Travis Pastrana is known worldwide for his daring antics. But his latest stunt is crazy even for him - so crazy that the last person to try it ended up in hospital
THERE doesn't seem to be any limit to the extremes Travis Pastrana will go to to entertain.
From jumping out of planes to racing rally cars, his crazy antics have made him famous around the world.
But his latest stunt has really turned heads.
The extreme sports personality performed a backflip on his motorbike over a 23-metre (75-foot) gap between two barges floating on London's river Thames on Thursday.
Set against the backdrop of London's O2 arena, Pastrana had only 150 feet to accelerate to takeoff speed before jumping, with only 36 feet to come to a stop before he would have fallen into the river.
The vessels used in the attempt were fitted with a steep ramp for the rider's take-off and a more gently inclined one for him to land on.
The last rider to attempt a similar stunt, Mike Metzger, suffered a fractured L-4 vertebra after brutally crashing during his attempt in Long Beach harbour, Los Angeles in 2006.
Organisers of Pastrana's attempt said he was the first person to try to perform the trick since then.
Pastrana is known for competing in the X-Games extreme motocross competition and in the U.S. NASCAR motor racing series.
During his career he has broken more than 90 bones and suffered 25 concussions.
Pastrana will be touring with his live stunt show "Nitro Circus" in Europe in November and December.
