On October 6, one of the most thrilling events in the extreme sports calendar kicks off in Cologne, Germany. Fasten your seat belts for The Night of the Jumps.

The Night of the Jumps is touted as the world’s biggest international freestyle motocross tournament and it lands at the futuristic Lanxess Arena as part of its world tour.

Expect gravity-defying stunts, high jumps, pit bike maneuvers, quad tricks, fireworks and an audience of thousands.

If you feel like socializing 90 minutes before the race, you can head to the paddock: the area where the riders prepare their bikes and themselves with their mechanics. The pre-show paddock “pit party” gives you the chance to meet the motocross champs said to be some of the world’s most adventurous.

Spanned by a massive steel arch, the monumental Lanxess Arena has hosted the likes of Bob Dylan, Kylie Minogue, Coldplay, Sting, Britney Spears and Madonna. It also often serves as a venue for the fast-paced, popular European sport of handball.

Cover Photo Credit: Ernie Trolf – flickr.com