Hype on a Bike
AUGUSTA — Bicycle stuntman Chris Clark wowed the crowd with his amazing riding skills at the New Jersey State Fair on Thursday, Aug. 7.
Thursday was the last day of a week-long engagement. Clark, a Summit native, performed a morning show and an afternoon show.
"It is an exciting show as I talk about bike handling skills which is very appropriate for this area of the country," Clark said. "Technical mountain biking is so prevalent here in New Jersey. There are rocks and logs and streams. If you are going to ride your bike around here you need to be technically skilled."
Clark's performances lasted a little less than 30 minutes. During that time Clark tells the audience how he began riding and practicing stunts on his bike at a young age. He has been riding professionally for 15 years. He is a full time stunt cyclist and occasionally takes part in local and national competitions.
The stunt show is a combination of showmanship, education and interaction with the audience. While performing dangerous stunts — which he makes look easy — he always stresses safety first. Clark wears a helmet at all times.
A few members of the crowd are chosen to participate in some stunts. Clark travels regularly and has performed at different venues throughout the tri-state region. Clark has appeared on television. Times Square in New York City and the Olympic Games are some of the highlights of his career.
"I ride professionally and my main sponsors are Bell Sports and Hyper Bicycles along with several other sponsors," said Clark, who now resides in Hoboken. "It may seem counter intuitive performing a stunt show while encouraging bicycle safety but the idea is you can have a hobby or passion that appears to be dangerous and still practice it in a responsible and safe way. Wear the right safety equipment and be successful at it. I have been riding professionally for 15 years and never broken any bones 'knock on wood'. I have other hobbies I indulge in but mountain biking is the one thing I focus on the most."
For bookings and show times Chris Clark has a Facebook presence at www.facebook.com/ChrisClarkBike.