Sharing a passion for off- road motorcycle riding, some Hanoi youngsters and their foreign friends jointly established an area for the sport in Hanoi.
Off-road motorcycle riding is an adventurous sport which is very popular in many countries all over the world, however, it is a new sport in Vietnam. Unlike riding motocross which focuses on speed, off-road motorcycle riders performs aerial acrobatics.
Although it was introduced in Vietnam about three years ago, the sport has become one of the favourite sports of young people. In late 2013, young painter Nguyen Truong Thinh and his friends who were very keen on the sport rented some land to build an off-road motorcycle course for practice. After clearing and smoothing the area, they designed the course and created obstacles from used tires. They also erected upright slopes with different levels, suitable for all racers. On initial days, the course only attracted about 10 racers, but after only one month the number of racers reached over 30, including many foreigners who are working and living in Vietnam.
Although it was introduced in Vietnam about three years ago, the sport has become one of the favourite sports of young people. In late 2013, young painter Nguyen Truong Thinh and his friends who were very keen on the sport rented some land to build an off-road motorcycle course for practice. After clearing and smoothing the area, they designed the course and created obstacles from used tires. They also erected upright slopes with different levels, suitable for all racers. On initial days, the course only attracted about 10 racers, but after only one month the number of racers reached over 30, including many foreigners who are working and living in Vietnam.
 Some members of the off-road motorcycle team in Hanoi. Photo: Tat Son/VNP  Making obstacles for practicing. Photo: Tat Son/VNP  Instructing the way to pass over obstacles. Photo: Tat Son/ VNP  Members exchange experiences and techniques of the sport together. Photo: Tat Son/VNP  A new member is instructed to pass an obstacle . Photo: Tat Son/VNP Hướng dẫn cách vượt qua địa hình cho người mới chơi.  Passing the start. Photo: Tat Son/VNP  A bend at the practicing area. Photo: Tat Son/VNP  Flying to pass over a high slope. Photo: Tat Son/VNP  Off-road motorcycle riding, a new favourite sport of Hanoi youngsters. Photo: Tat Son/VNP  A difficult bend at the area. Photo: Tat Son/VNP  Off-road motorcycle drivers somtimes can not avoid from falling off his motorbike while passing an obstacle. Photo: Tat Son/VNP  The sport also attracts foreigners. Photo: Tat Son/VNP  Willian, an Italian fails to passing over an obstacle formed by wheels. Photo: Tat Son/VNP   Wonderful flying performances. Photo: Tat Son/VNP |
David, an Australian tailor in Hanoi said: “I rode an off-road motorcycle when I lived in Australia but when living in Vietnam I no longer rode an off-road motorcycle. Therefore, right after discovering the course, I asked to join the team. I go there every Saturday for entertainment and to exchange skills with other members.”
Every weekend, the team of over 20 racers with their off-road motorcycles practice together at their new course with the hope of further developing this exciting sport in Hanoi.
By Tat Son
