Motocross Riders Set for Jumping Contest

The inaugural FreeRide Motocross, bringing together the top artistic motocross riders in the country, takes place Saturday at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa.

Mike Metzger, a pioneer of free-ride motocross, will be among those competing for the $50,000 purse. Others include Carey Hart and Brian Deegan.

Essentially an air jumping contest, riders will compete in three disciplines, the step up limbo, the flattest whip contest and the free ride.

The limbo is basically a high jumping contest; the flat whip is a jump with the riders laying the bike parallel or beyond parallel in the air; and the free ride is a 90-second free ride on the obstacle course similar to a skateboard street course.

General admission is $25. Box seats are $50, but includes pit access. Children under 12 are $15. Tickets are available at the gate and through Ticketmaster.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m., the event begins at 6:30.