July 5, 2011 at 9:05 am

21 Unbelievable Flatland BMX Photographs

by twistedsifter

Lake Front in Chicago – Matt Wilhelm | Photograph by FAT TONY

My friend Fat Tony recently sent me this fantastic collection of flatland BMX photographs he took. As the online editor of the world’s leading BMX web site, ridebmx.com, Fat Tony is no stranger to the BMX community. Check out these 21 photographs of insane flatland BMX tricks done in places you would never imagine someone riding…

2. Ice Lake in Michigan – Justin Miller

Photograph by FAT TONY

3. Old Milk Factory in Louisiana – Terry Adams

Photograph by FAT TONY

4. Ancient Ruins in Mexico – Martti Kuoppa

Photograph by FAT TONY

5. Edge of a Building Rooftop in Louisiana – Terry Adams

Photograph by FAT TONY

Flatland is considered to be the most difficult discipline of BMX bicycle riding, even though it requires the least resources to perform the tricks. Without the use of dirt jumps or courses, or wooden or concrete ramps, flatland riders use only their bike, a flat surface, and their limitless creativity to come up with new ways to link moves together in an artistic display.

6. Swimming Platform in Barcelona – Matthias Dandois

Photograph by FAT TONY

7. Office Complex in Los Angeles – Travis Collier

Photograph by FAT TONY

For more than a century people have been finding ways to do tricks on bicycles. Some even believe that Thomas Edison enjoyed using his bike for more than just transportation.

8. Bowling Alley in Louisiana – Terry Adams

Photograph by FAT TONY

9. Yacht Harbor in Monte Carlo – Adam Kun

Photograph by FAT TONY

Justin Miller, Terry Adams, and Matthias Dandois (featured in this gallery) have all received Ride BMX Magazine’s “Number One Rider of the Year” award for flatland.

10. Cemetery in Louisiana – Terry Adams

Photograph by FAT TONY

11. Hut in Costa Rica – Chase Gouin

Photograph by FAT TONY

Every professional flatland BMX rider invents their own tricks, and often times they are never duplicated by other riders. Originality and creativity are key factors when riding flatland.

12. Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach, California – Chad Johnston

Photograph by FAT TONY

13. Jail Cell in Mexico – Martti Kuoppa

Photograph by FAT TONY

Flatland bikes are typically very specific to just flatland riding. Some of the things that make them different from other BMX bikes include: a shorter top tube and wheelbase, the use of our pegs (that extend from the axles), and a freecoaster rear hub that allows the bike to roll backwards without the cranks spinning.

14. Bridge Base in Swamps of Louisiana – Terry Adams

Photograph by FAT TONY

15. Arcade in Louisiana – Terry Adams

Photograph by FAT TONY

Flatland contests often follow a “battle” format with riders going head to head while trying to out perform their competitors in front of a live audience and a panel of expert judges.