Street Trial (Danny MacAskill)

Street trials, also known as observed trials is a discipline of mountain biking in which the rider attempts to pass through an obstacle course without setting foot to ground. Derived from motorcycle trials, it originated in Catalonia and is said to have been invented by the father of Ot Pi, a world champion motorcycle trials rider. Pi's father had wanted his son to learn motorcycle trials by practising on an ordinary push bike.

Trials riding is an extreme test of bicycle handling skills, over all kinds of obstacles, both natural and man-made. It now has a strong — though small — following worldwide, though it is still primarily a European sport. Skills taken from trials riding can be used practically on any bicycle for balance, for example controlled braking and track standing, or balancing on the bike without putting a foot down. Competition trial bikes are characterised by powerful brakes, wide handlebars, lightweight parts, single-speed low gearing, low tire pressures with a thick rear tire, distinctive frame geometry, and no seat.

Now today I came across this video which perhaps even tops that. Danny MacAskill is a street trials rider who is based in Edinburgh but who was originally from the Isle of Skye. This short film entitled ‘Way Home’, documents Danny’s journey as he rides at various spots along the way from Edinburgh to his home town Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye . The scenery, music and story really lift this piece and Danny MacAskill’s riding speaks for itself. The video was sponsored by Red Bull and you can read more about it here.