Scoring is based on the judges' overall impression of the run including, but not limited to, the following criteria: content (the number, difficulty, originality and variety of tricks executed successfully); aggressive performance of maneuvers that exhibit proficiency, style, continuity; and use of the park.

The maximum number of skaters is 50. The finals will feature 12 skaters, who will have a 60-second run and two five-minute jams.

BMX: BMX is a form of cycling on 20-inch wheels. BMX became popular during the 1970s in California, although its roots go back much further.

Riders try to put together the best possible run by spinning, flipping and grinding on a park-style course made up of spines, ramps, miniramps, wall rides and box jumps. Riders demonstrate their prowess by putting together runs that involve combinations of difficult tricks and full utilization of the course.

Judges will look for overall flow, originality, use of the course and linking tricks as well as difficulty of tricks when scoring a run.

The finals will come down to 12 riders competing in four heats of three riders. Each heat is one six-minute jam session.

Each rider in BMX Vert will be challenged with different features and side transitions. Riders will be judged on flow, height and difficulty of tricks and are challenged to link tricks together in a smooth, exciting run, trying to electrify their performance with amplitude and creative tricks.

Scoring is based on the judges' overall impression of the run, including, but not limited to, the following criteria: content (the number, difficulty, originality, and variety of tricks executed successfully), aggressive execution, height, distance and use of the vert ramp.

The final round will feature 10 riders who will make two 45-second runs.

Though many dirt competitors grew up BMX racing, the sport of BMX dirt has become a mainstay of action sports contests. Dirt differs from other BMX disciplines in that the course is completely made out of dirt. The jumps are much larger and are designed to lift the athlete high into the air. Riders will take runs on an all-dirt course made up of jumps of varying heights and distances, trying to impress the judges with complex, stylized aerial maneuvers.

Scoring is based on the judges' overall impression including, but not limited to, the following criteria: height, distance, originality, consistency, difficulty and variety of tricks and overall flow of each run.

The finals will consist of 12 riders, who will make three runs.

FMX: The only motorized competition on the Dew Tour, FMX features a course composed of metal takeoff ramps and dirt landings. Riders on 250cc bikes try to go for huge air while completing complex tricks and will be judged on their tricks over jumps that allow riders to reach distances of up to 90 feet. To impress judges, riders push the envelope with combinations of flips, twists and grabs.

Scoring is based on the judges' overall impression, including, but not limited to, the following criteria: execution, difficulty, variety, utilization of the course and originality.

The finals will feature 10 riders, who will perform two 90-second performances.

Fans can go online for more information at www.astdewtour.com.

---

E-mail: grass@desnews.com