Crusty Demons at the Coca Cola Arena is a freestyle motocross (FMX) show along the lines of BMX meets Las Vegas.
“Renowned for making the impossible happen, Crusty Demons continues to make headlines around the world, decades after their inception, with world record jumps and countless stunts that were previously thought impossible.”
https://crusty.com/
Crusty Demons
The group started out as a bunch of daredevil freestyle motorcyclists who became famous after the filming of Crusty Demons of Dirt by Fleshwound Films in 1994. The sport’s popularity took off once the film was released and motocross found a mainstream audience.
Today the original group has grown and developed. Riders from the United States, Europe, Australia and New Zealand carry the fame forward to a new generation.
We arrive at Dubai’s Coca Cola Arena early and head to City Walk to grab a great Pickl burger for dinner before the show. The Salted Caramel Ice Cream Sando deserves its own post.
We’re here as a treat, the boys received tickets for their birthdays and expectations are high. The show starts and the riders are introduced one by one: Jake Smith (Smithy); Alex Bucholtz (Buckie); Filip Podmol (the Young Ninja); Daichi Ehara; Frantisek Maca; and Pepa Aron . The tricks start to roll.
I learn a whole new lingo – whips, heel-clicker, nac-nac, airplane, superman, lazy-boy, rock solid, tsunami and the hart attack. As if the hart attack isn’t enough to give me a heart attack, then along comes the kiss of death.
I take a moment to pity what these boy’s mums must have been through in their lives.
It is impressive. The crowd is alternately pumping, the noise and atmosphere encouraging the riders, and silent. I hold my breath each time one of them launches themselves into the air.
Soon the Sphere of Death is out. Not one, not two, nor three, but four motor cycles travel round and round in the sphere. It’s crazy. The crowds roars their approval. My heart makes its way back out of my throat.
Coca Cola Arena
The Coca Cola Arena is the perfect venue. Indoors and, most importantly air conditioned, it showcases the event in a venue that is accessible and adaptable.
A short interlude with the Space Cowboy gives the riders a rest and keeps the crowd entertained. This seasoned entertainer’s signature trick is juggling machete, axe and butcher’s knife all whilst balancing on a 9ft unicycle. The Space Cowboy, aka Chayne Hultgren, is introduced as a freak whereas, in fact, he holds multiple Guinness World Records. These are for all manner of crazy stunts and it’s only the things he does that are freakish.
After intermission a second Xpression Session is released when the riders display their stunts freestyle. No structure or lable is put on them as they let loose with their favorite, most impressive, death defying tricks.
The flamethrowers, smoke machines and lighting add to the spectacle as the grand finale of tricks comes to a close.
After the event, Harley checks out a new bike (no purchase approved!) and they meet Maca who is mingling with the crowd outside the Arena. By now it’s late and time to return home. I might need some meditation to get me to sleep tonight after all the excitement. Returning to calm, there is a healthy dose of fear when I reflect on what ideas the boys might have gotten from tonight.
Good To Know
The Crusty Demons perform world wide at various venues. Keep an eye out for their New Zealand tour later this year.
The Coca Cola Arena hosts various concerts, shows, tours and events in central Dubai.
Would I Return?
Perhaps when my nerves recover.
This is a fantastic post. Such a good description of the breathtaking stunts.