Science of Stupid Season 2 Episode 2 Wheelies Gone Wrong
- April 13, 2015
In the second episode of Science of Stupid season 2, entitled "Wheelies Gone Wrong," host Richard Hammond takes viewers on a journey through the world of extreme sports, where daring individuals attempt dangerous stunts on motorcycles and other vehicles.
The episode begins with a hilarious yet jaw-dropping clip of a man performing a wheelie on a dirt bike. As he accelerates, he loses control and crashes, flipping over the handlebars and landing face-first in the dirt. Hammond explains that the mistake this rider made was failing to maintain proper balance throughout the stunt.
Throughout the remainder of the episode, Hammond provides expert analysis and commentary as he breaks down a series of similar stunts gone wrong. Viewers witness clips of skateboarders attempting to "ollie" (a trick involving jumping the board while it's in the air), only to land awkwardly and crash. We also see bikers attempting to jump over obstacles, only to fall short and wipe out.
Along the way, Hammond breaks down the scientific principles at work behind these stunts. For example, he explains that the key to maintaining balance on a motorcycle while performing a wheelie is to keep the bike's center of gravity directly over the rear wheel. When the rider leans too far back or forward, the bike becomes unstable and crashes.
Another scientific concept the show explores in this episode is velocity. In one clip, we see a man attempting to jump a bike over a ditch. Although he appears to have enough speed to clear the gap, he fails to factor in the wind resistance he'll encounter mid-jump. As a result, he falls short and lands in the ditch.
Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to a mix of slow-motion replays, expert analysis, and humorous commentary from Hammond. He injects a lighthearted tone into some of the more cringe-worthy scenes, ensuring that viewers are entertained even as they wince in sympathy at the pain some stunt performers endure.
As the episode draws to a close, Hammond sums up the key takeaways from the various clips. The most important lessons? Always maintain proper balance and velocity, and never attempt a stunt that's beyond your skill level.
Overall, Science of Stupid season 2 episode 2 "Wheelies Gone Wrong," is a thrilling and entertaining look at the world of extreme sports. While the stunts might make viewers cringe, Hammond's expert analysis and humorous commentary make the show both educational and enjoyable to watch.
