BMX Dirt

Dirt jumping is one of the names given to the practice of riding bikes over cement type jumps of dirt or soil and becoming airborne. The idea is that after riding over the 'take off' the rider will become momentarily airborne, and aim to land on the 'landing'.

Dirt jumping can be done on almost anything with wheels, but it is usually executed on a bicycle.

BMX bike built for dirt jumping tends to have a longer top tube than a street BMX bike, and may well be more reinforced. They will rarely have pegs fitted (unless they are also used for street riding), and will generally run only a rear u-brake. Also, the tires will be treaded, as opposed to the slicks and semi-slicks used for park riding. Large, padded seats are also popular as something to land on when a trick fails, and are also easier to hold for in-flight tricks; but very small seats are also a style for the more "hardcore" riders. The gear ratio is generally around 44:16, though using small gearings like 22:8, known as 'micro gearing', has become popular in the present day.

Famous riders

Ryan Nyquist

(born March 6, 1979 in Los Gatos, California) is a professional BMX rider who has won numerous gold medals in the X Games Dirt Jumping & Bike Park events. He currently rides for Haro Bikes, Osiris Shoes, Rockstar Energy Drink, and The Jiffy Market of Los Gatos.

Ryan returned back to San Jose, California where he has a home with his wife and son. He previously lived in Greenville, North Carolina for a period of time.

He is known as one of the best contest riders in the history of BMX. He has been a regular top finisher for over fifteen years. He's also known for doing groundbreaking barspin variations.

T.J. Lavin

Lavin first began to ride bikes when he was two and raced BMX until he was 15. He then gave up racing to try dirt jumping. He eventually turned pro at the age of nineteen. He has won almost every competition he has entered including the X Games and the Dew Action Sports Tour. In the X-Games he took bronze three times, silver once, and gold three times. He has been a DK Dirt Circuit Champ, a champion in the Gravity Games, and a CFB Champion. In 1995, he was crowned the "King of Dirt". He has a 1 acre (0.40 ha) BMX track in his backyard which includes several groomed trails and dirt jumps. He is currently sponsored by S&M Bikes, Skin Clothing, Skeletal Metal, Monster Energy Drink, Lavs Lab, and Kicker.