Extreme sports take off

NOTE FOR NOVICES

Warm up and do some stretching exercises before getting on the bike or skateboard. Learn to ride or skateboard step by step with guidelines from an experienced rider and don't rush to try any tricks. Regular practice is essential if you want to learn quickly.

IF YOU GO

Shanghai SMP Skate Park

Address: 2100 Songhu Road, Yangpu district

Telephone: 150-0070-1485

Website: smpskatepark.cn

Pedalling back in time

BMX or Bicycle Motocross is a cycle sport performed on BMX bikes, either in competitive BMX racing or freestyle BMX as a general on- or off-road recreation.

This type of extreme sport began in the United States in the 1970s when young cyclists appropriated motocross tracks for fun, racing and stunts, and eventually evolved into competitions with specialized BMX bikes.

Freestyle BMX is now one of the staple events among extreme sports competitions while the popularity of the sport has increased due to its relative ease and the availability of places to ride and to perform tricks.

BMX as a sports activity is still developing in China with very few professional cyclists with advanced techniques, and limited places for novices to be properly trained.

However, more young Chinese BMX lovers are showing their passion for the sport.

Before you start

If you are brave and strong enough to challenge yourself in BMX riding or skateboarding, here is a list of necessities to help you prepare before your trip to the Shanghai SMP Skate Park.

BMX

A specialized BMX bike: about 1,000 yuan

Protective equipment: 800 yuan

A pair of specially made BMX shoes: 200 to 300 yuan

Skateboard

A skateboard: 400 to 500 yuan

Protective equipment : 800 yuan

A pair of specially made skateboard shoes: 200 to 300 yuan

Entrance to the Shanghai SMP Skate Park

Membership card – 900 yuan per year

Single day pass – 30 yuan

Group ticket – 20 yuan per day (more than five people)

Early bird – Free (enter before 10 am)