travis' latest stunt

[mx547]

stolen from motoworld.com

The first time we heard it, we didn't really believe it but apparently Travis Pastrana is going to jump into the Little Colorado Gorge, do a back flip (or two) and parachute to the bottom.

A representative from Ogio Sport called our offices to let us know of the jump, which is scheduled for the middle of next month. Godfrey Films will be on hand for content for their new video and several other riders including Kenny Bartram and Tommy Clowers will also be there. Travis has been training for days, working on his skydiving techniques. Sounds crazy to us…

 

[chadk01]

Blows me away that Suzuki would allow him to do such a thing. Oh well, as long as the chute opens.

 

[Wanabe]

I read it in RAcer X. it sounds crazy to me. I can't belive anybody would let him do it.

 

[MX-727]

I talked to Travis about this a little over a week ago. He had just come from sky-diving to prepare for this jump. On his last jump, he couldn't find the ring for his main and he went to his reserve. Said he kind of hit hard, but shrugged it off. The amazing thing was his matter of fact tone of going to his reserve. :eek:

He figures he should be able to get three flips before he jumps off the bike and pulls the cord. Best quote from him: "It's amazing how easy it is to do a flip at terminal velocity." :cool:

 

[MikeT]

I didn't know Travis was a stunt man. I think this is really a stupid thing to do for such a smart kid.

 

[MARK IT]

Ha Ha good one.:scream: :)

 

[Pit_Monkey]

i am amazed that he would try this sort of thing. hes is very valuable to suzuki and the whole motocross world not to mention his family and friends.why he would do this is beyond me. and why suzuki would allow him to do this is very strange too. he is the most valuable racer they have!! well just my 2 cents
:silly:

 

[High Lord Gomer]

I don't think it's that crazy. I'd bet that a fair number of the people (including me) here would do it if someone would foot the bill.

My only suggestion would be that when he gets "off" the bike, that he get both up and off to one side. That way if his up/down orientation is wrong, the bike won't come crashing down onto his parachute.

 

[High Lord Gomer]

Originally posted by KX - 727
On his last jump, the main failed and he went to his reserve.

He needs to seriously rethink who he has packing his chute!

I never jumped, but I used to pack parachutes at a skydiving place. The only time I ever saw anyone have to cut away and pull their reserve was when they got tangled trying to do close-formation stunts.

They even had a guy, on a bet, pack his parachute in a dark closet (after cervezas) and jump it the next day...no problem.

 

[yarbonwick]

He will be sorely missed.:(

 

[Camstyn]

Come on now, who cares? He's a kid wanting to have some fun.
Why is it so important if he wants to go skydiving compared to anyone else? Just because the kid is famous doesn't mean you should hold more concern for his safety than anyone else's. Leave that up to Suzuki.
I can't believe what I'm reading here.. You're all criticizing Travis for taking advantage of a great opportunity to go skydiving, even better WITH a motorcycle and on camera. Give the guy a break. His life isn't over, he's a thrill seeker. Sky diving isn't suicide. :silly:
It seems I recall that reactions like these are why McGrath left the tyranny of Honda. Travis is old enough to do what he wants, if Suzuki (or any other manufacturer for that matter) won't let him have any fun / do what he wants do you think he'll stay there for very long?
I wish I could take his place, that would be a blast. I'm envious.

 

[Camstyn]

Come to think of it, this is exactly the same attitude that many of our families and co-workers have towards us and our beloved sport. Look at it under a different light.

If you're still that concerned, maybe you should live in a germ-free bubble cell in front of your TV in case you might get hurt outside.
Wait, most accidental deaths occur in your own home.. You're screwed.

 

[bud]

I'd do it too, if I had the proper training and someone else paid for it :). And assuming it was considered relatively "safe" by an expert.

It'd be more impressive if he stayed on his bike and hit the ground doing a wheely ;).

 

[gospeedracer]

Originally posted by Cam Mitchell
Come to think of it, this is exactly the same attitude that many of our families and co-workers have towards us and our beloved sport. Look at it under a different light.

Tell me about it.

Originally posted by Cam Mitchell
If you're still that concerned, maybe you should live in a germ-free bubble cell in front of your TV in case you might get hurt outside.

Funny you should mention that. I said nearly the exact same thing to my boss when she told me "If I ever get a phone call from you telling me you've broken your leg riding, I'm going to be pissed off!". This was after I got back from tending to AJ with a broken leg. :(

 

[Dr.billZ]

I'm appalled. That bike might scratch a rock when it hits the bottom. Lord knows we can alter the Earth in any way, shape or form. Besides there might be a desert tortoise or some sub-nosed lizard dung down there or, or an endangered species of insect in the air, or, or , besides that 2-stroke emission will harm the ozone layer, and, and he shouldn't be able to do that , he might hurt himself......he, he needs a big air bag mandated or something :ugg:
Then if he dos get hurt, he should sue everyone involved.................... :confused:

 

[pgstmx]

travis

Here's the problem: skydiving is not suicide, but ridng of a cliff on a dirt bike assuming the chute will open properly is plain stupid. He has clearly hiy his head too many times. Sad.

 

[JeffK]

You all might think it's a stupid idea and he could get hurt and blah blah blah but I got money that says each and every one of you will at least watch it on TV... after all people like watching other people do stupid things.

Evel Knievel - what a great stuntman.. too bad after all the life threatening things he's done it's his liver that's gonna do him in... Maybe it's time to turn the throne over...

 

[mxracer724]

I think all those head injuries are getting to him I wish he wouldn't do it.:eek:

 

[Mudboy]

Heck--if he's going into the great blue and has a parachute, why do it on a little dirt bike? I think suzuki should fork him over a shiny new gsxr1000, build a ramp about 170 feet long and let him launch it at about 160mph. Now THAT would be a rush... :p

 

[DEGBERT]

I skydive and ride MX, in all my years of skydiving I never seen anyone get hurt or killed (I not saying it does not happen). Every time I go to a local MX race or harescramble someone gets to ride in a ambulance. I should know, the last time I rode I sustained a 4th degree shoulder separation. My friend stopped riding and started skydiving again because he got hurt to much.

 

[JeffK]

Ditto Mudboy .. if your gonna go - go all out

 

[JasonJ]

Hey, is any one else here concerned about the Motorcycles safty?! Are they just planning on letting the thing go splat in front of millions of people on TV? Will the bike have a chute?,,,,, Oh the Humanity!

 

[MX-727]

I misunderstood what happened to Travis's main. Turns out he meant that he failed to find the ring for the main so he went to his reserve. Changes the story and makes it a bit less dramatic, but the results were still the same. Sorry for that error on my part. I changed the original message too.

 

[JOE13]

I agree with JasonJ. That is truelly sick if they plan on just letting the bike go without the chute:mad: . Why waist a perfectly good bike just for a little rush. I mean I could sure use a new bike, but instead of giving the bike to me they ride it off a fricken cliff!!!!!! :( I just don't understand it.

 

[WaltCMoto]

Travis has been flying , flipping, dismounting his bike , back flips on a bmx at woodward, more than any of us will ever know. If he didnt feel comftorble doing it, then he wouldnt be doing it.