Gladstone lecturer Jan Lewis, who has a research interest in extreme sports, has been invited as a speaker to a 'Call of the Wild' presentation evening in Adelaide...

The evening at the Capri Theatre on Wednesday March 25 is part of the Royal Institution of Australia (RiAus) Science Outside the Square ‘Exploring Extremes' program, in conjunction with the SA Museum and the State Library of SA.

An image from the event poster

Jan's presentation will feature the extreme sport of motorcycle racing, based on experiences of Australian road racers.

"Riders are intrinsically motivated to participate and although costs are an issue, the prize money is not the objective when competing," she says.

"Riders set out to beat their own personal best lap times and finishing positions. They enjoy close racing, or banging handle bars with other riders that they respect, and the competitive element creates fun and enjoyment.

"The competitors are very high in sensation seeking in that they seek out new and exciting challenges to experience different sensations often accentuated by dangerous situations."

Jan says riders are involved in serious leisure and see that motor cycle road racing may lead to a professional career in this field.

Jan Lewis

"Riders are involved in self-actualisation, regeneration of self, accomplishment as well as social interaction with other riders and are very dedicated to the sport.

"They achieve the state of flow when racing which produces a feeling of euphoria where the rider is in total control; no effort seems to be required but deep concentration results in actions becoming automatic that result in a fast lap time."

Jan will be joined on the panel by Antarctic explorer Tim Jarvis and neuroscientist Professor Marcello Costa.

Details about 'Outside the Square' are available via: http://www.science.sa.gov.au/