Photo: Facebook screenshot
The first impression you get after watching this clip is that this unnamed guy from Australia has pulled off one of the most spectacular saves on a motorcycle that you've likely ever seen.
That thought is also helped by the short text accompanying the clip, which goes like this: "I came in at speed, but slammed into a big Australian gumtree, spinning out into a wheelie and rolling away, luckily with no broken bones." Clearly, whoever wrote tried to make it sound as dramatic as possible.
But then you start noticing things. First of all, there's the question of why did he hit that tree in the first place? Nobody goes through a bend on the outside, and besides, it's a god damn tree - it's not that hard to spot. So, first flag raised.
Then there are the markings on the ground. You will notice that the dirt path (or should we say "mud," as everything is quite wet?) has a certain color, which is because the top layer has dried a little and is thus of a lighter shade. Now watch those darker patches, and focus on where the bike's wheels land. See any overlaps?
Yup, the dug out mud shows that either there were other motorcyclists before him who did the exact thing, or this wasn't his first attempt. Obviously, it's the latter. Does this take anything away from his achievement? Not that much. It would have definitely been a lot cooler if that was indeed a reaction to an unexpected event, but pulling it off takes skill nevertheless.
Finally, the fact there was somebody filming there and that the rider looks into the camera as if saying "yeah, I got it" eliminates any trace of doubt. Still, this trick would have been impressive enough even if performed on a bicycle, but on the much heavier motorbike, the man deserves all the more credit.
But then you start noticing things. First of all, there's the question of why did he hit that tree in the first place? Nobody goes through a bend on the outside, and besides, it's a god damn tree - it's not that hard to spot. So, first flag raised.
Then there are the markings on the ground. You will notice that the dirt path (or should we say "mud," as everything is quite wet?) has a certain color, which is because the top layer has dried a little and is thus of a lighter shade. Now watch those darker patches, and focus on where the bike's wheels land. See any overlaps?
Yup, the dug out mud shows that either there were other motorcyclists before him who did the exact thing, or this wasn't his first attempt. Obviously, it's the latter. Does this take anything away from his achievement? Not that much. It would have definitely been a lot cooler if that was indeed a reaction to an unexpected event, but pulling it off takes skill nevertheless.
Finally, the fact there was somebody filming there and that the rider looks into the camera as if saying "yeah, I got it" eliminates any trace of doubt. Still, this trick would have been impressive enough even if performed on a bicycle, but on the much heavier motorbike, the man deserves all the more credit.
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