDMCS. And they’ve been providing a safe and legal place for owners of unregistered off road type bikes to ride for the past 20 years. Running learning programs for little kids through to adults, or beginners with their first Pee Wee through to Expert MX competitors, so people can hone their skills in a safe environment.
The complex out at Appin is for use by the members only but it’s not a problem to register on the day for an annual membership. You’ll be joining a legion of dedicated followers of the two-wheeled sport. The Club has over 4000 members and is considered to be the largest of its type in Australia, drawing its members from all over Sydney.
And most of the stuff happens out at Appin on their 70ha site only 15 minutes from Campbelltown and 45 minutes from Parramatta, Penrith or Wollongong. Too easy!
They love their motorX out here. Strictly, only solo two wheel motorcycles can be used. Quad motorcycles are NOT permitted. And you can jump on a bike and learn the skills involved with their training programs – Mini Fun Days & MX School.
Mini Fun Day
The aim of the MDMCS Mini Fun Day is to provide a controlled riding environment with non-competitive events for the kids whilst teaching them the fundamental riding skills that will make their riding safer and more enjoyable. The idea of the Mini Fun Days is so kids that want to learn how to ride can do so safely.
The rules are - pay attention, follow instructions and behave within the group. It only takes a couple of loud mouth kids that think they know all to ruin it for everyone else that are there to learn. So once the child thinks they know it all then perhaps they’ve outgrown the Mini Fun Days and it’s time to hit the big track with the big kids. Mini Fun Day is about learning basic, simple riding skills, pitched at the new or not really confident rider.
For the kids that are bored and want to go over those big jumps real fast or want to race faster than all the other kids then they are encouraged to move on. Mini Fun days are for kids that want to listen and learn.
Macarthur District Motorcycle Club Mini Fun Day gets together the last Sunday of each month and is all about giving young riders some basic skills and riding practice in a non competitive controlled environment.
Parents must be in attendance with-in the training area at all times.
Safety Check Area
The Safety Check Area is where your bike will be checked. An unsafe bike or a poorly maintained bike may hurt other people as well as the rider. If your bike has not been checked you will not be allowed to ride. At this time the rider also needs to have his/her approved Helmet (Approved with Standards Australia Sticker in place) , goggles, gloves , Motorcycle boots or Leather type Boots - no laces or jogger style, Long pants, Long sleeve shirt, Parent/guardian.
Some of the things that are covered week to week include:
- Trials Course, Obstacles, Basic Skills
- Ruts, Berms and Jumps
- Clover Leaf-Braking, cornering and throttle control
- Games, Slalom
- Trail Riding...Introduction to bush riding. Tips, basic skills and safety
- Ruts and berms, basic skills
- Bush work. Hills, Water crossing and Mud...basic skills
- Basic maintenance
MX Schools
The following 2 day coaching schools will be held at Appin during school holidays in 2005.
- 6th and 7th July
- 28th and 29th September
But if you want to race, join in on the racing series. Every competitor must flag marshal or in the case of juniors provide an adult to marshal.
Once the kids are confident then they can go onto racing in the club series then racing in AMCROSS – that’s the name of the interclub racing series with 7 clubs around the state.
More Information
Macarthur District Motor Cycle Sportsmen
Brian Road, Appin
Open Saturday and Sunday 9am – 4pm
Annual membership: $50 for seniors and $25 for juniors
Daily riding fees apply
www.mdmcs.com.au