First ever motorcycle jump over Bournemouth’s historic pier

ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent star and freestyle motocross (FMX) extraordinaire, Dan Whitby of Norfolk, is set to become the first ever rider to jump Bournemouth’s historic pier as part of town’s new Wheels Festival taking place on 24-26 May 2014.

The UK’s biggest FREE family wheels-themed event will be a Festival of firsts. Not only will Dan be attempting the daredevil jump on Saturday and Sunday evenings but there will be four FMX shows featuring highly experienced, international riders on Bournemouth beach during each day of the event. Plus, the team also features the world’s only female freestyle motocross rider!

Emma McFerrin 23 (Australia), Dan Whitby 30 (UK) and Hannes Ackerman, 24 (GER) are international FMX stars having made names for themselves performing at the biggest, wildest events across the globe including the Garmin Arenacross Tour, The Pro Nationals Festival, Crusty Demons and Night of the Jumps. They’re also multiple national champions with Emma becoming the first ever female to perform a backflip in 2013.

The UK’s best ever FMX rider Dan Whitby said: “I can’t wait to perform in Bournemouth. And being given the opportunity to jump the famous historic pier is going to be one of the biggest highlights of my career – you really will need to see this to believe it!’

These are the aerial gymnasts of the two wheeled world and who will be quite literally whipping the crowds up into frenzy at the Festival, as they whip and flip their 100kg custom built freestyle motocross bikes across an 80ft gap, 60ft in the air. See mind blowing tricks including massive Superman’s, Cliff-Hangers and Tsunamis but the backflip jump over the pier is set to be one of the most shocking tricks ever performed in the UK.

Des Simmons, Chair of the Coastal Business Improvement District, who are sponsoring the Pier Jump, said: “Watching FMX bikes do incredible aerobatic stunts on Bournemouth beach will be an amazing sight for people of all ages to enjoy – a thrilling first for the town so make sure you have your cameras at the ready!”

The FMX stunts are just one part of this fantastic Festival, celebrating of all things wheel powered from sleek supercars and vintage classics to car-crushing Monster Trucks, show stopping BMX stunts and a cycling spectacular, plus everything in between, there is something for all ages.

Taking place against the backdrop of the beautiful award winning seafront, picturesque Lower Gardens and bustling town centre, there is a great line-up of static displays, interactive shows and demonstrations and even a chance for visitors to have a go at plenty of activities too.

For the best view of the action, there will be grandstand seating available on the Demonstration Straight, and in the FMX and Monster Truck Arenas. Visit bournemouthwheels.co.uk for more information and costs.

The souvenir programme is also available to pre-order from the Wheels Festival website now. It costs £7 and is packed with detailed information about all the exciting things to see and do, as well as featuring discounts on grandstand seating and Monster Truck rides.