Awesome pics by @Cudby of the Champ.
Even though RV's front wheel is already over the gate, look how far forward his head is, and how relaxed his overall demeanor is. He has maintained the exact same posture he held right before the gate dropped. It doesn't look like the pure chaos you'd expect blasting out of the gate on a works 450--just perfect technique. Simon Cudby You know you're pushing the edge when even your inside foot peg leaves a trail of roost behind! Simon Cudby He's airborne while turning. 'Nuff said! Simon Cudby This one became a Renthal ad on the back page of our magazine. Full lock on the right wrist even though the bike is slinging sideways, and he's just crushing the outside peg to make that Dunlop dig. Dig that! Simon Cudby Sideways in the air? No worries, keep that right wrist locked in. Note Ryan's head is the only thing facing the correct direction at this moment, but by the landing, everything will catch up. Simon Cudby The champ coming at you. This has become the most intimidating sight in motocross. Simon Cudby We take the big jumps for granted. But look how gnarly it is to launch one of these big blind rocket launchers while wringing that 450 for all it has. Simon Cudby This is the kind of photo you can stare at for hours. Check the eyes. The speed. The roost off the tire. Even how Ryan has subtly dropped his heel ever-so-slightly below the peg so he can grab that tiny extra big of leverage. Just awesome. Simon Cudby You knew we'd have a Southwick berm blast shot, right? Simon Cudby Ryan's making serious money by riding his bike through the pegs. He's standing slightly through this corner and forcing the KX to bite. Riding coaches have been marveling at Ryan's footwork, as he keeps his toes pointed in and on the peg. Check this out for reference. And look, we lost the back of the bike in the roost! Simon Cudby More footwork at work. Riding coaches say to ride on the balls of your feet and not the arches--think RV is doing that here? And check out how far ahead he's looking. Dude is carrying some serious speed, you think? Simon Cudby This speaks for itself! Simon Cudby