Flying daredevils on wheels to perform feats at stadium

Some of the most daring people on wheels will fly and flip their way around War Memorial Stadium when Nitro Circus Live comes to Little Rock.

The action sports tour features stunts on roller blades, razor scooters, freestyle motocross and BMX bikes.

"That's what's cool about this show," says freestyle motocross rider and Reno, Nev., resident Mike Mason. "It hits the nail on the head for pretty much every aspect of action sports."

Mason has been involved in extreme action sports for years and has nine X Game medals. The Nitro Circus tour officially started in 2010, but Mason has been involved with the group since 2006, helping with other promotions and videos.

While Mason has been to Little Rock before, jumping bikes at North Little Rock's Verizon Arena, this is the Nitro Circus tour's first time in the capital city. It's part of an effort to do more open-air shows.

The show is a nonstop thrill ride of bikes and blades.

"There's some crazy stuff. There's some stupid stuff that'll make you laugh," he says. "There's a lot of stuff happening and that's kind of what's cool about this show. There's never really that dull moment where one thing happens and then you're bored for 15 minutes."

The action constantly bounces back and forth between the different groups, whether it's jumping dirt bikes or roller bladers and scooter riders doing their thing on the Giganta Ramp.

For Mason, his trickiest stunt is what's called the "Holy Grab," where the rider jumps off the bike in midair, throwing the bike ahead, then grabbing holes in the back of the bike to pull himself back on.

"It's not one of the gnarliest tricks," he says, "but it's one, if I was ever to slip up and miss where I'm grabbing, I'd be floating off my bike."

Accidents and crashes do happen, Mason says, which is not surprising considering the dangerous feats they're attempting. And the crashes are some of the most popular parts of the show.

"It's weird because we will crash and nine times out of 10 the person is OK," Mason says. "It might actually look worse than it is."

During the 40-stop tour, Mason says, the performers become a family, and cheering each other on is part of the fun.

"I never thought I'd like the little razor scooters," he says. "Now we're cheering for the guys who are doing crazy stuff on them."

Mason says the show draws attention from all ages -- from fascinated children to middle-aged dirt-bike riders who "come out and tell us we're crazy." And anyone who likes the vicarious thrill of extreme sports should find plenty to get their hearts pumping.

"We end with everyone doing their gnarliest flip tricks. It's pretty spectacular to watch."

Weekend on 04/14/2016