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A freestyle ramp launching a rider skyward is the purest snapshot of Colby Raha’s big-air DNA. The California native carved his path from BMX kid to FMX star, stacking medals along the way—an 11-time X Games medalist and Nitro World Games champion celebrated for boundary-pushing tricks. His viral clips are legend (including the first rail grind on a full-size dirt bike in X Games Real Moto). By mid-2025, Raha wasn’t just a stunt rider—he was a crossover name in extreme sports, blending BMX style with motocross and delivering a show with every flip.
The Record-Breaking 200-Foot Jump
Under a blazing desert sun, Raha went for 200 feet to flat—a leap well beyond typical track gaps. On June 21, 2025, at the Palm Springs Surf Club (California), he attempted the longest motorcycle jump to a flat landing: roughly 200 ft (≈61 m), clearing 23 BMW cars at about 110 mph, and landing flat—no down-ramp to soften impact (source mentions: vurbmoto.com, kesq.com).
Preparation was meticulous. Ramp angle, speed, timing, safety—everything was double-checked. As Raha explained beforehand, the team measured carefully, rechecked the numbers, wore the right gear, and gave themselves the best odds of a safe outcome (reported by kesq.com).
When he touched down, a 51-year-old benchmark fell. Raha surpassed stuntman Bob Gill’s 1973 no-ramp record (171 ft over 22 cars) by nearly 30 feet, resetting the mark at an even 200 ft (sources: vurbmoto.com, cyclejumpers.org).
Reactions & Why It Matters
The scene after landing was all adrenaline and relief. Raha posted:
“200 ft on the dot for the ‘furthest motorcycle jump to flat landing world record’… Wheels were bent, spokes were broken, a record was broken…” (via vurbmoto.com)
Local coverage noted the crowd “went wild” during the car-lined run-up and aftermath (kesq.com). Fellow riders and fans flooded social feeds, calling him a “legend” and saluting the audacity.
Historically, the jump resonates on two levels:
- FMX Progression: It eclipses typical competition gaps and highlights how far technique, setup, and rider commitment have evolved.
- Daredevil Heritage: It refreshes a classic era of no-ramp stunts, replacing a half-century-old record and linking modern FMX to its stunt-riding roots (cyclejumpers.org).
What’s Next for Raha
Beyond a personal milestone, the jump stands as a freestyle motorsports landmark—a synthesis of skill, engineering, and nerve. Fittingly, Raha’s sights are already set higher: after Palm Springs, he teased a flat-ground Harley-Davidson jump attempt. For now, the moto world is savoring the win. As Kenji Ito (KESQ) summed up: “Colby Raha makes the impossible possible,” rewriting the record books and inspiring the next wave of riders.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where did Colby Raha set the 200-foot flat-landing record?
On June 21, 2025, at the Palm Springs Surf Club in California, Raha cleared 23 cars at about 110 mph and landed flat (no down-ramp) at 200 feet.
How does this compare to the previous record?
Raha surpassed stuntman Bob Gill’s 1973 no-ramp mark of 171 feet by nearly 30 feet, establishing a new 200-foot flat-landing benchmark.
What made this jump especially risky?
Landing to flat means there’s no descending ramp to absorb impact. The rider, wheels, and suspension take the full hit, so precise ramp angle, speed, timing, and safety gear are critical to avoid catastrophic failure.
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