GRAVITY defying bike skills promise to leave crowds speechless when a Guinness World Record holding BMXer comes to town on May 11.

Matti Hemmings is bringing his flatland BMX show to the Pedal Power Festival in Northwich town centre and will also run a workshop for those who want to emulate his talents.

Flatland BMX has been described as like ‘breakdancing on a bike’ with a unique display of ground tricks, twists, spins, jumps and balances.

Matti entered the record books when he achieved the most BMX cliffhanger spins with one foot on the handle bars in one minute.

The 26-year-old did this on live TV in February 2013 and racked up 56.

“My proudest achievement would have to be breaking a Guinness World Record and being involved with the London 2012 Olympic torch relay that toured across the UK,” he said.

Matti has been riding for about 10 years and got started after he saw a host of tricks performed in a contest.

“I saw guys doing flatland BMX and I decided to give it a go,” he said.

“At first it was very difficult to understand how it was possible to spin around on one wheel.

“I came off a lot at first managed to learn most of the basic tricks that helped me progress to other tricks.”

He added: “It's much more difficult than the other disciplines within BMX as the tricks are much harder. “ Matti will perform displays throughout the Pedal Power Festival, which takes place in Witton Street and Tabley Street from 10am to 3pm on May 11.

He said: “People can expect a unique display of ground tricks with all kinds of twists and spins involving one-wheel balance moves and combination jump manoeuvres that will leave you speechless.

“The workshops are adaptable to the skill levels of the riders taking part.

“So whether you’ve never touched a BMX before or are an experienced rider there’s plenty to enjoy and learn.”

Timings for performances and the drop in workshop are yet to be finalised.

 

Matti’s top tips:

  • Know the basic about the bicycle, make sure you understand how the bike works if you want to perform stunts.
  • You can attend coaching sessions that carter for all types of cycling.
  • If you come off get back up and do it again – practice makes perfect.

 

The Festival

AS well as Matti Hemmings, the Pedal Power Festival will include a host of stalls, activities, food and live music as Northwich celebrates cycling.

There will also be a five-mile family friendly bike ride from the town centre from 10am.

Places are limited for this traffic-free ride, which will also include live music and art projects en route.

Admission is £5 for adults, £2.50 for children and £10 for a family of two adults and up to three children.

Children on bike seats or tag-along bikes can enter for free.

Proceeds will go to Northwich children’s charity The Joshua Tree.

To enter click here