Youngsters in SoBo are not afraid to tap into the thrills BMX (Bicycle Motocrass)–the adrenaline inducing extreme sport in which bicyclists launch their bicycles on ramps and street curbs, while pulling crazy bicycle tricks in the air.
Every once in a while, a small concrete stretch on Worli sea-face transforms into a fun zone with BMX bikers gracing the area with their Stingray bikes, performing tricks and stunts, enjoying the attention of awestruck bystanders. With great reflex, bike control and nerves of steel, it is amazing to watch these bike enthusiasts jump off street curbs and land safely on their bikes, minutes after propelling themselves in the air.
As you watch the youngsters, you are taken back in time to the three-and-a-half minute pivotal chase in Steven Spielberg's 1982 Hollywood blockbuster E.T., where Elliot and his friends try to save ET as they perform flying stunts on bicycles. While many would argue that the scene was enhanced at the editing table, BMX tricks are performed in real time, with minimal protection gear.
The Mumbai chapter
Born in the West in the 70s, BMX in Mumbai dates back to the late 80s. While it is still in its nascent stage in Mumbai, there are active groups of BMX enthusiasts scattered across the length and breadth of the city. Rahul Mulani is one of them. Way back in 1987, Mulani, along with few others, got introduced to the sport through magazines. "It was not the era of YouTube. All we had were a couple of magazines to read about BMX tricks and stunts," he says. Another BMX enthusiast, Desmond Miranda's love for BMX unleashed a decade ago. A thorough professional, he is a specialist on the dirt track and can build a BMX bike from scratch. "There are different tricks one can perform with a BMX bike, including stunts, ramp, and dirt racing," he gushes.
Made of frames of steel, BMX cycles tend to have aluminium frames. Smaller in dimension than regular bicycles, and built sturdily, these bikes are designed to withstand the impact of huge jumps, crazy tricks, and extreme speed. "It is an adult bike that is downsized," quips Mulani.
The underdog
A rage in the West, BMX receives very little support and mention back home according to Mulani. "The sport has little recognition and no money. You cannot make a career out of it," adds Miranda. The city lacks a dedicated place for BMX enthusiasts, who often have to practice late at night or in the wee hours of the day. While Miranda rides all the way to Thane in the wee hours of the morning to practice, Mulani says that BMX riders practising at the sea-face often get dragged away, along with their bikes, in police vans. "It is not illegal, then why this treatment," he argues.
Doing his bit for the sport, Mulani, apart from running a warehouse, which stocks the latest BMX bikes, specially imported from abroad, also mentors teens interested in this extreme sport. Every time he lays his hand on a BMX DVD, Mulani copies it and hands it out to kids in the hope that someday BMX will attain its pride of place in Mumbai.
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